By Faustinus Kakupa
WINDHOEK, Dec 16,Prominent Namibian businessman Vaino Nghipondoka has strongly dismissed what he describes as sustained attempts by sections of the media to tarnish his reputation, saying he remains focused on business growth, job creation and national development.
Speaking candidly, the soft-spoken entrepreneur said he was unfazed by what he termed “selective negative reporting” that ignores the broader contribution his companies have made to the Namibian economy.
“I have no time for people who focus only on negativity and never report on the jobs I have created or the role I have played in infrastructure development,” Nghipondoka said. “At least I have done my part for this country. Those who spend their time talking negatively could not even manage a small kambushus.” he said
Some media outlets have recently carried repeated reports alleging that workers at Omhalanga Mills, a subsidiary of Profile Investments, had not received full salaries for up to three months.
Addressing the issue, Nghipondoka explained that the milling sector has been severely affected by market downturns following bumper harvests, which have reduced margins and made operations financially challenging.
“The milling business does not always make money, especially during market downturns. Continuing to pay employees under such conditions is not easy even billionaires struggle with that,” he said. “The important thing is that I do not retrench workers. I carry them through difficult times and pay them as income allows.”
He added that instead of constant criticism, greater emphasis should be placed on collaboration and government support for local businesses to safeguard existing jobs and create new ones.
Through Profile Investments, Nghipondoka has interests in mining, construction, information technology, tourism and agriculture. At the peak of its operations, the group is credited with creating up to 10,000 jobs, making it one of the country’s notable private-sector employers.
“Why focus only on the negative and forget the good we are doing as a nation?” Nghipondoka asked. “Supporting local businesses means protecting jobs and strengthening the economy.”
He reiterated his commitment to remaining resilient, saying his focus remains firmly on growth, sustainability and contributing meaningfully to Namibia’s development.- Namibia Daily News
