The Caltex star shines again

The iconic Caltex star has risen above the streets of Windhoek again, with the promise of more Caltex-branded service stations on the cards for Otjiwarongo, northern Namibia and at the coast.

Last week, the Caltex Subway Service Station on the corner of Mandume Ndemufayo and Julius Nyerere streets in the capital was officially inaugurated.

The Deputy Minister of Industries, Mines, and Energy, Gaudentia Kröhne, cut the ribbon during the ceremony.

Contract Compliance Officer of the Namibian company Bachmus Oil and Fuel Supplies, MC Engelbrecht, led the proceedings, calling it the culmination of a ‘momentous journey’ and elaborated on how their relationship with Chevron has blossomed since 2010/2011.

Chevron is an American multinational energy corporation, predominantly specialising in oil and gas. Bachmus has distributed Chevron’s Caltex brand of lubricants across the country and grabbed the opportunity to reintroduce the trusted fuel brand in Namibia, Engelbrecht said, adding that, “This is the beginning of something extraordinary.”

Bachmus managing director Corné van Schalkwyk described Caltex as “a nostalgic brand. I've known this brand my whole life. Seventeen years later, I can say, let's bring Caltex back.”



Taking the lead

Jaco Marais, finance and support manager for the company, said that Bachmus took the lead because “our business exists from service; that’s what we do. To Chevron, welcome back to Namibia.”

With the launch, he said of Bachmus, “we not only continue our growth as a reliable energy partner, but also directly service the everyday Namibian consumer, through safe, efficient and high-quality fuel retail and convenience offerings.”

“When we started this journey, the vision was bold. To create a national retail fuel network that not only meets world-class standards through the partnership with Chevron and the Caltex brand, but also reflects local ownership, local investment and a deep commitment to Namibia’s long-term future.”

Van Schalkwyk said Bachmus is especially proud “that this project is being executed under Namibian leadership, using local skills, a model we will replicate at future sites. If successul, this process could transform our footprint overnight. Positioning us as a truly national player in the fuel retail landscape, creating jobs, stimulating the economy and bringing reliable energy solutions to communities across Namibia,” he said.

Binsu Joy, senior brand extension manager for Chevron, stood next to Kröhne during the ribbon cutting. Bouchebl stood behind, constituting the back row, with service station owner Rubert Harmse and Marais flanking Joy and Kröhne, respectively.

Bouchebl said that, “Caltex has long stood as a symbol of quality, reliability and trust across Southern Africa. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to the Namibian market and its people.”

According to him, “The Caltex star, once again, shines over Namibia, stronger, bolder and more determined than ever. Thank you for welcoming us back. Let's move forward together, fueling Namibia’s future, one drop at a time,” said Bouchebl.