By Kudumo Bernhold
RUNDU, 17 July 2022 – For the past weeks, more than 2 000 people have flocked to the Mashare blue berries farm in the hope of landing a job.
The farm is situated in the Mashare constituency, about 55 kilomtres east of Rundu.
Lourens Le Granges, the Managing director of the farm, said the berries cover about 60 hectares and last year they hired 500 people to harvest the fruits.
“Last year we only had 20 hectares and so far we have expanded the project by adding 40 hectares,” he said.
He said the company exports the fruit to a number of markets including Hong Kong, UK and Thailand.
This year the company introduced a new system of recruitment such as skills and literacy.
Le Granges said this plays an important role as he can easily communicate with someone who reached Grade 12 than a person who went as far as Grade 6.
“We are also looking at the experience that’s why the last year recruitment will be considered first because they have some skills and experience. This year almost 3 000 people came to the site hoping for an opportunity to get work.


