FlyNamibia November 2023

Take me home! Your free copy

Issue 24 | November 2023

adventure | lifestyle | discovering windhoek | conservation | art | economic pulse | feel good stories

GOOD TODAY. BETTER TOMORROW.

From the Publisher

Stories in FlyNamibia Magazine.

FIRE

This is us.

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

- Fyodor Dostoevsky

A

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

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

Read this issue online!

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

FLYNAMIBIA NOVEMBER 2023

1

OUR STORYTELLERS Meet the voices behind the incredible stories we share with Namibia each month. The pages of FlyNamibia are a collaboration of Namibian minds and passions and we hope you find a narrative that speaks directly to you amongst them.

Charene Labuschagne Art director, writer and presenter, she tells stories out of pure necessity for expression. Namibia is her favourite subject.

Dawn Jorgensen

Earth Advocate, Beauty Seeker, Conscious Traveller, Storyteller, Lover of Africa, and Wildlife Conservation Enthusiast.

2

Laimi Elago

Radio host: Lunch with Laimi Corporate Communications Officer Future Media Summits with a Purpose Namibia Representative

David Bishop

Broadcast Editor, voracious reader, sometime writer, cyclist, swimmer, climber, family man, and coffee lover.

Rukee Kaakunga

A Windhoek-based communications specialist, blogger and freelance fashion writer. Contact her via email: rukeekaakunga@gmail.com

Kirsty Watermeyer

Media & communication consultant, storyteller & writer.

A Multi-media producer, presenter, voice artist & curious wellbeing enthusiast.

Barry de Klerk

Freelance journalist passionate about entertainment, arts, culture, and travel. A cinephile who loves writing.

Jana Vermeulen

A dedicated and compassionate Educational Psychologist based in Windhoek.

Maggie Forcelledo Paz

99FM News & Content Editor.

Passion and dedication to keep the nation abreast with what’s happening on national and international level.

Victoria Nakafingo

An aspiring astronomer, who enjoys gazing at the stars and sharing science research stories.

Table of

CONTENTS 14

20

45

Content is Fire

01

FlyNamibia Magazine’s storytellers

02

Welcome aboard

09

Love Local

10

Life on a table

13

10 Minutes with Local Tastemakers

14

Reflections: A News Editor's View

19

Foodies

20

Insta-Love

23

Which trendy home design style are you?

24

Home-Makers to follow on Instagram

25

Look/Listen

27

Salt at its Best

28

Breaking Poverty Cycles

30

Unlocking the beauty of Namibia

31

The Solution to Climate Change

32

Fashion Fierce

34

Book Review: When Hope Whispers

37

Unearthing Shadows

38

The next generation of gamers is here

40

Ready or not

41

We will be free

42

Standard Bank ranked in the top 20% of Forbes World’s Best Employer Awards 2023

44

99FM Royal Hustlers

45

Events infused with creative connection

47

Empowering local youth through sports

48

Economic Pulse

49

The Brief

50

The Grootbos Florilegium

74

54

Unearthing the mysteries of the Sperrgebiet

58

Petrified Forest Coffee Shop

60

Speech and hearing impaired graduates uplifted through vocational training

63

Namibia unlocks an Integrated future

65

Photography Feature

68

This is Namibia

74

Omake Moment

77

Did you Know?

79

Love Namibia

80

Need To Knows. with FlyNamibia

How to buy

a ticket online www.flynamibia.com.na

Select your flight Select which tickets you would like to purchase: destinations, travel dates, morning/afternoon departure. We offer multiple fare options such as: Saver, Classic or Premium

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

Passenger details

Payment

Please enter names as they appear on passport or travel documentation

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

LOGIN to upload passenger details from previous booking.

More options for the perfect trip

Confirmation Mail Transaction confirmation will be sent to passenger email entered.

Baggage policy, sporting equipment, over weight luggage or to add an additional bag(s)

How can you make

You can also purchase

from:

a payment?

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

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)

Online card transaction

PayToday app Buddy SuperApp

Windhoek Eros Airport Office Ondangwa airport office Rundu airport office Katima Mulilo airport office Hosea Kutako airport office

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 domestic flight and 50 min prior to international flight.

All major travel agents

Luggage

restrictions Items NOT allowed in hand luggage:

MAX 20kg Per person

Lotions and aerosols above 100ml, flammable aerosol, sharp objects, i.e. nail files, nail scissors, Leatherman, matches.

See full conditions of carriage by scanning the QR code

FLYNAMIBIA NOVEMBER 2023

5

DOMESTIC & SAFARI FLIGHTS Katima Mulilo Ondangwa

Skeleton Coast Park

Bwabwata National Park

Rundu

Etosha National Park

Nkasa Rupara National Park

Khaudum National Park

Tsumeb

Otavi

Mudumu National Park

Grootfontein

Twyfelfontein Otjiwarongo

Waterberg Plateau Park

Dorob National Park

REGIONAL FLIGHTS

Okahandja

Swakopmund

Windhoek

Walvis Bay

Gobabis

NamibNaukluft Park

ANGOLA Mariental

ZAMBIA

Sossusvlei

ZIMBABWE

NAMIBIA Keetmanshoop

Walvis Bay

Windhoek

BOTSWANA

MOZAMBIQUE

Lüderitz

Ai-Ais/ Richtersveld Transfrontier Park

Oranjemund

SOUTH AFRICA Cape Town

with FlyNamibia Contact The Call Centre | +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.

6

Departure

Arrival

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS DEPARTURE

FROM

TO

ARRIVAL

DAYS

07:30

Eros - Windhoek

Ondangwa - Toivo Ya Toivo

08:30

Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun

09:10

Ondangwa - Toivo Ya Toivo

Eros - Windhoek

10:10

Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun

16:00

Eros - Windhoek

Ondangwa - Toivo Ya Toivo

16:50

Fri, Sun

17:40

Ondangwa - Toivo Ya Toivo

Eros - Windhoek

18:30

Fri, Sun

07:30

Eros - Windhoek

Rundu

09:00

Mon, Wed, Fri

16:00

Rundu

Eros - Windhoek

17:30

Mon, Wed, Fri

11:00

Eros - Windhoek

Katima Mulilo

12:25

Wed, Fri, Sun

13:10

Katima Mulilo

Eros - Windhoek

14:40

Wed, Fri, Sun

07:00

Eros - Windhoek

Oranjemund

08:15

Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri

13:15

Oranjemund

Eros - Windhoek

14:30

Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri

07:15

Eros - Windhoek

Lüderitz

08:15

Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri

13:30

Lüderitz

Eros - Windhoek

14:30

Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri

REGIONAL FLIGHTS DEPARTURE

FROM

TO

ARRIVAL

DAYS

07:30

HKIA - Windhoek

Cape Town

09:30

Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun

18:10

Cape Town

HKIA - Windhoek

20:10

Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun

15:00

Walvis Bay

Cape Town

17:00

Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun

10:20

Cape Town

Walvis Bay

12:20

Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun

SAFARI FLIGHTS DEPARTURE

FROM

TO

ARRIVAL

DAYS

09:40

HKIA - Windhoek

Sossusvlei

10:30

Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat

11:00

Sossusvlei

Swakopmund

11:40

Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat

12:20

Swakopmund

Twyfelfontein

13:00

Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat

13:30

Twyfelfontein

Etosha

14:10

Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat

14:50

Etosha

HKIA - Windhoek

15:50

Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat

09:40

HKIA - Windhoek

Etosha

10:40

Tue, Thu, Sun

11:20

Etosha

Twyfelfontein

12:00

Tue, Thu, Sun

12:30

Twyfelfontein

Swakopmund

13:10

Tue, Thu, Sun

13:50

Swakopmund

Sossusvlei

14:30

Tue, Thu, Sun

15:00

Sossusvlei

HKIA - Windhoek

15:50

Tue, Thu, Sun

07:30

Eros - Windhoek

Rundu

09:00

Mon, Wed, Fri

16:00

Rundu

Eros - Windhoek

17:30

Mon, Wed, Fri

*HKIA - Hosea Kutako International Airport | Morning Ondangwa - Windhoek flights are effective from 13 November 2023.

Navigate any condition with an experienced local Team For Namibians looking to grow their assets over the long term, Ashburton Investments is the partner of choice. Part of the FirstRand Group, our local Team combines international capabilities and proven strategies with local expertise and insights.

Connect to the experts that can help you prosper in any market condition. www.ashburtoninvestments.com

Ashburton Investment Managers (Proprietary) Limited. Registration Number 2002/447, is an authorised investment manager in terms of the Stock Exchanges Control Act, Act 1 of 1985.

8

Welcome Aboard

FlyNamibia From left to right: FlyNamibia Cabin Crew, Megan Van Wyk, dons her pink scarf for FlyNamibia’s inaugural Pink Week | Captain Elsa Martin, FlyNamibia’s first female jet captain | Taimi, our Face of FlyNamibia, is the PRETTIEST in pink in Sossusvlei | Dr Kensey Rukira, Dr Marcia Venter and Dr Cornelius Kuduva of the Windhoek Central Hospital Oncology Center, came to FlyNamibia during Pink Week and conducted breast screenings for all female employees. Early detection is crucial in the fight against breast cancer!

Dear Passenger, We are overjoyed to welcome you on this FlyNamibia flight. The year is nearing its end and we’re taking time to glance back at all we have accomplished during the course of 2023, as well as looking towards the future and the exciting developments it holds.

AYE CAPTAIN In October, FlyNamibia celebrated the remarkable achievement of one of our pilots. On the 16th, we received the wonderful news that pilot Elsa Martin had successfully completed her accreditation, marking her as FlyNamibia's first female jet captain. Captain Martin's achievement is truly exceptional, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to her once again. She stands as an inspiring role model, especially for aspiring young female pilots, and we eagerly anticipate a future where more women take the helm as pilots and captains of our aircraft.

Captain Martin's journey to this historic milestone has been a labour of love, as she dedicated numerous years to honing her skills at the flight deck. Her passion for aviation was ignited shortly after high school when she took her first flight, and her dedication has paid off in the most remarkable way. When asked, Captain Martin shares that she particularly enjoys the FlyNamibia route between Windhoek and Cape Town, with its breathtaking scenery and the beautiful approach into the Mother City, which never fails to captivate her. As she continues her career, we wish Captain Martin an abundance of safe and joyful landings ahead!

THINK PINK We launched our inaugural FlyNamibia Pink Week last month, which took place from 23-29 October. Pink Week was dedicated to raising awareness of breast cancer and we turned our airline pink in solidarity! From 300 pink ribbons (one for each employee) to snazzy pink scarves for our cabin crew and a social media overhaul, FlyNamibia looked like the set

of Barbie. It was fantastic! This initiative aims to engage our passengers, employees, and the wider community in the fight against breast cancer while supporting Namibia's first breast clinic. During Pink Week we ran a photo competition at Eros Airport in partnership with Namibia Airports Company, hosted doctors from the Windhoek Central Hospital's oncology department who offered free breast screenings for our female employees at our head offices, and committed to transporting doctors from Windhoek to Ondangwa, Katima Mulilo and Rundu to perform crucial screenings in northern Namibia. The statistics show breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women in Namibia and early detection is crucial to saving lives. Thank you to everyone who participated in FlyNamibia Pink Week. If you’d like to support Namibia’s first Breast Clinic, contact breastclinicnam@gmail.com. Early detection saves lives!

TOWARDS GREENER PASTURES Our inaugural flight on our newly launched route between Walvis Bay and Cape Town was a roaring success. As of 27 October, we now link these two wonderful southern African destinations, with route schedules structured to ideally suit both business and leisure travellers. In the near future we will announce the official start date for our planned route between Windhoek and Luanda, as well as the commencement of flights between Windhoek and Victoria Falls as well as Maun in Botswana. Keep an eye on our social media pages or sign up for our newsletter via our website to receive important updates and announcements.

Flights can be booked through all major travel agencies, or directly via FlyNamibia’s 24/7 contact centre at +264 83 339 0011. Customers can also visit www.flynam.com for online bookings.

Safe travels and enjoy your flight!

Sincerely, The FlyNamibia Team

FLYNAMIBIA NOVEMBER 2023

9

LO C AL O V E

Unique local lifestyle brands we're loving, and why you should too

DROOMBOS

We love their wide variety of event and conferencing venues. Droombos presents a refreshing approach to corporate conferencing, understanding the power of reuniting and re-energising groups with indoor and outdoor spaces, breakaway rooms, state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment and unique team-building activities. From custom menus and buffet catering to stunning accommodation for stay overs, Droombos is sure to take your conferences and events to the next level. Embrace a more exciting way to connect, share knowledge and inspire growth with colleagues, employees, partners and friends. +264 81 872 2613 / +264 83 288 8352 / +264 61 250 238 reservations@droombos.com.na / events@droombos.com.na www.droombos.com.na

EMSSENCE We love their tester travel kit. Emssence prides itself in producing Namibian skincare for Namibian skin. An essential part of the local lifestyle is travelling to the beautiful corners of the country, and with this in mind they put together a travel-friendly goodie bag with miniatures of the Emssence PURE products. Not only is this kit perfect for travel, but since taking the leap of faith to a new skincare brand can be daunting, these minis can also be your tester kit – to inevitably fall in love with the products, and convert for life. The Emssence tester travel kit includes the PURE cleanser, toner, day/night cream and facial serum, all natural and skin-loving!

Shop Emssence products at the Droombos Gift Shop. m@emssence.com @ems.sence @emssence

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IETSIEMEER We love their intimate setting for weddings. With its prime beachfront location in Henties Bay, Ietsiemeer is the perfect place to celebrate the Big Day. Have a romantic ceremony on the beach overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and retreat to the Ietsiemeer courtyard for an unforgettable reception. This home can sleep up to 24 of your guests, and host 70 guests in total, for a memorable and intimate wedding experience. Curate the venue to your heart’s desire with plenty of options for dining, dance floor and mingling spaces. An expansive kitchen and braai area also allow you to select a catering solution that best suits your celebration. mariannel@scsi.com.na www.ietsiemeer.com @ietsiemeer

THE VILLAGE We love their selection of venues for hire. The Village offers an exceptional variety of spaces for events, meetings and conferencing, all with the tranquil trickling of a koi pond water feature and lush garden nearby. The Opera House is a rustic, open-plan space well suited for seminars, corporate and social events hosting larger groups.

The Stage and Under the Trees is perfectly situated in the Village Courtyard and ideal for informal gatherings of medium-sized groups. The Village Garden Fish Bowl offers a cosy indoor space with a Long Table, sofa and more nooks for meetings. And the Boardroom is your perfect venue for corporate occasions out of the office.

Venue hire prices range from N$520.00 for three hours in the meeting room for six, to N$8,000.00 for a full day in the Opera House.

For more information and bookings: chichi@villagewhk.com +264 81 824 8688

Are you a Nam or SA based lifestyle brand?

List your label with us for only N$1,000 per month for 6 months | fly@venture.com.na

FLYNAMIBIA NOVEMBER 2023

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12

Hentie Burger

Foodies

FISHERMAN’S PIE CRUST 250 ml cake flour 7.5 ml baking powder

INSTRUCTIONS •

Pinch of salt 50 ml oil 75 ml buttermilk

FILLING 1 x 410 g tin tomatoes, chopped 15 ml olive oil 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 medium onion, finely chopped 5 ml dried oregano 200 g tin tuna, drained and flaked 100 ml cheddar cheese, grated 3 eggs 250 ml cream (or ½ milk and ½ cream) Pinch of salt Freshly ground black pepper

• • • • • • • • • •

Place all the ingredients for the crust into the bowl of a food processor and blend only until the dough holds together. Alternatively, mix and knead lightly by hand.

Grease a round ovenproof pie dish generously with butter and press the dough evenly into the dish.

Trim the edges neatly and refrigerate until the filling has cooled.

Sauté the onion and garlic in oil for 5 minutes, stirring from time to time until soft.

Add the tomato and oregano and continue to cook until most of the moisture has evaporated.

Stir in the tuna and cool to room temperature.

Sprinkle half of the cheese over the crust, cover with the tomato and tuna mixture and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.

Beat together the eggs, cream (or milk and cream) and salt and pour over the filling.

Arrange olives and anchovy fillets on the top, if used.

Bake at 180°C for about 60 minutes or until the crust is golden and crisp and the filling has set.

Cut into wedges and serve hot.

12 Kalamata olives, pitted 1 x 45 g tin of flat fillets of anchovies (optional) Sprig of parsley or fresh herbs to garnish

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

FLYNAMIBIA NOVEMBER 2023

13

10 minutes

with local taste makers

14

Tumi Mohamed

W

hen I met him for the first time, Windhoek’s resident vibe dealer was seated on a daybed overlooking the city skyline, with a Hansa Draught and wearing patchwork jeans.

Instantly likeable!

Like most music odysseys, Tumi’s journey to becoming a brilliant DJ began as a child. Growing up in the capital, his first recollection of making music is singing in the church choir.

Tumi would fool around on the drums, and later become the teenager that demanded the aux cable when hanging out with friends. So eager was he to share newfound songs, that it eventually became his career.

Completing his final years of high school in South Africa, all it took was a hop, skip and convincing his mother to study sound engineering in Cape Town. Tumi was torn between this path and marketing. Yet, in his soul he knew that if he were to choose the latter, he would spend the rest of his life wondering “what if.” He has a natural knack for marketing

in any way, particularly market research, which he took upon himself during a stint in Johannesburg, a city so utterly intertwined with its music culture.

After exploring the melting pot of southern African music and fashion, telling anyone that would listen about the talent in Namibia, and gaining invaluable exposure in the house and techno scene, the wunderkind returned home.

And ever since, he has been on a personal and professional journey of shouting from the decks “Namibia is here, and our music is phenomenal!”

Not all sound engineers are DJs, but arguably the best DJs are also sound engineers. The qualification equipped Tumi with the know-how to problem-solve without the crowd so much as missing a beat, and broadened his portfolio to include producing music for a roster of talented musicians and friends. Perhaps the one thing he could not problemsolve with a pair of pliers and fine-tuned ear, was the momentous adventure to reach his gig at this year’s BARHP festival.

FLYNAMIBIA NOVEMBER 2023

15

This fashionable, talented and utterly open-hearted disk jockey is holding the door for the next generation.

16

Tumi was set to hit the stage at around 6pm on the Saturday of the weekend festival. The first mechanical difficulty sent his ride back to Okahandja. The second car breakdown had Tumi hitch-hiking to the Spitzkoppe turn-off, where his phone battery died, leaving the DJ stranded next to a road sign. Thanks to the workings of the universe, Tumi managed to hitch another lift with kind-hearted tourists and made his time slot with merely 40 minutes to spare.

“Everything that happened leading up to it was released during that set”, says the DJ of his two hours of crowd-pleasing boogie, proving once again how your craft can be your escape and special form of meditation.

He is one of the masterminds behind the increasingly popular Amis Day Club, which regularly sees Windhoek’s ubercool youth jam to soul, r&b and hip hop beats on a Sunday. In the foreseeable future Tumi is set to release not only his debut EP, but also a clothing line. He is bent on claiming his stake in the international festival scene, but he is not venturing into it alone. This fashionable, talented and utterly open-hearted disk jockey is holding the door for the next generation. Everywhere he goes, Tumi will have a flash drive filled with Namibian music, and a mouthful of hype about his homeland’s undeniable collective talent.

Charene Labuschagne Art Direction: Charene Labuschagne Wardrobe: Tumi Mohamed

KARIN’S ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES This photoshoot was created in collaboration with Karin’s Antiques & Collectables Owner Marcel de Kock and his mother Karin de Kock buy antiques and collectables from anywhere in Namibia.

Grüner Kranz complex, Macadam Street, Windhoek Mondays - Fridays 09:00 - 17:00, Saturdays 09:00 - 13:00 Contact: karinsantiques.whk@gmail.com | +264 81 347 2390

FLYNAMIBIA NOVEMBER 2023

17

Boost Your

Business Success with Hollard InPloy: A Comprehensive Bouquet of Life Benefits for Business Owners and Their Employees

In today's world, it's crucial to take care of your loved ones and plan for the unexpected. Group life insurance is an employee benefit that offers a safety net for workers and the companies they work for. Let's break down why this benefit is a great idea for everyone involved:

For Employees Life Cover: Group life insurance provides a financial safety net. In the event of an employee's passing, it offers support to their family, covering expenses such as funeral costs, ongoing living expenses, and settling debt.

Convenience: Premiums are deducted directly from your salary, so you don't have to worry about remembering to pay a bill every month.

Critical Illness: Many group plans also include critical illness coverage. If an employee is diagnosed with a serious illness, this benefit provides a lump sum payment to help cover medical bills and other expenses during recovery.

For Employers

Disability (Permanent or Temporary): In addition to life cover, group life insurance offers protection in case of disability. Whether it's a temporary or permanent disability that affects your ability to work, this benefit provides income replacement to ease financial burdens.

Spouse Cover: Some group life insurance plans extend coverage to an employee's spouse. This means that your partner can also benefit from financial protection under the same policy.

Accidental Death Cover: Accidents can happen unexpectedly. Group policies often include accidental death coverage, providing an additional payout if an employee's death is due to an accident. This extra layer of protection offers some peace of mind while navigating a difficult time.

Affordability: Group policies are often more affordable than individual ones. Premiums are typically lower because the risk is spread across all employees, making it a cost-effective way to secure coverage for you and your family.

Attract and Retain Talent: Offering comprehensive group life insurance with these additional benefits can help you attract top talent and retain valued employees. It's a valuable benefit that shows you care about your team's well-being.

Peace of Mind in Case of Disability: Employers can rest assured that should one of their employees become disabled, they will be looked after. Employers are not obligated to provide additional assistance should the employee be unable to work, as disability benefits within the group insurance plan provide financial support during challenging times.

Tax Benefits: In many cases, the premiums you pay for group life insurance are tax deductible as a business expense, which can lead to potential tax savings.

Employee Morale: Providing this comprehensive safety net can boost employee morale and productivity. When employees feel financially secure, they tend to be happier and more focused at work.

Easy Administration: Group life insurance plans are relatively easy to manage. Insurers handle most of the administrative work, leaving you stress-free and with less paperwork.

No Medical Examinations: Many group plans don't require a medical exam, making it easier for employees with pre-existing health conditions to obtain coverage.

In summary, choosing group life insurance with life cover, critical illness, disability (permanent or temporary), spouse cover, and accidental death cover is a smart move for both employees and employers. It offers a wide range of financial protection, affordability, and peace of mind for employees, while businesses benefit from attracting and retaining talent, potential tax advantages, and a happier, more productive workforce. It's a win-win situation that demonstrates a commitment to the well-being of your team members while safeguarding the future of your business.

18

To find out more about how you can sign your business up for Inploy Group Life Insurance, SMS “Inploy” to “140444” or speak to your broker today.

A News Editor's View

Breaking the News Navigating mental health in a media-saturated world

N

amibia last month joined the rest of the world in marking World Mental Health Day in a bid to raise awareness and understanding of mental illness and the impact it has on people’s lives, and at the same time trying to break the stigma that continues to surround the topic.

The World Health Organisation estimates that globally 1 in 8 people (or about one billion people) are living with some form of mental health issue, while also pointing out that adolescents and young people are being affected in increasing numbers. Of course, this is not to say that there are one billion people who suffer mental illness (though, due to the stigma experienced across much of the planet, there could well be more) because mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness – just like physical health is more than just the absence of disease.

While I would hate to place the blame for this solely on the news industry, it is undeniable that the rise of the 24-hour news cycle and the barrage of information (much of it negative), or in the words of mental health professional, Dr. Don Grant, “media saturation overload”, people are exposed to on a daily basis plays a role.

Writing in the American Psychological Association’s Monitor on Psychology in 2022, Charlotte Huff explained, “though there is no formally recognised disorder or diagnostic criteria, many psychologists are seeing patients suffering from newsrelated stress and seeking guidance on how to help them.”

And a study conducted in the same year by Dr. Matthew Price from the University of Vermont in Burlington found an association between the amount of exposure to news on social media and more depression and PTSD symptoms. The only positive (yes, I am probably grasping at straws here…) that I can take away from the research for my primary news role (radio) is that a 2021 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that while “all types of news media consumption increased emotional distress, … television and social media exposure were more strongly associated.”

So what is the solution?

Well, Dr. Grant suggests turning off all notifications, adding tech-free periods to your day, not bringing phones to the dinner table, and limiting social media checks to 15 minutes.

Dr. Steven Stosny, who specialises in treating people suffering from anger and resentment, warns against taking a ‘cold turkey’ approach to cutting your news consumption, because doing that you could set yourself up for more

anxiety as “your imagination of what might be happening tends to be worse than what actually is happening.” But what about those who can’t?

Numerous surveys and studies, while of course not unique in this regard, have highlighted the negative impact journalism has on the mental health of those who practice it. A 2022 survey by the Canadian Journalism Forum on Violence and Trauma, for example, found that 69% of media workers selfreported that they suffered anxiety and 46% depression, while a systematic review of available studies published in the International Journal of Social Psychiatry found that the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among journalists is higher than that among the general population. Compounding this is what the authors of the 2023 publication Analysis: Mental health of journalists call “a sort of a cult of mental strength of journalists” that can lead to “ignoring, neglect and constant postponement of the need for professional or at least collegial help, and even a negative attitude towards it.”

While it may be harder for a journalist than a ‘normal’ person to avoid the news, the solutions to media saturation overload are actually universal. Things like mindfulness, downtime, selfcare, exercise and a support structure of friends and family can all make a difference when things get tough – but are of course no substitute for professional help and/or medication in cases where these are required. Also worth remembering is that none of us are immune and, as pointed out by numerous psychologists, stress can be cumulative, meaning that even small incidents can add up over time. Developing a good level of self-awareness and knowing ‘your signs’ can also help us notice a decline in our mental health and offer the chance to intervene before it turns into a full-blown breakdown.

Until next month: take care of and be kind to yourself, and, as always…

Enjoy your journey.

In the spirit of full disclosure (and trying to break the stigma), I am one of those previously mentioned 1 in 8 people, having been diagnosed with both clinical depression and anxiety, so mental health and wellness is a topic very close to my heart, and one I try to advocate for whenever I can.

David Bishop

FLYNAMIBIA NOVEMBER 2023

19

The Stellenbosch Market

20

Foodies

C

offee shops in the capital are plentiful, allowing the bean snobs and breakfast boffins to pick and choose from the variety.

While they serve fantastic coffee and a mean brekkie, the Stellenbosch Market is not just a coffee shop.

seasonal fruit, honey, yoghurt and muesli. That is a really long sentence, and yet, their breakfast menu is even longer!

Everything you crave about a toasted sandwich, be it on sourdough, whole wheat or white, is prepared fresh and served all day at the Stellenbosch Market. From 11am - 4pm, a delectable wrap of the honey mustard chicken variety, to name one, is definitely in order. Opt for the much loved goulash soup or Bratwurst & Bratkartoffeln and be delighted with wholesome goodness that celebrates the cuisine of Germany in Namibia.

Tucked into an inconspicuous corner of the marvellous Bougain Villas complex, the Stellenbosch Market oozes the rustic charm of a wine cellar meets roastery. In the winter months a wood burning stove toasts the interior, where classic bistro seating is deliberately scattered, creating Naturally, their cakes and fresh smoothies are a must, but what nooks for cosy coffee sipping among the humdrum of a truly makes the Stellenbosch Market more than a coffee shop, is barista machine and the fragrance of the unbeatable wine selection and that it warm baked goods. For the warmer is an ideal space for group brunches. months, outdoor seating overlooks the complex’s botanical courtyard from Imagine gobbling down the last crumbs What truly makes the of a Brötchen and lazily browsing lanky leather barstools and wooden countertops. Regardless where you park through South Africa’s finest varieties of Stellenbosch Market your breakfast or lunch entourage, an red, white, sweet and bubbly. Whoever is more than a coffee ambience of the old meets a menu of expecting you won’t be upset that they the new. join for lunch if you are waltzing shop, is the unbeatable didn’t home with wine. The Stellenbosch wine selection.

Mastering the art of our nation’s Market is also set to offer online wine beloved belegte Brötchen, tuck into the orders very soon, so be sure to check out perfect German-Namibian roll topped their new website when the time comes! with ham, camembert, mustard and caramelised onion, or avo, cheese and tomato. Better yet, build your own They have set aside weekends entirely for hosting events. masterpiece from the Stellenbosch Market’s selection of Think kitchen teas or baby showers, engagement parties or authentic local salami, fresh pesto, grilled chicken, yummy year-end lunches. Just you and your guests, in a room filled feta, and then some. Truth be told, you can never go wrong with the smell of croissants and coffee and ceiling-high with a Brötchen! shelves of South Africa’s very best wines.

Breakfast, which is served from 7 - 11am, offers a spread of bagels loaded with salmon and cream cheese or eggs and bacon, classic and fantastically fluffy omelettes, their own farm-style Namib brekkie of boerewors, mushroom, grilled tomato, bacon and eggs, or a health bowl filled with

The Stellenbosch Market is open from 07:00 - 16:00 on weekdays only, and can be reserved for private functions after these hours and on Saturdays and Sundays.

Charene Labuschagne

FLYNAMIBIA NOVEMBER 2023

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QUIZ

Which trendy home design style are you?

1. There is an empty wall behind the sofa in your home.

What do you do? a. b. c.

Thrift picture frames, paint them in candy colours, print out multiple pictures and create a gallery wall.

Add a floral print wallpaper and floating shelf topped with a candle and your great-grandmother’s portrait.

Move the sofa forward, place a bookshelf behind it and add a few plants to the selection of hardcover books.

2. If you could redo the floors of your house, what would they look like? a. b. c.

All the Persian rugs in the world and a concrete screed floor under them.

Chequered tiles in the kitchen and bathrooms, herringbone wood in the bedroom, and fluffy rugs everywhere else.

Light-stained hardwood floors throughout with the occasional sisal rug.

3. You have a few guests over for antipasti and wine.

What are you serving these in? a. b. c.

An eclectic mix of second-hand and heirloom glasses and serving plates, bread in a basket.

Embossed wine goblets and hand-painted ceramic platters you probably made yourself.

Gold-lipped crystal glasses, earthy toned Wonki Ware plates and a mirrored tray.

4. Let’s say you have a ground-floor apartment with a small yard. How would you style/landscape it? a. b.

c.

Hang a bunch of parasol umbrellas, add patterned cushions to furniture pieces and paint plant pots in different colours.

A wrought-iron garden set as the centrepiece, daisy lawn and lots of creeper plants for greenery, and fairy lights to tie it all together.

At least two citrus trees in large pots, a cobblestone walkway to a macrame hammock and a birdbath and feeder.

5. Good lighting is everything. How do you approach lighting in your home? a.

b. c.

Plenty of floor and table lamps with warm white bulbs. The fluorescent light in the kitchen is surrounded by hanging plants to dapple the harsh light.

As much natural light as possible, supplemented with a vintage chandelier, sconce lights, and candles for after dark.

A lava lamp, multiple pendant lights hanging from the ceiling, floor lamp with a leopard-print shade, and a neon sign with a quirky saying for good measure.

Scoring: 1. a-1, b-2, c-3. 2. a-3, b-1, c-2. 3. a-2, b-1, c-3. 4. a-1, b-3, c-2. 5. a-3, b-2, c-1.

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5 - 8 points: Maximalist More is more for the maximalist, where eclectic design styles from multiple influences converge.

You are not afraid to play with colour and patterns, and you are a master of making things, which would otherwise not be put together, look as if they belong. Maximalism is the new minimalism, and thank goodness, because you live outside the box, and thrive in organised chaos.

9 - 12 points: Cottage core Bringing the countryside to the city, cottage core celebrates the rustic charm or rural life with lots of vintage elements, natural tones and textures.

You love making your home feel cosy with florals, candles and perhaps a cat on the sofa, striving to create a rustic yet comfortable space that transports you to a cabin in the woods. Bonus points for fresh flowers on every surface, picked from your own garden.

13 - 15 points: Urban Oasis Bohemian meets dark academia in the urban oasis aesthetic.

Your vibe is all about blending the pleasures of modernity with the homey feel of wood, foliage and velvet. It is an elevated take on the 70s naturalist look, where organic shapes and neutrals combine to create a literal oasis feeling. Your home is your sanctuary and your plants are your children.

Home

Home-Makers to follow on Instagram

For the Maximalist @joshandmattdesign This Melbourne-based creative duo have amassed a following of over 800k on TikTok for their eclectic approach to decorating their home. Their stunning house is a manifestation of their creative minds put together, showcasing lots of colour, texture and a mosaic of influences. Josh and Matt share every bit of the ongoing process of making their house a home, including plenty upcycling and thrifting content. The duo is fun to watch, and their eclectic house, with a cute Cavalier King Charles Spaniel on the sofa, is ever evolving into the ultimate maximalist space – including a spectacular garden.

@taybeepboop The DIY queen, Tay, is a young interior decorator based in San Francisco. Her style is whimsical and colourful, and has attracted a few clients who have given Tay free reign on their home interiors. The result is a constant supply of fresh DIY content from her work and her personal home, with loads of tips and tricks that a girly maximalist can follow. A lot of her content is focussed on renter-friendly solutions, making her profile the go-to for young people who maybe can’t afford to buy homes, but still want to make an apartment their own with cost-effective and reversible decor.

For Cottage Core vibes @lonefoxhome Another DIYer, this time with a more classic and minimalist style, Drew, lives in a beautiful Spanish-style home from the 1920s. Over the past year he has been revamping and injecting his own branch of cottage core into the space, and the result is a moody, cosy and earthy-tone masterpiece. Drew is a fantastic inspiration for the novice home decorator who lives on Pinterest, but has no clue (or budget) for finding designer coffee tables. This home-maker’s style is equal parts wicker, wood, marble and leather.

@whittneyparkinson Interior architect and designer based in Indianapolis, Whittney’s Instagram is a consistent feed of beautiful farmstyle inspired kitchens, dark wood and floral wallpaper. Her take on cottage core has a darker, moody twist making for incredibly cosy spaces that make you want to buy a holiday cabin on a swamp. Whittney’s approach to crafting spaces for her clients include preserving the heritage and soul of older architecture and fittings, like doorknobs and light-fixtures, while updating it with fresh design elements that compliment and elevate old-world charm.

For Urban Oasis inspiration @where.ismyroom Jordi is a vintage and interior design lover who re-posts found images.

He tags and credits the designers or home-owners, making the account a sultry stream of urban oasis curated homes, without having to follow seven different people in the hope they post more pictures of their house. The magic of the images he shares is all in the lighting, be it a stunning shadow from a French window or the warm glow of a living room with only one light on.

Plants take pride of place and furniture is truly thoughtfully considered. It is dreamy and calming, and undoubtedly a design aesthetic that has staying power.

@benji_plant Central to the urban oasis home decor style are, you guessed it, plants. Benji Lee, based in Los Angeles, is a plant and design content creator (yes, it’s a thing, apparently) who mindfully tends to a variety of foliage in and around his very aesthetic home. He parents plants you might have never heard of before as well as a Chihuahua named Theo.

Japanese minimalism meets Scandinavian functionality in Benji’s home that features floor to ceiling windows and large bookshelves. He also regularly shares client homes where he has designed oasis-style gardenscapes for interiors and outdoor living areas.

Charene Labuschagne

FLYNAMIBIA NOVEMBER 2023

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Stand a chance to win NXA! Prizes 1 Prize st

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N$ 50 000 3rd Prize

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SCAN HERE.

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LOOK / LISTEN

Our monthly round up of good books, podcasts & series

WHAT WE'RE READING A Harvest of Thorns

by Corban Addison A garment factory burns to rubble in Bangladesh, immortalised by one shocking image of a young girl with a mask of fabric bearing the label of America’s largest retailer.

A year after the media frenzy, disgraced journalist Joshua Griswold receives an anonymous tip, presenting him with the irresistible opportunity to expose the retailer, and redeem his own reputation.

This book brilliantly uncovers the horrors of exploitation of the fast-fashion industry.

Why Woo-Woo Works

by David R. Hamilton, PhD During his career in the pharmaceutical industry, Hamilton was fascinated by the placebo effect, causing him to dive deeper into studying the mind-body connection. In his 11th book on similar subjects, he dissects the surprising science behind some of the most controversial alternative healing practices. Why Woo-Woo Works includes chapters on reiki, meditation, crystals and the law of attraction, and thoroughly demystifies them with extensive scientific research all listed in the bibliography.

WHAT WE'RE LISTENING TO Diary of a CEO Hosted by entrepreneur, speaker, investor and author Steven Bartlett, this podcast offers an unfiltered odyssey through profound conversations with some of the globe's most influential figures, scholars and visionaries. Steven delves into his guests’ past experiences and has a wonderful ability to showcase their personalities as he engages and entices them to open up and share with an honesty rarely glimpsed in conventional interviews.

One of our favourite episodes so far is Steven’s discussion with musician, artist and educational visionary will.i.am. The episode is titled will.i.am Opens Up: Guilt, Shame, Depression, Creativity & ADHD!

A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs This podcast traces rock music from 1938 and takes an in-depth look at 500 pivotal songs that defined and shaped the genre. If you love music and the intricacies and inspirations behind songs, this is for you. Tons of research goes into every episode and gives listeners interesting insights into the artists and how each song developed. It is also a great way to discover new music.

Our favourite episode is number 76: Stagger Lee by Lloyd Price

WHAT WE'RE WATCHING The Diplomat Kate Wyler (Keri Russell) faces an unexpected shift in her diplomatic career when the White House redirects her from Afghanistan to London. A seasoned US diplomat accustomed to operating in conflict zones, Kate's new role as the US ambassador to the UK presents her with unfamiliar challenges, forcing her to step into a more formal and high-profile position to navigate the tectonic implications of this change while striving to make a positive impact on the world stage.

Genre: Drama Where to watch: Netflix Rotten Tomatoes rating: 83%

Ted Lasso American college football coach Ted Lasso finds himself in London, taking the reins of AFC Richmond, a struggling English Premier League soccer team.

While coaching soccer may not seem like a natural fit for Ted, his unwavering optimism and down-home charm prove to be just what AFC Richmond needs, even though the team's owner hired him as part of a revenge plot against her ex.

Genre: Comedy Drama Where to watch: Apple TV Rotten Tomatoes rating: 90%

FLYNAMIBIA NOVEMBER 2023

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T

Salt at its best hroughout history, salt has played a pivotal role through trade routes, voyages of discovery, power struggles, religious ceremonies, agriculture, medical treatments and more. Not to mention adding taste to make the most delicious dishes in the world.

It is estimated that if all of the salt from the oceans could be spread evenly across the earth’s surface, it would form a layer the height of a 40-storey office building. If you consider that about 70% of the earth’s surface is covered with water, and 97% of that water is saline, it is clear that our planet has a lot of salt water. But where does all that salt come from?

Over time, dissolved carbon dioxide from rain, in the form of carbonic acid, erodes rock and ultimately carries salts and minerals into the sea.

Concentrated brine is pumped into the crystallisation ponds for final evaporation. NaCl crystallises on the pan floors and is harvested. Just before harvesting, the brine, now called “bittern”, is pumped away. The bittern contains various unwanted chemical impurities.

Salt crystals are ready for harvesting after 11 months. A harvesting machine, operated with a laser system, removes the layer of salt, which is now 150-180 mm thick, at a rate of 600 tonnes per hour.

After harvesting, the crude product is upgraded through a wash process to remove impurities such as calcium, magnesium and insolubles in order to meet a wide range of client specifications. Through a process of centrifugation, excess moisture and the remains of the chemical impurities adhering to the salt crystals are removed. This results in the final salt product, of which NaCl makes up more than 99.2%.

As Africa’s largest sub-Saharan solar evaporation salt mine, the traditional core business of Walvis Bay Salt is to produce, The product is either bagged in process and market sea salt in both various pack sizes or shipped in bulk bulk and bag formats for the local to various markets internationally.

The amazing colours of the and international markets. The Salt is used in the chemical industry mine processes approximately 100 produce chloride and caustic crystallisation ponds – dark to million cubic metres of seawater soda, which in turn are needed per annum to produce in excess for the production of synthetic pink, purple or red – are of 1.1 million tonnes of crude salt products such as plastic. A small caused by microorganisms annually, covering an area of more portion of the product is also refined than 5,000 hectares of land. All it such as the Dunaliella salina for human consumption. Unrefined needs is seawater, sunshine and salt is used in the agricultural sector. algae that thrive in the brine. wind – luckily in plentiful supply in the area.

The company’s main markets are Southern Africa, East and West Africa, Europe and North Located at the coastal town of Walvis Bay in Namibia, America. In addition to salt, the company also produces Walvis Bay Salt was established in 1964 through oysters of exceptional quality for the export market. the evaporation of seawater. Seawater contains an approximate 3.5% solution of a mixture of various salts, The salt pan system contains a myriad of living organisms with sodium chloride (NaCl) accounting for about 2.7% and microorganisms that sustains a great number of of seawater’s salinity. The process involves the pumping wetland birds such as flamingos and waders. It has been of seawater from the open lagoon area at a rate of 240 estimated that approximately 70% of all Lesser Flamingos cubic metres per minute into a series of evaporating ponds on the Southern African continent make use of the salt with progressively decreasing surface areas. With the pans and its surroundings as a feeding ground. The area has gradual movement of the water through the pond system, been identified as one of the three most important coastal the freshwater constituent of the saline broth evaporates wetlands in Africa. Annual bird counts conducted since 1983 because of solar heat and wind, resulting in a decrease in have indicated up to 140 000 birds at a time, and more than water content and an increase in salinity.

60 species have been identified.

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Advertorial

SALTY FACTS • • • •

•

• • • •

•

Salt was one of the greatest treasures of the ancient world.

Humankind found its way to salt by following animal paths to salt licks and so salt trails developed.

The oldest known salt production site is in the city of Provadia, Bulgaria, dating from about 4500 BC. Salt was used as currency in ancient Rome, and the roots of the words “soldier” and “salary” can be traced to Latin words related to giving or receiving salt.

Salt has had cultural significance in every religion from Buddhism to Christianity. Salt is mentioned often in the Bible, most famously when Lot’s wife was turned into a pillar of salt.

Salt was so valuable it was traded for slaves, which is where the expression “not worth his salt” or “not worth his weight of salt” originates from.

Someone who is the “salt of the earth” is a dependable, unpretentious person – a saying which originates from the Bible.

“Salting the earth”, however, refers to an ancient military tactic of ploughing fields with salt so that no crops could be grown.

Superstitions around salt had people believing that spilling salt meant bad luck. Throwing a pinch of salt over your left shoulder was a way to cast off evil.

Taking something with a “pinch of salt” means remaining sceptical about its truth, which relates to the fact that salt makes everything more palatable.

FLYNAMIBIA NOVEMBER 2023

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Breaking poverty cycles

I

n the heart of an informal settlement in Namibia, amid endless rows of corrugated iron shacks, hope shines through. It is the Ndeshy Pre-school, a haven enclosed by a simple wire fence, where the air carries the smell of dust and echoes with resilience. There is no grand gate. Upon entering this unassuming abode the curious faces of little learners peep through a protective net, welcoming you with excitement and shyness.

Extraordinary stories unfold in this ordinary classroom. Meet Ndseshaadha Aina Petrus, fondly known as Me Ndeshy, a determined force at the helm of this pre-school and daycare.

She embarked on this journey in 2016, driven by a deep desire to rescue children from the harsh realities of life on the streets. Her inspiration? A moving memory of a hungry fiveyear-old child digging for food in a dustbin. It ignited a fire in her. "On that day”, she recalls, "I said to myself, you need to do something".

Poverty and food insecurity cast a shadow over Namibia.

Informal settlements present daunting challenges for young children. Inadequate housing, sanitation and security cause parents to work long hours, leaving their children to spend most of their time in Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres. Informal settlements deal with issues of violence and alcohol abuse, with shebeens (unlicenced bars) dangerously close to ECD centres.

"The children come from difficult situations. Most of them don't bring food, only empty lunch boxes. I buy bread and discreetly put it in their lunch boxes so they won't feel left out during lunchtime among the other kids”, Me Ndeshy says.

ECD in Namibia faces two main issues: access and quality. A study by DNA Economics reveals that only 20% of Namibian children under the age of 6 have access to ECD centres, and that only 63% of educators are qualified. Miss Ndeshy had no formal training when she established the pre-school.

However, she was aware of the paramount importance of brain development from birth to age six. To provide the best foundational education for her little learners, she enrolled in the educarer training program run by Development Workshop Namibia (DWN).

DWN offers free training for ECD centre teachers as well as parental workshops, educating parents on the importance of psychosocial stimulation to prevent stunted growth.

DWN's training covers various topics, including child development, holistic development, learning through play and classroom management.

One significant challenge for Miss Ndeshy was the lack of restroom facilities. She often had to accompany groups of

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with Early Childhood Development ten children to a communal toilet several minutes away.

These communal toilets raised safety concerns due to their state of filthiness. Miss Ndeshy and the children's parents are immensely grateful to DWN for building a toilet facility equipped with a hand basin. To date, DWN has set up 31 sanitation facilities at various ECD centres across Namibia.

DWN further supports ECD centres by providing learning materials like worksheets, storybooks and stationery. Over the past 30 years, extensive research has highlighted the critical importance of the period from birth to eight years for human development. During those years the foundation for cognitive skills, emotional well-being, social competence and physical and mental health is laid. Investing in quality early childhood education significantly affects a child's educational trajectory. Children without access to quality ECD are more likely to struggle academically and face higher dropout rates, leading to social issues like crime, poverty, unemployment and substance abuse.

Children who receive high-quality ECD, on the other hand, do better in school, are more likely to graduate, have higher lifetime earnings, have healthier relationships and contribute positively to society. This investment is especially important in informal settlements, where a good start may change lives in a single generation.

The phrase it takes a village to raise a child rings true. It emphasises the collective responsibility to provide children with the best start in life. Parents and the extended family offer nutrition, love, care and play, while society ensures children's safety, happiness and health, with adequate support for parents.

In Namibia a common misconception revolves around the belief that Early Childhood Development is exclusively confined to ECD centres and pre-schools. It is important to clarify that ECD extends beyond these institutions and also takes place within the home environment. Simultaneously, it is essential to acknowledge that ECD centres and pre-schools play a critical role in fostering optimal brain development by seamlessly blending learning and play.

DWN and its partners are committed to being part of this village, contributing to the transformation of the nation and improved governance through investing in early childhood education.

So, as the sun sets on Ndeshy Pre-school, it illuminates the hope that each child's dawn will be brighter, filled with the promise of a future that knows no bounds.

Frieda Kakololo

Unlocking the beauty of Namibia

N

The NILALEG project

amibia, a land of stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity and diverse cultures, faces a unique challenge: balancing the preservation of its natural treasures with the pressing need to eradicate poverty. In this evolving tale of environmental conservation and human prosperity, the Namibia Integrated Landscape Approach for Enhancing Livelihoods and Environmental Governance to Eradicate Poverty (NILALEG) emerges as a beacon of hope and innovation.

Gone are the days when tackling environmental issues and promoting sustainable land management could be addressed through isolated efforts. Today, we find ourselves in a world where interconnected problems demand integrated solutions.

Enter NILALEG, a transformative initiative aimed at breaking the boundaries between nature conservation, agriculture and governance to create a harmonious coexistence between people and the environment.

A COMPLEX CHALLENGE: ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION AND POVERTY Namibia’s environmental degradation is not just about the land; it is about the people too. A staggering 70% of the population depends directly on natural resources for their livelihoods. As these resources diminish under the weight of an ever-growing population, the challenges of eradicating poverty and preserving the environment become intertwined like never before.

NILALEG recognises the urgency of this complex challenge and endeavours to change the narrative. It acknowledges that traditional sectoral approaches are no longer sufficient to address the multifaceted issues of poverty, biodiversity loss and food production. Instead, it offers an integrated landscape approach that connects conservation, agriculture, institutions and policies into a seamless tapestry.

THE AMBITIOUS GOALS OF NILALEG At its core, NILALEG seeks to revolutionise the management of Namibia’s rural landscapes. The project’s overarching goal is to reverse environmental degradation while nurturing sustainable livelihoods rooted in nature. In the absence of such an approach, the densely populated northern regions of Namibia are at risk of deepening poverty and inequality.

This downward spiral would come at the cost of forest cover, biodiversity, soil fertility and carbon sequestration, endangering the country’s global environmental commitments and national development objectives.

THE KEY OBJECTIVES OF NILALEG ARE CLEAR: •

Promoting integrated landscape management: NILALEG aims to bring an integrated landscape management

•

•

•

approach to key agricultural and forest landscapes, fostering sustainable livelihoods and biodiversity protection while restoring forests as essential carbon sinks.

Strengthening institutional coordination: The project seeks to enhance institutional coordination and governance mechanisms necessary for successful integrated landscape management.

Implementation and upscaling: Through on-ground efforts, NILALEG intends to implement the integrated landscape management approach in target landscapes and ensure sustainable financing for its expansion.

Knowledge management: A robust system for knowledge management, monitoring, evaluation, gender integration and impact assessment is pivotal to NILALEG’s success.

EXPLORING THE FOCAL LANDSCAPES OF NILALEG NILALEG encompasses a range of focal landscapes, each with its unique challenges and opportunities. Let’s take a closer look at some of them: • Omaoipanga landscape: Nestled in Namibia’s northwestern regions, this landscape features dry and semi-dry conditions. Livelihoods here revolve around livestock and seasonal crop farming, with a mix of ethnic groups, including the Ovaherero, Ovazemba and Ovahimba.

• Ruacana landscape: Spanning both Omusati and Kunene Regions, Ruacana boasts a diverse topography, from mountainous terrains to flat river basins. Livelihoods range from livestock farming to crop cultivation, with ethnic groups like the Ovandongona, San, Ovatua, Ovahimba and Aawambo making it their home.

• Okongo landscape: In the far eastern Ohangwena Region, Okongo stands out with its flat terrain, woodlands and a mix of livelihoods centred around livestock, dryland cropping and forestry. The Ovakwanyama and San communities are the heart of this landscape.

• Nkulivere landscape: Located in Kavango West Region, this flat landscape features sandy soils and woodlands, supporting rural livelihoods rooted in livestock, cropping and forestry. The Ovakwangali call this landscape their home.

• Zambezi landscape: Situated in the eastern part of the Zambezi Region, this flat landscape comes alive with the rhythms of the Zambezi and Chobe rivers. Livelihoods here include livestock, dryland cropping and the vibrant world of tourism and wildlife conservation, with the Mafwe and Masubia people at the forefront.

NILALEG is not just a project; it is a vision. A vision to transform the landscapes of Namibia, to uplift its people from poverty and to conserve its breathtaking natural heritage. As we journey through the pages of time, let’s keep a close watch as NILALEG weaves its magic, balancing the scales of prosperity and preservation in this remarkable corner of Africa.

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The Solution to Climate Change?

Human action!

A

ddressing climate change is a global effort.

Individual actions, while important, need to be complemented by collective actions at all levels of society. Collaboration among governments, businesses, communities and individuals is crucial to effectively mitigate and adapt to the challenges posed by climate change. Key takeaways from the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP27 held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, in November 2022 are to establish a dedicated fund for loss and damage associated with the catastrophic effects of climate change, limiting global warming to around 1.5 degrees Celsius, accountability for commitments made by businesses and institutions,

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more financial support for developing countries and the implementation of pledges made.

“The answer is in our hands and the clock is ticking. We are in the fight of our lives and we are losing: greenhouse gas emissions keep increasing, global temperatures keep rising and our planet is fast approaching tipping points that will make climate chaos irreversible,” United Nations SecretaryGeneral António Guterres said. Ahead of this year’s gathering, scheduled to take place at Expo City in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), from 30 November until 12 December, Guterres said human activity is the cause of the climate problem and emphasised that human action must be the solution.

According to a UN report, the seven biggest emitters – China, the USA, India, the EU, Indonesia, the Russian Federation and Brazil – accounted for around half of all global greenhouse gas emissions in 2020. Tackling climate change is a complex and multifaceted challenge that requires coordinated efforts at individual, community, national and global levels.

KEY STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS THAT CAN HELP ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE

Paris Institute of Political Studies, also known as Sciences Po, on various topics including climate change. He highlighted Namibia’s ambition to lead the fight against climate change, including mineral beneficiation and value-addition.

“This agenda now holds the potential to secure muchneeded energy for Namibia’s sustainable economic and social development. We aim to position Namibia to provide clean, affordable energy to the global economy through the production of green hydrogen,” President Geingob said.

•

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning to Cleanergy Solutions Namibia, a joint venture between the clean energy Ohlthaver & List Group (O&L) and CMB.TECH, started with • Shift from fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas) to the construction of Africa’s first public green hydrogen renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and refuelling station in Walvis Bay in September this year. The hydropower. station will supply hydrogen for trucks, port equipment and • Improve energy efficiency in buildings, transportation railway applications. This innovative project will include a and industry to reduce energy consumption.

10-hectare solar park with a hydrogen production facility • Use public transport, carpool, bike or walk whenever equipped with a 5 Megawatt Proton Exchange Membrane possible. electrolyser and a 5-MWh battery. In addition to this • Reduce waste project, a Hydrogen Academy will be established to advance • Implement sustainable agricultural practices that reduce hydrogen technology, boost local expertise and train future emissions and improve soil health. professionals in all aspects of hydrogen production and its • Plant trees and restore forests to absorb carbon dioxide applications for a sustainable future. from the atmosphere.

• Protect wetlands and oceans WORLD LEADERS MAKE SOLID PLEDGES AT AFRICA • Transition to sustainable lifestyles CLIMATE SUMMIT • Choose sustainable travel • Support policies and legislation At the Africa Climate Summit, held that promote renewable energy, in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi in reduction of emissions and climate Human action should September, world leaders made major resilience. financial pledges. The President of be the solution to • Elect leaders who prioritise climate COP28, Sultan Al Jaber, committed action and hold them accountable U$4.5 billion on behalf of the United climate change. for their promises.

Arab Emirates to help African countries Antonio Guterres • Stay informed about climate change accelerate clean-energy initiatives. issues and solutions.

According to a statement by the African • Share knowledge about climate Development Bank (AfDB), Al Jaber change and promote sustainable practices in your said he expected the U$4.5 billion to catalyse “at least community. an additional U$12.5 billion from multilateral public and • Prepare for the impacts of climate change by building private sources.” The US administration pledged U$3 billion resilience in your community, such as flood protection, annually for adaptation under the PREPARE initiative, with disaster preparedness and sustainable land use planning. an additional U$30 million to support climate-resilient food security efforts across Africa. The statement also NAMIBIA’S JOURNEY TOWARDS A GREENER AND MORE announced that the first $20 million would be allocated SUSTAINABLE FUTURE to the African Adaptation Initiative for its Food Security Accelerator. “The AfDB is committed to providing U$25 Speaking at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly billion toward climate financing by 2025,” AfDB President held in New York in September, Namibia’s President Hage Akinwumi A. Adesina said.

Geingob said the country is attracting new industries that want to take advantage of the cheap clean electricity and He further pointed out that the bank together with the Global molecules to be produced in Namibia. “One such pioneering Centre on Adaptation has launched the African Adaptation example is Hylron’s Oshivela project which plans to use green Acceleration Program (AAAP), the largest such initiative in hydrogen produced in Namibia for the first industrial iron the world, and is also implementing the U$20 billion Desert to production with net zero emissions. During the first phase Power initiative to harness solar power and deliver electricity of the project in 2024 an annual output of 15,000 tonnes to 250 million people.In addition, the Chairperson of the of direct reduced iron is planned,” Geingob said. According African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, called to the President, Oshivela will be one of the largest primary for a reform of the global financial architecture to meet production sites of green iron in the world and is expected Africa’s needs of at least U$1.3 billion a year to achieve the to sequester 27,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per sustainable development goals by 2030. year, which is equivalent to 50% of Namibia’s entire power industry today. Before returning to Namibia, President Geingob stopped over in France to deliver a lecture at the Maggie Forcelledo Paz

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Photography Credit: Andrew Ingo

Exploring

Martina Karny’s

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fashion journey

aised in the former Central European state of Czechoslovakia, Martina Karny embarked on a life-changing journey to Namibia back in 2005.

An academic turned fashion stylist and avid lover of Namibian fashion, Martina’s heart was captured by Namibia’s beautiful landscapes and the warmth of its people, particularly those in the creative sector.

When I met the stylish Martina for an afternoon interview over drinks, I was captivated by her immaculate presence.

Draped in impeccable hand-made jewellery, she was the picture of understated sophistication in a crisp white buttondown, snug denims and a wide-brimmed hat.

The jewellery she wears, she says, is almost always locally sourced – something she encourages more Namibians to do, given the amount of talent and craftsmanship that is found here.

THE BEGINNING OF A STYLE STORY As a teenager in the late 90s, Martina says she didn’t care much about fashion. Anything that her mom didn’t pick out was good enough for her.

“Now that I look back, I realise that even though I didn’t feel like I could dress well, I actually had my own sense of style from a very young age,” she says.

After she was nominated to sit on the model casting panel for the Windhoek Fashion Week, Martina’s work was recognised outside the music circles. In 2022 she worked with Miss Supranational as a co-stylist and she refers to the Drag Night Love Yourself campaign as one of her career highlights.

PROMOTING LOCAL TALENT Martina’s career has flourished mainly because of the support she receives from her peers, which she values deeply.

She actively strives to source most of her fashion pieces from Namibian designers, jewellery artisans and accessory designers. "I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with designers like Nikola Conradie, Ingo Shanyenge and Melisa Poulton. Working with them has been a joy, and I deeply admired the late Cynthia Schimming”, she emphasises.

Having lived in Namibia for almost two decades, Martina has fallen in love with Namibian culture. “There is so much creativity, we have amazing designers and so many great jewellery designers, I just wish more Namibians could support them.”

Considering herself an ethical There is so much fashion consumer, Martina despises creativity, we have fast fashion and she encourages amazing designers, I just fashion lovers to prioritise original Namibian designs.

wish more Namibians could support them.

As she grew older, her style evolved, shaped by various cultural influences, including the hit TV show Sex and the City.

THE BREAKTHROUGH Although Martina’s style has always been appreciated within her close circle, it took a few years before she gained national recognition. In a 2018 interview for the Best and Worst supplement of the newspaper The Namibian Martina's friend and Song Night founder, Lize Ehlers, called her the most stylish person she knew. In 2019, Lize solidified her admiration by enlisting Martina to style RMB Song Night contestants for the stage.

“We were always concerned about the way participants in the event looked. Working on this project gave me a lot of confidence because my work was being recognised. I started to get a lot of compliments on my styling work”, Martina says.

THE FASHION AGENDA

Like most Namibian fashionistas, Martina’s fashion calendar for the rest of the year includes the upcoming Fashion Week. This is where she usually scouts for emerging brands and the latest trends from local designers.

On a personal note, Martina is looking forward to a longoverdue trip to Europe, where she plans to visit her family.

And on the work front, Martina is preparing to launch her very own clothing line in the near future. “I want to learn how to sketch and how to sew so that I can start an upcycled fashion brand. After all, I can’t always be bothering my fashion designer friends”, she chuckles playfully.

To stay updated with Martina’s journey, follow her on social media. Facebook: @Martina Karny, Instagram: @martinakarny Rukee Kaakunga

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Book Review

When Hope Whispers Zoleka Mandela

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riter and activist Zoleka Mandela, the granddaughter of Nelson Mandela, has lost her battle against cancer.

She passed away on 25 September at the age of 43.

Those who have followed her story will know that Zoleka had a troubled past despite being born into South Africa's royal family. Her childhood was marred by sexual abuse from older male members of her family, an issue that she does not delve deeply into in her book When Hope Whispers. In her tender teenage years, Zoleka sought the approval of men to compensate for the lack of an emotional relationship with her biological father, a man she deeply admired. She found herself pregnant at the age of 16 with her first daughter, Zenani. Her life did not get any easier when her decisions led her down the road of drug and alcohol addiction.

who have travelled a similar journey through life and are trying to come out on the other side, as well as to all of us because we all encounter struggles in life. Her life serves as a lesson that we can find a semblance of hope on this road called life, whatever may come.

A while back I listened to an interview with Zoleka.

Journalist Mapaseka Mokwele said: You have gone through a lot, Zo – lost a daughter, overcame addiction, you have beaten breast cancer twice, were diagnosed a third time, and more.

Zo: So has everybody else.

Zoleka's decision to choose sobriety came after her daughter Zenani was tragically killed in 2010 in a car accident while travelling with her grandmother, Winnie Mandela. Still in the throes of her We all have our crosses substance abuse, Zoleka, not wanting to to bear. My cross may deal with the loss of her daughter, delved not look like yours. even further down a very dark road. The guilt of not having been able to be the mother that Zenani – or the infant son, Zwelami, whom she lost in 2011 – deserved, weighed heavily on her. She carried this burden of guilt to her death, knowing that Zenani never experienced the better version of her when she did eventually become sober.

This is what I will take from having read her book and having followed her journey: we all have our crosses to bear. My cross may not look like yours, but despite what life may bring our way, hope does indeed whisper when we learn to seek out pockets of joy.

Laimi Elago

The book goes into great detail about her first battle against cancer, from the diagnosis to her reluctance to undergo treatment and then to all 16 of her chemotherapy treatments.

Zoleka manages to articulate and describe what she went through, and one can feel the pain with every page read.

Fighting a battle against cancer is brutal not only for the sufferer, but it also takes its toll on the family who helplessly stand by and watch a loved one in indescribable pain.

Zoleka openly shared her life on social media, from her sobriety journey to her battles with cancer and the joys of motherhood. Zoleka's life will continue to give hope to those

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Photography Credit: Ixmucané Aguilar

Uaungura Tjonga

Phineas Hosea Puriza

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Unearthing shadows A visual chronicle of Nama and OvaHerero Resilience

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erlin-based visual artist and documentary photographer, Ixmucané Aguilar, moves and mediates in liminal spaces of remembrance, oral histories, unearthed heritage and generational, often undocumented grief. In her own words: “My journey as a visual artist and documentary photographer has been shaped by a complex interplay of personal experiences and broader socio-political contexts. The spark that ignited my passion for this form of expression started during my studies at the University of Arts in Berlin, but it can be traced back to my experience of growing up in political exile, during the civil war of Guatemala. This was a formative experience that left an indelible mark on my identity and the lenses through which I perceive the world.”

Yet, her commitment as an artist does not exclusively revolve around an autobiographical narrative. “My work is not limited to being a reflection of my subjective experiences, but rather becomes a window to transcend the limits of the autobiographical and interact with communities affected by political layers of violence in the face of social injustice”, she says.

Ixmucané Aguilar´s latest published work is an accompaniment to her 2022 solo exhibition Fraitaxtsēs sores tsîn ge ra≠gâ – Ondjembo Yo Null Vier and culminates this personal conviction into a communal experience.

“A book, with its enduring pages, possesses a timeless quality that transcends the confines of gallery walls. I felt an undeniable urge to transform my documentary work into a published art book out of concern for making a social reality that has long existed on the periphery of history as perpetual as possible”, the artist explains. “Much like the photographic exhibition, I have worked intensively on its production, meticulously attending to every detail that honours each portrait and narrative. In this sense, this book represents a symbolic closure of my artistic engagement with the Nama and OvaHerero communities, as it represents my commitment to returning these narratives and struggles to Namibia, where they belong.”

Fraitaxtsēs sores tsîn ge ra≠gâ – Ondjembo Yo Null Vier is a body of work on the genocide committed against the Nama and OvaHerero peoples by Imperial Germany in what is today’s Namibia. Aguilar worked closely, on a long-term basis, with different people of the Nama and OvaHerero communities, who vividly recall memories and rituals of mourning caused by the loss of life and land during the colonial occupation.

From this exchange emerges a compilation of visual work: portraits and video underlaid and overlaid by acoustics and text create her riveting artistic documentary.

Aguilar’s multi-faceted concept is a collective process. “It involves and embodies many minds, reflections, conversations

and people who lend perceptions to enrich the research process, both on practical and intellectual levels”, she says.

The project entailed extensive research and a close, sustained dialogue with individuals from multiple communities.

Aguilar travelled to remote areas in Namibia, providing her with a unique opportunity to get to know the genocide experiences, testimonies and perspectives from Nama and OvaHerero people through conversations and participatory engagements. “This initial stage allowed me to gain insight into the collective memory and heritage of Namibian communities, as well as the enduring impact of the historical trauma passed down through generations due to Germany's violent colonisation. I do not see myself merely as a photographer who captures faces and collects data.

Instead, I become part of the medium... for them to take the stage and authentically amplify themselves. My portraits are an integral part of my work. They shape and flow as part of a profound conversation, emphasising that the medium of portraiture is deployed as a means of empowerment“.

As the project developed, Aguilar ensured that the collected oral histories and cultural expressions were faithfully translated into a visual form. "The resulting body of work encompasses a range of artistic expressions, including a large series of portraits, a three- dimensional acoustic, and video installations. These visual elements were meticulously crafted into a multi-layered exhibition and art book, with the primary concern being to obtain a forum that honors the strength and resilience of the Nama and OvaHerero communities in the face of a genocide that has at times been ignored, largely underestimated and sometimes even denied.”

Aguilar`s motivation to document history stems from, as she puts it, “A commitment to social justice, a fascination with documentary, human perspectives, and a dedication to engaging with and highlighting stories and history of communities affected by political and historical violence through my artistic gaze.”

Madeleen Olwage & Ixmucané Aguilar

The Project Room - Namibia www.theprojectroom.com.na

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The next generation of gamers is here

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icture this: a virtual world where you reign supreme. That is the dream of Namibia’s first allfemale esport team, V-Fortis Fe.

Gaming is no longer just a pastime, it is a competitive sport with some of the world’s best athletes. It takes commitment and focus to get to the top. V-Fortis, one the first local esport teams, have been making waves at some of the biggest tournaments in the world.

In 2021 they sent their first female player to take part in an international competition, and earlier this year the first allfemale team was launched. V-Fortis had the vision to enhance esports presence in Namibia, and they have been successful.

The V-Fortis Fe team consists of Maja CyberGhost Carstens, Nicole Znix Cameron, Elzaan BestCoffeeTable van Loggerenberg, Elzanne DeadSmiley van Loggerenber and Bruce Lampie Lee. The players hail from Namibia and South Africa.

The team is primarily focused on taking part in Counter Strike tournaments. According to Maja they chose CS because of its massive popularity and because it stands out among other big esport titles. The team took part in the Girl Gamer Esports Festival earlier this year, even though the team was formed only a week before the start of the tournament.

Unfortunately, they didn’t advance to the finals.

“Our spirit remains unbroken. We are gearing up for an even stronger performance next year”, Maja said. The team is ready to take on some of the world’s best. They are practicing and getting ready for a few important tournaments later this year and next year.

“We are eagerly preparing for the ESA games this year, especially now that it will be played on the highly anticipated

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Counter Strike 2. Next year we are set on ramping up our efforts. The team has decided to adopt a stricter training regimen and possibly get an onboard coach for enhanced guidance”, Maja explained.

The team believes that their positive energy sets them apart from others. They might be a young team but they already have the chemistry that will carry them through challenging tournaments. Maja says that because of their connection they sometimes break into song during intense moments, especially during their webcam sessions.

One of their biggest challenges is balancing esports with their full-time jobs and home lives. They try to accommodate team members’ schedules for tournaments and practices.

They know they have to put in the hours because their goal is to be recognised as one of the best esport teams in Namibia and South Africa.

Maja has been part of Namibia’s national team and says that one of her most cherished memories is when she and her other female team members finished in fourth place at the International Esports Federation tournament in Bali last year.

The V-Fortis Fe team wants to encourage more women to take part in esports. Organisations like the Namibian Electronic Sports Association and Oryx Esports Namibia support players who want to go professional. Their games are streamed on the Ghostbusters channel on Twitch and on their individual streams.

They also encourage everyone to check out their X page (formerly known as Twitter) for information on their upcoming matches.

Barry de Klerk

Ready or not

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The path to school readiness

s parents we all want our children to have a smooth transition through each developmental phase. One of the more conspicuous phases is that from toddlerhood to formal education where we want them to thrive academically, socially and emotionally. But what does it mean to be “school-ready”? And how can we as parents, support and prepare our little ones for this exciting and often daunting journey?

Historically, readiness has been defined as two separate concepts: readiness to learn and readiness for school.

Readiness to learn is regarded as being observable and measurable traits and indicates a young child’s ability to receive purposeful instruction, whereas readiness for school indicates that the child is likely to be successful in a “typical” school context as related to workload, pace and curriculum.

This assumes that school readiness is both inherent to the child and that the child should be able to adapt to manage a school program and environment.

shoes and having responsibilities at home), they develop the perception that they are not capable enough.

Second to social and emotional development is the importance of nurturing language and communication skills.

Actively engaging with your child in conversation, without your mobile device competing for attention, consistently reading them bedtime stories and exposing them to opportunities to hear vocabulary in music and audiobooks, are some ways to meaningfully enrich their language development. Interaction with other children, in spaces other than their own homes, is important and will support language and social progress.

When children are able to express themselves verbally, they generally have better emotional regulation. If you are concerned about language delays it is important to contact a speech therapist to determine any inconsistencies.

Engaging your child in activities which promote problem– solving, critical thinking and decision-making skills is essential. Box constructions, building blocks, cooking and food preparation, chores such as making their beds, setting School readiness can be regarded as the product of the table and sorting the laundry can meaningfully support the interaction between this without becoming an a child and the range of additional thing to buy or tick environmental experiences and off a list for parents. The body human support provided, to is as essential as the mind and We all have our crosses to bear. physical development plays maximise their development.

This view of readiness echoes a significant role in school My cross may not look like the underpinnings of Russian readiness. As a parent you need psychologist Lev Vygotsky’s yours, but despite what life may to set the tone for prioritising theory of socio-cultural teaching movement. bring our way, hope does indeed and constructivism.

The theory Outdoor play, sports, arts and regards readiness to learn as whisper when we learn to seek crafts can all support both gross the instance where and when and fine motor development. out pockets of joy. children are successfully able to This includes the encouragement interact with their peers and their of healthy habits such as regular environments. An individual’s sleeping patterns, balanced development is thus, to a significant extent, a product meals and consistent limitations of screen-time and device and not a prerequisite of education and consequently, the usage. If you have any concerns regarding this, please contact result of their social, emotional and cognitive and cultural a pediatrician, educational psychologist or occupational experiences. These are the very factors that parents are able therapist for more specific information. to facilitate in many ways.

Above all, foster a love for learning in your child. Encourage While one might think that academic skills such as counting their natural curiosity and provide them with opportunities and letter recognition are most important, school readiness to explore their interests. Show enthusiasm and excitement extends far beyond these fundamentals. One such crucial about their achievements, no matter how small. Play with aspect of school readiness is the development of social your children – this is the cheapest way to promote all facets and emotional skills. Encouraging your child to engage in of their development. As with everything, consistency is key. cooperative play, sharing and taking turns can help build By instilling a positive attitude towards curiosity and learning, important social proficiencies. Likewise, helping them regardless of the outcome of a particular task or skill, you lay identify and manage emotions will contribute to their overall the foundation for perseverance and determination. well-being and allow them to navigate the ups and downs of life with greater ease. Academic propensities are given Jana Vermeulen vigor when children feel confident and have the belief that they can master difficult tasks. To acquire this, children need to have had exposure to opportunities where they attempt challenges on their own and learn how to navigate not getting it ‘right’ the first time. If children don’t do things for themselves (e.g. carrying their own bags, putting on their

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We will be free

An exhibition featuring artworks by Nicky Marais, Tony Figueira, Fillipus Sheehama, Namafu Amutse, Elisia Nghidishange, Maria Mbereshu, Jakobina Gideon, Rachel Sakeus, Ndinomholo Ndilula, Vilho Nuumbala, Petrus Amuthenu and Anne Lacheiner-Kuhn

Silenced Hope for Liberty 1

by Elisia Nghidishange

Remembering those that came before 1 by Fillipus Sheehama

FREE by Rachel Sakeus

Don’t agonise organise by Ndinomholo Ndilula

Hopeful by Jakobina Gideon

Entanglement i by Maria Mbereshu

Birds of a glittery feather

by Anne Lacheiner-Kuhn

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Berlin Wall Fall by Tony Figueira

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welve artists were invited for this exhibition to contribute works of art inspired by the song We will be free by Tschuku Tschuku featuring Nesindano Namises from the album Trance !Namib Freedom Station. The song is about reconciling the painful past while meditating on freedom and the future: “When the sun rises, when the morning comes, it will be alright.” It is a lament, an expression of what the late great artist John Muafangejo illustrates as “hope and optimism in spite of present difficulties.” The song We will be free asks us to ponder what it means to practise freedom from bondage, displacement and dispossession.

The exhibition shows artworks in a range of mediums, such as painting, photography, printmaking, textile, collage and mixed media. The participating artists are of different ages and experience levels, from the very well established to those who are just starting their careers. They represent the contemporary art scene in Namibia, which is diverse and growing at a pace. Given the musical reference that this exhibition draws on, the intergenerational selection of artworks highlights the popular use of rhythm that has historically manifested itself through the subjectivities and traditions in Namibian art. They are works not only meant to be viewed but also to be listened to.

The photographs by Vilho Numbala, Rachel Sakeus and Namafu Amutse focus on individual people. Numbala’s street style photography captures the transitory moment of a stranger dancing on the street. In contrast, Sakeus and Amutse present images of people they know well. Amutse’s siblings pose for her in the series Soft and Chrysalis. They are young boys whose identities are still being formed in the context of hegemonic narratives about masculinity and being black. Through her work Amutse tries to create a space for her subjects that is free of these stereotypes.

Sakeus, for her part, presents a portrait of a friend, head tilted back, enjoying a moment of calm, a moment of selfproclaimed freedom.

Unlike the person photography of the three younger artists, the works of Tony Figueira, selected from his archive and exhibited with the permission of his estate, span three decades and focus on hand-painted texts. From graffiti and signage to murals, these images come together as a record of the ways in which people have memorialised Namibia’s difficult struggle for freedom from South African apartheid rule and its aftermath. The broader context of these images draws a parallel with the works of Ndinomholo Ndilula whose toy soldiers appear again and again in the Komesho Art Series, trying to relocate themselves in a post-conflict society.

Viewing the work of Elisia Nghidishange we are also faced with the truth that any meditation on freedom comes with the baggage of its counterpart. The topic of Nghidishange’s linocuts is the struggle itself. “Freedom does not come as a package of gifts, we shall fight for it, we shall arise and redeem our dreams of hope,” she says.

There is a strong history of linocut printmaking in Namibia.

The legacy of John Muafangejo looms large with his gentle determination to depict the world as he saw it. In this exhibition we see a new generation of printmakers continuing that tradition. Petrus Amuthenu, Fillipus Sheehama and Elisia Nghidishange are all using linocuts.

Amuthenu and Sheehama draw heavily on the motif of birds

as a rich metaphorical basis from which to explore. Whereas Amuthenu’s birds are in flight or about to take off, we see Sheehama’s birds at rest, often depicted with their nests.

Sheehama incorporates Aakwambi traditional knowledge, in which birds are a symbol of protection and nurturing. Much of Sheehama’s work is centred on the importance of preserving traditional knowledge. In various African mythologies, birds represent the highest state of perfection and form of life. As such, they are seen as agents of ‘future-pasts’, embodying the afterlife and futurity of the human soul.

Moving away from broader societal dynamics to the deeply personal, Jakobina Gideon and Maria Mbereshu contemplate freedom from the perspective of their individual experiences.

Mbereshu’s works Inside and Entangle reflect her desire for solitude and self-determination. She expresses herself through painstakingly produced textiles, each one created in silent meditation. Gideon’s abstracted portraits are born out of a particular experience in which she has overcome a specific challenge. "When I first listened to the song We will be Free it felt like an answered prayer from my ancestors.

It was an acknowledgment of my own personal journey of figuring life out and the seemingly never ending troubles that come with it," Gideon says.

Anne Lacheiner-Kuhn’s collages of archival photographs from the construction of the Swakopmund shooting range during the apartheid era are overlaid with carefully chosen magazine images and rest on a backdrop of colourful, abstract watercolour. With these pieces Lacheiner-Kuhn contrasts the joy of contemporary freedoms with bleak images of the past. Adding to the themes of transition, change, movement and mobility, which various pieces in this exhibition touch on, the paintings of Nicky Marais remind us that there are many roads to freedom. In this case freedom is not an end product but a process of collectively navigating paths, roads and journeys towards home. In the words of the song that inspired this exhibition: "Ngenge etango ole uya otashi ka enda nawa….ngele okwashi otashi ka enda nawa (When the sun comes up everything will be fine)."

The exhibition was first presented in June 2023 in Makhanda, South Africa.

Exhibition opens on 4 November, 11:00 Venue: The Sweet Side of Thingz Café, Independence Avenue, Windhoek, Namibia Nashilongweshipwe Mushaandja and Helen Harris

Follow the link to listen to We Will Be Free on soundcloud: www.m.soundcloud.com/tschuku-tschuku/we-willbe-free-ft-nesindano-namises.

www.startartgallery.com

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Advertorial

Standard Bank ranked in the

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top 20% of Forbes World’s Best Employer Awards 2023

orbes has named Standard Bank as one of the World’s Best Employers in 2023. The selected candidates who made it onto this prestigious list reads like the who’s who of global business. Of the thousands of companies surveyed, Standard Bank ranked in the top 20 percent of the 700 companies on the final list – a testimony to their purpose of driving sustainable, inclusive growth in Africa through their position as the leading financial services organisation on the continent.

According to Standard Bank, “Being included on this list is testimony to the combined energy and effort that our 50, 000+ people put in every day to make Standard Bank a great place to work. It is only through their dedication that we are able to bring our purpose and strategy to life in service of our clients and society at large.”

Only seven of the companies making it to the list are from Africa. According to Forbes, “Globally, the labour market can vary greatly by country. The Future of Jobs Report 2023 from the World Economic Forum indicates that jobs are more plentiful in higher-income countries than they are elsewhere.

But there are jobs everywhere, in all shapes and sizes – and with more remote and hybrid roles harnessing innovative ways for teams to connect worldwide.”

The Forbes list is compiled in partnership with Statista. It uses rigorous independent surveys with a diverse sample of over 170,000 employees from 55 countries. Respondents are asked whether they would recommend their company to others, and to rate their employer based on criteria such as talent development, remote working options, parental leave benefits, diversity, work-life balance and pride in the product or services the company offers. What makes this collection unique is that it relies on anonymous feedback from employees, avoiding any influence from employers.

The research focuses on determining people’s willingness to recommend their employer brands and their overall satisfaction with various work-related aspects.

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Speaking about the awards, Standard Bank noted that they remain deeply committed to being an employer of choice in Africa by creating an environment in which people are engaged in meaningful work, have opportunities to grow, are empowered to perform at their best and feel a strong sense of belonging and connection to the company’s purpose.

The Standard Bank vision is to be the leading financial services organisation in, for and across Africa, delivering exceptional client experiences and superior value.

When asked what employees look for in workspaces in 2023, research suggests that some of the most important factors include an inclusive workplace, mental health benefits and flexibility in their workplace. According to various surveys, on average more than half of employees want at least some flexibility – meaning they are looking for workspaces that offer working remotely at least part of the time. According to the Talent Insight Group, “Particularly critical for the millennials and Gen X employees who now make up 46% of the workplace is a sense of shared values and purpose with an employer. Candidates are looking for employers that have a positive, diverse and inclusive company culture.”

Standard Bank is guided by the purpose Africa is Our Home, We Drive Her Growth. The foundation of that growth are the people who show up to perform their duty everyday to make an impact, not only for their clients, but also their fellow colleagues and most importantly themselves. The spirit of inclusion and acknowledgement that the group has fostered is testament to their success, and the happiness of the employees to be a part of this powerhouse brand.

Kirsty Watermeyer

99FM ROYAL HUSTLERS

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ith only 10 years of experience in various marketing positions, Denille Roostee finds herself in the role of Group Executive for Marketing at Momentum Metropolitan Limited, Namibia. She lives her values, walks the walk and makes time for the most important part of her life: her family. Denille shared her journey and continuing search for balance in a highly demanding industry, and her advice for living a life of meaning.

Denille was blessed with “solid parents” and deep-rooted family values. Speaking of her folks, she says, “They didn’t talk about values, they lived them… They walked the walk.” And now, whether in the office or at home with her teenage daughter, Denille leads by serving. “Stay humble”, she says. “Which doesn’t mean you should be a walk-over. Use your authority, exercise your mandate, but do it with the purpose to serve those around you.”

While she constantly strives for better, Denille is comfortable with failure. “My imperfections keep me grounded, that’s for sure”, she says. “And it’s everyday you get to face your imperfections.” Her advice to those who want to get where she is: “Failing, failing often. Once you get comfortable with failing, you’re on the right track.”

Denille openly admits that balancing work and family is difficult at times. Meeting deadlines can upset the balance. “Let’s be honest, it’s a continual mission”, she confided. “Like any juggler Leading by serving starts off missing a few balls you might still drop a few but it gets less. Just don’t drop the glass ball: family!”

Denille Roostee

Denille’s career is built on an academic foundation.

A Bachelor of Business Administration in managerial sciences from the University of Stellenbosch was followed by post-graduate diplomas in marketing and advertising from the Red & Yellow Creative School of Business and in business and administration from the University of Stellenbosch Business School. She also holds an MBA from the University of Stellenbosch Business School and completed the Design Thinking Innovation programme at Maastricht University in the Netherlands.

She is energetic and enthusiastic about her team at Momentum Metropolitan.

“I love the team I get to work with. When we start engaging, it’s pure energy!

That’s the best part.”

Denille Roostee has worked in marketing and advertising in Namibia for more than ten years. Most of those were spent in the insurance industry, where she started as a marketing consultant at Old Mutual and worked her way up the ranks to group marketing manager.

She then joined Sanlam, where she was responsible for the group's marketing, communications, brand and corporate social responsibility (CSI) initiatives.

Proudly Sponsored by

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Discover the fascinating story of Cymot spanning 75 years! Get ready to journey through time with us in the next few editions as we delve into the rich history of this iconic brand.

2004 Opened the Katutura and Rosh Pinah branches.

2006

Concluded BEE deal with STIMULUS. Opened the Otjiwarongo branch.

2008

Opened the new Walvis Bay branch.

2010 Revamp of Windhoek City Centre branch completed.

Opened the Lobito branch in Angola.

Tel: +264 61 295 6000 Email: info@cymot.com 46

since 1948

®

Events infused with creative connection at BELLHAUS Atelier & Galerie

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cocktail or engagement party, a book launch or workshop, yoga or a musical performance. Imagine them hosted in an art gallery.

At BELLHAUS Atelier & Galerie we open our antique doors and picturesque courtyard to host memorable events of variety. As a creative space, the art gallery welcomes artists, performers, musicians and lovers of the arts to build dreamscapes and visionary events on our canvas corner of Windhoek’s Grüner Krantz complex. For organisations, business groups or individuals craving an out-of-the-ordinary year-end function or presentation space, BELLHAUS is a home (Haus) for infusing creative connection.

White-washed walls and high ceilings paired with exposed trusses and dappled natural light characterise the interior space. The gallery also has an airy foyer, adding another dimension and transitional space for your event. Leading up to the gallery is an expansive enclosed outdoor space, large enough to host concerts or even an intimate wedding reception.

An enticing privilege when exhibitions or events are spanning 10 days or more, is the opportunity to craft the mural space on Bell Street, painted to depict clients’ branding ideals and undoubtedly stirring intrigue that surpasses just the gallery space.

All of our packages include exclusive use of the gallery’s indoor and outdoor spaces, event setup and a team member present throughout the event to ensure everything runs smoothly, as well as your preferred interior decoration plus the exhibitions on display at the time of your unforgettable event.

To book your event at BELLHAUS Atelier & Galerie, contact hello@bellhaus.art.

Photography credits: Shawn van Eeden & supplied

Having been a home to numerous exceptional events, including corporate milestone celebrations, book launches, yoga sessions and most recently the Onguza Bicycles' pop-up shop and showroom, the BELLHAUS Atelier & Galerie team is here to assist you in crafting captivating experiences. Our gallery’s interior can host 30 people seated or 50 standing, and combined with the outdoor space, we welcome grand celebrations of up to 200 guests.

FLYNAMIBIA NOVEMBER 2023

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Advertorial

Bridging the Gap Empowering Namibian youth through sports

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articipation in sport offers children mental, emotional, social and physical health benefits. It is a well-known fact that children who participate in sport learn how to overcome adversity while they develop strength and endurance. However, the benefits reach beyond the children and also impact their families and their communities.

Debmarine’s Bridging the Gap initiative was launched in 2019, and is a platform for young athletes to test their talents at the highest level. Participating at national level is the best preparation for competing on the international stage, which is essential for any young sportsperson’s talent development.

In what has become a grand display of sporting talent, 780 young learners from all 14 regions of Namibia recently concluded this year's Bridging the Gap regional finals at the United Sports Field and Independence Stadium in Windhoek. The event is a collaboration with the Namibia School Sport Union (NSSU), and is driven by a N$3 million investment from Debmarine Namibia.

As an added incentive, renowned Namibian sporting personalities were invited to share their inspirational journeys and insights at the event. Some of these exceptional talents included athletics icon Christine Mboma and international football star Lazarus Kaimbi, who until recently played for PDRM Football Club in Malaysia and is a former Brave Warriors player. These distinguished athletes captivated the youth with their words of encouragement.

Willy Mertens, CEO of Debmarine Namibia, commended the learners for their active participation in the tournament.

He emphasised that such competitions not only provide opportunities for top-performing individuals to be scouted but also open doors to potential scholarship offers. Moreover, they act as a significant boost to learners’ self-esteem.

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After two intense days of competition, the Kunene Region emerged as football champions for the first time, defeating the //Karas Region in a thrilling final, while Oshana secured the bronze medal. On the athletics front, the host region of Khomas dominated, claiming the gold medal, with Otjozondjupa and Omusati securing silver and bronze respectively. In netball, Khomas secured the gold after defeating Omaheke in the finals, with Kavango East securing the third-place position.

During the awards ceremony, Irvine Ndjavera, deputy director of School and Community Sport in the Sports Ministry, noted that he had observed netball games being officiated by young umpires under the guidance of national umpires from Netball Namibia (NN) and suggested that young, passionate umpires be trained at school level, providing them with opportunities to pursue their talents from a young age.

As Willy Mertens of Debmarine Namibia said, “The manifold benefits that sport offers individuals and society at large are well documented. We have shown that Namibia can compete on the world stage, and I am sure that with targeted investment in sports infrastructure, we will be competitive on the international stage. Through our sponsorship of this competition, our aim is twofold: to enhance sport at grassroots level among the youth and to conduct school outreach programmes that raise awareness of the career opportunities linked with marine diamond recovery.”

Kirsty Watermeyer

Economic Pulse

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Have interest rates peaked?

t is a well-documented fact that countries across the world have been hit by multiple crises in recent years that have sent prices of goods and services soaring.

These include pandemic-era supply chain bottlenecks, repercussions stemming from the conflict in Ukraine, and an escalating energy crisis.

These events resulted in central banks globally rushing to increase interest rates in an almost synchronised attempt to tame inflation. Now, nearly two years after they started the most aggressive monetary policy tightening in decades, the question on everyone’s lips right now is whether enough has been done for central banks to finally start taking their foot off the brake? There is unfortunately no simple answer to this at the moment as such decisions will very much be data dependent going forward and will likely vary from country to country.

What makes these decisions difficult is the fact that while inflation has been steadily moderating in the majority of regions globally, it continues to trend well above the target levels of most central banks. We have seen several monetary policy committees leaving rates unchanged at their respective September meetings, suggesting that their current policy stances might be restrictive enough for inflation to continue slowing over the coming months. However, none of them are brave enough to call this the definite end of the hiking cycle, as upside inflationary risks clearly remain present.

In the US, members of the Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve System opted to leave the country’s benchmark interest rate steady at a 22-year high in September, which is keeping with the bank’s strategy of moving more carefully in the latter stages of the fight against inflation. The officials, however, signalled support for another rate hike in the latter stages of this year. What concerns them is that the US economy has remained remarkably strong despite rapidly rising interest rates. The excess savings that consumers built up during the pandemic have still not been depleted, and consumption growth remains resilient and the labour market strong, which could keep inflation elevated.

However, overtightening poses risks for banking, financial services and the real estate market, as consumers’ ability to repay their debt fades.

Meanwhile, in Europe, policymakers at the European Central Bank (ECB) are cautiously optimistic that inflation is on its way back to 2% even without further rate increases. The ECB raised its key interest rate to a record high of 4% in September but signalled that its 10th consecutive hike may be its last –

IJG believes in tailoring their services to a client’s personal and business needs.

For more information, visit www.ijg.net.

for the time being at least – as the European economy was slowing and could even dip into recession.

Closer to home, recent commentary from the members of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) have been particularly hawkish. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) left rates unchanged at a second consecutive meeting in September.

It was, however, not a unanimous decision, as two of the five members voted for a 25-basis-point hike, making it another “hawkish pause”. The governor has made it clear that “the job of tackling inflation is not yet done”. Some upside risks to the inflation outlook have reasserted themselves, including a rapid rise in the oil price and a depreciation of the rand. A final 25-basis-point increase at the end of the year is therefore not completely off the table yet.

The Bank of Namibia (BoN) will likely mimic any rate decisions by the SARB in the short term. Domestic inflation has started picking up in recent months, rising from 4.5% in July to 5.4% in September, primarily on the back of fuel price increases. In August, the BoN left rates unchanged, leaving the 50-basis-point spread between Namibia and South Africa’s repo rates unchanged for the time being. Because of the currency peg to the rand, the BoN tends to place more focus on the country’s foreign reserve levels than on inflation.

The governor again mentioned that the BoN has seen capital outflows of around N$10 billion during the first seven months of the year, compared to N$6 billion worth of outflows over the same period in 2022. These are the same figures he cited during the MPC announcement in June, meaning that there were no material net outflows since.

None of the high-frequency economic indicators suggest that it is necessary for the BoN to hike rates further at this point, therefore the BoN’s decision makes sense to us, especially as the non-performing loans of the commercial banks continue to slowly deteriorate and private sector credit uptake remains lacklustre.

No central bank can or will call this a definitive end to the monetary tightening cycle, as inflationary risks clearly remain to the upside. A fresh round of geopolitical instability has resulted in volatile oil prices, adding to the risks stemming from the expected El Niño weather pattern. Central banks will therefore be wary of claiming victory too early in their fight against inflation, and at present we see it as unlikely that rates will be cut before the middle of 2024.

Danie van Wyk

NETWORK

FLYNAMIBIA NOVEMBER 2023

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A monthly wrap-up of News Worth Knowing TELECOM TO ROLL OUT 500 NEW TOWERS TO IMPROVE COVERAGE Telecom Namibia plans to roll out 500 new mobile towers in the next five years as part of its plan to improve infrastructure and increase mobile coverage in the country.

“(A document) will be issued to our Ministry so that the Ministry can exempt some of the taxes that are imposed on the devices and the hope is that we can then flood the market with those affordable devices so that we can then address the issue of affordability of devices,” she said.

On that same note, Nghikembua highlighted that the affordability of devices is only a small part of creating accessibility to the internet.

The telecommunications company’s rollout of mobile towers is in line with its existing plan to lay out fibre worth N$300 million.

She said some regions are outliers when it comes to internet connectivity with connectivity as low as 49% for regions such as Kunene, Otjozondjupa, Kavango West and Omaheke.

“For Telecom Namibia, we have taken two strategies, the first one is our mobile coverage in the next five years we need to be rolling out 500 new mobile sites, secondly, it is on the fibre rollout we have the biggest footprint in terms of fibre in the country and we've got a N$300 million plan for fibre rollout across the whole country,” Telecom Namibia CEO Stanley Shanapinda said.

“Some of the work that we have done is that firstly we have just awarded additional spectrum to the operators so that they can increase, especially 4G connectivity… And this is why the new license conditions that we have posted are to improve connectivity in those regions,” Nghikembua said.

Telecom Namibia is planning to more than double its investment in network upgrades under its Integrated Strategic Business Plan, aiming to make its data and interconnection faster, increasingly reliable, and more secure.

The telecommunications company has initiated several projects to upgrade its core, backbone, and backhaul networks, including the replacement of legacy access systems with next-generation access systems capable of delivering high-speed data transmission.

Telecom Namibia has stated that it requires N$2.371 billion in funding to sustain its capital projects from 2023 to 2027.

It is reported that there are 1.37 million internet users in Namibia while internet penetration stands at 53.0% with a total of 2.81 million active cellular mobile connections.

CRAN PROPOSES SCRAPPING TAX ON ELECTRONIC DEVICES The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has proposed the removal of tax on some electronic devices to ensure affordability and accessibility.

The regulator’s Chief Executive Officer, Emilia Nghikembua, said CRAN is working on a study that will be issued to the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology to review taxes that are imposed on some of the devices.

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According to the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, 49% of the Namibian population still has no access to the internet.

FISH EXPORTS SURGE TO N$1.2 BILLION IN AUGUST Namibia's fish and aquatic exports, including fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates, reached a total value of N$1.2 billion in August with the majority of exports destined for Spain.

The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) reports that the N$1.2 billion includes N$14.3 million from re-exports, while imports of the same commodities amounted to N$45.5 million during the same month.

According to the data, fish and aquatic exports reached the highest value of N$1.6 billion in June 2023 and the lowest at N$695.8 million was recorded in November 2022.

According to the Namibia Merchandise Trade Statistics Bulletin for August 2023, the country imported N$45.5 million worth of fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates in August 2023, with a significant portion coming from South Africa.

During the second quarter of 2023, Namibia's fishing industry experienced remarkable growth, with exports reaching N$4.1 billion compared to N$3.2 billion during the same period the previous year.

MARY VILAKAZI BECOMES THE FIRST WOMAN TO HEAD FIRSTRAND FirstRand has announced key leadership changes at the group, with both group CEO Alan Pullinger and FNB CEO Jacques Celliers moving on from their roles.

According to the group, Alan Pullinger will step down as group chief executive officer (CEO) and will be succeeded by Mary Vilakazi, currently group chief operating officer (COO).

FNB CEO Jacques Celliers will be stepping down and taking up a new role taking executive responsibility for the group’s fintech strategy. He will be succeeded by FirstRand group chief financial officer, Harry Kellan.

The changes will take effect from 1 April 2024.

Vilakazi joined FirstRand as group COO in 2018 from MMI Holdings, where she held the roles of chief financial officer (CFO) and deputy CEO. As one of three FirstRand executive directors, she has worked closely with Pullinger on strategy execution and successfully led a number of key growth and diversification strategies.

GIPF INVESTS N$2.2BN IN NAMIBIA’S RENEWABLE SECTOR Namibia’s largest pension fund, the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) has to date committed N$2.2 billion (US$123 million) and invested N$1,110 million (around US$62.15 million) in the country’s renewable energy sector, official figures reveal.

The investments by the Fund –with assets of over N$159.5 billion (US$9 billion) as of 31 July 2023 – mainly in solar energy, have to date created a generation capacity of 104.42 megawatts.

According to the GIPF, it is also looking into the possibility of investing in wind generation, with total renewable energy projects in the pipeline worth N$134 million (around US$7.8 million).

According to the GIPF, it only considers projects that meet its financial return (hurdle rate) requirements, and which also have a defensive position such as reliable off-takers. One such project is the Omburu Solar Power Station which was connected to the national grid in March last year and is located in Omaruru.

Omburu consists of 33,000 solar panels and 100 inverters and can supply 20,000 Namibian households with clean renewable energy via the NamPower grid.

Omaruru was deemed an ideal location for the power station, following an Environmental Impact Assessment, which is mandatory for all projects that could have a significant impact on the environment. Omaruru was found to be an ideal location for a solar plant due to the region’s sparse annual rainfall, which translates to an abundance of sunshine.

The Omburu Solar Power Station experiences around 8,760 hours of sunshine annually, with approximately 300 sunny days out of 365, and 33% of these hours provide maximum output.

AVIATION TRAINING CENTRE AT KEETMANSHOOP TO COMMENCE OPS IN 2024 The African Civil Aviation Centre of Excellence (CoE) should be able to commence operations in July next year, a feasibility study conducted through collaboration between Tampere University of Finland and the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) has revealed.

The report estimates that in its first year, the centre will be able to train 114 people and 766 in the year 2028.

In terms of revenue, the centre is projected to generate N$3,984,700 in the year 2024 and N$59,898,000 by the year 2028.

FLYNAMIBIA NOVEMBER 2023

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GOLD IS IN PEOPLE

PEOPLE ARE GOLD ATUSHE VAMWE, WE ARE ONE!

GIVING BACK TO THE COUNTRY MORE THAN WE TAKE FROM THE GROUND

B2GOLD NAMIBIA NURTURING BRIGHTER FUTURES THROUGH EDUCATION B2Gold Namibia together with the Ministry of

investing in education is investing in the future

Education, Arts and Culture recently hosted an

of Namibia and demonstrates the Company’s

event to celebrate a remarkable partnership and

dedication to the well-being of the communities

commemorate the impact of B2Gold Namibia’s

where it operates.

Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programmes, particularly in the field of education.

Education forms the largest pillar of B2Gold Namibia’s CSI programmes. In 2023 alone, B2Gold

The event, held in Otjiwarongo, on 21st September

allocated NAD 7.2 million towards educational

2023, is a testament to B2Gold’s commitment to

initiatives in the Otjozondjupa region. This

the philosophy of triple-bottom-line reporting:

investment showcases B2Gold’s determination to

people, planet, profit. This philosophy underpins

nurture the educational landscape and harness

B2Gold Namibia’s extensive national CSI portfolio,

the intellectual potential of the region.

which focuses on four pillars: health, education, arts and culture, livelihoods, and environment.

Since 2014, B2Gold’s partnership with the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture has supported

B2Gold understands that education is the

various educational initiatives in Otjiwarongo and

cornerstone of progress, a beacon of hope for

Otavi, focusing on improving school infrastructure,

the next generation, and the key to unlocking

providing essential tools and teaching

the potential within every individual. For B2Gold,

equipment, and enhancing the capabilities of dedicated teachers.

Ombili Primary School Principal, Ms Irya IIpinge received their 2023 support of N$4.9 million.

SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE:

TEACHER’S CAPABILITY ENHANCEMENT:

During the handover ceremony, John Roos,

• construction of classrooms at the Otavi

• funding an additional science teacher at

B2Gold Namibia Country Manager, spoke about

Primary School, Shalom Primary School, and

Otjiwarongo Secondary School, ensuring

how the Company’s commitment to sustainable

Khorab Secondary School in Otavi;

quality science education;

development aligns with the Government’s Fifth

SOME EXAMPLES OF THIS SUPPORT INCLUDE:

National Development Plan (NDP5), Vision 2030, • construction of a school hall at Karundu

• provision of textbooks and maintenance

Primary School and the renovation of the

of school infrastructure at Otjiwarongo

dining hall at Paresis Secondary School in

Secondary School since 2015;

Otjiwarongo; and • support to the Otjiwarongo Teachers • the ongoing construction of Ombili Primary School in Otjiwarongo is due for completion

within every pupil, empowering teachers, and creating a brighter future for all. The partnership between B2Gold Namibia, the projects they

Little Shop of Physics (LSOP) programme,

• provision of machinery and equipment to

equipment; its about nurturing the potential

storage devices, books; and • promotion of science education through the

TOOLS AND TEACHING EQUIPMENT:

of these projects transcends infrastructure and

Resources Centre with computers, printers,

by 2025; it will provide education to over 1,600 learners from grades 1 to 7.

and the Harambe Prosperity Plan. “The impact

making physics accessible, practical and fun for teachers and pupils alike.

support, and the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture exemplifies what can be achieved when organizations unite for a common goal – the betterment of society.”

Khorab Secondary School in Otavi for their Joinery and Woodwork workshop, fostering vocational skills development;

Background B2Gold is proud of its support for the sustainability of local communities and environmental

• establishment of a garden for practical

initiatives in the countries in which it operates. Each year the Company continues to raise the bar

teaching and a school feeding programme

on its performance and provide information on its activities, global economic contributions, and

at Otavi Primary School; and

its environmental, social, and governance management practices. This year B2Gold published its

• support for EduVision, a project implemented by the Edugate Academy, which aims to

seventh Responsible Mining Report and second annual Climate Strategy Report. These and other reports can be found on the Company’s website, www.b2gold.com.

improve the quality of teaching and learning in rural areas to be on par with that of urban areas through e-learning.

DRIVING CHANGE

OUR 4 CSI PILLARS

health | education , arts and culture | livelihoods | environmental sustainability

The Grootbos Florilegium an ode to the Cape’s botanical diversity The Grootbos Florilegium weaves together art, natural science and storytelling to safeguard the Cape’s botanical legacy for generations to come.

An aerial view of Forest Lodge, where the suites are tucked between the milkwood trees

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t is a unique collection of botanical illustrations by local and international artists that showcase the rare, endangered and charismatic plants found within the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve and the surroundings. I visited the Florilegium on a stormy afternoon, lingering before each work of art, magnifying glass in hand, finding in each botanical masterpiece distinctive characters and glimpses of the insects, pollinators and creatures associated with the respective plants.

A naturalist's playground with over 800 plant species documented on the reserve.

The story of this botanical art traces its roots back to 1991 when the Lutzeyer family first found themselves on the fynbos-clad slopes overlooking Walker Bay. Situated within the Cape Floral Kingdom, one of the world's most biodiverse biomes, the humble farm they had acquired was to become a luxury ecoreserve tucked between mountains, forest and the sea – a place where award-winning eco-practices blend seamlessly with spectacular accommodation in a pristine natural environment.

The Grootbos legacy: From dream to reality Michael Lutzeyer, the owner of Grootbos, wanted to preserve the floral diversity the reserve holds and at the same time bring it to the rest of the world. What began as a distant vision evolved into a mission. A conversation with renowned botanical artist Vicki Thomas inspired him to commission artists to contribute to the project. With her help artists were invited to select a fynbos species and illustrate it with precision, accompanied by vignettes featuring the insects, birds and animals associated with each plant.

This allowed Michael to use botanical art as a catalyst for igniting fascination with fynbos – a dream that took shape through the project. In 2019 the first print found a home in the Grootbos Conference Centre, but as the collection grew to over 20 pieces, it became clear that a dedicated space was required to portray the artist's work.

The Florilegium project perfectly aligns with Grootbos' overarching mission to transform global perspectives through education and conservationdriven initiatives.

Photography Credit: Grootbos | The Hannarie Wenhold Botanical Art Gallery

Since then the family has embraced their role as custodians of the reserve. Through unwavering dedication, visionary leadership and strong collaborations they have transformed it into a global leader in progressive and sustainable tourism.

In doing so, they have not only improved the lives of local communities but also safeguarded the 3500 hectares of botanical and wildlife treasures.

FLYNAMIBIA NOVEMBER 2023

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Erica magnisylvae Vicki Thomas

Cyrtanthus leucanthus Vicki Thomas

Drimia media Gillian Foster

Liparia splendens

Leucospermum prostratum Chris Lochner

Haemanthus sanguineus Vicki Thomas

Orthochilus litoralis Chris Lochner

Leucospermum patersonii Lynda de Wet

Erica sessiliflora Margaret de Villiers

Wendy Burchell

Photography Credit: Dawn Jorgensen

Celebrating nature's harmony: The Florilegium unveiled Reminiscent of the age-old tradition of recording plant species through art, each artwork captures the interconnectedness of plants, their environment and the insects that rely on them for survival. Entomologists employed to research Grootbos uncovered hundreds of bee, ant and other insect species, some exclusive to this reserve, many noted for the first time.

This research affirmed the deep connections between insects and plants, echoing the theme of the project which pays homage to the value of every minuscule life form. Painted from living specimens in watercolour, gouache, graphite and coloured pencil, each intricate detail and tiny nuance is brought to life.

As the permanent home of the Grootbos Florilegium, the Hannarie Wenhold Botanical Art Gallery honours Wenhold‘s generous contribution to the creation of the gallery as well as her ongoing support for the conservation of plants. The building itself is set amidst fynbos and a Milkwood forest next to the Grootbos Garden Lodge, the very landscapes celebrated in the artworks housed within. An architectural

masterpiece inspired by nature, the space showcases over 120 unique artworks with ample natural light filling the contemporary exhibition rooms.

The Grootbos Foundation: Conservation with a purpose The non-profit Grootbos Foundation was established in 2003 by the owners of Grootbos, the Lutzeyer family, with a vision to conserve the Cape Floral Kingdom and uplift local communities. Through ecotourism, enterprise development, sports development and education, the Foundation works tirelessly to protect this unique environment and empower its people. All profits from the sale of books, prints and Grootbos Florilegium tours go to the Grootbos Foundation, to be split equally between conservation and cultural programmes as well as investing in the arts.

Dawn Jorgensen For more information see www.grootbos.com.

Connect with the Grootbos Florilegium at +27 28 384 8000 and art@grootbos.co.za.

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Unearthing the mysteries of the Sperrgebiet

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he 29th Colloquium of African Geology (CAG29), which took place in Windhoek in September, provided a multitude of opportunities, such as offering a variety of field excursions and workshops. I was one of the fortunate few to have the privilege of embarking on an extraordinary journey to Tsau ǁKhaeb National Park, formerly known as Sperrgebiet (Prohibited Area). The park was established in 2008 with the aim of conserving the unique desert landscape and biodiversity of the area.

While the park is under protection, a significant portion of it remains inaccessible to travellers, or only with a guided tour, but our group of geologists had a chance to explore this wild landscape. The Sperrgebiet is part of the Namib Desert, one of the oldest deserts in the world. It covers the entire coastline of Namibia, extending into Angola to the north and South Africa to the south. The Sperrgebiet, an expanse of some 26 000 km², lies in the southern part of this vast area.

Upon entering the Sperrgebiet, one is not only confronted with the relentless force of the wind but also captivated by how it has significantly shaped its morphology and landscape for millions of years. The geology of the Sperrgebiet is characterised by ancient rocks and desert landforms. The deposition of these rocks occurred during different periods, from Precambian gneisses of the Namaqualand Metamorphic Complex (ca. 1200 million years) and metasedimentary and metavolcanic rocks of the Gariep Supergroup (ca. 600 million years) to the deposits of the Namib Group, the oldest of which are late Cretaceous (ca. 70 million years). But one of the prominent geological features of the Sperrgebiet is the Orange River Basin. The Orange River, which rises in the Lesotho highlands, drained this part of southern Africa for millions of years. During that time it transported an

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enormous sediment load downriver, depositing it partly along its banks as terraces, off the Orange River mouth in the Atlantic Ocean, and along the seashore, where it was transported and redistributed by ocean currents and winds.

And contained within these sediments were diamonds, which accumulated in alluvial deposits, both onshore and offshore.

But have you ever wondered where and how these precious gems originated? It is widely accepted among geologists that the diamonds found in the Sperrgebiet come from Cretaceous diamondiferous kimberlites in the interior of South Africa, where graphite was converted to diamond under enormous pressures and temperatures deep within the earth. After being transported to the surface by volcanic processes, complex weathering and the action of streams and rivers, these diamonds embarked on a journey that ultimately deposited them on the western margin of the continent, as well as along the lower reaches of the Orange River. A combination of geological and atmospheric factors, including the interaction of river systems, coastal processes and wind regimes led to the accumulation of the diamonds in a variety of deposit types throughout the Sperrgebiet and off the Namibian and South African coast.

As soon as the first diamond was discovered near Lüderitz in 1908 by railway worker Zacharias Lewala, the Namibian diamond rush began. During its initial stages, diamonds were easily found and could be collected by hand in large quantities – especially on a full moon night, when they sparkled in the sand! The Sperrgebiet still retains remnants of the early diamond rush, notably gravel heaps, open-pit mining sites, mining equipment and infrastructure, the latter providing our group with shelter during our visit to this fascinating area. Apart from diamond recovery – now largely offshore – Namdeb Diamond Corporation is working to restore the

damage caused during the past century by onshore mining, to revegetate spoil heaps and return the affected areas to as near their natural state as possible.

Beyond the allure of the diamond mining history, I soon discovered that the Sperrgebiet holds a hidden treasure trove of fossils, unlocking the mysteries of a bygone era. These fossils, preserved in ancient sedimentary layers, provide a glimpse into the prehistoric world that existed long before the evolution of homo sapiens. Palaeontologists have uncovered an array of fossils, which range from marine creatures to land-based mammals, shedding light on the evolution and biodiversity of this region. Marine reptiles, such as plesiosaurs and ichthyosaurs, lived in the southern Atlantic of those days, while shells of ancient ostrich eggs and fossilised termite hives are found onshore – indicating palaeoclimates which changed over time and at one stage must have been savannah-like.

As sedimentary layers accumulate slowly, the remains of plants and animals are gradually buried and, under suitable circumstances, preserved. Over millions of years, the immense pressure from the overlying sediments thus transforms the organic material into fossilised remains. Diamondbearing layers are often characterised by the dominance or occurrence of specific species of invertebrate fossils.

But apart from its treasures, the Sperrgebiet also has a remarkable landscape. One of its most notable features is the Bogenfels, some 80 km south of Lüderitz. This majestic natural rock arch formed over millions of years through wind and water erosion on this stormy coast and stands as a testament to nature's forces. The arch's massive structure of ca. 600-million-year-old sedimentary rock rises against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, creating a dramatic contrast between land and sea. The surrounding cliffs and dunes add

to the arch's grandeur, making it a picturesque setting for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Last but not least, the Sperrgebiet is also known for its coastal dune fields with some of the highest sand dunes in the world.

These dunes were formed by the interaction of wind, sand and the coastal environment over millions of years. With some reaching heights of over 200 metres, they make for a spectacular and ever-changing desert landscape. Aside from the Bogenfels Arch and coastal dune fields, the Sperrgebiet offers a range of other attractions that are worth exploring.

From the ghost town of Kolmanskop, a once thriving diamond mining town swallowed by the desert, to the wild beauty of the Namib coastline, this region promises unique experiences waiting to be explored.

Victoria N Nakafingo

TO ORANJEMUND AND BEYOND FlyNamibia between Hosea Kutako International Airport and Cape Town, Sossusvlei, Etosha, Twyfelfontein and Swakopmund, as well as between Eros Airport in Windhoek and Ondangwa, Rundu, Katima Mulilo, Lüderitz and Oranjemund. www.flynam.com

FLYNAMIBIA NOVEMBER 2023

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PETRIFIED FOREST COFFEE SHOP

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A simple pleasure of driving along one of Namibia’s countless gravel roads is the humble padstal – Afrikaans for a roadside shop. They come in many shapes and sizes, offering anything from biltong (essential padkos or “road food”) to small-batch homemade jams and condiments, or even coffee shops and lunch spots. I am a firm believer that some of the most authentic travel experiences come from taking a moment to spend with locals, especially when it means supporting a small business.

A

long the C39 road in Damaraland, en route to Twyfelfontein, Palmwag or the Skeleton Coast National Park, lies one of these special stopovers. Just 22 km west of Khorixas is the Petrified Forest Coffee Shop. Owned and run by local couple Eddy and Letty Tsibeb, they serve coffee, soft drinks and beer. And on special request, a loose cigarette.

One of the perks of driving slowly on our gravel roads (other than the obvious breathtaking scenery) is being able to stop at a moment’s notice to pull off the road for a coffee. This quaint little coffee shop is adjacent to the family’s home on the property, where kids and quintessential Damaraland dogs make for a welcome sight. The colourful cabana-style shop is adorned with hand-painted flags, including the Union Jack and Germany, and is shaded with a roof while allowing a breeze to pass through and offering views of the surrounding area.

A few wood tables and chairs are sheltered by the prep and serving area, which boasts a beautiful bamboo tiki-style bar from the 70s which was gifted to Letty. The couple sells gemstones and fabric dolls, and they have also recently invested in a small swimming pool, which is set to be inaugurated and ready for a dip very soon.

Eddy and Letty have big dreams for their property. “You see that hill?” asks Eddy while pointing in the distance, “One day I will build a lodge up there.” In anticipation of the day they can break ground on a lodge, the couple is hoping to engage investors to assist with building a few campsites. If you like the sound of having a stake in a small-scale camping operation in Damaraland which will uplift the community and realise humble dreams, reach out to Eddy and Letty.

They epitomise rural hospitality!

TO TWYFELFONTEIN AND BEYOND FlyNamibia between Hosea Kutako International Airport and Cape Town, Sossusvlei, Etosha, Twyfelfontein and Swakopmund, as well as between Eros Airport in Windhoek and Ondangwa, Rundu, Katima Mulilo, Lüderitz and Oranjemund. www.flynam.com

Charene Labuschagne Planned your itinerary to pass by Petrified Forest Coffee Shop? Eddy and Letty serve lunches on pre-order, so give them a call to reserve a meal before you are headed through the area. Individuals or groups who are interested in collaborating are invited to contact them on these numbers, joining Eddy and Letty in their passion and vision for their property. Eddy Tsibeb: +264 81 692 3018 | Letty Tsibeb: +264 81 496 4507 First published in the Spring 2023 issue of Travel News Namibia magazine. Subscribe to Travel News Namibia here: www.travelnewsnamibia.zinioapps.com

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Popa Falls Resort Onkoshi Resort Namutoni Resort Halali Resort Okaukuejo Resort Olifantsrus Camp Dolomite Resort Terrace Bay Torra Bay Khorixas Camp Waterberg Resort Gross-Barmen Resort Mile 4 Campsite

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www.nwr.com.na

14. Sun Karros Daan Viljoen 15. Sossus Dune Lodge 16. Sesriem Campsite 17. Naukluft Camp 18. Hardap Resort 19. Duwisib Castle 20. Shark Island Resort 21. Fish River Canyon & Hobas Camp 22. /Ai-/Ais Hotsprings Spa 23. Mile 72 24. Mile 108 25. Jakkalsputz

Speech and hearing impaired graduates uplifted through vocational training

JOYFUL: Pengevali Mukumangeni, who has a speech and hearing impairment, shows his excitement through hand gestures during a recent graduation ceremony at the Windhoek Vocational Training Centre.

P

engevali Mukumangeni, a 29-year-old fledgling plumber with a speech and hearing impairment, says it is a special and proud moment for him and other trainees with disabilities to graduate despite the challenges they faced in order to achieve their qualifications. Pengevali was among over 400 trainees who received their certificates at the Windhoek Vocational Training Centre in early September this year.

About 1000 trainees are expected to graduate from various vocational training centres countrywide. They completed their training between 2019 and June 2023, but no graduation ceremonies were hosted during the Covid-19 pandemic.

But here we are today. We thank the Almighty God for helping us during the three years of training”, Mukumangeni said in sign language.

Another trainee, Foibe Vilho, who obtained a certificate in automotive engineering, conceded that choosing a course where the majority of trainees is male, almost made her give up because she was doubting herself. She found engineering drawing challenging, but was always able to ask her classmates for assistance.

For us deaf graduates, we feel very proud and special because it was not easy to achieve this qualification.

Mukumangeni said In his speech, which was interpreted by a sign language interpreter, that obtaining qualifications was not easy for the students with speech and hearing impairments, even more so because their course started when Covid-19 broke out. He expressed gratitude to the Namibian government for providing a conducive environment and equal opportunities for people with disabilities. "For us deaf graduates, we feel very proud and special because it was not easy to achieve this qualification.

"I encourage people not to give up on their dreams. I almost did, because when I started, I told myself, this training is for guys and I won't make it. But I did make it. Look at me, I even went to World Skills Namibia”, Vilho said.

Catch News on One every weekday at 19:00 on OneAfrica.

GOTV Channel 90 DSTV Channel 284 DSTV Now

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Route launching 27 October 2023.

Let’s FlyNamibia www.flynam.com 64

Namibia unlocks an integrated future

T

he Southern African Development Community (SADC) is a regional economic community of 16 member states in Southern Africa: Angola, Botswana, the Comoros, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, the Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Its primary goal is to promote economic development, regional integration and peace and security in the region. One significant obstacle to achieving these objectives have been the often cumbersome and restrictive border regulations that hinder the free flow of goods, people and capital across SADC member states. Easing shared border regulations in the SADC region holds the potential to unlock economic growth, improve livelihoods and foster greater regional integration.

Facilitating increased domestic and international trade through coordinated intra and inter-border management, Namibia launched the 24-hour operation at the Katima Mulilo border post in the Zambezi Region which borders Zambia.

The Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Dr Albert Kawana, said he believes that the move will have tremendous economic benefits for both countries as the business community will now be able to conduct business between the two countries on a 24-hour basis. “Our truckers will no longer need to sleep at the border posts waiting to be cleared in the morning when the border opens. Required goods and services will be delivered on time to the consumers.

It is, therefore, our hope that the volumes passing through the Katima Mulilo border posts will increase”, Kawana said.

BENEFITS Enhanced Trade: Reducing border barriers will stimulate trade to boost economic growth, create jobs and increase revenue for governments through increased customs duties.

Improved Livelihoods: Easier movement of goods and services across borders will lower prices for consumers and increase access to a wider range of products.

Attract Investment: A more business-friendly environment created by streamlined border regulations will attract foreign direct investment (FDI), fuelling economic development.

Greater Regional Integration: Easing border regulations is a crucial step towards achieving the full potential of regional integration in the SADC. It fosters a sense of unity, cooperation and shared objectives among member states, which is essential for sustainable development.

Zambia’s Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Jacob Mwiimbu, commended the two countries’ efforts in realising this milestone. “The adjustment in operating hours at this border will undoubtedly ease the movement of persons and goods across the border and increase trade volumes through the Walvis Bay Lubumbashi economic corridor, which is a strategic corridor for Zambia. This aligns with Zambia’s eighth national development plan strategy of facilitating increased domestic and international trade through coordinated intra and inter-border management, essential in realising Zambia’s aspiration to become a prosperous middle-income nation by 2030”, Mwiimbu said.

Easing shared border regulations in the SADC region is a vital step toward achieving the community's economic development and regional integration goals. By reducing trade barriers, improving efficiency, and fostering greater cooperation among member states, SADC can unlock its full potential and become a stronger force for economic growth and prosperity in Southern Africa. The benefits of such efforts will extend to the people of the region, creating a brighter and more integrated future for all.

Maggie Forcelledo Paz

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OLD MUTUAL INVESTMENT GROUP

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Our commitment to responsible investment is central to our investment objectives and we believe this is critical if we want to create positive futures and sustainable, superior, risk-adjusted returns for our clients. By using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as the topline framework to drive positive outcomes, we seek to understand our footprint, assess what is possible to change that footprint, then drive and measure positive outcomes. All of our investments are made in strict compliance with Namibian laws, including environmental laws, and we strive to implement international standards and best practices pertaining to ESG as far as possible.

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Who We Are: Old Mutual Alternative Investments, Pioneers in Prosperous Partnerships Old Mutual Alternative Investments is one of Namibia’s leading private alternative investment managers. With over *NAD 2.5 B (USD 130M) in assets under management, we have earned our reputation for creating lasting value.

We choose to make a positive impact across Namibia by partnering with stakeholders to build businesses that deliver competitive returns and unlock opportunities others may overlook.

Building a Legacy: Investing in Namibia’s Future Our Business: Old Mutual Alternative Investments is one of Namibia’s leading private alternative investment managers in Infrastructure, Private Equity, Debt and Mezzanine.

Established in 2004, we are one of the first alternative investment managers, inheriting a rich history in the investing space as a member of the Old Mutual Group, with more than 175 years of investing experiences in Africa. We aim to deliver consistent, competitive returns to investors, and create a positive, long-term impact in the communities and environment we live and invest in.

Our investments build the houses, schools and thriving businesses that our communities need, as well as provide essential infrastructure such as sustainable power generation, healthcare, education, commercial property and telecommunications.

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*Figures stated are accurate as of October 2023. Investment values may fluctuate and past performance is no guarantee of future results. Please read our prospectus carefully before investing.

Photography Feature: Kai Luehl

Capturing life's symphony

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Photography Feature

K

ai Luehl grew up on a farm not far from Windhoek. He completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree and his Honours in financial analysis, but always leaned more towards the creative side of life rather than the scientific or analytical. Photography and music served as channels for Kai to express his creativity. The majority of his free time has been dedicated to either playing a musical instrument or capturing moments with a camera.

“I find immense joy in preserving life's moments through photography and reliving them by browsing through the photos I've taken. Another aspect of photography that I genuinely appreciate is the opportunity for networking.

Meeting diverse photographers with whom you can collaborate and, more importantly, learn from is a truly rewarding experience,” Kai says.

Kai's passion for photography started in school. He used his parents’ small digital camera to photograph everything he could. When he received his first smartphone with a decent camera in 2011 he had more opportunities to delve deeper into the world of photography. So much so that he was his circle of school friends’ dedicated photographer and videographer, earning him the nickname "Professor Clicks”.

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The eye for photography, the ability to instinctively find the perfect shot, is something I believe is innate – you either have it or you don't.

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Photography Feature

Kai eventually upgraded to a Sony A7 IV Mirrorless which allowed him to explore and understand the technical aspects of photography, something his smartphone could not do for him. Being self-taught, Kai used resources such as YouTube tutorials, online photography websites, free seminars, workshops and photography books to sharpen his skills. He believes that certain things can’t be taught. “The eye for photography, the ability to instinctively find the perfect shot, is something I believe is innate – you either have it or you don't”, Kai says.

“My drum teacher used to say that to be a great drummer, you must be able to play in any music genre. I try to apply the same philosophy to photography, which is why my portfolio is quite diverse, encompassing portraits, landscapes, street scenes and wildlife. If I had to pick a favourite, it would probably be street photography.

Urban environments offer endless possibilities for capturing compelling compositions with captivating lines, architecture and interplay of light and shadow. I find the challenge of quick reactions and the storytelling element of street photography particularly engaging.”

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Kai explains why he enjoys the challenges that come with street photography: “The unpredictability of streets requires adaptability to ever-changing scenes, weather conditions and unexpected events. Interactions with subjects who are uncomfortable being photographed can be delicate to navigate. However, I always approach individuals who are clearly identifiable in my photos, to request their permission and I often find they appreciate getting a copy of the image.”

Kai’s passion is visible in his methodically planned compositions and patience to get the shots he desires. “I really enjoy capturing moments and expressing my creativity through this art form. The learning curve for photography is never-ending and I, too, still have a lot to learn.”

After spending some time in Germany, he has been back in Namibia since July and is eager to explore wildlife photography.

Follow Kai on Instagram @kai.luehl

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Photography Feature

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This is Namibia

Discovering

Windhoek

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This is Namibia

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.

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.

TO WINDHOEK AND BEYOND FlyNamibia between Eros Airport in Windhoek and Ondangwa, Rundu, Katima Mulilo, Lüderitz and Oranjemund, as well as between Hosea Kutako International Airport and Cape Town, Sossusvlei, Etosha, Twyfelfontein and Swakopmund. www.flynam.com

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Private Wealth

Your wealth should be connected in every way.

At Nedbank Private Wealth we believe in connection.

Whether it’s the relationship you have with your wealth manager or the way you pay it forward in your community, we make sure it is all connected.

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NAC WELCOMES PARAGON AVIATION SERVICES Namibia Airports Company (NAC) is proud to announce a new ground handling services agent at our flagship airport, Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA), Paragon Aviation Services.

Effective Saturday, 19 August 2023, Paragon Aviation Services commenced providing the service after Menzies Aviation Namibia ceased providing the services at the airport on Friday, 18 August 2023.

NAC appreciates the co-operation of all stakeholders in airport management and operations as well as cognate industries, in our duty to deliver for Namibia’s prosperity with excellent airport services.

Find us at

76

and www.airports.com.na

Omake Moment with the Namibia Trade Network

Empowering Agriculture

A

The Role of the Namibian Agronomic Board

griculture is the cornerstone of Namibia’s economy, providing employment to a significant portion of the population and contributing substantially to the nation’s GDP. To ensure the growth and sustainability of this vital sector, the Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) plays a pivotal role, and its efforts have led to substantial growth in the agronomy and horticulture subsectors in Namibia.

Governed by the Agronomic Industry Act 20 of 1992, the NAB is entrusted with promoting the agronomic and horticultural industry and facilitating the production, processing, storage and marketing of controlled products in Namibia through market regulation. The NAB also assumes the responsibility of administering regulatory services aimed at overseeing border control at all entry and exit points in Namibia, product quality inspections and food safety monitoring. Additionally, as part of its mandate, the NAB is responsible for the development of marketing and commercial quality standards.

To date, a total of 16 crop-specific marketing and commercial quality standards have been developed. In terms of industry compliance, the regulatory framework stands at 94%, which suggests that there is a high rate of compliance with regulatory requirements by industry players. In a globalised world, facilitating the production of safe and quality food crops creates international market access to our Namibian products.

As the agronomic and horticultural industry’s regulatory body, the NAB plays a critical role in contributing towards food security. Hence, over the years, the NAB enacted policies aimed at stimulating local production such as the Grain Marketing Mechanism and Market Share Promotion (MSP) scheme to reduce Namibia’s reliance on the importation of agronomic and horticultural products. These mechanisms have contributed to the increase in horticultural production for the domestic market from a mere 5% in 2005 to 47% today, and in terms of agronomic production (grains) from 28% in 2010 to 38% today.

The NAB has invested in various efforts to stimulate local production and developing policies and regulations pertaining to the agronomic and horticultural industry. Furthermore, it has embarked on improved production and market facilitation activities aimed at driving socio-economic growth and improving the lives of Namibian citizens. The successful implementation of these activities has led to an increase in horticultural exports with 161%, an increase in horticultural production for the domestic market by 5%, as well as an increase of 11% in grain (white maize, wheat and pearl millet) production for the period between 2019 and 2023.

As part of its ongoing research agenda, the NAB conducts regular research throughout the crop value chain to meet market demands and facilitate informed decision-making and policy formulation, thereby supporting the development of Namibia’s emerging agriculture sector. Presently, the NAB is engaged in two major collaborative projects with the University of Namibia (UNAM) and Comptoir du Plant.

The UNAM/NAB seed research project, currently in its third year, has yielded promising results, identifying high-yielding varieties for commercialisation, which includes white maize, wheat, pearl millet and sesame. Meanwhile, the NAB/ Comptoir du Plant project has tested six French potato varieties, with at least four of those outperforming varieties that are currently commonly grown in Namibia. This has prompted plans for the commercialisation and importation of these varieties to benefit both commercial and communal smallholder farmers. Detailed research reports are accessible on the NAB website, www.nab.com.na.

In a world of evolving agricultural challenges and opportunities, the NAB remains committed to establish itself as a world-class regulator of a vibrant, diversified and sustainable crop industry.

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AVIATION INSURANCE AIRCRAFT CREW

LIABILITY AND MORE

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Terms & Conditions Apply.This offer also includes 24% discount on shuttle services and happy hour- 50% off beers and selected wine. Pre-booking is required for shuttle services and is subject to availability.

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For more info +264 (0) 65 241 900 fom.ondangwa@proteahotels.com.na

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DID YOU KNOW?

This month in history:

Celebrate, observe and take part!

4 November 2008 Barack Obama becomes the first person of colour to be elected President of the United States, defeating Republican candidate John McCain.

22 November 1963

15 November 1884 At the Berlin Conference the “Scramble for Africa” is formalised. By the end of the conference, the European powers had neatly split up Africa between themselves, drawing the borders in Africa much as we know them today.

6 November 1913 Mahatma Gandhi is arrested for leading 127 women, 57 children and 2037 men in a march opposing the Indian Relief Bill in South Africa.

Released on bail, he rejoins the march and is re-arrested.

11 November 1918 On "the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" the armistice signed by the Allies and Germany ends World War I. The war lasted more than four years and cost millions of lives.

US President John F. Kennedy is assassinated

by Lee Harvey Oswald in Dallas, Texas.

11 November

24 November 1859

Armistice Day (Remembrance Day)

English naturalist Charles Darwin publishes On the Origin of Species which brushes aside the notion of creationism and lays the foundation for evolutionary biology.

14 November

30 November 1487 The Reinheitsgebot, or German Beer Purity Law, is promulgated in Munich by Albert IV, Duke of Bavaria. It stipulates that beer should be brewed from only three ingredients – water, malt and hops.

17 November 1855 David Livingstone becomes the first European to see the Victoria Falls.

World Diabetes Day

20 November Africa Industrialisation Day

FUN FACTS ABOUT NOVEMBER:

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6 7 5 9 1 8 4 3 2

7 9 6 1 8 3 2 4 5

2 8 3 5 7 4 9 1 6

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EASY

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6 5 9 8 4 1 2 3 7

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International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 8 7 5 9 2 4 1 6 3

SUDUKO

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.

25 November

2 4 6 3 1 8 7 9 5

The name November – the “ninth” month in Latin – has remained unchanged since the ancient Roman calendar, which was used until 45 BC. The first Roman calendar consisted of only ten months.

3 9 1 5 7 6 8 2 4

November’s birthstone is topaz.

The ancient Greeks believed that topaz could make a wearer invisible. This mineral is a symbol of honour and strength.

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Love Namibia

MUD MASK | Elephants indulge in mud baths for self-care, using the natural sunscreen to shield their sensitive skin from the sun and pesky insect bites.

PRACTICAL WISDOM, TRUSTED ADVICE. LEGAL PRACTITIONERS, NOTARIES & CONVEYANCERS

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+264 83 332 5300 5 Conradie Street PO Box 6202 Windhoek info@ferasmuslaw.com.na

KINGJAMESJHB 212461