WBCG, NamBTS boost health partnership

The Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG), the Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia (NamBTS), and the Namibian Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union (NARETU) have reaffirmed their shared commitment to the health, safety and well-being of Namibia's truck drivers following a constructive stakeholder engagement on the implementation of the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the WBCG and NamBTS.

The engagement provided an opportunity for the three organisations to openly discuss the objectives of the partnership, address concerns and establish a common understanding of its intended implementation within the transport and logistics sector.

The discussions concluded with consensus that the partnership is centred on promoting awareness of voluntary blood donation while ensuring that the health, safety, operational responsibilities and well-being of truck drivers remain paramount.

NamBTS further emphasised that the blood donation initiatives will be undertaken in accordance with established medical eligibility criteria and donation protocols. Participation will remain entirely voluntary, with no expectation or encouragement for truck drivers to donate blood while actively engaged in driving or under circumstances that could compromise their fitness to drive or road safety.

As a tangible outcome of the engagement, the parties agreed to collaborate on planned awareness and sensitisation campaigns to ensure seamless and coordinated health and wellness activities.

These sessions will provide transport operators, truck drivers and industry stakeholders with an opportunity to better understand the objectives of the collaboration and the importance of ensuring the well-being of transport workers.

Speaking during the meeting, WBCG Acting Chief Executive Edward Shivute welcomed the positive outcome and underscored the importance of constructive dialogue.

"Our engagement demonstrates the value of open dialogue and partnership. We are pleased that WBCG, NamBTS and NARETU share a common vision of safeguarding the well-being of our Corridor Heroes while supporting an important national public health objective.

"This partnership is founded on responsible implementation, voluntary participation, and ensuring that road safety and driver well-being remain non-negotiable. We look forward to continuing this collaborative approach as we engage the industry together."

NamBTS Manager: Marketing and Donor Relations Zita Tobin said the meeting reinforced the importance of collaboration in strengthening Namibia's national blood supply.

"We appreciate the opportunity to engage directly with NARETU and clarify the safeguards that govern every blood donation. We look forward to partnering with the WBCG and NARETU at the upcoming stakeholder engagements to educate eligible donors, dispel misconceptions and encourage voluntary blood donation in a manner that prioritises donor health and public safety."

NARETU Commander-in-Chief and General Secretary Petersen Kambinda welcomed the collaborative engagement and the commitment shown by all parties to prioritise truck drivers' well-being.

"We appreciate the willingness of the WBCG and NamBTS to engage openly with us and address the concerns raised by our members. It is encouraging that we have reached a shared understanding that the wellness, safety and rights of truck drivers will remain the priority.

"We welcome the opportunity for our members and stakeholders to receive first-hand information during our upcoming stakeholder engagement sessions, which will contribute to informed decision-making and stronger collaboration across the industry."

The engagement reflects the shared belief that meaningful partnerships are built through dialogue, transparency and mutual respect. It also demonstrates the collective commitment of the WBCG, NamBTS and NARETU to supporting both public health and a safe, resilient transport and logistics sector.

Together, the WBCG, NamBTS and NARETU remain committed to working collaboratively to ensure that truck drivers — the Corridor Heroes who keep Namibia's economy moving — continue to benefit from initiatives that promote their health, wellness and long-term sustainability while contributing to national development priorities.