Manica’s growth mirrors Walvis Bay prosperity

Fishing industry the only concern ED RICHARDSON THE INCREASE in traffic through Walvis Bay and the changing nature of the cargo are reflected in the growth of Manica’s own operations, says Hans-Werner Timke, managing director of the Manica Group Namibia. “We are definitely benefiting from all the activity in Walvis,” he says. And he is confident about the future: Growth in container traffic, the Trans-Kalahari and Caprivi Highways, Kudu Gas, the opening of the Langer Heinrich uranium mine, a Namzinc zinc refiner, as well as expansion possibilities in Luderitz all offer growth potential, he says. The Namibian operation has matured into offering a full freight logistical service throughout Namibia and into the neighbouring countries. Being part of Bidvest has helped open doors due to the resources available to the group, he added. Highlights over the past year include handling imports of bulk wheat for Zambia, winning the tender to provide logistical services for the Kudu gas fields, acting as agent for the giant Antonov V-225 which delivered three 37-ton cables, and the formation of a black economically empowered (BEE) stevedoring company in Lüderitz Bay. Namibian private equity company Stimulus bought 45% of Quayside Investments with Manica Group Namibia holding the balance. Quayside’s roots in the Walvis Bay stevedoring industry go back to 1948. It operates through wholly-owned subsidiary Walvis Bay Stevedoring Company (WBS). Manica also provides clearing and forwarding, warehousing and ship’s agency services in both Luderitz and Walvis Bay. There are plans to develop a stevedoring service in Walvis Bay as well, says Timke. Another priority is the Zambian market. “We hope to get more business on the Zambian route thanks to the increasing use of the Caprivi Corridor.” The only dark spot in an otherwise bright future is the uncertainty surrounding the fishing industry. Manica has interests in fishing through Namsov, which like other fishing companies has been hit by a moratorium on hake fishing in order to allow the stock to recover. Horse mackerel has not been as badly affected, however. There have been wider repercussions, with trucking companies and freight forwarders also affected by the drop in fish volumes being processed and handled. Timke says consolidation within the industry is inevitable if there is to be further investment in the fleet and upgrading of facilities to make optimum use of the stock that is available.