30/05/2021
Super proud of Dieter and the TOSCO team!
In our weekly series, we introduce you to the dedicated team behind TOSCO.
Meet Dieter Risser, our devoted and dependable accountant.
“I was born in Swakopmund, my family having immigrated from Germany in September 1907. I started my safari business Ondjamba Safaris Namibia CC in 1998. I specialized in the then remote areas of north-western Namibia, from the Ugab River to the Kunene River. In the early days, I did not see much more than 3-5 cars on a 14-day safari. That was paradise. I got to know the Damaraland and Kaokoland, with its fauna and flora and people. Although I guided so many safaris throughout Namibia, Botswana and Zambia, my heart is still right here in North-West Namibia.
Together with Russell Vinjevold, as partner then, Ondjamba Safaris participated in Desert Lion Safaris, following Dr. Flip Stander on his mission to conserve these amazing animals. I also got to know, and worked with, the desert elephant researchers, first Dr. Keith Leggett from Australia, then Dr. Rob Roy Ramey and Dr. Laura Brown from the USA.
I am passionate about elephants, hence ‘Ondjamba’ meaning elephant in the Oshiwambo language. Ondjamba Safaris and their clients have supported TOSCO over all these years.
When Félix and others started TOSCO back in 2011, me, my family and Ondjamba Safaris were part of the founding team. From the start, I have been the Finance Trustee, and the Accountant for TOSCO. Just like the rest of the TOSCO Team, I dedicate my efforts towards the conservation of the fauna and flora of my beloved Namibia and towards helping to minimize human-wildlife conflicts. I am proud to have been part of what TOSCO has achieved over all these years, growing year by year. I am proud to be part of the TOSCO Team.”
