Latest News from NAPHA
- Front Office
- Dec 6
- 8 min read
Issue 10/2025 06 December 2025
Safari Greetings
After a full week of AGM events, we are pleased to present the NAPHA Executive Committee. This year’s gathering would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors, whose contributions ensured that every part of the programme ran efficiently. The AGM was successful, and we sincerely thank all members and suppliers who attended and helped create a constructive and positive atmosphere. Your participation and continued commitment strengthen our community and guide our efforts for the year ahead.
We are also pleased to share two important developments. The new NAPHA website is now live, offering a clearer and more accessible platform for members, with improved navigation, updated information, and a fresh Medal section that reflects our work with the ART System. Alongside this, the new Medal Sales Incentive is now running, and we encourage members to participate. Medal purchases directly support our work, and this incentive is our way of recognising your contribution to the future of conservation hunting in Namibia.
As we conclude this busy period, we wish you a great weekend and, hopefully, plenty of rain across the country. Please stay safe as we approach the festive season, whether travelling, hosting clients, or spending time with family.
We wish you a productive week ahead and a safe and enjoyable start to the holiday period.
NAPHA ExCo and Office
NAPHA AGM 2025
The 51st Annual General Meeting of the Namibia Professional Hunting Association took place on 02 December 2025 at NG Kerk Suiderhof in Windhoek. From the early standing breakfast there was a warm sense of unity as members, dignitaries and international guests gathered to reflect on the past year and continue building on Namibia’s conservation legacy.
The Open Session began with welcoming words, the Namibian and African Union Anthems, and a scripture reading and prayer by Ds. Dubois du Toit.
NAPHA President Axel Cramer then addressed the community for the final time in his role, welcoming representatives from Government, conservation organisations, professional hunting bodies and international partners. He reflected on Namibia’s peace and stability as both a blessing and a responsibility, paid tribute to the late Founding President H.E. Dr. Sam Nujoma, and acknowledged the leadership of H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Mr. Cramer thanked members for their trust over his ten years of service and closed with a hunter’s prayer that resonated deeply with the audience.
The keynote statement by Ambassador Neville Melvin Gertze, delivered on behalf of Her Excellency, emphasised the strength of Namibia’s conservation model and the vital role that ethical, well-regulated hunting plays in supporting wildlife management and rural livelihoods. He noted the importance of unity within the sector, accountability in practice and the continued use of science to guide decisions, especially as international scrutiny increases.
The AGM was officially opened by Mr. Timoteus Mufeti Environmental Commissioner of the Ministry of Environment Forestry and Tourism, who reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strong partnerships and responsible resource management. He highlighted that Namibia’s conservation achievements depend on cooperation, compliance with legislation and a shared commitment to protecting the country’s natural heritage.
The awards ceremony recognised the following achievements:
Young Hunters Committee – Most Active Committee, acknowledged for organising workshops, hosting a successful Young Hunters open day and proudly representing Namibia abroad. Their dedication is strengthening the next generation of ethical hunters.
Mrs. Ansie Strauss – Most Approachable Member, for their steady support to the NAPHA office, her reliability, her willingness to assist and her consistently positive engagement.
Mount Etjo Team – Conservationist of the Year, for their extensive work in rhino conservation, elephant management and community upliftment within the Okonjati Game Reserve. Their long-term commitment has had a national impact.
Mr. Moses Swartbooi – Hunting Assistant of the Year, for his more than thirty years of dedicated service to Omujeve Hunting Safaris and his exceptional skills as a tracker and elephant hunter. He is widely respected for his ability to judge trophy animals, his reliability in the field and his willingness to assist wherever needed. His loyalty, professionalism and deep love for nature make him an outstanding representative of our hunting community.
Mr. Kleovas “Digo” Shiveni – Camp Attendant of the Year, for his exceptional dedication over twenty-five years, during which he became a key pillar of the Otjiruze Safaris team. His professionalism, extensive knowledge, multilingual guiding skills and consistently positive attitude have made him highly valued by both clients and colleagues. Digo’s reliability, leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence set him apart as an outstanding representative of our community.
Ms. Heidi Shefeni - Chef of the Year, as selected by acclaimed chef Gabriel Arendt, who facilitated the NAPHA advanced cooking course. Throughout the programme she demonstrated exceptional diligence, creativity and a refined understanding of fine cuisine. Her skill, consistency and professionalism set her apart as a deserving recipient of this year’s award. She will take this new knowledge back to Bergzicht Game Lodge where guests can enjoy her food.
Tourismus Namibia – Media House of the Year, for their continued collaboration with NAPHA, including publishing a hunting edition two years in a row that have given the association a strong national platform for accurate conservation messaging.
Jagdzeit International – Global Promotion Award, for strong international visibility of Namibia’s conservation model and their impactful storytelling and international reach.
(Mr. Ralf Müller from Krieghoff International received the award for them in their absence.)
Medal Sales Awards 2025:
Individual:
1st Robert Pack (Okasandu Farming);
2nd Hagen Eggert (Omatjete Safaris);
3rd Bergzicht Game Lodge
Group:
1st Otjiruze Safaris CC;
2nd Onduno Hunting;
3rd Kowas Adventure Safaris
Medal sales remain a vital income stream for NAPHA, as these funds directly support the Hunters Support Education outreach programme in Namibian schools. Through this initiative, NAPHA members help educate learners about conservation, wildlife management and the role of ethical hunting. The continued commitment of members to medal sales therefore enables NAPHA to expand its educational impact and strengthen conservation awareness among young Namibians.
The programme continued with brief presentations. The Mount Etjo Team shared an update on vulnerable species relocations. The HuntAdmin team outlined their new collaboration with NAPHA to improve administrative processes. Kelsey Prediger presented on pangolin conservation efforts. Joe Goergen of Conservation Force delivered an overview of international sustainable-use developments. Dr. Hanlie Winterbach spoke on the Early Warning System for cheetah, and Mr. Everett Headley of Safari Club International provided a short update on SCI’s work with guides and outfitters.
After lunch, members participated in panel discussions moderated by Angus Middleton. Five groups considered membership growth, the future of conservation hunting, Namibia’s competitive edge, challenges for young hunters and Non-Trophy hunting. The session encouraged honest reflection, practical ideas and joint responsibility for the future of the association.
At the Closed Session on 3 December, NAPHA members engaged in constructive and solution-driven discussions that reflected the strength and maturity of the association. The session provided a platform to address motions brought forward by members, decide on matters shaping NAPHA’s future direction and reaffirm NAPHA’s commitment to transparency and collective responsibility. Members witnessed the awarding of the Loxodonta Award to Dawid Müller, recognising his longstanding contribution to ethical hunting, mentorship and conservation.
Elections formed a central part of the programme. Hannes du Plessis was elected as the new President of NAPHA, joined on the Executive Committee by Harm Woortman, Jacques Strauss, Sigurd Hess and Alexander Rogl. Their combined expertise ensures that the association remains well guided as it enters a new chapter. At the same time, members acknowledged that outgoing President Axel Cramer will be greatly missed. After a decade of dedicated service, steady leadership and commitment to ethical standards, his contribution has left a lasting mark on the association and the wider conservation community.
In addition to the Executive Committee, members reaffirmed the importance of several standing committees, including the Young Hunters Committee, the Hunters Support Education Committee, the Big Game Committee and the Leopard Committee. The session concluded with a shared determination to continue strengthening Namibia’s conservation-hunting community.
NAPHA’s New Medal Sales Incentive
Our new NAPHA Medal Sales incentive is our way of thanking everyone who supports us through purchasing medals. Every medal helps us continue our work, uphold ethical hunting standards, and strengthen our community. We appreciate your commitment, and we are proud to acknowledge it.
A special thank you to Krieghoff International for supporting this incentive and standing with us in promoting responsible conservation hunting. All medals are issued according to the Age Related Trophy Measurement System, ensuring accurate and ethical age-related measurements.
As a token of gratitude, members will receive the following gifts during the incentive period:
• Total of 5 Medals bought: Phone card holder
• Total of 10 Medals bought : McGyver card tool
• Total of 15 Medals bought : Altitude lantern
• Total of 20 Medals bought : 5W Bluetooth speaker
• Total of 30 Medals bought : 28-piece tool set
• Total of 40 Medals bought : Wine and 16-can cooler
Thank you for helping us continue our work with every medal you order. Your support means a great deal.
We are very proud to share the launch of the new NAPHA website. This has been a long-awaited project, and we are genuinely excited about what it offers our members and everyone who follows the work of our community. The site has been designed to be clearer, faster, and more accessible, making it easier for you to find exactly what you need, whether you are looking for information, guidance, or updates on our conservation efforts.
The redesigned Medal section gives a fresh and user-friendly overview of the ART System and the way all our trophies are measured. Ordering medals is now simpler and more intuitive, and the layout celebrates the professionalism of our hunting community. The Legal Information section has been organised in a way that helps members quickly understand the most relevant regulations and responsibilities.
We are also pleased with the new “Become a Member” page, which provides an easy entry point for prospective members and reflects the values of openness and professionalism that NAPHA stands for. Existing members will find the updated Member Login area much more convenient for accessing documents, forms, and future digital tools.
This new website represents progress for NAPHA. It reflects our pride in the work we do, our belief in ethical conservation hunting, and our commitment to serving our members with stronger, more modern communication. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this project, and thank you to our members whose support makes improvements like this possible. We hope you enjoy exploring the new site and share in our excitement for what it brings to our community.
Thank you to our Sponsors!
Game Fields Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
German Hunt – Jan Hüffmeyer
Hartwig Fischer & Steffen Mayer
Bronze Sponsors
Bergzicht Game Lodge
Jagdzentrum Krähberg am Reussenkreuz
Robin Hurt Safaris
Safari Club International
Udo Ebach
Zaris Safaris Luxury Lodge
Conservation Sponsors
African Extravaganza
African Wildlife Art
Cymot
Gabriel Arendt
Hotel Thule
HuntiNamibia
Minet
Mukuku Rest Camp
Namib Mills
Tactical Sports
Certificate Sponsors
Alt Duwisib Nature Escape
Atelier Mon
De Duine
Gabriel Arendt
Geartester Festival in Germany
HoheWarte
Nakara
Sunsail Marine Cruise
