The Swakopmund tourism information office Namib-i has been privatised since the start of this month, its new owner, Almuth Styles announced. Started by a private initiative some years ago, but run under the auspices of the Swakopmund municipality, Styles successfully negotiated with the municipality to opt for privatisation. "Namib-i will not change its face and structure, the services will remain as before", Styles told PLUS this week. It will remain as the official tourism information body at the coast.

Mrs Brigitte Winson was newly appointed as manager of the Information Centre in the main street and Mrs Erna Stamm was appointed as information officer at the same office. For the time being, Ms Styles will keep the administrative office of Namib-i in the historic Woermann Haus in Bismarck Street.

Lower Earnings for NamBrew

The Namibia Breweries said its earnings per share would be 40-50% lower for the financial period ended 30 June 2005. The main reasons were the change of its financial year-end from 31 January to 30 June and, the majority of the once-off restructuring charges following the closure of the Hansa Brewery in Swakopmund oat the start of this month were written off during the period ending 30 June 2005.

Namibia Breweries expect to publish their financial results towards the end of September.