The Cities of Windhoek and Johannesburg will in future work together on a technical level over the next five years, the two mayors said on Wednesday. The executive (fulltime) mayor of Johannesburg, Amos Masondo paid a visit to the Namibian capital this week to discuss the cooperation after talks were initiated already in 2003. The areas chosen were planning, urbanisation and environment, water and waste management as well as economic development. With already a metro police in operation in the Johannesburg metropolitan area, Windhoek and the Gauteng city will also cooperate in field of safety and security. According to Mayor Masondo, who praised Windhoek’s cleanliness, an action plan would be worked out to be followed until 2010.

Namibia Breweries has made a net profit of N$21.4 million in the period of 12 moths ending on 30 June 2005, the company said this week. Turnover was around N$ 925 million. Profit for shareholders thus decreased from N$40.2 million in the prior 17-month period to N$21.4 million in the current 12-month period. The operating profit for the review period showed a 6% increase, Namibia Breweries announced. This translated into an operating margin of 4,2% compared to 2,9% in the previous period. Included in the period under review is a provision for restructuring costs, primarily in relation to the closure of Hansa Brewery. Maintaining the Group’s position in Namibia involved competing with much larger breweries operating from neighbouring countries. The launch of Hansa Pilsener in Namibia in June 2005 demonstrates the company’s capability to innovate and generate sales volumes. South Africa is an intensively competitive market. As a result, NamBrew’s volumes declined in the period. The Board was confident that the investment being made now would strengthen the company’s brands leading to sales growth. Exports during the year suffered as a result of delays in the Angolan government ratifying the trade agreement with Namibia. Export growth was achieved in some emerging export markets, most noticeably in Botswana and Kenya.