From 1905 the town of Tsumeb was closely linked to the mining industry, but mining operations have since been scaled
down considerably. Opened recently between Tsumeb and Grootfontein is the Khusib Springs Mine, which produces approximately 3 000 tons of copper per month with its personnel corps of
22 miners.
The colourful jacarandas, flamboyant trees and bougainvillaea that line Tsumeb's streets have earned it the name of Namibia's garden town. The history of Tsumeb is
depicted in the Tsumeb Museum, where a comprehensive collection of rare minerals can be viewed. An interesting facet of the Tsumeb Museum, which is privately owned and managed under
the auspices of the Namibian Scientific Society, is the Khorab Room. This section displays a collection of restored cannons and other armaments dumped into Lake Otjikoto by retreating
German forces shortly before the signing of the Khorab Peace Treaty. It is estimated that at least 30 cannons and 4 500 boxes of ammunition were plunged into the lake.
The Tsumeb
Arts and Crafts Centre, situated in the main street, is an educational trust promoting traditional arts and crafts. The Centre gives visitors the opportunity to see how these items
are made. The crafts, which are for sale, are presented as a permanent exhibition. An African style, open-air market on the outskirts of Tsumeb gives small traders the opportunity to
sell their wares. |
