NBL encourages responsible behaviour

Michelline Nawatises
STAFF REPORTER



As Namibians navigate the country’s gradual reopening following an easing of trade restrictions which were necessitated to combat the spread of Covid-19, life is slowly returning to normal, or at least, a ‘new normal’.

“There’s no doubt that Covid-19 will have a lasting impact on society long after the current state of emergency and the risks associated with Covid-19 are over,” says Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) managing director Marco Wenk.

While some industries had already reopened and commenced trade shortly after the lockdown period, others remained closed pending the easing of restrictions.

Consumers of non-essential and premium categories which have now been given the approval to trade have been starved of such products and the demand will be significant, which is likely to put more pressure on retailers to ensure adherence to social distancing.

Wenk added that the Covid -19 pandemic has transformed the world. Like other companies, NBL – a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver and List Group - has been subject to massive volatility since the end of March 2020.

“While its bottom-line performance has undeniably been significantly impacted, we are also clear that it had to take a collective responsibility to support the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic and ensure the health and wellbeing of the employees, customers, consumers, stakeholders, communities and country at large.

“Coid -19 has forced us to re-think and execute in a complete new and different way,” Wenk said.

NBL has embraced the ‘new world’ through its newly launched #TakesANation campaign that is aimed at encouraging responsible behaviour when consuming alcoholic beverages of any kind.

“The #TakesANation campaign is a call-to-action to shop, drink, socialise, entertain and enjoy responsibly,” said Wenk.

The NBL managing director reiterated that it has taken the concerns of the Namibian government about the social impact of alcohol to heart and will focus on finding workable solutions to ensure a sustainable industry.

He added while the company will do its utmost to make its world-class beverages available to all its loyal consumers, it also has a responsibility to ensure that it acts responsibly in the interests of the industry.

“It is thus vital that customers and consumers play their part in adhering to… the required safety measures and government directives and regulations,” he said.

“It has been said many times that the most amazing thing about Namibia is her people: genuine, hospitable, warm and caring to both country-folk and visitors.

“As government eases restrictions and restarts the economy let us hold ourselves and each other accountable for our behaviour. Let’s band together and support government’s efforts because it #TakesANation to completely overcome a national crisis of this magnitude,” Wenk concluded.