The Namibia Manufacturers Association (NMA) had the pleasure of hosting the first Manufacturer of the Year Awards Gala Dinner on 20 June 2013, at the NamPower Convention Centre, Windhoek.
We were honored by the presence of Hon Calle Schlettwein, Minister of Trade and Industry who accepted the invitation as guest speaker.
The NMA was proud to present Mr Clem Sunter, an international scenario planner, as the keynote speaker. It was an honor and privilege listening to and learning from such an auspicious speaker whose message mainly focused on The world and Southern Africa beyond 2013 ‐ the latest scenarios, flags and probabilities and the potential effect and opportunities for the Namibian processing and manufacturing sector. There is no doubt that the Namibian manufacturers have gained valuable knowledge in preparing themselves for the challenges and opportunities facing the sector in the on‐going complex international trade scenarios beyond 2013.
Khaya Mthethwa, the multi‐talented SA Idols 2012 winner, entertained the guests with his winning and other songs, some of which he wrote and composed himself.
After preliminary judging to ensure entries complied by the rules and regulations, the entries were judged by an independent panel of judges according to a predetermined set of criteria. The panel of judges unanimously endorsed the three winners for each category. Thereafter the marks were processed by the auditor of the NMA, Grant Thornton Neuhaus, who then verified the three winners per category.
The NMA satisfied that the judging process was both transparent and fair, was delighted to announce the winners in the following categories:
Category 1 : The NMA Corporate Manufacturer of the Year
- First : Etosha Fishing Corporation (PTY) Ltd
- Second : Ohorongo Cement (PTY) Ltd
- Third : Mpact Namibia
Category 2 : The NMA SME Manufacturer of the Year
- First : Guans Packaging
- Second : Karakulia Weavers CC
- Third : Capricorn Sweets
- First : Ohorongo Cement (PTY) Ltd
- Second : Mwetumona Investment CC
Category 4 : The NMA Innovator and Designer of the Year
It was the decision of the judges that there were no entries in this category outstanding enough deserving of this award. Therefore, there is no winner in this category.
Category 5 : The NMA Ambassador for Manufacturing
- First : Karakulia Weavers CC
- Second : Ohorongo Cement (PTY) Ltd
- Third : Fatima Plastics
Category 6 : The NMA Most Environmentally Friendly Manufacturer
- First : Ohorongo Cement (PTY) Ltd
- Second : Fatima Plastics
- Third : Plastic Packaging
Category 7 : The Overall Winner ‐ judges’ choice
Ohorongo Cement (PTY) Ltd
The NMA believes that by honoring and recognizing its members through this national annual event, it will inspire and motivate its members not only to participate in next year’s Manufacturer of the Year Awards, but to increase the awareness of the high standard of manufacturing in Namibia and the important role which the sector is playing in wealth and job creation in our country and the rest of the SADC region.
The NMA expressed its sincere gratitude towards the sponsors who contributed to the resounding success of this awards dinner. They are, in alphabetical order, Airport Lodge, Bidvest Fisheries, Elso Holdings, FNB Holdings Namibia, Fatima Plastics, Mpact Namibia, Namib Mills, Namibia Breweries Limited, Peralin Paints, Plastic Packaging and Walvis Bay Salt Refiners.
The Association is committed to be of service to its members, advocating better working relations and dialogue between all stakeholders such as manufacturers, retailers, consumers and government.
