23 feb namib times e-edition

Crop Farming Challenges

Along the Kuiseb River

Sharlien Tjambari

ThearidlandscapesborderingtheKuisebRiverinNamibia poseformidablechallengestolocalcropfarmers,grappling withextremeweatherconditionsandlimitedaccesstowater Despite these obstacles, resilient individuals like Lena Kasper, Ouma Anna Beukes, and Elly Cloete persevere in theireffortstocultivatesustenancefortheircommunities.

Namib Times spoke to one such farmer, Lena Kasper, born and raised in Utuseb. Kasper went to school in Walvis Bay and moved to Keetmanshoop for her secondary edu-

cation Kasper was previously employed at a factory, and when she resigned, she moved back to Utuseb where she is now employed as a matron at theJ.P BrandtPrimary School hostel. Kasper

said when she started gardening, she started with a very small garden.“Iusedtoreadalot of newspapers and listen to the radio, especially about the people in the northern

Continues on page 2

Lena Kasper

Photo Sharlien Tjambari

Photo by Leandrea Mouers

Crop Farming

part of the country and how they take care of theirgardens.Ithought tomyselfthatIamalso a human being and whattheycando,Ican also do, so I started with my gardening.”

She also shared she started with planting figs, then tomatoes, and onions and she harvested them. Later sheplan-tedgrapesand soitwenton.

According to Kasper, her biggest problem when it comes to her garden is the birds

Because her garden is not well-fenced and covered with a shade net, birds eat her fruits andvegetables.Thehot temperature from the sun and the wind are also some other challenges that hamper her production.

Kasper said the garden hasbenefittedheralot, shedoesnotbuysweet potatoes,onionsorany other vegetables from town and her family in Walvis Bay is also benefitting from her garden. She sells some

of the produce at the school to the staff membersthere. Rainis veryrareinthispartof the desert, fortunately, NAMWATER connected water pipelines toUtusebandthecommunitynow has access to water Another farmer, Ouma Anna Beukes (75), is not as fortunateasKasper,the gardensherunsforher community struggles a lot due to its location andthefactthatthereis nowateratSwartbank, they depend on a borehole which sometimes runsdryduetonorain. Swartbank is the area where the Topnaar Community lives, on thebanksoftheKuiseb River. Beukes said although they have challenges, the garden has been beneficial because they can grow theirvegetablesanddo not have to go through the struggle of travelling to Walvis Bay to buy vegetables or the struggle of buying expensive vegetables whiletheycanproduce

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their vegetables It saves on costs and creates skills developmentandskillssharing. Beukes said, that before GIZ came into the picture, the people in her community had small gardens. When GIZ came on board, they expanded. They are not able to make it sustainable in terms of selling the produce so fornowitisjustforthe peoplewithintheSwart Banksettlement,which are about 9 families. Limitedaccesstowater delays the growing process, said Beukes. Water is the biggest barrier in this area Fanuel !Khuriseb (33), wholivesinSwartbank with his grandparents said living there keeps him out of trouble and also helps him to grow hands-on skills, something he can later on transfer to future generations. !Khuriseb said he misses being a young person within the community, going out to town, and living like any other youth,

but he learned a lot from this experience. He further elaborated that he faced a lot of challenges in the settlement.Inasmuch as the ministry and GIZ is helping them, they still face the challengeofwaterand wish that if only that problem could be solved, life would be much easier Elly Cloete is also a gardener at Utuseb, fortunately for her, the garden is going well and she makes a good harvest Her only challengeisnothaving a market for her produce, so her produce ends up rotting. “I do not have a vehicle to transport my products to Walvis Bay where I cansellthem.”

TheSwartbankgarden is very dry compared to the other gardens at the Utuseb settlement because Utuseb has access to water and Swartbank does not have access to water A

Swartbank, the dunes are closer to the people,exposingthem to extreme heat while at Utuseb, the dunes are a bit further from thecommunityandthe heat is not that extreme. According to Hilka Nakawa the Public Relations and Communication for GIZ(DeutscheGesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) Namibia, the Farming for ResilienceProjectwhichis assisting these farmers, is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water andLandReform.The project helps subsistence farmers and farmers, in general, implement climatesmart agriculture and combat the effects of climate change in communal areas Nakawasaid,“theFarming for Resilience Project started supporting the Utuseb Community in 2021 whenWorldFoodDay wascommemoratedin Utuseb where we had a big food bank and

Progress for Etango Uranium Project

First works ongoing, leadership shifts at Bannerman Resources

More than 700 jobs will be created at the Etango Uranium Project once it is operational.

The Etango Mining Licence appli-cation

was granted in

December 2023, swiftly followed by the commencement of early developmentworks.

Construction of a temporary water pipeline and access

road is currently in progress The contracts, with a combined value of N$36 million, were awarded to two local Namibianbusinesses.

Located about 30 kilometres southeast of Swakopmund, the Etango Uranium Pro-

ject possesses a world-class uranium mineral resource endowmentof207Mlbs of contained U3O8 (100ppm U3O8 cutoff).

According to the ChiefExecutiveOfficer of Bannerman Resources, Gavin Chamberlain, the temporary water supply line is crucial for futureconstruction.

“This enables us to get water to the site, store it in storage tankers, and once construction starts, we have sufficient water on site. The access road is merely toprovidecontractors accesstothesite.”

Thenextfocus,inthe near future, is to get temporary power to the site before they start with the mechanicalerection.

after seeing that this com-munity after the event won't have any sortoflivelihood,they don'thaveanysustainability in the area, the FarmingforResilience Project members stayed for two weeks to give the farmers trainingandtrainingonnutritionaswell.”

AccordingtoNakawa, thereisalsoanutrition component in the Farming for Resilience Project. At the end of the project, GIZ wants

thefarmersinthisarea to be self-sustainable, self-sufficient, and abletofeedtheirfamilies; and hopefully be able to sell their produce to make an income. “We do followupsatleastfivetimesa year on how the farmersprogress,andthat is how we started setting up shade nets and we also do personal calls with farmers,” Nakawasaid.

“These two projects (water pipeline and road) will continue until June/July 2024, andwhilethisishappening, we will be focusing on what our

finalfundingsolution will be. Potentially, before the year ends, wemighthavereached the Final InvestmentDecision(FID), which will happen once we've secured our funding. In the background, we are busy advancing the design of the project, so that when we do getFID,wewillbein the position to place the civil contracts immediately.”

Headdedthatusually forajuniorminerlike Etango, starting with the Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) is only done onceFIDissecured.

“We, however, raised money last year, whichwearecurrently building the road, placing the pipeline and continuing with design work, so that we are ahead of the curvewhenwegetto FID. This is the strategy we've put in placetomakesurewe can achieve the constructiontimeline.”

Chamberlainsaidthat they are hopeful to have uranium from Etango delivered to the market by early 2027. He stated that the mine will effectively yield about 15 years of uranium to the market. The expected construction period of Etango is about 34 months, including commissioning.

As part of preparations for the development of Etango mine, significant changeswerebrought aboutinBannerman's leadership to set up the company for its next phase of advancement.

Oneofthechangesis Chamberlain being appointed as CEO, where he was previously the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the company He joined Bannerman in February

2023 in the role of COO.

He is an experienced mineralssectorleader and project builder, withasubstantialand successful track record in construction, engineering,andproject management, particularly within the Southern African mining industry His professional experience includes being the responsible Project Director for the development of the US$2 billion Husab UraniumProject.

Other changes at Bannerman include the retirement of Ronnie Beevor from the Bannerman Board As NonExecutive Chairman, Ronnie has been instrumental in guiding the Company through the postFukushima challenges of the entire nuclear industry and to its current position of financial strength

and shovel-readiness atEtango.

Bannerman's current Managing Director and CEO, Brandon Munro, will assume the role of Executive Chairman. His key executive responsibilities will include ongoingleadershipof the financing workstream for Etango, general corporate affairs, and capital marketsinterface.

The terms of Brandon's employment will remain unchanged. Alison Terry will be appointed as Lead Independent Director Alison joined the Bannerman Board in October 2022, bringing with her a high-performance record as a senior resources and corporate affairs executive with a deep understandingofsustainability, ESG dynamics, legal and corporate affairs, and the complexities of majoroperations.

Leandrea Mouers

Anna Beukes

EME Workers Demand the Reinstatement of their MD

Employees of Erongo Marine Enterprises (EME) have demandedanswersaswellasthereinstatementoftheirManaging Director, Dr Martha Umati, who was suspended last week.

Theemployees,specifically those of MV Desert Ruby and Jewel, in a letter addressed to Oceana Group CEO Neville Brink, demanded that theirMDbereinstated withimmediateeffect.

“We fail to understand why Oceana would bring in an outsider to actwhilewehavecompetent line managers under whom the company has been performing beyond expectations. It's only in the

Dr Martha Uumati, with the MD of the Year Award presented by IPM Namibia, September 2023. Photo contributed

best interest of everyonethatMrsKudaHartzenberg should be appointed as the acting MD.”

They further questioned Oceana's decision to appoint Callie Jacobs as interim managingdirectorofEME.

“ThedecisionbyOceanatoappointanoutsider who is a pensioner and not even an employee can have devastating consequences,affecting ussea-goingemployees inthelongrun.Thiswill prompt external authorities, like the line Ministries,totakedrastic actions and suspend ourfishinglicensesand quotas because of irrational decisions from Oceana.”

The employees called for an immediate meeting between the parties involved to resolve the matter and find an amicablesolution.

“It is a proven fact that underourMD,DrUmati, EME has been performing beyond expectations She put

EME on the World Map, internationally and nationally, after whichshewonawards; something of which all ofusshouldbeproud.”

The employees added that she is a “tested visionary leader, kindhearted and compassionate. Her achievements have been remarkable and applaudable.Withthesenatural attributes, she directed us in the right course, motivating us to work harder She empowered, equipped, and transformedusinmany ways, uplifting our livelihoods This has been a motivational tool encouraging us to sacrifice more, devote ourselves, and be committed to achieving more with her as our managingdirector.”

The workers said that they want an answer withinaweek.

According to the suspension letter, Umati was suspended on 13 February for disregarding an instruction to attend an important meeting in person in CapeTown.

In response to the first article that appeared in the Namibian Sun,

EME confirmed the suspensionoftheirMD.

“Thesuspensionisprecautionary, so the investigationcanproceed unhindered.Intheinterest of fairness, the investigation will be conducted as expediently as possible, whilebeingprocedural, balanced, and thorough.”

“We have taken all necessary steps to ensure that business will continue as usual, protecting the jobs and livelihoods of around 300 people that EME employs Mr Calie Jacobs has been appointed as the interim care-taking manager of the business until further notice. Mr Jacobs had a successful 18year career with EME,

retiringasgeneralmanagerin2017.”

“At this stage, no furthercommentarycanbe shared while the processesareunderway.”

In a letter to Oceana Group, Umati's legal representatives, Richard Metcalfe of Metcalfe and Beukes attorneys, stated that there was no board resolution taken on her suspension,there'smoreto it than what has been disclosed, and also questioned the appointmentofJacobs.

“Please advise exactly on what corporate law your client purports to act in Namibia. Our clientisnotpreparedto allow her good name and reputation to be sullied by foreigners. It is conceded that these

twoindividualshaveno legal entitlement in terms of Namibian company law to suspend our client as a director Neither do such individuals have therighttosuspendour client as Managing Director,” Metcalfe statedintheletter Köpplinger Boltman, Oceana Group's legal representative, responded stating that Umati is only on precautionarysuspension. “At the outset, we are instructedtorecordthat yourclienthasnotbeen suspended or removed from her function and office as director of the board of EME. She is only on precautionary suspension in her capacity as an employee in theposition.”

Moments of Reflection

Leandrea Mouers

Various activities took place this week across the Erongo region in honour of the late President Dr. Hage Geingob. This included a memorial service hosted for the elderly in Swakopmund, memorial services held by various schools, the switching on of memorial lights,andatreeplantingceremony.

The memorial lights, sponsoredbyErongoRED in all seven towns, aimed to amplify the continued unity of purpose that the President preachedabout.

A tree planting ceremony was hosted in Swakopmund in memoryofthelatePresident, Dr Hage Geingob, at the envisaged OfficeParkplotofthe

things, has culminated in the economic boom and development progress in all shapes and forms. The tree and smaller succulents represent an emblem of the late President's versatilelife.”

He added that the tree will grow as a symbol of growth and transformation, renewal, and life, portraying how the late Head of

Erongo Regional Council.

Erongo Governor NevilleAndrestatedthat itisasymbolicgesture and a reminder to current and future generations about the commitmenttopeace, stability, and tranquillity in the Erongo Region.

“A testimony to his visionary leadership, which, among other

State advocated for an improved cycle of life throughhisvigourand determination.

“Trees provide oxygen, clean the air, conserve energy, and provide habitat for wildlife. This is what the late President advocated for in his participation in the United Nations Climate Change Conferences(COP).Overall,

itrepresentshislegacy andalastingimpactof what he lived for –creating a conducive environment for business opportunities in thisregion.”

Various Moments of Reflection Parades also took place across theregion.

Additionally, a public lecture was hosted in honour of the late president.At the occasion,Andre stated that it is important that these experiences and events are shared with theyoungones.

“Thisissothattheyare well-versed in the historical facts that define President Hage Geingob–hisstruggle credentials,thepathto diplomacy, academic accolades as Director of the United Nations Institute for Namibia (UNIN),andfinallyas a decision-maker in government. It is our noble responsibility to transition the baton of knowledge to the Namibianyouth.”

He added that beyond the legacy of the late president, the flame of hissuccessesshouldbe keptalive.

“This is the flame of will, ambition, and pragmatism. After all, Namibia's path is reinvented every day Dr Geingob taught us how important it was to adapt to new needs and ways of doing things in our quest to improve service delivery for our nation.

To act with ambition and realism to meet newchallenges.Andto hold firmly onto the idealsoftheNamibian house - a concept he coined during his presidency.”

“President Geingob washeavilyinvestedin thecountry'splaceand role as a champion of democracyandtherule

the global stage, as the investment destination of choice And he

man who believed in consultations and the notionofdialogue,asa

of law, regionally and globally He was convinced that Namibia had to assert itself, to fully play her role on

understood that he could not do that without the instruments of shared responsibility – as a

business model of engagement His approach to economic turnaroundhasyielded quick wins which include a new trajectory

of investments in the mining sector, clean energy through green hydrogen, revised tourism, and construction.Alltheseare efforts he was able to initiate,sadlyheisnot living to see what will come out of these noble but radical economicinterventions.”

Andresaidthatthelate president has always wanted Namibia to be a powerful nation capable of catering to thevariousneedsofits people.

“Everyone testifies thatPresidentGeingob was a technocrat of note, a master tactician, and a skilled negotiator These are valuable attributes honed during his long career as a student leader, a teacher, a freedom fighter, a diplomat, an international civil servant, aminister,primeminister, and president These are essential characteristics that enabledhimtobewho he was, particularly in hislastyearsthathave seen a twist in how Namibia conducted business with the outsideworld.”

“Long live the legacy ofDr Geingob!”

ScenesfromtheMomentsofReflectionParadeheldacrosstheregion. PhotosContributed

Scenes from the tree planting ceremony in Swakopmund.

Photo Contributed

The Vital Role of Seashell Harvesting in Coastal Women's Livelihoods

Thearduousjourneyofshellcollectorsbeginsatdawn,as they venture onto the beaches burdened by containers brimming with seashells. In coastal regions like Namibia, these collectors, predominantly women, rely entirely on seashellsfortheirlivelihood.

Despitetheircrucialrole,theyoperate in the shadows of informality, facing numerous challenges. These shell collectors carry 20 litre containersfilledwithseashellsontheir headsfromthebeachtotheirhomes. Although not legally recognised, shell collectors make a living from the products they make from seashells and their livelihoods depend entirelyontheseshells.InNamibia, shell collecting is a small-scale fisherythatisentirelydominatedby women.Themaintaskinthisindustryistoharvestdeadshellsandprocessthemintousefulpiecesoftraditional jewellery called 'Onyoka'. Onyokaisatypeofjewelleryworn bytheOshiwambo-speakingpeople thatismadefrommusselshells. Namib Times had an opportunity to talk to some of the ladies in the industry.SelmaNakale,hasbeenin thetraditionalnecklacebusinessfor many years. She belongs to a fivemember women's group called Meme Humbapo (Women Stand Up) based in Walvis Bay Selma andhergroupmakenecklacesfrom seashells. Selma told the newspaper, sometimes there are no seashells to collect because the sea

washes them offshore instead of ashore. Selma also mentioned the challengesshefaceswhenitcomesto sellingherproducts.“Thereisnoformalised marketplace for selling the Onyoka Necklaces at the coast leading to low sales.” Selma said at the coast, sales are very informal and everyone sells from any point, and thisleadstotheslowdevelopmentof thetourismmarketfortheproduct. In mostcases,theysendthenecklacesto the northern parts of Namibia where there is a higher demand for the products because of their traditional value. Elizabeth, a single parent whose main income is derived from theproductionandsaleoftheOnyoka traditional necklaces and bracelets. Elizabeth operates from the DRC informal settlement in Swakopmund and is part of the women's group calledTwayambeka. Althoughsheis not very educated, Elizabeth understands what climate change is and howitimpactsherbusiness.Herbiggest challenge is the quality and size of the seashells, which, according to her, deteriorated over the years Elizabeth claims that they have becomethinnerovertheyearsmaking thembrittlewhengrindingandfiling.

Karibib Town Council Employees Nabbed for Fraud, Theft

Leandrea Mouers

AnaccountantandcashieremployedattheKaribibTown Council were arrested and made their first court appearanceonchargesoffraud,theft,andmoneylaundering.According to Deputy Commissioner Erastus Iikuyu, the two suspects unlawfully and intentionally defrauded Karibib Town Council between September 2022 and September2023.

“It is alleged that the suspects have fraudulently made cancellations on the systemforpaymentsmade by numerous community members for services ranging from thesalesofsand,fitness certificates, prepaid water, building plans, and also removed

money from the teller machinewhichwaspaid in cash for their own benefits.”

The value involved was N$315 640.07, and only N$2 040 has been recovered Ndatoolewe Mwahafa (39), the cashier, and Anna-Mary Mutilifa (39), the accountant appeared in

She says at times she throws away a bagful of brittle seashells because they easily break and do not meet the standard for making necklaces. Elizabeth further shared that the grinding and driller machine she uses to make holes are very expensiveandisonlyfoundinthenorthernpartof the country, “if only we can get sponsors to sponsoruswiththetoolsandequipmentweneed, things would be much better We also train other ladies in our community who are interested in makingthesenecklaces,therearesomany,butwe cannot take in many as we do not have the necessaryequipmentfortraining.”

AccordingtoDietlindeNakwaya-JacobaLecturer attheDepartmentofFisheriesandOceanScience at the University of Namibia's Dr Sam Nujoma Marine and Coastal Resources Centre in Henties Bay,shellcollectingisnotonlylimitedtoNamibia but the collection of shells to make traditional jewellery has been popular for centuries all over the world. In Namibia, collect seashells to make traditional jewellery which provides an opportunity for income generation for these smallholders. Nakwaya-Jacob said the shell collectors move from northern regions to coastal regions to take part in the shell collection sector The operationoftheshellcollectionsectorstartsfromthe

harvestingofdeadmusselshellsfoundintheintertidalzone,andthenprocessingtheseshellstomake jewellery

Thisjewelleryisoftentransportedtothenorthern regions where the market exists, and the craft is mostly sold. According to demographic data receivedfromNakwaya-Jacob,WalvisBayhasthe highest number of shell collectors with seven ladies having more than 20 years of experience. EightoutofnineinHentiesBayandsevenoutof 15 collectors in Swakopmund have been in the industry for less than five years. Most of these women are between 41 and 50 years old and hail fromtheOhangwenaregion.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources under the Marine Resources Act of (2001) has given a provision for the harvesting of living and non-living resources. Shell collectors are not recognised by the law: thus, they operate informally Speakingonthelegalityofthecollectionof seashells,RomeoMuyundatheChiefPublicRelations Officer of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism said Swakopmund and Walvis Bay are surrounded by a national park, so collecting any items (shells included) within a national park is prohibitedwithoutavaluedpermitfromtheMinistryofEnvironment,ForestryandTourism.

theKaribibMagistrate's CourtonThursday Both were granted bail of N$20 000 each, and the case was postponed to 29 April for further investigation. “Investigations by the Commercial Crime Investigation Sub-Division continue,” Ikuyu stated.

Meme Elizabeth Elago (standing) seen with her prodructs in Swakopmund recently

Selma Nakale seen in Walvis Bay last week

Sharlien Tjambari

President Hage Geingob to Be Laid to Rest this Weekend

Afterhisuntimelypassingon4February2024,PresidentDrHageGeingobwillbe laid to rest on Sunday at Heroes Acre. Preceding his funeral will be various activities leading up to the event. Today in the capital city, Windhoek, the NamibianDefenceForcewillleadamilitaryprocessionwiththeremainsofthelate Presidentacrossthecity,allowingthepublictopaytheirrespects.

The Minister of Information, Communication and Technology (MICT), Emma Theofelus,addedthat the public should viewthecasketofthe late President with great honour and respect. She also mentioned that 27 countriesareattendingthe funeral service, with 18 of them being led by their Heads of State.

The rest of the delegations are led by either Prime Ministers, Speakers or Ambassadors at large During this time, the Governmenturgesroadusers to adhere to traffic rules and regulations regardingmotorcades to ensure a smooth process for inter-

nationaldignitariesas they arrive and navigate around the capitalcity

Theofelus also addressed false information suggesting that roads would be blocked,andthat650 SADCpoliceofficers areinthecountry "Be assured that this informationisfalse."

Theofficialmemorial service of the late President will take placeonSaturday,24 February, at Independence Stadium in Windhoek.TheChief Mourner, President Dr Nangolo Mbumba, President of the RepublicofNamibia, and other international guests will pay tribute to the late President for his contribution during

theliberationstruggle andtheestablishment of an independent Namibia. "The gates at Independence Stadium will open at 10:00. The public is invited to attend Transport arrangements will be communicated to the publicinduecourse."

She added that vendors can sell their goods at designated pointsduringtheofficialmemorialservice proceedings. "However,thesaleof alcohol around the Independence Stadium vicinity is prohibited.Lawenforcement agencies will monitor these activities."

The official burial of thelatePresidentwill be held at Heroes

Acre, with the public expected to arrive from06:00.

The burial service willconcludeatnoon. Furthermore, she added that on Tuesday, President Dr Nangolo Mbumba gazetted 25 February as a public holiday in terms of section 1(3) of the Public Holidays Act, 1990 (Act No. 26 of 1990), for the purposes of the burial ceremony of the late third president.Accordingly,26 February 2024 will alsobeaholiday

ThenNamibiaBroadcasting Corporation (NBC) will be live streaming the official proceedings on TV andsocialmedia.The various municipalities and local aut-

horitiesintheErongo region have been tasked to set up live

streaming areas where the public can

watch the proceedings.

Leandrea Mouers

Big Walk for Little Warriors

Leandrea Mouers

TheLionsClubhasteamedupwiththeCancerAssociationofNamibiatohosta ChildhoodCancerAwarenessWalkslatedfor2March2024.LionsInternational, LionsWalvisBay,LionsSwakopmund,LionsHentiesBay,andLionsWindhoek willallbeconvergingatdifferentstartingpointsintheirrespectivetownstowalk 2.5or5kilometres.

AccordingtoJonathan Wilsnach fromtheSwakopmundLions,this walk serves two purposes.

“Primarily,itisto create awareness ofchildhoodcancers, its widespreadeffects,and accompanying challenges.

Secondly, it will serveasafundraiserfortheCancerAssociationof Namibia,aseach club charges a smallentrancefee, whichwillbedonatedtoCAN.”He calledontheentire communities in thevarioustowns tojointhewalk.

“Let'susethisopportunitytocreate awarenessandsupport those in the fight against cancer.”

SanetdeWaalfrom the Cancer AssociationofNamibia Swakopmundoffice says that she is grateful that the Lionsreachedoutto the Association to provideitssupport through this walk.

“Each year, about 250 children are diagnosedwithcancer This ranges fromleukemiaand cancerintheeye, lymph nodes, and kidneys.”

“Cancerisacommunitydisease,not

an individual disease,asitaffects notonlytheindividual but family members, colleagues, neighbours.

That'swhyitisso important to have thesupportofthe communityinfighting this disease, creatingawareness, with an emphasis thatregularscreening can assist in earlydetection.”

InWalvisBay,the walkstartsat08:30 attheWalvisBay LionsClub.InSwakopmund,itstartsat 08:30attheSwakopmund Lions Club,andinHenties Bay, the registrationsstartat08:00

withthewalkkickingoffat09:00from the Henties Bay Sparparkinglot.In Windhoek,thewalk isattheYellowstone Trails,inLudwigsdorf,from08:00.

Jonathan Wilsnach from the Swakopmund Lions and Sanet de Waal from the Cancer Association of Namibia Swakopmund office. Photo Leandrea Mouers

An Inspiration for All

RenownedSouthAfricansinger,dancer,andactorAlistairIzobell visitedWalvisBayupontheinvitationoftheNarravilleLutheran Church. Pastor Mark Beukes from the Narraville Lutheran Church mentioned that the church invited Izobell as part of a fundraisinginitiative.

A show was hosted at the Walvis Bay town hall on Saturday, featuring opening acts by Harold Kambrude and NuCreation with Izobell as the main act of the evening. Pastor Beukes expressed his gratitude, saying, "It was a well-attended and entertaining fundraising event by the coastal community whosupportedus. Alistairsharedhislife's story, which was truly inspiring. On Sunday, he joined us during the church service, where he performed a song and once again shared with the congregation that there's hope, no matter the circumstances. It was truly a very blessed and successful weekend, and we are grateful to everyone who contributed to making this weekend a success."

Before traveling back toSouthAfrica,Izobell visited Narraville Primary School and De Duine Secondary School, engaging with thelearners. He shared that he went throughadarktimeand attemptedsuicide.

Izobell emphasised his concern for the youth, stating, "The youth is very close to my heart since I entered this industry as a child and have been part of the entertainment industry

ever since. The youth and their mindset are importanttome,asthis is usually where you catapult into the life andthepersonyouwill become.Theyouthare in such a trepidatious space, vulnerable because they can either become good or bad people depending on their circumstances or thepressuretheyplace on themselves as they go through school That's why it is so important to speak to the youth and instill in them how valuable they are and how important it is to dream.Oursocietyhas stopped dreaming yet dreamsdocometrue.I am a true testament to that; I am a product of dreams. The youth are the influencers of our society."

Izobellisintheprocess ofpublishinghisbook, called "Broken " He explained, "It deals with anxiety, depression, and divorce. I wentthroughquitealot inthepastthirtyyears, but it's a celebratory story to tell because here I am. I've been in the entertainment industry for forty years, and while it's been a wonderful journey, it also came with a lot of hardships and challenges. I went through averydarkspaceinmy life and attempted to

commitsuicide.Iama suicidesurvivor,andit wasverydifficulteven to put those words together, yet many people are going through the exact samething,andIfeltit wasimportantenough to pen it down so that peoplecangetasense of what my life has been like and stop the corridortalking."

He added that people tendtoenjoyanother's pain, especially when you are well-known. "People sometimes justbecomenasty,and I wanted to put a stop tothosestoriesandtell them myself what the trueversionis.”

Before May, the book will be available in both SouthAfrica and Namibia.

On a lighter note, Izobell, who plays the antagonist Desmond Galant in "Arendsvlei," mentioned that he and the character areverydifferentfrom each other "It's a fantastic character to play, and I am very grateful for the role when it came into my life because it made me feel totally different from the dark space, I found myself in. By playing this horridcharacter,itdid notallowmetofeelas emotional as I was at thetime.”

Fun Day for ISWB Learners

The International School of Walvis Bay's pre-primary, Year 1, Year 2, and Year 3 learners had atonoffunlastweek at the Walvis Bay Municipal SwimmingPool.

The learners participated in various enjoyable activities, including Tug o' War, sack racing, cricket, and a potato run.To conclude theday,thelearnershad

a great splash in the swimmingpool.

Here are some of the

moments captured at thefunday

Leandrea Mouers

Photos by Leandrea Mouers

Photos: Leandrea Mouers and Contributed

Alistair Izobell engaged with the learners of De Duine Secondary School and Narraville Primary School.

NOTICE

SwakopmundCraftDistilleryt/aStillhouseAtlanticherewithintendsto apply to the Swakopmund Municipal Council for “Special Consent”, to operateacraftdistillery(Withamaximumcapacityof300litrespermonth) on Erf 322 (30 Tobias Hainyeko Street), Swakopmund Proper as provided for in terms of Clause 6 of the Swakopmund Zoning Scheme. Details of which are obtainable from the General Manager: Engineering & PlanningServices.

Any person having any objection against such application should lodge such objection/s in writing and within 14 days of the last publication to the applicantandtheSwakopmundMunicipality,duringnormalbusinesshours.

Closingdateforobjectionsorcommentsis: 15March2024.

Contact Person: S.le Roux (distillery owner),Tel +264 (0)81 252 8876, Email:info@stillhouseatlantic.com or

Mr J.Heita(Manager:TownPlanning) Tel:+264(64)4104403.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the proposed establishment of 90 Agricultural Plots and associated infrastructure

Notice is hereby given to all Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs), that an application for an Environmental Clearance Certificate will be submitted to the Environmental Commissioner for the following activities.

Proposed Activities: The establishment of 90 Agricultural Plots and associated infrastructure

Project location: Remainder of Portion B of Swakopmund Townland No.41, Swakopmund, Erongo Region

Proponent: Municipality of Swakopmund

Description: The Municipality of Swakopmund has demarcated an area within its townlands for urban agricultural activities, primarily horticulture production and poultry farming. The demarcated area will be divided into 90 plots or small allotments to be leased to interested local farmers. The proposed activities will trigger certain activities listed under Schedule 1 of the Environmental ManagementAct 07 of 2017 as activities that cannot be undertaken without an EIAbeing undertaken.

All I&APs are hereby invited to register request the Background Information Document (BID), attend the public meeting, and submit input to or The last day to submit eia@greengain.com.na jkondja@gmail.com input is 06 March 2024.

For more information

contact: +264 81 142 2927

NOTICE

CONSENTUSES,ERECTIONOFBUILDING ANDUSEOFLANDINTERMSOF SWAKOPMUNDZONINGSCHEME REGULATIONS

Notice is hereby given in terms of Clause 6 of the SwakopmundZoningSchemeRegulationsthatthe TownCouncilconsidersthefollowingconsentuses, erection of buildings and use of land, details of which are obtainable from the General Manager: EngineeringandPlanningServices.

VanGreunenConstructionccherewithintendstoapply totheMunicipalityofSwakopmundforaspecialconsent to operate a Resident occupation:Administrative Officonthepremisesoferf47No.36SandpiperStreet, Vogelstrand.

Any person having any objections against such application should lodge such objection/s in writing and within 14 days of the last publication to the Swakopmund Municipality and the applicant, during normal businesshours.

Closing date for objections or comments is 8 March 2024

Contact person: Alette van Greunen, Cell: 081 739 8049

Email:accounts@vg.com.na

Mr J.Heita(Manager:TownPlanning) Tel:+264(64)4104403

NOTICEOFSALE

INEXECUTION

In the High Court of Namibia

CaseNo:HC-MDLAB-AA-2023/00216

Inthematterbetween:

LizannDurant Applicant and AfroresandTrinidad ContractorsNamibia Respondent

PursuanttoaJudgement granted by the above Honourable Court, the followinggoodswillbe soldinexecutionbythe Deputy Sheriff for the districtofSwakopmund at the premises of AucorNamibia,No25 Hidipo Hamutenya Street,Swakopmund.

Auctionstartsonline4 March 2024 at 10h00 and ends 6 March 2024at13h00:

AUDI(20t)Sedan (lightblue)

VINNo:

WAUZZZ8E45A470449

EngineNo:BGB008163

Dated at Swakopmund on7February2024.

KINGHORN ASSOCIATESINC.

LegalPractitionersfor Plaintiff

Units35and36

TenbergenVillage c/oRobertMugabe AvenueandJulius NyerereStreet, Windhoek

Reference:PJB/DUR3/ 0001-60

REPACKAGEYOUR CAREER WITH

VACANCY

We require the service of a Buyer Consumable Stores at our Walvis Bay Operation. The candidate must be a Namibian Citizen.

POSITION : BUYER CONSUMABLE STORES X 1

PATERSON GRADE : B- LOWER

DEPARTMENT : PLANNING

DUTY STATION : WALVIS BAY

The incumbent will report to the Senior Planner

Summarised duties and responsibilities:

! Purchasing of consumable goods and services for the company

! Requesting quotations and generating purchase orders

! Checking of all goods received.

! Establishing optimal/desired stock levels of all stock items.

! Check and maintain desired stock level of all stock items.

! Check purchase invoices, get signatures and authorizations.

! Organize trucks and paperwork for the transportation of waste on a weekly basis

! Count stock items used in manufacturing process once a month.

! Assist with external audits.

Minimum Qualification, Education and Experience:

! Grade 12 Certificate with (30+ points), Minimum C Mathematics & C English.

! Degree/diploma from a recognised institution in related field

! Computer literacy with exceptional skills in MS Excel and Word

! Valid code B Drivers licence

! Experience in the printing/packaging industry or any exposure to packaging sales and marketing environment will be an advantage

! Innovative and able to work independently

Interested applicants should submit their CVs, stating relevant experience to: The Human Resources Department, P. O. Box 399 Walvis Bay. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted and no documents will be returned.

Closing Date: Friday, 01March 2024

NOTICES & VACANCIES

VACANCY

South Africa's leading corporate player in the development and management of property and the leisure sector currently has the following opportunity at Sandpiper Dunes Resort in Namibia. In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the Group, preference shall be given, but not limited to, candidates from the designated groups.

Maintenance Manager – Sandpiper Dunes

Key Performance Areas: To Manage & actively run all aspects of the technical, mechanical & grounds maintenance of a large and expanding resort. The ability to plan & execute maintenance programs & projects. The ability to implement & maintain preventative Maintenance programs. Management of Departmental expenditure, budgets, stock and tools. The successful candidate must be prepared to work a 6-day week, shifts, public holidays week-ends and overtime. Will be required to manage staff and to liaise with Service providers to achieve desired standards and service levels.

Position Requirements:

· Minimum of 5 years' experience in a similar position in a large operation within the Hospitality Industry

· Sound knowledge of mechanical, plumbing, electrical, building, carpentry, aircon, heat pump, water reticulation/sewerage plants, swimming pool and general maintenance

· Be able to control stores.

· Supervise staff and assist in resort activities.

· Un-endorsed code B drivers' licence and valid matric

· Computer literate

Person Requirements:

· Dynamic

· Performance driven

· Excellent interpersonal skills

· Excellent communication skills

· Ability to work under pressure

· Must have a valid work permit/citizenship to work in Namibia

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Kindly submit your application to vacancies@beekmangroup.com

Ref # 42/02

NOTICEOFSALE INEXECUTION

IntheMagistrate'sCourt fortheDistrictofWalvis BayheldatWalvisBay CaseNo:401/19

Inthematterbetween:

PeralinPaints(Pty) Ltd Plaintiff and DFTTransportCC 1stDefendant

JeremiaJesaja

DeKlerk

2ndDefendant

In execution of a Judgement against the above first and second defendantgrantedbythe above Honourable Court on 06/06/2019, the following goods listed hereunder will be sold in Execution at the following address: Erf No: 3764, 24 Grand Avenue, Industrial Area, Walvis Bay, auctionstartsonlineat 10h00on15April2024 andends17April2024 at13h00:

1xBrownPiano 1xShowCasewith Mirror

1xDarkBrownTV Stand

1xSkyworthTV

1xLGSurround SoundSystem

2xBrown1Seater LoungeChairs

1xL-ShapeLounge SuiteBrown

1xBrownDining Table&2xLong Chairs

2xGardenBench

1xJVCSpeaker

1xLGWhiteFridge

1xDefyDeepfridge

Conditions of Sale:

Voetstoots – Cash to highestbidder

Dated at Walvis Bay on15 February2024.

AttorneysFor JudgmentCreditor

KINGHORN

ASSOCIATESINC.

Unit2,TheChambers No122,TheoBen GurirabStreet

WalvisBay Tel:064-203905

Ref:HV/sb/GVS1/000 1-COLL