Author: Stalin Kay

 

• NWR gives away three Namleisure cards (Family, Plus & Solo cards) to reward its social media followers.
• Online Namleisure special aimed at appreciating the Namibian nation for sustaining NWR.

 

Windhoek, 5 November 2021 – Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) Limited ran a social media giveaway competition from 15 October 2021 to 28 October 2021 on all its social media pages. Participants had to enter by liking NWR’s Instagram, Facebook and Twitter pages, tagging five friends and sharing the post. The giveaway saw Kaarina Esther Muule win the first prize of a NamLeisure Family card, while Jo-Ann Katamila and Elia Mukundu won a NamLeisure Plus and NamLeisure Solo card, respectively.

 

 

Mrs. Elizabeth Johannes, NWR’S Online Media Officer, says, “the social media giveaway was our way of rewarding our social media followers that have been following us over the years. The giveaway assisted NWR in its continuous effort to promote the brand and raise awareness of our Namleisure cards”. Mrs. Johannes further stated that “the giveaway helped us grow our  network and build an audience that boosted NWR’s social media engagement. Our Instagram gained 900 new followers. While competitions post reached 47 000 people on Facebook and had over 56 000 impressions, Twitter reached 26 000 people and had over 2000 engagements”.

 

 

Dr Matthias Ngwangwama, NWR Managing Director, says that “Namleisure cards are created to encourage the Namibian nation to travel and learn more about their beautiful country. With December approaching, we are currently running an online Namleisure special for Namibians and SADC members. With this special, clients purchasing Namleisure cards online will get a 20% discount on the card. The card offers you 50% off on accommodation, 25% off on meals and activities. With Covid-19 still amidst us, this is a way of thanking the Namibian nation for having sustained us during these difficult times”.

 

• NWR collaborated with ten social media influencers on its first-ever social media influencer programme to create awareness of its resorts to a younger demographic
• The programme provided each social media influencer with an opportunity to visit any five NWR establishments to create content for various NWR social media platforms

 

Windhoek, 27 October 2022 – Initially, Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) Limited aimed to commence its first-ever social media influencer programme on 1 November 2021. However, due to the travel restrictions, the programme officially started on 1 August 2021 and will end on 31 October 2022. The programme saw NWR collaborate with ten micro and macro social media influencers who brought unique aspects to the programme. Each influencer had the opportunity to visit any five NWR establishments under the different classifications offered by NWR. Through the collaboration, NWR offered each influencer complimentary accommodation, meals, and activities; in return, they created relevant content that was shared on the various NWR social media platforms under the hashtag #NWRMoments.

 

“NWR is pleased to have collaborated with the social media influencers. They assisted us in providing insights into our resorts and drove sales from their respective social media followers. We must equally acknowledge and thank each social media influencer for availing their professional services at no monetary cost. We truly appreciated their understanding though we recognise that we will have to look at ways of remunerating them in the future,” says Mr Mufaro Njabulo Nesongano, NWR Corporate Communications, Online Media and Sponsorships Manager.

 

 

 

 

The ten social media influencers that NWR collaborated with were: Ms Elizabeth Amunyela (IG: @__ndapandula), Mr Lourens Gebhardt (IG: @louxthevintageguru), Ms Li Rossouw (IG: @lirossouw), Mr Kyle Lewin (IG: @kylelewin_wildlife_photography), Ms Pukuu Rijatua (IG: @_pukuu), Ms Maggy Lenga (IG: @mlmaggy), Ms Tjuna Kauapirura (IG: @ tjunak), Ms Marsy Rita (IG: @ ladymarsela), Ms Elizma Burger (IG: @elizma.burger) and Ms Nakanyala Ndapewa (IG: @ndapewakoneka).

 

The social media influencers were also excited to have been part of this journey with NWR. Ms Nakanyala Ndapewa says, “being an influencer for NWR allowed me to explore Namibia to such great lengths. I got to see breathtaking places such as Dolomite, Onkoshi and Sossus Dune Lodge. Whilst at SDL, I managed to see some amazing sunsets. This was one of my favourite moments. Something that stood out was that I got to explore the Sesriem canyon. I enjoyed every moment at SDL, and I must say they have excellent customer service”.

 

Ms Elizma Burger went on to say that “travelling with NWR was a wonderful journey. I had the opportunity not only to experience the beauty of Namibia but also to meet wonderful people. My trips were wonderful. I certainly created memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life”.

 

On the other hand, Ms Marsy Rita stated that “being a part of the NWR Influencer programme was a privilege. Discovering Namibia again during the pandemic made me appreciate what the tourism industry had done and is still doing to keep afloat. The program was fun, though what was even better was knowing that my posts sparked some interest in Namibia and outside of Namibia. A few of my friends from Europe enquired about my trips to Etosha and cannot wait to travel to Namibia to have an #NWRMoment too!”

 

Mr Lourens Gebhardt said, “my experience visiting the NWR establishments was a memorable one. I had the chance to explore the beauty of some NWR facilities. This now provided me with the knowledge on how to sell the tourism industry well. I must commend the NWR staff for being so friendly; I will surely visit them again”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“For the duration that we worked with the influencers, they were very much dedicated, accountable, and passionate about their assignment, which ensured a good working relationship. During the same period, we and the social media influencers held a competition between 6 September and 30 September 2021. The social media influencers encouraged their followers to make and fully pay for their booking at any NWR facility before participating in the competition. This then allowed their followers to be entered into a draw where they stood a chance to walk away with an accommodation voucher valued at N$ 3 500. Nacky Tours, Ms Hildeberta Luyango, Ms Helen Extine, Mr Timo David, Ms Mariah Aron and Ms Hilaria Shuudifonya were the lucky winners,” says Mr Nesongano.

 

• NWR, along with volunteers from the Hai-//om community and MEFT staff, have come up with a Solid Waste Management team
• NWR commemorates Arbor Day in the Etosha National Park by planting 40 trees in Okaukuejo, 25 trees in Olifantsrus and 14 trees in Namutoni

 

Windhoek, 26 October 2022 – Namibia is known for its pristine environment and landscapes that attract substantial tourists; therefore, the lack of solid waste management if unattended may lead to significant environmental problems such as soil/land, water, and aesthetic pollution. Therefore, to ensure that the environment is well managed within the Etosha National Park, Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) Limited, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), the Hai-//om community have come up with a solid waste management team.

 

Dr Matthias Ngwangwama, NWR Managing Director, says that “the solid waste management team is a great initiative as it offers an opportunity for different individuals within the Etosha National Park to work together. Because without managing our solid waste, we as Namibia risk our reputation of being the destination of choice for various tourists”.

 

 

He further states that “although the solid waste management initiative is only running in the Etosha National Park, with the involvement of volunteers, I hope that the current volunteers will turn this initiative into a business enterprise that will run across all the National Parks in the country. I equally want to appreciate Rent-a-Drum, one of our long-standing partners in managing our solid waste. At the same time, I am also encouraging more stakeholders to join us in tackling solid waste, which will then see an improvement in our environment”.

 

At the launch of the solid waste management team that took place two weeks ago, NWR equally marked Arbor day. Ever since 1992, Namibia has been observing Arbor Day to create awareness on the importance of conserving trees and discouraging human activities that threaten the sustainability of Namibia’s trees and forests, such as deforestation and land degradation.

 

 

Mrs Fransiska Nghitila, NWR Environmental and Compliance Specialist, says, “celebrating Arbor day was fun, and the team enjoyed planting new trees. The day saw us planting 40 indigenous trees to replace the aging ones in Okaukuejo. We also planted 14 and 25 trees in Namutoni and Olifantsrus, respectively. As the popular quote by Warren Buffet states, – “someone is sitting in the shade today because someone decided to plant a tree”. It is, therefore, important that we all observe this day for our future generations”.

 

• NWR and MEFT install new electricity meters (conventional and pre-paid) within the Etosha National Park
• MEFT pays N$ 2,792,982.00 towards the realisation of the electricity meter project in the Etosha National Park

 

Windhoek, 20 October 2022 – Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) Limited and the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) have further cemented their longstanding relationship with the installation of new electricity meters (conventional and pre-paid) within the Etosha National Park. Later, the same work will be undertaken in the Waterberg Plateau, Von Bach and Daan Viljoen National Parks.

 

The first phase, which was to realise the electrical work within the Etosha National Park (Halali, Namutoni, Okaukuejo, Ombika and Lindequest gate), commenced in November 2021 and was finalised in August 2021. MEFT and NWR contracted Central North Regional Electricity Distributor (Cenored) to do the work.

 

Mr Teofilus Nghitila, MEFT Executive Director, says, “the metering project within the Etosha National Park cost the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism N$ 2,792,982.00. NWR is expected to reimburse us 20% of the total cost for meters installed after the project. We are very happy with the work that has been undertaken thus far”.

 

Dr Matthias Ngwangwama, NWR Managing Director, says that “the relationship and partnership between NWR and MEFT is historical and longstanding and should be strengthened and continued. When one considers the impact COVID-19 has had on NWR and the entire country, the ability to come together and use minimal resources at our disposal should be encouraged. The metering project within the various National Parks will ensure that we can effectively start saving on our electrical bill since each of us stationed within the National Parks will be responsible for our total usage. I sincerely thank the MEFT for their valuable assistance in these projects and should equally thank our employees who have had to adjust to these new measures”.

 

• NWR Khorixas Rest camp and Gross Barmen resort is now a Namibia Training Authority (NTA) registered training centre
• Five National vocational certificates are on offer starting from Level 2 up until Level 3

 

Windhoek, 29 September 2021 – Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) Limited Khorixas Rest camp in the Kunene region and Gross Barmen Resort in the Otjozondjupa Region are now offering five Namibia Training Authority (NTA) registered National vocational certificates starting from Level 2 up until Level 3. The two facilities which NTA recently registered and accredited for three years will be able to cater to the growing hospitality needs of Namibia as a prime tourist destination.

 

The registration with, and accreditation by, NTA is a culmination of various efforts by NWR to re-align its two establishments to be the official training facilities under the mother NWR brand but operated under Namibia Wildlife Resorts Hospitality Institute (NWR Hi). NWR is now able to train and certify its employees and potential students for vocational qualifications in tourism. Equally, through the courses on offer, the area of service delivery within NWR will now be systematically addressed to ensure that going forth, the organisation is in a better position to serve its guests.

 

Dr Matthias Ngwangwama, NWR Managing Director, is thrilled about this milestone that NWR has entered. “Throughout the years, NWR has observed the need to create an in-house training institution to mitigate the cost that we incur when we send our employees for training. The certification by NTA will provide our employees with the opportunity to upskill themselves, as well as Namibians with interest in the hospitality industry”.

 

The two training facilities under NWR Hi will begin by offering the following courses: National Vocational Certificate in Hospitality and Tourism (Accommodation Services and Food & Beverages Services) (Level 2), National Vocational Certificate in Hospitality and Tourism (Front Office Operations) (Level 3), National Vocational Certificate in Hospitality and Tourism (Housekeeping Operations) (Level 3), National Vocational Certificate in Hospitality and Tourism (Food and Beverage Operations) (Level 3) as well National Vocational Certificate in Hospitality and Tourism (Core Commercial Cookery Skills) (Level 3). The minimum number of trainees for these qualifications will be ten, and the maximum will be 20, and each of them will be offered on a full-time basis face-to-face.

 

 

• Shark Island campsite renovations to be completed on 8 October 2022
• Campsite to re-open on 1 November 2021
• Total cost of renovation was N$ 3,163,859.47

 

Windhoek, 23 September 2021 – Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) Limited, which initially planned to renovate its Shark Island campsite in the 2019/2020 financial year, had to postpone its plans due to Covid-19. However, the project commenced in April this year and is now set to conclude on 8 October 2022. The restoration saw all the ablutions blocks, the field kitchen and the Lighthouse undergoing renovations. The campsite will then officially re-open on 1 November 2021.

 

Dr Matthias Ngwangwama, NWR Managing Director, says that “on this particular project we worked with Telios Namibia Consulting Engineers, Jaco Wasserfall Architects Incorporated, Britz Quantity Surveyors, and Geckoh Fifty-Eight Investments (PTY) LTD which are all Namibian companies to ensure that this historical site would get the much-needed attention it deserved than the dilapidated state before renovations”.

 

Mr Sunday Nelenge, NWR Senior Operations Manager (Southern Resorts and Coastal Facilities), stated that “with such a historical significance dating back to pre-independent Namibia, NWR took extra caution on the work that was being done at Shark Island. It was imperative that all work being done would be able to stand the test of time and be of high quality. In terms of the total cost of the project, we spent N$ 3,163,859.47”.

 

About Shark Island

 

Shark Island is located on Shark Peninsula in Luderitz Bay in Southwest Namibia.  The resort overlooks the bay, town and harbour.  Onlookers can spot the seals and pelicans that frequent the rocky areas around the site.

 

• NWR offers a 50% discount to all Frontline officers in Namibia and SADC on renewing or acquiring a Namleisure card.
• Each Frontline officer who renews or acquires a Namleisure card stands a chance to win a two-night stay for two people at any NWR Resort.

 

Windhoek, 13 September 2021 – Since March 2020, Covid-19 has altered the way of life for many of us. However, Frontline officers such as Health Professionals, Police Officers and Military personnel have been at the forefront of helping manage the impact of Covid-19. The high demand of their work has prevented some of them from taking a vacation to recharge their batteries. Considering this, Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) Limited came up with a special and a competition to honour each Frontline officer in Namibia and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) that started in late August and will run until 15 October 2022.

 

Mr Mufaro Njabulo Nesongano, NWR Corporate Communications, Online Media and Sponsorships Manager, states that “it’s close to two years that Covid-19 dramatically changed everything about life. Yet, our Frontline officers have been steadfast in ensuring that we as a nation are taken care of. For this reason, we at NWR decided to honour our Frontline officers by coming up with a special strictly for them. Therefore, each Frontline officer qualifies for a 50% discount in acquiring or renewing a Namleisure card until mid-October 2022. With the Namleisure card, each Frontline officer will qualify for a cheaper rate off our current Special on accommodation and a 25% discount on activities and meals at any NWR resort for a year. To qualify for the discount, they need to provide proof of their frontline status during the application period. The other special, which is in honour of them, will allow Namibians and SADC residents an opportunity to book at any of our Eco resorts (Dolomite, Onkoshi and Sossus Dune Lodge) for two nights and get the third night for free”.

 

Through these specials aimed at honouring the Frontline officers, NWR hopes they will get an opportunity to feel appreciated. Additionally, each time a Frontline officer acquires or renews a Namleisure card, they will automatically get entry to a competition to stand a chance to win a two-night stay for two people at any NWR Resort on a Bed and Breakfast basis. “Every Frontline officer is worthy of being honoured and celebrated for the unmeasurable sacrifices they have been making and continue to make. We thus hope that this gesture from us can accord all our frontline officers in Namibia and SADC an opportunity to rest and recuperate when time allows as they have surely sacrificed a lot for all of us,” says Dr Matthias Ngwangwama, NWR Managing Director.

 

 

• NWR implements salary reduction for all staff members
• Salary and hours reduction were undertaken as per Labor Act, 11 of 2007

 

 

Windhoek, 26 August 2021 – On 9 November 2021, Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) Limited communicated to the Nation the need to cut the salaries of all its employees as a last resort after it had exhausted all other cost-cutting measures it had instituted over the past 16 months.

 

Being one of the first State-owned Enterprises to undertake this route, there was a misunderstanding created within the media that this was an illegal decision being taken by the company. However, it is important to note that the Labour Act makes provision for an organisation to enact a salary cut and reduce employee working hours accordingly for a period not longer than three months.

 

Dr Matthias Ngwangwama, NWR Managing Director, states that “NWR is probably the first public sector institution to take such a measure. This in itself is not surprising because the tourism sector was devastated by the impacts of Covid-19. Some other organisations were not so lucky and had to close down due to the pandemic”.

 

Furthermore, Dr Ngwangwama stated that implementing the salary cut was one of the most difficult decisions he has had to take since assuming the Managing Director role. “It is not something I took pleasure in doing, but in the current circumstances, the options were limited. Contrary to what some stakeholders indicated, reducing remuneration and hours is not “unlawful” but regulated in the Labour Act (Act No 11 of 2007). Stakeholders should familiarise themselves with and try to understand the provisions of the Labour Act rather than make harmful statements that, in the end, may harm the reputation of the company. I request that all company stakeholders support the measures that management is trying to implement to ensure the company’s survival and longevity”.

 

NWR is, however, pleased to observe that some of those who were initially critical of the company’s stance to enact a salary cut have come to understand its move, which is geared towards securing the livelihoods of its more than 600 staff members.

Rosalia Mwahangange Kudumo

 

• Voluntary Separation package and savings used to assist Mrs Mwahangange Kudumoin Entrepreneurial journey.
• Dr Ngwangwama proud of Mrs Mwahangange Kudumo determination.

 

Windhoek, 22 August 2021 – Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) Limited embarked on various cost-cutting measures over the last year and a half. One of these measures was NWR offering its staff members the opportunity to separate from the organisation voluntarily. Out of NWR’s total staff complement of 844 in the FY 2019/2020, 130 employees took up the offer to voluntarily separate from the organisation by 31 December 2020.

 

One of these employees was Mrs Rosalia Mwahangange Kudumo, who started as an intern at the organisation and was permanently employed as a Financial Assistant in 2014. At the end of last year, she took up the offer to voluntarily separate from NWR after seeing the possibility of finally realising her entrepreneurial journey.

 

According to Mrs Mwahangange Kudumo, “I have always been inspired to be an entrepreneur. Capital, experience and other requirements were always the missing pieces to pursuing my dreams. After seven years of work experience, I became more prepared. I did this by saving money, doing research on the business I was to embark on, and towards the end of 2020, somewhere around September, we were informed that the company was offering us the opportunity to separate from it voluntarily. I saw this as an opportunity to help me as I could use my pension fund, savings, and voluntary separation package to finance my business. That was the sign for me to separate, and I can surely say that it came at the perfect time”.

 

When she reflects, her upbringing greatly contributed to her taking a leap of faith. Originally from the Onengali Village and the firstborn in her family, she has always been the first to do everything. Her parents, who are business-oriented, made an example of her to her siblings. After school, she went straight to her parent’s shop to work until late, and this is where her entrepreneurial journey began. Her practical knowledge was further aided when she came to Windhoek in 2008 to study towards a Bachelor of Finance and Accounting Degree at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), the former Polytechnic of Namibia.

 

“In my view, some of the benefits of taking the voluntary separation package are that it helped me with my immediate financial needs. Equally, it allowed me enough time to do the actual work that I always wanted to do. While at the same time, I was able to offer jobs to some unemployed youths,” says Mrs Mwahangange Kudumo, who now proudly has a staff complement of four permanent employees and two casual workers at her business, which she took over from her parents.

 

When it comes to those that want to undertake the voluntary separation package Mrs Mwahangange Kudumo advises that “it’s a personal decision, everyone has their plans in life and depending on what your dreams are. There are a lot of business opportunities, and I believe that when you are determined to achieve what you want to achieve, and you are ready, this would be a perfect opportunity to take a chance on your dream as you have that little push to propel you financially to pursue your dreams.”

 

In conclusion, Dr Matthias Ngwangwama, NWR Managing Director, states that “it is fulfilling to hear about positive stories, such as that of Mrs Mwahangange Kudumo, who voluntarily separated from the company. What might have been seen as something negative has turned out very positive for her. What is even more pleasing to hear is that a former NWR employee has been able to offer employment to formerly unemployed youth using the voluntary separation package that the company offered. I am thus very proud of her journey and wish her all the best for the future”.

 

• 10 tips on the importance of customer service in the hospitality industry

 

Windhoek, 17 August 2021 – Customer service in Namibia does not often get positive reviews. However, different organisations and individuals have invested in several ways to improve on it over the years. Thus using her six years of experience from Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) Limited, Raven Ntjamba would like to offer what she has learnt over the years through her time at the hospitality group.

 

1. Do what you love, and you will never work a day in your life!

 

Having a passion for what you do makes everything else so effortless at work. You get excited about everything regarding work; coming to work becomes a joy. Even challenges are tackled in such a positive way. It’s what makes you go the extra mile; it is what makes you that unique person. It is all about making sure that another person feels that they can trust you enough to open up to you; her sister once said to her, “hospitality is when someone feels warm in your presence”.

 

2. Be a few minutes early at Work

 

It sounds like a cliché, but it’s so priceless to be at your workstation on time. Being on time makes you efficient because you are the one to help the first client of the day.

 

3. Be Approachable/Kind

 

When a client walks into your establishment, be the first to greet them. This will avoid the client having to figure out who to talk to. By this, you make them feel welcome and important. Equally, introduce yourself and ask them what you can help with. You are the representative of your company, and that is a big role to play.

 

4. Professionalism

 

How you dress, the way you talk to everyone (clients and colleagues), and act is important. It doesn’t matter what you are going through personally, be mentally and physically present at work. Make sure your outfit is neat and intact. Having an attire/uniform for the job is the best; nothing beats everyone looking the same at the office.

 

5. Take no Offence

 

Nothing that happens at work should be ever personal. The focus should be on delivering the best service possible. If a client is rude or loud and difficult, it might be because you are not meeting their need. So when working, keep that in mind and move on to the next person when it’s all over without feeling the need to pass the attitude onto the next client or even a colleague. When the supervisor or a colleague is giving you a hard time, find out why sit and talk it out instead of taking offence and making assumptions.

 

6. Be Respectful

 

The environment you work in must be peaceful and a place where you can be productive. To be so, you must respect each other in every aspect. Be considerate and mindful of your colleague’s as well. It is essential so that there is teamwork and peace. Treat every colleague with respect, regardless of their position.

 

7. Be Teachable

 

Every manager or supervisor wants someone adaptable and easy to teach. Be the kind of person chosen to do a task or be requested to train or test others. The attitude you have will either make you or break you. Be ready to assist anywhere, get dirty if you have to, be the chosen one; it’s really up to you, you can make yourself visible, you can make yourself invisible too, it all depends on your attitude. Be apt and willing to learn always.

 

8. Elements of Hospitality

 

Generosity, presence, empathy, optimism and confidence. You can never make it in this industry without the five. They must be on your mind all the time when you are dealing with a customer. If you are weak at it, learn to master them. You must apply the five daily.

 

9. Honesty is Critical

 

Don’t promise what you can’t give, don’t say you can do what you know is wrong. Being trusted is more important than impressing someone for a minute at the expense of your integrity and job. Be very clear about the protocol of your establishment; if something supersedes you, let the necessary authority take over and be truthful at all times, it is vital if you want to be at the top.

 

10. Be a Referral

 

Bask in the fact that you are a good referral. Having heard your name already, many clients should come to you because they have been told to seek you when they come to the office.

 

In conclusion, customer service is not easy because one must completely forget about themselves and focus on what the customer needs. One must have a passion for serving people along with a kind and patient heart.

 

 

About Author

 

Raven Ntjamba is currently an Assistant Sales Consultant within the Marketing Department at Namibia Wildlife Resorts Limited. She has a Certificate in Travel and Tourism from Lingua College and a Certificate in Front Office Operations from Namibia Training Authority (NTA). She has also done a Customer relations course at DI Consulting.

 

At the moment, she is pursuing a Certificate in Office Administration at NTA.

 

For further engagement on the topic, you can email her at ERNtjamba@nwr.com.na.