Emilie Shimbali
Local clothing manufacturer, Dinapama, recently received a container fully loaded with bales of uniform fabric. The consignment, received from an Indian-based company, will be used for the mass production of school uniforms for learners across the country.
During the recent handover, Dinapama managing director, David Namalenga, said the donation of bales forms part of bilateral agreements between India and Namibia.
He further noted that while Namibia consumes a large number of imported goods, the country virtually gives away its raw materials.
“We’ve discussed job creation, capacity building, school uniforms, and product development. How do we give meaning to what we say? As a result, we want to ensure economic growth by manufacturing and supplying uniforms within the country,” said Namalenga.
The main idea, according to Attaché to the High Commissioner of India in Namibia, Virender Singh Yadav, who was present at the handover, is to increase cooperation between Namibia and India.
“It must not only increase from government to government, but it must also increase from person to person. Since India produces fabric in large amounts, direct import from India can be cheaper,” he stated.
The imported bales are said to cover about 75% of school uniforms needed in the country. In this regard, Dinapama invites all schools and educational institutions to purchase uniforms as the company pledges to work tirelessly to ensure orders are serviced. He added that if they do not have the necessary fabric for all schools, they can order the material to cater for all orders.
Sylvia Kapena from Dinapama’s marketing department added that the company aims to dress all Namibian students and eventually expand internationally.