Niël Terblanché
Manica Group Namibia marked its centennial anniversary with a vibrant and energetic street carnival in Walvis Bay on Tuesday.
The company, founded in 1924, reached an extraordinary milestone this year, commemorating 100 years of logistics expertise in Namibia.
Ralph Ruiters, Managing Director of Manica Group Namibia, reflected on the company’s incredible journey.
“It’s not every day that a company turns 100 years old, but here we are,” he said, acknowledging the support of Manica’s customers and suppliers.
He also stressed the critical role Manica plays in Namibia’s economic growth.
“In the last two years, Walvis Bay has exploded with business activity. This is where Manica and local businesses must seize the opportunity to grow further,” Ruiters said.
Ruiters stated that Manica’s leadership is committed to seizing new opportunities in the evolving business landscape, ensuring the company remains a central figure in the industry for decades to come.
He added that with its history of resilience, innovation, and strategic growth, Manica Group Namibia stands as a testament to the vital role logistics plays in the advancement of the Namibian economy.
Manica Group’s long history began as Maertins & Woker in 1924, founded by Theodor Woker and Walter Maertens.
The firm’s early years were marked by challenges, particularly during the difficult period of World War II.
After the passing of his partner, Woker continued to steer the company through these turbulent times, becoming an essential part of Namibia’s trade landscape.
One of the key moments in the company’s history was its involvement in the copper export and coal import industries.
Over time, the company partnered with global shipping lines like Deutsche Ost Afrika Linien, which allowed Manica to expand its logistics and shipping capabilities.
The introduction of containerized shipping in the 1950s revolutionized the logistics industry globally, and Manica’s operations mirrored this transformation.
By 1995, the company evolved into the Manica Group Namibia, expanding its services into various logistics areas such as marine services and materials handling.
In 1998, Bidvest South Africa acquired Manica, solidifying the company’s position as a major logistics player in Namibia and beyond.
The centennial celebration was attended by senior leaders across various industries, including Erongo Regional Governor, Neville Andre and Walvis Bay Mayor Trevino Forbes, both of whom expressed admiration for the scale and creativity of the event.
Kristian Woker, the grandson of the company’s co-founder, gave a touching tribute to his grandfather’s resilience and vision, which allowed the company to grow into the logistics powerhouse it is today.
Woker recounted the early struggles of building a business in a challenging economic environment and how the company’s strategic partnerships helped shape the development of Walvis Bay into a key logistics hub for Namibia.
As Manica celebrates its century of operations, the company is poised to continue playing a pivotal role in Namibia’s economic growth.
The country’s logistics and shipping industries have grown significantly, with Walvis Bay serving as a key gateway for regional trade and export activities.
