FlyNamibia February 2022

Take me home! Your free copy

ISSUE 3 | FEBRUARY 2022

www.flynamibia.com.na hello flynamibia | adventure | lifestyle |

conservation | economic pulse | looking global | explore cape town

GOOD TODAY. BETTER TOMORROW.

from the publisher

Stories in FlyNamibia Magazine.

FIRE

Read this issue online!

A

is for Awesome... and Ads. To advertise in FlyNamibia magazine contact fly@venture.com.na.

“But how could you live and have no story to tell?”

- Fyodor Dostoevsky

Venture Publications (Pty) Ltd. PO Box 21593 Windhoek Namibia info@venture.com.na

Cover image:

Paul van Schalkwyk See more on page 48.

This is us. extraordinary Namibian stories. publishing. content generation. content marketing. print. film. digital.

CONTENT IS

are compiled by Venture Media’s content team, in partnership with Tribefire Studios and freelance contributors.

and also

by Tribefire Studios

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Table of

contents CONTENT IS FIRE

01

And collaboration is the future. FlyNamibia Magazine is a compilation of Namibian stories sourced by Venture Media that entertain and surprise with interesting topics, introducing you to a new generation of trendsetters and Namibian personalities.

WELCOME ON BOARD 10

09

Excited about all things FlyNamibia.

TRANS KALAHARI WALK

10

Get intimately acquainted with the majestic Kalahari.

FASHION FIERCE

12

Nayoo is an authentic brand steeped in Namibian cultures.

LIFE ON A TABLE

15

A delicious baked lemon cheesecake perfect for all occasions

FOODIES

16

Find out where some of Windhoek’s most popular eateries have moved to.

12

A FRESH START FOR 2022

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Take on the new year in full stride.

NAMIBIAN SAFARI AT ONGAVA

20

Thirty years of excellence at one of Namibia’s most luxurious lodges.

AFRICAN NFT

22

Empowering Namibian artists through an exciting new initiative.

THE TRIBE

25

Namibian superstar Top Cheri talks about collaborations and her latest project.

ZINA

26

A lifestyle guide for women.

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LAND OF CONTRAST Namibia offers a one of a kind destination to visitors.

30

10 MINUTES WITH LOCAL TASTE MAKERS

33

Betty Sibeso, media maven & queen of effortless style.

NEW YEAR, SAME ME

34

It’s important to make goals for yourself, but just as important to remember your goals are about you.

15 MIN SWEAT SET WITH ENA

37

A workout doesn’t need to be long to be effective.

PANGOLIN CONSERVATION IN NAMIBIA

38

With World Pangolin Day coming up, read what the Pangolin Conservation and Research Foundation has been up to.

ECONOMIC PULSE

41

42

A recap of 2021 and a peek at what the new year holds.

NAMIB SUSTAINABLE WAVES

42

Giving back to the community and promoting a healthy lifestyle.

ROYAL HUSTLERS

45

Entrepreneur Wilko Aschenborn chats about his Buddy SuperApp.

IMPROVING WORKERS’ LIVES WITH FAIRTRADE

46

Fairtrade standards have created an environment of empowerment for charcoal producers in Namibia.

PHOTOGRAPHY FEATURE

48

The work of the late Paul van Schalkwyk is beautifully captured in a new book.

THIS IS NAMIBIA

48

54

The many-faceted capital.

TRAVEL TALES

57

When padkos turns silent but deadly.

CAPE TOWN

61

The best way to discover Cape Town is on a red double-decker bus.

DID YOU KNOW?

63

Fun facts, important dates and Suduko.

LOVE NAMIBIA Showcasing the beauty of our country.

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38 3

Each journey is a story waiting to be told Fly from Windhoek Hosea Kutako to Cape Town 6 days a week as of 1 March 2022.

Let’s FlyNamibia

Need To Knows. with FlyNamibia

How to buy

a ticket online Choose your ticket Select which tickets you would like to purchase. We offer multiple fare options such as: Saver, Classic or Premium

Passenger details Please enter names as they appear on passport or travel documentation

More options for the perfect trip Baggage policy, sporting equipment, over weight luggage or to add an additional bag(s)

Additional flight information / rules Read up on all our additional information reagarding terms and conditions, and tick the selection box once completed to continue.

LOGIN to upload passenger details from previous booking.

Payment

Confirmation Mail

Fill in your payment details in our DPO paygate to make final payment.

How can you make

You can also purchase

from:

a payment?

Cash payment at: Eros Airport, Ondangwa Airport, Oranjemund Airport

Transaction confirmation will be sent to passenger email entered.

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)

Windhoek Eros Airport Office SkyLounge Eros Ondangwa airport office Rundu airport office Katima Mulilo airport office

Online card transaction

PayToday app

Check-in

prior to flight Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure of the flight on Fly Namibia Check-in opens 1h 30min before domestic flight and 2 hours before international flight.

Check-in CLOSES 30 min prior to flight

All major travel agents

Luggage

restrictions Items NOT allowed in hand luggage: Lotions and aerosols above 100ml, flammable aerosol, sharp objects, i.e. nail files, nail scissors, Leatherman, matches.

MAX 20kg

Per person 5

Ondangwa - Toivo ya Toivo

Eros Airport

Cape Town

6

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

www.flynamibia.com.na

+264 83 339 0011

Schedule as per date of going to print. Please check the FlyNamibia website to stay updated on flight destinations, routes and schedules.

SETTING THE STANDARD IN AVIATION SCHEDULED PASSENGER AIRLINE | CHARTERS | EMERGENCY SERVICES | AVIATION TRAINING

Tel: +264 83 339 0011 | www.westair.com.na | www.flynamibia.com.na

Welcome on board Exciting new horizons to explore

T

he year 2022 has started off with a positive spirit and exciting new opportunities. At FlyNamibia we are always conscious of the continuing struggles faced both at home and abroad. It is hard not to, as an airline operating during a pandemic, but we are filled with hope and enthusiasm for the year to come.

After a very successful festive season we look towards the future and the new horizons that await our airline. First on the agenda is the frequency increase of our Windhoek to Cape Town route. As of 1 March we will fly between the two cities 6 days a week – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.

April will see the official start of our FlyNamibia Safari routes. FlyNamibia will offer daily flights from Eros Airport in Windhoek to Namibia’s most iconic travel destinations: Sossusvlei, Swakopmund and Etosha, making your journey to and across this incredible land all the easier, and more beautiful. FlyNamibia aspires to connect travellers to the very best of Namibia… and beyond.

With our ethos based on the concept of Ubuntu, which is celebrated across the African continent, FlyNamibia aims to be a beacon that connects Namibia as a community with the rest of the world, and helps bring the world to Namibia

so that we can showcase how unique and truly special we are as a destination.

FlyNamibia’s current schedule includes domestic routes from Eros Airport in Windhoek to Ondangwa, Rundu and Katima Mulilo, as well as a regional route between Hosea Kutako International Airport and Cape Town International. We hope you are as excited as we are about our new upcoming routes.

Our contact centre operates on a 24/7 basis and can be reached at +264 83 339 0011. We will continue to offer COVID testing at our Eros Airport facility and customers now also have the added comfort of a wide variety of payment methods for their flights, including the PayToday and Paybuddy apps. Now you can also download the Buddy SuperApp through which you can access the FlyNamibia App. This new platform offers personal travel assistance (available between 08h00 and 22h00), an interactive travel map, our FlyNamibia inflight magazine, flight rewards, loyalty programmes and emergency SOS trigger. The app is available at buddysuperapp.com.

May Namibia continue to be blessed with more innovation, more hope and more rain… We hope you enjoy your flight with us this February. Let’s FlyNamibia.

The FlyNamibia Team 9

Explore the

Kalahari on foot Ondili Lodges

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F

eet in the pool, ice-cold drink in hand while relaxing at your own private sleep-out overlooking the magical Kalahari after a day of exploring its red dune landscape. Does Africa get better than this?

Ondili’s Trans Kalahari Walk is the best way to explore the other Namibian desert – the Kalahari. Yes, the first thought that probably pops into your head is: “Deserts are all the same, why bother with the Kalahari when its older cousin, the Namib – famous for its much-hyped Deadvlei – is only about 200 km away?” But that would be a regrettable mistake. While the Namib with its giant sand dunes and barren gravel plains seems totally devoid of life, the Kalahari is teeming with vegetation and a wide variety of fauna, large and small.

The semi-arid, sandy savannah of the western Kalahari is special because it does not conform to often misinformed views of what a desert should look like and is often overlooked when planning a trip to Namibia. Do not be fooled, as a visit to this unique biome is a valuable addition to your itinerary. As with most travel experiences, putting your feet on the ground and being able to immerse yourself in your environment ensures a far more enriching experience than simply sitting in a vehicle and appreciating the surroundings with your eyes. The Trans Kalahari Walk is the best way to become intimately acquainted with the Kalahari’s interesting wildlife, as well as the plants and trees that form the backdrop of the area.

An early start is rewarded with a spectacular sunrise atop a dune, coffee in hand. At first light, the veld comes to life. Watch the scurrying ground squirrels as they leave their nests in search of food. Stop at one of the sociable weaver nests and watch these hard-working little birds set about in a flurry of activity, gathering more grass as they continue the building process of their mass housing complex. The heavy nest is supported by the strength of a thick branch of one of the iconic old acacia trees that dot the landscape. Your experienced guide will point out the springbok, giraffe and gemsbok as they go about their business, undisturbed by the hiking boots silently hitting the ground.

The walk is not strenuous, as there are plenty of stops where the guide is eager to share his ample knowledge of the veld. He explains the traditional uses of a shepherd’s tree or gives some interesting facts about the area and the wildlife.

While the hike takes up most of the day, lengthy breaks for a bush breakfast and a delicious lunch on a specially built deck with a thatched roof serve to revitalise the energy levels.

The cherry on top of an adventurous day is arriving at the exclusive dunes camp. Built against a dune, it consists of two cosy chalets with luxurious finishings and all the necessary amenities. The shaded lapa, complete with a pool, is the perfect way to cool down and round off the day’s activities. Although the Kalahari is derived from the Tswana word Kgala, meaning “the great thirst”, there is no fear of going thirsty as a refreshing gin and tonic or an icecold drink of your choice make for an unforgettable sunset.

After a meal enjoyed under the stars, a well-deserved rest is all that remains.

Book now or find out more at ondili.com

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Photography: Andreas Elifas

Nayoo

a victory for Namibian fashion collaborations

A

t the end of 2021, I was lucky enough to get an exclusive invite to what turned out to be a Namibian fashion event to remember.

In Namibia, however, collaborations are still centered on designers and celebrities rather than between designers. It was for this reason that the Nayoo brand launch sparked my interest.

So while I was actually invited by fashion designer and educator Maria Caley, I soon discovered that it was a launch event for a collaborative label by three other phenomenal women.

While it is still a new brand, the creators of Nayoo hope that one day, the ever-imposing question of whether Namibia has a fashion identity will be a thing of the past. Pulling their unique experiences and skills together, Loini, Napandulwe and Fallone aim to do their part to help build a Namibian material culture through products that reflect the Namibian heritage, preserve indigenous knowledge, and showcase traditional handcraft techniques that are still relatable to the contemporary consumer.

THE BIRTH OF A BRAND Born from a need to establish an authentic Namibian brand that is steeped in Namibian cultures, Nayoo came about after a “random discussion over lunch”, as one of its founders narrates. This discussion between the three founders (who are all passionate about Namibian history and fashion) centered on the need for locally produced fashion garments in popular retail stores as well as the celebration of Namibian cultural history in local fashion.

The main question that came up in this discussion was why Namibians continue to rely on clothing imports and why there is a continued absence of unique, original fashion statement pieces with a Namibian cultural influence.

The Nayoo brand envisions itself to be a fashion and textile brand that celebrates and preserves Namibian cultural identity.

THE TREND-SETTING TEAM The co-founders of Nayoo include Loini Iizyenda, a fashion and textile studies lecturer at the University of Namibia (UNAM), with an MA in Sustainability in Fashion (focusing on the exploration of product development using prints inspired by traditional ornaments, amongst other things). Dr Napandulwe Shiweda, the second member of the team, is a senior lecturer in visual culture at the same university and a PhD holder in History. A public and visual historian, her research interests are on material culture and the different ornaments and adornments depicted, in particular, in ethnographic photographs. The third partner in the Nayoo trio is Fallone Tambwe, a UNAM graduate who majored in Textile and Fashion Studies. Fallone is known for exploring futuristic themes in her garments, creating her own textile prints and manipulations that have been key in her design process.

COLLABORATION GONE RIGHT Internationally, 2021 was dubbed “the year of fashion collaborations” with big brands cashing in on joint collections that went on to be major trends across the globe.

Memorable collaborations from that year include Gucci and Balenciaga’s The Hacker Project, Dior’s partnership with Sacai for their Spring 2022 collection as well as the Telfar x Converse collaboration.

BUILDING A NAMIBIAN FASHION IDENTITY The Nayoo brand envisions itself to be a fashion and textile brand that celebrates and preserves Namibian cultural identity.

As evident in the pieces from its debut collection, Nayoo clothing is made with fabric featuring depictions of ornaments that were worn before the western influence. These are ornaments such as ekipa (decorative ivory button), onyoka (ostrich eggshell), leather loincloths, copper and iron ornaments, etc. The fabric is light and suited to the country’s mostly desert weather.

“Through the Nayoo brand, we hope to motivate more Namibian brands to get inspiration from their surrounding environment, culture and people,” a statement from the official brand launch reads.

Nayoo also serves as a practical example for fashion students who wish to learn how to interpret Namibian material culture in their fashion and textile concepts. The three collaborators of the brand are confident that with the current interest in African fashion from the international market, this is the right time for authentic Namibian fashion to be more visible for reference.

Follow the Nayoo story on Instagram and Facebook @nayoo_namibia. Anyone interested in buying the products and owning a Nayoo original can also do so by contacting them directly on Instagram or Facebook.

Rukee Kaakunga is a Windhoek-based Communications Specialist, Blogger and Freelance Fashion Writer. Contact her via email: rukeekaakunga@gmail.com and follow her on Twitter @rukeeveni and on Instagram @rukeekaakunga.

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Scan here to learn more about our perfect beer range, available in 16 countries worldwide. For more information contact nblexport@ol.na

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Hentie Burger

Foodies

BAKED LEMON CHEESE CAKE FOR THE CRUST

• •

Combine the biscuits, sugar, cinnamon and butter.

Press onto the bottom of a buttered loose-based cake tin.

5 large eggs

• •

150 ml castor sugar

•

Beat the eggs until pale.

Add the sugar little by little and beat until the mixture is thick and creamy.

Add the cream cheese and the zest of half a lemon.

Mix well.

Pour into the prepared base.

Mix the condensed milk, lemon juice and remaining zest and pour over the cheese mixture.

Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 40-45 minutes.

Leave to cool and refrigerate overnight.

1 x 200 g packet tennis biscuits, finely crushed 45 ml castor sugar 2.5 ml ground cinnamon 100 g unsalted butter, melted

FOR THE FILLING

2 x 250 g tubs low-fat cream cheese Grated zest of half a lemon

FOR THE TOPPING

• • • •

1 x 385 g can condensed milk 75 ml lemon juice Grated zest of half a lemon

Discover more of Antoinette's delicious recipes in Life on a Table To order your copy contact Bonn Nortjé at Venture Publications: bonn@venture.com.na

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El Barrio

Café Prestige

Haiku Café Prestige

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Foodies

The Great Eatery Migration of 2021

N bit like an eviction.

othing makes a foodie’s heart sink like skipping towards your favourite eatery only to find it boarded up, for sale or something else entirely. The heart flutters.

The gastronomic memories taunt. And if you’re the kind of person who makes a particular seat in a particular spot a cosy home away from home, well, it can feel a

While Windhoek’s revolving door of restaurants are a thing of local legend, sometimes these dazzling disappearances are only a matter of a minor relocation.

In The Great Eatery Migration of 2021, Windhoekers who went in search of Café Prestige, El Barrio and Haiku would have found them spirited entirely away.

You see, eateries, like people, also seek fairer shores.

For Café Prestige, which used to ply its trade on Rev. Michael Scott Street in the city centre, the new digs is downtown.

Still just as modern, minimalist and embracing of drag queens and digital nomads, Café Prestige now calls the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre’s red house home.

and offbeat in its quirky turquoise gazebo overlooking Jan Jonker Road, El Barrio has packed up its Salsa Sundays and terrific Tequila Sunrises but is still the same friendly neighbourhood spot it has always been.

How about Haiku?

Well, ironically, it’s right next to where El Barrio used to be and now goes by the name of The Kapital at Haiku.

While it’s always bittersweet to follow your favourite places to their new spaces, The Great Eatery Migration of 2021 has been a boon to these three travelling eateries and each is well worth getting to know anew.

Inside you’ll be amazed at how precisely the place fans know and love has been transposed while the sprawling new exterior boasts a scattering of sunny tables, a rustic elevated nook and an outdoor bar.

To eat, you’ll love the tacos and savour every last lick of freshly baked quiche which both go down a treat with a well-curated wine list or your fancy of a cocktail menu that includes an Aperol Spritz, gin fizz and French 75.

As for El Barrio, say goodbye to The Village (Liliencron Street) and find the casual little tapas bar and restaurant at Nyama at the Showgrounds. Ramping up the live music and events

Certainly a step up from its former location in Klein Windhoek, The Kapital is an airy and largely outdoor eatery where its mix of Mediterranean, Thai and sushi teases from a multiple-page menu.

For sushi lovers, culinary adventure awaits in offerings such as The Kapital’s tempura prawn and spicy tuna Jade Dragon Roll while Thai food enthusiasts can enjoy everything from Tom Yum soup and Suki to Pad Thai and Khao Pad. If you’re going to try their signature cocktail ‘The Kapital’, you’ll be swimming in a goblet of sauvignon blanc, lemonade, strawberry liqueur and Martini Rosso.

Pretty but potent.

While it’s always bittersweet to follow your favourite places to their new spaces, The Great Eatery Migration of 2021 has been a boon to these three travelling eateries and each is well worth getting to know anew.

Be sure to head out hungry and say hello.

Martha Mukaiwa is a columnist and writer based in Windhoek, Namibia in between spirited sojourns around the world. Her narrative nonfiction, personal essays, travel writing and short stories have appeared in #JournalistsToo, Iowa Magazine, Travel Africa, Quartz, Fields & Stations, Holiday, The Africa Report, Truthdig, Matador Network, Africa is a Country, The Namibian & The Kalahari Review. Martha is an honorary writing fellow at the University of Iowa. Read more at marthamukaiwa.com.

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To find out how to become a Selekt Platinum Legend, visit www.bankwindhoek.com.na Ts & Cs apply

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Wellness

A fresh

E

for 2022

ager for a fresh start this coming year? After the last two years, filled with much strain and struggle, I am sure we all are. While we do not yet know what 2022 has in store for us, we are allowed to be optimistic.

Coupled with our optimism, a good foundation to build from is being deliberate with our intentions for the year. This sets in motion an attitude of focusing on what we want, versus what we do not want.

achieve them. Achieving our goals not only makes us feel good about ourselves but also instils a growth mindset in us.

Having a growth mindset has been proven to make us more persistent in the face of challenges, quicker to bounce back after failure and more open to feedback. Now, isn’t that a recipe for success in the midst of the turmoil of the last two years? We think so!

The last two years of the pandemic put most of us in ‘survival mode’ with little to no opportunity to practise mindfulness and other key tools of living life well. This means we might need to relearn some of the basics of wellbeing.

As the responsibilities pile up in our lives we tend to let go of the hobbies and interests that make us happy. If you are an avid reader, a sports lover or scrapbook enthusiast, rekindling the love for an old hobby is a fantastic tool to de-stress yourself after a long, taxing day. With so many stressors presenting themselves while we adapt to the ‘new normal’, it is vital for us to have an outlet to blow off some steam and recalibrate our mindsets.

It is not necessary to treat the new year as a time for huge change and completely overhaul your life. It is, however, an opportunity for us to look at how we can develop a balanced, positive and empowering approach to the upcoming year, with a focus on putting our wellbeing first.

A new year is also a clean slate, and it is probably safe to say that we have all started off 2022 hoping for a happier and more emotionally stable year ahead. The question is, how do we do this when it feels as though the past two years have taken its toll on us? Below is a list of practices that can help you build a solid foundation for a happier and more meaningful year ahead.

PRACTICE MINDFULNESS AND GRATITUDE

One way of achieving a peaceful, happy mindset is to look after ourselves by taking care of the space around us.

Expressing gratitude towards what we have, as opposed to focusing on what we do not have or what has gone wrong, will refocus our minds and create an attitude of gratitude that will bring about more things to be grateful for.

SET MEANINGFUL, FULFILLING GOALS

Have you ever set a goal for yourself and been on cloud nine once you have achieved it, running to tell your friends and family how chuffed you are with the accomplishment? Well, when you start setting realistic, meaningful goals for yourself you are bound to have a whole new lease on life when you

REDISCOVER A HOBBY OR INTEREST

SET ASIDE SOME TIME FOR YOUR LOVED ONES

If there is anything that Covid has taught us, it is how precious our friends and family are. If you want to make sure that the year ahead is fulfilling and enjoyable, one of the sure-fire ways is to set aside time to just enjoy the ones you love. Why not spend some time rekindling the relationships that have fizzled out over the years. You might just find that reconnecting with your loved ones is exactly what you need to get you through the next year.

TAKE A NAP … OR TWO

While the grind culture became popular over recent years, it is toxic and unsustainable. It is also impossibly hard to feel your best when you are exhausted. Plenty of scientific research proves how fundamental sleep is to our overall health. Not only does getting enough quality sleep help you keep extra weight off, but it can reduce some risk factors for heart attacks, strokes and chronic diseases such as diabetes.

It also helps you think more clearly. This year, instead of the hustle, take a breath, take a rest and take this year at your own pace.

Kirsty Watermeyer

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The quintessential

Namibian Safari at Ongava

F

rom the back of a game viewer driving through Ongava Game Reserve, it is hard to imagine what the area must have looked like 30 years ago when it was still a cluster of unproductive cattle farms.

Today it is a protected piece of land where antelope are plentiful and lion, rhino and elephant freely go about their business, all part of and contributing to a healthy, thriving biome. Thanks to a massive drive towards the reintroduction of wildlife, unwavering conservation efforts and tireless research – not to mention four exceptional lodges on the property – Ongava offers its guests a truly authentic safari experience in an African paradise.

Situated on the southern boundary of Etosha National Park, just west of Andersson Gate, the 30 000 ha Ongava was founded in 1991 when several families bought four cattle farms to turn it into a sanctuary for wildlife. Since then, Ongava has grown to become one of the premier safari destinations in Namibia.

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Apart from offering guests the opportunity to visit the worldrenowned Etosha, being situated literally on its doorstep, Ongava’s guided drives are unforgettable experiences. The reserve boasts more than 100 different mammal species, including anything from white and black rhino to the nearendemic Damara dik-dik, Koakoveld rock hyrax (dassie) and black-faced impala.

Setting the experience apart from others are Ongava’s guides. Their passion for the land and its wildlife is contagious as they share their understanding and love of the wild with guests. Their intimate knowledge is truly showcased when asked to also point out the smaller inhabitants of the reserve and to explain why white-browed sparrow-weavers build nests on the west side of the tree or how to find mopane worms in trees by looking for their droppings.

Rhino approaching on foot in the company of your trained guides is part of their quintessential African adventure.

Adding to the experience is Ongava’s four lodges, each with its unique atmosphere and style – a blend of luxurious seclusion integrated with the colours and textures of the Namibian bush.

Ongava Lodge Overlooking the stunning landscape of the reserve from atop one of the foothills of the Ondundozonanandana range, Ongava Lodge offers luxury accommodation in 14 rock-and-thatch en-suite chalets. The deck of the main lounge and dining area overlooks a productive waterhole.

Starlit dinners on the deck while watching a variety of wildlife visiting the waterhole below makes for the perfect end to an eventful day.

Little Ongava Namibia’s most luxurious and exclusive camp, Little Ongava is designed for privacy, luxury and closeness to its surroundings. Perched on the crest of a hill, each of the three suites as well as the dining area is graced with extraordinary views over the plains below. Designed to be an intimate camp, each spacious suite has its own plunge pool, en-suite bathroom, sala and outdoor shower. A private guide and vehicle ensures the best possible nature experience.

Ongava Tented Camp Situated at the foot of a dolomite hill, nestled among the mopane trees, Ongava Tented Camp is a classic safari-style camp. Sleeping under the canvas of one of the eight large comfortable Meru-style tents and listening to the bush sounds harks back to the days of early adventurers. Cooling off in the swimming pool allows for a unique eye-level view of wildlife as they drink at the waterhole in front of the main area. Ongava Tented Camp is the best way to be completely immersed in the Namibian bush.

Anderssons at Ongava Anderssons at Ongava was designed as a direct extension of the landscape using colours, textures and materials to connect guests more closely to their safari experience. It has seven contemporary luxury guest units and one family unit. Built using natural elements, the spacious suites reflect the environment while still giving guests the utmost luxury and comfort.

Guests can relax on their own private viewing deck with a 180-degree panorama or have an eye-level game viewing experience watching wildlife at the camp waterhole from an underground photographic hide.

Ongava Research Centre Situated at Anderssons at Ongava, the Ongava Research Centre is home to the reserve’s resident scientists and visiting researchers. Being home to some incredibly rare and endangered species, the mission of the research centre is to learn more about these animals and help protect them. The Ongava Research Centre’s Visitor Centre allows guests a glimpse into the cutting-edge research being done here.

As a result of the worldwide pandemic, Ongava was operating in “safe mode” during 2021, reopening only Ongava Lodge and Little Ongava to guests. However, as of 1 April 2022, all four camps will be open again.

Le Roux van Schalkwyk

From

To

Departure

The brand new FlyNamibia Safari circuit offers quick and convenient flights to and from Ongava’s airstrip to Windhoek, Sossusvlei and Swakopmund. Now you can fly in from the capital to visit Etosha National Park for a day or book into one of Ongava’s lodges for a luxurious getaway. Experiencing Namibia’s top destinations has never been easier. The FlyNamibia Safari route will commence as of 14 April 2022.

Arrival

Days

Sossusvlei

Windhoek

8:30

9:30

7 Days a Week

Windhoek

Ongava

10:30

11:30

7 Days a Week

Ongava

Windhoek

14:30

15:30

7 Days a Week

Windhoek

Sossusvlei

16:30

17:30

7 Days a Week

Ongava

Windhoek

8:30

9:30

7 Days a Week

Windhoek

Sossusvlei

10:30

11:30

7 Days a Week

Sossusvlei

Swakopmund

12:30

13:30

7 Days a Week

Swakopmund

Ongava

14:30

15:30

7 Days a Week

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22

African NFT

N

on-fungible tokens (NFTs) have gone a long way since the creation of the first one in 2014 called “Quantum”, the slow movement into public awareness since 2017 and subsequently exploding into the mainstream in early 2021. While popular overseas, locally there has been little interest shown in the development and marketing of these distinctive pieces of digital art; that is, until now.

WHAT IS AN NFT? An NFT is a unique digital asset generally built using the same kind of programming as cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin or Ethereum, but that is where the similarity ends. Physical money and cryptocurrencies are fungible, meaning they can be traded or exchanged for one another. They are also equal in value – one dollar is always worth another dollar and one Bitcoin is always equal to another Bitcoin. An NFT is a digital asset that represents real-world objects like art and music. Although they have been around for a couple of years, NFTs are increasingly gaining interest now because they are becoming a popular way to buy and sell digital artworks. NFTs exist on a blockchain, which is a distributed ledger that records transactions. This blockchain is visible to anyone who wishes to see the transactions on the specific blockchain.

NFT wanted to start a company that was at the forefront of NFT technology in Africa and at the same time would be an accessible and accredited platform to purchase authentic art made in Africa, by Africans.”

Namibia is rich with culture and tradition, and there are many Namibian artists with immense potential who have not had the opportunity to showcase their work. African NFT aims to change this. Their aim is to give Namibian artists the platform on which they can share their work, and represent their country.

To achieve this, the company has partnered with a variety of Namibian artists with different styles, modes, and mediums of art. Artists include Katherine Hunter, Frans Uunona, Frans Nambinga, Homateni Ilovu, James Hango, Petrus Amuthenu, Ryan de Wee, Tity Tshilumba and Mitchell Gatsi.

Their aim is to give Namibian artists the platform on which they can share their work, and represent their country.

INTRODUCING AFRICAN NFT African NFT is a new, privately registered company founded by Namibian Jesko Hoffmann and South African Tristan Bell. It was born out of a passion for blockchain technology and its ongoing innovation, mixed with a desire to support and empower African art and create opportunities for Namibian communities and wildlife.

Co-founder Hoffmann explains, “The founders of African

African NFT’s first project is called Africa’s Big 5. The idea behind this project is to create something that truly represents Africa and to give the artists a chance to express themselves through each animal NFT created. The artists were given the freedom to create their Big 5 art pieces in different styles.

Whereas the term “Big Five” originated from 19th-century hunters referring to the difficulty and danger in hunting lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo on foot, the Big 5 NFTs is rather about showcasing these beautiful animals through art. The aim is also to support conservation by doing so. For every one of these unique NFTs sold, African NFT will donate a portion of the selling price to the International Rhino Foundation. For each of the future collections, the same principle will be applied, with a portion of sales going towards charitable organisations throughout Africa.

To find out more about African NFT, visit www.africannft.art.

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THE TRIBE Melky's Art

The Tribe Exclusive - Top Cheri

A

hit-maker, singer/songwriter and all-round superstar, Top Cheri has been ruling the charts since she first hit the scene. The last time we had her on the show she was still part of the Blvc Boxx crew and had not yet become an award-winning musician. By now, Miss What What has bagged a number of accolades, endorsements and collaborations. Therefore we were so excited to have her back on The Tribe Exclusive to share with us the latest news in her corner.

A little while ago you announced that you are quitting music. What was going on?

It was just the beginning of Covid and it was a time where I would simply open my eyes and get hit from every side.

I started to think that maybe it is the music, that maybe the music is bringing me terrible energy. So I decided that I’m done.

But it took me about three minutes to get back to my senses.

Are you now checking yourself before you tweet or put anything on social media?

I know I have gotten myself into trouble a lot and my management always tells me to be careful about what I say. But as much as I’m Top Cheri, I’m also Monica and Monica needs to express herself.

When driving long distances in Namibia, most drivers play Tate Buti, Exit and Top Cheri. What does it mean to you to have your music on those playlists?

When I go into the studio, the first thing I do is identify and sing about scenarios that are realistic. It is really about the concept, the idea, because I do music for the people.

That is why the people love my music.

You have some of the most banging collaborations.

What makes a good collaboration for you?

I always say that I do ‘career-making collaborations’. With collaboration it’s all about energy. If your energy aligns with the other artist and the producer, the song just comes automatically.

Tell us about your latest project...

It’s all fire flames. I have got Maranatha on it - she is a gospel artist but I put her out of her comfort zone.

Another song to look out for is the one with Tate Buti titled ‘Tate Security’.

You have shown us over the last seven years that you have determination and you always go for what is yours. What keeps you going?

Where I come from, wanting to be a star is a far-fetched dream, so I am pushing for that Top Cheri who follows in my footsteps one day. For the little five-year-old who stays in Havana but dreams to be a star and every day she is told that she can’t do it. I am pushing to let them all know that you can do it, keep dreaming!

Follow Top Cheri’s exciting journey on Instagram @topcheri and on Twitter @Top_Cheri.

Watch The Tribe on One Africa TV (GOtv 90, DStv 284, DStv Now) every Friday at 18h30 with repeat shows on Saturdays at 17h30, and Mondays at 21h00.

Alternatively, listen to The Tribe on 99FM every Friday at 19h00, and follow The Tribe on Instagram @thetribenamibia and on Facebook @TheTribeNamibia.

Proudly Sponsored by

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Lifestyle Guide with

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A LOOK INTO THE COLLECTIVE BOUTIQUE:

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he Collective Boutique sells exclusive, timeless and sophisticated clothing, footwear and accessories created through the imagination of small-scale designers in Namibia and South Africa. “Our flagship store was established when we first opened our doors in Windhoek in 2018”, says owner Nikita Rix-Venter. “A mere 18 months later we opened our second store in Swakopmund. Now our magnificent team consists of six local women.”

Both boutiques stock a handful of incredible designer labels.

These designers create their garments in their private studios.

Together with their seamstresses from the local communities they spend months perfecting their styles, selecting the finest fabrics from exclusive fabric houses, or even going the extra mile to print their fabrics themselves, and then sew the pieces together by hand. Hence Nikita’s belief that each garment is a piece of art and an investment. ”Once completed, these extraordinary products are shipped to our beautiful stores where we showcase them. We sell each and every product under the designer’s own name, thereby promoting their creative work to the world”, Nikita says. ”We aim to provide our clients with a very special experience every time they visit our exquisite shops. We have created a

space where they are free to explore new styles, experiment with colours, learn about themselves and their bodies, gain confidence, and learn to love themselves unconditionally – all while our in-house stylists treat them like royalty.”

The Collective Boutique not only makes a difference in the lives of small-scale designers and local communities, but also runs its own community project in the Mayuni Conservancy of Bwabwata National Park alongside African Monarch Lodges.

The Sijwa Sewing Project has created shopping bags for the boutiques in which clients receive their purchase. The project currently employs four women, and each woman feeds a household with eight people.

“In 2022 we plan on taking a renowned fashion designer to The Sijwa Project to teach the ladies how to make clothing.

They will create one-of-a-kind garments which the designer will showcase at the South African Fashion Week in April 2022, and tell the story of The Sijwa Sewing Project in the heart of Namibia’s Zambezi Region”, Nikita says.

By purchasing a designer garment from The Collective Boutique, you are not only investing in a beautiful, high quality product for yourself, but you are also creating opportunities, changing lives and helping local people to reach their dreams.

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PEANUT BUTTER BANANA BITES INGREDIENTS •

2 large bananas

•

1 slab of dark chocolate

•

2 tbsp peanut butter

•

1 tbsp coconut flakes

•

1 tbsp cacao nibs

•

1 tbsp chopped peanuts

•

1 tbsp sesame seeds

omnom

METHOD 1.

Cut bananas into thin slices.

2.

Spread one layer of peanut butter on one layer of banana and add another layer of banana on top.

3.

Place bananas into the freezer for at least 30 minutes.

4.

Chop up a dark chocolate slab and place into a bowl. Melt the chocolate in a microwave until smooth.

5.

Dip the frozen banana pieces in the melted chocolate.

6.

Line a plate with parchment paper and place the dipped banana cakes on the plate.

7.

Sprinkle coconut flakes, chopped peanuts, cacao nibs and sesame seeds on the chocolate side of the banana cakes. DO THIS BEFORE THE CHOCOLATE SOLIDIFIES.

8.

Once done, place the plate in a fridge to set. Take out of the fridge and enjoy while chilled.

zina_namibia | www.prostudio.cc/zina

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PPL | CPL | ATPL | Type Ratings | Jet Ratings | DG | SEPT | CRM | Cabin Crew | AMO Training Agent for Sling Aircraft in Namibia

Aviation Road | Eros Airport | Windhoek +264 83 339 0094 | info@signaaviation.com www.signaaviation.com NCAA ATO 000777

In Aviation, We Set The Standard

LAND OF

CONTRAST Namibia is a land of many contrasting landscapes. This unique country is characterised by harsh desert and semi-desert conditions – the reason why it is the second-least populated country in the world. But apart from two deserts, ancient geological formations and vast savanna woodlands you will also find wetlands with abundant vegetation. The extreme beauty of this southern African country with its barren deserts, mighty sand dunes, rugged coastline and luscious wetlands makes it an ideal destination for explorers who appreciate nature’s artistry.

I

n the west, along the whole length of the country, lies the harsh landscape of the Namib Desert next to the Atlantic Ocean. In the central Namib the perfectly shaped sand dunes of the Namib Sand Sea meet the sea. The extensive dune fields are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The proximity of the desert to the cold Benguela Current causes nightly fogs to rise from the ocean. The fog moisture creates a unique environment which sustains an amazing biodiversity. The Namib Desert is alive with an array of endemic species that have adapted to the arid conditions.

The northern part of the coast is named Skeleton Coast for the many ill-fated ships which floundered along these inhospitable shores, their remains relentlessly battered by the elements and the surf. Wildlife, however, thrives in this desert land almost entirely devoid of water. The champion survivor

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is the endemic Welwitschia mirabilis, an extraordinary plant that lives for hundreds of years. Some specimens are thought to be 2000 years old. Welwitschias occur only in the Namib Desert, along its entire length from northern South Africa to southern Angola.

Turning to the south, you can expect to encounter bugeyed desert rain frogs and what is known as fairy circles, open areas for which scientists can find no explaination. You can also visit a once forbidden land, now known as Tsau // Khaeb National Park (formerly Sperrgebiet, a restricted area). Its Succulent Karoo Biome is a global biodiversity hotspot. The southwest of Namibia is part of this unparalleled ecoregion which boasts the world’s widest variety of succulent flora: a total of 6356 plant species, 40% of which are found nowhere else on earth. More than 900 of these species are threatened with extinction.

Paul van Schalkwyk

On your way north, you will find more of Namibia’s natural masterpieces, such as the Brandberg Massif. Home to the famous rock picture called the White Lady and other San paintings that date back thousands of years.

Further north lies the Kunene Region, which shields one of Africa’s hidden gems. The last free-roaming black rhinos traverse these parts. In fact, Namibia is the only country where the range and numbers of rhinos outside national parks are increasing.

Twyfelfontein, or Ui-||Ais, is another national treasure in the Kunene Region. This site holds the most extensive collection of rock engravings on the continent, and as such was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. Most of the items excavated there date back to the Late Stone Age. World-famous Etosha National Park is situated in the heart of northern Namibia.

Etosha, meaning great white place, is the name of the huge salt pan at its centre. It is the biggest salt pan in Africa, so large in fact that it is visible from space.

in Africa, the Zambezi Delta is a biodiversity hotspot teeming with birds and wildlife. The Zambezi and Kavango river basins form the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area where Namibia, Botswana, Angola, Zambia, and Zimbabwe converge. The jewel is the Okavango Delta (15,000 m²), a World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.

Namibia is one of a kind. Visitors from all over the globe marvel at the beauty and magnificence of its vast landscapes.

In Namibia’s north-eastern corner the landscape completely transforms into the wetland paradise of the Zambezi Region. Taking its name from the mighty Zambezi River, the longest east-flowing river

Southwest of the Zambezi Region, next to the border with Botswana, true adventure awaits in Khaudum National Park, home to abundant herds of elephants and the northern end of the Kalahari Desert.

Namibia is one of a kind. Visitors from all over the globe marvel at the beauty and magnificence of its vast landscapes.

You will never cease to be amazed by our natural wonders, whether you choose to explore the southern Kalahari, the central savannah, the Namib Desert or the northern forests and wetlands. Namibia has something spectacular to see, for everyone. This is a land that will captivate you, inspire and regenerate you.

www.namibiaexpo2020dubai.com

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10 minutes

Betty Sibeso

with local taste makers

I

n a cosy nook at Café Prestige, Betty and I sit down for a long overdue catch-up. I knew immediately she would choose for us to meet here – the minimalist, industrial and understated space frequents her Instagram stories and has us all craving her standard order: iced caffè latte. She drizzles the side with syrup, takes a sip and sighs, “That’s the stuff.”

Other than her favourite baseball cap, Betty wears many hats. Co-founding Monochrome Magazine and beginning her very own graphic design studio, “creative entrepreneur” is the umbrella term she uses for her aesthetic endeavours in photography, editorial and social media management. She shoots the trailblazing online magazine’s cover images, works alongside contributors and mentors interns – all while running Beso Media, an all-female digital and creative agency based in Windhoek.

“I think in pictures,” she says. It figures, since her social media profile feels more like scrolling through a curated Pinterest feed. But Betty’s style is not the copy-andpaste kind – she has been experimenting with her look since her days of stomping around the sports field in primary school.

While our mothers laid out our outfits the night before, Betty consciously dressed herself, even if it was only for the playground.

items are dress pants and oversized shirts. Today, however, she is wearing a muted striped jersey – a nostalgic ode to her sibling’s rugby days. See, that is the thing with fashion: it is never just an outfit. It is a story. Betty’s capsule wardrobe features formal items, yet she effortlessly dresses them down, saying, “I get hives when an outfit looks too official.”

It is not just great taste that makes the tastemaker, but a strong instinct for the community that indulges in and aids their growth.

While her playground has expanded since then, her fashion sense has remained as practical as ever. Betty favours the simplistic, subdued and functional, adding that her staple

As far as shopping goes, she is equally at ease splurging on a pricey graphic T-shirt or finding N$100 sandals at Checkers while buying groceries.

She has successfully shifted from the corporate world to doing her own design thing, and Beso Media has grown exponentially since taking the leap from freelance to full time. No small feat.

Betty’s flair is tangible in everything the studio produces. How they manage to stay true to their aesthetic, yet seamlessly integrate the client’s identity, is beyond me. It must be the Midas touch.

Other than blessing our feeds with beautiful imagery and videos, @bettysibeso the creative mastermind is a team player. She prides herself in the process of helping interns become employable, puts collaboration first when it comes to Monochrome Magazine, and hopes to make space for a creative economy within our borders. It is not just great taste that makes the tastemaker, but a strong instinct for the community that indulges in and aids their growth.

Charene Labuschagne

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NEW YEAR, SAME ME

A

s the sun sets and concludes the final chapter of 2021, and dawn ushers in the first moments of 2022, there is one emotion uniquely felt amongst the vast majority of humans who are consciously aware of the concept of a new year, and that is hope.

Many cultures celebrate the new year with all sorts of excessive parties. Although Covid-19 put a stop to the massive festivals, it did nothing to the smaller and individual celebrations throughout the globe. There is something very appealing about starting a new chapter and many turn this new page with positivity, and indeed, hope. Hope for a better year. Hope for a better life, a new job, a proposal, a baby, a new car, etc.

Hope is fresh. Hope is exciting.

The new year brings feelings of starting over, forgetting the heartache and the stress of the previous year, and the prospect of being a brand-new version of yourself. New year’s resolutions are thrown about as we promise each other, but more importantly, ourselves that this year, we WILL do better. We WILL go to the gym, we WILL lose 6 kilograms, we WILL work harder, we WILL stop gossiping, we WILL make more money. And how wonderful it is to set such positive and high goals and standards for ourselves! How wonderful that once a year we check in with ourselves, identify what went wrong and what was not achieved, and reset, wind back the fishing reel, aim again, and cast ourselves far and deep, with renewed hope that this year, THIS YEAR, is our year. “365 new days. 365 new opportunities.”

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Alas, it does not usually work out this way, does it? The 1st of January is a day quite similar to the 31st of December, scientifically speaking. Human beings classified time and according to our calendars, this signifies the new year and we plan our entire lives around this concept.

The idea of something new is enticing and we desperately want to keep up with the times, so we cling to the new year in a frantic attempt to not be left behind, and as a result, we make these resolutions without any consideration or logic to what we have just proclaimed. And more often than not, we fail. We do not achieve said resolutions, with many of these goals being abandoned early on already.

Yet, come the eve and end of 2022, we will start sprouting up our usual nonsense, with 365 days having passed without us learning a thing.

Why do we put an unrealistic amount of pressure on ourselves to attain these wild goals? There are no fixed rules that a new year means new promises, yet we do it anyway.

Goals are not simply wishes upon stars. Goals are only achieved when supported by hard work. There should be a small amount of logic and planning attributed to each resolution so boldly proclaimed. This does not mean not to dream big, but rather – plan to achieve your success instead of simply stating something you would like to do in your life.

How, though?

A popular approach used to attain goals is a friendly acronym known as SMART. S – Specific, M – Measurable, A – Achievable, R – Relevant, T – Time-bound.

Specific goals mean to set a target and not allow yourself to fall into the trap of choosing a general goal. Try “I will greet everyone with a smile” as opposed to “I will try to be nicer to people”. General goals allow too much room to be questioned and compromised.

Measurable simply means to quantify or suggest an indicator of your progress. Perhaps, instead of saying “Go to the gym more”, rather say “Go to the gym twice a week”. Quantifying a goal is also helpful, as there is a difference between “Eat more vegetables” and “Eat 300 grams of vegetables a day”, and as soon as a number or a quantifiable amount is included, you will be able to either attain it, or not, and if not, it is easier to assess and try again.

Achievable – this is a difficult term for the dreamers out there. Yes, of course, reach for the stars in all you do, but set a goal for yourself that you are physically and mentally able to achieve. Will you be able to go from never exercising to running every single day? Maybe. But also, maybe not. Look at yourself and where you are starting from. You can always upgrade your goals later.

Realistic goals mean that you will need to use the stricter version of yourself and decide if a goal is realistic to YOU and your lifestyle. It is a wonderful idea to hit the gym 5 times a week, but are you possibly a very busy mom who needs to feed, bath, and care for 3 children? Do you work 10 hours a day and often travel for work? Is this goal realistic for you as an individual? Have a look at food goals. Perhaps you have decided to eat a little less meat and a bit more vegetables. Where do you live in the world? Are you able to buy a variety of fresh vegetables?

Can you afford it? Are you physically able to only consume

vegetables without the protein source from meat? Goals are extremely personal and therefore must be considered by you and you alone.

Time-bound goals. In all honesty, you probably will not lose 20 kilos by January, or be able to do 50 push-ups by March.

You might not have saved up enough for your new car by June. Time is so important and there is absolutely no need for us to squeeze in our goals to achieve them as fast as possible. Assess the goal, speak to professionals, and speak to your friends. What is a fair amount of time for you to achieve this goal?

In fact, time-bound also means that you do not HAVE TO make goals for yourself once a year. What about a mid-year resolution? What about a monthly resolution? Or what about day-to-day resolutions? Your life is personal, your choices are intimate. You can set goals for yourself whenever you want to. If your goal is to just get out of bed in the morning – then go for it.

The important thing to remember is that your goals are about YOU. You do not have to feel pressure or disdain at not achieving them. Try again. Wake up tomorrow and try again. You are a human being and the complexity of that is enormous. Be kind and patient with yourself while also striving to be better and stronger. And when you finally, finally reach your goal – no matter how small – you go ahead and be proud.

You are capable. You can do it.

Daniela Steenkamp

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Bring the wine home Not For Sale To Persons Under The Age Of 18

15 min sweat set with Ena

A full-body workout

W

Superman lifts

e all have the right to feel good and comfortable in our own skin, and leading an active lifestyle is something that we actually owe to ourselves for the sake of longevity, ease of movement, physical and mental wellness. It is 2022 and everyone finds themselves busier than ever, so let me get straight to the point: If it is important to you, you will make the time!

That really goes for any area of our lives, but exercise is usually one of the things we just write off due to ‘not having time’.

Let me make it easy for you: You do not even need an hour to work out effectively. A little goes a long way if a little is done consistently, and I bet we all have 15 minutes that we can devote to exercise on any given day.

This workout is for anyone (whether you are a beginner or an athlete), anytime and anywhere – no equipment needed!

Full-body sweat session Squat Jumps

You will need: • 15 minutes • Water (always stay hydrated!)

Each exercise = 30 seconds Rest = one minute, after the eighth exercise Complete the circuit three times (and if you have time, challenge yourself to a fourth round)

Mountain Climbers

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Jumping jacks Push-ups Superman lifts Squat jumps Side plank (right) Side plank (left) Mountain climbers Flappy bird

You can incorporate this sweat session into your daily morning or evening routine, or starting with two to three times a week, or you can do it in addition to your regular exercise programme.

Exercise Tips: Flappy Bird

• • •

Both warm-up and cool-down stretching is vital Always remember to keep your core engaged Take sufficient breaths!

For more content on sustainable health and fitness, you can find Ena on Instagram (@fervent_wellness & @enavisagie_8) Ena is a qualified Personal Trainer, training individuals through online coaching, while sharing her journey and passion for fitness on social media. She has also obtained a degree in Marketing and Business Management.

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Introducing the

Pangolin Conservation and Research Foundation

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T

he Pangolin Conservation and Research Foundation (PCRF) was founded in 2021 as a section 21 not-for-profit organisation to fill the gap in conservation efforts for pangolins. The PCRF’s aim is to ensure a sustainable future for pangolins through conservation, research, collaboration, education and awareness as well as community engagement and local empowerment.

Conservation research projects focus on subjects that help guide protocols and conservation management planning including research on resident pangolins and post-release monitoring of trafficked-released individuals for the Pangolin Conservation and Research Project (PCRP). PCRF is developing children’s educational materials to help raise awareness and improve education on the conservation of pangolins. Additionally, the organisation employs pangolin rangers in communities across the country to protect pangolins while supporting the community.

Local students have the opportunity to work on pangolin-focused projects to empower them for a future in pangolin conservation.

So far, research on pangolins in Namibia is minimal. Therefore the PCRP plans to study all details of ecology and genetics about the Temminck’s ground pangolin in Namibia. The overall goal of this project is to understand the home range sizes, activity patterns, population dynamics, prey preference, and overall ecology of pangolins in priority habitat sites, and to gather further information about their behaviour and survival strategies. Furthermore, the project conducts post-release monitoring of trafficked-released pangolins in order to shed light on the survival rates and reintegration of those rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. Genetic data will be utilised to determine the origin of seized pangolins and better understand their genetics. The end goal of collecting this data is to create biological baseline knowledge that can be applied to a national action plan and protocols or guidelines for ground pangolin and utilised across their range. Another very important objective is to increase awareness of the vulnerable status of southern Africa’s only pangolin species.

In its first year, PCRP has tagged five trafficked-released pangolins for post-release monitoring and three resident pangolins for baseline ecological research. Learning more about the species in their habitat is essential for conservation planning. The two most recent releases have demonstrated positive settling behaviour and their home ranges are comparable to that of resident pangolin ranges.

WORLD PANGOLIN DAY

Pangolins are the most trafficked mammal worldwide. The number of pangolin cases registered annually in Namibia surpasses that of rhino and elephant combined. World Pangolin Day is celebrated on the third Saturday of February and it is a great opportunity to highlight the plight of the pangolin and what can be done to help. Join PCRF this year as we celebrate pangolins!

WHEN: WHERE: WHAT:

19th February, all day Eagles Beer Garden and Avis Dam Fun Run, market, pangolin themed activities, and live entertainment PAN

For more details visit: fb.me/e/2lMkbPI7D Tickets available on Webtickets

GO

LI N CO

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Kelsey Prediger

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RV AT IO

TI O DA N& R E S E A RC H F O U N

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INTRODUCING

Your recovery starts with us

M

edical Rescue Africa (MRA) is Namibia’s leading fixed wing Aeromedical Evacuation company specialising in the evacuation of critically ill and injured patients across Africa, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

MRA, through Westair Aviation, has a dedicated fleet of Air Ambulance aircraft on standby which have the ability to land on unimproved airstrips as well as to operate at night and in bad weather conditions. Air crews undergo regular refresher training, and all operations comply with the highest safety and quality standards.

MRA has its own 24-hour Call Centre with trained and dedicated operators utilising state of the art equipment and aviation information technology. The Call Centre liaises with local and international Medical Aid, insurance and medical assistance companies to help facilitate and coordinate medical evacuations, and medical repatriation services.

To ensure the best possible pre-hospital treatment to patients, MRA offers a 24-hour Road Ambulance at Eros Airport for transporting patients from the Airport to the treating Hospital. The MRA Ambulance is equipped to an ICU patient care level. MRA has a standard service-level agreement with all accredited ALS Ambulance Services across Namibia for effective Road Ambulance evacuation services should the requirement be to not activate the fixed wing Air Ambulance.

MRA is led by a management team with extensive experience in medical response, evacuation and support operations.

Tel: +264 83 339 0033 | Mail: flightsupport@westair.com.na | Web: www.medicalrescueafrica.com

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Economic Pulse

The year that was,

T

and the year ahead

he year 2021 will not be categorised by many as an easy year economically. Early optimism was short-lived as subsequent waves of Covid-19 infections washed over the globe. The Delta variant saw politicians continue to struggle for a consensus response to the pandemic, although, as access to vaccines improved the trend towards hard lockdowns the spread of infection was thankfully eased. Economies reopened and built-up demand drove markets higher in both developed and developing economies. According to IMF estimates, global growth reached 5.9% in 2021, well above trend, but largely driven by the low base set in 2020.

Much of the rebound in growth and demand in 2021 can be attributed to fiscal and monetary stimulus. Interest rates remained at historic lows in many countries and governments in the developed world approved stimulus packages of unprecedented size. All of this aimed to support reopening economies, a goal that was largely achieved and is reflected in global growth estimates. This recovery was, however, unevenly spread over individual countries with Sub-Saharan Africa, as a group, and Namibia in particular, lagging. Sub-Saharan growth for 2021 is estimated at 3.7%, with South Africa outperforming with growth likely to have reached 4.9% for the year. The Bank of Namibia expects Namibia to have achieved just 1.5% of growth, underpinned by weak performance in key sectors such as tourism and construction. While the rest of the world seems to be shrugging off the impact of the pandemic, Namibia continues to languish.

So, what could the year 2022 have in store for the Namibian economy? It is shaping up to be a particularly uncertain one for a number of reasons, primarily inflation and the interest rate environment.

Monetary and fiscal stimulus have to a large extent saved the developed world from much of the economic turmoil created by lockdown measures aimed at slowing the pandemic.

Such stimulus has supported demand which has in turn supported businesses and jobs. In 2021 the US added a total of 6.4 million jobs (preliminary figure), the largest number on record for a single year, and unemployment dropped to 3.9% by year-end, nearing full employment. In fact, many US firms are struggling to find the human capital they require to keep up with demand, which already results in wage inflation. This economic relief may come at a cost, however.

Stimulus-induced demand combined with supply chain disruptions and increased energy costs have resulted in rising inflation in many developed markets. US inflation has topped 7.0% y/y, a four-decade high. Inflation in the euro area came in at 5.0% y/y in December, also reaching multidecade highs. And contrary to expectations, inflation seems less transitory and more persistent than central bankers would have had us believe in 2021. Inflation is likely here to stay and the need to address it is building rapidly. While some inflation is healthy, too much of it erodes confidence

in the value of money and leads to wealth destruction and increased living costs for the most vulnerable in society.

Central banks’ primary tool for addressing inflation is through setting interest rates. The rates of inflation currently experienced in the US, UK and the euro area are likely to result in interest rate hikes in some, or possibly all, of those markets in 2022. Current expectations are for rate hikes in the US and UK with the euro area expected to attempt to maintain rates at current levels. Rate hikes in these key markets tend to drive inflation elsewhere as currencies depreciate against the dollar, pound and euro. This in turn increases the likelihood of interest rate hikes in other markets. South Africa is expected to continue with the interest rate hiking cycle initiated in November last year with a 25 basis-point hike in the repo rate.

Namibia did not follow suit. The Bank of Namibia (BoN) opted to maintain Namibia’s repo rate at 3.75%, now in line with that of South Africa. Further hikes by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), however, are much more likely to necessitate rate hikes by the BoN, thus causing monetary tightening. Namibians can expect higher interest rates in 2022, the question just remains “how much higher?”. At the time of writing, expectations point to 0.75% to 1.0% above current levels.

Slightly higher interest rates should be absorbable by a Namibian economy which may benefit from a depreciating currency and an expanding mining sector. However, a tighter monetary environment will place pressure on other economic sectors and is likely to lead to an uneven recovery in 2022 where mining underpins overall GDP growth, but other sectors post low growth. Unemployment is unlikely to decline much in 2022. The fiscus also remains relatively tight with little growth projected in budget ceilings over the next few years. Meaningful fiscal support for the economy is unlikely.

Some green shoots are visible. We are entering a bullish commodity cycle, and expectations are for increased diamond output as capacity expands, and a global energy transition toward green generation solutions which may benefit Namibia over time. These green shoots will not materialise all at once but should result in economic growth slowly moving toward long-term trends. We also remain hopeful that economic and investment policy will be adjusted to reflect the need to attract investment in an ever more competitive global capital market.

Eric van Zyl Eric van Zyl is the head of research at IJG, an established Namibian financial services market leader. IJG believes in tailoring their services to a client’s personal and business needs. For more information, visit www.ijg.net.

To sign up for the Economic Pulse newsletter, send an email to: daleen@venture.com.na www.namibiatradedirectory.com

NETWORK

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NAMIB SUSTAINABLE WAVES

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B

orn out of a desire to give back to the community and share a love of the ocean, Namib Sustainable Waves is a project that has humble beginnings, but big dreams.

Oliver Peters, founder of Salty Jackal, and his partner, Iris Hysko, manage Salty Jackal Backpackers & Surf Camp, an accommodation establishment in Swakopmund centred around the cultures of surfing and free-spirited travellers.

Apart from running the backpackers, the couple shares a passion to uplift and inspire the impoverished children from the local community.

Oliver always had the idea to run a community project as a part of Salty Jackal, especially after becoming involved in development coaching through South African surf coaches a few years earlier. Iris, who joined Oliver’s business in 2019, is originally from Italy and came to Namibia to do volunteer work at schools in Swakopmund’s informal settlements.

As a result of Covid-19 and the halt of tourism during the beginning of 2020, the couple started taking a number of children from the local informal settlements out for a day, teaching them about gardening, how to surf as well as providing a meal for them. The youngsters enjoyed it so much that soon they wanted to bring their friends along – Oliver and Iris therefore turned the outings into regular events. Apart from surfing and providing

meals for the kids, other educational activities were added, like visiting the museum and the aquarium and working with organisations like the Namibian Dolphin Project and Good Food Namibia. Oliver and Iris have also been able to invite personalities like Dickie Chivell from Discovery Channel’s Shark Week and pro surfer Koa Smith to speak to the children about their profession.

“Our mission is to provide an inspirational experience that promotes a healthy lifestyle, raise awareness of their potential in life and the opportunities out there to achieve more than they can think of,” Iris says about the project.

Our mission is to provide an inspirational experience that promotes a healthy lifestyle, raise awareness of their potential in life and the opportunities out there to achieve more than they can think of.

The couple is in the process of registering a charitable trust with a vision of eventually being able to set up a community centre where these children can spend time after school, not only for fun and surfing, but also where qualified teachers and counsellors can help them with school work, career advice and issues at home. “We want to create a safe space where they meet one another and other people from the community with whom they can have fun,” says Iris.

To find out how you can contribute or help Namib Sustainable Waves, email them at info@saltyjackal.com

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Switch to the

App with Buddy

Download the Buddy SuperApp & Switch to the Fly Namibia App Personal Travel Assistance available 08H00-22H00 daily Interactive TravelMap & Namibia Directory FlyNamibia Magazine Flight Rewards & Loyalty Emergency SOS Trigger Switch App, proudly powered by buddysuperapp.com

D

escribing himself as a “dreamer, business coach and entrepreneur”, Wilko Aschenborn is a man who believes in the power of inspired action. With the Buddy SuperApp, he is now leading a wave of tech businesses that are changing lives in Namibia.

Wilko has over 20 years of experience within multiple business ecosystems, specifically in the digital transformation space. One of his proudest career accomplishments is his ability to help entrepreneurs launch their business ventures successfully and in record time.

We caught up with him during a recent collaboration with 99FM, taking half of the station’s breakfast crew on a coastal adventure while paying their way with the Buddy SuperApp. As our Royal Hustler he shared with us the lessons that have shaped who he is today, how he has grown as an entrepreneur and what the Buddy SuperApp is doing for Namibian businesses and consumers.

Life Lessons The most profound lesson he was taught as a child by his father, he says, was kindness and the expression of kindness.

Wilko has applied this lesson to everything that he does and he teaches his children the same, too.

ROYAL HUSTLERS Wilko Aschenborn talks entrepreneurship, changing lives with the Buddy SuperApp

Early life “I was a very naughty child, always expressing what I wanted to express. Fully being who I am, was always very important to me,” he recalls fondly. Wilko dreamt of many career paths as a child, but up until the end of high school he had no certain direction of what exactly he wanted to do. Like many entrepreneurs, he learnt by trial and error before he found exactly what he wanted to dedicate his life to. “It was all about failing often, failing forward and failing with success,” he reflects wisely.

Today, at 40 years old, though, he has finally found his passion: he wants to make a difference by empowering and inspiring others. “I have harnessed these two things in the way that I express myself and in the businesses that I created.”

About the meaning of success Wilko says, “I think our definition of success is money, which is not wrong but it should not be the driving force. You should find the fire inside that which gives you your passion, your love, your energy and then the money will come.” So while he initially valued money as a measure of success, he now looks at the bigger picture, valuing the impact of his work as a greater indicator of his success.

How Buddy is empowering businesses Born five years ago, the Buddy SuperApp finally came together in a moment of enlightenment between Wilko and his dog named Buddy, a moment which inspired the app logo. The app can be likened to Siri - helping users find what they are looking for - be it food (BuddyEats) or accommodation (TravelBuddy).

The app also serves as a business networking platform.

Making a difference for businesses is the essence of what success looks like for the Buddy SuperApp. “It empowers businesses to expose themselves in the market and with so many features it inspires people on the consumer side,” says Wilko. ”The app is all about inspirational and innovative tech.”

Tune in to The Royal Hustlers on 99FM every Monday to Friday at 07h35 or rewind on the 99FM App (now available on Play Store and the App Store)

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Improving workers’ lives with Fairtrade How Fairtrade is improving the lives of workers even in the midst of a pandemic

Paulina proudly shows off her vegetable garden that feeds the charcoal workers

F

Cecile Doll says Jumbo Charcoal has been Fairtrade certified since 2011

airtrade, the logo we often see on our favourite coffee and chocolate packaging, is all about tackling the injustices of conventional trade, which traditionally discriminates against the most vulnerable. Here in Namibia, a group of charcoal harvesters have seen first-hand the benefit of being associated with this global support organisation, especially during a global pandemic.

“The aim of Fairtrade is to make sure that the primary producer is benefiting from the product that they make.

Fairtrade focuses on the ethical treatment of people, it’s about the producers or harvesters” says Ian Galloway, the Managing Director of Jumbo Charcoal.

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Jumbo Charcoal, with operations just outside of Okahandja, is Namibia’s largest exporter of barbecue charcoal to the Mediterranean, Central Europe and the United Kingdom.

Cecile and Heiko Doll produce charcoal for Jumbo Charcoal.

They have been Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified since they began their operations and have been Fairtrade certified since 2011.

Cecile and Heiko, together with their teams of harvesters, are considered nomadic charcoal producers, in that they do not own the land they produce on. They either lease land, or are hired by the farm owner to produce charcoal on their land. Harvesters target invasive species in accordance with the FSC-approved management plan, to ensure the process is environmentally sustainable.

How Fairtrade benefitted farm workers in the time of Covid As Ian explains, “It is a prerequisite for Fairtrade that our farmers are FSC certified”. FSC is an independent, nongovernmental organisation, established to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests.

Says Cecile, “We started in 2006 with charcoal and from the beginning we were FSC certified. In 2011 Fairtrade approached us, since we were one of the oldest charcoal producers in Namibia. They came to the farm and they have a checklist you must comply with concerning policies and labour practises. There are certain conditions and rules that you must adhere to.”

Cecile continues, “Fairtrade really helped us this year especially with Covid-19 and the lockdowns, which came quite suddenly. We were on the farm and couldn’t load our charcoal because the factory was closed. The region was closed and we had to get special permits to get rations to the workers, who couldn’t go home because of the lockdown and couldn’t sell their charcoal. It was quite difficult, but then Fairtrade asked if there’s something they can do to help.

They made funds available for food rations for the workers during the lockdown, which really helped. So for us it’s a huge benefit to be part of Fairtrade.”

Ian explains, “During the lockdown, the farmers had many workers on the farms, and they weren’t really producing, so the committee gave money to keep the rations going. That was a really good project, and it also helped make sure the workers didn’t have to build up too much debt.”

Some of the benefits received by workers through Fairtrade Fairtrade is driven by consumer buying power. As Ian explains, “One of our customers is Fairtrade certified, and the co-op is in England. So for every bag of charcoal we sell to them, we get a little bit of money back. That money comes into a bank account that is managed by a Workers’ Committee, elected by the workers. They decide what to spend the money on.”

The money collected through this initiative is intended for projects that will uplift the socio-economic conditions of the charcoal harvesters, and is therefore driven by the needs of the harvesters themselves. Listing some of the tangible benefits the workers at the Jumbo Charcoal packing plant have received, Ian adds, “They are doing adult literacy classes in Walvis Bay. We’ve got 70 people in the packing plant there and they are all doing adult literacy. Here at the packing plant (outside Okahandja) we have a kindergarten, bicycles for the

workers and a vegetable garden. It’s a very nice garden, and the workers get lunch from it every day.”

Paulina, the woman in charge of the garden at Jumbo Charcoal, proudly shows us her productive vegetable site, and adds that “the workers will be eating fresh spinach today.”

The Workers’ Committee not only selects projects for themselves, but have chosen to improve the socio-economic conditions of those around them too. Ian explains that a recent project included a roof and a waiting area that was built at the local clinic. This development was done with the elderly in this community in mind, who used to have to wait outside in the sun for their doctor’s appointments.

Another recent project included fixing toilets at a local school in town, whilst yet another included water points for the local community.

Cecile, too, provides a host of benefits that they have been able to offer to their workers, thanks to their commitment to being part of a global workers standards organisation.

“Our guys used to stay in tents. The premiums we received from Fairtrade were used for housing, to improve their living conditions. We got 50 houses for the first project. It helped us a lot, because now they have a permanent residence. They also have protection from insects and snakes, or against the cold. Besides, these houses are quite easy to move. We have a truck that we load them onto to move to the next site.”

Cecile continues, “In the latest project, there was a need for beds and mattresses. So now everyone with a house has beds with mattresses. The workers get to decide for themselves what is most important, or what we can use the premium for.”

Ian adds, “They put in solar panels and solar lights at the workers’ houses. They have beds. We welded 300 beds, and these have now been distributed to those farms. Everyone has got a bed now.”

The Fairtrade difference Cecile says she is happy with their decision to adhere to best practices in sustainability and fairness guidelines. “I would definitely recommend being part of Fairtrade to other farmers, because it really improves the conditions for the guys on the farm.”

She adds, “I think the benefits are being able to give a more secure working environment to our people. Also, in this kind of charcoal work, you often have people moving around, trying different farms, but our workers stay with us on a permanent basis. We renew their contracts each year, and I think it’s because they are happy here, they are secure, there’s nice housing.”

Cecile concludes, “We used to struggle. There was always a turnover of new staff that needed to be trained from scratch.

But now they always come back. This makes it easier for us too, because we can keep the production going. It’s FSC and Fairtrade that made this possible for us.”

Fairtrade standards have created an environment of empowerment for charcoal producers in Namibia, where farmers are able to effectively take care of their workers, especially in times of extraordinary circumstances.

Kirsty Watermeyer

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48

Paul van Schalkwyk A Photographic Collection

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Photography Feature

R

ara Avis is a Latin phrase for ‘rare bird’. It is also used to refer to an unusual, or exceptional person or thing.

In seeing how he saw, you instinctively sense the irony, the contrast, the beauty, the melancholy, the weight and the wonder of the world.

Paul van Schalkwyk was both.

“Photography as an art is not about taking pictures”, Paul used to say. “It is not a monologue. To capture true beauty you have to allow enough time for yourself to know your subject and for your subject to know you. It is always a dialogue. You have to become part of the process and the process must become part of you. It is like a meditation – you have to transcend before you can see.”

The late Paul van Schalkwyk’s body of work, published by his wife Rieth in his honour, is a phenomenon. The collection of photographs feature familiar Namibian destinations such as the Namib Desert, Etosha National Park, the Messum Crater and the Skeleton Coast of Namibia from an aerial perspective, completely reinventing the way that these popular photographic subjects are generally viewed and perceived.

These images truly reflect the way that the harsh contrasts, the extraordinary colours and rich textures of the landscapes make you feel. Viewing them, you become the bird too.

Paul’s life abruptly ended when his plane crashed in Etosha in 2014. He was highly regarded as a legendary photographer and filmmaker in Namibia. He received more than 50 awards, both locally and internationally, for his work as photographer, cinematographer, director and writer. His wildlife films were broadcasted on National Geographic, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and other television channels around the globe and his photographs were published in numerous local and international magazines. His most profound passion though, was to fly and take photographs from the sky.

Paul’s relentless pursuit of the ultimate photograph is epic and it ultimately cost him his life. But it also was his life.

To order your copy please contact Bonn at bonn@venture.com.na or call +264 61 383 472 To order Paul van Schalkwyk fine art prints, please contact Elmarie van Rensburg for a quotation: +264 81 277 3334 or elmarievr2@gmail.com

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Open a Global Account to Save and Transact in $, € and £

The FNB Currency Card is linked to your Global Account, allowing you to invest and transact in three foreign currencies.

So if you’re travelling, you don’t need to carry foreign currency. You also don’t need to transfer foreign currency into your Debit or Credit Card.

You can simply swipe for purchases or withdraw cash at foreign ATMS.

First National Bank of Namibia Limited, Reg. No. 2002/0180.

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For more information, please contact the Forex desk: +264 61 299 8668 | forexdesk@fnbnamibia.com.na

Eos is a leading Namibian Private Equity firm with a 6-year track record supported by a strong team of experienced professionals. Eos’ objective is to contribute to the growth of the Namibian economy and to provide attractive returns to investors.

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- THE IDEAL PARTNER FOR YOUR NAMIBIAN AGRICULTURE INVESTMENT • • • • •

MARKET KNOWLEDGE: Our team knows the market and what works. We make projects happen NETWORK: We are well-connected to local public and private sectors through our Boards and own networks, while our international partner networks brings expertise, co-investors and other resources TRACK RECORD: We have a track record of success (fundraising, deployment, value creation) and are a highly respected local player ETHICS: We operate according to the highest professional and corporate governance standards, with rigorous oversight of all our funds ESG: A strategy that underlines all our investment decisions and permeates the way we work, including empowerment of women and previously disadvantaged communities through ownership, leadership and employment

N$100M (USD 7M) RAISED TO DATE - FUNDRAISING NOW!

MISSION To stimulate the agriculture sector through growth investments in climate adapted, and expertise- and technologydriven projects across the value chain.

STRATEGY Make growth investments in climate-adapted, expertise- and technology-driven projects across the agri value chain, delivering attractive returns by bringing together capital, expertise and technology, which will: • Reduce carbon footprint of food production by prioritising investments that are environmentally friendly • Increase exports of agricultural products internationally • Support creation of add value in Namibia to deliver high quality, differentiated products

LIFE STAGE OF INVESTMENTS: brownfield and greenfield INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS: equity and quasi-equity FUND TERM: 10 years +2 TARGET IRR: 18%+ per annum INVESTMENT SIZE: N$10m (minimum) [$585k USD]

Commercial agriculture and horticulture - Greenfield project to grow high value/permanent crops using soilless farming Agricultural inputs - Growth capital for expansion of an organic fertilizer production Agriculture services - Growth capital for an irrigation business Agro-processing and Agri Infrastructure - Greenfield project for production of Bio Char and export charcoal Retail, distribution and logistics - Growth capital for an established distributor expanding into the fresh produce retail sector

No 8, Rieks Van Der Walt Street, Windhoek, Namibia | Tel: +264 61 304 400 | admin@eoscapital.com.na

www.esocapital.com.na

Discovering

Images: Elzanne McCulloch

Windhoek

Namibia’s capital is a bustling city with an estimated population of ± 400 000 (according to the City of WIndhoek). Windhoek lies in an airy basin in the central highlands, surrounded by the Auas Mountains in the southeast, the Eros Mountains in the northeast and the Khomas Hochland in the west.

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This is Namibia

W

indhoek is often described as a city with a ‘continental’ atmosphere. This can be ascribed to its architecture – historical buildings dating back to German colonial rule – as well as its cuisine, culture, dress codes and educational institutions. At the same time Windhoek has the colours, sounds and pace of a modern African city. Pavement displays of African drums and wood carvings from the north contrast with elegant shops offering sophisticated Swakara garments and Namibian gemstones set in individually designed jewellery.

While some shops display clothing, silver and glassware imported from Europe, others stock casual and colourful garments from West Africa.

Because of the many hot springs in the area, Windhoek was initially known as Ai-gams (correctly spelt /Ai //Gams to indicate the click sound), a Nama word meaning ‘firewater’, ‘steam’ or ‘smoke’, and Otjomuise, a Herero word meaning the ‘place of steam’. The Nama captain, Jan Jonker Afrikaner, gave the town the name it carries today.

In the early 1840s Afrikaner settled where the most powerful spring reached the surface. It is thought that in a moment of nostalgia he named the place after Winterhoek, the farm in the Cape where he was born. During the German colonial administration the town was called Windhuk, which was subsequently changed back to Windhoek. Public transport in the city consists mainly of taxis, while a bus service transports passengers from Katutura and Khomasdal to Windhoek and its various suburbs.

Some landmarks and places worth a visit when in Windhoek: • Christuskirche, an Evangelical Lutheran Church, is one of the city’s most striking landmarks, built from local sandstone and completed in 1910. Its design was influenced by the Romanesque, neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau styles, and its stained-glass windows were donated by Kaiser Wilhelm II.

•

• • • •

•

•

Tintenpalast, meaning Ink Palace. This is Namibia’s original Government Building, completed in 1914 in time for the first session of the Landesrat. Since then it has housed a series of successive administrations and governments. After independence it was renovated to accommodate the Namibian Parliament. In front of Tintenpalast are the Parliament Gardens.

Independence Museum, dedicated to the Namibian liberation struggle.

The Supreme Court, the only post-independence building that reflects an African, albeit northern African, style of architecture.

Namibia Craft Centre in the Old Brewery premises Zoo Park, named after the zoo that once existed there. The curious two-metre-high stone column was sculpted by well-known Namibian artist, Dörte Berner.

The monument marks the place where the bones of prehistoric elephants were excavated in the fifties, now on display at the Earth Science Museum near Eros Airport. Also in the park is the Witbooi Memorial, unveiled in 1997 to commemorate the soldiers lost in battles fought between the Schutztruppe and the legendary Nama chief, Hendrik Witbooi.

Gibeon Meteorite Fountain, where 31 of the original 77 Gibeon meteorites are displayed. The Gibeon meteorite shower, which occurred in southern Namibia southeast of Gibeon, is the largest known shower of its kind in the world.

Windhoek Railway Station, built in 1912/1913. In front of the building is a narrow-gauge locomotive, and on the first floor is the TransNamib Railway Museum, well worth a visit.

Find more Namibian travel inspiration at www.thisisnamibia.com Follow @thisis_namibia on Facebook and Instagram for extraordinary Namibia travel stories.

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ian

Travel Tales

PADKOS OVERINDULGENCE

T

here’s a definitive moment in every road trip where the front seat passenger whips out a Tupperware container full of padkos and feeds the family on a feast of chicken drumsticks, meatballs and boiled eggs. It’s a different kind of aromatherapy - the aroma cures you from ever enjoying said food items ever again. And when your time comes to pack padkos, perhaps you’ll try to be more creative. But there are certain road trip staples that you cannot possibly grow weary of: biltong and droëwors.

Ask any Namibian and they’ll tell you we have the best of both.

We were on another road trip, heading north from Windhoek. Our final destination being Victoria Falls. Just the year before, my sister was on an exchange to Germany where her host family embarked on a trip to Europe’s biggest waterfall: the Rheinfall at Schaffhausen in Switzerland. This socalled waterfall is a mere 23 metre drop.

A rapid, basically. So when our German ‘sister’ was on her exchange to Namibia, we were determined to show her what a real waterfall looks like - the 108 metre drop of The Smoke that Thunders.

It’s one hell of a drive to Vic Falls.

We made plenty of overnight stops, spending extra time in Etosha National Park and packed a hell of a lot of biltong and droëwors, as one does.

where game steaks make the weeknight menu, but we catered for her vegetarian preferences nonetheless and assumed that on our road trip we’d have no competition on the dried and cured meat front.

We were wrong.

It comes as no surprise that - even for someone claiming to eat “wenig Fleisch” - the savoury snap of Namibian droëwors is irresistible. And overindulgence is inevitable.

You may get mild heartburn and a coriander seed stuck in your saliva gland, but the risks are almost always worth the reward.

It comes as no surprise that - even for someone claiming to eat “wenig Fleisch” - the savoury snap of Namibian droëwors is irresistible.

Now, there’s a fine line with padkos. You have to keep in mind that you’re seated for the majority of the day and that most road trip meals aren’t rich in fiber or whatever it is that makes digestion optimal. If you’re not an avid reader or backseat nap master, you might resort to compulsive snacking. The result is rarely a food coma. It’s almost always constipation.

On her application form, our beloved German guest used the words “wenig Fleisch” (minimal meat) when outlining her dietary requirement. That’s a tall order in a household

Halfway through Etosha, and only a day into our long road trip, my sister’s exchange student discovered our droëwors stash and made her way through almost half a kilogram of it.

She’s not a big reader and stayed awake for what I believe was the beautiful scenery, or perhaps just the droëwors.

Bless her wenig-Fleisch-eating intestines.

The overindulgence got the better of her, and us, and the aroma in the car as our dear German broke wind wilder than the spray of the Vic Falls. I commend her subtlety, or perhaps her nose was stuffy as she didn’t seem at all phased by our terrified glances as the air in my dad’s bakkie became saturated with what can only be described as the scent of death.

Being in the middle of a national park we couldn’t stop and escape the smell that was getting progressively stale and seeping into the seat covers. So we cracked the windows, sacrificed the air conditioning for some good old Etosha dust, confiscated the dried, cured sausage, and never complained about meatballs and boiled eggs again.

Do you have any funny travel stories to share? Send them to fly@venture.com.na Charene Labuschagne

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EXPERIENCE the nature of this beautiful country, Namibia

Image: Matej Smucr

Tel: +264 61 232871 | 24hr emergency no: 081 129 3355 Email: info@africa-on-wheels.com Website: www.africa-on-wheels.com

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Namibia Travel News

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60

Cape Town from the lofty heights of a red double-decker bus

A

carefree holiday mood sets in as soon as the Cape Town City Sightseeing bus starts rolling at the Two Oceans Aquarium. Clear skies, 28 degrees, a gentle breeze and no need to pay attention to the hectic bustle of Cape Town traffic.

Via the Clock Tower entrance of the V&A Waterfront and the CTICC we drive through the busy Heerengracht Street where Jan van Riebeeck and his wife Maria stand on high plinths on a traffic island, and on another the Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias. Passing the central railway station adorned with mosaics depicting the history of transport we reach Strand Street. This road used to be on the beachfront – until the great land reclamation during the 1970s which created the entire Foreshore area.

From Strand Street the bus turns into the old town centre full of narrow oneway streets.

Cape Town,” says the voice in the headset, and quite a few passengers vacate their seats. Others get off at Constantia Nek to go on a mini wine tour, compliments of Cape Town City Sightseeing.

Groot Constantia is the oldest, the most famous and among the most distinguished of all South African wine estates, and Klein Constantia’s Vin de Constance used to be a favourite throughout Europe some 200 years ago.

Napoleon still sipped it while in exile on St Helena.

Clear skies, 28 degrees, a gentle breeze and no need to pay attention to the hectic bustle of Cape Town traffic.

Without any buildings or parked vehicles getting swiped, the skilful double-decker driver manoeuvres us into Long Street, famous for its vibrant nightlife. In bright sunlight it shows its other face: well-kept Victorian mansions catch the eye and many interesting shops that do not belong to the ubiquitous retail chains.

Soon we pass the massive pillars at the entrance to the time-honoured Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel. Opposite is the upper end of the Company Gardens, where European influence at the southern tip of Africa started some 370 years ago. Then the bus weaves into the multi-lane traffic of the M3 city highway, and via headphones your gaze is directed towards Groote Schuur Hospital, where the first heart transplant was performed.

The next stop is glorious Kirstenbosch, one of the country’s seven national botanical gardens. “A must for every visitor to

From Constantia Nek it is steadily downhill between wooded slopes. The first stop in Hout Bay is the World of Birds, a private sanctuary with some 3000 birds in large walk-in aviaries. Monkeys and other small animals add to the park’s attraction.

At Mariner’s Wharf, right on the beach of the charming bay, the bus turns for the ride back along the beautiful coastal road hugging the Table Mountain Range.

Many things that are hidden from sight when passing in a car suddenly become visible from the upper deck of the bus: the villas of Llandudno, the beach houses of Bakoven wedged between granite boulders, and the sleek apartment blocks of Clifton which rise like a wall between the ocean and narrow Victoria Road.

But all good things invariably come to an end, and right on time we are back at the Two Oceans Aquarium. My first thought: Let’s do it again!

Or perhaps a harbour cruise? A canal cruise? Or a sunset tour? Award-winning Cape Town City Sightseeing offers a multitude of irresistible tours and combinations.

Visit www.citysightseeing.co.za/en/cape-town Christina Rockstroh

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Simplifying Life

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6 Feb 1964 The G.I. Joe toy hits the market.

2 Feb 1949

13 Feb 2000

The first 45 RPM vinyl record is released.

The last original "Peanuts" comic strip appears in newspapers one day after the death of Charles M. Schulz, its creator.

4 Feb 1938 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is released.

4 Feb 1949 Ruth Handler invents the Barbie Doll.

15 Feb 399 B.C. Philosopher Socrates is sentenced to death in Athens for corrupting the minds of the youth in the city.

4 Feb 2004 Mark Zuckerberg creates the Facebook social media platform.

16 Feb 600 Pope Gregory the Great declares "God Bless You" is the proper response to a sneeze.

20 Feb 1944 Batman and Robin comic strip premieres in newspapers.

15 Feb 1842 The Post Office uses adhesive postage stamps for the first time.

OBSERVE & TAKE PART!

DID YOU KNOW?

This month in history:

4 February World Cancer Day

11 February International Day of Women and Girls in Science

14 February Valentine’s Day

19 February World Pangolin Day

23 Feb 1940 Walt Disney releases Pinocchio in movie theatres.

6 Feb 1935 The board game Monopoly first went on sale.

15 Feb 1936

25 Feb 1964

Adolph Hitler announces the construction of the Volkswagen Beetle.

Muhammad Ali wins his first World Heavyweight Title, defeating Sonny Liston.

20 February World Day of Social Justice

SUDUKO

21 February International Mother Language Day

The goal of Sudoku is to fill a 9×9 grid with numbers so that each row, column and 3×3 section contain all of the digits between 1 and 9.

4 8 3 1 9 7 6 2 5

1 6 9 2 3 5 8 7 4

2 7 5 8 4 6 3 9 1

3 9 6 7 5 4 1 8 2

5 2 4 6 8 1 9 3 7

8 1 7 3 2 9 4 5 6

MEDIUM 9 2 7 6 4 5 3 1 8

5 1 8 9 7 3 6 4 2

3 4 6 8 2 1 7 5 9

EASY

8 5 9 2 1 6 4 7 3

2 3 4 7 5 9 1 8 6

6 7 1 4 3 8 9 2 5

7 6 5 1 9 2 8 3 4

4 8 3 5 6 7 2 9 1

1 9 2 3 8 4 5 6 7

2 3 5 8 7 2 1 6 7 2 8 7 9 4 8 7 5 7 5 9 4 2 9 8 9 5 7

7 3 8 4 6 2 5 1 9

9

9 4 1 5 7 3 2 6 8

9 2 2 5 6 9 7 8 6 4 1 5 6 4 1 5 2 5 9 3 1 6 4 7 4 1 8 2 5 1 5 2 6 6 7

MEDIUM

6 5 2 9 1 8 7 4 3

EASY

63

Love Namibia

DESERT DWELLERS | Tsau //Khaeb National Park was proclaimed in 2008. Previously it was known as the Sperrgebiet, German for restricted area.

Although access is still restricted and most of the park is underdeveloped, its dormant state created a sanctuary for plants and animals to thrive in the sensitive desert landscape.

LEGAL PRACTITIONERS, NOTARIES & CONVEYANCERS +264 83 332 5300 | info@ferasmuslaw.com.na | No. 5 Conradie Street | Windhoek 64

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