By: Peneyambeko N Jonas
The Namibia Grape Company (NGC) farm became a national highlight during a high-level visit last week.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp commended the farm for its strong contributions to agriculture and national development.
They praised its role in job creation, housing expansion, and youth empowerment. The visit included the inauguration of new employee housing units. Community members, regional officials, and industry partners joined in celebrating the farm’s continued progress.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised that agriculture remains the foundation of every successful nation, noting that food security is essential before industry, education, or economic expansion can take place. She reaffirmed agriculture and housing as central pillars of the government’s development agenda, as outlined in NDP 6.
The President described NGC as a model of what can be achieved when long-term vision, strategic investment, and public-private collaboration converge to drive national progress.
One of the highlights of the occasion was the launch of new housing units built for farm employees.
Nandi-Ndaitwah stated that employment must go beyond statistics and should uplift lives, restore dignity, and help families thrive.
Education Minister, Sanet Steenkamp, reinforced the significance of the farm’s impact on young people. She celebrated the NGC as a place where innovation meets opportunity, young Namibians gain hands-on experience in modern agricultural systems, and education is connected directly to practical economic growth.
Steenkamp added that beyond producing grapes, the farm produces knowledge, confidence, and pathways for young people to participate meaningfully in Namibia’s development.
She applauded the partnership between NGC and Capespan, noting that it stands as a demonstration of how local potential and world-class expertise can combine to uplift communities and advance national prosperity.
NGC has consistently produced more than 2.2 million cartons of grapes annually since 2022, expanding its export capacity and strengthening Namibia’s reputation in global markets. Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted that such achievements contribute directly to food security, economic diversification and the strengthening of local value chains.
She expressed appreciation for the company’s social responsibility initiatives, which include community development, skills training, and expanding opportunities for young people in the //Kharas Region.
In her closing remarks, the President reflected on the resilience and determination that underpin the company’s success, likening it to an African proverb stating that ‘the beauty of a tree lies not only in its fruit, but in its unseen roots.’
She emphasised that the achievements celebrated in Aussenkehr are the result of both visionary leadership and the daily commitment of the workers who sustain the farm’s operations.
The visit concluded with a guided tour of the facility, showcasing the newly completed housing units and the world-class vineyards that continue to elevate Namibia’s agricultural profile.
