By Gerson M David

Ohlthaver & List Group, earned prestigious awards at the Namibia Standard Institute’s (NSI) award ceremony held on the 15th October 2025, in Windhoek. Three companies operated under O & L, demonstrated excellence across product manufacturing and service delivery sector.

Hartlief walked away with two accolades as they were recognised with the Recognition Product Award and Large Enterprise Exporter of the Year Award whereas, Namibia Dearies was honoured with the Recognition Product Award while O& L Leisure took home both the Recognition Company Award and Service of the Year Award, which is demonstrating a significant achievement for the Group’s hospitality division.

Meanwhile, deputy minister of industries, mines and energy, Gaudentia Kröhn, when speaking at the event, she highlighted the critical role of quality standard in advancing Namibia’s economic development.  She said, “Standards are the language of collaboration, the foundation of trust and the bridge between ambition and achievement. 

Therefore, on our journey towards the realisation of our national goals as outlined in the Sixth National Development Plan, greater emphasis should be on better regulation, market operation and trade standards that enhance Namibian competitiveness in both the regional and global market. We ought to set quality standard for the water we drink to the technologies we rely on, in order to guarantee safety and sustainability, as well as empower industries to innovate responsibly and enable governments to regulate effectively.”

Chief experience officer of O&L, Franziska Rueeck, said: “These awards reflect why O&L believes that quality is the crux of all we do, be it product and services at Hartlief and Namibia Dairies, Exceptional experience at O&L Leisure or our commitment to owning the whole in all we do at all 14 OpCo’s in the Group. 

Our O&L persona, guides us and by being Authentic, caring and passionate in every interaction, we ensure that quality, excellence and world-class standard define the O&L experience across all our industries.” Speaking at the awards ceremony, NSI chief executive officer Dr. Eino Mvula said the main goal of the awards is to acknowledge organizations that focus on customer satisfaction, environmental sustainability, and compliance with regulations. 

“This initiative also promotes the use of local products and services to enhance exports. There are five award categories available for both small and large enterprises, including individual quality and product service awards, along with an exporter of the year award,” said Mvula.