ABOUT OHORONGO CEMENT
COMPANY OVERVIEW
NAMIBIA’S MOST TRUSTED CEMENT MANUFACTURER
Ohorongo Cement (Pty) Ltd. stands as the pioneer among Namibia’s cement manufacturers, proudly operating one of Africa’s most advanced cement plants. The construction of this state-of-the-art facility, which represents a groundbreaking investment of N$ 2.5 billion, took place over two years. It was a collaborative effort, with Polysius, a renowned international engineering company, leading the project, and local companies contributing to the infrastructure and civil works.
Our commitment to excellence led us to further investments, including the establishment of a composite cement plant and a third packaging line. We’ve also set up a new depot in Ondangwa, bringing our total investment to an impressive N$ 3 billion.
Ohorongo Cement initiated production in December 2010 and currently boasts a production capacity exceeding a million tonnes of top-tier cement annually. This cement caters to both local consumption and special projects, ensuring the highest quality for every construction need.
One aspect that sets Ohorongo apart is our unwavering dedication to sourcing all raw materials locally in Namibia. The entire value chain, from raw materials to finished products, unfolds within our borders. This makes Ohorongo Cement a 100% proudly Namibian product, contributing to the growth and development of our nation.
COMPANY OVERVIEW
INTRODUCTION
FROM THE MD
In December 2023, we celebrate 13 years of our presence, firmly holding our distinction as Namibia’s pioneering cement manufacturer and one of Africa’s most advanced cement plants, a testament to our unwavering dedication to innovation, sustainability, and industry excellence.
WORK WITH THE BEST
MEET OUR
SALES TEAM
QUALITY ASSURANCE
At Ohorongo Cement, we place paramount importance on the quality of our cement products. Our commitment to delivering excellence is reflected in our adherence to the stringent requirements of SANS 50197-1&2 / NAMS/EN 197-1&2 / BOS EN 197-1, setting the benchmark for quality assurance in the industry.
Our production processes are in strict compliance with the requirements outlined in SANS 50197-1&2 / NAMS/EN 197-1&2 / BOS EN 197-1, ensuring a meticulous and precise manufacturing process. These standards are not just confined to a single department or location; they are the bedrock of our entire organization, including our flagship plant at Sargberg. Our management is resolutely dedicated to determining, comprehending, and consistently meeting all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
Ohorongo Cement is strategically located in the northern region of Namibia, near Otavi. Our journey began in 2009, and by 2011, we were producing cement, establishing ourselves as one of the most advanced cement plants in Africa. Our plant has earned a reputation for sustainability and produces cement of international quality, serving both the local market and export destinations. With a production capacity exceeding a million tonnes per annum, our focus remains steadfast on Namibian projects and local consumption, while also catering to neighbouring countries through exports.
Our Commitment to a Sustainable Future
Corporate Commitment and Objectives
Our approach to building is grounded in an understanding of our interconnected world. Construction is not isolated; it impacts the environment, society, and quality of life. It’s a shared responsibility that we take seriously. Construction, especially, carries an obligation towards nature, our social fabric, and the sustainable use of natural resources. We view it as our collective duty to create a world where our children and future generations can thrive.
Under the banner “cementing trust, building futures,” we embrace this responsibility as our guiding philosophy. To uphold this principle, we continually harness technological advancements, innovate new products, enhance our efficiency, and champion environmental consciousness.
In alignment with our commitment, the management of Ohorongo Cement has implemented a comprehensive and verifiable system that ensures quality, environmental protection, and industrial health and safety. We adhere to the highest standards, including all the latest versions of: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, SANS 50197 / NAMS/ EN 197 / BOS EN 197. Furthermore, we are dedicated to upholding the principles of the World Human Rights Convention and the International Labour Organization, ensuring the rights of children and all individuals. Periodic auditing in accordance with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, as well as SANS SANS 50197 / NAMS / EN 197 and BOS EN 197 is carried out by an independent certification body.
Prioritizing Health, Safety, and Environment
HEALTH AND SAFETY
At Ohorongo Cement, we take pride in our commitment to Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) practices, as well as Social Accountability. We understand the importance of improving working conditions and ensuring compliance with the Social Accountability and ILO Code of practice on HIV/Aids. Our focus covers critical areas such as child labor, forced/compulsory labor, Health & Safety, freedom of association, right to collective bargaining, discrimination, disciplinary practices, working hours, remuneration, Management System for Human resources, and HIV/AIDS. Additionally, we are dedicated to providing a safe, healthy, and socially acceptable workplace while conducting our business activities in a manner that prioritizes environmental protection.
Maintaining safe, healthy, and socially acceptable working conditions for our employees and all individuals on our premises is fundamental to our company’s success. To achieve this, Ohorongo Cement has implemented a comprehensive Health and Safety Management System that aligns with the Labour Act, 1997; Regulations relating to the health and safety of employees at work; and the ISO 45001: 2018 standard.
Our Health and Safety Management System facilitates the following:
Preventing Injuries
and Incidents
We are committed to preventing injuries, accidents, and incidents in the workplace.
Continuous
Improvement
We are dedicated to continuous improvement and performance monitoring of our health and safety system through regular inspections and audits.
Healthy Work
Environment
We provide a healthy and safe working environment for everyone, including employees, vendors, customers, contractors, visitors, and other stakeholders, in accordance with relevant legal requirements.
Effective
Management
We demonstrate effective health and safety management across all work areas.
Our commitments include:
- Developing and implementing a Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) procedure to eliminate, minimize, and control potential risks.
- Complying with all design safety-related requirements as per current legislation.
- Ensuring personal, electrical, and mechanical safeguarding.
- Conducting business in compliance with Namibia’s health and safety regulations as a minimum requirement.
- Providing adequate supervision, training, work instructions, information, and awareness to all stakeholders to ensure they have the necessary knowledge to perform their tasks safely.
- Integrating Health and Safety Management into all our business processes and company strategies.
- Building and committing to an effective Health and Safety Management System that reviews objectives and targets biannually, impacting our Health and Safety Policy.
- Investigating all Health and Safety concerns arising from our business activities.
- Actively participating in open consultation and exchanging information through toolbox talks, Safety Meetings, Health and Safety Committees, and ongoing communication.
Ohorongo Cement is fully aware of the potential environmental impacts associated with activities such as mining and raw material processing, including air pollution, water abstraction, and habitat reduction. To address these concerns, we have initiated energy savings projects and significantly contribute to environmental protection by utilizing alternative energy sources for clinker burning. We continue to implement additional measures to safeguard the environment.
Our dedication to our community sets us apart and drives us to be one of the world’s few cement manufacturing companies certified under ISO 14001:2015, affirming our unwavering commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship—a legacy that we aim to leave for generations to come.
SEE HOW WE CREATE AN EXCEPTIONAL WORKPLACE FOR OUR EMPLOYEES:
Embracing Technology and Sustainable Practices
At Ohorongo Cement, we foster a culture of technological advancement and innovation. From our inception, we have prioritized sustainability and environmental responsibility. Our plant employs locally sourced alternative fuels, a practice in place since 2011, to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels and minimize our environmental footprint. Materials such as wood chips from encroacher bushes, charcoal fines, and refuse-derived fuel are incinerated in the clinker process at temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Celsius. This approach not only benefits the environment, contributing to reduced bush encroachment, less landfill waste, and increased biodiversity but also creates numerous job opportunities. Moreover, the combination of alternative fuels and energy-efficient processes makes Ohorongo’s Sargberg plant one of the world’s lowest specific CO²-emitting cement plants, measured in tons of CO² per ton of clinker.
Investing in Our People Through
Social Investment
At Ohorongo Cement, our commitment extends beyond cement manufacturing. We take great pride in actively contributing to the well-being of the communities where we operate, reflecting our ethos as both a company and as individuals.
Internally, we place immense value on equipping our employees with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their roles. Ohorongo Cement is dedicated to employee development, offering formal training opportunities to enhance skills and capabilities. Our human resource development system empowers employees to embrace new challenges and explore fresh opportunities, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Externally, we nurture talent within our broader community. We provide job attachments, internships, and educational bursaries across a wide spectrum of disciplines. This not only prepares individuals for future opportunities within our industry but also equips them with relevant technical experience to meet the demands of today’s job market.
Our commitment to the community extends to impactful social investment initiatives managed through our Social Investment Program. These initiatives primarily focus on three pillars: Education, Healthcare, and Infrastructure. We understand that a thriving community is built on access to quality education, reliable healthcare, and robust infrastructure, and we’re dedicated to playing a pivotal role in supporting these areas.
Since our inception in 2010, Ohorongo Cement has collectively donated in excess of N$ 30 million to various CSI initiatives in Namibia.
principles
Our guiding principles underscore our commitment to a sustainable future. With abundant raw materials for centuries of cement production, our vision extends beyond the present. We prioritize enduring relationships, fostering trust with staff, customers, and stakeholders, working together for shared, long-term prosperity. Our emphasis on ethical conduct and collaboration ensures they aren’t swayed by short-term gains.
way of life
Integrity is at the core of Ohorongo’s operations. They uphold the highest standards of corporate integrity, transparency, and due process. Any unethical behavior or unlawful actions are strictly unacceptable. This commitment safeguards their reputation and the trust of their community, demonstrating that integrity is not just a principle but a way of life.
technical excellence
Ohorongo’s journey mirrors Schwenk’s dedication to technological advancements and best practices. They prioritize quality, environmental protection, and employee well-being. Their unwavering commitment to technological excellence and learning from global best practices reflects their dedication to creating a legacy that future generations can be proud of.
OUR CONTRIBUTION TO
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Ohorongo Cement recognizes the pivotal role it plays in shaping the economic landscape of Namibia and the wider region. We understand that a world-class cement product is essential for establishing strong foundations for economic development and attracting foreign investors. As such, we actively engage in public-private partnerships and lend our support to Government initiatives like Vision 2030, Growth at Home, and the National Development Plans, working collaboratively to drive meaningful change.
A Legacy of Excellence
Our senior management is resolutely customer-centric, striving to consistently meet and exceed customer requirements. We employ risk-based thinking to evaluate potential risks and opportunities, recognizing their impact on product and service conformity and the enhancement of customer satisfaction. Our product design and development processes are driven by a singular goal: enhancing customer satisfaction by delivering superior products.
Management’s commitment to the IMS Manual and all relevant documents is unwavering. We ensure that the necessary resources for our quality management system are readily available to achieve the intended results. Every member of our team is encouraged to actively participate in the continuous improvement process, contributing to the overall performance of our enterprise.
Affirmative
Action
COMPLIANCE
Ohorongo Cement proudly complies with the stipulations of the Affirmative Action (Employment) Act, Act 29 of 1998. We hold a certification confirming our commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunity for all.
OWNERSHIP
Ohorongo Cement stands proudly as a registered Namibian company with an international footprint. Our roots firmly grounded in Namibia, we’re committed to enhancing our local ownership. Presently, our shares are held by esteemed entities like the Schwenk Group, the Development Bank of Southern Africa, the Development Bank of Namibia, and the Industrial Development Corporation.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
T Spannagl (Chairman), H-W Schütte, S Pott
E De Waal, W Mathebula, I-H Scholtz (Alternate)
