Namib times holiday supplement 2015

HOLIDAY SUPPLEMENT 2015

namib times SERVING THE COASTAL COMMUNITY SINCE 1958

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Namib Times Holiday 2015

11 DECEMBER 2015

Walvis Bay the Harbour town

Mayor’s message As we prepare for the traditional festive season, there are carols to sing, many a tree to trim, and stockings to hang in anticipation of the families and friends gathering to celebrate, give thanks and look forward to the New Year 2016 Across the Port City of Walvis Bay, the holiday period is celebrated in many different ways. No matter what beliefs or family traditions, it is a time when our community can join together, reflecting on the past year's achievements and setting goals for the future.

We must also remember that Christmas is not a happy time for all. So be kind to each other, look out for your mates and extend a supportive hand if required. After all, isn't that the true meaning behind the Christmas spirit?

Having served on our current Council for five years and having presided over the Port City of Walvis Bay as its Mayor for multiple terms, it's a great honour and I'm truly delighted to say that a lot of progress and development has taken place within our city and the lives of the people continue to be impacted positively through the provision of timely and qualitative services.

We have been blessed to have accessible resource persons who aided our efforts towards the development agenda for the Port City of Walvis Bay from all spheres of life, including but not limited to the public or private sector, faith based organisations, and community based entities and private citizens On behalf of Council, I'd like to thank those who have contributed over the past year and encourage others to join them to continue the great work of making the Port City of Walvis Bay a great place to live, run a business, work and raise a family in a safe and cared for environment. I feel deeply privileged to have served this brilliant City and further that the incoming Mayor for the Council term 20162020 will continue on the foundation laid by previous leaders towards the creation of a smart city. I wish all residents and visitors in the Port City of Walvis Bay a safe and happy holiday season!

Uillika Nambahu Mayor (2008-2010; 2012-2015)

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Myle oop danksy samewerking Die ongelooflike krag wat daar in saamspan lĂŞ is weereens bewys.

Die Swakopmundse besigheid, Platinum Rentals, en Namibia Wildlife Resorts kon na afloop van die ondertekening van 'n samewerkingsooreenkoms verlede maand die Myl 108, Myl 72 en Jakkalsputz kampeerterreine in 'n rekordtyd opknap en aan die publiek oopstel.

Nagenoeg 40 kam- nog meer kampeerders peerterrein kan sowat peerders het teen verwag wanneer die 70 kampeerders vat, en Dinsdag vandees- meeste sakeonderne- na verwagting sal dit week reeds die tent- m i n g s a a n s t a a n d e ook teen aanstaande penne op Myl 108 in- week vir die kerstyd week vol bespreek g e k a p . Ve r t e e n - sluit, het 'n segsman wees. Op Jakkalsputz woordigers van Plati- van Platinum Rentals is die kroeg en ablusienum Rentals moet vandeesweek teen- geriewe reeds opgeomtrent bontstaan om ooor namib times be- knap en die nodige die kampeerders van vestig. Op Myl 72 is 50 aanbouings afgehanvoorraad en dienste te kampeerplekke reeds del. Daar word 126 voorsien. Daar word bespreek. Die kam- kampeerders verwag.

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11 DECEMBER 2015

2015 Live-to-Ride Toy Run

The 2015 Live-to-Ride Toy Run, a joint project by the Walvis Bay Chapter of Live-to-Ride and the Rotary Club of Walvis Bay, took place on 6 December and thanks to this tradition a lot of toys were accumulated that has to bring Christmas joy to under-privileged children.

Bikers see the annual country. and the general public the brim with toys of all toy run as one of the After a procession congregated at the shapes and sizes in no main activities on the through the streets of parking lot of Woer- time. Many of the toys social calendar of Walvis Bay on Sunday mann Brock Walvis a r e h a n d - m a d e , biking and it is also the morning (it is the first Bay. making it so much time for biker com- time in this project’s There the Rotary Club more of a special gerades to gahter at the existence it is hosted on had a huge Christmas sture towards undercoast from across the a Sunday) all bikers bag which was filled to privileged children.

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Some interesting ships visit Walvis Bay If you frequent the beach areas at Long Beach and Dolphin Park this festive holiday or travelling the B2 coastal road, inevitably your eyes will wander to the many vessels at anchorage off the port of Walvis Bay. Moreover, the kids might ask what these ships are doing here, what is the purpose or what kind of vessel is it.

For ease of reference, sulted in many oil rigs name was not available December you could we have included a and drilling ships that from port documenta- be on the look-out for number of these inte- has currently no work tion. passenger liners. Aeresting visitors. From and has looked up the Apart from the ships at gean Odyssey calls at the shore would be vi- safety of the bay of anchorage, four vehi- the port of Walvis Bay sible this holiday sea- Walvis Bay. Not far cle carriers will also today, followed by son a semi-submersi- from West Eclipse appear over the festive Seven Seas Mariner ble oil rig (the one that would also be visible period. These vessels tomorrow and MS appears as a platform the drilling ship, Jasper are distinctly large and Nautika on 17 Deresting on six pillars). Explorer (a ship with a could almost be com- cember.

This is the West Ec- tall derrick or drilling pared to the biblical On 22 December the lipse, a semi-submer- tower on top). At the Noah’s Ark given its passenger liner Europa sible oil rig. The diffi- time of going to press a shape.

2 would be visible in culties facing the glo- second drilling ship Today, tomorrow (13 the bay area. bal oil industry has re- was also visible, but its December) and on 17

The vehicle carrier (also known as the roll-on roll-off or ro-ro) resembles the biblical Noah’s Ark given its shape. The ship can transport thousands of vehicles. Most vehicles discharged from ro-ro vessels in the port of Walvis Bay are second hand imported vehicles destined for neighbouring Angola and Zambia. The pictures right are: (top) the rig West Eclipse and (below) the passenger liner Europa 2.

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Follow the rules for the most enjoyable holiday 268

That time of the year has come when everybody pack up and head to the coast of Namibia and NACOMA asks everyone to adhere to the rules and regulations regarding the environment.

Everyone comes to the the wrong side of the your 4x4, quad bike, fascinating coast: coast because it is a law, here are some of motorbike in the desig- Do not drive off the place of extraordinary the do's and don'ts. nated area where a road except on demara n d b r e a t h t a k i n g What to do at our free permit from MET cated areas and adhere splendour, a place coast: is required. Inside to legal requirements. where the hot desert Familiarise yourself these areas, please Off-road driving has a meets the icy Benguela with the rules and re- stay on the dunes and negative impact on the current. It is richly gulations related to the avoid slip faces, gravel desert gravel plains, the blessed with unique exploitation of marine plains and vegetated lichen fields, and the breeding birds and plants, animals and resources. areas. birds. However, these Obtain a permit from Motocross bikes or destroy the aesthetic unique coastal ecosys- the Ministry of En- quad bikes are only al- beauty of the area. tems are extremely vironment and Tou- lowed to drive on the Dune driving is dangefragile and can easily rism (MET) offices for beaches between Swa- rous and where albe disturbed by human entering or camping in kopmund and Henties lowed should be underactivities. The coastal all parks and adhere to Bay and only on pro- taken with a profesareas fall within a se- the park rules on your claimed roads and sional, qualified guide. ries of contiguous pro- park permit. In the Na- clearly marked MET Off-loading of quad bike and motorised tected areas, namely tional Parks, remain tracks and roads. the Skeleton Coast on demarcated routes Obtain a permit from bikes is prohibited Park, the Dorob Na- and do not venture into the Namibian Ministry between Walvis Bay tional Park, the Namib- other areas without a of Fisheries and Ma- and Swakopmund at Naukluft Park and the qualified guide. Obey rine Resources (MF any other area than the Sperrgebiet National any legal order or MR) to catch fish, col- designated off-loading Park. By following all instruction given by a lect bait/mussels or areas in the Dune Belt rules and regulations, law enforcement offi- dive for rock lobster between Langstrand you are assisting in the cer. Comply with the and respect harvesting and Walvis Bay. Vehicles and people on foot conservation of our instructions of sign- limitations. parks, coast, and bio- posts, signboards, Also ensure that tour are not allowed in closdiversity and ensuring pamphlets or commu- operators, whether in ed or exclusionary sustainability of our vi- nicated in any manner. aircraft, boat or car, areas such as the sitors. To make your Enjoy the dunes bet- keep a safe distance Damara Tern breeding areas, Swakop River, holiday more enjoy- ween Swakopmund from wildlife. able without getting on and Walvis Bay with What not to do at our l i c h e n f i e l d s . N o

overnight camping is allowed on the beaches or in the dunes without permission from the MET. This ensures wildlife is not disturbed and is for your own safety and security.

Do not leave your litter behind. Use refuse bins and skips provided or take your rubbish home for the love of the present and future generations.

Do not drive over vegetation, lichen fields and mudflats. Small animals and vegetation

are essentials for the desert ecosystem. Your tracks will destroy them and leave permanent scars on mudflats Do not leave bait or fish on the beach. Either take it home or return it to the sea. Fish and bait left on the beaches attract scavengers like jackals and seagulls that prey on other biodiversity.

Do not feed wildlife because fed wildlife become dependent on “hand-outs� and be-

come aggressive when no food is given to them. Do not remove, collect, pick, destroy, tamper with or damage any egg, nest or burrow, tree, plant, mineral or any other object of botanical, zoological, geological, archaeological, historical or any other scientific interest, or part thereof.

Lastly, never camp near waterholes and avoid disturbing the animals.

Some of the rules in pictures

Only drive off-road in designated areas and stay in existing tracks. Some areas of the dune field are also off-limits to vehicles, including dune slopes facing the B2 coastal road.

The Namib Desert has very unique lichen fields and off-road driving destroys these sensitive biological heritage. Stay within tracks are one way of preventing further damage to lichen fields.

Quad bikes are not only seen as one of the major contributors of destruction to the sensitive coastal environment, but is also a major source of disturbance. Quad bikers are reminded to stay within designated quad bike areas, not to drive on beach areas where quad biking is prohibited, but to also take care of not riding unlicensed quad bikes in urban areas.

Respect fishing regulations. It is there to protect our marine resources. Bag limits for fish protects fish from over-exploitation and the same applies for rock lobster and the harvesting of the white- and black mussel.

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Walvis Bay Traffic Department – Be safe this festive season roadblocks. Regular crime tips, road traffic updates and information sharing through local media and radio by an appointed member. Ensure prompt and timely attendance to reported incidents.

Secure free flow of traffic through constant patrols, regular road traffic check points, speed measuring duties and random alcohol checks.

We will assist the Namibian Police with

A high number of visitors are once again expected to visit the coastal town of Walvis Bay, Long Beach, Dolphin Park and Dune 7.

Our duty as Law Enforcements Officers is to ensure that the traffic flow is monitored, that all motorists act within the parameters of the law of this country.

This will only be achieved with cooperation with other Law Enforcement Agencies and Stakeholders (Namibian Police, R o a d s A u t h o r i t y, MVA, etc). Duties for the festive season will start from 3 December and will end on 18 January 2016. Please ensure road safety and prevent traffic accidents within Walvis Bay as well as the route between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund and the gravel road behind Dune 7 to

Swakopmund (C34).

We will do our best to prevent crime by ensuring motorists abide by traffic rules (zero tolerance approach i.t.o. the Road Traffic and Transport Act 22/99). There will be visible policing to assist whenever possible and when needed.

We will enhance road safety and traffic accident prevention.

The main focus will be to ensure free flow of Traffic in and around town. Accident contributory factors

such as drunken driving, inconsiderate driving, speeding, reckless and / or negligent driving, overloading, roadworthiness of vehicles, use of cell phone whilst driving and failure to wear safety belts shall be dealt with a zero tolerance approach.

Traffic officers will focus on patrols in town and on main roads and to conduct special operations with identified targets. Officers will also conduct duties at mobile and fixed

traffic law enforcement duties by attending to the roadblocks outside town on a regular basis, assisting with the alcohol tests when requested, attending to incidents when needed.

All activities will be executed in conjunction with the duty roster drawn up for the period concerned. Patrols and visits to Long beach will be conducted on a daily basis. Please check all vehicles for roadworthiness, loa-

ding of goods and passengers, public transport permits, driving license and fitness certificates. Vehicle patrols will be done in town and on main roads and members will focus on accident contributing factors such as inconsiderate driving, disregard of road traffic signs, unsafe and illegal overtaking and reckless and or negligent driving.

Emergency contact numbers: Acting CTO

– Mr Rickerts - 0 8 1 122 0821 Senior Traffic Officer - 081 124 3423 Standby number - 0 8 1 127 2662 We wish all motorists an accident free Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

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11 DECEMBER 2015

Please look after your pets this festive season The festive holiday is a time for joy and loads of fun, but sadly this is also the time of the year when many humans forget the well being of their pets.

Holidays need careful planning. That includes making plans for the care and well-being of your animals. Don't leave this for the last minute.

The festive season could well be one of the busiest periods for the SPCA. With many people leaving the coast for the holidays, the kennels usually experience an increase in boarders. Unfortunately many of these are strays or pets left abandoned by their owners.

According to the Ken-nel Master at the Walvis Bay SPCA, Bernice Grobler, pet owners must ensure their pets are kept safe and sound while they enjoy their holiday travels.

If you cannot arrange for reliable person to care for your pet daily, book your animal at the SPCA kennels as a boarder. Thus ensuring your pet is safe while you are away, it is cared for and fed and away from harms way. It also gives you peace of mine whilst you rest from a year's hard toil.

One of the most serious issues that affects all pet

owners, is fire works that are traditionally fired off every New Year.

Fireworks affect ani-mals severely. Heart-breaking stories surface of pets that have gone missing or are found severely traumatised.

The sound and flash of fire works have been proven to affect animals for several kilometres away. It is also dangerous to fire off fire works near animals. To fire off fireworks in municipal areas is not only dangerous to your animals, but it is prohibited (against the law).

“We are therefore asking the community to please work with us to keep the fireworks out of town,” said Grobler.

It is advised to keep your pets on leashes. When you take your animals along for a journey, make sure to keep them on leases as they can go missing in unfamiliar territory.

Never leave your pet alone in a vehicle and never leave your animal in a vehicle with all windows closed.

The summer holiday is associated with high

temperatures and can cause your pet serious suffering and even death.

In the case of cats, they usually need up to 14 days to acclimatise to a new environment before they can be let out on their own.

Also remember: you, as the public, are the main support system for the SPCA. Assistance in any form, be it dona-tions, pet food, cleaning products, blankets or even volunteering to give some much needed love and attention to the dogs and cats, or be on the lookout for animals well-being, will be greatly appreciated.

It is the season to give and share, so please bear in mind that the SPCA relies on the public to continue doing the crucial work it does. For all the help we have received throughout the year, we would like to say thank you. Every little effort does not go unnoticed!

By working with the community, the SPCA can continue to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. Let's stand together and work as a

team.

We heartily wish all our supporters a Merry Christmas and hope all have a safe journey and a jolly festive season! May 2016 be blessed and filled with love, peace and paw prints!” SPCA Walvis Bay 064 204 041; SPCA Swakopmund: 064 404 419, Doggie Lodge Swakopmund: 081292 4338.

Walvis Bay residents march against fireworks tomorrow.....

“Protest Walk Against Fireworks aims to become an annual event to sensitize the public against the unlawful use of fireworks” Dozens of Walvis Bay residents are expected to take it to the streets tomorrow (12 December 2015) in a march to sensitise the public over the use of fireworks over the festive period.

Setting off fireworks in municipal areas is unlawful, yet hundreds of people ignore this and continue to set off, often dangerous, fireworks during the festive period. The use of fireworks is most prevalent on New Years Eve and for several days afterwards of fireworks not used during the new years festivities.

“As we all know, fireworks are dangerous and the law prohibits fireworks in residential (all urban areas). Every year though, we face the problem where irresponsible citizens set off fireworks in town and display total disregard for the law, for fellow citizens and for animals.

At the end of each year, there are missing pets which run endlessly and aimlessly in our towns’ streets confused and traumatised by the sound and sight of fireworks”, the movement Protest Against Fireworks (PAF) said in a statement last week. Inviting citizens to support the march which will start at 10:00 at the Walvis Bay municipal building. The procession will then move towards Spar and then down Sam Nujoma Avenue to the post office and back to the municipality.

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Naukluft Park at the holidaymaker’s doorstep Although coming for a relaxing holiday at the seaside, to escape the inland heat and to relax on the beach or fishing, the Namib Naukluft could be a welcome alternative for a day excursion and have the chance to see wildlife and interesting plants like Welwitschia Mirabilis that one seldom get the opportunity to see.

It is especially our foreign holiday makers which could score a two-in-one advantage if taking a day or two to visit the Namib Naukluft Park. Apart from Welwitschia, there are water holes where you could be lucky to spot springbok, giraffe, oryx and other wildlife that calls the Park home (see more later in this article).

There are several camping places in the Park for a relaxing day or two in the outdoors. Don't forget a large part of the Park is along the coast so an outing to Sandwich Harbour is also on the holiday menu.

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A permit to enter the Namib Naukluft Park is compulsory and visitors and holidaymakers are reminded to stay on marked and designated roads in the park. It is also prohibited to harvest firewood in the park or to camp outside the designated areas demarcated for camping. A detailed map and information accompany all permits. The Namib Naukluft Park is one of Namibia's splendours. Permits can be purchased at the offices of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism in Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, open weekdays from 08:00, till 17:00 on

Saturdays and Sundays from 08:00 till 13:00.

For Namibians it is N$10 per person per day, for citizens of other SADC countries N$30 per person per day and non-SADC visitors N$40 per person per day. All vehicles are N$10 per vehicle per day. Covering nearly 5 million hectares, the Namib Naukluft Park is the third largest game park in Africa. It is a spectacular mosaic of landscapes, ranging from the orange dunes of the dune sea and the vast gravel plains between the Swakop-and Kuiseb Rivers to the wetlands of Sandwich Harbour and the rugged

mountains of the Naukluft massif.

The Namib section of the park lies between the Swakop River in the North and the Kuiseb River in the South. Its stark and barren landscape is characterised by vast gravel plains, isolated inselbergs (island mountains) and the spectacular Moon Landscape of the Swakop River Valley and the badlands of the Kuiseb Canyon.

To date nearly 60 mammal species have been recorded in the area; the most commonly seen larger species are oryx, springbok and Hartmann's mountain zebra. Mountain zebra occurs

mainly in the eastern part of the park, especially in the vicinity of the Kuiseb and Swakop canyons. Oryx are fairly widely distributed after the summer rains, but during the dry season they concentrate in large numbers on the southeastern plains and in the Kuiseb River area.

Springbok are also widely distributed.

Klipspringer occurs in suitable rocky habitats, especially the rocky canyons in the upper reaches of the Swakop, Khan- and Kuiseb Rivers.

The Kuiseb Canyon is also home to three troops of chacma baboon and the western most troop have been observed to go without water for up to two weeks. Among the predators the blackbacked jackal is the most widely distri-

buted. Leopard occurs in the Kuiseb and Swakop canyons and the mountain areas of the northeast. Spotted hyenas inhabit the eastern part of the park and al-ong the coast brown hyenas patrol the beaches in search of food.

The Namib section of the park has one of the highest densities of lap-pet-faced vulture in Africa.

Among the other species to be seen are ostrich, Ludwig's bustard, Rüppell's korhaan, Namaqua sandgrouse, Stark's lark, grey-backed finch-lark and tractrac chat. The vegetation is sparse, except in the Kuiseband Swakop Rivers,

where a variety of trees and shrubs grow.

Among these the camelthorn, ana tree, ebony tree and real mustard tree are the most conspicuous. The gravel plains are often bare for years, except for camelthorn trees and shrubs growing in the shallow river washes.

However, after good rains the plains are transformed into waving grasslands. Along the coast the vegetation is characterised by dwarf shrubland, dominated by “brakbos” and “inkbos”.

A rich diversity of lichens is also found here, but the most fascinating plant is the Welwitschia (below).

We wish all our Customers a Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year A BIG thank you for your loyal support throughout the year

We will close on 17 December and re-open on 13 January 2016

* We would like to wish all our esteemed clients a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year and look forward to working with you in 2016 * Ons wens al ons gewaardeerde kliënte ‘n Geseënde Kersfees en ‘n Voorspoedige Nuwejaar toe. * Ons sien uit daarna om weer in die nuwejaar met u besigheid te doen. * Wir wünschen unseren Kunden ein frohes Weihnachtsfest und ein glückliches Neues Jahr. * Wir freuen uns um im Neuen Jahr wieder mit Ihnen arbeiten zu können.

We will be closed from 18 December 2015 - 5 January 2016

Tula’s Plumbing Management & Staff

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Namib Times Holiday 2015

Guano island was a success within 5 minutes

It has been watching over the bay for decades. To residents it is a well known beacon if you drive on the B2 coastal road. Visitors are interested as to what the structure is used for and more interestingly how and when it was built.

Bird Island is a manmade platform just off the coast between Walvis Bay and Dolphin Park. It serves as a resting ground for birds (primarily The Cape Cormorant). The droppings (guano) of tens of thousands of birds that land on the platform annually is harvested and exported as a highly sought after organic fertilizer.

The Guano Platform, built over Bird Rock near Walvis Bay, is a remarkable structure.

The rock formation on which it was built is about 400 meter offshore, about seven kilometers North of Walvis Bay. The guano island can best be viewed if driving along the beach or climbing a sand dune close by where you could have a beautiful view of the structure.

Bird Rock is only visible at low tides. The platform was built during the depression years of the 1930's by Mr Adolf Winter, who was a carpenter at Swakopmund.

The following account of the construction of the platform, written by Mr Winter himself, is quoted from an article published in 1975 in 'Bokmakierie', which described itself as the "general interest magazine of the South African Ornithological So-

ciety". According to Mr Winter the first time he arrived in Walvis Bay was by train running along the coast, he saw Bird Rock during low tide.

“It was covered with thousands of birds.

When I returned to Swakopmund, everything had vanished and there were only seething waves to be seen above the submerged rock. In the following years I saw and pondered over the waste of guano which was daily taking place. In 1930 I rented the rock from the South African Railways and Harbours for five years and paid 24 pounds rent annually. In March 1930, I built a table/ platform with four legs (4x4 m by 3 m high).

Five minutes after I left this platform, the first bird landed on it. Two months later, after it had proved that the platform had stood against the strong seething waves, I increased the platform to 8x8 m and in March 1931 to 16x16 m.”

According to him he received an inheritance of U$800 in 1931 from the United States of America with which he brought specially made iron alloy from Germany.

“In August 1931 I finished the extension of the platform to 1 600 square metres. I had

become the laughing stock of the town and even the Mayor did his best in jeering. However it would not have worried me. I lost my credit and I had to borrow money under hard conditions and had to pay 10% interest. The depression in those years made things go from bad to worse. I nearly went bankrupt. I was in such straits that my wife took a position as a saleswoman in a shop for 10 pounds per month.

Formerly, I had six men employed in my joinery shop and had only two apprentices. The monthly turnover was sometimes below 20 pounds.

Only the strong belief which I had in my platform gave me the power and courage to bear all the calamities. From 1934 to 1937 (during the period of the collection of guano) I built an extension of the platform of a few hundred square metres to bring the total size of the platform to 3 300 square metres by 1937. The average price I received for guano was up to five pounds (R11) per ton. In 1938 it was seven pounds (R15). I sold the guano so cheaply in ignorance of the high percentage of nitrogen and of the real market price. In December 1938, a shipload of timber arrived from Swe-

den. A part of this timber was used to increase the 3 300 to 17 000 square metres, the work being finished two months before the outbreak of war.”

In 1942 the platform was beginning to show good returns and in 1943 he was finally able to pay all his debts.

The platform is built on stilts which are not fastened to the ground but are standing loose on the submerged rocks.

“My technical idea was to give to the sea current and waves as little resistance as possible and to construct the platform in such a way that it should not be too expensive. Perhaps it is not surprising that the alternative name for Bird Rock is "Winter's Folly". * The article was written by the late Dr Hu Berry, at the time of the Division of Nature Conservation and Tourism of the then South West Africa Administration.

D r. B e r r y m a d e a pioneering contribution to ornithology in Namibia, especially for seabirds and their breeding localities.

Dr Hu Berry, in his article in Bokmakierie explained that the guano

produced on the platform is particularly valuable, because its nitrogen concentration is almost double of that found in guano from the offshore islands. The platform guano is 16% nitrogen, 9% phosphoric acid and 4% potash. Island guano averages about 9% nitrogen. The quality of the guano on the platform is so high because the area is particularly dry, so little leaching takes place, and because the guano from the platform is not mixed with

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any sand, as happens on the offshore islands. The project ultimately became an economically successful venture, and was followed by similar platforms at other suitable sites in Namibia, for example at the pans near Cape Cross. The platform at Walvis Bay is the only one actually constructed in the sea.

The thickness of the guano on the platform varies between years, due to fluctuations in numbers of breeding and roosting seabirds, which in turn are due to

changes in the amount of fish available to the birds. On average, the guano is about 5 cm thick, and then delivers a yield of 650 tonnes.

Even though guano scraping has ceased on South African offshore islands, and is erratic at Namibian ones, guano production continues on the platforms. Unlike on the islands, there are no conservation issues. The guano is removed from the platforms at the end of summer (FebruaryMarch), after the end of the breeding seasons of the Cormorants.

The guano island

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Sand Sculpting techniques

Photo taken at the rotary Club Interaction weekend Theme “sand castle Techniques”

There's no need to spend money on fancy sand sculpting tool kits, although most shops will be happy to sell them to you.

Great creations can be built with the following basics: Plastic shovels various sized buckets and pails, cups and bowls, tools for carving such as plastic knives, forks, spoons and spatulas, Pieces of string for shaving and shaping, Straws a large plastic spray bottle filled with water (this should not be salt water as salt will clog the nozzle) Once you have agreed what to sculpt or build you need to keep the following basics in mind: ·Location: Choose one that's three or four feet back from the previous

Scripture reading with Santa

night's peek for the tide line. You can usually tell the tide line by looking for a line of debris such as ocean plant residue or a shelf of sand that was carved by the water.

Use Plenty of Water: Follow the adage, "Add sand to water, not water to sand." A great foundation starts with plenty of water, so have the kids start hauling buckets of water and have them pour it onto the dry sand that you want to build on. Assign one person to start piling the wet sand up and begin packing it as high and wet as possible. Once the pile is the desired height (usually two to four feet) start pouring a 50/50 mixture of sand and water from each

pail. If blended properly, it will pour like mud and start to firm up within a few seconds. You are now ready to mould the structure into the basic shape you've decided to create.

Carve from the top down.

Visualize your desired creation as you start to carve and remove anything that's not in your design plan. You can create bricks or stones by cutting lines then blowing out the loose sand with a straw (make sure your eyes are covered to prevent getting sand in them). ·Preserve your creation for a while longer by spraying bottled water over the entire castle or sculpture.

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These Christmas Pudding Biscuits are slightly chocolate flavoured, delicious and fun to make and decorate!

You will need: Makes 16 175g soft unsalted butter 175g caster sugar 3 eggs 400g plain flour 75g cocoa powder 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 200g white chocolate Green writing icing Glace cherries Instructions: Pre-heat the oven to 180C / Gas Mark 4.

Cream together the butter and sugar. Beat in the eggs. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, salt and baking powder in to the bowl and mix in well to form a dough.

Wrap the dough in cling-film and pop into the fridge for at least 1 hour. Roll out the dough to about 1/2 cm thick. Use a large circle cutter to cut 12 circles. Place on a lined or greased baking tray and bake for 12 minutes. The biscuits should be browning slightly but still spongy to touch. They will firm up as they cool.

When the biscuits are cool, melt the white chocolate. Coat half of each biscuit in white chocolate.

Trim the glace cherries into small pieces and put them on to each biscuit to form the holly berries. Use writing icing to draw on the holly leaves. If you don't have the time or inclination to make your own biscuits any shop bought chocolate cookies can be substituted and decorated in the same way Enjoy!.

Colouring time

W. Probst Bakery Restaurant, Cafè, Coffeeshop & Take-Away Tel: (064) 202744, Walvis Bay e-mail: probstbakery@iway.na Like us on Facebook

We wish all our esteemed customers a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year Frohe Weihnachten & einen guten Rutsch ins Neue Jahr

Holiday Times 10 December - OPEN 6:30 - 17:00 25 - 27 December CLOSED 1 January 2016 - CLOSED 2 January 2016 - CLOSED

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Message by Walvis Bay Junior Mayor Laura van Reenen

Junior Mayor of Swakopmund X-mas Message

Dear residents of Walvis Bay and coastal visitors:

It is that time of the year again, during this season we should be celebrating hope, peace, love and joy.

This joyous and blissful festive season is for us to remember and relive past memories with family or close friends, and to also create new ones. I hope that everyone going away has a safe journey.

Return back home safely. Remember we are all responsible for the choices we make and therefore we have to accept the consequences. I wish that everyone makes responsible choices this holiday and that you are proud of what you did or did not do. May you enjoy all the happiness this season can bring and I wish you lots of surprises, happiness, success and joy for the upcoming year. - Tania Knuffel.

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Tania Knuffel

As we come to the end of a very productive 2015, it is with great pleasure and privilege that on behalf of all the members of the Junior City Council of Walvis Bay, I wish the entire community of Walvis Bay a Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.

Approaching the festive season, I hope that residents and visitors will enjoy all that our beautiful Port City has to offer. However, at the same time, conserving our magnificent environment and coastal areas this Port City is tremendously blessed with.

I would also like to urge all residents and visitors of Walvis Bay, especially the youth, to always remember what the true meaning of Christmas is, as it should be solemnly about spreading love and joy with family and friends. I would also like to advise travellers to drive responsibly on our roads. Thus, assuring a safe and secure holiday for both the visitors and community of Walvis Bay. Furthermore, from the Junior City Council family to yours, we wish you a splendid festive holiday and I encourage our community to enjoy all the aspects of Walvis Bay as it will continue to be an “Oasis of Opportunities� for many more festive seasons to come. - The Junior Mayor of Walvis Bay, Laura Lucia van Reenen.

Laura Lucia van Reenen

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Why permits?

One might question ask oneself over the use of obtaining permits to embark on outdoor activities like camping, fishing and off road driving. In some instances, like the off road driving permits, it is for free. Praising the question of why permits?

The most important Entry permits for Government protect harvested, minimum reasons for permits camping and entering this international heri- size limits of fish and are to provide crucial parks provide the tage, for your own rock lobster, the miniinformation you need visitor with rules and safety and security. mum size limits of fish to know how to enjoy regulations for safe Obtain a permit from and rock lobster that your outdoor acti- camping and travelling the Namibian Ministry can be caught, open vities sustainable, and to enjoy oneself o f F i s h e r i e s a n d season etc. help to meaning not to harm without harming na- Marine Resources manage stocks to the ecosystem and ture or hindering wild- (MFMR) to catch fish, avoid the total discollect bait/mussels or appearance of some bio-diversity. Under life.

Most important too is dive for rock lobster species in our waters. the wheels of cars we and respect harvesting Where can you get a permits provide the can crush lichen various Government limitations. WHY? permit for using fields, destroy the agencies with visitor These areas are abun- 4 x 4 / q u a d b i k e / nest of the endemic Damara Tern or leave statistics to use as dant with small ani- motorbike in the auttracks in the deserts guidelines for future mals that are essential horised Off-road Rewhere, like on the policies, laws and for the desert ecosys- creational Vehicle gravel plains, it will regulations pertaining tem; your tracks will (ORV) zone in the destroy them. The dune belt between remain visible for to conservation. hundreds of years. P E R M I T S f o r marine resources are Swakopmund and Off road driving is Camping and Ente- limited and currently Walvis Bay? permitted on existing ring Parks: Obtain a some of them are over- Ministry of Environtracks. The permit permit from Ministry fished or over-col- ment and Tourism provides information of Environment and lected. It is necessary Swakopmund Office: of where off road T o u r i s m ( M E T ) that everybody uses C o r n e r B i s m a r c k offices for entering or t h e m w i s e l y a n d S t r e e t a n d S a m driving is permitted.

Angling permits pro- camping in all parks. carefully to secure the N u j o m a Av e n u e . vide you with a guide WHY? To acquaint f u t u r e h a r v e s t i n g Telephone: 064-404line as to bag limits you with permitted needs by protecting 576. Open hours for for fish, sizes and the activities and where the stock. Quantity and permits: Monday to harvesting of mussels they are allowed. To number of marine Friday: 08:00 - 13:00 help the Namibian resources that can be and 14:00 - 1700. and rock lobster.

Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: 08:00 - 13:00. Walvis Bay Office: Heinrich Baumann Street Road Number 643. Telephone: 064-205971/2. Monday to Friday: 08:00 - 13:00 and 14:00 - 17:00.

Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: 08:00 - 13:00.

Where can you get a license for angling, crayfish diving & bait/mussels collection?

Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources - Swakopmund Office: NATMIRC / Aquarium, Strand Street.

Telephone: 064-4101000. Open hours for permits: Monday to

Friday: 08:00 - 13:00 and 14:00 - 17:00.

Saturday, Sunday & public Holidays: 08:00 - 13:00. Walvis Bay Office: Inspectorate office, 1st street. Telephone: 064-2016111.Open hours for permits: Monday to Friday: 8:00 - 13:00 and 14:00 - 17:00.

Saturday, Sunday & public Holidays: 08:00 - 13:00. L端deritz Office: Inspectorate Office. Telephone: 063-202-905. Open hours for permits: Monday to Friday: 08:00 - 13:00 and 14:00 - 17:00. Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: 08:00 13:00. Henties Bay Office: Inspectorate

Office, at Hanganeni Fishing Project building. Tele-phone: 064-500320. Open hours for per-mits: Monday to Fri-day: 08:00 - 13:00 and 14:00 -17:00. Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: 08:00 13:00.

Windhoek Office: Brendan Simbwaye Square, Block C, c/o Uhland & Goethe Street. Telephone: 061-205-3911. Open hours for permits: Monday to Friday: 08:00 - 13:00 and 14:00 - 17:00. Saturday, Sun & Public Holidays: 08:0013:00.

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Come experience the dunes like never before Dune Seven is situated near Walvis Bay which has been a tourist attraction for decades. Dune 7 Adventures opened six years ago.

The current owner owns Dune 7 Adventures for five years.

They offer both extreme and relaxed adventure activities for all. These include guided quadbike tours, sandboarding and sundown tours.

There is also a bar and restaurant for everyone's convenience. Quadbike tours: Family tours are available.

According to the owner, for everyone's comfort and convenience, they give exclusive tours to family groups. Sandboarding: There are guided stand-up sandboarding and guided lay-down sand-boarding.

The staff of Dune 7 Adventures will transport you to the top of the dune everytime you want to slide down.

“There is no need to climb all the way up the dune. We will transport you up the dune for your next turn down,” the owner said. They strongly advise tourists to not take on sandboarding on their own as it is dangerous if it is not guided. “A fatality occurred a few years ago when a person wanted to sandboard on her own. To prevent injuries, we advise anyone who wants to sandboard to rather make use of our services,” he said.

Sundown Tours: Anyone looking for a lovely sundown trip in the dunes (duration 2 hours) can make a booking by us. There will be refreshments available on this tour as well. The bar and restaurant will be open every day. Anyone is welcome to make a booking. Dune 7 Adventures aims at making the venue pleasant for both adults and children. “We have a pool, putt-putt course as well as mini tracks for small children to take with small motorcycles. Dune 7 Adventures is perfect for adventurous people and children to pass time during the holidays. It is safe. Since we started with these activities, there have been no accidents.”

Each year, the staff offer a new exciting activity during the holiday times. Last year they offered Sandrail trips. Before that, Monster Truck trips. This year's activity is still a surprise. These activities are also available for companies looking for year-end-function venues. Anyone is welcome to join us in adventure this festive season!

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coastline between Swakopmund and Walvis

The 30 km section of coastline between Swakopmund to Walvis Bay is designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA). The area has up to 770 birds per kilometre of rocky shore, which is the highest linear count of birds anywhere in Southern Africa.

The importance of this coastline for birds is largely due to the high productivity, especially on the rocky shores and the sheltering effect of the Pelican Point Peninsula.

Onshore winds blow up welled nutrients into the sheltered bay area allowing them to settle and establish a complex food web.

The rare, breeding endemic Damara Tern (Sterna balaenarum) has various breeding sites in sandy, near-shore areas along the Namibian Coast but the most important breeding area on our planet is on the coastline between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, in three colonies, namely Swakopmund, Caution Reef and Dolphin Beach.

The Swakopmund colony has been completely fenced off to protect it from off-road driving, as with the Caution Reef

colony west and east of the main road, the Dolphin Beach colony is likely to become extinct shortly due to proposed housing developments.

The Damara Tern is endemic to Southern Africa. Namibia is home to about 98% of the world's population of this species. It has a Red Data Book Conservation Status and is rated as “extinction possible.� Its breeding areas are therefore of vital global conservation concern.

Damara Terns breed in loosely connected colonies which are sometimes located up to eight kilometres inland so as to avoid beach patrolling predators such as brown hyena and black-backed jackal.

During the breeding season, these birds are easily seen on the gravel plains and salt pans where they nest well apart from each other in small scattered colonies.

Walfish Electric (Pty) Ltd would like to thank all our customers for their support during 2015 and wish you all a Magical Christmas and a Prosperous New 2016.

Our offices will be closed on 24 December from 13:00 and re-open on 4 January 2016.

Walvis Bay Swakopmund Tsumeb

064 205891 064 417000 067 225000

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Take a trip to see the splendours of our Namib

The owners of Catamaran Charters, Theunis and DesmĂŠon Keulder, who entered the tourism industry recently also own Sandwich Harbour Tours.

To experience the splendours of the desert from close up, it is recommended to take a half day tour where experienced guides take you into the serene world of one of the world’s oldest desert. Experience breathtaking scenes. Learn how wildlife adapted to survive in this tough desert environment. Slip your fingers and wiggle your toes through into desert sand. With an ice cold drink in your hand, treat your mind to breathtaking beauty and your nose to the fresh breeze of the Atlantic

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Walvis Bay’s history dates from early Portuguese navigators

The bay has been a haven for seagoing vessels for centuries. Its natural deep water harbour, protected by the Pelican Point sand spit, is the only natural harbour of any size along the Namibian coast.

Rich in plankton and marine life, these waters also harboured whales which originally drew a whaling industry to Walvis Bay. Walvis Bay had various names in its history which dates back from the Portuguese navigators and Namibia's first people. The Portuguese navigator Bartholomeu Dias called the area O Golfo de Santa Maria da Conceição. The Herero called the place Ezorongondo.

The Dutch referred to it as Walvisch Baye and the English as Whale Bay. In its eventual proclamation it came to be called Walfish Bay, then Walvish Bay and ultimately Walvis Bay. The town is situated in the bigger Kuiseb River delta. For the traveller it is reachable by the B2 national road, the railway line

from inland ends here.

For the adventurer it is reachable by the C14 gravel road that snakes from Namibia's South from land marks like Sossusvlei and the mighty Khomas Hochland.

A succession of colonists developed the town and her industries.

The harbour's value in relation to the sea route around the Cape of Good Hope had already caught the attention of world powers when it was discovered centuries ago.

This partly explains the complicated political status of Walvis Bay over the years. Walvis Bay, with its large bay and sand dunes, is one of the main tourism activity centres of Namibia. Other attractions include the artificial Bird Island, centre of a guano collection industry, Dune 7, the salt works, and the

The scenic Walvis Bay Lagoon lagoon with its world conservation status and abundant birdlife that draws bird watchers from across the globe.

Modern Walvis Bay has become a hub for two way trade between Namibia's landlocked neighbours in SADC and world markets in Asia, the Americas and Europe. The port of Walvis Bay, owned and managed by the Namibia Ports Authority, to-

day counts among the top ports on Africa's west coast. Walvis Bay is also a marine engineering and ship repair hub and boasts three floating docks and a syncro lift.

The Portuguese navigator Diego Cão reached Cape Cross, north of the bay, in 1485. Then followed Bartholomeu Dias, who anchored his flagship, São Cristóvão, in what is now Walvis

Bay on 8 December 1487, on his expedition to discover a sea route to the East via the Cape of Good Hope.

Little commercial development occurred on the site until the late 19th century. During the scramble for Africa, the United Kingdom occupied Walvis Bay and a small area surrounding the territory, and permitted the Cape Colony to annex it in 1878, both

to forestall German ambitions in the region and to ensure safe passage of British ships around the Cape (Walvis Bay was the only known natural harbour on the Nami-bian coast.)

The enclave was overrun by the Germans before the South-West Africa Campaign early in World War I. But South African Forces eventually ousted the Germans in 1915.

In 1990 Namibia gained independence. as Namibia, but Walvis Bay remained under South African sovereignty. Shortly after the release of Nelson Mandela, at midnight on 28 February 1994, South Africa formally transferred sovereignty over Walvis Bay and the Penguin Islands to the Republic of Namibia.

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Swakopmund Museum a must to the visitor When last did you experience the wonders of a Museum? When last did you enjoy the sight of wild animals up close, beautiful dioramas taking you to different worlds, marvel at the daily life a century ago, the curious ways of other cultures, the intriguing story of fossils before humankind, the wonderful gemstones as if from a treasure chest and stones from out of this world: meteorites? When last did you visit the Swakopmund Museum?

Founded in 1951, the Swakopmund Museum has some of the most in-depth exhibits about Namibia's cultures, flora, fauna, geology, archaeology, and modern history – all under one roof. It is the largest privately run museum in Namibia and gets complimented by visitors from all over the world. The wildlife exhibition shows species which few people were lucky enough to set their eyes on in the wild, such as the aardvark and the golden mole. Namibia's many diverse ecosystems are shown and explained in the botany section.

There is a special multimedia exhibition informing about the devil's claw (the medicinal plant), which is definitely worth exploring. Cultural exhibitions span from historic artefacts such as well-preserved pots and centuries-old jewellery, exhibitions shedding a light on ancient culture in Namibia, exhibitions making the first years of Swakopmund come to life and finally to contemporary Namibian cultures, with all their interesting specialities which make

Namibia's cultural diversity so very interesting.

Especially the boys of all ages might enjoy the transport section with an original ox-wagon, a huffing model of a twin locomotive, miniature model cars and the cultural-historic military exhibit. If you are a regular visitor to the Museum you will be interested to hear that the museum has a new exhibition: the early postal system of Namibia, with old stamps, postal seals, interesting postage stamps and much more. Do you know how an old postal station looked like? How was money sent in the beginning of last century? How was the mail transported before we used planes and trucks?

Go and find out!

Are you interested in the history of Swakopmund? The museum has the wonderful, enlightening film by Immo Böhlke showing on request in the mornings (10:0013:00). During the holidays the Museum will still be open daily from 10:00-17:00. The Museum is closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day.

Most historic buildings reachable on foot from cbd

Swakopmund boasts a treasure chest of historic buildings with architecture that dates from the German era. The town’s uniqueness lies in its architecture where a brilliant balance is struck between the historic and contemporary new architecture.

All buildings are walking distance from another and can be visited on foot. Take time this festive season to walk around the town and visit these landmarks. Swakopmund’s town planning set-up ensures that where ever you go there would be close by a coffee shop, pub or restaurant to rest and refresh.

Historic buildings that are easily reachable on foot from the central business district are: the light house, Otavi Bahnhof, Alte Kasern, Prinzessing Ruprecht-Heim, OMEG Haus, Haus Hohenzollern, Woermannhaus, Die Mole, the Swakopmund Jetty, the Station (Swakopmund Hotel) and Altes Amptsgericht.

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Off-road rules for the central Namibian Coast From the Kuiseb Delta to the Ugab River, sedans, 4×4s, bakkies and beach buggies may go anywhere on proclaimed roads and on existing clearly well-used tracks, except where prohibited (signs will indicate).

No driving is allowed on the beaches at Henties Bay, Wlotzkasbaken, Swakopmund, Cape Cross and the camping sites at Mile 14, Jakkalsputz, Mile 72 and Mile 108. Beach driving is allowed elsewhere on existing wellused tracks. Quad bikes and other motorised bikes are prohibited on beaches between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund and on all beaches north of Henties Bay. No driving is allowed in the Swakop Riverbed up to the Rössing Golf Club. Only limited concessionaires may operate there under tourismspecific Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) permits. Quad bikes and other motorised bikes are strictly prohibited in the entire Swakop River. Bikes and vehicles may only access the off-road recreation area in the dunes between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay through the demarcated access corridors at Langstrand, Dolfynpark and Dune 7. No access to the recreation area is allowed south from Swakopmund or the Swakop River. Quad and two-wheel bikes may ride west of the coastal road between Swakopmund and Hen-ties Bay, only on existing well-used tracks. They may travel without a permit in the Omaruru Riverbed, only 5 km inland from the beach. No quad bikes and two-wheel bikes are allowed north of the Omaruru River, up to the Ugab River.

Please note that the off-road area east of Swakopmund, north of the main road to Usakos, starts where the Swakopmund

Municipal boundary ends. Driving in any conservation area or sign-posted no-driving area is strictly prohibited. Drivers of any vehicles that can go off-road (4×4s, sedans, bakkies, beach buggies, quad or two-wheel bikes), need to adhere to the off-road Rules of MET, when utilising the off-road areas in the Central Namibian Coast area, between Sandwich Harbour and the Ugab River. To drive in the specially demarcated off- road areas in the dunes between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, offroaders are required to obtain a free permit. The MET has the authority to manage and protect the conservation areas under the Accommodations, Establishments and Tourism Ordinance of 1973 and Cabinet Decision, Dec. 5th/27.03.07/13. Get your free permit to drive in specially demarcated off-road areas in the dunes between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund from: The Ministry of Environment and Tourism: Swakopmund Office. Cnr. Bismarck St. & Sam Nujoma Ave. Tel: 064 404 576, Walvis Bay Office 643 Heinrich Baumann St. Tel. 064 205 971/2 and Office hours for both offices during the week days is from 08:00 to 17:00. Weekends & Public Holidays: 08:00 to 12:00 and 16:00 to 17:30. Weekends & Public Holidays: 08:00 - 13:00. Walvis Bay Tourism Centre, Cnr. Union St. & 5th Rd. Walvis Bay. Cell: 081 426 1200 / 081 1286 731. Open week days from 08:00 to 17:00. Weekends & Public Holidays: 08:00 to 12:00 & 16:00 to 17:30.

Above: Mapo of Walvis Bay to Swakopmund, including the dune belt area.

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Explore Cape Cross Cape Cross is located 130 km north of Swakopmund along the desert coastline of Namibia.

It was one of the first landfalls of European explorers in southern Africa; Bartholomew Diaz erected a cross here. It consists of a rocky promontory, to the south of which is a series of lagoons, which have a total area of about 5 000 ha. The sandy barrier between the lagoons and the ocean consist of sediments brought down by the Orange River, and swept north by the actions of the Benguela Long Shore drift. The lagoons are maintained by seepage of seawater, and by waves over-topping the barrier during spring high tides. Cape Cross has a large Cape Fur Seal (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) population, numbering about 150 000 animals. It is on the mainland, so unlike island-based seal colonies, it is not space-limited.

Entrepreneurs have developed a simple but effective way of producing guano at the Cape Cross lagoons.

Three wooden platforms with a total area of 68 000 ha were erected in the 1950s to provide a breeding and roosting site for Cape Cormorants. About 30 000 pairs of cormorants currently breed on the platforms; in 1974, an aerial survey estimated 900 000 cormorants.

Guano is still collected on the platforms, even though guano scraping has largely stopped on most of the offshore islands.

Prevent overspending and start 2016 with financial peace of mind Overspending during the festive season is easy because of the year-end celebrations and excitement, but if you want to begin the New Year in a financially sound position, you should be aware of how you spend your money over this period.

With countdown to the bonus pay-outs for the ·If you do borrow money, make sure you year, most of you are already busy drawing up borrow only for what is strictly necessary and shopping lists in anticipation of the holiday ensure that you can afford the repayments; break. December is no different from any other ·Make it a family project to make presents for time of the year. Remember, you do not have friends and relatives. Bake biscuits, draw a more money to spend, other than your monthly picture, write a poem or sew a cushion cover. salary. Your bonus (if you get one) should be These all cost much less than buying something used to pay off debts and other expenditures. in the shops and will mean more; Overspending during the festive season is easy ·Instead of buying expensive presents, set up a because of the year-end celebrations and savings fund and put away an amount for your excitement, but if you want to begin the New loved ones each Christmas. Over time this will Year in a financially sound position, you should grow into a much bigger pot of money that can be aware how you spend money over the period be used to fund school fees or pay off a car; of the festive holidays. Do not be a debt statistic ·Entertain at home. Ask guests to bring this festive season, spend your money wisely something for the meal so you share the costs of your festive entertainment. Remember they too and save for the New Year.

Here are a few tips to prevent you from need to budget. overspending this festive season: ·Draw up a budget Include all debts, rent, electricity, water, insurance, transport, gifts, entertainment, etc; ·Be proactive and double-up on your regular payments such as mortgage or rent, lights and water. That way you will be able to afford costs such as school fees and uniforms which must be paid for at the start of the New Year; ·Prioritise home loan and rent; ·Shop around for cheaper options; ·Avoid unnecessary credit and the 'buy now pay after three months' adverts;

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How to beat the heat with Punch

We all know Christmas time is a feast where the most delectable dishes are served. Here is an idea of a drink to serve that will beat the heat.

Every Christmas party needs to be accompanied by something to drink and in this case… it is punch. Here is a fantastic and bubbly punch recipe to make use of in the heat.

Punch is typically served at parties in wide bowls.

The origin of the word is from the Hindi, panch meaning “five”. Originally it was made from five ingredients namely alcohol, sugar, lemon, water, and tea or spices. The original drink was

named paantsch.

Pikkies Punch : 1lt of Oros (Orange squash) 1lt of soda water 1lt of Sprite 1 can of Granadilla mouse Vodka This is a winner recipe and to make it look interesting, you can add some cherries and other fruit for a special touch of vibrant colour.

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COSDEC Swakopmund The Swakopmund Community Skills Development Centre (COSDEC) started operating from a small building in Mahetago, Mondesa in 2009. Just last year (2014), the centre moved to a new location, situated behind the Walvis Bay taxi rank.

On 20 February this year, the new building was officially inaugurated by the Erongo Regional Governor, Mr Cleophas Mutjavikua. Although the centre moved to a new location, it still uses the old building for some courses. The Centre has 14 staff members in total, which include seven instructors. COSDEC offers the following courses: Plumbing and Pipefitting, Bricklaying and Plastering, Joinery and Cabinet Making, Welding and Metal Fabrication, Clothing Design and Textile Production, Food Preparation and Serving, and Office Administration and Computing. According to COSDEC Swakopmund Business Development Coordinator, Ms Katrina Amupolo, the centre does not have entry requirements, but for frontline courses such as Office Administration and Computing and Food Preparation, English would be a prerequisite.

Amupolo further said, the centre encourages out of school youth, unemployed and low-skilled adults to apply for courses. Amupolo emphasised that COSDEC Swakopmund trainees do not only gain technical skills from the vocational courses but they are also given the opportunity to gain entrepreneurial skills through the COSDEC Business Development Support Centre, which will enable some of the trainees to be able to open up their own businesses. Once the trainees have completed their courses, the centre finds job attachments for them, Amupolo says, “it is very challenging to find jobs for all trainees but they all end up with a job attachment.”

This year 153 Trainees graduated in February. The Business Support Centre has been established in 2014 to provide support to emerging entrepreneurs in the form of mentorship and coaching sessions.

Business training courses and a resource centre which features an internet café, newspapers, publications, and newspaper articles are also available to the public.

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“FITNESS CREATES ENERGY"

Join !LIVE IT health & fitness club and make your New years resolution come true.

Spacious Bathrooms with Sauna and lockers Two squash courts Two studios - come view our time table Weight Loss - get yourself a personal trainer to assist you Muscle Gain - come check out our range of free weights & state of the art equipment Be part of our family and join the special family packages Want to keep your employees fit & healthy - corporate rates available

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Fresh mint iced coffee recipe for festive mornings You can smell the herbal goodness from here.

The idea of putting mint inside your coffee might sound off-base, but do not knock it until you try it.

After you have had one sip of this refreshing iced brew, you will realise you may have woken a sleeping dragon with a minty breath.

Ingredients: Cold Brew Concentrate 1/2 cup freshly ground coffee

2 cups cold water Fresh Mint Syrup 1 cup water 1 cup sugar 1 big bunch of fresh mint leaves (around 3/4 cup) 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped For perfect mint iced coffee ice cubes 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh mint syrup

8 ounces coffee concentrate 3 tablespoons milk, cream or sweetened condensed milk fresh mint leaves for garnish Directions: Combine the ground coffee and water in a jar/bowl and stir well.

Let it sit at room temperature for at least eight hours or overnight.

At this time, make some coffee ice cubes. Make a cup of coffee and allow it to cool slightly. If you don't love black coffee, stir in some milk (anything from cream to almond or coconut milk) then pour the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze overnight. You can make a lot of these and store them for later use. The next morning, use a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to strain coffee con-centrate, removing all the grinds. Store the cold coffee in a sealed jar in the fridge.

For fresh mint syrup: To make the mint syrup, add the water, sugar, mint leaves, and vanilla beans (and empty pod) to a saucepan and heat over medium heat.

Whisk constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil.

Let it bubble for a minute or so, then reduce the heat and let it cool completely.

Put it in a bowl or jar, let it come to room temperature then stick it in the fridge overnight.

In the morning (or before using), strain out the mint leaves and vanilla pod — or simply leave them in to continue flavoring the syrup. Keep sealed in the fridge for a week or so.

For perfect mint iced coffee: Use a mix of coffee ice cubes and regular ice cubes — usually half and half.

Add them to the glass and pour the syrup overtop.

Next goes the coffee concentrate and then stir in the cream. Top it off with some fresh mint leaves, and you're good to go.

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Guide to surviving the kids this festive holiday

Top 5 Tips for Parents

While the holidays are a festive time of year, they're also a time of great stress for parents.

There are presents to be bought, friends and family to entertain and money to be spent. And let's not forget the cooking, the cleaning and general tasks that are expected. The festive season, not surprisingly, can be one that causes anxiety for many of us who are trying to balance parenting along with all of the other responsibilities and expectations that come along in December.

The good news is that there are ways for parents to alleviate the stresses that are a very real part of the holidays.

By following the tips below, you can survive the festive season with the kids -- and even enjoy them as well.

1) Set the Stage-You are the role model and your behaviour is what your children will model, so lead by example. If they see you stressed out, they'll feed on that and the tension in the house will explode. If the kids see that you're calm, cool, controlled and reasonably stress-free, their attitude and actions will follow.

Like anything, kids take their cues from us so show them that you've got everything under control and they'll follow suit.

2) Manage Expectations - With holiday adverts for various toys and games starting weeks before christmas it's no surprise that many kids think of a Christmas morning as an extravaganza of unparalleled proportions.

Visions of sugarplums may be dancing in their heads, but so are visions of the latest video games, must-have toy and more.

The expectations of a full bounty of gifts are one of the most stressful parts of the season, particularly for parents who are on a tight budget.

Accordingly, now's the time to set things straight, and to let the kids know that they will indeed receive gifts, but within reason.

Giving your children a full accounting of the specific details of your finances is not necessary. What is necessary is letting them know that you love them and the true spirit of Christmas is about family, love and kindness -- all of which don't have a dollar value.

3) Get Help -- Cooking, cleaning and shopping on top of your regular parenting and household duties are too much for anyone to

bear.

You're only one person and can only do so much, so be realistic and give yourself a break. Get help wherever possible.

Is Grandma anxious to see the kids again? No problems - drop them off and use the time to get some of your holiday chroes done.

Has your kindly neighbour offered to watch the kids or to host a play date

at their home? Take them up on their offer, guiltfree, and use the time to catch up on your to-do list. Now is the time to take up friends and family on their offers of support.

4) Have a Game Plan Every parent knows that a bored child is a whiny child. For this reason alone, it's especially important to have a plan of action where your

kids are involved this holiday season.

Have activities for your kids planned in advance in order to keep them busy.

These can include play dates with other kids, movie and game nights with the family, and day trips in the coastal towns.

The great thing about this time of year is that there are many inexpensive family-friendly activities that are happening.

5) Relax the Rules - Sure, bedtime is usually 20:00 for your little ones but

they want to stay up late to watch one last Christmas movie.

Or, in another scenario your good friends and their kids have dropped by for a holiday visit and they're still visiting well after 20:00.

The little ones are having a good time and so are you, so relax and let them stay up late this one time.

The world will keep turning and your stress level will be considerably reduced.

It's OK to ignore the regular schedule of

every-day life during this time of the year.

When the season passes you can get the kids back to their regular routines. * Article adapted for local relevance.

Namib Times Holiday 2015

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11 DECEMBER 2015

Oasis In The Desert Goanikontes – Oasis – Always Worth A Visit On the way towards the famous Welwitschia plant and the mysterious moon landscape, one finds the historic farmstead Goanikontes-Oasis.

Situated between the Namib Naukluft and Dorop National Park, just beside the Swakop river, it is an ideal place for families and nature lovers to not only enjoy a meal with a beer or a cup of coffee in the coffee garden restaurant, but even to stay overnight in cosy bungalows or to camp on big shady campsites.

A big natural swimming pool and friendly animals guarantee lots of fun for old and young! Guests can explore the geologically fascinating mountains to breathe the marvellous scenery of Goanikontes-Oasis and surroundings. A bright variety of birds will

always be a reliable companion.Come and share the very special atmosphere of Goanikontes-Oasis, just 40 minutes east of Swakopmund town or a 60 minute drive away from Walvis Bay and its harbour.

OSK Debt Collectors Got Your Back One of Namibia's leading and fastest growing Debt Collection firm, OSK Debt Collectors specialises in debt collection, tracking & tracing of bad debts, repossession and blacklisting.

Established in 2009 and officially registered as a close corporation in 2010.

OSK debt collectors now has branches in Windhoek (Head Office), Oshakati and newly opened Swakopmund branch, with a much anticipated branch opening early next year in Cape Town, South Africa. Marketing & Communications Manager of OSK Debt Collectors, Titus Kaapangelwa said that what they mostly focus on is debt collection through money recovery and avoid repossession by all means as it's a long procedure, "through legal procedures, constant

and professional nagging, we try our outmost best to recover the money and avoid going to the last process which includes litigation and repossession.

OSK Debt Collectors also took part at the Swakopmund International Trade Expo (SWAITEX) this year. OSK targets corporate companies, SMEs and Individuals, all 3 targeted audience are welcome to sign up. According to Kaapangelwa, OSK Debt Collectors have packages which one can sign up for and open up a file for a whole year

contract, which is renewable. Kaapangelwa says that OSK Debt Collectors scored a great success rate on money recovery and have highly affordable rates compared to other debt collectors or law firms. “We will achieve our goals by fully executing all plans and methods for the successful running of the business, maintaining a high standard of ethics in all our transactions and mostly developing and maintaining good relationships with our clients.” affirms Titus Kaapangelwa. The service entails a “No Recovery –No charge” clause and even

if one has already sent their debts to another collection agency, OSK is still happy to look at the ones they failed to collect. “Bad debts constitutes as a loss to your business because after all reasonable efforts have been exhausted to collect it, the debt remains outstanding. With OSK debt collectors countless money recovery ability and persistence; the company has an 87.9% success rate at recovering your debts.

Henceforth with OSK, bad debts will be nothing more than a bad dream,” said Kaapangelwa

11 DECEMBER 2015

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The Dome Swakopmund – Iconic new Entertainment and Sports Hub at the coast As construction on The Dome Swakomund finally reaches completion the venue is already being heralded as the new Entertainment and Sports Hub of Namibia.

Not only is the building iconic in its design and structure, it has also become a dominant feature on the Swakopmund skyline, with a growing number of tourists and holiday makers arriving at the coast and coming along to enjoy all that The Dome has to offer.

Besides a few retail stores already operating on the ground floor, together with an a la carte AT THE DOME Restaurant, Rennies Travel Consultants, Toulmins Coffee Shop and Bistro, SamMilari Children's Play World and a new Food Market in the planning. The Dome can also boast an extremely popular Sports Bar & Lounge called the Locker Room, located on Level 1, which also includes an entertainment room fitted with darts, fussball and air hockey tables, for the youngsters.

The Locker Room also provides a large number of TV sets to keep the Sports lovers entertained, large group tables are popular for watching big events with friends and family.

The Dome houses the Indoor Sports Centre within its enormous domed structure which has already hosted a number of high profile local and international events, including Trade Shows, Music Concerts, the prestigious Namibian Music Awards, the ZipZap Circus as well as numerous sports competitions and tournaments.

The following events are planned for December 2015 (we encourage everyone to come along and join in the fun this holiday season_. There are a variety of entertaining events so there should be something for everyone to enjoy ...

8 - 12 December African Union Sports Council Region 5 Table Tennis Championships 2015 Hosted by Namibia Table Tennis Association NTTA (Indoor Sport Centre) There are 6 participating countries with and expected 100 participants.

1. Namibia (Host) - Ladies and Mens team 2. Angola (Ladies and Mens team) 3. Botswana (Ladies and Mens team) 4. Malawi (there final delegation list still outstanding) 5. South Africa (Ladies and Mens team) 6. Zambia (Ladies and Mens Team) 12 December Photographic Exhibition – Namibia Inspirations The exhibition will be launched on the 12th of December and run until the end of January in a beautiful 122m2

gallery on Level 1 of The Dome. The exhibition will present 40 fine art photographic prints and is the first time presentation of Namibian photographs created by Xenia Ivanoff-Erb and Georg Erb. Photographic enthusiasts and those who love the unique beauty of Namibia will certainly enjoy this display. There will be canvasses for sale ranging from small miniature collectables and Instagram Style prints as well as large format prints to adorn your home or business.

14 - 18 December Youth Fitness Camp (Health & Wellness Centre) For those who want to keep fit and enjoy the experience of this state-of-the art Health & Wellness Centre, this is the perfect opportunity to come and workout and socialise while on holiday. The Fitness Camp is aimed at the youth aged 8 -17 and will take place daily between 9.0012.00 in the Health & Wellness Centre. The cost for this is N$750.00 per person (with gym gifts included).

18 - 22 December The ZIPZAP Circus This ever popular performing arts Circus will again take place in the Indoor Sports Centre. With a bumper show which is planned to be split into two 45mins performances and an intermission in between for the youngsters to enjoy some refreshments. There will also be a Special Matinee Show at 10.30 on Saturday 19 December with tickets for this show being sold at N$120.00. Normal Show General Access tickets are 180.00 per person and Golden Circle Tickets are N$250.00 per person. All Shows on the 18th, 19th, 21st and 22nd start at 19.30. Tickets are available at The Dome, from The Box Office, our own in-house ticket office at the entrance to the Indoor Sport Centre.

18 – 22 December The Dome Weihnachtsmarkt This year The Dome will present the first traditional Weihnachtsmarkt at the Indoor Sport Centre. Admission to the Weihnachtmarkt is free of charge. This will be open daily and on Sunday 20 December a special Carols by Candlelight hosted in side the Indoor Sports Centre. The opening times are as follows: Friday, 18 December 2015: 12h00 am – 20h00 pm Saturday, 19 December 2015: 10h00 am – 20h00 pm Sunday, 20December 2015: 11h00 am – 20h00 pm Monday, 21st December 2015: 12h00 am – 20h00 pm

Tuesday, 22 December 2015: 12h00 am – 20h00 pm The Weihnachtsmarkt will showcase a variety of hand crafted items, Christmas décor and gifts, as well as regional food specialities and traditional German baked goods. The Market aims to support artists and crafters who create their own items, and who produce their art in Namibia.

31 December Mel Botes NEW YEAR Concert – A Tribute to Pink Floyd “Dark Side of the Moon” Fans of one of the most successful rock bands of all time can listen to Mel Botes performing Dark Side of the Moon, a tribute to Pink Floyd at The Dome, in Swakopmund. Dark Side of the Moon, is an electrifying multi-dimensional show which has received outstanding reviews in South Africa and which has previously been presented in front of sell-out audiences in Namibia. The very popular Namibian band, Just Jack, will warm up the audience ahead of the main attraction of the evening. After midnight on NEW YEAR 2016, guests can keep on rocking with Just Jack until the early morning hours.

Three different seating styles give people a choice of tickets, ie Golden Circle (N$650/person or N$5200/table seating 8

people), Brewery Tables (N$300/person) or Pavilion Seats (N$200). The Golden Circle tickets include complimentary food platters, Bain's Whisky and wine.

SPECIAL HOLIDAY PACKAGES Health & Wellness Centre The Dome has created special holiday rates for visitors to Swakopmund who wish to keep fit and stay in-shape. Daily rates are N$145.00 and Weekly memberships N$345.00 (prices are VAT inclusive). For more info please contact us at hw-centre@swakopindoorsport.com or contact The Dome Admin offices on +264-64-400301.

Tickets for ZIPZAP and Mel Botes Concert can be bought at The Dome Box Office, at The Dome (Swakopmund Indoor Sports Centre), Nr 5371 Welwitschia Street, Swakopmund.

The public can also visit The Dome's Facebook https://www.facebook. com/SwakopIndoorSportCenter and reserve and pay for tickets via email at box-office@swakopindoorsport.com.

For more information contact The Dome on +264-64-400301.

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11 DECEMBER 2015

Hotel Zum Kaizer – For that Personal Touch of modern furniture and a touch of classic elegance, that takes the guest back to the glamour of imperial times.

The bistro offers a variety of true Namibian and German flavours.

Kötting says the head chef, Paulus Karunga, is one of the greatest assets of this boutique hotel. He will go out of his way to try and fulfil special requests guests might have.

The bistro offers a wine list with the focus on the favourite classics, and guests are entertained in a warm and

Hotel Zum Kaizer in Swakopmund is one of the most popular spots for tourists and busi nessmen and –women who want service with a personal touch.

Annett Kötting, the general manager of this boutique hotel and bistro with its delectable menu says one of the best assets of the Hotel Zum Kaiser, situated in the heart of Swakopmund – near the ocean, at the bottom of the main street, Sam Nujoma Avenue, is just that: the personal touch that they apply when welcoming and caring for guests individually.

Hotel Zum Kaiser gives guests access to the town's centre with all it offers, from its historical buildings, to a wide range of restaurants, shopping centres, art hubs and tourist services.

The hotel is very well- equipped to host conferences (in the board room, for about 12 to 14 people, and in the conference centre for to up to 60 and at the rooftop terrace for up to 30), banquettes, and as Kötting has put it, any celebration, be it a baby shower, wedding feasts or a

book launch. The day conference package includes: * Venue – ½ price + Coffee breaks* with tea, coffee, juice & snacks + Lunch – crafted to your special needs Contact us at functions@hotelzumkaiser.com to find out more!

All the tourist activities and attractions offered in and around Swakopmund, can be booked through the hotel' The hotel has 21 air-conditioned bedrooms, each with a full en-suite bathroom, TV, beverage facilities, including a kettle and a bar fridge, a safe as well as access to wi-fi services.

Guests can choose between court yard suites, front facing suites with private balconies, and 3 family rooms with inter-leading doors.

Hotel Zum Kaiser has its own intimate ambience, and the décor and furnishings are an eclectic mix

relaxed atmosphere.

An exquisite breakfast, a superb menu for lunch and dinner that will satisfy the most discerned guest is offered. Whether it is a cup of freshly ground coffee, or an adventurous cocktail at sunset, at Hotel Zum Kaiser you will be welcomed like an Emperor.

Highlights this festive are the Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas lunch and the on New Year' celebration.

11 DECEMBER 2015

Namib Times Holiday 2015

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Christmas is coming. At full speed‌.

The smallest Formula 1 style race track in Africa is ready for the festive season!

You can experience from the Go Kart festive season, the Go what it feels like to be Track in Swakop- Kart Track in Swaa race car driver on the mund. With a top kopmund will, once 520 meter long circuit speed of 70 km/h, the again, keep record of challenging corners of the lap times to see the circuit will make who will be this year's your adrenalin levels H o l i d a y S e a s o n rush to top of the Champion. At the end of the season, the Christmas tree!

Go Kart racing is champion in his/her possible for children category will receive from 10 years old a trophy. Categories are divided in weight and/or 1.40m tall.

For the younger chil- classes and junior / dren, the Pedal Go senior and female Kart and road safety drivers. playground will en- The Go Kart Track sure that they will be Swakopmund is open entertained for hours. daily from 09:00 till During the 2015-2016 20:00 in the period of

15 December 2015 till 10 January 2016.

Entrance to the playground costs N$20 per child and to race the 200cc Go Karts is possible from N$120.

Cool drinks and snacks/brĂśtchen are available at the Land Rover Bar. The Go Kart Track is well signposted and situated just outside Swakopmund; B2, Airport exit.

For more information or bookings call 0813502723 or email info@kartingnamibia .com.

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Namib Times Holiday 2015

11 DECEMBER 2015

“It's NOT about the Money – It's about Service” – Maria Esterhuysen The owner of Seeff Namibia, Maria Esterhuysen, says Seeff is ready to offer star open another office in Walvis, service everywhere in the country, through its thoroughly-trained agents, as it another one in Windhoek and then we'll also open offices in spreads its wings countrywide.

Seeff Properties will be very active at the coast during the festive season. On 16, 17 and 18 December, Seeff will showcase properties at their new developments, Desert Sands, and Desert Oasis Two, in Kramersdorf in Swakopmund. On 18 December they will also participate in an outside broadcast of Channel 7 at their Ocean View Office in the holiday town.

“We are here for the right reasons - it's not about the money – it's about the service. We are here to show property owners the new way of trading in property. We want to make our clients understand and through an unequalled experience get insight into why commission is charged, and let them realise how the real value of property is calculated. We have been plotting in areas to make sure property prices are set relevantly and realistically. We want to be reaching further, going the extra mile. Seeff Namibia is ONE extended company – all under one Namibian umbrella. It does not matter where in the country you walk into our office – we are one property service provider, and will be able to be of service anywhere.”

Esterhuysen says it all began with a small property agency in Swakopmund – Swakopmund Properties, focusing on development, but they soon found that clients they were working with wanted them to handle their properties for them on an extensive basis.

After three years, they realised that they wanted to expand their business, but the name Swakopmund Properties was not the ideal one to take to other places in Namibia.

“At that stage the Seeff prospect crossed our path. With many South Africans buying property in Namibia, it just made sense at that stage. Well, here we are – we can give sellers and buyers exposure in Namibia, in SA and also in the UK, through Hamptons, with whom we've formed an affiliation. We want to instil trust in small investors and in investors with multi-million

portfolios alike. With the brand we've chosen, we believe we would be able to serve on every level – and with the network we are establishing countrywide, we are in a better position to offer a sustainable service everywhere in Namibia. It is important for clients to know they can work with the same company anywhere they want to buy, sell or develop property. We are now looking to expand into Northern Namibia. Although our Namibian agents all have designated areas wherever they are working, through our network of offices we offer broad-based services – in Namibia, but also across the border, into South Africa, and other SADC countries, and often get cross-border-referrals. We foresee substantial expansions of our network in the coming year. We have three offices in Swakopmund, one in Walvis Bay and two in Windhoek – we are planning to

Otjiwarongo, Outjo,Tsumeb, Rundu and Oshakati,” says Esterhuysen.

11 DECEMBER 2015

Photo credit: www.tripadvisor.com

Namib Times Holiday 2015

Sandwich Harbour Wedged between the sea and the Namib Dunes, Sandwich Harbour is one of Southern Africa's richest and most unique wetlands for migratory and resident birds.

Not associated with a river, it is an area of water that is protected from the open ocean by a sand barrier where potable water seeping from underground aquifers sustains the freshwater vegetation at the base of the dunes.

The lagoon fills with water filtered through the dune field from the Kuiseb which has a purifying effect and reduces salinity. South of the freshwater wetlands are the extensive mudflats of Sandwich Harbour.

In the past, Sandwich Harbour was much more extensive and offered a very good anchorage to shipping. Today it comprise of two portions: the northern part is an extensive wetland (5km x 300 m) consisting of salt marsh and intertidal mud flats, this area is extensively vegetated. The southern portion is much larger at 40km² and consists of tidal mudflats. There is seepage of fresh water onto the beach in the northern portion.

Sandwich Harbour is a proclaimed Ramsar site because of its biotic richness including 36 species of fish, migrant sea and shore birds and red data birds.

Sandwich Harbour is one of southern Africa's most important coastal wetlands for migratory and resident birds. In 2006, the area supported about 179 000 sea and shore birds. The majority of these birds belong to five species: Common/Arctic Terns. Curlew Sandpipers, Little Stints, Sanderlings, Lesser and Greater Flamingos. The density of waders recorded at low tide was 7 791 birds/km2, one of the highest densities recorded anywhere in the world.

At least one Namibian red data species occurs in significant numbers; the Chestnut-banded Plover.

Eight other Namibian red data species were recorded, including the Damara Tern, an African red data species.

Since 1991, mean counts have been lower (60 000 birds), probably because of the natural changes at Sandwich Harbour.

Namibia Whisky Festival set to Whiskify Swakopmund The unique blend of desert and water found in the coastal town, Swakopmund will welcome Whisky enthusiasts and novices from all over the world on 18 and 19 March 2016.

The festival designed to unearth the Whisky potential in Namibia is said to be the most talked about festival in Namibia to date. The two-day Whisky festival which incorporates a strong lifestyle element seeks not only to share the versatility of available Whisky brands but to educate both aspirers and admirers of the distilled malted grain whilst highlighting Swakopmund as a holiday destination of choice. An all-round human senses tantalizer, the festival combines the unique aromas of Whisky, chocolates and coffee to create a unique festival Whiskaroma. Various food pairing stations welcome all visitors to taste and experience the finer things in life whilst roaming musicians and live entertainment amuse festival visitors.

Namibia Whisky Festival has been scheduled comfortably within a few days leading towards one of the country's most anticipated public holiday, Independence Day – coincidentally also the long weekend before Easter break making the festival the perfect activity for both corporate or personal getaways. Being the first and only SAIF accredited event, organizers promote responsible enjoyment of Whisky which is evident when examining the extensive Dream-Team list, which comes equipped with water and travel/leisure partners to ensure the smooth taste of Whisky on visitor's pallet is synchronous to their journey home. Officially launched on 3 November 2015, tickets have since gone live on Computicket and the Namibia Whisky Festival website for N$200 in advance and N$250 at the door.

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Festive Message of the CEO of Henties Bay Municipality – Reinhardt Ochs The CEO of Henties Bay Municipality, Reinhardt Ochs, has the following message for all visiting the holiday town this festive season, or staying in Henties Bay: “First of all I would like to wish everybody, including all our community members and all namib times rea-

ders, who have an interest in Henties Bay, a very merry Christmas, and a prosperous 2016.

Also to all those who

like Henties Bay and would like to come and visit our holiday town.

Although our town is usually considered as

one of THE holiday towns at the coast, we'd also like people to realise that Henties Bay is trying to serve a dual purpose – as holiday destination, but also as an Everyday town, like any other Namibian destination.

We'd like to invite and welcome all to come and experience and enjoy Henties Bay this festive season, and to let them know that the municipality will be open and of service, throughout the festive season. We'll only be closed from 13:00 on 24 December, and 25 December, and will be open again until 13:00 on 31 December, and will be closed until Monday, 4 January

2016.

We would like all Namibians to celebrate the Festive Season in peace and happiness, and with responsibility, so that we'll all welcome the New Year safely. We wish all Henties Bay people a wonderful Christmas and New Year – and we might not have met all your demands the past year, but know that it was not deliberately – we have tried our best throughout the year. Be assured of our commitment to try and meet all the needs of every person of Henties Bay – your wish is our command. Have fun this Festive Season – enjoy Henties Bay to the fullest and make the

Reinhardt Ochs - CEO of Henties Bay Municipality best of it – but responsibly. Do not drink and drive, and take care, so

that we'll be safe and there for each other in 2016.

11 DECEMBER 2015

Namib Times Holiday 2015

Malva Pudding Recipe

Ingredients: Pudding 30ml (2T) Butter/Marg 125ml Huletts White Sugar 1 Extra Large Egg 15ml (1T) Apricot Jam 5 ml (1t) Bicarbonate of Soda 125ml (½C) Milk 250ml (1C) Cake Flour Pinch of Salt 15ml (1T) Vinegar Sauce 125g Butter/Marg 185 ml (¾C) Huletts White Sugar 65ml (¼C) Water 185 ml (¾C) Cream 5ml (1t) Vanilla essence

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Method: Pudding 1. Cream butter and sugar together, beat in the egg until light and fluffy.

2. Beat in the apricot jam.

3. Dissolve the bicarb in the milk.

4. Sift the flour and salt together and add to the creamed mixture alternately with the milk.

5. Lastly stir in the vinegar.

6. Pour into a deep round dish about 19cm diameter. Cover the dish with a lid or foil and then bake for 1 hour at 180°C. Sauce 1. Bring the butter, sugar and water to the boil and simmer, stirring all the time for 2 minutes.

2. Remove from the stove and then add the cream and the vanilla. Pour over the hot baked pudding.

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Namib Times Holiday 2015

11 DECEMBER 2015

Ken Jou Vis!!

Kennis oor visse se gewoontes kan van jou 'n beter hengelaar maak!

Hengel aan die Namibiese kus vanaf Sandvis hawe tot en met die Ugabmond kan vir elke hengelaar 'n groot plesier wees indien jy enkele geskrewe en ongeskrewe reëls volg.

galjoen

kolstert

kabeljou

baber

FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR

Gehoorsaam die reëls aangaande die hengel soos voorgeskryf deur die Ministerie van Seevisserye en Marine hulpbronne: Sorg dat jy te alle tye in besit van 'n geldige hengellisensie is, dit kan baie onaangenaamheid langs die kus vermy.

Maak seker dat, as jy die hoofpad verlaat en afdraai na die kus, dat jy 'n spoor of paadjie van ander voertuie volg en nie blindelings oor alles ry nie.

Ek weet nie hoekom ons altyd plek het om koeldrank, bier of aas saam te ry na die hengelwater nie, maar as ons terugkom het ons geen plek vir die leë houers nie.

As jy tussen die hoogwater en laagwater merk ry, doen dit met inagneming van die hengelaars en mense wat ontspan langs die water.

Dis nou genoeg gekla en voorgeskryf, kom ons kyk so 'n bietjie na die verskillende spesies vis wat hier by ons voorkom en die tipe aas wat ons kan gebruik om hulle te kul om ons hoeke te vat.

GALJOEN Dit is natuurlik die mees gesogte vis aan ons kus aangesien dit heerlik braai op die kole en ook gerook, smaak dit vorentoe. Die vis kom voor waar daar heelwat bamboes of rotse is. Galjoen se geliefkoosde aas is swart- en witmossel asook 'n stukkie rooiaas. Ons hoekgrootte wissel hier vanaf 'n 2 tot 1/0 hoek. 'n Knewel van 3,5kg staan aangeteken in die Namibiese record-anale. Ons kry ook die sandgaljoene wat by Langstrand en Sandvishawe voorkom.

KOLSTERT Hierdie is 'n baie onderskatte vis en kan vir groot hengelvermaak sorg en is selfs 'n lekker eetvis om te bak of braai. Kom oral langs die hele Namibiese kus voor en is die Namibiese rekord 'n allemintige 2,45kg. Hierdie vis het ook 'n klein bekkie en gebruik ons 'n 2 of 1 hoekie. Hierdie is nie 'n kieskeurige vis nie en sal aan alles byt, dog 'n pienk garnaal sal dit nie by verbyswem nie.

STEENBRAS Wat 'n sterk vis om aan die lyn te kry, hy sal baklei totdat hy op die strand lê en dan nog steeds nie opgee nie. Hierdie is 'n sterk vis en durf ons dit normaalweg met 'n 2/0 tot 3/0 hoek aan wat gevul is met hetsy pelser, tjokka, mossel of kreef. Laasgenoemde natuurlik eerder 'n delikatesse wat die mens self wil nuttig. Die amptelike rekord staan hier op 17,3kg maar groter diklippe van tot 23kg is al aan wal gebring. Word baie in die omgewing van Walle, Myl 98, Canopy, Doep se Gat en Leiter gevang.

KABELJOU Seker die mees gejagte vis aan ons Namibiese kus aangesien hierdie roofvis nie speel wanneer dit jou hoek gryp nie. Hy kan sommer korte mette maak met jou aas en is 'n kalant wat maar met 'n stewige hoek vanaf 'n 4/0 tot en met 'n 7/0 aangekeer moet word.

Omdat hierdie vis so aggressief is, is dit gewoonlik maklik om die vis aan te keer aangesien hy homself gewoonlik vang. Hier is die amptelike rekord 25,9kg met 'n bevestigte 33kg wat op 'n skiboot gevang is. Daar is natuurlik fotos van groot vis met geskatte gewigte van tot en met 86kg, ek weet nou nie of dit voor of na die vloeibare versnaperinge was nie. Hierdie vis kom algemeen oral aan ons kus voor en word maklik gekul met 'n sardyn, tjokka of ansjovis. 'n Kombinasie van sardyn en tjokka is ook baie gewild. Indien seekatpoot beskikbaar is, is dit ook 'n baie suksesvolle aas.

BABER Nou ja wat kan ek hiervan sê, net dat baie hengelaars die vis nie kan verdra nie en kwaad word as dit byt. Dit is egter vir baie hengelaars 'n delikatesse en is baie gesog wanneer dit gerook is.

Hierdie vis is egter net so heerlik wanneer dit gefilliteer word en in 'n bietjie botter met sout en peper gebak word. Smaaklike ete. Word tot en met 1kg groot in ons waters en kom orals voor en vreet ook enige aas. Pasop vir daardie geniepsige pen bo-op en aan die kant van die kop, dit kan jou hengel uitstappie totaal bederf vir die dag.

BRONZY (KOPERHAAI) Die mees gesogte sportvis om te vang aan die Namibiese kus, en hengelaars vanoor die hele wêreld kom na ons viswaters om hierdie knewel te probeer verower. Natuurlik geweldig sterk, en met tot 200kg plus aan die anderkant van jou lyn is dit 'n werklike toutrekkery en die fikste en flinkste wen gewoonlik.

Anders as wat die meeste mense glo word 'n bronshaai met doodgewone gerei vanaf die kant gevang en word slegs 'n stewige staalstrop met 9/0 tot 10/0 hoeke gebruik. 'n Makrielkop of selfs die kop van 'n galjoen of kabeljou is dodelike aas vir hierdie vleisvreter. Alhoewel die amptelike Namibiese rekord slegs op 172kg staan is daar al 'n paar knewels van oor die 200kg geland, met 'n bielie van 240kg wat op Langstand gevang is en dit nogal deur twee oorsese vroue hengelaars.

Kom geredelik aan ons kus voor en is baie gewild by Langstrand, Myl 8, Myl 17, Myl 28, Popeye, Myl 68, Myl 100 en Winston. Staan ook bekend as “die arm man se marlyn” omdat dit net soveel aksie verskaf as 'n marlyn, maar heelwat goedkoper is om te vang. Hierdie haai kan vir jou tot 4 ure en langer besig hou, dus sê ek net, “stywe lyne”.

KOEIHAAI 'n Haai met 'n skrikwekkende stel tande wat ook nie sonder 'n staalstrop en groot hoeke aangedurf word nie. Alhoewel die rekord op 87kg staan is dit 'n haai wat sommer in 10 tot 20 minute geland word en is nie 'n groot vegter nie. Hierdie haai verkies kouer water en kom oral aan ons kus voor en sal enige visaas vreet wat jy in die water gooi. Pasop egter vir die stel tande wanneer die haai geland is aangesien die haai die tip van sy eie stert met gemak kan raakbyt en lief is om hengelaars te probeer byt op die strand.

SPOTTY (GESPIKKELDE SLOEPHAAI) 'n Lekker bakleier wat, vir sy grootte, jou die geveg van gevegte gee. Word aangekeer met 'n harderkop of selfs 'n stuk barber en gebruik ons 6/0 tot 7/0 hoeke met 'n stewige nylonstrop van so 70kg aangesien die haai geen tande het nie.

Soos sy naam aandui kom die haai graag tussen rotse by sloepe voor en is dus een wat die rotse gebruik om te skuil as jy hom gehaak het. Die Namibiese rekord is dan 'n allemintige 37kg, maar sloephaaie vanaf so 10 tot 25 kg is algemeen en word dan oral langs die kus gevang waar rotse voorkom. Hierdie haai is ook 'n fynproewer en is versot op 'n stuk kreef of tjokka (kalamari).

LEERVIS 'n Minder bekende roofvis aan ons kus wat meer warm water verkies. Alhoewel dit resident is aan ons kus jag dit meer in die warm maande vanaf November tot April en is groot sport om aan te keer. Meesal word kunsaas gebruik waarvan “poppers” die gewildste is. Hier is die amptelike

rekord slegs 12kg maar groter “leeries” van tot 24kg is reeds aan wal gebring.

ELF Beter bekend as “shad” en dikwels verwar met 'n kabeljou deur die hengelaar, is hierdie vis 'n baie lekker eetvis wat aan ons kus gevang word. Die vis word meestal gevang wanneer die hengelaars gewoonweg hengel vir kabeljou of steenbras en die aas wat aangebied word vertoon lewendig genoeg, dan vat die vis graag die lyn.

As daar spesifiek gehengel word vir elf moet gebruik gemaak word van 'n stukkie staalstrop of klavierdraad en 'n 3/0 tot 4/0 hoek. 'n Kurk of “bung” word dan ook gebruik om vlottasie aan die aas te gee en dit meer lewendig te laat vertoon. Die amptelike rekord hier is 4,2kg.

ALGEMEEN Hengel is soos jag en durf jy nie 'n olifant aan met 'n .22 kaliber nie, dus maak seker dat jy die regte gerei vir die regte doel aanskaf.

Daarvoor is daar meestal kundiges by hengelwinkels en vra dus daarom raad. Sorg verder dat jy altyd die varsste moontlike aas bekom aangesien die resultate daarmee beter is. Hengel altyd met inagneming van jou mede hengelaars en die natuur.

11 DECEMBER 2015

Namib Times Holiday 2015

39

Hentiesbaai vakansie aksie Hentiesbaai Touchies sorg vir aksie

Foto verskaf

Hentiesbaai Touchies is een van die hoogtepunte ook aan die kus en die jaar gaan dit plaasvind op 26 Desember in Henties.

Hengelkompetisie ‘n moet vir besoekers 26 Desember is weereens ‘n geleentheid vir hengelaars om na uit te sien op Hentiesbaai.

Macelle Forster het verlede jaar die prysgeld van N$30 000 ingepalm nadat sy die Bonanza Fish (die swaarste eetbare vis) uitgetrek het op die 27ste Fishing Bonanza by Hentiesbaai op Vrydag, die 26ste Desember. Forster, 'n besoeker van Rustenburg, Suid-Afrika, het 'n 17.085 kg Kabeljou gevang wat sy 'Smithy' gedoop het by Canopy, noord van Swakopmund. Sy het sardyne gebruik as aas, hoë-skuur 30 ton lyn, 'n Shimano Trinidad 30 katrol en Peerglass 400/3 visstok en het haar vangs geland na 'n stryd van 20 minute.

Castle Light was die laasjaar gekroon as die wenners by die 2014 Hentiesbaai Touchies.

Alcobolics was die Junior afdeling wenners, en die Warriors was die wenners van die Plaatafdeling.

JR Jacobs is aangewys as die speler van die toernooi en Coastal Couriers is vernoem as Beste Geklede span by die 28ste uitgawe van die jaarlikse Walvisbaai Rugbyklub fondsinsamelingsprojek.

Drie-en-twintig spanne het deelgeneem in laasjaar se kompetisie.

The namib times Management & Staff would like to wish all readers & advertisers

a Merry Christmas and a

Happy New Year

11 DECEMBER 2015

Namib Times Holiday 2015

4208

Sailors Ahoy!

Will Siedler win the Jetty Mile again this year?

The annual Offshore Race in colabaration with Dormac will take place as tradition on 26 December. The Race will be from Walvis Bay to Swakopmund and will start at 09:00 at the Yacth Club. The race is open to all classes. Last year there were 17 sailing boat entries with the Hobie 16 class being dominant, plus 2 surf-skis.

The offshore race commenced in 1972 and is now 42 years old. It continues to be a big attraction for both competitors and spectators alike whether they be along the race route at the beach or at the Mole in Swakopmund.

The results for the race were: In first place of the Hobie 16 class was Gunter Gladis, followed by Misha Hartmann & Kieran Pretorius, Lothar Redecker & Nesi Mohle, Rolf Eggers & Ivan Eggers, Oliver Eggers & Dian Venter, Ulrich & Tanya Mackensen, Nico & H. BrĂźckner, Susan & Peter Steyn, Alex Eggers & Jonah Young, Robert Glover & Rachia Suleiman, Willem Janse Van Rensburg & Phillip Hooks, Derrick & Nicol Langford, Ordulf & Gaby Schnabel and then Cess Visser & Buddy Glover In the Fireball class, first place went to Peter & Helen Muller. In the class of the Laser boats, first place went to Karl Hartmann. In the class of the Surf-ski's, first place went to John Woolf followed

by Braam Van Wyk The winner on handicap went to Gunter Gladis with his Hobie 16 and he also received line honours. Commodore Peter Davidson said that, “this year's turnout was absolutely fantastic compared to previous years.

The races of the different classes started respectively between the hours of 10am and 11am, to give everyone a fair chance, as some of the boats were slower than others.

The annual Jetty Mile will take place on Saturday, 27 22:24. Last year she ended up second.

December .

Last year's winner Phillip Siedler (16) was once again cham-pion of the Jetty Mile with the time of 20:03, beating his 2013 record of 24:22. This

was his fourth time in this event. The 16 years and under age category dominated the male event with 16 year olds Nicolai Flemming and Alexander Skin-

ner taking second and third place respectively.

The first female out of the water was Sonja Adelaar (also 16), originally from Windhoek, with a time of

West Coast 4X4 Vasbyt 2015

She improved her time with 6 minutes and said that the ocean was much colder and rougher last year.

She was followed by Molina Smalley with a time of 23:03 and Toni Roth , 23:25.

First male in the Sprint was BF Burger with the time of 9:27 and Heleni Stergiadis was winner of the female Sprint in 9:51.

The Jetty Mile comprises of a 1 mile swim from the Tiger Reef Beach to the Mole in Swakopmund.

Sonja Adelaar and Phillip Siedler The annual West Coast 4x4 Vasbyt, sponsored by WESBANK and MARSH Namibia, will be held on the 30th of December 2015 at Dune 7.

The Vasbyt will start at 07:00 for the drivers, and 08:00 for the spectators, till late the afternoon. The Namib Desert 4x4 Club invites everyone to come and enjoy the day with them while the drivers takes the vehicles through the technical obstacles and up the dunes with roaring engines.

The day will be ended with the always popular tyre and mud hole, with a prize giving afterwards. About 20 vechicles had enter in the Weskus Vasbyt 4x4 of last year which included two teams from South Africa. Last year, Martin Theron and Rainer Kompat dominated the competition in their C - class vehicle. They managed to pile up 460 points altogether and thus they were the overall winners.