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August 12, 2012Balance is beautiful
August 12, 2012Oranjemund is a small town in the far south-western corner of Namibia, situated – as the name implies – at the mouth of the Orange River, where it empties into the Atlantic Ocean.
It is an unusual town, because although it has a population of about 4 000 – a small to medium town by Namibian standards – it is ‘closed’ to the general public, is not part of the national local government system, and is run by the Namibian diamond-mining company, Namdeb, a subsidiary of De Beers.
You still need a reason and a permit to go there (there is a security-card-operated turnstile to leave the small airport!)
Alluvial diamond deposits
Formerly an almost uninhabited area, Oranjemund was founded in the 1930s to cater for the workers of the company exploiting the lower Orange River alluvial diamond deposits, which were discovered by the legendary geologist Hans Merensky, who also discovered the world’s richest platinum deposits in South Africa.
A one-horse town, run by Namdeb
Oranjemund has one school, one supermarket, one roundabout and one hospital, but at least six churches!
There is a library containing rather venerable books and a fascinating small museum. Nearly everything is owned and run by Namdeb, including the school, with undoubted advantages for the inhabitants.
For instance, until recently, water, electricity and local telephone calls were free.
Unlike in most of Namibia, there is plenty of water, because of the perennial Orange River close by, so there is an abundance of public gardens, lawns and huge shade trees. Do not expect to see any diamonds, however – the mining operations are situated well out of town, and surrounded by impenetrable security.
In a time capsule
Although there are a few modern structures, most of the buildings and houses date from the early founding days of the 1940s and 1950s, so that when in the town you experience a strong sense of being in a time capsule.
Similarly, when flying overhead and seeing the compactly laid-out little town surrounded by the boundless rolling sands, and ocean, you are reminded of science fiction classics like Solaris. The frequent, thick early-morning fogs add to the sense of other-worldliness.
Link to Alexander Bay
On the ground, in the sunshine, the scenery is spectacular, with the timeless landscape of the river threading though the Namib Desert and merging peacefully, almost imperceptibly, into the sea.
On the horizon you can see the other diamond mining settlement of Alexander Bay in South Africa, and the modern Oppenheimer Bridge linking the two towns. Until recently, the only road link to the town was via Alexander Bay, also a restricted area, which took care of unwanted visitors.
Road to Rosh Pinah
A new road leading to the other largely one-company town of Rosh Pinah has now been constructed.
Both the road and Oranjemund itself have just been proclaimed, which means that the town is now a real municipality.
It’s not freely accessible to the public quite yet though – Namdeb and the Ministry of Mines still have to make some security arrangements to ensure that visitors do not have the opportunity for unofficial diamond prospecting.
A trans-Namibian road race?
When Oranjemund is finally open, it would be fun if some entrepreneur could organise a trans-Namibian road race, say from Katima via the Caprivi and Kalahari Desert, through the streets of Windhoek, southwards through the Namib, and ending at the Oranjemund roundabout!
It would be a fitting rival to the Paris Dakar rally.
This article appeared in the Sept'11 edition of FLAMINGO Magazine.
Photos courtesy of media photos from http://www.namdeb.com/multi_photo_gallery.php?cId=11
67 Comments
mango groove came in 1990, at the independence celebrations and did a gig in the park behind the school, that was the only contact Oranjemund ever made with the outside world.. Oranjemunders are so deprived of urban conveniences they will pack an entire family into a car, and drive 12 hours to go shopping in cape town, spend a night in a b&b, and drive home the next day…
its great to have the desert on your doorstep tho, i miss it 😉
Thank you for sharing these memories. Fascinating!
Hello I’m Colin Richardson I lived there in 1973 with my parents Alan, Jean and my 2 brothers Lee & Russell, I was around 12years of age I’m looking for anyone named Veronica of a similar age
I had the privilege of growing up in Oranjemund!! Oh such happy memories!
I was born in Oranjemund. It was a wonderful town to grow up in. Would love to go back sometime soon.
I also grew up in Oranjemund, having come from England in 1952 until I left for Joburg in 1970. It was a lovely place to grow up in – many fond memories. And today the ex Oranjemunders keep in touch via special website!
Hi Cathy,
Wonder whether you remember Jimmy and myself ? Used to live in 21/11th
Hi Catherine,I also remember the good times we had back then,you must remember Paul Selby Peter Henshall-Howard the Creedy boys and your mate Hillary Watson.
I also grew up in Oranjamund. I have the fondest memories of the town and friends.
I spent many happy years there in the early 60 s
Good to see the Oranjemund town. It so unique. I hope to come see it physical.
Im planning to go there soon, I’m a south african , who is now decided in rosh pinah.
Hey im maybe moving there in a few months whats it like there i live in s.a middelburg
I lived in Oranjemund in 1956. My uncle Harry Maughan worked for the Diamond Mine. My mother and I stayed with my uncle Harry and aunt Peggy, who had had their first child Stuart Maughan, whilst we were there. I attended the school for approx. 1 year. I remember a girl who I went to school with and her name was Ray Lazereth, they had a dry cleaning business. I remember the Club we visited on Sunday mornings and swimming in the swimming pool and having miniature bottles of Pepsi. Paul and Alaister were also school friends, can’t remember their surnames. Happy days.
Could have been PAUL Rapley.
Hi Dawn
This is 5 years after your comment. Small world. If the surname is Lazarus that you are talking about, i think it was my grandmother’s business back then. Her daughter was ray lazarus my aunt, now living in cape town.
Are you related to Adena? I live in Oranjemund from 1954 till Nov 1962. My maiden is Roodselaar.
Hello Marie Anna, it’s Tony Hirdes Stratford Ontario Canada. Delighted to see your post. Fond memories of Culver City remains with me. And of course my time in Oranjemund till 1965. Trying to feel how to eventually get permission to visit Oranjemund as have the right connection to do so and permit I expect is essential. Feel free to write or call anytime.
Regards Tony.
I was born in Oranjemund and lived there until we moved in 1996 to the USA. Does anyone know my family- my parents are David and Ruth Wylie? Also, I would love to reconnect with my childhood friend Simone Marais.
I was born in Oranjemund 1993.
Raised and father still lives here, Oranjemund has and always will be my home.
Hi there.I grew up in Oranjemund and was there until 1977.My parents were Pine and Loretta Laubscher.Would like to come in contact with all 1976 standard 5’s.
I have a feeling I knew your family and I have aspirations to visit Oranjemund as I lived there till I was 11y.o. Our family left in 1965 for Holland and then Canada. I’m now 66years old. I would love to connect with you…and if you can assist me in what I need to do to visit Oranjemund again that would be greatly appreciated. My email is gemsbok54@gmail.com
Regards, Tony Hirdes
PS look forward to hearing from you.
P.S….Forgot to ask if your parents were from Austria. If so…One of their sons had asthma.???
Tony
I was born in Oranjemund in 1954 and left in 1989.
I went back in 2012, and must say that a lot have changed since I left.
What are still there are the Gemsbok that are walking around town
Tony Hirdes says:
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
April 19, 2021 at 6:54 am
I have aspirations to visit Oranjemund as I lived there till I was 11y.o. Our family left in 1965 for Holland and then Canada. I’m now 66years old. I would love to connect with you…and if you can assist me in what I need to do to visit Oranjemund again that would be greatly appreciated.
I was born in Vaderbijlpark in 1954 and soon my parents moved to work for CDM in Oranjemund till 1965.
My email is …if you can assist. gemsbok54@gmail.com
Regards, Tony Hirdes
PS look forward to hearing from you.
I lived in Oranjeund during the 60’s….it was a dream come true to go back about 5 year ago very kindly organized by some of the residents there now….we organized a school reunion and had a brilliant time…..i loooove this place….things had changed in the 40 odd years since i had left …Oranjemund online run by mike made it all possible
I have aspirations to visit Oranjemund as I lived there till I was 11y.o. Our family left in 1965 for Holland and then Canada. I’m now 66years old. I would love to connect with you…and if you can assist me in what I need to do to visit Oranjemund again that would be greatly appreciated.
I was born in Vederbijlpark in 1954 and soon my parents moved to work for CDM in Oranjemund till 1965.
My email is …if you can assist. gemsbok54@gmail.com
Regards, Tony Hirdes
PS look forward to hearing from you.
Well to add to the good feeling about the place! What a great town. Lived there from 1979 to 1981. Jennifer and I had the twins there in 1980, then due to the cool weather, which was not good for the prem twins, we left for Pretoria.
We enjoyed the town and the feeling of safety and help from your neighbour. Ran the Pink Pan Race, and had many evening at Casey’s Bar. Also went fishing at Dougalls Bay. Still keep in touch with Tony Simnett and Alan Watson, and was shocked to hear what happened to Gudrun Corvenus. Happy Oranjemund – with the sand, sea and millions of cormorants. (Tried to count them once.Silly idea!!) Regards.
I was born in Oranjemund in 1966 and left in 1968. I can remember Mum pulling my pram backwards because of dust on a high up track bordered by some “tall trees”. We’d just visited my friend Maurice. I can also remember sun on the water – the Pink Pan ? – whilst sitting in a swing and being worried about the “red balls” out on the water. Mum – Rhona, Dad – Ian. We had a boxer dog called Lassie.
I have great memories of staying with my sister Rhona and her husband Ian Pearson for about six months and went to the school while I was there Mrs Smith was our teacher. Made some good friends.
Happy Days Deb
My husband (“Mo”), our little daughter then and I moved to Oranjemund in 1986. I had three more children there and life was really good. We stayed until 2000. My kids still miss the place very much. Fond memories of places, events and friends.
Arrived in December 1993 with my parents, met my husband here, Jakes Snyman, our daughter was born here in 2003 and after 22 years still living here, I am still in love with this little gem in the desert…. the drive to Cape Town to shop is not as bad as earlier described and we have a variety of shops, you make the most of what you have….life is still good in Oranjemund.
Born in oranjemund 1960.went to school.left with my parents valerie and faas jacobs in 1973.awsome town to have lived in.hazel jacobs
Worker in O.mund from 1962 Tll 1975. Best years of my life.Starter as electrician left as Elect.Foreman No.4.Plant.Founder of Claypidgeon Club.Hope it still exists.
Went to Centaurus high in Windhoek left oranjemund in1973 with PeterWatson and Paul goubert to Cape Town then left in 74 to the uk .anybody know what happened to the watsons Bernadette , Shirley ? David brownless
Ich habe von 1972 bis Ende 1975 in der Town-Garage in Oranjemund als Kfz.-Mechaniker gearbeitet. Es war eine wundervolle Zeit, an der ich mich gerne zurück erinnere. 1994 habe ich meinen Sohn sein Geburtsland gezeigt, wobei auch ein Besuch in Oranjemund mit der Familie Siebers anstand. Es war einfach Traumhaft!!!
I love oranjemund it is such a beautiful place strange is never the term to use on my town, my birth place
I spent 2 and a bit years in Oranjemund with my wife Sally and 2 children. Sally was library assistant and our 2 children, Ian and Deborah, attended the primary school. I was seconded to Oranjemund by Anglo American as CDM’s company pilot. We loved our time there before moving to Australia.
I worked in Oranjemund for three months as a contractor in 1977,I was a pump fitter and just over from England and in my early twenties.I was based at some remote hostel.The food was good but the work was backbreaking and could be dangerous.
The foreman was called Ronnie Jew ( this may have been a nick name ) he wore a white shirt and bowtie.
We went into town on a Friday,to a pub called the Sportsman,I only remember this as my local in England was called the same.
I left after my three months,it was an experience but it was one I did not want to repeat !
Hey my name is Nabila Williams I’m from cape town still deciding to live in oranjemund namibia I need to know how far is the primary school for my little one and if there is any work opportunities for me as women my husband has already work there
Dear Nabila,
The schools in Oranjemund are all within walking distance. For work opportunities, we would recommend looking around once you have arrived in the town. It would also, of course, depend on your industry and qualifications. All the best with your job search and move.
Regards, the TNN Team.
Hi TNN. My wife and I are planning an “unplanned/sudden” trip over this coming w.end to “that part of the world”. Oranjwmund/AlexBay/Port N…. Any “must sees/visits” in that area ? Our plan is to drive/eat/(drink…Coke)take in the coast & its people/sleep… 2 nights,3days & then back to the bushveld. Bertus
Hi Bertus,
Thanks for your message. As you know, Oranjemund is open to the public and one doesn’t need a permit to enter anymore. However, the town is slowly but surely adapting to tourism and offerings may still be a bit slim for a while. We recommend coffee at the Spar Supermarket (the best in town, even though you will, unfortunately, have no view) and dinner at Op My Stoep (Owner Fanie has a reputation for the best steaks in town – remember to book a table). You can also sleep at Op My Stoep, which has self-catering units (with braai!) and rooms.
Enjoy your trip and let us know of any new finds!
TNN Team
Hello, I would love to visit my lovely Town Oranjemund. I left there in 1965 and now live in Canada. My father worked for CDM at the power station which I understand no longer serves the area since 1989?? I went to OPS till standard 3 in the Blue team?… If you could tell me what forms or letters of request to send for a visit to Oranjemund…it would be very helpful to get that in order once Covid-19 is not an issue to travel and all have received the vaccine.
I learned how to swim there as has many others. The person that looked after the pool in 1960 was Siska Lindhout who had 3daughter. Cora who managed a Resteraunt there when he parents retired to Capetown. Tinneke moved to Holland and it is Francis that also moved to Capetown and became a teacher. Her sister Tinneke passed away along with her parents. If there is an address ,phone # or email for Francis …I would love to get in touch with her or if you can forward my info, it would be greatly appreciated.
Look forward to hearing from you and if there is more information needed for a future visit, I would be very happy to get all those things in order. Again many thanks for what help you can offer.
Regards,
Tony Hirdes.
Hi, my parents Vin and Peggy Kilbride emigrated from the UK to Oranjemund in 1956 and we stayed 12 years. I’m John Kilbride and have three brothers Mike, Mark and Scott. We had a great childhood and teenage years in Oranjemund, so many great memories. We were close friends with the Hockneys, Bailey’s, Creedy’s,Vintners, Bakers, Griggs. Nice to read that the gemsbok are still roaming around the town.
Hi John we were at school together ,oranjemund and Wellington now live in the UK. Regards Paul hill.
Hello, I would love to visit Oranjemund. I left there in 1965 and now live in Canada. My father worked for CDM at the power station which I understand no longer serves the area since 1989?? I went to OPS till standard 3 in the Blue team?…
We left in 1965 and my parents left my dog “Zeefie” with friends my parents knew who were from the UK. After we left by ship from Capetown we stayed with a family member(brother) in Southampton. Don’t know if you are that connection to my past.
I learned how to swim there as has many others. The person that looked after the pool in 1960 was Siska Lindhout who had 3daughter. Cora who managed a Resteraunt there when he parents retired to Kaapstad. If there is an address ,phone # or email for Francis Lindhout who worked as a teacher in Kaapstad… I would love to get in touch with her or if you can forward my info, it would be greatly appreciated. I hope my story strikes a cord for us to keep in touch.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
Tony Hirdes.
Tony Hirdes says:
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
April 19, 2021 at 7:48 am
Dear John Kilbride,
Hello, I would love to visit Oranjemund. I left there in 1965 and now live in Canada. My father worked for CDM at the power station which I understand no longer serves the area since 1989?? I went to OPS till standard 3 in the Blue team?…
We left in 1965 and my parents left my dog “Zeefie” with friends my parents knew who were from the UK. After we left by ship from Capetown we stayed with a family member(brother) in Southampton. Don’t know if you are that connection to my past.
I learned how to swim there as has many others. The person that looked after the pool in 1960 was Siska Lindhout who had 3daughter. Cora who managed a Resteraunt there when he parents retired to Kaapstad. If there is an address ,phone # or email for Francis Lindhout who worked as a teacher in Kaapstad… I would love to get in touch with her or if you can forward my info, it would be greatly appreciated. I hope my story strikes a cord for us to keep in touch.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
Tony Hirdes
Tony Hirdes says:
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
April 19, 2021 at 7:48 am
Hello, I would love to visit Oranjemund. I left there in 1965 and now live in Canada. My father worked for CDM at the power station which I understand no longer serves the area since 1989?? I went to OPS till standard 3 in the Blue team?…
We left in 1965 and my parents left my dog “Zeefie” with friends my parents knew who were from the UK. After we left by ship from Capetown we stayed with a family member(brother) in Southampton. Don’t know if you are that connection to my past.
I learned how to swim there as has many others. The person that looked after the pool in 1960 was Siska Lindhout who had 3daughter. Cora who managed a Resteraunt there when he parents retired to Kaapstad. If there is an address ,phone # or email for Francis Lindhout who worked as a teacher in Kaapstad… I would love to get in touch with her or if you can forward my info, it would be greatly appreciated. I hope my story strikes a cord for us to keep in touch.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
Tony Hirdes
Hi, John. I am un able to attach my note to you as it landed posted bellow Paul Hill. I can’t correct this issue, but like to get in touch with you regarding my time in Oranjemund.
My email is gemsbok54@gmail.com
Regards, Tony Hirdes
April 19, 2021 at 7:48 am
Hello, I would love to visit Oranjemund. I left there in 1965 and now live in Canada. My father worked for CDM at the power station which I understand no longer serves the area since 1989?? I went to OPS till standard 3 in the Blue team?…
We left in 1965 and my parents left my dog “Zeefie” with friends my parents knew who were from the UK. After we left by ship from Capetown we stayed with a family member(brother) in Southampton. Don’t know if you are that connection to my past.
I learned how to swim there as has many others. The person that looked after the pool in 1960 was Siska Lindhout who had 3daughter. Cora who managed a Resteraunt there when he parents retired to Kaapstad. If there is an address ,phone # or email for Francis Lindhout who worked as a teacher in Kaapstad… I would love to get in touch with her or if you can forward my info, it would be greatly appreciated. I hope my story strikes a cord for us to keep in touch.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
Tony Hirdes
Hi John Kilbride, my note to you landed up below Paul Hill’s
somehow….and I am not able to correct the problem or send you a copy. So maybe if you directly email me we can fill in the spaces of our times in Oranjemund. I would very much like to chat with you. My email is gemsbok54@gmail.com
If you see the note under other from postings on Oranjemund online https://www.travelnewsnamibia.com/news/stories/destinations/facts-on-the-strange-town-of-oranjemund/#comment-213437
Regards, Tony Hirdes
Hi i grew up i oranjemund went to boarding school in std 6. Wonder if there are any friends out there. My best friend was linda bazeley her dad was the doctor. My dad was les head worked at the power station mum worked in the butchery. I married tim jorden in 1969 and we left in 72 tricia jorden nee head. Any body out there. I live in new zealand now. Tim died 12 years ago
Hello Patricia… I believe my dad Cornelis Hirdes worked under your dad installing Mirlees diesel engines at the power station till 1965. If I have this right your dad drove a green Austin mini minor. Both my parents have passed and I now live in Canada and retired at 66y.o. It was my dad’s dream to move to New Zealand or Australia who were looking to install a new power station. That has not happened but I watch many programs covering New Zealand and would put it on my bucket list aswell as seeing Oranjemund one more time.I was in standard 3 (Blue team) when we left. I would love to keep in contact or even Skype. My email is gemsbok54@gmail.com
Regards, Tony Hirdes
I remember the Hockneys and the Creedys.
Is there anyone out there that knew tim and i, gil, thys, karen china. Would love to hear from you. Tricia jorden nee head
Is there anyone out there that knew tim and i, gil, thys, karen china. Would love to hear from you. Tricia jorden
Hi John i remember your name married tim jorden we left in 72 would like to hear from any one who remebers us tricia jorden nee head
Have left my e-mail address and was successful, but notification hadn’t appeared in my mail-box??
I am Ferdie Viljoen and was born in Oranjemund in 1965.Went to school until sub-b and moved to Tvl in 1972 with parents. My mother was a teacher at the school-Sarie Viljoen and my dad Piet Viljoen worked for CDM at that time. It was a magical time in my forming years to grow up there enjoying sheer freedom and safety as a young boy.i remember Stephen Quirk, Annemarie Stander, Milka van Heerden and many more friends who grew up with me.
I was born in Oranjemund in 1960.
My Father worked many years for De Beers. I was the first born, Dad told me my Mom insisted on a fancy baby pram, but had to ‘trade’ it for a pram “meeting the mining company’s standard’! According my Dad the beautiful pram was a security risk for diamond smuggling. I have a few black and white photos he had taken himself. I am turning 60 this year. Both my parents died at a fairly young age. Its my sincere hope to visit my birthplace before I die – Dad told me that he had the fondest memories, loved the desert…
Good Day To all
I whas not born in Oranjemund but moved from South-Afrika in 1973 to Oranjemund.It whas the best place ever for a child to grow up.We had freedom.I wish i can visit Oranjemund again.Best school also.My name is Dorothea Steenkamp and wish i can meet my old friends again.
I have aspirations to visit Oranjemund as I lived there till I was 11y.o. Our family left in 1965 for Holland and then Canada. I’m now 66years old. I would love to connect with you…and if you can assist me in what I need to do to visit Oranjemund again that would be greatly appreciated.
I was born in Vaderbijlpark in 1954 and soon my parents moved to work for CDM in Oranjemund till 1965.
My email is …if you can assist. gemsbok54@gmail.com
Regards, Tony Hirdes
PS look forward to hearing from you.
Hi I am William Muir stayed in Oranjemund from1965 till 1980. Went to school in centaurus in windhoek till 1979 then went to army in walvisbay. My mom (Minnie) past away in oranjemund in 1978. My dad (Dave/ Bones/) remarried to Marie in 1979. Looking for lost friends Maree (bokkie) Smit and her great parents, the Jacobs family (Fanie) or anybody that remembers me. Oranjemund was a great place to stay we were spoilt as children, every year a big christmas party and de beers gave each child a present according to age.
Looking for Frank Quirk. His daughter was born in oranjemund
We would like to drive from Ais Ais to Oranjamund for a visit, what do we need to do, so we can visit this area.
Still living here since 1972, a lot has changed, but the pace of life is slow and safe and the people all get on well with each other! Still got boks roaming the street but the Salt Pan has dried up since we started paying for water. People are now house owners here…..
Anyone remember Ian and Martha Nienaber. ? My dad’s name was Edgar (Eddie) and my mum was Beryl. Spent an amazing childhood in Oranjemund. My dad was in Security and Medical at the mines.