Since the Namibian government started to roll-out the voluntary Covid-19 Vaccination Programme nationwide, Gondwana’s message has been clear. We are encouraging all colleagues and the Namibian populace as a whole to get the vaccination. We see it as not only the responsible thing to do for our hard-hit industry, but as a social responsibility to those who cannot vaccinate due to medical constraints or age.
In order to support the government's vaccination campaign and to make a positive contribution to the population's willingness to be vaccinated, Gondwana, together with a number of private sector partners, has created the first Drive-Through and Walk-In Vaccination Station in Namibia that opened its doors on 20 July 2021. Another Drive Through and Walk-In Station powered by Gondwana will start operations at the coast. The dates and venues will be communicated soon.
The HR Minister of Health and Social Services, Kalumbi Shangula, honoured the Drive-Through Vaccination Station in Windhoek with his visit. Photos: Gondwana Collection
Gondwana's in-house encouragement strategy yields results
When Gondwana's executive management realised the slow progress of the vaccination campaign countrywide, they decided to lead by example, got their vaccinations and started sharing their experiences. Gondwana encourages its employees on a daily basis to get vaccinated by
- facilitating information and awareness campaigns in close cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Social Services and OSH-Med international.
- inviting medical practitioners to answer our team member’s questions and to assist them in decision making
- taking employees to vaccination stations or arranging for MoHSS to bring the vaccination to lodges.
The educational work bares fruit. By now, 50 percent of the 1000 Gondwana employees have been vaccinated or recovered. Our vaccination champions are Kalahari Anib Lodge (89%), Kalahari Farmhouse (95%), Hakusembe River Lodge (82%), Palmwag Lodge & Camp (71%) and Chobe River Camp (69%). The other lodges are catching up steadily since sufficient vaccines are available again in Namibia.
A Gondwana team from Damara Mopane Lodge received their vaccinations.
Gondwana’s hygiene measures are in place
Gondwana reacted swiftly when the pandemic reached Namibia in March 2020 and adapted revised Standard Operating Procedures for all service centres and lodges in line with the Government of Namibia’s instructions to the tourism industry and WHO guidelines.
The accommodation establishments of Gondwana Collection Namibia fully comply with the hygiene and safety standards of the World Health Organisation (WHO). The compliancy certificates were issued by Eco Awards Namibia whose independent assessors visited Gondwana’s lodges and The Delight Swakopmund.
Gondwana’s Hygiene and Safety Measures aim to provide guests and employees with the safest possible environment, yet offering guests an unforgettable Namibian experience.
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