Boidus Focus - Vol 6, Issue 5 [Jul-Aug 2016]

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BOTSWANA’S BUILT ENVIRONMENT NEWSPAPER | Vol. 6, Issue 5 | Jul/Aug 2016 LOCAL NEWS

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INDUSTRY DESIGN

What the industry says about the Electrical Compliance Certificate for buildings

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Mental Health and Interior Design

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hPROFESSIONAL PRACTICE Managing Risk in Construction Project

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Eco-Cities & Ecology

Meets Education

By Tlotlo Tsamaase

A general look at “Sectional Title” properties and how they fair in comparison to Konza Techno City, Nairobi

Appolonia, Ghana

“Freehold” and “Leasehold” properties [Part 2]

By Neltah Mosimanegape Freehold and leasehold properties The Botswana property market is mainly dominated by the presence of freehold and leasehold properties. From a management perspective, freehold and leasehold properties are generally less complex to manage in comparison to “sectional title” properties.

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Our Renewable

TAISBA Boarding School, Mathangwane, Botswana

In the last issue, we talked about the Paris Agreement and the ominous results of climate change. We noted how eco-conscious thinking is imperative to the built environment, and how there’s a global response to rectify this. In this article, we focus on eco-cities, which basically illustrates the scramble to reinvent cities in juxtaposition to the older sibling-city with a core focus on sustainability. More so, we talk about Botswana’s own humble eco-school, which inspired this topic, and which we will elaborately cover. Eco-cities are synonymous to built-fromscratch self-reliant satellite cities that maintain an eco-friendly environment from which everyone can lead healthy and economic lifestyles. Ultimately, this would mitigate the congestion in urban areas. As such, there is the escalating environmental concern regarding global population, which is estimated to reach around 10 billion in 2050 from its current 7-billion state.

On a larger scale, eco-cities have been experimented with, like Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, PlanIT Valley in Portugal, Tianjin Eco-city in China, Amanora Hills in India etc. With the ability to host a population as high as 350,000, which roughly exceeds Gaborone’s population by 150,000. Other African eco-cities are Konza Techno City in Nairobi (claimed as Africa’s Silicon Valley), Appolonia in Ghana, Roma Park in Zambia and Angola’s ghost town Luanda is Nova Cidade de Kilamba, amongst a few. In her article, “Why Africa Should Be Wary of Its ‘New Cities,’” Jane Lumumba, an urban practitioner, notes that “…a great concern with these New Cities is that, from concept to construction, they silence or even outright exclude urban planners and managers, local governments and even the citizenry itself. Many New Cities are being built with input exclusively from architects, engineers and property developers. p4

Future [Part 2]

By Jan Wareus

Let’s start with a mind blocking illustration from the book we are penetrating (above). The old picture is based on the fact that ¼ of the farmer’s production or fields must be set aside for the horses – and in the food system we have, that is not possible. But we must find other ways of pulling the machinery than fossil fuel!

And some malicious readers thought the ending picture from last column was to indicate that wind power doesn’t work – oh, no! It was only to indicate that we possibly need some thinking about how solar and wind technologies must develop further – maybe away from expensive and very vulnerable (esp. in a changing climate) modern super-high technology. We find in the book such questions about “appropriate technologies.” p13

INTERNATIONAL NEWS / GUEST COLUMNIST P2

BOIDUS FOCUS JUL/AUG 2016

Aquaponics: Food meets Architecture

Stem Section

By Tlotlo Tsamaase

By Tlotlo Tsamaase

The STEM Section profiles professionals in the science, mathematics and engineering field in Botswana, which represents valid skills highly relevant to the built environment. We delve into the works of these innovators and showcase their complex works ranging from robotics to geosciences etc. and other projects to expose the relevance of STEM for Botswana’s economy as a developing country. Recently, the STEM festival (held on the week of 6 – 10 June 2016) in its advocacy to demystify the STEM in Botswana showcased some of these innovations.

BIUST - Driver of Economic Change STEM is an established acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math studies.

Due to the four academic disciplines’ interrelationship, the instruction of teaching follows a more integrated, coherent and interdisciplinary approach. BIUST initiated the STEM festival, and the teachings are meant to offer exposure to the STEM subjects. This has been illustrated and experimented in an easy-to-understand format and a hands-on learning that is easily inviting to youth and upper years. This initiative was to motivate and encourage students to take part in the STEM field, and eliminate the myth that the subject areas are difficult.

Some students may have displayed a proficiency in some of the STEM-subject areas during their high-school years, but after graduation they discarded their aptitude in favor of studies outside the STEM field, thereby lowering the number of graduates in STEM-related careers. Because of this, there is a demand for people in this area.

“We want to demystify science,” says Dr. Haniso Motlhabane. “Hence, we have come up with programs, programs where we demonstrate simple scientific phenomena.

From that basis, we can discuss many subject topics which could be science, physics, and mathematics so that everything hinges on everyday life. We do those kind of exhibitions and demonstrations.”

This week, we talk to Dr. Haniso Motlhabane, Associate Provost at Botswana Inter-

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national University of Science & Technology (BIUST), and feature the first profile of one of the participants of the STEM festival.

Can you give background information on STEM and its significance to Botswana?

BIUST (Botswana International University of Science & Technology) was a service amongst other reasons to drive economic revolution where we will move the economy of this country from resource-based economy to knowledge-based economy. Resource-based economy means where the economy is more hinged on natural resources like minerals, diamonds, gold etc. That kind of economy can be strong, but it may not be sustainable. Most of the developed countries have long realized that. They use technology and engineering.

They come up with ideas they innovate, and then they go into industrialization. And for us, particularly the African countries, we have a bigger opportunity because in terms of the resources we have them. What we don’t have is the technology to turn those resources into reusable material. So when government established BIUST, it was to be a driver of economic change. That is a realization by the nation that science and technology are the drivers of economic development globally.

One of the challenges is that the people who come in and do these science-oriented programs, engineering and the technologists, are not so many.

Can you tell us about the statistics of the performance of the students venturing into the STEM education?

Our school system churns out very small numbers. Out of 30, 000 students in the public schools who sit for the BGCSE, only about 2,000 will have chosen to do pure sciences.

There will be quite a little higher number of people who are doing combined sciences, that’s more of a diluted sciences. That kind of picture has established itself over the past twelve years. We need critical mass. Considering that it is going be BIUST which needs them, it is UB, Botho College—all these institution that will need science-based students.

The numbers are few.

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In the last edition for June, we featured a self-reliant community project, Bontleng Fustal Park Project, which encompassed several sustainable methods. One of these involved aquaponics, which is often used for breeding fish and vegetables and is used for commercial or personal purposes. This week, we feature a home-owner and do-ityourselfer, Victor Getov, who was gung-ho about leading a frugal lifestyle and went into this area for health reasons. We discuss ways of why and how he maintained a sustainable life, if one would call it that.

We’ve all heard about the prevalent argument against GM (genetically modified) foods and their adverse effect to the wellbeing of humanity and environment. “We’re spending half our money to buy chemically industrially grown food, which in one way or another is poisonous,” says Victor. And of course, it has been argued that GM foods are not harmful. In David Brussat’s Modernist GMO Architecture feature, the architectural journalist mentioned that “[m]odern architecture is GMO architecture.” GMO basically deals with the modification of genes of organisms. So this is an interesting way of looking into how modern architecture manipulates and/or does without the values of traditional architecture (the gene/identity of our architecture) in such a way that makes us question how detrimental the action is to society. There’s always been a concern about the identity and architecture

of a place being westernized. Sustainability is about the health of the planet, and what we are contributing to that environment (be it eco-friendly or non-sustainable) affects the sustainability of the future generations.

Aquaponics is the combinations of aquaculture (breeding of aquatic animals) and hydroponic (growing plants and herbs in a water environment devoid of soil).

We look into how a person can adopt it into their home. The former technician, Victor Getov, worked for 10+ years as a boiler maker foreman. Following that, he has for years used an aquaponics system for personal reasons. Although he has by research developed an aquaponics system, in the interim, he left it uncared for to study the mistakes so as to refine a working system for the future. “Now, I know after all these mistakes, if I start building a proper system I know what to do. Clever people learn from other people’s mistakes,” says Victor.

Can you give your personal take on your home-setup aquaponics system?

I was experimenting it for five years. I grow different plants, not for commercial purposes. All the plants, which can be grown in the soil can be grown aquaponically [sic].

The restrictions are that no any chemicals can be used. Even if you have problems with insects, you must deal only with natural products. p11

BOIDUS FEATURE / GUEST COLUMNIST P3

BOIDUS FOCUS JUL/AUG 2016

IDEAS EXPO – The Future Is Now

by Lorraine Kinnear

I think it should be hard imagining what it is people do at an exposition of ideas. Ideas Expo is a two-day conference and platform held at the aim of creating a dialogue around commercial creativity. On its eighth installment, this year’s Expo was themed: “The Future is Now” and was held at the University of Botswana as per consistent standard. The founding fathers of the Expo, Tumiso Mabusela and Calvin Bosilong and their team of industry experts, have yet again managed a phenomenal expo with 10 speakers and 72 hours and more of a creative and innovative dialogue.

The one thing that made this year’s Ideas Expo exceptional was the fact that the conversations were mainly addressing ways in which the creative industry can actually make a special kind of positive impact to communities and thus bringing us closer to the future. All the speakers were consistent

on emphasizing that the creative industries should work towards developing ideas in creativity and innovation that can be the wheels of change, and not just restricting this principle to now but even for generations to come. The setup was pretty simple and in classic conference style of speaker presentations and a panel discussion and then opening the floor for questions. It was an especially engaging event that made sure that the speakers and the audience were one throughout the entire duration of it.

As this year is Botswana’s 50th year of independence, the theme, which was supported by all the conversations on living the future now, was duly addressed.

One of the main speakers, Neo Mashigo (South African all-rounder creative), says in explaining the dire importance of innovation and creativity by affecting the community positively: “As creatives, we need to change

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the way people think. It is upon us to sell more of a solution than just the product, make the client see beyond just selling the product. Make them make a difference, for the benefit of all.” Mashigo, who involves himself in great initiatives like deaf awareness, is an advocate for educational facilitation through creativity and innovation. The Loeries’ Cannes Film Festival prize-holder uses a style of advertising that is relatable to native people. In doing this, he uses lingual sarcasm and other forms of indirect but relatable communication and has worked with several big brands and marks in South Africa, like Vodacom, Lotto, and Old Mutual just to mention a few.

We can actually learn a thing or two about how important it is to involve our own cultures in selling brands as opposed to adopting foreign models that not only give consumers a bland and shallow idea of how they ought to live their lives but also makes us forget our roots in the same breath. “You must have an insight that people relate with something that people can relate to, something that’s in their everyday living,” said Neo Mashigo as part of his presentation.

Other speakers who took to the podium were also in motion to this, as also the gentlemen from “I See A Different You” collective agreed to making their work about creating messages that can influence people from their home township, Soweto, gear towards activities that better their lives rather than destroy it. The collective works mostly at changing the way in which people from the outside of our own cultures, as Africans, view and perceive these cultures. The collective, made up of Innocent, Justice, and Vuyo, use different art mediums in telling their stories and take pride in being self-taught in creating

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these skills of storytelling through art.

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The conferences were refreshed with an exhibition of local artist displaying their different forms of art that is in its way to also boosting the economy. The exhibitions were made mainly of visual artist and businesses from Botswana, and most of them being young people in their early years of the business. All of them being highly excited to be part of this great atmosphere and being in a space where they could share their inspirations directly with potential art-buyers and opening opportunities for themselves as well in terms of new markets.

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BOIDUS FEATURE P4

BOIDUS FOCUS JUL/AUG 2016

Eco-Cities & Ecology

Meets Education

By Tlotlo Tsamaase

Continued from the FRONT PAGE This lack of fundamental technical input from other stakeholders is worrying.” And she goes on to say, “What is worrying is that there is little recognition of place, economy, context and even poverty in these cities. This begs several questions. To whom do these cities belong? Who is planning them? Are they inclusive cities, or simply profit-driven businesses?”

On a smaller scale, Botswana is becoming one of those countries joining the ranks to develop “eco-cities,” by developing an eco-school that will not only ready students for colleges and universities but will implement sustainable methods to tackle the village issues.

TAISBA Boarding School Location: Mathangwane, Botswana CGI Architect: Michel Cavro Engineers: Los Angeles based firm, ARUP. CEO/Founder: Annelize Bester (The Thuto Foundation, U.S.A) Research & Development: Think Tank Thuto, a program of The Thuto Foundation created by Annelize Bester to define Quality Education.

Botswana Anglican Education Taskforce (created by Anglican Bishop Trevor Mwamba) oversaw a volunteer global committee’s work spanning 2007-2014.

Queen’s University, UCLA & USC via voluntary, with or without stipend.

Funding: Project is in planning phase. The years spanning 2005 - 2012 seeking financial support proved difficult, especially during the recession.

Area: 320m by 260m (excluding sports field)

Setting The boarding school, TAISBA, lies roughly 27km north-west of Francistown in the wooded area of a remote village, Mathangwane, “It lies adjacent to the A3 tourist road,” says Annelize Bester.

“Tourism is one of Botswana’s biggest industries. The plan was for Mathangwane to be developed as the gateway to the Okavango Delta.”

The boarding school will host “600 students, a restaurant with 400 seats, a sport complex, an administrative building, a multipurpose hall and a modern church.”

The land was allocated to the Diocese in 2007 by the Village Development Council. It is dedicated to host a self-sufficient community meant to serve students from all levels and from in-and-outside the border. The school comprises science labs, performance arts theater, multimedia labs and library, school-based clinic, sports facilities, classrooms, residential for staff (20 staff) and hostels (350 children), farming (activities consisting of horticulture, animal rearing, wild game and conservation), roof vegetable and herb garden, market place, kitchen, and agriculture sectors that serves the food production for the school as well as serving

the entrepreneur aspect. The educational school empowers people of all ages through a teaching-and-learning environment that inadvertently addresses social issues.

Background The French designer, Michel Cavro, who runs his Luxembourg-based design firm conceptualized the CGI (Computer Generated Imagery) visuals for the remote village termed Blue Sky Visual.

He received third prize in 2014 at the Great Regions Business Days event for the innovation presentation they made about the campus.

Involved are also architects Dalgliesh Lindsday Group who will be in charge of the second phase of the project, in addition to ARUP firm.

The founder, Annelize, mentions that “Planning for the school in the context of ARUP’s urban development template, we looked at all the given challenges (environment, the school itself, the village). Green or Eco is not just about solar panels. It’s much more. Hence the time [we] spent on R&D. The function of the design is to best serve the customer (student) while being sustainable by not just the use of solar panels but in how it generates revenue as well.”

They are keen on preserving the traditional aspect of the area. “Not all developments need to become cities,” she says. “So we keep the traditional huts and donkey carts and juxtapose it with agricultural/tourist developments.”

In 2008 when the involved parties convened, they coined a new term specific to the village area: reverse urbanization. That is, “A school that provides quality education without changing the historic background of the village, finding solutions that emphasizes agriculture.” In 2009, design talks took place at the Diocese regarding the Anglican International School which mandates to ready students for leading colleges and universities worldwide. The sustainable design ideas were shaped by and extrapolated from ARUP Principal Steve Done’s eco-valley project, (COFCO Agricultural Eco Valley in Beijing, China) set for completion in 2020. From 2012 - 2013 in Los Angeles, Annelize collaborated with USC Marshall and two students to formulate an additional agriculture development shaped by ARUP’s development template, which is responsive to climate change.

TAISBA is set to be constructed in stages with room for extensions. The main motive of the project was that the infrastructure remain symbiotic with its natural surroundings that the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces blended in such a way that allowed for a tranquil experience within interior spaces giving access to the forested vistas.

The CGI video of the eco-school campus won over the land board—although this convincing took over eight years of work spanning from 2007 – 2015.

Functions Administration: The oval-shaped administration building is the introduction to the site.

“Its shape is an inverted shell. It is a gate, an opening and an invitation to the culture. Its roundness and serenity also shows power and respect.” Juxtaposed to the administration building is a media building, a relaxation space for both teachers and guests.

Clinic: The clinic is identified by “its elegant

brick beam holding up the zinc and [its] inverted curved carport roof.

Restaurant: The restaurant’s floor plan is emblematic. Its shape is inspired by the protea flower where the circular center hosts the kitchen and the petal-shaped spaces extended out host the rest of the restaurant, giving visual access to the soccer field and sport complex.

Their report explains that “the main structure is made in wood, and the roof is a double canvas with a sandwich insulation compound. The petal of the roof has a longitudinal opening allowing a continuous draft.”

Clubhouse: The clubhouse remains as the only structure of a metallic build with constant and sufficient light pouring into the entirety of its internal spaces regardless of the time of day.

Conveniently located, the spatial planning of the design allows for instant access to proximal spaces such as the restrooms, changing room and restaurant. The swimming pool itself is solely accessed through the clubhouse.

Chapel: The pure white chapel is shaped to be inviting. It has floor-to-ceiling windows that trace the roof, forming several thin slats of skylights that exhibit pieces of the sky. “The concrete structure is made of self-standing arches, angled, allowing a peripheral window on each one of them,” mentions the project’s report.

The class concept: The octagon-shaped classroom follows a centralized education, where the arrangement of the student seating fosters teamwork with an encouraged dialogue between teacher and student. The goal for Mathangwane would be to implement a “post-industrial knowledge-based economy. The leading role will be played by science and education, and a modern, regional, knowledge-based (ICT) service industry can be at its core.”

Annelize says, “The school will not only provide quality education for kids in need but the education provider (in this case the Anglican Diocese) will also be able to charge fees for those who can afford tuition (economic).”

The eco-driven complex strives to bring a positive economic change, which will sustain the future of the citizens, teaching them about “economic security, social betterment and environmental stewardship” to maintain their self-sufficiency in the future.

The main driver of sustainability that influenced the project was ARUP, the global firm’s sustain-

able template. The innovative organization tackles global themes such as “climate change, energy, water, urbanization, waste, demographics and poverty.” Their support for an agricultural ecological development is shaped by the issues that arise from urbanization and globalization.

The project is meant to cater to significant areas such as social, environmental, economic and physical aspects, taking into regard the diversity of the ecosystem, water, energy and materials, job creation, skill enhancement, inclusion, safety, education amongst other areas.

When tackling the carbon footprint, their solution will look at several areas to uphold: • Reduce building • Reduce movement • Make efficient • Renewable generation • Offset When tackling the water, their solution will look at several areas to uphold: • Reduce Use • Appropriate plant selection • Efficient irrigation • Reduce Use • Building design • Fixture selection • Alternative source • Graywater capture • Rainwater capture • Offset When tackling the energy, their solution will look at several areas to uphold: • Reduce loads • Passive strategies • Natural ventilation • Daylighting • Thermal mass • Active strategies • Recover energies • Self-generation • Solar PV/thermal • Wind • Waste to Methane • Offset The report notes that, “Mathangwane can become a village that integrates capital, technology, management resources and wisdom in all its stages, from development concept, to design, planning framework and project implementation.

Visit the website for more: http://www.thinktankthuto.org/ or email your comments to mail@boidus.co.bw

BOIDUS FEATURE P5

BOIDUS FOCUS JUL/AUG 2016

Tap into Business Opportunities with China

By Boidus Admin China had made a name for itself in recent years in economic and quality aspects, which is why business people from across the world are flocking to have business involvement. With a population of over one billion and a fast growing economy, China is definitely the next best place to acquire quality goods from.

In a wide market industry such as that of China, there will always be lots of product choices to choose from when venturing into the business of importing. However, before you get excited and rush into this business, you must first know the basic tips and techniques on how to import goods.

Find products that are in demand When importing from China, it’s advisable that you go for products that you have an interest in.

sional the relationship is between the importer and the supplier, the more the business venture will turn out to be successful. At the exhibitions, you can have face-to-face meeting with the exhibitors, with the help of our on-site translators.

Understand trade between China & SA Looking for possible supply sources is not the difficult task when starting with the importing process; looking for what product to import is.

It is very crucial for you as an importer to find a product or a line of products which you have an interest in; this will make selling the goods easier. Moreover, if you have already decided the product to import, you can now proceed to look for sources of such product; and this can easily be done through China Homelife Fair and China Machinex, South Africa’s very own Chinese sourcing exhibition.

Find a good manufacturer or supplier It is not enough that you find a good supplier; you must also be able to create a harmonious relationship with your supplier. The logic behind this technique is that the more comfortable and profes-

A very significant aspect you must never take for granted when it comes to importing from China is the trade term or laws involving the two countries.

It is a given fact that there are different rules and regulations that are implemented in different countries; and China is not an exception.

Before you get excited and begin placing order for products to be imported, you must first know the shipment terms, so as to avoid possible conflicts such as goods being forfeited by the Customs or violation of special laws. Though this is a lot of work, it can be easily done through a consultation with your logistics provider.

Hire a competent freight organisation Hiring a competent forwarder and customs broker is the wisest decision you will ever make

when engaging in importation business; and the reason is because they are to be relied upon when it comes to transportation and customs clearance, things you wouldn’t want to waste time on. In South Africa, it is easiest to use a logistics company with a preferred customs trader status to ensure the process is smooth.

The opportunity for small businesses and entrepreneurs to import directly from Chinese manufacturers and suppliers has not always existed.

It has now become possible partly because big businesses around the world have come to recognize Africa as a strong and emerging economic powerhouse. If export-dependent countries like China must continue to grow, they will continue to sell more of their products to markets like Africa that have a growing consumption. Africa is now one of the fastest growing markets for consumer products.

China Homelife Fair and China Machinex will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre between 31 to 2nd of August. For more information visit: www.chinahomelife.co.za

Why you NEED to attend

the Machinex Fair Trying to source Chinese products?

China Machinex has you covered Now in its second year, the inaugural China Machinex, brought to you by Meorient International Exhibition, is a China product sourcing fair, and is set to take place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg between 31 August and 2 September 2016. Over 400 exhibitors, in 2 halls, over 3 days all under one roof. The show will offer a lucrative opportunity for Southern African importers, traders and buyers to source high quality products directly from manufacturers at competitive prices.

China is increasingly playing the role of “lead manufacturer” for the whole world and has the ability to supply a wide range of quality products at very competitive prices. Buyers will find quality suppliers in the following categories at China Machinex: machinery, building materials, food processing, packaging machinery and electricity & new energy.

Through the global portfolio, the organisers have access to an extremely large bank of quality suppliers from China and their policy has always been to bring new, quality suppliers to the visitors. Companies and organisations are exposed to so many platforms through which to buy their products and services.

Matching the exhibitor with the right buyer, cuts through the clutter and ensures a profitable and worthwhile experience where actual business gets done and no-one’s time is wasted. China Machinex really means business!

To ensure efficient networking and successful negotiation at China Machinex, the Match-Making Programme will assist buyers in meeting the right suppliers and finding the right products to meet their business needs via prearranged meetings. A dedicated area on the show floor will offer complimentary translation services between regional buyers and Chinese suppliers.

Organised by:

The China Machinex VIP and Hosted Buyers’ Programme is also an exclusive service provided to top buyers from neighbouring countries and areas. These buyers will be invited to one-on-one meetings with exhibitors. The organisers will help buyers search for qualified suppliers from China, and arrange onsite meeting for business negotiation.

Over 400 exhibitors, three days, one-roof.

For more information, please visit our website: http://www.chinamachinex.co.za/ or email info@chinamachinexsa2016.co.za

BOIDUS FOCUS JUL/AUG 2016

BOIDUS FEATURE P6

“Sectional Title” properties in comparison to “Freehold” & “Leasehold” properties [Part 2]

By Neltah Mosimanegape Continued from the FRONT PAGE This is for the simple fact that the landlord has a greater amount of liberty to solely dictate how the property should be run. Although fairly similar, freehold and leasehold properties exhibit noticeable differences, some of which are outlined in the table below.

From an investors’ viewpoint, freehold properties allow the investor the opportunity to make changes to the property with little need for consultations with other stakeholders.

For example, renovations/changes undertaken to property in a freehold plot are at the owners’ discretion and do not require consent from other

parties. Unless of course if they may affect neighbouring properties, in which case the local council and neighbours will have to be consulted on the proposed developments.

Should you purchase or rent property?

“Tenancy,” rather than buying a property, can be viewed as a better option as it costs less than making a purchase, in the short run. However, when making a long term decision, it may be more financially sound to invest in a property of your own, after taking into consideration certain factors such as cash flow, personal/business preference and the use of the property. For example, a chain store supermarket is more ideally suitable to occupy a leasehold property development as an anchor tenant, like a shopping

FREEHOLD PROPERTIES • Property is owned by the freeholder (landlord).

• Usually only have one tenant.

• Ownership is for the property and the land in which it stands on.

• The owner is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the property.

LEASEHOLD PROPERTIES • Property is owned by the freeholder (landlord) not the tenant • Typically consists of a mixture of tenants.

• Occupation of the land/property by the tenant is for a fixed term, stipulated as the “lease duration.” “Tenancy” is a fundamental part of leasehold properties.

• The occupying tenant is typically not responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the property, which is the responsibility of the landlord.

mall, where there is a mixture of tenants, rather than as a standalone property. Families may prefer properties that come with privacy, space and freedom (i.e. standalone houses) rather than a multi-residential property development with many other tenants who may compromise the family’s preferred amenities for a dwelling.

The table at the right summarizes the benefits and drawbacks of entering into a lease agreement for a tenant.

The final part of this article will summarize what an investor should consider when thinking about buying a freehold property. Finally, it

will conclude by delineating the differences in purchasing a sectional title unit as opposed to a standalone freehold property.

ADVANTAGES OF RENTING • Ideal for short-term occupancy of a property.

• Most maintenance and repair works are the responsibility of the landlord, thus reducing the burden from the tenant.

• A tenant will not gain nor lose any equity when renting a property.

• In a multi-tenant property, the costs of utilities is shared amongst tenants/ may be cheaper than purchasing own property in the short-term.

DISADVANTAGES OF RENTING • The tenants’ occupied unit typically has to be restored to its original condition upon the expiration of the lease agreement.

• The operations of the property are governed by the “property” rules outlined by the landlord in the lease.

• Any proposed changes to be made to the tenants’ occupied space require approval from their landlord.

• Tenant has to be considerate of the needs of other occupants of the property (in a multitenant property).

• It is usually not an attractive financial option for long term occupancy. Investing in own property may be a better option.

IDEAS EXPO –

The Future Is Now Continued from PAGE 3 Speaking with one of the artists from the Exhibition, Thebe, he admitted to taking great enthusiasm in art as a means of expression. Thebe, a fine artist, had a set of creative ecological and cultural-conscious abstract pieces and says to work hard at maintaining his standards in the art design business by constantly doing his research on new trends on pricing and all else that is directly to do with the business. The exhibition space was a minimalistic set, with all the different artists from their respective field and all of them confirming still to the theme of this year, that is, the future is now.

The creative industry in Botswana is at a stage where it isn’t that much influential to a point where we could really expect that it influences things like social change, but several companies and organizations such as the TBWA and the Dialogue Group are working around the clock to see this change happen. This particular Ideas Expo was based on the creative industry being used as a carrier for positive change. There is still a lot that can be done.

Creative thinkers are influential; the kind of influence they host could as well be used for good. “You have the opportunity to represent people, do it in a way that is true to them,” said Mpho Twala of Velocity. It is important as a creative people to stand for unheard voices; we have to speak out for societal ills on behalf of people using means that are both peaceful and efficient.

GUEST COLUMNISTS P7

BOIDUS FOCUS JUL/AUG 2016

Stem Section Continued from PAGE 2 Why do you believe is the reason that the figures are so low?

What is quite common among Batswana is the fear of the subject of the subjects: mathematics and the sciences. Some people have had bad experiences. Those bad experiences have been due to the attitudes that they carrying as they go in, which are influenced by their environment: the teachers who teach them, who are presenting mathematics and sciences as very abstract subjects. Yet, the reality is that the sciences are so practical, they are inherently part of our everyday life. Everything we do is scientific. The way we are build, the way we operate our bodies and our lifestyles is scientific. When it comes to learning, we need to be able to relate the subject content to real life. Our capacity to do science is enormous.

People have gone to the moon using science and technology.

These exhibitions and programs that you do, where do you host them? Are they mostly in institutions, or are they also inclusive of primary and secondary schools?

How do you reach the public?

We have had two forms of outreach. Last year, we had science circuses where we moved around schools. These are all kinds of kids from senior secondary to junior secondary and primary and even pre-schools.

The demonstrations and exhibitions we do will relate to any level because they are simple, natural exhibitions, which invite the inquisitiveness in people. This year, we’ve been to Tsabong, Ghanzi, Maun—and we’ve had a number of schools coming to us at BIUST. The whole essence of a festival is to invite the public to come and appreciate science and mathematics at work where now the emphasis is on the organization and insti-

By Philip M. Katisi

tution and even private companies that have their work built around science and technology and engineering. So they can demonstrate the science in it.

Could you touch on some of the participants’ projects that they showcased?

Let me give an example of this one gentleman, a young innovator who created a robot called “BIUST” but he’s not a BIUST fellow. You touch it, it starts introducing itself. That’s AI (artificial intelligence), correct? Yes. It tells you who it is.

It will tell you, “I am BIUST, and I’m so many years old, and this is what I do. At BIUST we do various products.” It will keep on flickering. If you stop there for a time, it will keep quiet and start the story again because it senses that you’re still there. Of course, there were others like the geosciences, they were showing how they’ve come up with systems that will detect the kind of minerals out they’ve mapped out in Botswana.

STEM Participant: Dr. Banyana C. Madi-Segwagwe for Bricks 4 Kidz Bricks 4 Kidz is a family owned business, which was started in 2013, run by a husband-and-wife team. They bought the franchise from America and initiated it in Botswana to remedy the derailing results in math and science studies.

Most of the experiments they demonstrate with the youth are colorful and appear like toys built with Lego pieces, which is definitely attractive to the kids. Therefore, they learn about engineering, architecture, physics and math. It teaches them terminology one would meet in physcis or engineering, by using engineering pieces to build their designs, their robots etc.

Some of the models we witnessed was the Optical Spinner Model, which demonstrated sensory receptors and illusion; a 3-in-a-Row Model, which demonstrated probability; the Paper Crinkler Model, which demonstrated the function of gears and torque; the Explorer; and the Baseball Batter. Fiddling with these

What the industry says about the Electrical Compliance Certificate for buildings

What is an electrical compliance certificate?

On completion of every building that is wired, an inspection and testing of the electrical installation is done by an authorized person (electrical engineer or technician) and a certificate is issued in accordance with the wiring standard that has been used. In Botswana, the standard that is predominantly used to guide electricians and engineers to meet this compliance is the British standard called BS 7671 – Requirements for the Electrical Installations, also adopted by BOBS and called BOS 51. However, in some cases, especially on private buildings and caravans the South African standard called SANS 10142 – wiring of premises - is used. Under both standards the compliance certificate is issued as proof that the electrical installation is safe and complies with the rules and regulations as set out in the national safety standards.

Many building owners and users in Botswana may not be aware of the importance of having a valid electrical compliance certificate for their buildings. Compliance certificate is a requirement by law in other countries e.g. UK and South Africa. Is it a requirement by law in Botswana as well? We went out to get the views

from some of the major players in the built environment industry on what they think about the certificate of compliance.

These included relevant Government organs, municipalities, some electrical contractors, real estate companies, and some insurance companies.

Should every building have an electrical compliance certificate?

The industry is anonymous that every building must have a certificate of compliance. The standard (BOS 51/BS 7671) is also clear about this question: “every installation shall, during erection and on completion before being put into service, be inspected and tested to verify, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the requirements of the regulations have been met”.

Is the compliance certificate optional or mandatory?

It is mandatory, say most stakeholders in the industry. The standard also makes it mandatory as quoted above. In Botswana, no new building can be switched on unless the installation has been tested and an inspection certificate issued by or to Botswana Power Corporation. But is the certificate

THE BASEBALL BATTER

gadgets felt like an educational, interactive game. One could understand why students find this program fascinating and have, according to Dr. Banyana C. Madi-Segwagwe, gone on to do well in school.

Can you explain the details of some of your projects?

This [robot] is programmed to explore its environment. Under the arms is the touch sensor, [which] will then sense signals to the intelligent brick and say “I’ve hit on something.” And then the intelligent brick will give further instructions on what to do. This is a robot, and with this we are trying to teach [our students] about how robots work, and why it is that robots work in the same way that humans do. The only difference is that the robot doesn’t think. It uses the programming language that you would have programmed into it. As an example, the ultrasonic sensor functions like the eyes, but it measures distance. You give it instructions based on the distance. So for such and such a distance you give it instructions on what to do. When we teach [our students] robotics and programming, they build the robot. This comes in pieces. Initially, we will give them programs, and they will see how a program works. As they go on in the course, they begin to write their own languages. It’s a very simple way of writing the program.

Can you expand on your other inventions and teachings that Bricks 4 Kidz offers?

At the end of the lesson, we have models that they

a requirement by law? The whole aim of the BOS 51/BS 7671 is to guide people to comply with the requirements of the national safety legislation. So the compliance certificate can be used to prove compliance with that legislation.

Should the compliance certificate be issued once or be renewed periodically?

Here, the industry is split into half. Some say the certificate should be issued only once and is valid for the rest of the property life, while others emphasize that it must be renewed periodically.

The Standard (BOS 51/BS7671) requires that “periodic inspection and testing of every electrical installation shall be carried out in accordance with regulations 621.2 and 621.5, in order to determine, so far as is reasonably practicable, whether the installation is [still] in a satisfactory condition for continued service.” In fact, on every certificate there is a recommendation for the next date of inspection. That means beyond that date the compliance certificate is no longer valid.

Who is authorized to perform the electrical testing and issue the compliance certificate?

The industry gave various answers also for this question. The majority say it must be a certified engineer. Others simply say it must be a professional. Still, others say it must be a technician or electrical engineer who has been trained in the field of testing and commissioning, while others emphasized that it must be a competent person. Some suggested that an entity needs to be established that will test buildings and issue a 5 year period compliance certificate.

What does the standard (BOS 51/BS7671) say?

It says: “Electrical Installation Certificates,

THE EXPLORER 12

build to demonstrate the concept that they learned about. Like here I have a windmill and I also have solar panels. Those will come from a unit called “Energy is Everywhere.” They’re learning about energy—the different types of energy sources, like renewable sources of energy and nonrenewable sources of energy. So then they will build a windmill or solar panels as examples of renewable sources of energy.

And in the process, when they are building, they also learn the real life technical engineering language.

What age level does the Bricks 4 Kidz cater to?

We start at pre-schools. We have different blocks that we use for different ages. For the younger ones, because their motor skills are not yet developed, they use the bigger Lego bricks. As their fine motor skills develop, they use the smaller bricks. These are all separate parts that they use to build whatever. So in the process of building, they are strengthening their own motor skills, and then also following instructions and hand eye coordination.

What are the fees like?

It’s quite affordable. For the schools and the general program, we charge P700 per term/ per student. For the robotics program, we charge P1000.

Note: This interview has been reduced due to space limitations

Periodic Inspection Reports, and Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificates shall be compiled and signed or otherwise authenticated by a competent person or persons.” The other document, which also emphasizes the need for a competent person and which is also commonly used in Botswana, especially by Government organs, is The Electricity at Work Regulations (1989). The Electricity at Work regulations is law in Britain and it places legal responsibility on clients when they appoint their electricians or engineers who carry out the testing and commissioning of their electrical installations.

That’s the information! If you are a property owner or user, whether it is a public or private property, you need a valid electrical compliance certificate at all times. How you go about obtaining it is entirely your choice, but the certificate should be issued by a competent person. In South Africa, competent persons means a person registered under the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1993 – Electrical Installation Regulations, while in United Kingdom a competent person means a person registered under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999). In Botswana, the body that is empowered to register engineers and electricians is the Engineers Registration Board (ERB). They are empowered to issue practicing certificates under the Engineers Registration Act of 1998.

In the next installment, we shall talk a bit more about Periodic Inspection. For any further questions and/or suggestions, feel free to contact us at: SANDIX (PTY) LTD. TEL: 71793207 email: Katisi.philip@gmail.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT P8

BOIDUS FOCUS JUL/AUG 2016

DIY Projects - How to Build an Outdoor Bar & Grill (Part 1) [Source: www.diynetwork.com]

Step 1: Prepare for the Footing

Remove the old grill from the site and then lay down the template (Image 1). The template is included in the kit and is a footprint for the base unit. Place the template in position and walk around it to be sure there is space where appliances will open. This also allows you to clearly

mark where gas, water, or electrical services need to go. Here, a hole has been cut for the gas line (Image 2). Once the template is set exactly in place, trace it with a pencil (Image 3). You’ll need to dig down 6 inches for the footing.

Step 2: Drill for the Footing

If you have to cut through the stone pavers first, use a grinder with a diamond blade to score an outline (Image 1). After removing the pavers in the center area, cut a deeper line (Image 2) and separate the pieces by tapping them with a stone hammer. To make sure that your cuts and footing are accurate, set the template down again. Recess the line about a 1/4-inch inside the template, so that the stones will sit directly on the pavers and the footing will not show. Next, dig the footing about 6 inches deep.

Be very careful using your equipment around the gas line and other utilities. You might need to set up a form to make sure your footing is square when it dries. It may be helpful to use

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some pieces of wood to make the form and add stakes and old pavers to hold it in place.

Step 3: Mix and Pour the Concrete

You may opt to rent a cement truck to mix the concrete instead of mixing by hand, which can be very time consuming on a job this size. A cement truck also ensures that you will get a consistent mix. Before you pour the concrete, make sure to shield gas lines, etc. by surrounding them with a plastic bucket or similar protection.

Pour your concrete evenly into the footing (Image 1) using a trowel or rake. Then place pieces of rebar into the top for extra strength and support (Image 2). Let the footing set overnight.

need are on hand to be set in place. Each piece is coded with a number and a letter that corresponds to that piece on the CAD plan (Image 1).

The plan shows where each stone is to be located in the project. Follow the chart and bring over the first course of stone to your work area (Image 2). It is recommended that you dry lay the first row of stones to make sure everything lines up correctly (Image 3). The stones are designed to have a dry set look. Measure any openings for appliances.

Step 4: Set the First Course of Stone

Once the footing is dry, pull the forms and the protective cover from the gas line. Set the template down one last time to make sure your footing is on target. With a pencil, retrace the template to give you a starting point for the stonework. Stage your area so the stones you

(Continues in Boidus Focus August 2016)

BOIDUS FOCUS JUL/AUG 2016

GUEST COLUMNIST P9

Design Pad:

Mental Health &

Interior Design

By Tshepiso Motlogelwa, Interior Designer, tsmotlogelwa@gmail.com

The majority of us perceive people with mental disorders, particularly schizophrenia, alcoholism and drug addiction, as unpredictable and dangerous. The last two conditions are often viewed as self-inflicted. In most cases, an individual would be driven to substance abuse due to depression.

There is no single cause of depression. You can develop it from different reasons, and it has varied triggers. Prolonged work stress is among the causes of depression, alongside recent life misfortunes. The interior of a space can also trigger emotions that aggravate a depressive episode. Mpho (true name withheld for privacy), for instance, has a mental disorder called Bipolar Mood Disorder. She recently moved to a new exciting job where she found herself in a tiny office with very minimal light and blunt walls.

She reports that within a few weeks after several years of managing her condition, she suffered from frequent anxiety attacks, depressive moods and delusions, which subsequently resulted in a poor work performance and absenteeism from work as she battled with her condition. It was difficult to pinpoint the cause of her sudden relapse, but she reports that being in a gloomy environment was a major possible cause. Along with seeking professional help, there are some

things you can do in your home or office space that can help ease the depth of depression or other mental disorders.

Humans feel most comfortable in spaces that allude to nature: the ground should be darkest like a path, whereas the mid-range, eye-level colors should be neutral, and the ceiling should be light like the sky. It is no wonder that the trend of wooden flooring will still be around for a long time. Tile manufacturers have over the last few years come up with wood-like ceramic flooring, porcelain tiles and vinyl tiles to replicate hardwood flooring. The hardwood floor replicates a forest floor. We all want a window view particularly one with defined landscapes. Images of real or simulated nature can maintain an optimal mental wellness and help ease depression. It must be noted that photos of real nature scenes work better. There are many different types of natural scenes, and there are particular types of landscape images that work well to ease off depression. Spring, summer and autumn images with lots of green are effective, while winter scenes won’t have much effect. Artwork with signs of humans are also important as they allude to the mind that the place is habitable

A dark floor as a backdrop of neutral walls, and a pop of a happy colour creates an instant mood enhancer.

Landscape wall mural.

and safe. Pausing to look at a nature scene can divert your mind from whatever is stressing you, at least for a few minutes. And when you’re finished being absorbed in the calming effects of nature, you should have a clearer head with which to tackle your assignment again.

The benefits of plants in an interior space go far beyond aesthetics. Incorporating plants in the design of the space is an important mental wellness optimizer and a mood enhancer. Several independent studies have shown that interior plants can help reduce stress and improve well-being. They provide a pleasant and tranquil environment in which to move, work and relax.

Most of us know instinctively that being close to greenery makes us feel more at ease with our surroundings. I, more often than not, go up the Kgale Hill to gaze at the beautiful and relaxing panorama rather than being up there in an effort to attain a toned body. Stress levels go down significantly when we are surrounded by plants.

Employees tend to be more productive, take fewer sick days, make fewer mistakes and are much more happier when interior landscaping enhances their environment. Research has also shown that plants can help reduce noise levels in a building. Their leaves absorb, diffract or reflect background noise, thereby making the environment more comfortable for the occupants.

Lighting is an important element in achieving a functional and stimulating space. It enhances the aesthetic appeal, incites work enthusiasm and creates the appropriate ambiance of a living space. Lighting is one component of occupant health, which can affect productivity and physical and mental health. A lighting strategy can

also affect your ability to get work done. Well-lit environments increase occupant productivity and comfort by providing the mental and visual stimulation necessary to perform any given task.

Most people believe that Interior Design is only concerned with aesthetics. Interior designers know that colour is more than just a slap of paint on the walls or throwing colourful cushions on a couch. Colour is more than that; it has a psychological and mood effect on the occupants of a space. The mind can associate colour with many things. Try imagining a kitchen painted with a bright green colour against white glossy cabinets and white floors. Anyone anticipating a meal from such a kitchen would expect to see a health-packed plate with lots of greens and blunt tasting carbs! Now, imagine a kitchen with perhaps a mustard or burnt orange coloured feature wall, with walnut or darker cabinets and maybe hardwood flooring. You will not be taken by surprise if you received a plate full of dumplings and a rich beef stew or pap and tripe.

The way light enters a room, the colors we choose for our floors and walls, and even the shape and texture of our furniture and home accessories all work together to influence our perception, how we feel and how we perform, both consciously and subconsciously. A room painted light blue will subconsciously make you feel cold in winter and cooler in summer. To help create a relaxing space that offers mental wellbeing, you need to have a good balance of both warm and cool colors. Cool colors tend to be more calming, so accessories with blue and the blue-greens plus related colours will incite and enhance the feeling of ease because they do bring a sense of tranquility.

Lots of plants in the space lends the interior a calming and relaxing effect.

Boardroom with a miniature landscape of moss.

Several ways that the pictures above effect mood in a space; * A bedroom with enough natural lighting * Green walls against a hardwood flooring and lots of natural light promote a mental well being in this office space. * Adding your favourite colour in the form of cushions or artwork will also improve your mood.

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE P10

BOIDUS FOCUS JUL/AUG 2016

Managing Risk in Construction Projects

Particular risks for designers: •

By Boidus Admin • Risk management is a proactive project management tool used to reduce the susceptibility to losses incurred during a course of action, which leaves an auditable trail of changes.

The process focuses project resources on reducing vulnerability, providing early visibility of potential problem areas and creating mitigation actions.

What type of risks could affect construction projects?

•

• • •

These are some of the potential risks, a number of which could also be relevant to organisational change.

Particular risks for construction industry clients: The income or benefits from a building or project could be lower than expected.

Poor advice could lead to: use of inappropriate management tools for the project, choice of inappropriate procurement

•

• •

routes, failure of systems to identify and secure the quality required by the client, a project which is poor value for money.

Completion could be delayed because of: disruption, inefficiencies and/or lack of co-ordination in the supply chain, disputes, poor quality work and bankruptcy.

There could be unforeseen project costs, including variations.

Higher than expected running costs could result from: defective design, unmet specifications and defective construction.

Particular risks for main contractors and specialist contractors: • • • • •

Poor tender/briefing documents Client who will not commit Inexperienced client Non-standard contract documentation Ultimate client failing to sufficiently acknowledge and reward quality and value

•

•

• • • • • • • • • • •

for money Poor design for construction, for example when “buildability” is not properly addressed Unexpected problems relating to the site, such as contamination or unusual ground conditions Co-ordination problems – this could be a particular problem for specialists Component and/or materials suppliers unable to meet delivery and/or cost targets Faulty components and/or materials Accidents and injuries to staff Weather interrupting work Delayed payments Poor documentation of records Lack of co-ordination of documentation Poor guidance for operatives Poorly trained or inadequately trained workforce Industrial disruption

• • • • • • •

The client does not have the necessary resources or experience to support the project; The project is larger and/or more complex than in the designer’s previous experience; Responsibilities in non-traditional procurement may not be clear at the outset; Procurement routes might restrict the level of design input; Poor tender or briefing documents; Non-standard contract documentation; Poor, inadequate, inaccurate or inconsistent product information; Delayed payments; Poor documentation of records.

How to get started

Good risk management should involve the entire project team, including design, engineering, business, contracts, finance, purchasing, estimating, and project controls. The process is ongoing, a never-ending cycle and iterative process of identification, quantification, modeling, management and monitoring. The analysis can include identified risks, estimate and schedule items, new risks, secondary risks, scope changes, change orders, and actual costs, so as to provide a graphic depiction of the changing nature of project risk over time.

Risk management is an organized method of identifying and measuring risk and then developing, selecting, implementing and managing options for addressing risks. There are several types of risk that an owner should consider as part of risk management methodology. These include: • Schedule risk • Cost risk • Technical feasibility • Risk of technical obsolescence • Dependencies between a new project and other projects • Physical events beyond direct control

Risk management seeks to identify and ultimately control Risk Mitigation and Monitoring

Risk mitigation and the development of appropriate response actions is often the weakest part of the risk management process - the ongoing management and monitoring of identified risks, and the addition of new risks to the model, require constant vigilance.

When managing risks, there are several risk strategy options to be considered. Risks may be avoided entirely (usually by eliminating their cause or root), transferred to another party (through contracts or insurance), or exposure to the risk can be reduced (through planned action measures). Acceptance of the risk should be considered only as a last resort, and should only be applied for items that cannot be addressed by any other strategy.

For each risk item, an achievable target risk reduction goal should be set, and proactive steps or action items identified by which the goal can be attained. The mitigation steps must be appropriate, cost effective, and achievable. The development of these steps should encourage problem-solving and innovative solutions, with the objective of avoiding the risks or reducing their impact as much as possible. When discussing action items, it is important to remember that interpretation of each risk will differ from person to person, with the recommended course of action varying according to the person or organization’s perceptions of project management, objectives, environment, experience, and risk tolerance level. Similarly, opportunities can be discussed, and steps or action items developed which can increase their probability of occurrence or their level of impact.

BOIDUS FEATURE P11

BOIDUS FOCUS JUL/AUG 2016

Aquaponics: Food meets Architecture Continued from PAGE 2 All the products that you are using in aquaponics must be 100% natural, otherwise you are going to kill your fish. The benefit is that 100% natural product is coming out.

What type of fish do you use?

You can use any fish according to your climate region. In the cold environment, you can use trout, which is fish that is consuming a lot of oxygen and they prefer cold water. The system must be perfectly balanced between the temperature for the fish and the temperature for the roots of your plants. I am using goldfish and tilapia. Practically or theoretically, aquaponics system is one big fish tank.

Aquaponics systems are not useful for growing

maize, wheat, barley, sorghum, because these are plants that require lots of space to grow.

But you can perfectly grow any other plants including potatoes, carrots and beetroot.

What research was involved when you built your own aquaponics system?

My inspiration came from health problems, which lead to a healthy lifestyle and sustainability. Most of my research is from the internet. The people with experience in Botswana deal with hydroponics. There is a hydroponics system in Phakalane, and there is a fishery in Selebi Phikwe. I know a few people tried [aquaponics] and failed commercially.

They fail because of temperature and quality of water. The cheapest way to deal with temperature in the long term is going slightly underground. The easiest and cheapest way to

deal with the quality of the water is either by vaporizing it or distilling it naturally, so that you can bring the natural pH of the water down.

The commercial way is reverse osmosis, which is an energy consuming task.

What are the challenges that you have faced?

There is no market which is designed for aquaponics. Everything must be modified. First of all, you can’t use metal, plastic, building material which is commercially available (cement, sand) because the cement will corrode. The water is supposed to be slightly acidic, so the acid is going to start breaking down cement. Your containers are supposed to be chemically neutral.

Let me start with the mistakes. First of all, this [aquaponics] configuration is not suitable.

Secondly, it’s exposed to sunlight which leads to

development of algae. Thirdly, there are metal things which are not for an aquaponics system.

This is not the proper way to do things. Your fish tank must be maximum 1.2 meters, so you can deal from both sides of the fish. It must be sunlight-proof so you don’t develop algae. It must be on slope so all the fish poop must be collected by the pump, and can be pumped for filtration.

Can you expand on how your system works?

The best other system is to keep your rabbits on top of the fish, so you’re feeding the rabbits, the rabbits are feeding the fish, the fish are feeding the plants, and the plants are feeding the fish. When the water rises, the relay stops, and the water drains. When the relay kicks— this can be done with permanently running water with Bell system to open and close and quickly drain the water. You need water which is delivering the nutrients for the plants, and you need air so you don’t drown the roots of your plants. The roots need certain time and exposure to the air so they can breathe oxygen.

How long did it take you to build the system? With your background as a technician that must have been an advantage to you.

It took me a very short period of time. All the knowledge and mechanical things are there.

r partmonths Do youFo cus for 12

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Can you elaborate on what happens when the water feeds through the rocks? That is a filtration purpose, correct?

It has two purposes. If it’s without extra mechanical filter, the water that is entering your root system is supposed to be clean from debris, old leaves, fish waste etc. Only clean water must enter the system, otherwise algae builds around the roots stopping them from breathing; therefore the roots will die, the plants will die.

The surface of these stones house bacteria, which converts the ammonia that comes from the fish. When the fish release waste, it’s releasing ammonia. The bacteria, which needs to convert this ammonia to plant food, grows on the surface [of the rocks]. The space between the stones is the living area for the roots. Bacteria converts ammonia to nitrite and nitrate. The nitrate is safer for fish and food for the plants.

Nitrite is poisonous to fish and not good for plants. [The surface of these rocks] is the homeland for the bacteria, which are converting fish outlet to food; second, it mechanically cleans the water that bypasses the other filters.

What maintenance or daily tasks are required for your aquaponics system?

You don’t have to attend it every day or every week even. Practically, if your system is wellbalanced and running, you have to leave it to run. You don’t want to interfere, because every [interference] leads to imbalance.

You mentioned that to obtain the perfect temperature for an aquaponics system, one needs to slightly bury it into the earth.

Currently, you have used the underground space for a different function: it houses your quails and rabbits. Can you expand on that?

My first aquaponics system was underground because the temperature stays the same and is [neutral]. These are Japanese quail. The nutrient properties of these eggs is double to triple that of the chicken. They are good for cholesterol, blood pressure, sugar diabetes. The rabbits here benefit from the constant temperature.

The rabbits outside are suffering during the summer and feeling uncomfortable during the winter because of the day-night difference in the temperature. You can keep rabbits in deep freezer, but not in the heat. These animals are surviving temperatures -50 and -60 degrees Celsius in their nature. When they are exposed to Botswana heat, they develop impotency when the temperature is above 20 degrees Celsius.

EDUCATION P12

BOIDUS FOCUS JUL/AUG 2016

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BOIDUS FOCUS JUL/AUG 2016

Our Renewable Future [2]

World primary energy consumption by fuel type, 1850–2014.

By Jan Wareus Continued from the FRONT PAGE – And, actually, we are not new to wind power, for instance, but formerly it was more local, domestic and simple than today’s high tech.

The authors are very balanced and only trying to open our minds for a necessary switch from fossil to renewable energy. Fossil is finite and soon out.

What sustainable substitutes do we have and what levels of sustainability can be reached (and what are the costs)? What changes to our infrastructure must be made and what can we afford both environmentally and economically (with receding finances due to climate change and end of cheap energy)?

The book’s introduction is very interesting. It is extensively illustrated by pictures, tables and diagrams, most of them up to the latest findings

from involved agencies and researchers. Depending on space, I’ll be happy to give some examples, now and then. The one below is basic. If we want to know what has happened since 1950/60 when we were somewhat in balance with extraction and use of energy – well, enough to start thinking about what to do if we exceeded limits (and many researchers were warning in books like “Limits for Our Existence” already in 1962). As you see from the diagram, the global tipping point (100 exajoules) was passed about 1960. We missed that chance and cannot survive missing our last chance, for sure!

Figure I.3. World primary energy consumption by fuel type, 1850–2014. Primary electricity converted by direct equivalent method. (see right) The author of the book mentioned above, Prof Georg Borgström, gave us architecture/planning

students a lecture in 1963 or 64 and his conclusion never left me: “We have just a few years to decide our future – you better start thinking how buildings and towns should look like for the future”.

Chapter 1 – Energy 101 starts with a statement:

The chapter is very educational and ought to be among the texts for our younger students as it explains the ”Basics of Basics” of what is energy.

I’m sure the Boidus readers know the laws of thermodynamics, net energy and EROEI (Energy Return On Energy Invested), LCA (life cycle analysis), and operational and embodied energy (carbon footprints). Consequently, I don’t have to repeat those basics (as I have written about them in earlier Boidus columns) but for the new readers, this chapter is basic.

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Chapter 2 was about our current energy system is also very basic for the observant reader and very much a lived experience due to the confidence we have/had for the so called “colonial sciences.” But we have given some interesting figures, indeed: the world is presently using about the equivalent of 100 billion barrels of oil a year!

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It is impossible to overstate the importance of energy. Without it, we can do literally nothing. And further – modern civilization’s energy use (including climate change), together with the inevitable energy transition from fossil fuels to renewables will be the defining trends for this century.

If that is translated to human muscle energy (and an average human can generate around 100 watthours of energy). Working 8 hours 5 days a week for a year (no holidays), a hard worker would produce 208,000 watt hours (or 208 kilowatt-hours).

World annual energy usage thus equals the annual energy output 734.4 billion humans. Then you understand how many “energy muscle slaves” we would need to keep todays standard for the developed, industrial countries. Up to the industrial revolution, we were basically depending on feudal serfs and slaves and we don’t want to go back to those times for some “progress”, do we?

On Energy Rich – Energy Poor, the authors note that some countries use a lot more of energy than people in others. There is an obvious connection between energy inequality and economic inequality (not a self-evident note from US writers, sorry to say). Even in between highly industrialized countries- for instance, Germany enjoy a high standard of living, yet use only a little more than half as much energy (per capita) as citizens of the United States and Canada.

Well, in short, the end of the fossil fuel era does not simply imply the era of energy inequality! To make it more serious, the middle to poor income countries will have a huge problem in raising finance for the evident need for renewable energy. We have to read further in the book we have for another part 3, planned for the August issue of Boidus Focus.

Now, we are going to Sweden for the marriage of my child boy, now 30 years old! What kind of future will he and his family have? A fossil fuel empty world or a renewable energy world, I’m worried.

Jan Wareus janwareus@yahoo.com

EDUCATION P14

BOIDUS FOCUS JUL/AUG 2016

Editor’s Note:

The Role of Architecture in Education

By H. Killion Mokwete One of our key articles focused on sustainability and education of a school set in a natural ecosystem. The role of architecture in education plays a major role—it can be the facilitator of the learning environment. We have already seen the effects of interior design on the mental health of its inhabitants as elaborated in the Interior Design column where, depending on the interior design of the space, can have an adverse effect on its subject. But what is the long-term effect of architecture on education? Below are some, not all, essential elements elaborated in the following paragraph.

• Architecture affects behavior.

• Architecture can be configured to act as a learning tool.

• Re-thinking the educational setting and components that make up the setting for the student can enhance the learning process.

Studies have illustrated that the synergistic results of an interior design, form or function of a design have an impact on the learning facility of the space’s inhabitant. Based on cognitive tests imposed on the test subjects, it was found that the color of walls affected the imagination. A window overlooking greenery gives repose. The space and ambiance contributes to the inhabitants’ moods and emotions.

Of course, there are other elements that make up the architecture of space, which are layered into the planning, designing and construction, thereby magnifying its significance to its function and environment.

When one adopts a sustainable approach, they are implementing strategical ways the building can be eco-friendly to the environment via selection of materials, ways of construction, building orientation, and the way it functions etc. When one adopts this sustainable approach in such a way that its inhabitants have to interact with the building elements in order to serve tasks throughout the facility or to regulate their environment, it instills in the user a profound green awareness by allowing them to adopt these habits into their lifestyle. But if one adopts this human-building interaction at an education institution during the formative years of a student, it prolongs that green school of thought throughout their lifespan. Ergo, the building teaches the inhabitant to be green conscious in their actions.

This relationship between building and student is symbiotic to the saying, “Give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, he’ll eat for life.” These implementations are for the long-term and are intrinsic to sustainability, which is maintaining a secure world for the future generations. That is, limiting deterioration to our environment that would lead to an unlivable, insidious environment for the next generation.

Spaces foster multifaceted functions and therefore they are not just walls. They shape our psychological state in relevance to the function of the space and carry an educational significance. Therefore, one can start to observe our education institutions to evaluate whether they live up to architectural values to the educational system.

Legal Opinion - Trusts

By Obakeng Andreck and Akheel Jinabhai A trust is a legal concept, which can be employed in many activities, including the making of a donation, organising a business or an entity to pursue social and other objects. A trust is a relationship whereby property is held by one party for the benefit of another.

A trust is the legal relationship created when a person (the “settler”) places assets (Money, Shares, Property immovable and movable, Personal belongings, such as antiques or jewellery), are under the control of a person (the “trustee”) for the benefit of some other person or people (the “beneficiaries”) or for a specified purpose.

The trustee is given legal title to the trust property, but is obligated to act for the good of the beneficiaries.

The trustees are therefore the nominal owners of the property, but they have a legal obligation to deal with the property in the manner set out in the trust deed.

The trustee may be compensated and have expenses reimbursed, but otherwise must turn over all profits from the trust properties. Trustees who violate this fiduciary duty are self-dealing. Courts can reverse self dealing actions, order profits returned, and impose other sanctions.

A trust must have the following essential elements: 1. A settler (the person who creates the trust) 2. The assets to put into the trust 3. A trust deed (the legal document setting up the trust) 4. One or more trustees (those in charge of administering the trust) 5. Beneficiaries The law requires that the settler must intend to create a trust in order for a trust to exist. Therefore, a valid trust cannot come into being by accident.

TYPES OF TRUSTS 1. Revocable Trusts A revocable trust is a trust whereby provisions can be altered or cancelled dependent on the settler. During the life of the trust, income earned is distributed to the settler, and only after death does property transfer to the beneficiaries. This type of agreement provides flexibility and income to the living settler. He is able to adjust the provisions of the trust and earn income, all the while knowing that the estate will be transferred upon death.

If a beneficiary is not of legal age and cannot hold property in his name, the minor’s assets are held in the trust rather than having the court appoints a guardian. If the settler believes a beneficiary will not use the assets wisely, the trust allows a set amount of money to be distributed on a regular basis.

However, the disadvantage is that implementing a revocable trust involves much time and effort. The settler’s entire estate plan must be monitored annually to ensure the trust’s objectives are being met. Costs of

For feedback, please send emails to: killion@boidus.co.bw H. Killion Mokwete is a RIBA Chartered Architect.

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Boidus Team Jul/Aug 2016

OIDUS FOCUS MANAGING EDITOR H. Killion Mokwete

SALES & MARKETING MANAGER Oteng Ntshinogang

CONTENT COORDINATOR Tlotlo Tsamaase

SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE Tebogo Sekwenyane

GENERAL MANAGER Phenyo Motlhagodi

DISTRIBUTION & SUBSCRIPTION Mogapi Ketletseng

ACCOUNTS Ngwewabo Mokwete

GUEST COLUMNISTS Neltah Mosimanegape, Jan Wareus Obakeng Andreck & Akheel Jinabhai, Lorraine Kinnear

ART DIRECTOR Bridget MacKean GRAPHIC DESIGNERS William Banda Peter M. Matipa

BOIDUS FOCUS NEWSPAPER is published by YMH Publishing.

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maintaining a revocable trust are greater than other estate planning tools such as a will. A revocable trust does not offer the settler tax advantages. Since not all assets will be included in the revocable trust, the settler must create a will to designate beneficiaries for the remaining assets. During the settler’s lifetime, creditors can still reach the property in a revocable trust.

2. Irrevocable Trusts An irrevocable trust is a trust that can’t be modified or terminated without the permission of the beneficiary. The settler, having transferred assets into the trust, effectively removes all of his or her rights of ownership to the assets and the trust.

The main reason for setting up an irrevocable trust is for estate and tax considerations. The benefit of this type of trust for estate assets is that it removes all incidents of ownership, effectively removing the trust’s assets from the settler’s taxable estate. The settler is also relieved of the tax liability on the income generated by the assets. While the tax rules will vary between jurisdictions, in most cases, the settler can’t receive these benefits if he or she is the trustee of the trust.

The assets held in the trust can include, but are not limited to, a business, investment assets, cash and life insurance policies.

Irrevocable trusts can take on many forms and be used to accomplish a variety of estate planning goals: a.) Estate Tax Reduction Irrevocable trusts, such as Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts, are commonly used to remove the value of property from a person’s estate so that the property can’t be taxed when the person dies. In other words, the person who transfers assets into an irrevocable trust is giving over those assets to the trustee and beneficiaries of the trust so that the person no longer owns the assets. Thus, if the person no longer owns the assets, then they can’t be taxed when the person later dies.

As mentioned above, Trusts that are created for the benefit of a surviving spouse are irrevocable and, thus, can make full use of the deceased spouse’s exemption from estate taxes through the funding of the Trust with property valued at or below the estate tax exemption. Then, if the value of the deceased spouse’s estate exceeds the estate tax exemption, the Trust will be funded for the benefit of the surviving spouse and payment of estate taxes will be deferred until after the surviving spouse dies. b.) Asset Protection Another common use for an irrevocable trust is to provide asset protection for the Trust maker and the Trust maker’s family. This works in the same way that an irrevocable trust can be used to reduce estate taxes -

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Legal Opinion - Trusts Continued from PAGE 18 by placing assets into an irrevocable trust, the Trust maker is giving up complete control over and access to the trust assets and, therefore, the trust assets cannot be reached by a creditor of the Trust maker or an available resource for Medicaid planning. However, the Trust maker’s family can be the beneficiaries of the irrevocable trust, thereby still providing the family with financial support, but outside of the reach of creditors. There are also irrevocable trusts called Self-Settled Trusts or Domestic Asset Protection Trusts that in some states, including Alaska, Delaware, Nevada, and Tennessee, offer creditor protection and allow the Trust maker to be a trust beneficiary.

In addition, as mentioned above, the various irrevocable trusts that can be created for the benefit of the Trust maker’s surviving spouse or other beneficiaries after the Trust maker of a Revocable Living Trust dies can be designed to offer asset protection for the trust beneficiaries. c.) Charitable Estate Planning Another common use of an irrevocable trust is to accomplish charitable estate planning, such as through a Charitable Remainder Trust or a Charitable Lead Trust. If the Trust maker makes the initial transfer of assets into a charitable trust while still alive, then the Trust maker will receive a charitable income tax deduction in the year of the transfer is made. Or, if the initial transfer of assets into a charitable trust doesn’t occur until after the Trust maker’s death, then the Trust maker’s estate will receive a charitable estate tax deduction.

3. Discretionary trusts A discretionary trust is a legal arrangement which allows the person putting the assets or money into trust (the settler) to give their assets to a trusted group of people (the trustees), who look after it. At a future point, they pass on the assets to another group that the settler has decided on (the beneficiaries). The trustees have discretion about which of the beneficiaries to pass it on to, how much each will get, and when. The assets are said to be “held in trust” for the beneficiaries to one day decide what to do with. The assets in trust, and any payment received from them, are called the trust fund. Discretionary trusts are commonly used to keep wealth within families while allowing them some flexibility to make decisions about where the assets go.

4. Accumulation and maintenance trusts An accumulation and maintenance trust is one in which the beneficiaries will become entitled to the property, or at least the income, when they reach a certain age (no older than 25). The trustees can use the income for the maintenance of the beneficiary before the date on which that beneficiary becomes entitled to the property or to an interest in possession in that property.

Trustees of an accumulation and maintenance trust are given power to “accumulate” the income of the trust until a certain date, at which time the beneficiary, or beneficiaries, are entitled to the property of the trust or to the income arising from that property.

People usually set up a family trust to get some benefit from no longer personally owning an asset. A family trust may be useful to: a. Protect selected assets against claims and creditors – for example, to protect a family home from the potential failure of a business venture. b. Set aside money for special reasons, such as a child or grandchild’s education.

GUEST COLUMNIST P15

c. Ensure our children, not their partners, keep their inheritances. d. Manage the risk of unwanted claims on our estate when we die – such as from a former partner.

On the contrary, the disadvantage of family trust is that if a trust is not set up or managed well, there can be considerable inconvenience and cost. There’s the risk of having the trust declared a “sham”, which would mean that the assets are not really the trust’s but are in fact still ours.

If the trust is a sham we may lose all of the advantages that we were hoping to gain from it, and we may be penalised as well. Once we put our assets into a trust, we no longer personally own or control them. Instead, ownership passes to the appointed trustees who must act under the terms of the trust deed in the best interests of the beneficiaries.

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There have been cases of family members suing other family members for a breach of the trust’s provisions. The courts treat claims of this sort quite seriously and they will normally be expensive to resolve.

Forming a trust is a big decision. When going down this route, make sure that it is established properly, for the right reasons, and managed well.

Benefits of Trusts: 1. Creditor Protection – assets held in trust are usually protected from creditors of the beneficiaries, or the trustees personally.

2. Protection Against Relationship Property Claims – If assets are owned by a trust, or are given to a trust on death of the settler, the beneficiaries can continue to receive the benefit of those assets but the assets do not form part of their personal property, and therefore cannot be subject to claims by their spouses. EFurther, if assets are transferred into a family trust prior to entering into a relationship, the assets in the trust are less likely to be subject to a relationship property claim at the end of the relationship.

3. Protecting Property from/for Beneficiaries – A settler may be reluctant to simply give their assets to their children during their life or on their death on concerns about the child’s ability to manage their financial affairs. If the assets are given to a family trust, then the trust can provide a vulnerable child with income and/or capital to meet their cash requirements as they arise. This can protect the long term value of your family’s assets.

4. Protecting Assets for Future Generations from Potential Tax Law Changes – Family trusts may provide protection against various forms of wealth tax that may be introduced in the future, such as death duties or inheritance tax.

5. General Flexibility to Deal with Law Changes – Modern trust deeds normally allow limited rights of variations to deal with changes in the law.

6. Confidentiality – Family trusts are not publicly registered and therefore can be kept confidential.

Disadvantage of a trust: 1. Loss of Ownership of Assets – When personal assets are transferred to a trust, then the trustees of that trust will control the assets.

Although the settler can retain some control by holding the power to appoint and/or remove trustees, or even by being a trustee themselves, however that assets transferred to the trust no longer belong to the settler.

The above is meant only as a brief introduction to the trusts in general. The information given is general and is not intended as legal advice.

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