Ohorongo-Cheetah Cement merger approved with conditions

Allexer Namundjembo

Ohorongo Cement has said that it will not retrench employees following the approval of its merger with Schwenk Namibia’s Cheetah Cement, although some operational changes, including staff relocation, are expected.

Spokesperson of Ohorongo Cement, Tabby Moyo, said the conditions set by the minister of industries, mines and energy largely reflect proposals that were already made by the merging parties during their submissions to the Namibia Competition Commission (NaCC).

Speaking to the Windhoek Observer on Wednesday, Moyo said the merger will not result in job losses, but will lead to operational changes, including the relocation of some staff from Otjiwarongo to Otavi, where Ohorongo operates.

“There will be no job losses but obviously there will be a change of conditions for some staff as the merger will result in the need for staff to relocate from Otjiwarongo to Otavi,” Moyo said.

He added that employees who are not willing to relocate will have the option to enter into separation negotiations with Whale Rock Cement.

“Those not willing to do so will be free to enter into separation negotiations with Whale Rock,” he said.