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The minister of fisheries and marine resources Derek Klazen with Dr Angel Tordesillas, chairperson of the Luderitz Waterfront Company and the book's author.  Photo Otis Daniels
The minister of fisheries and marine resources Derek Klazen with Dr Angel Tordesillas, chairperson of the Luderitz Waterfront Company and the book's author. Photo Otis Daniels

Limited and revised edition of 'Lüderitz: A Journey Through Time' launched

Otis Daniels
A limited revised edition of the book 'Lüderitz: A Journey Through Time', published by NovaNam, celebrates the town's heritage and captures it's transformation over the years.

The revised edition of the book was launched on Wednesday, 11 September.

The book vividly portrays Lüderitz’s evolution from a once-prosperous southern Namibian fishing town, famous for its rock lobster and diamonds, to a period of economic decline and its revival after independence. With encouragement from former president Sam Nujoma, fishing companies established operations to restore the industrious spirit of the harbour town and its people.

The expanded second edition will incorporate the ever-increasing developments taking place in the harbour town and will be published in time for the 35th anniversary of Namibia’s Independence celebrations in March 2025.

Edwin Kamototo, Novanam group managing director, said NovaNam’s commitment to preserving Lüderitz’s heritage is at the heart of this project.

"As a key employer and critical economic player in the town, NovaNam views this endeavour as more than just a sponsorship. It is an investment in safeguarding the cultural fabric of Lüderitz for future generations."

Kamototo added: “Whereas the first edition captured the Lüderitz of yesteryears and it’s not so distant past, the revised limited edition provides an update on certain key facets of our town and country alike, whilst the expanded second edition to be launched next year will encapsulate the current realities, the ever-changing business environment, and including the increasing developments shaping the future trajectory of our beautiful and picturesque town of Lüderitz."

Past, present and future

Fisheries and marine resources minister Derek Klazen, who launched the latest edition, which was first published in September 2017.

“By sponsoring this well-illustrated publication, NovaNam helps readers, present and future, to understand Lüderitz from its humble beginnings, throughout its – at times – disturbing history, its present realities, and the wonderful opportunities this remarkable town has offered and continues to offer,” Klazen said.

He added that NovaNam will remain an intrinsic part of the town.

“The company set up the first vertically integrated fishing business investment in Luderitz, right at the time of Namibia’s independence in 1990, when the town was the only seaport in Namibia because Walvis Bay remained under colonial rule until 1994. NovaNam has long been a cornerstone of the Lüderitz community, providing jobs, supporting local initiatives, and fostering a sense of pride in the town’s development. This partnership to relaunch 'Lüderitz: A Journey Through Time' extends that community spirit.”

Historic overview

The book covers various topics, including the harbour town's environment and its people.

Its release coincided with the opening of the Namibia Maritime Museum earlier this month."

The book appeals to a broad audience, both locally and internationally, but will particularly resonate with historians, educators and younger people whose mission is to preserve and share these memories for current and future generations.

The book presents a chronology of Lüdertiz over time, its heritage and architecture, its fortunes and misfortunes, its prospects, and all that it offers to locals, nationals and visitors alike.

It also takes a look at the Lüderitz of tomorrow and the determination of its people to situate the town as a must-visit destination – a place to live, study and do business – or simply to visit and experience its kaleidoscope of sites, hues, textures and sounds of the scenery, the desert, the ocean, the languages spoken and the dreams of its citizens.

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-08

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