Namibia Wildlife Resorts Refutes Claims of Lodge Sales to European Entities. Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) has dismissed allegations that it plans to sell or transfer 14 of its lodges to European companies. These assertions emerged after Affirmative Repositioning leader, Job Amupanda, shared letters on social media suggesting such intentions.
Amupanda claimed that, as of January 31, 2025, the government, through NWR, initiated processes to sell or hand over resorts including Gross Barmen, Popa Falls, Sossus Dune Lodge, Ai-Ais, Hardap, Hobas, Khorixas, Naukluft, Onkoshi, Terrace Bay, Mile 108, Boplaas, and Waterberg. He further alleged that discussions with European entities were already underway.
In response, NWR’s Managing Director, Mathias Ngwangwana, issued a memo to staff refuting these claims. He emphasized that there are no plans to sell or transfer any NWR resorts or lodges and reassured employees about their job security. Ngwangwana clarified that the current initiative involves a comprehensive review of underperforming properties to enhance their efficiency, profitability, and sustainability, aligning with good corporate governance practices.
Documents shared by Amupanda included a December 9, 2024, invitation to bidders for audit and strategic enhancement services for non-performing NWR resorts. The scope of work outlined in the invitation includes assessing loss-making resorts, identifying root causes, conducting market impact analyses, and recommending strategic realignments, which may involve outsourcing or joint ventures in line with NWR’s mandate.
Ngwangwana reiterated that this process aims to ensure NWR’s financial sustainability while continuing to offer quality services to both local and international visitors.Sources