STATEMENT BY HER EXCELLENCY, DR. NETUMBO NANDI-NDAITWAH

Keynote Statement by Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Vice President of the Republic of Namibia, Delivered at the Official Opening Ceremony of the 17th Annual Lüderitz Crayfish Festival 2024

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to be present at the inauguration of the 2024 Luderitz Crayfish Festival, which is taking place under the theme of “Riding the Waves towards a Sustainable Future.” I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude to the festival organisers for extending an invitation for me to participate in this event. I have been informed that this year’s festival has attracted a larger number of attendees to the harbour town of Lüderitz.

Furthermore, I extend my congratulations to Mr. Sideney Martin on his appointment as the new patron of the Luderitz Crayfish Festival. It is my considered opinion that under your patronage the Luderitz Crayfish Festival will continue to flourish. I would like to extend my congratulations once more to you, Sir, on your well-deserved appointment.

It has been reliably conveyed to me that all attendees of the Lüderitz Crayfish Festival will be treated to an enjoyable experience. The festival has been designed to allow attendees to engage in a variety of activities, including business networking, quality time, seafood delicacies, and, most importantly, the excellent hospitality that Lüderitz is known for. Furthermore, the festival caters to the needs of both young and old attendees.

With the advent of Namibia’s independence in 1990, the town of Lüderitz was in a state of economic decline, with the local economy on the verge of collapse and residents seeking opportunities elsewhere.

The visionary leadership of our Founding President and Father of the Namibian Nation, Dr. Sam Nujoma, saw the SWAPO Party-led Government as a key player in the development of the town of Lüderitz, with the aim of positioning it as a pivotal economic hub in the Namibian landscape.

The decision to establish NovaNam (formerly Pescanova) in Lüderitz was informed by the advice of the Founding President, Dr. Sam Nujoma. NovaNam was subsequently led by Dr. Angel Tordesillas, its founding CEO and Executive Chairman. Subsequently, NovaNam established a cutting-edge fish processing facility in Luderitz, and today the company is the region’s largest employer.

Moreover, the fishing sector remains a significant contributor to the town’s economy, providing much-needed employment opportunities.

The decisive interventions and various developmental initiatives by the government were critical at the time when Walvis Bay and the offshore islands were still under the colonial control of the apartheid regime of South Africa, which ended in 1994.

It is evident that Lüderitz is undergoing a period of transformation, despite experiencing fluctuations over time. In order to establish a sustainable future, it is essential to capitalise on the current economic changes. This year’s theme encapsulates this notion. The port town of Lüderitz has the potential to become a significant economic hub for Namibia. It is likely that the town will become Namibia’s energy capital in the near future, creating thousands of jobs over the next decade. This will result in a significant increase in the town’s population, which will have a positive impact on the local economy.

Director of Ceremonies,

As with all similar activities, the primary objective of the Lüderitz Crayfish Festival is to facilitate the advancement of socio-economic development within this harbour town.

It is evident that the sectors of the economy that have benefited significantly are those of retail, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), finance, and transport, among others. A considerable number of members of the local community are employed in these sectors and derive their livelihoods from them. Furthermore, the festival has the potential to generate numerous socio-economic benefits.

Director of Ceremonies:
It is my duty to state that the Government, through the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, has been providing support to the Lüderitz Crayfish Festival since its inception in 2008. It is also noteworthy that the Lüderitz-based State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) have provided invaluable support, including that of the Lüderitz Waterfront Development Company (LWDC), NamPort (Port of Lüderitz) and Fishcor. Furthermore, these SOEs continue to play an important role in the town’s economy.

Furthermore, it is evident that the Crayfish Festival receives support from various governmental entities, including the Lüderitz Town Council and the Namibian Navy. Similarly, it is encouraging to note that private sector entities engaged in the local fishing industry, such as NovaNam, are well-known entities associated with the success factors of the Lüderitz Crayfish Festival. I would like to extend my congratulations to all of you for your collaborative efforts, foresight, commitment, and enthusiasm.

Director of Ceremonies,

The inaugural Lüderitz Crayfish Festival, which commenced as a mere concept in 2008, has since evolved into a substantial annual event with considerable appeal. This is evidenced by the considerable number of visitors who frequent this picturesque harbour town. It is therefore appropriate to acknowledge the commendable work that the Lüderitz Crayfish Festival Board of Trustees has been doing over the years.
It is evident that the Annual Lüderitz Crayfish Festival has become a well-known and popular brand in Namibia. It has gained the affection and support of people from diverse backgrounds, who continue to visit the harbour town of Lüderitz.
Director of Ceremonies,

I would be remiss if I did not also remind you that, unlike the festivals held in previous years, this one is taking place against the backdrop of the prospect for an emerging oil and gas industry following recent petroleum natural resource discoveries and ongoing exploration activities throughout the country. The aforementioned discoveries are contributing to the economic development of Luderitz, the Karas region, and the country at large.

In this context, the government is implementing a series of policy initiatives with the objective of establishing a framework that will facilitate the optimal exploitation of the aforementioned industries, while also ensuring that the local population benefits from them. This will be achieved by encouraging the development of local content along the value chain of natural resource utilisation.

Director of Ceremonies,

It is of the utmost importance to reiterate that meaningful and people-centred development should be driven locally. The central government is always at your disposal to assist in the effective realisation of the dreams of our citizens. The government has already demonstrated its commitment to this laudable community initiative, as evidenced by the ongoing support it has provided to the Luderitz Crayfish Festival since its inception in 2008.
In a similar vein, the government, through the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises, has allocated a sum of N$88 million under the current budget to the Luderitz Waterfront Development Company with the objective of continuing its strategic development infrastructure in order to create appropriate facilities required for this developing town. The aforementioned infrastructure is also of significant importance to the continued growth of the crayfish festival.

It is evident that the town of Luderitz has become a popular destination for business tourism. The town plays host to a variety of national and international events, which contribute to the town’s and the Karas region’s financial stability and help to sustain jobs. Consequently, the government investment in the LWDC is yielding results.

In light of the evolving economic landscape in our country, it is imperative that local authorities, at both the regional and national levels, adopt a comprehensive and strategic approach to planning if they are to serve the people of this country in an efficient manner.

Furthermore, it is necessary to consider the effectiveness of the aforementioned approach. It is of paramount importance that we have access to a knowledgeable and skilled workforce in the fields of administration and business management.
It is evident that the time has come for us to cultivate the capacity to attract and retain the educated and middle-class individuals required for sustainable growth. Consequently, incentives for investment are essential to encourage young entrepreneurs and innovators to contribute to the economic development of the country. Similarly, it is essential to foster a robust collaboration between the public and private sectors to facilitate the country’s capacity to attract and retain investment.
In conclusion, it is evident that the harbour town of Lüderitz holds a promising future. It is therefore imperative that we seize the opportunities that will arise from the developments that are planned for this historical town. Consequently, the crayfish festival represents a valuable opportunity for business networking and the exchange of information on trade and investment.

Consequently, a considerable number of entrepreneurs and potential investors continue to converge on Lüderitz in search of business opportunities.
As we embark on the journey towards economic independence, it is crucial to emphasise that the path to a prosperous Namibia requires a combination of bold vision, steadfast commitment and unwavering collaboration between all stakeholders.
Let us seize this moment to chart a new course for the NAMIBIA WE WANT, one defined by inclusive growth, sustainable development and a shared prosperity for all.

Together, we can create a more promising future for Namibia and leave a legacy that will serve as an inspiration to future generations. Once again, as we plan for the future, it is imperative that we prioritise education and skills development. Investment in human capital is of paramount importance for the realisation of Namibia’s current and future potential, with the ultimate benefit being felt by all.

In conclusion, it is important to note that the current drought, which has affected not only Namibia but the entire Southern African region, represents a significant challenge. The government will take all necessary measures to ensure that no individual dies as a consequence of a lack of food. The government is therefore appealing to those responsible for food distribution in whatever form to be fair and assist those in need of food. It is imperative that drought food is not politicised. The government procures and distributes the food to those in need.

It is also of great importance to remind all Namibians that this year is of great significance for the strengthening of our democracy. I therefore urge all Namibians of voting age to register in order to vote in the forthcoming Presidential and National Assembly Elections, which are scheduled for 27 November 2024. It is of the utmost importance to reinforce Namibia’s democracy through the active participation of all its citizens.
Let us celebrate the festival in a responsible manner and continue to collaborate in order to ensure that this year’s festival is a further success for the town and the Kharas region.

The Director of Ceremonies will now take the stage.

It is my distinct privilege to formally declare the 17th Annual Lüderitz Crayfish Festival 2024 officially open.

I would like to express my gratitude for your kind attention.

Namibia Autonomous Media