Old Mutual has joined hands with other private companies in the NCCI - led private sector oxygen supply initiative and purchased 21 tons of medical oxygen to the value of N$350 000 to support Government in addressing the current shortage of critical oxygen supply for the treatment of COVID-19 patients in our state and public health care facilities.
Speaking at the handover event, Ndangi Katoma, Executive: Marketing, Communications and Customer Strategy at Old Mutual, remarked that as a responsible business that has seen both good and rough seasons while operating in Namibia for the past 101 years, Old Mutual continue to stand up in protecting the lives of Namibians. He noted that “Covid-19 has been devastating to our economy and our livelihoods. The statistics started as just numbers. But the numbers turned into names and it is names that we dearly know like our colleagues and customers. For many Namibians, the names are their spouses, parents, family members, friends and associates, that have succumbed to covid, particularly in the devastating month of June.”
Old Mutual commitment to battling the effects of COVID-19 started in 2020 when a pledge of N$5 million was made towards the nation-wide efforts to help address some of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In April this year, Old Mutual continued their support to the government voluntary vaccination programme led by the Ministry of Health and Social Services through sponsoring N$1 million towards the procurement of vaccines in Namibia. We have done so through our collaboration and participation in the Vaccines for Hope Coalition, an alliance of private sector partners coordinating support towards the procurement of COVID-19 vaccine in Namibia.
Receiving the contribution, Charity Mwiya, Chief Executive Officer of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Mark Dawe, Managing Director of B2Gold Namibia commended Old Mutual for coming on board with this significant contribution.
Mwiya said, “we extend our gratitude to the private sector and Old Mutual in particular for joining this initiative as the NCCI continues to mobilise support from within the Namibian private sector. We want to ensure that we are in a position to offset the shortfall through sponsorship and donations towards the costs and logistics in addressing the critical oxygen supply and other Covid related critical needs such as hospital beds availability in our country.”
Mr. Dawe expressed his appreciation to Old Mutual for this generous support and reiterated the commitment by B2Gold Namibia through the Chamber of Mines and the NCCI, who are coordinating the logistics on behalf of the business coalition. He called on more private sector companies to come on board and fill the gaps that still exist. Weekly loads of medical oxygen are being procured from Afrox and Kryogas Namibia with the objective of entirely eliminating the shortfall of oxygen in the country.
Concluding the event, Katoma made a call to continue Doing Great Things Every Day while we adhere to the regulations and laid down protocols at all times. Remember to wear a mask, maintain social distance, sanitize and choose to vaccinate. Protect tomorrow, because we’re in it together!