Welwitschia Services Group and B2Gold Namibia open modern new dining facility to boost mine worker wellbeing
New purpose-built facility at the Otjikoto mine strengthens employee wellbeing with modern dining, nutritious meals and enhanced on-site hospitality
Welwitschia Services Group, a leading Namibian hospitality services provider, and the mining giant B2Gold, have officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art dining hall at the B2Gold Otjikoto mine site. The new facility is a major step forward in enhancing the daily on-site experience and overall well-being of the workforce.
The dining hall was officially opened by Eric Barnard, General Manager of B2Gold, alongside Dirk van Schalkwyk, Managing Director of Welwitschia Services Group.
The purpose-built restaurant was built to meet the growing needs of the mine camp. The modern facility provides a relaxed, comfortable environment where workers can share and enjoy nutritious meals together. With a seating capacity of 90 people at any given time, the hall serves a total camp population of approximately 130 personnel. This includes workforce segments from key site contractors: roughly 80% from Byrnecut, and the remaining 20% from Bamboo Drilling and Westair Aviation.
To seamlessly match the mine’s rigorous operational schedules, the facility serves three meals daily. On-site staff can enjoy sit-down breakfast and dinners. The lunches are prepared on a takeaway basis to ensure shifts run smoothly without disruption.
Speaking at the launch, Eric Barnard, General Manager of B2Gold, emphasized that the facility reflects the company’s deep commitment to its workforce. “Our employees are our greatest asset. This dining hall provides our workforce with a dignified, comfortable space to enjoy their meals and connect with colleagues. People need to be able to switch off from their daily work activities. This new restaurant provides the right setting to do so. We highly value Welwitschia Services Group’s expertise in delivering high-quality catering services that directly contribute to our team’s daily wellbeing and nutritional needs.”
Dirk van Schalkwyk, Managing Director of Welwitschia Services Group, shared these sentiments, noting the pride his company takes in fueling the miners that operate Namibia’s mining sector. “We are incredibly proud to support B2Gold by putting employee comfort and health at the center of our operations. This facility represents our ongoing commitment to creating an excellent dining experience for the hardworking teams who drive this mine forward.”
The launch of the new dining hall underscores Welwitschia Services Group’s position as a reliable corporate catering partner, dedicated to elevating industrial hospitality standards across Namibia.
