A group of Windhoek-based shebeen owners and managers on Monday received certificates on completion of an intensive three-day Basic Business Skills course.
The 13 candidates were taken through a vigorous training programme which focused on costing and pricing; record keeping; stock control; hygiene and licensing, as well as ways that shebeeners can honour their responsibility towards the communities within which they operate, for example, abiding by the Liquor Act stipulations not to sell alcohol to underage persons.
The course, which took place from 8 to 10 May, was followed up by a one-one-one after-training session with each participant to evaluate the effectiveness of the course and to review how the newly acquired skills were applied in practise.
Training facilitator and business personality, Loide Nakale noted during the certificate handing over ceremony that shebeen owners should act more socially responsible.
At the ceremony, NBL’s Manager: Corporate Affairs, Gideon Shilongo said he trusted that the shebeeners will use the skills to make their business more attractive to their customers. “As a company operating in the liquor industry, we have a responsibility to ensure that our partners and distributors trade within the laws of this country. Thus we must sensitise our clients to only sell alcoholic beverages to those above 18 years”.
While the initial training was confined to Windhoek, the programme will be rolled-out to other parts of the country, Shilongo assured the shebeeners.
Participating shebeeners are required to pay a minimal deposit fee to get entry into the course. This deposit serves as a penalty for people who fail to attend the course, as a chance goes to waste for someone else who could have attended, since limited spaces are available. The money is thus only a measure to oblige participants to honour their attendance, and participants receive a full refund upon completion of the course.

Back (from left): Emilie Ndanyenamo, Mrs Stephanus (on behalf of Jesaja Stephanus), Philipus Lumbu, Loide Nakale (Trainer), Alexander Kaiyala. Front: Keulu Ndjodhi, Stella Nakale (on behalf of Mwala Raimo), Tresia Nghiiyelekwa, Benny Samuel and Hitjevi Kangootui. Photo: Contributed