The Oranjemund Town Council (OTC) and Namdeb Diamond Corporation have confirmed that both parties have jointly unlocked the impasse on the sale of properties in the diamond mining town.
This, they said, will ensure a smooth transition toward social progression and the future sustainability for Oranjemund.
A joint statement said the milestone on 6 June 2022 demonstrates the collaboration between OTC and Namdeb, as both parties have signed the settlement agreement and are pleased the dispute has been resolved amicably for the benefit of the community and its stakeholders.
Whilst Namdeb’s operations will remain the key economic activity in the town for the next few years, it has also become clear that much more would need to be done to ensure the town remains viable post-mining by promoting other economic activities such as tourism and agriculture.
As part of this process, Namdeb said it remains committed to working together with the Oranjemund Town Council (OTC) and other stakeholders to promote and develop the town.
“Our town’s vision is ‘a unique town that thrives on new possibilities’. This vision encompasses our rich history, pristine environment, unity, diversity and endless development opportunities for the town,” the statement reads.
Oranjemund mayor Elias Kasemba said Council remains committed to delivering excellent municipal services to residents and is looking forward to fulfilling its mission to deliver inclusive services whilst cultivating citizenry participation for a sustainable and prosperous future. Kasemba highlighted this milestone contributes immensely to the normalisation of the town. “Oranjemund has potential for exciting investment opportunities, and home ownership is key to creating a sustainable future,” he said.
Namdeb CEO Riaan Burger confirmed the sale of properties in Oranjemund is a key component to the future success of the town, saying: “Namdeb’ s extended Life-of-Mine until 2042 increases the opportunity for the successful economic transformation of Oranjemund, and the public ownership of properties is a critical success factor for the future of the town”.
Since the proclamation of Oranjemund in 2012, Oranjemund Town Council and Namdeb established a Town Transformation team that has worked closely with the wider community of the town to develop the Oranjemund Town Transformation Strategy and Plan.
The strategy is aimed at the transformation of Oranjemund into a normal sustainable town by 2030.
To achieve this transition, focus areas include the transfer of municipal services and infrastructure to the OTC and normalising private property ownership, normalising healthcare and education, and transforming the economic diversification of the town to become sustainable beyond mining.
Oranjemund was declared a town in 2011, making the OTC a newly established local authority.
OTC is governed by its Municipal Council in terms of the Local Authority Act.
The Town Council’s mandate is to develop the town, uplift and maintain the community’s living standards by providing suitable municipal services, continually strive to promote investment, and empower the local economy.
OTC has been the driving force in the transformation of the town from a mining town to a normal local authority council, including the removal of the public access control in October 2017, which then required people visiting Oranjemund to apply for visit permits since the establishment of Oranjemund in 1936.
“Since the proclamation, the Oranjemund Town Council has successfully taken over the ownership and provision of effective and efficient municipal services. OTC has also made significant investments in the servicing of land and affordable housing provision as well as the upgrading of infrastructure,” read the joint statement.
In addition, the OTC has sponsored deserving causes with a focus on youth development and has continued to seek opportunities that leverage economic diversification.
The town of Oranjemund was created in 1936 as an accessory works to the diamond mining operations of Namdeb and its predecessor, CDM.
In 2012, it was proclaimed as a town and became open to the public in 2017.
The proclamation of Oranjemund provided the opportunity for Namdeb to work closely with the OTC and the wider community of the town to develop the Oranjemund Town Transformation Strategy and Plan.