By Koviao Matuzee
During the 13th edition of the 2026 Mining Expo in Windhoek, the Rössing Foundation has called for stronger collaboration between the government, private sector, development partners and the community, saying sustainable development can only be achieved through partnerships that outlive individual projects and even the lifespan of mines.
The Foundation used the three-day event to showcase its work in education, skills development, innovation and community empowerment, while encouraging organizations to work together to create long-term social impact.
Under the theme “Partner with us to Build Something That Lasts,” the Foundation positioned itself as a bridge between organizations willing to invest in communities and the people who need those investments most.
Rössing Foundation chief executive officer, Chris Movirongo said the organization’s role goes beyond distributing resources, focusing instead on creating partnerships that address real challenges facing communities.
“We want to create stories and initiatives together that demonstrate how resources can be used to address community needs and create meaningful impact,” Movirongo said.
He also added that the foundation takes resources and support that are provided and uses them to try and solve some of the issues and problems faced by communities.
“Our role is to facilitate between those who want to give to communities and those communities that need support,” he added.
Throughout the expo, the foundations representatives engaged government officials, mining companies, educational institutions, development organizations and members of the public on the importance of collective action in tackling Namibia’s development challenges.
The Foundation also hosted a series of live podcast discussions exploring issues ranging from education and innovation to support for small-scale miners and community development, creating a platform for dialogue among industry leaders, policymakers and development practitioners.
One of the key messages delivered during the media engagement was that corporate social investment should move beyond once-off donations and instead focus on sustainable programs designed around the needs of communities.
Rössing Foundation board member and Rössing Uranium general manager for human capital, safety and sustainability Liezl Davies said the Foundation represents the long-term legacy the mining company hopes to leave behind. She also noted that while Rössing Uranium celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, the Foundation will mark five decades of service in two years’ time.
“As part of this celebration, we have invested in revitalizing and rebranding the Rössing Foundation because we are looking towards the next 50 years,” Davies said.
“While the mines’ resources are finite, the foundation is the legacy we want to leave behind. When the inevitable happens and the mine’s resources run out, the Foundation must continue making an impact in communities.”
Davies added that remaining relevant will require continuous renewal and stronger partnerships with government, contractors, suppliers, and other mining companies.
“We need to constantly refresh, align ourselves with the national agenda and community needs, and work together through partnerships.
We want to build partnerships and encourage mines, contractors and suppliers to work together to create a greater impact on our communities,” she said.
The foundation also took time during the expo to recognize the role played by the media in highlighting development initiatives across the country.
During a Media appreciation evening attended by journalists, Foundation representatives and stakeholders, Rössing Foundation Public Relations Executive Laina Hakweenda thanked media houses for helping amplify stories of education, community development and social impact.
“Over the years, media houses have helped drive important conversations around education, communities and development work across Namibia,” Hakweenda said.
“We simply wanted to pause and say thank you. The media has been an important partner in helping us share stories of impact, amplify community voices, and create awareness around the work being done to improve lives across the country,” she added.
Beyond showcasing its programs, the Foundation said the Mining Expo also created opportunities to strengthen existing relationships and establish new collaborations with government institutions, educational organizations, development agencies and the private sector.
