Main centre and focal point of the scenic and historic attractions in the south is Keetmanshoop. Founded in 1860 by
the Rhenish Mission Society, the town still retains vestiges of its original German buildings, as well as a number dating back to the arrival of the first Europeans, who trekked
across the Orange River to trade, hunt and explore the land. The first of these expeditions was in 1791. It was led by Hendrik Hop, who trekked as far as Hainabis on the Lowen River,
about 12 km from the Keetmanshoop of today.
In 1866 preacher John Schröder of the German Missionary Society built a canvas shelter at Keetmanshoop from which to operate. It is
said that the two acacias he used to support the shelter are still alive and well. Schröder approached the rich industrialist, Johan Keetman, chairman of the society, for funds to
build a church and dwelling for himself and his family. Keetman donated 2 000 German Marks for the church, and was rewarded for his generosity by having the settlement named after
him, although he never saw the town himself. The first version of the Rhenish Mission Church built by Johan Schröder was swept away in 1890 by floodwaters of the Swartmodder River. It
was then rebuilt on higher ground, completed in 1895, and used until 1930. It is now a museum with displays depicting the region's colourful past.
Ostrich farming has taken off in
a big way in the south, an environment that is eco- logically and climatically particularly well suited for farming with these birds. Ostrich Production Namibia (Pty) Ltd has its
headquarters in Keetmanshoop. Ostrich eggs are sorted and hatched in the hatchery, a state-of-the-art abattoir processes about 400 birds per day or 96 000 birds in a 48-week year, and
in a tannery as many as 400 skins are processed every 24 hours. The company currently exports about 300 tons of ostrich meat per year to Europe, the Far East and the Pacific Rim
countries. About 90% of this meat is fresh, making the company the largest exporter of fresh ostrich meat in Africa. In compliance with European Union laws, visitors are not allowed
at the abattoir. |
