The Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group has expressed its condemnation of travel bans imposed by the United Kingdom (UK); European Union (EU), and the United States (US) on southern African countries, including South Africa and Namibia among others, following the discovery in South Africa of a new coronavirus variant.
“It is utterly disrespectful, deceitful, and discriminatory of our intellectual capacity as well as undermining the skill and excellence of a world-class science community. Instead of being recognized and commended, South Africa (and its neighbours including Namibia), are punished for being transparent,“O & L Executive Chairman, Sven Thieme said.
Thieme said the decision will indefinitely result in the complete crippling of economies of the affected countries.
“We are talking about a combined population of more than 300 million (southern Africa) lives at stake and the rest of the world slams the door on us without any consultation despite all the commitments we have shown over time. This is criminal! And those countries responsible for this should be held liable for their action!” Thieme said.
“Can you imagine the repercussions of border closures and travel bans every time a new variant is identified/detected? We need to remain open and stay focused by trusting science and attaining the facts before we act impulsively.”
He urged the public to continue adhering to COVID-19 protocols and to get vaccinated against the virus.
“We are all in this pandemic together that requires us to support each other and not work or discriminate against each other. Right now, our best weapon of defense against this dreadful virus is to be fully vaccinated and follow the basic rules of wearing a mask; regularly washing and sanitizing hands; avoiding large gatherings and trusting the scientific approach. As a country, we owe it to ourselves, our children and the generations to come to stand together in solidarity (with Government and all other role-players) to fight this virus with all our might and power so that we rise from the ashes of COVID-19, stronger than ever before”, Thieme said.
The O&L Group is Namibia’s largest privately owned group of companies and owns Strand Hotel, Mokuti Lodge through its leisure business , Namib Daries , Namibia Breweries Limited, Pick n Pay, Hangana Seafood, Dimension Data, Broll Namibia and is a majority shareholder in Hartlief, among other investments.
