Page 53 - Gondwana Value Creation Report 2020

HOW WE MAKE AN IMPACT COMMUNITIES The strength of Gondwana’s brand draws suppliers to work with us. Gweri Vintage Collection

1.
Suppliers
28-year-old Pinehas ‘Zuluboy’ Shikulo is one of his generation’s
most contemporary, artistic and vibrant entrepreneurs. While
still studying, he formed a start-up business that produces
Communities are Namibia’s heartbeat; it is our
Namibian-designed Gweri Socks. These hip and funky socks
We are recognised as a reliable debtor and as responsible corporate
bring a spring to wearers’ steps. He began making his mark in
citizen who invests in local businesses, partnerships and communities.
Namibian business in 2018.
responsibility to protect their future.
ideas are hip, modern and innovative. His work in Katutura, a
Our suppliers include operational suppliers like catering equipment or cleaning companies, tour operators, construction companies and
township in Windhoek, is steadily helping the youth see the
marketing partners. He derives most of his style from a vintage corner, but his
real and rough beauty in the neighbourhood alongside its
We support local small, medium and microenterprises (SMMEs) in our lodges’ vicinity, allowing us to diversify and become part of local rough and contemporary edges.
Why our communities are important communities. Various posts on social media with photographs from the
neighbourhood sparked interest from all generations. Soon
Even before 2020 brought about a global pandemic, Namibia Covid-19 impact on our communities enough, big companies such as MTC, NICTUS and Gondwana
struggled with drought, recession and political troubles. In this wanted to collaborate with Zuluboy.
year, Namibia’s GDP decreased by an estimated 8% compared Unfortunately, Namibia’s lockdown brought tourism to a
to the same period in 2019. Until 2019, the tourism industry had standstill, which began impacting citizens’ livelihoods as We paid We spent over Gweri Socks celebrate Namibian diversity and heritage with
steadily grown by 5% on average year-on-year since the country early as April. The communities around our lodges were most designs unique to the Ovahimba, Aawambo and San. Regular new
sock designs have seen the business grow steadily, and Zuluboy
gained its independence in 1990. Tourism generated thousands of severely impacted. Furthermore, informal communities dealt What we do for our communities N$145 million N$1 million has used this success to give back to his community. His products
jobs and in 2019 contributed more than 10% of Namibia’s GDP. with the added pressure of social distancing while living in have helped raise money for the Shack Dweller Association of
larger multi-generational homes.
Gondwana Collection lodges are closely entwined with one We invest in our communities Namibia, to give dignity to impoverished Namibians.
another and their surrounding communities. As a good corporate Without customers, we needed to implement major cost to local SMMEs on locally produced curios He is expanding his business by expanding his product range
citizen, we support our communities through our lodges that saving measures, which impacted our supply chain. Inter- to set them on a pathway to a 2019: N$1 million and collaborating with South African brand Simon & Mary
reside on communal land, and cooperate with local communities. related sectors were also affected, including event planning, 2019: N$224 million to produce felt hats, and with Erongo Winery to produce a
We invest our efforts where they can make the biggest impact. hospitality and alcohol sales. Smaller entrepreneurs lost better life, as individuals and limited edition of GWINE.
By uplifting communities, we can provide customers a safe their businesses. Meanwhile, sourcing essential items such as (These suppliers include
and meaningful experience that showcases the beauty and cleaning and hygiene products became expensive as borders as collectives.
culture of the people they see on their holidays. We empower a closed. cost of sales, expenses Gondwana’s curio shops proudly support
diverse group of people and promote Namibia as a sustainable Our conservancy community partners are reliant on both and capital nature.) income-generating partner projects. These
destination. the eco-tourism and hunting industries, both of which were include Namibian entrepreneurs, artists, women’s
Our touchpoints with Namibian communities are: severely impacted. Conservancies were left a small fraction associations and charities who create local
of their income, through minimum guaranteed fees which 1. SUPPLIERS
○ We are a significant employer of Namibians from the operators such as us are contracted to pay. products, often from recycled goods.
communities surrounding our lodges. Refer to page 39.
Similarly, our Trust beneficiaries lost income and sponsorships
○ We provide training to community members, including
non-employees. Refer to page 45. that they had prior to Covid-19, and in some cases the Trust 2. GONDWANA CARD HOLDERS
became their only or main sponsor and support. The Trust
○ We actively source supplies from local communities. acquired a permit to operate as an essential service to
○ Our 53 779 Namibian Gondwana Card holders form a regional distribute food and hygiene products during the lockdown Supporting local suppliers and communities – The Narrative Namibia ecommerce store
community of customers who use our services. period. During the year, we established our online store, The Narrative Namibia, after numerous requests, especially from international travellers
○ We partner with communities in conservancies in the We needed to postpone plans to sign new benefit distribution 3. PROMOTING BRAND NAMIBIA who want a lasting connection to Namibia. We sell products made by Namibian artisans who are inspired by our country’s flora, fauna
Okavango, Zambezi, Kaokoland and Etosha experience areas, plans with the Salambala, Mashi and Palmwag communities, and people.
where they own the land and lodges we operate, and they get and could employ only one of the two Community Liaison The Narrative Namibia is still in its infancy, selling products from Gweri Vintage Collection, Tameka Design Jewellery and FIMBI Leather
a direct (profit share) and indirect (employment, etc.) benefit Officers we had planned to. We increased our efforts in the Art. Other brands and suppliers will follow soon.
from the arrangement. MealForTwo programme to provide meals to those who 4. CONSERVANCIES
○ Through the Gondwana Care Trust (the Trust), we drive social needed it most. We proudly support income-generating partner projects, including Namibian entrepreneurs, artists, women’s associations and charities
that create local products, often from recycled goods. Gondwana buys the products from the locals, thereby offering them access to a
responsibility and community support via different projects broader market and enabling them to earn a decent living for themselves and their families.
across Namibia. Finally, our engagements with our communities were
frustrated by lockdown restrictions, but when travel and
○ This year, we appointed a dedicated Community Liaison gathering restrictions were eased, we met with all conservancy 5. GONDWANA CARE TRUST
Officer to represent Gondwana in the Zambezi and Kavango and Trust community partners to re-establish relations and
regions. He spends his days engaging with conservancy, discuss matters of concern.
traditional authority and community partners.

50 VALUE CREATION REPORT 2020 GONDWANA COLLECTION NAMIBIA 51