Investors must transfer skills: !Naruseb

KOMSBERG – Foreign investors in the agricultural industry should be prepared to pass on skills to Namibians to help them establish and manage their own businesses, the minister of agriculture, water and forestry, Alpheus !Naruseb, has said.

!Naruseb was speaking at Desert Fruit Farm south of Ariamsvlei on Wednesday.

He was invited to witness the packing of Barhi dates which are amongst others exported to China, England, France and Abu Dhabi.

The minister said it is essential for investors to transfer skills to Namibians as currently, they just work as permanent or seasonal workers on the irrigation schemes.

“The investors should be prepared to empower locals so that one day, with skills and knowledge transferred to them, they can become experts like the investors,” he said.

Information provided by the Desert Fruit management indicated that there are currently 300 permanent and 300 casual workers on the farm.

The minister commended the management for joining the government in bringing development to the people and eradicating poverty.

He however urged them to consider a mentorship programme and even sending employees to tertiary institutions to acquire new skills.

“Imagine if someone who was born here, goes to school and tertiary education and comes back and manages this farm,” he said. - Nampa