Namib Independent Issue 132

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Issue 132 - Thursday, 22 January 2015 to Wednesday, 28 January 2015

Namibian’s Salaries Comparison

04

Farewell to the Lyon

06

Innovations to Look forward to

Men are Bigger Idiots

13

09

‘Erotic’ Art

Raises Eyebrows in Swakopmund Donna Collins The controversial, 'erotic etching' art exhibition that is currently running at Die Muschel Art gallery in Swakopmund, has raised many eyebrows amongst our conservative locals.

'Tiny & Titillating – Large & Powerful' was the theme name of the exhibition, which was opened on 30 December 2014, where Italian born and award winning artist, Federico Schiaffino had his questionably unique etchings on display, amongst the works of other artists Klaus Bottger and Daniela Herzsprung.

Fully naked men and figures with seemingly large erections and bare breasted woman in sexual and even sacrificial positions, were apparent throughout the postage-stamp size pieces of art created by Federico.

Over 30 of his pieces were on display, where a magnifying glass was ready for use to view the

pictures in a larger form for the opening night and a number of them have already been sold to enthusiasts.

The concept is not new to European art circles as etching has been around for hundreds of years, however, this particular content is what may spark questioning amongst unfamiliar minds, as some have stated that, "it is not art" but rather pornography.

Margit Nickel, the owner of Die Muschel since 1998 and organiser of the exhibition, says that this is not the case at all, "in no way is it pornography”, and she stands by her opinion that it is purely an art form to be appreciated as such. Naked art is a sensitive topic, and should be interpreted by individual opinions, and not Continued on Page 3

Overcrowded Schools

An Escalating Crisis At Coast! and Swakopmund public schools, when each year the patience of parents are tested to the maximum, as they stand from sun up in endlessly long queues in the hope to register Ella Kamati their children, and secure a place which is not always guaranteed.

Overcrowded schools and the lack of space With not enough space in number of public is a growing problem at the Walvis Bay schools at the coast to accommodate the massive

Erotic art by a renowned European artist hanging in Die Muschel art gallery has raised eyebrows amongst the conservative community demand, the number of aggravated parents who are faced with this reality, is becoming a cause for alarm in the community and a huge concern for those children who are sent away empty handed.

“Grade 1 and Grade 8 are the most difficult grades to get into, and they do not build more classes for the children, now my triplets will have to go back to pre-school because they have no space in ‘their’ classes," fumed Deolinda Van Wyk, one of the troubled

parents.

“This is my second week waking up at 5am everyday standing in queues at four different schools with no success, and am devastated as a parent that my children cannot find a place” she said, whilst wiping away a tear, that she stood in the long queue that stretch all the way outside the school yards in Kuisebmund and Walvis Bay. According to the local principals of five schools at the coast, they have been

struggling over the past two weeks with trying to cater for the large number of children who have not been accepted in schools due to the lack of classes and teachers they say.

Some schools like the Tutaleni Primary School in Walvis Bay had no other alternative but to extend their maximum learners per classroom number from 36 learners per class to 40-44 just to try and accommodate a few more of the young ones who have been eager to Continued on Page 3

2 | News

Thursday, 22 January 2015

MTC to Pay Back N$2 Daily Deductions Staff reporter In December last year, the Namib Independent, after receiving many emails, calls and Facebook messages calling for us to assist in clarifying exactly why MTC was deducting N$2 a day from its customers for topping up data. What ensued from the publication of the article and specifically our Facebook page, was the obvious fact that despite us publishing a press release explaining the situation by MTC, thousands of coastal residents were none the wiser and twice as angry with the situation.

Local residents will be delighted to know that almost one month later, MTC announced on Tuesday 20th of January that the campaign would

end with immediate effect at 12:00 midnight of the same day. In the same press statement issued by Tim Ekandjo of MTC, a guarantee that although not mandated by CRAN (The regulatory body), that they would refund every customer who had seen the N$2 daily deduction taken from their accounts between 12th December 2014 and the 20th February 2015.

According to MTC the primary reason for discontinuing the promotion is predominantly that although they had the best interest of the customers at heart, major obstacles were the nonunderstanding of the new model, explanations of the changes, and benefits of promotion for customers, which caused them to terminate the promotion indefinitely.

Think

About This

This is the World We Live In

During WWII, Irena Sendler got permission to work in the Nazi’s Warsaw ghetto, as a plumbing/sewer specialist. But, she had an ulterior motive…

Irena smuggled Jewish infants in the bottom of the tool box she carried. She also carried a burlap sack in the back of her truck, for larger kids. Irena kept a dog in the back that she trained to bark when the Nazi soldiers let her in and out of the ghetto. The soldiers, of course, wanted nothing to do with the dog and the barking covered the kids/ infants noises.

During her time of doing this, she managed to smuggle out and save 2500 kids/infants.

Ultimately, she was caught, however, and the Nazi’s broke both of her legs and arms and beat her severely.

CONTACT US Tel (+264 64) 200 497 Email info@namibindependent.com.na Sales Lorna Bock 081 350 0346 lorna@namibindependent.com.na Gareth Amos 081 128 2197 gareth@namibindependent.com.na

Irena kept a record of the names of all the kids she had smuggled out, in a glass jar that she buried under a tree in her back yard. After the war, she tried to locate any parents that may have survived and tried to reunite the family. Most had been gassed. Those kids she helped got placed into foster family homes or were adopted.

In 2007 Irena was up for the Nobel Peace Prize.

She was not selected. Al Gore won, for a slide show on global warming.

Irena Sendler, thank you for giving so much and saving so many.

“I was brought up to believe that a person must be rescued when drowning, regardless of religion and nationality…” Irena Sendler – February 15, 1910 – May 12, 2008

Editorial Tanya Calitz tanya@namibindependent.com.na Design Maggie’s Attic Graphic Design sonya4maggiesattic@gmail.com Address

127 Theo Ben Gurirab Street (MVA Office Complex), PO Box 5085, Walvis Bay, Namibia

Disclaimer:

Namib Independent is published by Halfround Communications CC. All rights are reserved. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within, no liability can be accepted by the publishers or contributors for any errors, misstatements or omissions which may have occurred. The opinions expressed in the publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Also, the publishers accept no legal liability regarding copyright ownership for material which was supplied directly to the publishers by any of the advertisers or contributors.

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News | 3

Thursday, 22 January 2015

‘Erotic’ Art Raises Eyebrows in Swakopmund Continued from Page 1 limited to stereotypical labelling, Margit pointed out.

Opening the event was local entrepreneur, and art supporter Gabby Woermann who gave a welcoming speech to the small and mature, art enthusiastic crowd comprising mostly of members of the local public and honourable guest, former governor of the Erongo region, Samuel Nuuyoma and his family, who all enjoyed the evening before celebrating into the New Year.

Margit Nickel told the Namib Independent that she met Federico in early 2002 in Frankfurt Germany and has been in possession of his art for over thirteen years now. It was only towards the end of last year did she feel “ready” and compelled to expose this controversial art to the public of Swakopmund.

Margit spent months framing the pieces and organising the art work herself, as well as preparing the exhibition. She only informed Federico days before the opening that his works would be on display after all these years in Namibia.

He was thrilled at this news and even though he could not be present for this occasion, he was open to having his art recognised on the other side of the world. It is said that he is planning to visit Namibia as soon as possible, hopefully for Die Muschel's 30th anniversary coming up, as well as for future exhibitions to showcase other aspects of his artistic expressions.

Be sure to make time to see this exhibition before it closes on the 17 February so you can form your own opinions of this controversial artistic concept.

Overcrowded Schools

An Escalating Crisis At Coast!

Continued from Page 1 finally get to ‘big school’ (grade 1) as they call it.

Tutaleni Primary School had about 164 children who didn’t succeed at getting a place for grade 1. Other schools like the Flamingo Primary School have organised afternoon classes for those children that have not been accepted for grade one and these classes will offer the exact education level as that of the morning classes only they will have a slightly shorter span from 12h00 till 16h00.

Mrs Damens, the principal of Flamingo Primary School, explained that having an overcrowded class is what contributes to teachers not being able to give the right amount of attention to learners. Because the amount of learners per class has been increased, overcrowding classrooms can ultimately hinder the learning process of the pupils, which is why they tried their best to help address this situation and the community by availing the system of afternoon classes.

"Afternoon classes maybe a temporary solution but it is wiser to have the town planners and the regional directors sit around the table and frankly discuss the issue of building more schools as the numbers of children with no school placement is escalating yearly.

"Because children between five to eight years old wake up early, the idea of them attending afternoon classes is not well thought through, even as a temporary measure," she added, saying. Children at that age have a very limited concentration into the afternoons simply because they have been up so early..

“A blissful fun free morning to do nothing but play all morning and exhaust their bodies is the obvious routine bound to take place and them attend noon classes and sit still trying to focus will simply turn into a napping class for these little ones."

Naraville Primary School Principal, Mr Fisher also expressed his concern over this matter and says that he has personally done so much to help contribute towards a solution, but claims that building more classes at the school will only limit the playing area, and freedom to run around for the little ones, as playing stimulate the development of children as an essential part of the learning process.

He does however sympathise with the parents of the community, saying that about 50 children alone which applied to this school had to be turned away because they were full to the brim already.

“I personally believe that new schools that cater to the needs of a Namibian child must be built, a specific quote from Nelson Mandela says ‘a country without education is a country doomed for the gutters’. " I strongly believe this, and for the vast number of children turned away without an education or a school this is very concerning in terms of creating future leaders.

Fisher also said that education

Gabi Woermann at the opening with gallery owner Margit Nickel spokesperson Johanna Absalom mentioned that the government invested N$770 million for infrastructure alone for the year 2014-2015 to accommodate increasing numbers as to the free primary education which commenced in 2013. "We are not sure what has become of that money because at the coast our young ones are still turned away from schools” added Mr. Fisher.

Meanwhile the scene in the long queues with children clutching onto their parents fighting for a place in the Immanuel Ruiters Primary School was a sorry sight. “Mommy are we coming back tomorrow again to beg the teachers to put me in ‘big school’ like the other children?” said little Timothy Hansholo who one of the hundreds of children begging his mother as he firmly held her hand.

Standing infront of the school since 5am till noon and no luck says Dressed in full school uniform after these dissapointend parents. a week of standing in long queues to fight a for a position in grade 1 to avail, Timothy’s mother who was one of hundreds not being able to answer her son’s heartbreaking question simply whispers “hush my child” while giving him a hug.

It has been said that fuelling this situation is the influx of people moving to the coast. This, plus parents sending children to live with relatives, increased town development which attracts people like magnets, poor family planning, lack of schools that have been built with growing population in mind, job transfers plus the concept that education is better at the coast then other schools in Namibia.

All of these factors and more have been observed to be cause of the unfortunate current situation of no place left in the schools for coastal Standing in queues for ages just to fight a place in a school isnt a joke. children.

4 | News

Thursday, 22 January 2015

How Do Namibian’s Salaries Compare With Their International Counterparts?

Sharon Brooks Long after the Christmas presents have been packed away and the braai’s long forgotten, most of us are now beginning to feel the financial pinch from the extravagant lifestyle the festive season tends to encourage.

A sad thought that crosses many a Namibian’s mind is to take their particular professional expertise and go in search of higher salaries in South Africa or even America?

We have taken an in depth look at salaries across the world compared to Namibia and the results may surprise you.

For example, in Namibia, administrative professionals are paid an average of between N$8000 and N$9000 per month, according to the website salary explorer.com, whereas their South African counterparts are paid anywhere between R10 000 and R11 000 on average. This seems like quite a big difference, but one must take into account the cost of living in South Africa when compared to Namibia. The cost of living in a city like Johannesburg is 34% higher than the cost of living in Walvis Bay according to expatisan.com, so though you may receive a higher basic salary, you may not actually be taking home very much more money.

The situation looks even worse as we look at the United States,

with administrative professionals earning $3105 monthly, converted into Namibian dollars, this figure is an astonishing N$36 021. However, one must bear in mind that it is 186% more expensive to live in a city like Washington, when taking into account property prices and the general cost of living. So before you decide to pack your bags and move across the Atlantic, do some research as to exactly how much your disposable income would be in the states.

Australian administrative professionals on the other hand can earn an average of AUD4 298, which is equivalent to N$ 40 842 at the current exchange rate. This figure is astounding, how can Australians be earning so much more than us? Once again, the cost of living explains most of this disparity. It is 134% more expensive to live in Melbourne than it is to live in Walvis Bay and with a maximum tax rate of 44% your take home pay might not be as much as you think. This alone, however, does not account for the vast difference in earnings.

Administration is not the only field that has vast differences in pay scales.

Accountants in Namibia earn an average of N$16 711 per month according to the website, while American accountants are earning N$66 694 and their Australian colleagues earn an average of N$63 184. Even in South Africa

accountants are paid roughly N$9000 more. With international remunerations for accountants being so high in comparison with local salaries, maybe it would be a wise choice to relocate to greener pastures.

Local earnings in the teaching profession are also unimpressive when compared to international pay scales.

When speaking to a private school, it was discovered that teachers are paid roughly N$15 000 per month, while the average in South Africa was found to be N$19 000, however, in the United States teachers are paid the equivalent of N$54 000 while Australian teachers earn a healthy N$62 000. It is no wonder Namibia is experiencing a brain drain when it comes to educators, with salaries abroad so much higher, teachers are leaving the country in search of greater salaries.

As a ‘Third World’ country that is still developing, we cannot expect to get paid as much as our counterparts in ‘First World’ countries. For example, Namibia has a 29.6% unemployment rate, while Australia’s unemployment rate is only 6%. Another aspect that may explain the vast difference in incomes is the level of education that the average Australian has when compared to Namibians. With over 40 universities to choose from, the average Australian is more highly educated, and therefore worth more than the average Namibian.

With access to better education systems and unemployment rates in the single digits, the cost of living may be higher in America or Australia, but the standard of living in these countries is significantly better than Namibia. As a developing country, it

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may be unfair to compare Namibia to the likes of Australia or America, but we as a country need to aim towards being able to compete internationally, something we simply cannot do if our best and brightest keep leaving the country to earn a decent salary.

News | 5

Thursday, 22 January 2015

Wanna Buy a Plot in Meersig?

Phony Estate Agency sells non-existent plots for 65K Local leading coastal estate agent, Remax Coastal uncovered a scam being carried out by another “socalled” estate agent calling themselves Chielle Properties, who claim to have offices in Windhoek. Earlier this week, Chielle Properties contacted Mrs. Claudia Lofty-Eaton, principle of Remax estates Walvis Bay, offering her two plots in the Lagoon area for N$ 65 000.00 each.

“I received an SMS wanting to know if I would be interested in buying two plots in the lagoon area, which is not that strange at all, as so much of my business is done via text messaging nowadays.

What was strange though, was the price of the properties, which at N$65 000.00 each are so far below market value that one immediately becomes suspicious,” said Lofty-Eaton.

The original SMS stated that that the agency had two plots to sell at N$65K and that a deposit could be made on the same day to secure the property and that the bank account details would be forwarded in a follow up message. The same email also noted that they could not be reached telephonically as they were in meeting at the Kalahari Sands Hotel in Windhoek all day.

Determined to get more information from the scoundrels, Lofty-Eaton requested more information about the plots. A reply text indicated that the plot was 1800 meter square. LoftyEaton then requested the plot number so that she could visit the plot and also the

bank account details into which she was supposed to pay her deposit. In a follow up text, Chielle Properties indicated that the plot number was erf 157 Walvis Bay and also furnished the bank account details of a Flavia Ekanjo coupled with a Walvis Bay Bank Account. A quick call to the relative authorities determined that no such plot exists.

A follow up call to the local Bank Windhoek branch, where the account number is held, indicated that the account is not held in a business name but rather in the name of an elderly lady who lives in Oshakati.

In an effort to meet up with the seller, this journalist contacted Chielle Properties and after a shaky start was able to engage in a conversation with a Mr. Chielle, who claimed to be the principle of the agency. He confirmed that the two plots are available and that the price still stood at 65K each.

Mr. Chielle indicated that a meeting at the site could be arranged for Friday morning as long as a deposit was paid into his account on the same day.

In an ongoing text conversation, Mr. Chielle provided yet another Bank Windhoek account number and holder, this time in the name of Amutenya Angelius. In addition the price per plot had been reduced to N$43 500.00.

When asked for an invoice so that the money could be transferred, Mr. Chielle wanted to know what invoice number he should use, the three digit one or the 10 digit one? Failing this request for a simple page to be faxed to the paper with the details of the plot

and the amount for sale indicating that a payment would be made directly thereafter. In our final correspondence before going to print, Mr. Chielie indicated that we should still transfer the money however, he could only issue a document after 5 pm of the same afternoon on account that once again he was tied up in an all-day meeting at the Karlahari Sands Hotel Bank Windhoek have reported the incident to their fraud department and the public are to be weary of any such offers for these or other plots which they may receive. “If you are in doubt about any property for sale, please take time to call a recognised estate agency like Remax Coastal, who will very easily be able to advice you and could perhaps save you a lot of heartache and money,” said Lofty-Eaton.

The Namib Independent shall hand over all correspondence to NAMPOL so that they can follow up on the matter.

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6 | News

Thursday, 22 January 2015

Anglers Blame

Climate Change

On Poor Catch Donna Collins

Recreation anglers are blaming climate change and over fished waters for the change in behavioural pattern of fish, saying that they are not guaranteed a good catch and that there is a noticeable lack of fish in the sea.

Local fishermen who cast their rods to fish for the "pot", are becoming disillusioned over the poor catches, and find themselves having to stand for hours before returning home with a meal for the family.

Speaking to fisherman and Rossing employer Phil Nel, who is a regular figure on the open beaches of Swakopmund, it was clear that he had seen better days.

Casting his line out to sea before heading off to work in the hopes of putting a few Galjoen, Cob or Steenbras into the bucket, is not what it used to be, he said.

He also complained that there is a complete shortage of white muscle as the

bait shops in town have run out, as the result of the large fishing volumes created by the festive season anglers. In addition he mentioned that whilst it is illegal to substitute the white muscle with worms, people are still doing it to lure fish onto the hooks and claim the daily bag limit.

"It is the easy way around hooking a fish if there is not much in the waters," he said, adding that people can get fined heavily if they are caught, but they are still doing it, because it gives them an unfair advantage.

"Since I started fishing ten years ago after I re-located to Swakopmund from Rehoboth I have noticed that the volumes of fish have become noticeably less. Back then I had to be able to cast my rod for an hour and be successful, whereas some days you can stand till your legs are tired, and still nothing bites," he said.

"Climate change as well as over fishing is affecting everything around us, and I know for sure that the marine life is

suffering under these circumstances."

But not everyone was feeling the pinch, according to another group of casual fisherman who said they were from the "new location".

Chatting to the Namib Independent, they were quite open about using worms as bait because the fish stocks at sea are noticeably less, saying that they dig up the live 'critters' from under the rocks on the beach.

It was quite evident that this was a successful method, because in less than 20 minutes the guys had caught at least a fish each, and were happy to pack up and go home to feed the family. One of the guys, Stanley said that sometimes they also sell the fish in the township to make a living, and have been fishing for years to survive.

Commenting on this observation, a spokesperson at the Ministry of Fisheries said that blaming "climate change" for the sinking fish population is not entirely correct, as there are other factors contributing to this quandary.

"It is definitely not the guys fishing from the beaches that are the threat, because they are taking home small quotas for the pot, so whether they use worms or not is not the dilemma here, although our inspectors do patrol the beaches.”

In general you still need to know where to cast your rod if you want a good catch," he noted.

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Requirements • A degree in any social or communications field will be a distinct advantage, though is not necessary to secure the position; • Two years experience in a community newspaper or newsroom environment; • Sound social-media online experience; • Must have good interviewing skills and an excellent command of the English language; • Photographic skills will be an advantage; • Computer literacy; • Must be able to work independently and under pressure; • Must possess a valid driver’s licence; • Own vehicle is an advantage.

Personal Skills/Attributes • Accountable and responsible; • Detail orientated and focused; • Self-motivated and resourceful; • Must be able to work independently and as part of a team; • Passionate and enthusiastic with a positive attitude.

Some casual fishermen are using worms as bait to hook their fish as stocks in the sea become noticeably depleted

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Deadline: 31 January 2015 To apply today email lorna@namibindependent.com.na.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Namib Independent Great news for the coast!

ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE NOTIFIED. NO DOCUMENTATION OR CV’S WILL BE RETURNED.

News | 7

Thursday, 22 January 2015

Farewell and Adieu to the Lyon Gareth Amos In an emotional interview with internationally renowned chef David Thomas of Lyon de Sables (known locally as the “French Restaurant” in Walvis Bay), he made his reasons known for letting the sun set on the labour of love that has become a “must visit” venue on the national tourist trail.

Lyon des Sables, literally means “lion of the sands” which is perfectly apt in the manner in which it applies to both the food and the lion hearted nature of the two young gentlemen that set out six years ago, to quite literally win our hearts through our stomachs. The name also speaks of David and Virgil’s training as both studied their trade in Lyon, the food

capital of France, where the best restaurants can be found in a country renowned for its food.

As their studies came to a close, Virgil, who has lived in Walvis Bay with his family for some 15 years, almost jokingly dared David to join him in Namibia to open a French cuisine restaurant right here in Walvis Bay. “What started out as a joke, became a reality before I had time to think about it. Virgil is a go-getter and really makes things happen,” said David, casting his mind back to the beginning.

With a cost equal to that of a student’s life savings, coupled with a helping hand from their families, the youngsters (both in their midtwenties) then opened doors in the

centre of town in a quaint building that once was a church.

David explained that the combination of introducing an entirely new cuisine to Walvis Bay combined with the fact that the predominantly religious fundamentalist nature of the town did little to ingratiate themselves into the town in the early days.

“We found that many people simply did not agree with the idea of operating a business from a church building, even if it was no longer a church, so we respected the views of the community and we moved into our current location at the Waterfront.”

“The Waterfront has been good to us and at least we saw our business pick up, but honestly, it has always been an uphill struggle. The local market did begin to dine out at the restaurant but we really saw an upshot in the tourist sector, as our profile became elevated on the national tourist agenda. We became a must visit place on most coastal trips,” said David.

David’s status and reputation as a chef has reached incredible heights as he plied his trade in our humble town, not renowned for having famous chefs serving from its kitchens. During his

tenure at the restaurant David has been crowned as the best chef in Southern Africa in 2010, 2011, 2013 and last year again in 2014. In addition David has captained and trained the Namibian team in world championships and successfully helped bring a bronze medal back from Dubai.

The restaurant business is notoriously difficult to make a living from though it does seem somewhat out of place that our humble town has for some years now, been host to an internationally famous, successful and incredibly talented chef

that together with his innovative and energetic partner, Virgil, have not been able to stabilise a business that anywhere else would not only thrive, but would be the place to be. Perhaps the fare on offer has come upon our town too soon and that we may just have a little while to go, before we break our stable expectation of vleis, rys en aartapples, whether eating at home or dining out.

David and Virgil, we say farewell and adieu to you and wish you all the best.

Thank you for opening our hearts, minds and tummies.

Air Nam Direct Flights to WB - But No Cargo Service Sharon Brooks Responding to growing demand, Air Namibia announced recently that the company will reinstitute daily direct flights from Walvis Bay to Cape Town and Johannesburg, and vice versa, as from 29 March this year. Although they will only be offering smaller flights initially, Air Namibia hopes to be able to expand operations in the future as demand for the flights increases.

At first, Air Namibia will be using an Embraer Jet ERJ135 for the flights. When Air Namibia previously offered these flights about three years ago, a Boeing 737200, which is a much bigger plane than the ERJ135, was used. Although the Embraer is smaller model aeroplane, with a seating capacity of just 37 passengers and the ability to carry only a ton of cargo, Air Namibia hopes to deploy a larger aircraft should demand for direct flights be sufficient.

Currently only one other airline offers direct flights to South Africa, and the added competition has the tourism industry rejoicing. Not only are travel agencies looking forward to making use of the extra seats and additional departure times, they have already seen fare adjustments for these flights, a trend which is likely to continue as the competition heats up between the two companies.

In addition, major crew changes will become easier to manage. Companies often need to fly large groups of people, up to 150 individuals at a time, into and out of Walvis Bay. The added seats, as well as the lower prices, are likely to make these crew changes not only easier to manage, but cheaper too.

This is a step in the right direction for Air Namibia.

Currently, there are no air freight services available in

Walvis Bay, short of chartering an aircraft. Commercial industries such as mining and maritime look to benefit from this international link through the potential ability to air freight parts and urgently needed equipment.

At present, if a rig or vessel breaks down, and a part is needed from South Africa, the turnaround time is measured in days, not hours. Companies lose money every minute that equipment and vessels are left standing in disrepair, and the potential for future air freight should alleviate some of the pressure on these businesses. Though the newly introduced flights will not have freight capabilities the coast so sorely needs, the future looks promising.

A local businessman spoke to the Namib Independent about this issue and expressed relief at the news of the new flights. His business requires the transporting of time sensitive goods from South Africa weekly. Currently, the only way this can be done is by flying the cargo to Windhoek and then transferring the goods to another plane for the flight to Walvis Bay. This is where the problem comes in, if the connecting flight from Windhoek is full, there is no other option but to transport the goods by road, delaying delivery by hours and costing the business time and money. Once the new flights are in place, he will hopefully be able to transport his goods directly from Cape Town to Walvis Bay, reducing the possibility of delays.

Congratulations to Air Namibia for taking the first step toward making Walvis Bay the logistical hub it promises to become. With the expanded harbour, the upgrade of the B2, the extensive railway system and now the addition of direct flights to South Africa, Walvis is on the precipice of massive expansion. There are great things on the horizon for our cosy harbour town and we cannot wait to see what the future holds.

VACANCY The Manica Group Namibia (Pty) Ltd is an equal opportunity employer with offices based in Walvis Bay and Windhoek. The Group is looking for suitably experienced Remuneration Supervisor to join its ranks in Walvis Bay as soon as possible.

Remuneration Supervisor (C3) Manica Group Namibia (Pty) Ltd

Location : Walvis Bay

Minimum Requirements... Ÿ Commercial Degree Ÿ 5 - 10 Years of concrete payroll experience in a supervisory role; Ÿ Working experience on the VIP Payroll System is a definite requirement Ÿ Exposure to an Accounting department will be an advantage Job Specification...

Manage workflow of remuneration officers to ensure all payroll transactions are processed accurately and timely Ÿ Reconcile payroll prior to transmission and validate reports Ÿ Manage and approve monthly salary invoicing on ACCPAC; Ÿ Understand proper taxation of employer and employee paid benefits Ÿ

Read more on the Website Closing Date: 28 January 2015 Bidvest Namibia is an equal opportunity employer. Remuneration packages are comenserate with qualifications and experience. Apply for this position online at: Register and upload your CV for alerts on future positions.

http://bidvestnamibia.pnet.com.na

Study via Face-to-face training or Correspondence!

Write your exams here in Walvis Bay! ICDL Courses – Microsoft Training Monday, 26 January 2015

NOSA – Intro to SAMTRAC 23 – 27 February 2015

ICB Basic Bookkeeping Course Monday, 26 January 2015

NOSA – SAMTRAC 16 – 27 March 2015

Telephone: Website:

(064) 20 – 3995 www.college.edu.na

| |

E-mail: Address:

info@college.edu.na 11, 11th Road, Walvis Bay

8 | News

Thursday, 22 January 2015

SPCA Walvis – A Phoenix Rising Donna Collins

The gaping and charred ground of what was once the home of the newly appointed SPCA Walvis Bay kennel manager Bernice Grobler, bares testimony to a devastating fire that broke out this month, which is still a burning issue for the animal shelter.

After speaking to Bernice who is still finding her feet after all her belongings went up in flames along with the fully furnished re-vamped mobile home – she assured the Namib Independent on Monday that it is business as usual, despite her personal loss and the devastation to SPCA property totalling a N$150 000 loss.

Both she and the SPCA are rising out of the ashes, as the need to care for the animals takes priority.

"I did not even have a tube of toothpaste," said the single mother of two, who complemented the generosity of the Walvis Bay community which rushed to her aid and responded immediately with donations.

"I was left with just the clothes on my back. "Fortunately the wind that day was blowing the fire in a direction away from the kennels, and none of our animals were harmed, though it was frighteningly close to the enclosures”, she said sadly.

"We have cleared away the burnt remains of the mobile home meanwhile, and cleaned up the space which is being

used as an extra day exercise area for our dogs," she pointed out, mentioning that there are hopes that they might receive a substitute trailer home in the future.

Currently Bernice is staying in a make shift 'roof over her head' on the premises, but according to the Chairperson Rheta Smeer, the SPCA would like nothing more than to give her a proper place to stay, but there are no funds to replace the one that burnt down.

She mentioned that talks are underway with the Municipality of Walvis Bay to see the way forward, and that she is appealing to the public to step in and assist where they can with financial donations to enable them to purchase items of need.

"At this stage our vet bills are sky high, with all the sick and injured animals we need to treat, and this can cost us up to N$20 000 a month, before we have paid a single salary, so if people want to help us pay these debts off it would be a huge help," she explained.

The Walvis Bay SPCA under its new management is geared for some changes, which include an upgrade of the cat kennels, as well as some refurbishment on the dog kennels to make the living conditions more pleasant for its inmates.

Donations of any kind to assist with the financial backlog due to the fire, and the general running costs to keep the doors open are hugely appreciated.

The newly appointed Walvis Bay SPCA Manager Bernice Grobler and one of the 'inmates' up for adoption, is seen here in the charred remains of what used to be her caravan home. (Photo Donna Collins)

Business Mogul Frans Indongo Retires to Coast Donna Collins

Namibia's business icon Dr Frans Aupa Indongo announced his retirement during an intimate 79th birthday celebration this past Saturday, which was held at a beach location in Swakopmund, which is going to become the future home of the founder of the giant Frans Indongo Group.

A gathering of family, close friends and upper echelons of the Frans Indongo Group, celebrated his milestone 79th birthday with Champaign corks popping, traditional dancers and the beat of Walvis Bay's Marimba percussionists.

Beaming with happiness, the elegantly dressed 'father' of Namibia's business world was surrounded by an abundance of well wishes from far and wide, as he enjoying a laid on birthday programme in an atmosphere that expressed the spirit of his long and successful life as a celebrated economic leader in this country.

The informal announcement of his retirement after all these years at the helm of the Indongo 'empire' , was also kept on the down low, as it was jovially explained that Dr Indongo's work ethic is something that will keep even

the young people on their toes. It was said that he is a true icon of Namibia and a great example to us all.

The message was made loud and clear that this was a man who has always showed appreciation for everything around him, and that the success of the Frans Indongo Group is now stronger than ever before; in particular under the leadership of a dynamic group of key players who he handpicked as his right hand men and women.

The proceedings were led in prayer, with Kobus Van Graan (Group CEO) acting MC, together with Martin Shipanga (Chairman) who translated the programme into Oshiwambo.

"I am happy with the leadership I have installed into the Frans Indongo Group, and am confident that these people are going to elevate business to a level where I can now take life easy and enjoy my retirement in this beautiful town," said Indongo, addressing his guests.

"While the Frans Indongo Group was founded by myself, it is a business that has grown for the benefit of Namibian people, meaning that the day I am no longer on earth, my legacy will live on, and because of this the business needs to be run well.

Traditional dancers entertained Frans Indongo at his 79th birthday celebrations

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES BUSINESS FOR SALE: Office automation with lots of potential - represent one of the world’s most well-known brands.

FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES: Well established domestic furniture business in Windhoek looking to expand to rest of Namibia.

(Ondangwa, Ongwediva and Oshakati area is taken)

Interested parties should email their information to hello@officeconomix.com Founder of the Frans Indongo Group, and Namibian business icon Dr Frans Aupa Indongo celebrated his 79th birthday in Swakopmund on Saturday where he plans to retire in the coastal town.

(Photo Donna Collins)

(No telephonic enquiries please.)

News | 9

Thursday, 22 January 2015

Innovations to look forward to in 2015 Sharon Brooks

From smart beds to mind controlled prosthetic limbs, 2015 promises to be a year of great discoveries and fantastic inventions. We take a look at some of the most highly anticipated innovations and discoveries and some of the newest gadgets to be released during the course of the year.

MEDICAL

• Dengue fever vaccine All it takes is one bite: Dengue is a debilitating virus that is transmitted to humans by the bite of an Aedes aegypti mosquito that has previously bitten a person infected with the dengue virus.

Though dengue is not always fatal, it is a terribly painful disease that is the leading cause of death for children in some countries.

Half of the world’s population is at risk of catching dengue, which is currently the fastest growing of all mosquito-borne tropical diseases. It is now estimated by the World Health Organization that more than 50 to 100 million people in more than 100 countries develop the acute illness each year, primarily in tropical and subtropical areas of Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

The world’s first vaccine against the dengue scourge has now been developed and tested, that protects against 60% of regular Dengue cases and is 95.5% protective against the severe, potentially fatal form of the disease. The vaccine worked in justcompleted Phase III trials of children 2 to 14 in five areas across Asia. Almost 60 percent of the 6,000 children were protected against the disease compared to placebo injections after a three-shot, two-year period In the meantime, the current vaccine is expected to be submitted to regulatory groups in early 2015, with commercialisation expected later in the year.

• The end of the Ebola Epidemic The Ebola epidemic is far from over in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

Drug tests are underway and vaccine trials are scheduled to begin soon.

Hopefully these, combined with improved public health measures, make a crucial difference toward stopping the worst outbreak of Ebola we have ever seen.

The deadly Ebola outbreak will be ended in 2015, the outgoing head of the UN team fighting the disease has said. Anthony Banbury said the number of Ebola cases would be brought down to zero by the close of this year, but admitted that the end was "not close".

"We are engaged in an epic battle," he said. The virus has killed nearly 8,000 people, mostly in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea, where the disease started in December 2013.

Mr Banbury admitted his three month mission had failed to hit its target of 100% safe burials and treatment of 70% of infected people.

But he praised international efforts and insisted "the global response to the Ebola crisis has been extremely successful".

"Going forward it is going to be extremely hard for us to bring it down

to zero [cases], but that is what we will do. “I believe we will end Ebola in 2015”, he told reporters.

Earlier last year, the World Health Organization said the number of people infected by the virus in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea had passed 20,000 with more than a third of these being in Sierra Leone, which has become the worst-hit country.

• Near painless Blood Testing "Have the days of needles and vials come to an end?" the Cleveland clinic asks. Emerging chip technologies for blood tests only require a tiny drop of blood from the fingertip to conduct multiple tests at once. The results would be available within hours and cost as little as 10% of typical Medical reimbursement costs. The Cleveland Clinic reports that over 100 tests can be performed on just one drop of blood.

• Chemo Therapy that does not harm healthy tissue Antibody-drug conjugates have been designed to attach only to a specific protein found in high numbers on the targeted cancer, the compound intentionally ignores all healthy cells, as they lack the particular protein that has been scheduled for destruction.

The antibody acts like a homing signal, and once the cancer cell has been located, the drug conjugate binds to it and is eventually pulled inside by the cancer cell, because it considers the antibody an ally. Study results have shown that this Trojan Horse strategy works and once entry is made, the powerful toxin is released, damaging the cancer cell as it tries to divide, resulting in eventual cancer cell death.

• Bionic Arms controlled by thinking A double amputee who lost his arms 40 years ago has been fitted with two bionic arms attached from shoulder level, both of which he can control just by thinking.

Scientists have long been working on developing replacement limbs which can closely imitate the functions of real ones. Indeed, researchers at the John Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Maryland have been developing their Modular Prosthetic Limbs (MLPs) for over a decade but it was only in 2014 that they made history when Les Baugh, a double amputee, used two MPLs simultaneously.

Whilst the arms in question are still a work in progress and cannot yet be used outside the laboratory, Baugh, who lost both his arms in an accident four decades ago, has become the “first

bilateral shoulder-level amputee” to wear and use the MPLs at the same time.

In order for him to be able to control the arms with his brain, Baugh first had to undergo a surgical procedure called targeted muscle re-innervation.

“It is a relatively new surgical procedure that reassigns nerves that once controlled the arm and the hand,” explained Albert Chi, a trauma surgeon at John Hopkins.

“By reassigning existing nerves, we can make it possible for people who have had upper-arm amputations to control their prosthetic limbs by merely thinking about the action they want to perform.

GADGETS

• Jibo the Robot Friendly, helpful and intelligent, Jibo the Robot is expected to be available for purchase in December 2015.

Creators of the robot say it will make life around the house easier. It will take pictures and videos, alert you of reminders and messages, teach through interactive apps, and connect to your home technology (such as turning on lights).

Designed to have its own nonrobotic personality and programmed with artificial intelligence algorithms, Jibo will have the ability to learn your preferences to adapt and fit into your life. It has two hi-res cameras for facial recognition and microphones which will allow for immersive video calling. It also uses various social and emotional cues while talking. Using the Jibo app, it can be connected to your mobile devices and your home's WiFi. This new "family member," will be sold between U$499 and $599.

• SleepIQ kids bed This is a bed for your child that tracks their sleep, sports a remote control night light, and alerts you when they decide to get up. It could truly be genius. As any sleep-deprived parent will attempt to tell you, as their weary head slumps repeatedly into their coffee, getting your kids into a regular sleeping pattern can feel like endless torture. There is a safety-conscious under bed light that comes on when they get up, a reward system for

Extra Second in 2015

to Crash the Web?

This June, scientists will add exactly one second to the clock, a seemingly minor alteration that could wreak havoc for computers and websites across the globe.

The last time a “leap second” was added in June 2012, sites like Reddit, Gawker, LinkedIn and Yelp experienced temporary service disruptions. According to Wired, Reddit was down for about an hour and a half — not such a big deal for what is essentially a massive online bulletin board. Unfortunately, the problem also extended to Amadeus Altea, a large airline reservation system. That reportedly disrupted flight plans for both Qantas and Virgin Australia.

The New York Daily News reports that the problem is primarily the

result of many computing systems being unable to recognise “two same seconds in a row.” Of course, Google has a solution to the problem. The search giant employs a technique called a “leap smear,” which basically means that a handful of milliseconds are gradually added to the clock before the actual leap second, so the shift is spread over a day rather than enacted at one precise moment.

This all sounds like a pain, but it is not for nothing. The leap second, announced by the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service, will be enacted to help account for Earth’s slowing rotation.

The planet’s rotation speeds up and slows down for a variety of reasons. According to Steven Dutch,

and virtual concerts.

SCIENCE • We could learn that there is an invisible universe that mirrors our own.

The Large Hadron Collider is going to power back on in March after a two year hiatus and it will be crashing particles together at twice the power it had before. No one knows exactly what we will learn from this, but possibilities include particles associated with dark matter.

Further, the presence or absence of certain particles could prove or disprove the supersymmetry theory, which holds that there is a mirror universe to our own made of invisible particles that have mass and correspond to what we can see.

SPACE

sleeping through, and even a monster detector. The whole thing syncs with an iOS app and it will cost you $1,000.

• Samsung Bendable Phone According to a senior executive for the company's display-making arm, we could see a flexible display for smartphones that can be folded in half by the end of 2015. And these devices will not have just a little bit of give; the new gadget will be so flexible it can bend in half without breaking.

Ideally, users would be able to fold the bendable smartphone in half and stuff it in their pockets.

• Smart Bike Pedal French startup Connected Cycle has introduced its new smart bike pedal, which is able to track a bike's exact location in the event of a theft and a number of distance and fitness statistics during biking activity.

The aluminium pedal works with a companion app on iOS to track where a bike is located, and can send a push notification if the bike has been moved or give a location as to where a bike was last parked. The pedal and the app also automatically record metrics like the speed of a bike, the incline of a given location, routing info and even calories burnt.

Connected Cycle notes that the pedal generates its own energy and that installation takes less than two minutes without the need for mechanical skills, although removing the pedal requires a specialized key that comes in the box. The Connected Cycle comes with two pedals, with one pedal containing smart functionality and the other pedal sporting a similar look for aesthetic purposes.

Connected Cycle has yet to announce a price or release date for its smart pedal, but does note that it will come in colours including black, red, green, blue, and orange.

• Oculus Rift The Oculus Rift, a virtual reality headset that impressed Mark Zuckerberg so much he bought the company for $2 billion, is still in development but expected to launch by the end of 2015.

At first, the Oculus Rift will mostly be for gaming, allowing players step inside their favourite games and virtual worlds. Your view of the game is no longer boxed in on a screen and is only limited by what your eyes can see. The combination of the wide field of view with head-tracking and stereoscopic 3D creates an immersive virtual reality experience. But in the years to come people will be able to use the Rift for social networking, interactive movies,

• Reusable rockets being tested

by SpaceX could transform the future of space travel.

If we are ever going to set up a colony on Mars, we are going to need to be able to land rockets there that can be re-used for a journey back to Earth.

Not only that, but this reusable rocket technology will make all space travel much cheaper.

And while a first-stage rocket — the bottom or largest rocket in certain launches — has never been recovered for re-use before, Elon Musk and SpaceX want to change that this year.

They plan on attempting about a dozen launches and subsequent landings on ocean platforms throughout the year.

Even if this attempt does not succeed, SpaceX will refine their techniques and technology over the course of the year.

• We are getting our closest look ever at Pluto. (And we are visiting Ceres, another dwarf planet.)

The New Horizons mission, which launched Jan. 19, 2006, back when Pluto still had eight months left of being called a planet, will arrive at its closest point to the dwarf planet after a 5 billion kilometre journey on July 14.

It will snap some photos that will show us Pluto's surface and Charon, its largest moon, before heading on to explore the Kuiper Belt.

a retired professor of natural and applied sciences at the University of Wisconsin, massive earthquakes, for example, can speed the Earth’s rotation (making days shorter), while natural changes in various points of elevation in the planet (like undersea mountains) can actually slow rotation over time. Adding a second — which has actually happened 25 times since 1972 — may seem like a small way to offset these problems, but in theory, correcting the clock with leap seconds prevents us from eventually having sunset at, say, 8:32 in the morning.

Still, some people argue that leap seconds should be done away with entirely because of how technically disruptive they can be. However, this would divorce our understanding of time from the sun. For example, the Greenwich Meridian would be rendered useless, as the Greenwich Mean Time is measured by the time at which the sun crosses the Greenwich Meridian.

Later this year a final decision on the abolition of the leap second could be made. In the meantime the leap second will be a bane for many technology companies.

Source: The Huffington Post

10 | News

Thursday, 22 January 2015

The MANCOSA Advantage MANCOSA is a registered higher education institution, offering students various academic programmes in the business and management disciplines. The institution endeavours to respond to the changing higher education demands of both public and private sectors in dynamic economies through a commitment to people, opportunity and quality.

The 20 year old institution provides education to students across the world.

MANCOSA’s 14 undergraduate offerings are registered and accredited with relevant education authorities in South Africa and beyond. All MANCOSA’s programmes are recognised by the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) and this ensures that students receive authentic qualifications which will ensure personal growth, job opportunities and career progression.

MANCOSA has been operating in Namibia since early 2000s and has assisted several hundreds of Namibians to obtain certificates, diplomas and degrees in various disciplines.

Over this period, MANCOSA has acquired the necessary experience in serving the needs of the Namibian market and is in a position to meet and exceed the needs of Namibian students.

Benefits of Studying with MANCOSA Studying with Mancosa offers you several benefits, of which some are listed below: • Students taking on MANCOSA’s supported distance learning programmes are advantaged in that it allows flexible studying which is convenient for students with demanding work schedules. Undertaking distance learning entails minimal disruptions to personal life.

MANCOSA’s programmes ensures students follow a flexible schedule when completing

modules and assignments. In addition to the distance mode, students can also enroll for part-time or fulltime options (these options will be offered depending on the numbers).

• MANCOSA benefits students in several ways: it provides high quality education; develops competitive and career-centred skills; provides an intellectually stimulating environment; connects students to a global gateway of knowledge and programmes are responsive to regional, national and international needs. MANCOSA is also commitment to provide affordable and high quality management and business education.

• MANCOSA strives to present students with an interactive learning experience. This encompasses a range of teaching methods; including formal lectures, case studies, groupwork and self-study exercises, which are core to the success of the programmes offered. This

One of the world’s foremost emerging uranium companies, Swakop Uranium, is focused on developing and operating the world's third-largest known primary uranium deposit near the town of Swakopmund in Namibia. We need energetic, self-motivated and confident people to apply for our roles and we regard you as our “Employee of Choice”.

VACANCIES OCCupAtIONAl HEAltH ANd HygIENE AdVISOr

rEMuNErAtION MANAgEr

Location: Husab Mine, Swakopmund Reports to the Safety, Health and Radiation Manager

Location: Swakopmund Reports to the Director, Human Resources

Develop, implement, monitor and maintain occupational and environment health and hygiene management systems for Swakop Uranium (SU) as per the requirements of the Safety & Health Management Plan, Radiation Management Plan, Integrated Management Systems and applicable legislation, regulations and directives.

Coordinate Swakop Uranium’s (SU) remuneration and job design function including the effective management of payroll processes, incentives schemes, job evaluation process, preparation and collection of REMCO packs, and effective internal and external stakeholder collaboration.

Key performance Areas: • Conduct risk assessments and develop and implement standard operating procedures and control measures to prevent and/or mitigate occupational health and hygiene risks.

• Develop and implement a risk based occupational health and hygiene monitoring programme.

• Identify, investigate and evaluate harmful conditions and potential hazards at the work place, and provide assistance and advice on corrective measures.

• Enforce compliance to applicable legislation, regulations and directives.

• Advise and consult with line management, employees and contractors on health practices, development and monitoring.

• Implement and manage applicable occupational health and hygiene communication, training and awareness programmes.

• Assist and guide line management to implement the occupational health and hygiene programmes and procedures.

• Manage occupational health and hygiene reporting, sample and data analysis, document & data control, statistics and administration. requirements and experience: • National Diploma/B Tech Degree in Environmental Health.

• Registered as an Environmental Health Practitioner with the Allied Health Professions Council of Namibia.

• Minimum of 5 years working experience in a mining environment of which 3 years should have been in a supervisory capacity.

• Occupational hygiene monitoring and data analysis.

• Occupational health training.

• Code B Driver’s Licence.

• Good communication, report writing and interpersonal skills.

Key performance Areas: • Remuneration Policy Development and Maintenance - Develop, draft and implement approved remuneration and job design policies, procedures and processes ensuring they are in compliance with the Namibian labour legislation and aligned to SU’s overall strategic objectives and HR vision.

• Job Design and Evaluation - Responsible for all the relevant and appropriate specialist functions linked to job design and evaluation.

• Remuneration System Management - Proactively plan, organise, direct, control or coordinate the remuneration system and process within strategy and policy guidelines to establish fair and consistent compensation & benefit practices.

• Efficient Payroll Management - Develop and maintain payroll and employee record systems in accordance with policy, audit rules and current legislation.

• Management of Offer Package and employment contract: offer compilation, reviewing and modification, and Contract drafting and filing.

• Satisfy all Reporting, Budget Preparation and Control Requirements • Operational Support, Resolve Problems & Queries.

• Subordinate daily and performance management. requirements and experience: • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial Psychology, Commerce or related field / NQA Level: 7.

• An Honours degree will be an advantage.

• Specialist level Remuneration and Job Design experience in the mining industry: 8-years.

• Solid SAP experience.

• Code B Driver’s License.

Through its commitment to its people, the company offers a competitive remuneration package and the opportunity to work alongside some of the most experienced and dedicated people in the industry. Interested persons should submit their CV and relevant supporting documents to recruitment@cgnpc. com.cn OR on www.jobportunities.net website by 31 January 2015. Previously disadvantaged Namibians meeting the above criteria are encouraged to apply. Clearly indicate the position you are applying for as well as your name and surname in the subject line of your application email. Applications received that do not meet this criteria will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within two weeks of the closing date of this advertisement and no documents will be returned. Short-listed candidates must be willing to undergo pre-employment selection assessments.

For more information on the company, please visit www.swakopuranium.com

Passionately energise our World

approach helps build skills and competencies aimed at developing students’ managerial capabilities.

• Our programmes seek to create a calibre of students who can confidently face the challenges of the business world by applying the knowledge and abilities gained through our rigourous and stimulating programmes -.

• The academic team at MANCOSA includes individuals who are appropriately qualified and have the necessary industry experience to assist students in applying theory to practice. Furthermore, Academics are supportive of the needs of students and are committed to leading students on their journey of academic exploration.

Over the years, MANCOSA has received many accolades in the world rankings of business schools.

These include: • PMR Africa annual national survey of accredited business schools offering the MBA in 2010 and 2012; the African Economist rated MANCOSA 7th among the top ten business schools in Africa in 2012; MANCOSA featured in Eduniversal Business Schools ranking for 2013; • African Business Review ranked MANCOSA 6th best higher learning institution offering business and management academic programmes in 2011, and in 2013 they were rated 7th; • Best Masters.com rated MANCOSA as the 8th best in South Africa in 2014; • MANCOSA featured in the 2011 Global MBA Rankings and obtained the fifth spot among the 30 Most Popular Business Schools for 2014 according to findmba.com.

• In Namibia, Mancosa obtained a gold award in 2012 and silver in 2013 PMR Africa surveys MANCOSA is intensely aware of the need to forge linkages with other institutions and organisations and has forged many linkages with various roleplayers in higher education and industries over the years.

For example, MANCOSA is affiliated with the South African Business Schools Association; Association of African Business Schools; Business Schools Partnership Network and the National Association of Distance Education Organisations of South Africa and enjoys full membership of the European Foundation for Management and Development.

Contact Us For further information, visit the website: www.mancosa. co.za or our office located at Office 27, Mezzanine Floor, BPI House, 269 Independence Avenue, Windhoek or give us a call on +264 (0)61 301-354 or send as an e-mail on Namibia@staff.mancosa.co.za

McCLUNE’S Shuttle Services

We offer a reliable shuttle service between Windhoek, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay that guarantees satisfaction and channels development on internation and local scale. Our vehicles have been branded and are easy to identify, Which expresses ownership and legality as well as professionalism. Bookings are essentail. Terms & Conditions apply.

We operate 7 days a Week Prices per person (one Way); Windhoek/Swakopmund N$ 220.00 Windhoek/Walvis Bay N$ 230.00 Pensioners Special N$ 170.00 Departures are as follows

Windhoek

Contact Details Tel: +264 64 221 713 Cell: +264 81 628 5010 CELL: +264 81 128 7916 email:mcclunes@mweb.com.na

Walvis Bay

Swakopmund

Departure 1: 7:30 am

Departure 1: 7:00 am

Departure 1: 8:00 am

Departune 2: 14:45 pm

Departune 2: 14:00 pm

Departune 2: 15:00 pm

News | 11

Thursday, 22 January 2015

Congratulations to the Matriculants of 2014

2015 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN BCom (3 years)

Bachelor of Commerce • Human Resource Management • Supply Chain Management • Marketing Management • IT Management

accredited

affordable

accessible

BBA (3 years)

• Bachelor of Business Administration

BPA (3 years)

• Bachelor of Public Administration

AdvCert (1 Year)

• Advanced Certificate in Management Studies • Advanced Certificate in Financial Planning

HCert (1 Year)

• Higher Certificate in Local Government and Development Management • Higher Certificate in Supply Chain Management • Higher Certificate in Information Technology • Higher Certificate in Business Management • Higher Certificate in Accounting • Higher Certificate in Public Management

Distance I Part Time I Full Time All programmes recognised by the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) and in SADC countries and beyond.

www.mancosa.co.za MANCOSA NAMIBIA:

Namibia Tel: 00264 61 301354, Email: namibia@staff.mancosa.co.za Durban Tel: +27 31 300 7202, Email: mba@mancosa.co.za Johannesburg Tel: +27 31 853 3000, Email: jhb@mancosa.co.za MANCOSA is accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). Registration No. 2000/HE07/003.

12 | News

Thursday, 22 January 2015

Invest in Your Future and Choose Logistics

BSE Chief Operating Officer Helga Busing-Volschenk The logistics and supply chain industry reports shortages of up to 64% in positions that require a bachelor’s degree. Even at operational level where candidates need either a matric qualification, a diploma or a certificate, companies experienced a 27% shortage in 2013.

In southern Africa today, the skills shortage is the fourth highest supply chain constraint. This is according to the CSIR’s 10th Annual State of Logistics Survey for South Africa (2013) which reports that the lack of skilled personnel at all levels continues to be a major concern to the performance of supply chain management.

Logistics and supply chain management is at the heart of almost every industry and yet it is in dire need of skilled talent with a shortage of approximately 130 000 logistics managers.

It is a challenge that affects virtually every key economic driver in southern Africa. Industries such as mining, manufacturing, retail and farming, for example, would be incapacitated without these skills and services.

Most individuals and potential learners are unaware of the potential of a career in logistics and supply chain management. For some it may seem a lot less glamorous than other fields like banking, finance or marketing.

Yet this dynamic field offers a myriad of employment opportunities for the school leaver when choosing a career; the individual wanting to change careers and the logistician who is looking to further develop skills to match with experience.

Every year investment in the road, rail, port and airport infrastructures continues to be a high priority with billions of Namibia Dollar being invested in various projects in these areas but the industry requires skills to ensure support from the workforce end.

These skills include those traditionally taught academically (hard skills) and also soft skills, not excluding the importance of experience.

Furthermore, individuals looking to study, should consider their lifestyle; financial position and working obligations to choose the right institutions and the right programme.

When fulltime employment is a necessity to meet the financial requirements of studying; fully supported, blended distance learning allows for the individual to work while studying and to complete studies at their own pace. It is an attractive alternative to traditional tertiary institutional studying.

Qualifications that are segmented and offered by means of short learning programmes, can also present more practical opportunities for the working individual – without slowing down the pace or minimising the value of the qualification. In essence it is most important to look for an accredited institution; that offers industry related programmes and that hosts a good reputation.

The Business School of Excellence

(BSE) has formed a partnership with the Institute of Logistics and Supply Chain Management (ILSCM) to ensure a successful supply chain of superior academic solutions for the individual and the organisation. The ILSCM offers accredited qualifications that speak to the industry’s needs.

“Dedicated to the industry and with a depth of research resources, the ILSCM is able to respond to changes and developments quickly, to the benefit of their graduands, practitioners and the industry as a collective whole”, says BSE

Chief Operating Officer Helga BusingVolschenk.

“Namibia is well situated on the main trade route past Walvis Bay and the National Development Plan also makes provision for the development of a strong logistics hub on this side of the world.

The success hereof will rely on creating skilled individuals who can successfully apply the principles of logistics and ensure the increase of consumer goods through successful application of logistics”, says Chief Operation Officer of BSE, Helga Busing-Volschenk.

Logistics Graduates - October 2014

Lifestyle | 13

Thursday, 22 January 2015

LIFESTYLE It is official- Men are Bigger Idiots than Women In case there was any doubt before, a team of British researchers has proven, in a tongue tongue-in-cheek scientific study that men are bigger idiots than women. There is even a name for the field: Male Idiot Theory.

Researchers from Newcastle University decided to test the theory by examining sex differences in “idiotic risk-taking behaviour” among Darwin Award nominees over a 20year span. The Darwin Awards commemorate those who die not in accidental deaths but in idiotic accidents involving “astonishingly stupid methods,” the team writes in the annual Christmas issue of the British Medical Journal.

Past winners include an Iraqi terrorist who mailed a letter bomb with insufficient postage, only to have it explode in his face when he opened his own “return to sender” letter, and a man who died after hitching a shopping cart to the back of a train. He was dragged three kilometres to his death before the train could stop.

Overall, males made up 88.7% of Darwin Award winners over the study period, a “highly statistically significant” sex difference in idiotic risk-taking behaviour, the authors report.

The finding, they conclude, supports their working hypothesis “that men are idiots and idiots do stupid things.”

A recent survey found that, males represent the majority of trauma patients accounting for 69% of all trauma patients seen in emergency rooms.

Trauma cases were classed as unintentional falls, motor vehicle collisions and assault.

The researchers, however, focused on a class of risk in a league of its own — “idiotic” risk, defined as “senseless risks, where the apparent payoff is negligible or non-existent” and the outcome is usually very, very bad.

For their analysis, the researchers reviewed all Darwin Award nominations from 1995 to 2014. They relied on confirmed accounts only, excluding urban legends and “honourable

mentions,” such as a man who lost a testicle while using a belt sander as an “auto-erotic” device. He repaired himself with a staple gun.

“It was wonderfully quick-witted of him to repair his scrotum with his staple gun. I thought that was just brilliant,” stated the lead researcher the co-author Dennis Lendrem.

Of 332 nominations, men and women, typically “over-adventurous couples in compromising positions,” shared 14.

Of the 318 valid cases remaining, 282 awards were awarded to men, and just 36 to women.

The National Post

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14 | Thought

Thursday, 22 January 2015

mO s hUi G wa m b. o THO HT ..

“Even the Queen Sometimes Must Stand Naked” Bob Dylan Even the most important people visit the bathroom, no matter how dignified they act the rest of the time.

A digitally edited series from Italian artist Cristina Guggeri shows the world’s most powerful politicians and religious leaders taking a free moment to perform what she jokingly calls “The Daily Duty,” which also happens to be the name of the series (“Il Dovere Quotidiano”).

In a world driven by celebrity where the masses have long since surrendered themselves and their voices to governmental and corporate leaders, it is good to remind ourselves that when the title is stripped away, we’re all after all, just humans.

Motoring | 15

Thursday, 22 January 2015

MOTORING NAMPOL’s 12 Million Christmas Haul Ella Kamati In a press briefing held on Tuesday this week, Deputy Commissioner Ralph Ludwig of Nampol’s traffic department announced that traffic fines to the amount of N$12 million were issued between the 22nd of November 2014 and the 15th of January 2015.

In the statement, the

commissioner stated that speeding and unlicensed driving made up the bulk of the fines, with a total of 1585 fines being for speeding and 1354 for unlicensed driving. Other penalties included 76 fines for driving without seatbelts and 399 for vehicles not being road worthy.

The root causes of most accidents were believed to be

poor driving skills, irresponsible overtaking and night driving.

However, missing from the report was any reference to driving under the influence of alcohol, either in terms of fines issued or the number, if any, of accidents caused.

With the coast being the prime holiday destination in Namibia during that specific time of the year, the area is known

to become overcrowded with holiday makers. According to statistics released by the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA), 17 people died in road accidents in the Erongo region during this past festive season.

At time of going to press, Nampol were unable to furnish figures specifically relating to the coastal or broader Erongo region.

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