As part of its vision of creating partnerships for sustainable development and conservation in Namibia, Wilderness Safaris announced the finalisation and approval of a Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) deal managed by NedCapital Namibia (Pty) Limited where 25% of the shares in The Namib Lodge Company (Pty) Ltd trading as Wilderness Safaris have been allocated to Namibian BEE partners and the Wilderness Safaris employees.
The particulars of Wilderness Safaris' BEE plan include:
Phase 1 15% of the shares in The Namib Lodge Company (Pty) Ltd have been allocated to BEE partners with the majority of shares already having been purchased and held by 6 BEE investment groups represented by Mrs. Tangeni Angula, Mrs. Inge Zaamwani-Kamwi, Dr Zandile Erkana, and Mrs. Petrine Shimi; Mr. Klemens /Awarab; Mr. Immanuel !Hanabeb; Mr. Dudu Murorua; Mr. Aaron Mushimba and Mr. Coen Wium; Mr. Gideon Shilongo and Mr. Simson !Uri-Khob respectively.
Phase 2 10% of the shares in The Namib Lodge Company (Pty) Ltd have been earmarked for sale to Wilderness Safaris employees in Namibia, to be held in a Trust and operated as a share incentive scheme.
This investment represents a vote of confidence in the tourism industry and particularly Wilderness Safaris' model of creating responsible tourism partnerships that strive to ensure the protection of Namibia's natural heritage while sharing the benefits with her people.
Bruce Simpson, CEO of Wilderness Safaris in Namibia, remarked, "Wilderness Safaris has a long history of forming partnerships with Namibians in Tourism. From creating the first joint venture partnership in a communal conservancy in Namibia to reaching out to Namibians who share our social and environmental interest as BEE investors, we are excited about the future of tourism, conservation and sustainable development in Namibia."
On June 28th, the date of the company's next board meeting, the new BEE partners will have a representative on Wilderness Safaris' Board of Directors.
