oranjemund town council

The Oranjemund Town Council was established in 2012, following the Namibian Government’s declaration of Oranjemund as a town in 2011. As outlined in the Local Authority Act (Act 23 of 1992), the Oranjemund Town Council is entrusted with the responsibility of spearheading the town’s development and enhancing the community’s quality of life through the provision of municipal services.

The Council’s vision encompasses three key elements: the community, the Council as a driving force, and other local stakeholders. The focus areas serve as guiding principles, aimed at fostering a sense of belonging within the community, preserving the environment, integrating into the broader region, and diversifying the economy. Consequently, the Council is committed to proactively engaging and informing key stakeholders, encouraging their involvement in shaping the sustainable growth and development of Oranjemund.

Namdeb Diamond Mining Corporation

Namdeb Diamond Corporation (Pty) Ltd was established in 1994. However, Namdeb has a significant historical legacy dating back to 1920 when diamond-mining companies along the Orange River were amalgamated to form Consolidated Diamond Mines (CDM).

Namdeb is a wholly owned subsidiary of Namdeb Holdings (Pty) Ltd, a 50/50 joint venture between the Government of Namibia and the De Beers Group. Namdeb’s core business involves diamond exploration and mining along the southwest coast and inland areas of Namibia’s //Kharas Region. Mainland-based operations are situated near the town of Oranjemund, with additional activity at satellite mines along the Orange River.

The transformation of Oranjemund is a deliberate program initiated by Namdeb in collaboration with the OTC and the town’s citizens aimed at normalizing the previously mine-owned and mine-managed town. The goals include ensuring the privatization of properties, finding sustainable solutions for education and healthcare services, reducing the economic reliance on Namdeb, and helping to facilitate a sustainable economic safety net that allows for future town growth.

Success criteria for economic transformation, informed by macroeconomic studies, include the establishment of large industries or businesses, several small or medium enterprises, and job creation or equal value opportunities. To achieve this, a standalone Special Purpose Vehicle, the Section 21 (not for profit) company, OMDis Town Transform Agency (Pty) Ltd. (OMDis), was established. Namdeb committed to financially supporting the economic diversification of Oranjemund through OMDis until 2030.

OMDis Town transformation agency

OMDis Town Transform Agency (OMDis) operates as a Section 21 Company or Special Purpose Vehicle with the sole purpose of proactively accelerating Town Transformation in Oranjemund.

This initiative aims to diversify the town’s economy to ensure its sustainability by 2030 and beyond, in collaboration with other stakeholders involved in Town Transformation. OMDis is dedicated to the following focus areas:

– Supporting existing businesses to enhance their sustainability

– Developing new SMEs and fostering an entrepreneurial culture

– Establishing new large industry platforms to bolster the economy alongside or as an alternative to mining

Governed by a Board, OMDis is led by a General Manager and supported by a small team of business developers. The team’s core activities revolve around economic research, industry and business case development, funding and investment facilitation, SME development, and the provision of business skills and entrepreneurship training.