The Engineer-August 2016 by Fortune Publications

Engineer The

Vol.2/No. 4 • August 2016

N$20.00

NAMIBIA’S PULSE OF TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

How much do governments rake in? Mining giants come clean on taxes...

Where are all the women in the Construction Industry?

Diina Shituula

“We compete with government funded organisations especially those from Asia who are bankrolled by their governments and do not pay import duty on their plant” Namibia Construction

Credits

Contents

Editor: editor@theengineer.com.na 081 122 6850

LOGISTICS: Africa urged to embrace Nanotechnology in road construction

Marketing: marketing@theengineer.com.na Distribution: distribution@targetnam.com 081 703 9499 Group Marketing Manager: Greg Goeda Business@targetnam.com

Admin & Accounts Marizaan Bock admin@targetnam.com

PERSONALITY OF THE MONTH: Frederick Muketi: A journey of excellence

Designer Keith Tuwelo Production Manager Wesley Urassa

MINING: Positive outlook for Otjikoto mine

Executive Editor Confidence Musariri

Printer: John Meinert Printing The Engineer is a magazine published once a month and circulated to 10 000 senior engineering decision makers in Namibia. Subscription Rate: N$20 per copy per month / N$200 per year (Discount on multiple copies and multiple years)

Namibian 17 PETROLEUM: Eco gains approvals

ISSN: 2026-8041 Published by Target Multimedia

ENERGY: Italy’s Enertronica Acquires 6MW Solar Plant in Namibia

Fortune G roup of Compa n i es In each issue, The Engineer offers advertisers the opportunity to get to the front of the line by placing a company, product or service on the front cover of the journal. Buying this position will afford the advertiser the cover story on pages and maximum exposure. For more information on cover bookings contact on Tel: +264 61 254 005/081 363 0336

Engineer Engineer Engineer New shift

Engineer Vol.1/No.1 September 2014

Vol.1/No.3 February 2015

NAMIBIAS PULSE OF TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

First edition

Dundee commissions acid plant in Namibia

NAMIBIA’S PULSE OF TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

2015 building of the year

An innovative Namibian architecture

Location: Building Value: Site area: GLA: No of floors: Basements:

Parking bays: Staff compliment:

Client Name:

Windhoek CBD N$425 million 4595m2 15,927m2 6 floors 6 Basement levels 685 1100 at maximum capacity FNB Namibia

Can the new faces at the Ministry of Works and Transport provide a new dimension to logistics?

Mining pays out N$3.3b taxes

Dundee Precious Metal Tsumeb has commissioned a N$2.6 billion hight-tech Sulphuric Acid plant designed to capture off-gases that are rich in sulphur dioxide from copper smelting converting them into sulphuric acid.

he plant is intended to eliminating sulphur dioxide emissions that have plagued Tsumeb residents since the smelter opened in 1963. The emissions have in the past caused health concerns in the town and as a result the management of the smelter undertook to better control and reduce gasses from the smelter.

The nexus of taming Namibia’s oldest building

Inside

Kasete said the project took nearly two years to get everything in place due to the immensityof the scheme and pointed out that the multi-faceted project is adding innovative value to the Namibian mining and processing scene and will also secure fulltime employment for 18 Namibians. “I must say it’s a ‘proudly Namibian’ moment for Dundee Precious Metals Tsumeb and its employees. Aside from adding tremendous value to our operations, this undertaking will give the Namibian economy a discernible boost as well,” Kasete explained.

NAMIBIA’S PULSE OF TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

Vol.1/No.5 May 2015

NAMIBIA’S PULSE OF TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

Vol.1/No.4 March - April 2015

The

Infrastructure Project(s) Structural Engineering

Dundee Precious Metals Tsumeb and the government worked in partnership to expedite the construction and operation of the facility to ensure the long term reduction of emission in Tsumeb. Engineering firm Outotec completed the construction of the state-of-the-art facility and Dundee Precious Metals Tsumeb has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Protea Chemicals Namibia (Pty) Limited, to assist with the marketing and sales of the sulphuric acid that will be produced at the smelter.

Cover opportunity

“We took a giant leap forward in our continued effort of upgrading the Tsumeb Smelter and turn it into a world-class operation,” How hybrid subcontractors can replace current tender system said Dundee Precious Metals Tsumeb vice president and managing director, Zebra The truth behind Neckartal Kasete. Game changer: Namport’s Luderitz rail connection

The acid will be sold as a commercial product predominantly to Namibia’s

The Engineer: April 2016

INDUSTRIAL: M.E.S Stainless Engineering leads the pack

TECHNOLOGY: Cyber Security, NUST advances

a Nexus structure redeems Lüderitz a NamPower asset base surpasses N$ 23 billion mark

PORT CAPACITY COMPARISON Port of Lüderitz 724 604 486 2 380 -8.15

Vessel calls Cargo Handled TEU Depth

Port of Walvis Bay 1 520 5 372 635 253 052 -14 1

The Engineer: August 2016

INDUSTRIAL

Leading the formwork and scaffolding way With more than 13 years’ experience, GardTech Construction Supplies CC is one of Namibia’s leading suppliers of formwork, scaffolding, concrete additives, waterproofing coatings and sealants. Based in Windhoek, Gard-Tech was established in 2003 and today employs on average 24 permanent employees. Gard-Tech is the sole distributor of DOKA products in Namibia. DOKA is an international manufacturer and supplier of formwork, used in all fields of the construction sector worldwide.

Gard-Tech products reduce the need for cranage and promotes a safer building site due to the product’s lightweight composition, while also significantly lowering site wastage, resulting in a cleaner building site. Apart from being the sole distributor for DOKA, we are also the sole agent for the SILLISEAL products in Namibia which include: • Slurryseal for concrete roofs/

balconies/lining/tanking water proofing • B101 Seal-Gard for plaster water proofer / primer. • A101 Sealant for face brick / block water proofer/sealant. • Seal Bond which is a waterproofing and binding additive that can be mixed into plaster, tile adhesive and grout, topping, water based and acrylic paint.

Gard-Tech’s business is based on a wide variety of concrete support and access scaffolding equipment, sale and rental. “By erecting formwork in the correct and shortest way, we eliminate the use of ceiling board and improve the aesthetics of architectural designs, enabling more appealing features. We also hold training workshops for contractors on how to utilize formwork to the optimum, thus saving them time and money for their clients,” says Gard-Tech’s Abel Schoeman.

Suppliers of: Formwork and Scaffolding Concrete Additives Waterproofing Coatings and Sealants

The waterproof qualities of the GardTech profile address critical building issues including concrete cancer, corrosion, mould and mildew, ensuring a higher quality build with fewer defects and lower maintenance throughout the lifecycle of the building. Construction speed is enhanced through the system’s ability to uniquely snap into position to quickly build walls and columns, which are then site-filled with a standard concrete mix. Gard-Tech has an in-house formwork design facility which enables our sales personnel to design and plan any formwork solution according to the customer’s specifications, making the process much easier and efficient for customers. Located on the corner of Hosea Kutako Avenue and Kudu Gas street, Northern Industrial Area, Windhoek, the company offers technical advice, design skills, professional advice and support, locally and internationally. Current project involvement: Okahandja Road bridges, Neckartal dam, Ondangwa Rail bridge, Ohangwena waste water treatment plant and various multi-storey buildings throughout the country as well as residential dwellings.

The Engineer: August 2016

Contact us on +264 61 309 766 gardtech@iway.na c/o Hosea Kutako Avenue & Kudu Gas Street Northern Industrial Area, Windhoek PO Box 86337, Eros Windhoek, Namibia www.gardtechnam.com

LOGISTICS

Africa urged to embrace Nanotechnology in road construction How nanotechnology works Explaining how nanotechnology works Maina said if for instance the material is clay soil, it has a high affinity to water. It expands after absorbing water and contracts when it dries out.

articipants at the 35th annual Southern African Transport Conference in Pretoria have been told that adopting nanotechnology in road construction could help reduce on cost. During his presentation Professor Gerrit Jordaan of the University of Pretoria said that Africa continue to grapple with limited funds for road infrastructure development thus unable to compete in the global market. However, Professor James Maina of the department of civil engineering at the University of Pretoria opines that affordability of road infrastructure depends on the materials used, the environment and the traffic that will be using the road. Speaking during the conference Prof Maina said that hauling materials to a construction site can hugely contributes to costs. But if there aren’t good quality materials near the site, Maina offers, a simple option is to modify poor quality materials for construction purposes. For Maina this is where nanotechnology comes in.

“Nanomaterial is really small; five nanometers are equivalent to 0.05mm. The materials bind with the poor quality material which needs to be modified, and can then change the behaviour of the material.” Essentially, says the professor, nanotechnology changes the properties to work for the construction process,” he said. Commenting on why Africa was in dire need of road infrastructure, Maina offered that roads are necessary for faster movement of goods and services from one place to another. He added that the economy of a country is enhanced with elaborate road infrastructure. The conference comes at a time when Africa continue to face major challenges to road infrastructure development linked to skills shortages as well as the harmonisation of policies, procedures and standards. Nanotechnology is a branch of technology that deals with dimensions and tolerances of less than 100 nanometers, especially the manipulation of individual atoms and molecules Nanotechnology-based products have been used successfully in many parts of the world, for example India, the USA and in the West African region.

ENGINEERS OF THE MONTH

Where are all the women in the Construction Industry? Diina Shituula has the answer

ender diversity in the construction industry is shockingly poor. Women make up just 5% of the entire workforce, but even this figure includes many who work behind a desk, often in design, management or secretarial roles. On building sites themselves, it is estimated that 99% of workers are men. Part of the problem is sexism; global research shows that more than half of female construction workers said they were treated worse than men because of their gender. But for 31-year old Babyface Civils General Manager Diina Shituula it has to do with perception. “There is an element of: ‘if you’re a woman in construction, you keep your head down, don’t talk about it and pretend you’re a bloke”. Yet growing up, all indications were that she would be a different breed. “When I was young I spent most of my time with my dad, he gave me the moniker, Diina the engineer,” she recalls.

The Engineer: August 2016

It was in High School at Delta that her passion for quantity surveying was born following a chance encounter with a field of quantity surveyors. After matriculating in 2002, she was to enrol for a degree in Quantity Surveying with Cape Technikon in Cape Town, South Africa. Determined, she was to scoop an internship at Mahlati Liebetrau Quantity Surveyors, in South Africa, albeit in her first year. A stint as a Quantity Surveyor (Cost Consultant) at NEA & Partners in Dubai, shortly after graduation helped build her profile. It was only in October 2014 that she got employed as a Quantity Surveyor by the Profile Investment Holdings, before being appointed General Manager of its subsidiary; BabyFace. No sooner had she settled than she became General Manager for Project Management and Quantity Survey. “It was my first time working for a construction company and i was up for the challenge despite the odds,” she says. Today she runs a department tasked with verifying material prices, labour costs and other expenses like equipment rental, permits and building fees to build a project plan and budget based on those numbers.

Experience now allows her to estimate costs by looking at the entire project as a whole, and she may estimate the cost of different parts of the building and then add all the parts together. Contractors use these cost estimations and budget to submit proposals and bids to potential clients. In most cases, quantity surveyor like Diina take on a project manager role to help oversee the bid process.

“I don’t like working on small projects because they don’t challenge me,”

Project Manager Role After making all the cost estimations, the quantity surveyor project manager produces a bill of quantities, which lists all the physical items and labour hours needed for that construction project. She helps the contractor choose material suppliers and subcontractors based on the bill of quantities. During the project, the Diina puts on her project manager hat and keeps daily logs of costs and progress reports to assure that everything stays on budget and sticks to the timeline. Once the contractor completes the project, she will create a final cost report that the contractor can use to price out future, similar jobs.

Work Environment and Benefits The quantity surveyor project manager typically works in an office to prepare her reports and budgets, but she also frequently visits the job sites to assess the project’s progress. The construction of the National Oil Storage Facilities in Walvis Bay tops some of her brilliant undertakings.

“I don’t like working on small projects because they don’t challenge me,” said Diina. As a black woman in the construction industry it is quiet challenging as she constantly has to outdo herself amid a wave of ‘doubting Thomases’, who still regard her role as a ‘man’s job’. In Diina’s case, she faces stereotypes all the time. “People are constantly surprised at my job. It amazes me. We have a female Prime Minister running the administration of our country, yet I tell people I’m a builder and they’re gobsmacked.” She adds: “I don’t mind it – it’s actually quite a nice thing because people are normally happily surprised. And unless people get more exposure to women in the industry things won’t change.” She admits: “We clearly still have a long way to go. Stereotypes still persist. For many, a job in construction too often still conjures up an image of a man in a hivis jacket on a building site, wearing his trousers slightly lower than he should. “Women make up more than half our population and so it is right that we see them able to fulfil their potential and thrive in careers across our economy, including construction.”

In an industry where time is money and things can possibly go wrong, at the flip of a coin, being active and hands-on provides part of the innovation. “The pressure to meet deadlines in not something anyone can do in this field. My international experience helped me to be where I am because not many people possess that,” says Diina. Yet, despite everything, there is still reason to remain positive: as Diina points out, with every challenge there is an opportunity: “The fact that there aren’t many women in construction differentiates you – you’ve got an opportunity to be a role model.” She adds: “You don’t get anywhere in your job by playing on the fact that you’re woman – you have to be good at your job. Sometimes it’s an advantage as women manage differently to men. And it’s a great industry to be part of.”

“The fact that there aren’t many women in construction differentiates you – you’ve got an opportunity to be a role model.”

Engineer Girl: Toini Nambahu

lectrical engineers work with electricity in its many forms, from the electrons to the large scale magnetic fields. In addition to designing new products, they construct, operate, and maintain a wide variety of electrical systems and equipment. Some specialise in electronics, others in even more specific areas, like space communications or industrial robotics.

By Maria N Nambahu

Growing up like any other girl, Toini Nambahu had a passion for fashion and could play with her mother’s sewing machines until they malfunctioned. By the age of 9, Nambahu would constantly be threatened with a whip for messing around her mother’s electrical cables or whenever she was found attempting to fix the unbroken.

“I have always been afraid of heights, but I had to come face to face with my fear and conquer since I didn’t have any option as it is part of my job and there is no way I can escape this. Now I can work on transistor without fear of falling, says Toini Nambahu.”

She was 11 years old in 2010 when she took part in the NamPower Science Fair at Ekulo Secondary School in Omuthiya where she won a silver medal from her Food Science project. “The following year, NamPower released a study bursary for 2012 aspiring students and my mother encouraged me to apply. To my surprise I got the bursary and my marriage with NamPower has never been moved.” She was then to spend three years studying Electrical Engineering at the NamPower Vocational Training Centre in Windhoek. Nambahu graduated in 2015 and spent six months on attachment at the Brakwater Construction Department, majoring on transmission lines. Nambahu’s job description includes maintenance and installations works. She is also responsible for the safety and upkeep of electrical equipment.

“You are consistently exposed to difficult situations in which you must always find solutions,” she says. The Engineer: August 2016

PROJECT FOCUS

Namibia Construction, the cradle of innovation

ince 1949, Namibia Construction has continuously reaffirmed its position as a giant in civil engineering, building, crushing and supply of ready-mix concrete. Today with over 850 employees on its payroll the company has learnt to invent and innovate to outsmart not only competition but new trends in the industry. And for Managing Director Hans-Peter Schulz, a 25-year-old veteran of the company, the secret has always been the company’s philosophy of investing in its own people. “You are only as good as your people. Everyone can buy a yellow machine but our own people can make a difference,” he says. For a company that has undertaken a huge chunk of projects in Namibia, the pre-planning of each project is the most essential in construction, says Schulz. “If the pre-planning isn’t 100 % then the contract will also not be planned properly and one needs to monitor performance and resources closely. In this industry one has to be innovative to avoid losses,” he says. Some of the top rated major projects the company has worked on are; 1. The Okahandja-Karibib road in 2008, which Schulz describes as the most innovative project considering the traffic flow; 2. The currently undergoing construction of the Swakopmund Waterfront and Shopping mall; 3. The construction of the Katutura Soccer Stadium or Sam Nujoma which was constructed with precast and not a normal convention form of construction and; 4. The construction of the Saltworks in Walvis Bay where the area was muddy leading the company to acquiring machines from Germany that could block the snow with lesser weight. 8

The Engineer: August 2016

INNOVATION BUT... Namibia Construction is excited at the prospect of moving from the conventional typing of buildings to other projects such as desalination plants and concentrated solar power projects. But the ground is not even yet. “If I were to meet the Minister of Works and Transport, I would ask for a fair playing field. Inefficiency is the main frustration in my line duty from the top to the bottom. The competition in the industry is difficult as you have to compete with government funded organisations especially those from Asia who are bankrolled by their governments. Besides, they do not pay import duty on the plant hence they can get their machines to Namibia easier better than us. That is far from the spirit of Harambee,” he says. For Schulz more efforts must be put into training of locals. He questions Asian and South African companies that bring grader operators into Namibia challenging them to train more locals instead. Namibia Construction is qualified and experienced to perform the following activities: • Earth works • Layer works • Surfacing works • Concrete works • Building of Bridges • Drainage and Culverts • Road signage and markings

The longest serving employee at Namibia Construction is 75year old operator, Ernst Bock (Center) who started in 1995 as a machine operator. “You can only stay where you are appreciated and valued. I am home,” says the father of seven. Now a Foreman Operator, he uses his on-thejob experience to train upcoming machine operators. The Engineer: August 2016

PERSONALITY OF THE MONTH

Frederick Muketi: A journey of Excellence

he desire to master the complex nature of principles of engineering, physics and materials science for design, analysis and manufacturing steered a young man back in the late 70s to seek knowledge in Mechanical Engineering. At a young age, Frederick Muketi developed in interest in the diverse subject that derives its breadth from the need to design and manufacture everything from small individual parts and devices to large systemsMechanical Engineering. Now with more than 30 years of experience in heavy industry (cement) in Kenya, UK, Germany, USA and Namibia, specializing in maintenance procedures, computerized maintenance management, business process reengineering, plant reliability, root cause failure analyses, and capital projects management, Muketi has risen to be the Chief Engineer at the Ministry of Works and Transport in Windhoek. For more than seven years now, Muketi has been working as the capital projects coordinator, supervising of government project designs, monitoring and evaluations, guiding new projects and cash flow follow-ups to completion.

Founding Chairperson of Green Building Council of Namibia since September 2012, he too has been involved in the training of electro mechanical assistant engineers to registration level. Currently leading a capital project management team of 15 professionals, Muketi also doubles up as the vicepresident of Engineering Professions Association in Namibia a position he has held since October 2013. “I got my first degree in 1980, when I graduated with an Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Nairobi (UoN). Between February 2003 – June 2007, I was trained by Energy Efficiency experts from Canada, South Africa, and Kenya. I paid my fees from the voluntary work which paid me a small allowance. In 2009, I went back to UoN where I completed my MBA Degree in Operations Management at the same University,” says Muketi. He had enrolled at the University of Nairobi (Kenya) for his first degree and is at present a PHD fellow (Business Administration with thesis in Manufacturing) at the Namibia University of Science and Technology

(NUST) in collaboration with the South African based African Intellectual Resources (AIR). “I worked for the Central Bureau of Statistics, Mukumu Boys’ Secondary School, Sotik Tea Factory Arroket, Ministry of Water Development, Bamburi Cement Ltd, Muketi Mechanical Engineers and Services, JO andAssociates, Spectre International, all in Kenya,” he says. Muketi also worked for the Blue Circle Cement at Hope Works in United Kingdom, KHD in Cologne, Germany, and since July 2007, has been with the Ministry of Works and Transport in Namibia. He is a Member of Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Kenya Branch), Fellow of the Institute of Engineers of Kenya, Registered Engineer with Engineers’ Registration Board of Kenya, Professional Engineer registered with Engineering Council of Namibia. After nine years in private engineering consultancy practice, he joined the Namibian government in charge of capital projects management portfolio.

MINING

Positive outlook for Otjikoto mine B 2Gold Otjikoto mine is expected to inject nearly US$400 million (more than N$4 billion) of investment into local market over its presently envisaged mining life of 12 years.

This year, the mine is on target to achieve budgeted gold production by generating between 160,000 to 170,000 ounces of gold at cash operating costs of between $400 to $440 per ounce. A new life of mine plan, based on the new grade model and geotechnical data, is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of the year and will include mining from the Wolfshag deposit. In the first quarter (2016), Gold production at the mine was pegged at 35,703 ounces against a budget of 35,653 ounces, exceeding budget by 50 ounces and 4,569 ounces higher than the same period of the previous year. For the same period in 2015, the Otjikoto mine’s total gold production was 31,134 ounces (including 18,815 ounces of precommercial production). “With the success of the plant expansion project, completed in the third quarter of 2015, the budgeted throughput rate for 2016 was increased from 6,855 tonnes per day to 9,024 tonnes per day.

For the first quarter of 2016, mill throughput was 822,602 tonnes compared to a budget of 821,184 tonnes. The average daily mill throughput for the first quarter of 2016 was 9,040 tonnes per day versus a budget of 9,024 tonnes per day,” says B2Gold’s public relations officer, Gretha du Plessis.

“Mining and processing costs were positively impacted by diesel and gasoline prices which were 19 percent lower than budget, heavy fuel oil prices which were 37 percent lower than budget and a 17 percent weaker Namibian dollar/US dollar foreign exchange than budgeted.

In addition du Plessis says the average mill recoveries for the first quarter of 2016 were 98,5 percent, compared to a budget of 97 percent% and recoveries during the same period of the previous year of 97,2 percent. The higher recoveries were mainly attributable to a high proportion of coarse gold (60 percent), combined with leach and CIP recoveries, which were well above target. The average gold grade processed in the first quarter of 2016 was 1.37 g/t compared to a budget of 1.39 g/t.

Cash operating costs of $477 per ounce in the first quarter of 2015 reflect only one month of operations following achievement of commercial production on February 28, 2015.” “All-in sustaining costs for the first quarter of 2016 were $835 per ounce compared to a budget of $844 per ounce and $629 per ounce in the prior year quarter. All-in sustaining costs in the quarter reflect the reduction in cash operating costs noted above offset by higher than budgeted capital expenditures in the quarter due to the timing of equipment purchases,” du Plessis says.

The Otjikoto mine’s cash operating costs were $381 per gold ounce for the first quarter of 2016 which was $107 per ounce lower than budget and $96 per ounce lower than the equivalent period in 2015.

Net capital expenditures in the first quarter of 2016 totaled $18.7 million and included $5.4 million for deferred stripping and $12.8 million for mobile equipment.

The significant reduction compared to budget was attributable to a weaker Namibian dollar/US dollar foreign exchange rate, lower fuel prices and lower than budgeted consumption of grinding media.

OPERATIONS Actual first quarter 2016 gold production and 2016 annual gold production guidance by mine: Mine

Q1 2016 Gold Production (ounces)

2016 Annual Gold Production Guidance (ounces)

Otjikoto

35,703

160,000 - 170,000

Masbate (Philippines)

52,727

175,000 - 185,000

La Libertad (Nicaragua)

29,198

125,000 - 135,000

El Limon (Nicaragua)

10,216

50,000 - 60,000

B2Gold Consolidated

127,844

510,000 - 550,000

Actual first quarter 2016 cash operating costs and 2016 annual cash operating costs guidance by mine: Mine

Q1 2016 Cash Operating Costs (per ounce)

2016 Annual Cash OperatingCost Guidance (per ounce)

Otjikoto

$381

$400 - $440

Masbate (Philippines)

$456

$620 - $660

La Libertad (Nicaragua)

$623

$650 - $680

El Limon (Nicaragua)

$775

$610 - $650

B2Gold Consolidated

$499

$560 - $595

The Engineer: August 2016

How much do governments rake in?

Mining giants come clean on taxes

he global movement to tackle transparency and tax justice is shifting from talk to action. And the multinational behemoth Glencore, once criticised as being one of the world’s most secretive firms, is the latest of the major global mining houses to report its payments to governments in every country in which it operates. The Payments to Governments report 2015, released by Glencore on June 29, shows it paid $5-billion to governments, of which $2.86-billion was paid in taxes and royalties in relation to its extractive operations. The largest sum, $867-million, was paid to the Australian government. The South African government was eighth in line and receiving $83.5-million. This is equivalent to 0.6% of total corporate income tax collected in the 2014-2015 tax year. The commodities giant is based in the low-tax jurisdiction of Switzerland. Earlier this year Anglo American reported that in 2015 it had paid slightly more than $4-billion to governments, of which $862-million was paid to South Africa. Rio Tinto reported a total $4.5-billion paid to governments in 2015, $93-million of which was paid to South Africa, where its subsidiary, Richard’s Bay Minerals, operates. BHP Billiton paid $7.3-billion to governments last year. These disclosures were made in terms of a European Union transparency directive, which requires all large EU-listed companies to disclose certain payments to governments, country by country and project by project. 12

The Engineer: August 2016

According to KPMG in the United Kingdom, the directive applies to companies involved in the exploration, prospecting, development and extraction of minerals, oil and gas, and the logging of primary forests. The payments that must be disclosed include taxes levied on income, production or profits, dividends, royalties and fees, and payments for infrastructure. Payments in kind need to be reported in value or volume. The directive is one of several initiatives that have begun to take effect. The emphasis on extractive industries is a result of the destructive nature of that business, said Peter Major, director of mining at Cadiz Corporate Solutions. “Extractive industries do substantial permanent damage. You are using one-off resources, and polluting a fair amount to get it. Mining is probably is the most destructive business on the planet,” he said. The African Tax Administration Forum (Ataf) welcomed the disclosure requirement as one way to drive transparency in the extractive sector. “The increase of transparency works to benefit both taxpayers and the governments by forming a link that asks questions of both parties,” the Ataf executive secretary, Logan Wort, said. “On the one hand, companies are expected to pay for the resources they extract from the country within the boundaries of that particular country’s laws. “Similarly, citizens have information on the amounts paid by the companies and can ask their governments questions about how the money is being spent.”

Wort said the disclosure is to ensure that countries receive proper value for the resources that are extracted. It will allow governments to ascertain the post-export trade value of resources, when they are sold to related and subsidiary companies and then sold onwards at huge mark-ups. This practice deprives developing countries of revenue based on the true value of the resources. By disclosing these payments, mining houses effectively put the ball back in the court of the governments. Glencore says as much in its report: “We believe that communities should have access to clear information on how much their governments have earned from the extraction of natural resources. It is also vital that they can find out how these revenues contribute to the development of their society and their country’s economic status. “Ensuring that our host countries and communities have transparent information about our payments to their governments also reduces the potential for corruption by all parties.” John Capel, the executive director of the Bench Marks Foundation, which monitors corporate social responsibility, said although the publication of the figures should be welcomed, it was more important to know what had been allocated for mine closure and rehabilitation. The first step is knowing what income the state receives from these operations, but the next is to ensure that this money goes back into the mining areas and addresses the “havoc” caused by extraction.

By Lisa Steyn

MINING

MINING “Government doesn’t ringfence this income in any way, and municipalities often don’t have the resources to sort out these problems,” Capel said. Major cited the example of Zambia, and others, which had in the past imposed a special tax on the import of mining-related supplies and equipment. “That tax was supposed to go into the development of local industries that could support the mines and reduce imports … but the government just took that money and used it for other budget shortfalls,” he said.

In Namibia, the mining industry is regarded as a strong pillar of Namibia’s economy. The industry contributes between 9-16% to the total GDP, where about N$23 billion was received in 2014 in export earnings and N$1.4 billion was collected from royalties for the benefit of the State Revenue Fund.

“This type of reporting that we now see would have cleaned up Africa decades ago. We wouldn’t have had Marikana if we had this kind of transparency.” This sort of requirement works well if everyone has to do it, but it doesn’t work on an individual, voluntary, basis Major said. BP was one of the first who tried to report payments country by country nearly 15 years ago, but it incurred the wrath of Angola, which did not want to be transparent about how those revenues were used. In an article published last week by Pambazuka News, Kwesi W Obeng of Tax Justice Network Africa said for Africa to transform, the continent must harness the potential benefits of its vast mineral wealth. “Crucially, Africa must unite in a broad and strong push for long-overdue global tax reforms,” Obeng said. But the fiscal and public agencies governing the extractive sector in many African countries are weak and porous. In many cases, companies enjoy excessive tax incentives, Obeng said, which is exacerbated by extensive unethical tax avoidance, transfer mispricing and anonymous company ownership schemes. To address this weakness, and after decades of responding to externally driven transparency agendas, African governments embraced the Africa Mining Vision (AMV) in 2009, and one of its pillars is fiscal regime and revenue management. “Yet, seven years after its adoption, studies show that implementation of the AMV is slow at best. In a number of cases, measures taken by African governments undermine the AMV and erode their own countries’ revenue bases,” he wrote. For companies, the disclosure of payments to governments is at least a step towards transparency and to showing they are good corporate citizens. “We all know there are bad guys out there, and this type of reporting doesn’t show kickbacks, bribes, favourable loans, houses, automobiles, travel and other things. But it’s a darn good start,” said Major. “But it’s got to be enforced ruthlessly in every country in Europe for it to work.”

Highlights in 2014 1. Mining Industry recorded zero fatalities and posted major improvements in safety stats. 2. Mining contributed 13% to GDP in 2014, however the industry contracted by 4.6% in terms of real value added (NSA preliminary statistics). 3. Bannerman awarded contracts to construct & operate Etango Heap Leach Demonstration Plant in September 2014. 4. AngloGold Ashanti announced the decision to sell Navachab mine on 30 April 2013. The sale was approved by Namibia Competition Commission on 28 May, 2014, to Guinea Fowl Investments Twenty Six, owned by the British company QKR Corporation Limited. 5. Epangeloacquired 7.5% shareholding in NavachabMine (in partnership with QKR Namibia Minerals Holdings) on 22 October, 2014. 6. Commissioning of mining operations at Husab on 8 May, 2014. 7. Commissioning of new Sendelingsdrif diamond mine and new Red Area Complex on 7 November, 2014. 8. 14 November, 2014 –Vedanta Resources Plc approved a US$782 million (N$9.4 billion) investment to develop an open pit zinc mine in Gamsberg, South Africa. This investment includes the conversion of the SkorpionZinc Refinery in the South of Namibia U$152 million(N$1.6 billion). 9. New Otjikotogold mine produced its first kilogram of gold on 11 December, 2014. 10. Upstream Value Addition: When mining grows, input and service industries also grow. The N$2.9 billion sulphuricacid plant by DPMT at the Tsumebsmelter is expected to come into production mid-June 2015. 11. Uranium price dropped to a nine year low of U$28.5/lbin June 2014. 12. Rössingretrenched 204 workers in August, 2014 and Rosh PinahZinc Corporation retrenched 126 workers in May, 2014. 13. Okorusumine was placed on care and maintenance on 28thOctober, 2014. 407 workers were retrenched. 14. Two weeks strike at Namdeb, in August 2014, cost the company & GRN N$140 million in lost revenue (N$10 million a day, of which GRN lost N$8 million and NamdebN$2 million.)

The Engineer: August 2016

We are thankful for your insight, wisdom and guidance. Happy 75th Birthday Mr. President Tel: (+264) 61 401 594 info@proďŹ leinvestments.com.na Unit 3, Clearview Park 59 Pasteur Street Windhoek-West, 14

Windhoek, Namibia

Founded in 2011, Babyface Civils is a multi-disciplinary construction company comprising of civil and structural engineers, surveyors, planners and construction inspectors. The substantial experience of our staff presents a company that is highly qualiďŹ ed to accomplish major projects varying in size, scope or complexity.

MINING

EY: ‘How miners can fight volatility’

ining companies must move faster to generate cash and strengthen their balance sheets if they are to successfully navigate ongoing volatility, according to an Ernst & Young (EY) report. Paul Mitchell, EY global mining & metals advisory leader, said: “Too many have viewed cost reduction measures and productivity initiatives as a one-off, when what they need to do is embed continuous improvement in their DNA. They need to challenge themselves to find the next 1020% of productivity savings.” Despite some improvements across the sector, the report noted working capital was one area that remained ripe for improvement, with aggregate levels in the sector of more than US$200 billion. EY pointed to processes and systems across the supply chain as the biggest area for miners to make gains. Mitchell said: “Releasing cash from working capital will require cultural change and better use of data analytics. Both areas also have a critical role to play in improving productivity.” That said, not everyone agrees with EY’s analysis that volatility lies at the crux of issues facing the industry. John Robertson, director of EIM Capital Managers, an Australia-based fundsmanagement group, said the behaviour of prices was largely consistent with past responses to market imbalances.

Roberston said: “There is little aberrant behaviour in the way prices are reacting. Statistical modelling of metal demand growth shows no break in the relationship with global growth over more than 20 years. Conditions are neither unusually volatile nor particularly uncertain. They are proving to be highly predictable even if depressingly uncomfortable.” Still, EY’s specific recommendations make for interesting reading and the general thrust flagged areas where companies can become leaner and fitter in the post supercycle era. On cost reduction, the report stated: “We have seen one company place its safety equipment in vending machines accessible by staff cards, allowing for a better “think before use” approach. This approach has accounted for several million dollars in annual savings and has resulted in safety equipment usage cuts by as much as 50% at some sites.” EY said many miners have spent considerable time and investment on systems transformation; however, they are yet to fully institute and realise benefits of the simple automated solutions that are readily available in their existing systems. “For example “hands-on” purchasing still remains very high with many miners sitting on about 60% free text purchase orders (ie, raising of manual purchase orders, which requires several steps in the purchasing process). “This carries a significant productivity impact but also leads to noncompliance with contracted items, and can also impact “shadow inventory” buildup, as buyers operate outside contracted catalogues and “bills of materials.” There were a number of simple low-cost solutions to shift manual purchasing to

“hands-off” channels that can easily be executed with a viable business case, said EY. Availability of smart technology and mobility solutions can further accelerate the automation of many basic ordering, buying and procurement activities. Digital solutions around automatic replenishment and guided buying were becoming more readily available. “Digitisation of information also creates the right environment to explore other areas, such as smart contracting, to reduce the time taken to contract and to automate the contract and vendor management processes.” The report noted many sectors outside mining have been extremely successful in eliminating loss by embedding manufacturing excellence across the organization. Procter & Gamble (P&G), for example, was leading this space through their integrated work system (IWS) from which it has made manufacturing operations a competitive advantage. IWS was said to use a set of operational reliability-centred methods, tools and advanced analytics to identify and eliminate losses in operations and create a predictable and stable operating environment. This approach had proven highly successful in eliminating loss, and enabled them to achieve year-on-year savings of US$1.2 billion over the past three years. “To achieve end-to-end focus, mining companies need to consider: an integrated governance structure across productivity initiatives; optimal asset utilisation via loss elimination analysis and practices; as well as data analytics to provide quality information.” 15

We wish you another year of the strength and inspiration that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve shared with the Namibian nation. Happy 75 th birthday.

A Member of The Linde Group

For further info pleas contact us at 16

Phone +264 61 387 000

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www.afrox-gas-namibia.com

Eco gains Namibian approvals

PETROLEUM

Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas (CVE:EOG) has received various approvals from the Namibia Ministry of Mines and Energy relating to the Cooper (PEL 030), Guy (PEL 034) and Sharon (PEL 033) licences in offshore Namibia, the company said. The approvals were the result of Eco Atlantic meeting and exceeding its exploration work obligations.

Cooper block (PEL 030)

Sharon block (PEL 033)

Guy block (PEL 034)

In recognition of the company and its partners, Tullow Kudu Ltd., AziNam and Namcor (Namibia National Petroleum Corp.), having met and exceeded all obligations of the initial exploration period as stipulated in the petroleum agreement in block 2012A, the ministry has approved the entering into the next phase of the licence.

In recognition of the company and its partners, AziNam and Namcor, having met and exceeded all exploration work obligations of the initial exploration period as stipulated in the petroleum agreement in blocks 2213 A and B in offshore Namibia, the ministry has approved the entering into the next phase of the licence.

In recognition of the company and its partners, AziNam and Namcor, having met and exceeded all exploration work obligations of the initial exploration period as stipulated in the petroleum agreement in blocks 2111B and 2211A in offshore Namibia, including the shooting of over 1,000 kilometres of new 2-D lines and over 850 square kilometres of 3-D survey, the ministry has approved the entering into the next phase of the licence.

The Cooper block licence was extended into the first renewal phase until March 14, 2018. The second renewal phase is until March, 2020. In further recognition of the advancement of the exploration progress made on the Cooper block, including over 1,000 square kilometres of 3-D survey, the ministry has waived the relinquishment requirement (as stipulated in the petroleum agreement), and the block partners will continue the exploration work on the entire block area. Eco Atlantic currently holds 32.5% carried interest in the Cooper block and is operator; AziNam holds 32.5 per cent; Tullow Kudu holds a 25% working interest, and Namcor has a 10% carried interest in the block.

The Sharon block licence has been extended into the first renewal phase until March 14, 2018, and the completion of any 3-D obligations will be extended to such date. The second renewal phase is until March, 2020. The ministry furthermore approved the company’s request to terminate 50% of its licensing obligation corresponding with the relinquishment of 50% of the acreage in the licence which was required in terms of the petroleum agreement. This relinquishment pertains to the eastern half of the Sharon block. The company considers this shallow section nonprospective. Eco Atlantic holds a 60% participating interest in the Sharon block and is operator. AziNam holds 30%, and Namcor has a 10% carried interest.

The Guy block licence has been extended into the first renewal phase until March 14, 2018. The second renewal phase is until March, 2020. In the same way as with Sharon block, the ministry furthermore approved the company’s request to terminate 50% of its licensing obligation corresponding with the relinquishment of 50% of the acreage in the licence which was required in terms of the petroleum act. This relinquishment pertains to the western portion of the Guy block in the ultradeep section that the company and its operating partner, AziNam, consider non-prospective. The company currently holds a 50% participating interest in the Guy block, AziNam holds 40% and is operator, and Namcor has a 10% carried interest. “Despite the constrained market conditions, and through efficient management of capital together with our valued partners, Tullow Kudu, AziNam and Namcor, our continuing financial and operational commitment to Namibia’s petroleum industry has been recognised by the government by granting us the approvals to enter next exploration phase on all three blocks and waiving the relinquishment requirement on the Cooper block,” said Eco Atlantic chief executive officer Gil Holzman. 17

ENERGY

Enertronica Acquires 6MW

Italy’s Solar Plant in Namibia

Italian renewable energy firm Enertronica has acquired a US$7.98 million 6MW PV plant in Namibia, under a 25-year PPA with NamPower, at an initial value of N$1.37 per kWh (US$0.090 per kWh).

he project was carried out through Enertronica acquiring 70% of Sertum Energy Namibia, a specialpurposes company in possession of the authorisation securities and the incentive tariff signed with NamPower. Enertronica itself is responsible for providing, in EPC modality, the plant with an investment that will be financed by local banks, according to the company. The US$7.96 million investment (€7 million) should be achieved by the end of this year.

The EPC of the plant will be taken care of by Enertronica’s South African subsidiary, who is currently building two PV plants in South Africa with a combined capacity of around 177MW. The balance of systems, including mono-axial tracking systems, will be provided by the EMS Pty company, an offshoot of the Enertronica Group. Vito Nardi, Enertronnica CEO said in a statement: “By achieving this operation, Enertronica starts a new business line. Being understood that the group will always focus on the realization on behalf

of third parties, in EPC modality, of large photovoltaic power plants, Enertronica, through this acquisition, starts building its own plants that will later be placed on a secondary market. The construction of these plants will have a synergistic effect on all the companies of the group and will allow an increase in the margins associated to the construction phase. Moreover, important gains will be expected during a potential assets sale. Focusing on this subject, it is highly likely that similar opportunities will be seized by Enertronica and by the other Group companies in 2016.”

The Engineer: August 2016

RMB discusses Namibia energy financing models Namibia’s usage of alternative financing models for energy generation initiatives are the best in sub-Sahara thanks to the good financial standing and creditworthiness of both the Namibian government and NamPower says South African Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) Executive, Daniel Zinman.

ENERGY before the advance loans to energy projects in a specific jurisdiction. These are policy certainty and clear legal frameworks, creditworthy offtakers, bankable documents, good line –of-sight of future opportunities, as well as access to long-term funding. Zinman said for any financier or investor, on either the equity or debt side, it is imperative that the legal framework that facilitates the sector clear and in place.

Daniel Zinman

“A decade or so ago, Nigeria realised that its legislation did not adequately enable the inclusion of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in its power sector. With the help of the World Bank group, it develops a legal framework and passed laws which not only facilitated the growth of private sector involvement in the Nigerian power market, but catalysed it,” Zinman said. RMB has developed and delivered a number of market firsts in the structuring of renewable energy projects, incorporating equity, debt, BEE funding and capital markets solutions.

His presentation centred on Namibia’s proposed Energy Policy, pinning it on existing possibilities for; “Financing energy in Namibia from a Bank’s perspective.”

“In nearly all other African countries, the local state utility, which is typically the buyer under the Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with the private sector, is not sufficiently bankable, as such lenders cannot take a sufficiently longterm view on the ability of that entity to make the requisite payments under the PPA,” he said citing the strong balance sheet of NamPower as a huge benefit to Namibia.

RMB leads the financing for some of the world’s largest renewable energy projects, collectively valued at more than N$50 billion, by providing bespoke funding solutions for a range of technologies including wind, solar PV, solar CSP, hydro, biomass and co-generation.

He further stated that lenders and equity investors want to see a set of transaction documents such as the Power Purchase Agreement, the Transmission and Connection Agreement, the Direct Agreements, as well as other valid document that follow international best practice.

Having funded over 10 000MW of energy projects across subSaharan Africa, including over 1GW of renewable energy projects, Zinman dwelled specifically on the possibilities of financing energy projects in Namibia from a limited recourse or project financing standpoint – since the latter has become the preferred financing option in Africa.

This, according to Zinman should be coupled with surety that the deal being considered is either part of a larger initiative, or is likely to be a catalyst for more comprehensive involvement of the private sector within the industry.

Zinman was speaking at the recently concluded, Conference on Sustainable Development for Namibia in view of COP21, in Windhoek recently.

“From our experience, African governments tend to follow the project finance funding model – some out of choice, some because of a lack thereof,” he said. He was however quick to indicate that given the scale of the (respective governments’) energy programmes, it makes sense for their treasuries to rather utilise the broader universe of private sector funding, ‘than [to] burden the Government’s balance sheet.’

…but what do financiers look at?

He further stressed that, in order to take advantage of a limited recourse finance, one needs to be able to access long term funding. “Namibia is fortunate in that it has advance financial markets, with the ability to provide long-term capital in sufficient quantities, in local currency and without political risk tenor extension mechanisms,” Zinman said.

According to Zinman, debt providers, both commercial banks and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), consider the suitability of the applicant based on five main characteristics The Engineer: August 2016

INDUSTRIAL

M.E.S Stainless leads the pack

rom a 3000m³ workshop, M.E.S Stainless Engineering carries some of the country’s major fabrication projects, taking a leading role in the stainless steel field. Their focus is on ferrous and nonferrous metals from work marine and mining engineering support, RC Drill Rig breakdowns and maintenance as well as architectural manufacturing and design stainless steel and aluminium alloy stock. While the company regularly partners with industry leaders in construction and engineering projects, some of its recent successes involves the Swakop Waste Water Project, Trekkopje Mine installation of boxes and related facilities, the Naval Base Jetty Project as well as being a major supplier for the Namdock III development.

Engineering

“We are supplying various factories and food processors with stainless steel products to suit their specific needs. For domestic use we are the main supplier of sought after rod holders, roll bars, various bracket sets, balustrading, gates, wind cowls and indoor braai designs,” says Managing Member G.P. van Wyk. Due to the geological location of the industry, the highly corrosive atmosphere and the great distances that separates the company from the major suppliers, M.E.S fabricates almost anything that troubles the industry and also provides know how to improvise. From its boiler shops, machine shop, electropolishing-and paint shop, plasma cutting unit to our stores, the

company has for 23 years excelled in providing service excellence and superior products. Its services include: • 2 Fully Equipped Boiler Making Shops • 1 Fully Equipped Machine Shop • Mild Steel Manufacturing Section • 3 Material Stores • 1 CNC Plasma Cutter up to 25mm With a highly motivated and qualified team of artisans of Namibian Nationality consisting of Boilermakers, Fitters and Turner while providing onsite training.

Chigama

a growing full service architectural firm

HIGAMA Architects is passionate about designing architectural environments that are innovative and environmentally appropriate. In two of existence, its architects have been exposed to a variety of multidisciplinary projects including earth brick construction in remote farm restoration to high end hybrid air handling systems in public building work. In these efforts the company promotes opportunities for people to re-establish a balanced living environment for future generations. Chigama has grown to be recognised architecture consultancy focusing architecture and design Namibia’s key projects.

internationally and design on strategy, for some of

Founded by Kudakwashe Chigama, the firm prides itself in having exceptional skills in relation to architectural design, documentation and contract administration. Past and present project portfolio includes designing the Chinyoka Entertainment

Lounge, Residence in Brakwater, Sun Group Mall 1341&1345 in Oshakati, House Nangolo, Katutura Wellness Centre, Hosea Kutako Airport Hotel, Mejor Manera Medical Centre in Okahao, Amuthenu Otjomuise Townhouses, Westcaost Townhouses in Mariental/ Eenhana, Combined Aussenkahr School, and the Triumphant College Phase 1-6 in Windhoek. “We have also been contracted to design the Shangelao Townhouses in Gobabis, Swabou Building Alterations in Windhoek, Nathanael Medical Centre in Rundu, Otjiwarongo Townhouses, Mandume Bed & Breakfast in Windhoek, JON Masterplane in Windhoek, Erf 1345 in Oshakati, Ombudsman Office in Keetmanshoop, Dan Viljoen Luxury Units & Conference, Lezansi Lodge and King Nehale Lodge in Oshakati,” says Chigama. Chigama Architects possesses highly sophisticated CAD programmes and packages to deliver high level architectural products. The firm makes use of various 3D modelling programmes, techniques and software guaranteeing the clients

By Toini Martin

ARCHITECTURE

full understanding of the proposed architectural products at the design stage. Chigama has sealed partnership deals with two international recognized architectural firms, the SLA Studio in Shanghai, China and Chetse Mandy Architects in Harare, Zimbabwe. “Our aim is to be the leading architectural firm in the country and want to nurture and train more Namibian architects. We place emphasis on the critical importance of CHIGAMA designs in the Architects is design process passionate and we are in the about designing process of investing architectural towards continuous research into local environments sustainable design that are solutions,” says innovative and Chigama.

environmentally

Each year, Chigama appropriate. Architects gives a non-refundable grant offer to two Namibian architectural students from a previously disadvantaged background studying at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST).

“We believe, interaction with the Namibia academic institutes offering architectural qualifications is of vital component and this is part of our philosophy,” says Chigama who is a Building Contracts lecturer at NUST.

Services Provided Kudakwashe Chigama Director at Chigama Architects

Architectural Design Interior design Project Management. The Engineer: August 2016

TECHNOLOGY

Cyber Security, NUST advances

Dr. Anicia Peters

he Dean for the Faculty of Computing and Informatics at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) remains adamant that ICT is the primary enabler of all sectors of Namibia’s development, as it plays a key role in any profession. Dr Anicia Peters’ team recently attended a successful International Collegiate Cyber Security in the United States this July, where NUST topped other selected higher education institutions around the world offering cybersecurity degrees and research programs for information security professionals looking to further their careers. The Collegiate competition assessed the students’ level of competency in protecting corporate network infrastructure and business information systems. The teams responded to a series of random cyber-attacks which were issued by a pool of qualified industry experts.

NUST scooped first prize beating other US institutions. Maintaining service uptime during the competition was mandatory for the participants whilst they received instructions via their set corporate emails. 22

Thus duplicating an ordinary business environment where communication is done through e-mails and telephone lines. It has been an eventful calendar for Namibian computing and informatics, as the delegation of three Honours and five Masters’ students in Digital Forensics as well as three lecturers from her faculty were the winners of the Namibian National Cyber Security Competition 2016 (NNCSC) launched in 2015 to curb cybercrime worldwide. “It was a great learning curve as we managed to boost our confidence in our expertise in the field of computing and informatics. For our students particularly, it was a great opportunity for them to experience real industry challenges simulated in a theoretical environment that models a practical corporate network to contain cybercrimes,” the team leader Martin Hamukwaya says. One of the key lessons learnt was that the rate of change and innovation within the information security/ cybersecurity field only serves to make the decision process that much more difficult for students who wish to pursue higher education in security.

What’s more, the global shortage of information security talent means that pursuing a degree or research program within the field can be a highly rewarding career move. The International Collegiate Cyber Security challenged delegates to protect corporate networks in a normal routine which entailed attending to normal day-to-day activities, such as setting up emails, attending to employee queries and serving clients under strict industry and work deadlines. Peters says, “Winning against international counterparts has indeed given us a new lease of life and a new found belief in the work that we are doing in producing internationally competent students in Computing and Informatics. Our team impressed many top computing companies and this has opened many avenues on a micro and macro level.” She says the potential to extend collaboration with United States universities has been opened since the students showed high level competency in Namibia’s computing field.

v The female representation in NUST’s team impressed notable corporations like Expeditus who are already in South Africa and got insight in expanding their presence in Namibia. Expeditus is an international mobile application development company which is open to international graduates and specialises in delivering ready to run applications which assist businesses in monitoring and achieving their strategic goals through ease of deployment and quick time to value. Peters cautions that while developing world seeks to adopt information and communication technologies (ICT) as a way to leverage industrial and economic progress; the initial focus tends to be on the technical aspects of software engineering and electronics and this often means that human-computer interaction is not included within computer programmes thereby limiting the users understanding of the tools. For her, Namibia’s challenge lies in the scarcity of Namibians with PhD degrees in computer science academics which is because of the lower salary of academics than of those in industry. “This results in fewer Namibians with PhDs opting to join academics even at Master’s Degrees level,” says the only Namibian dean out of six, adding the need for “industry and government to support academics in the form of financial stipends in order to make it more appealing for academics.” She is now readying herself for the November AfriCHI conference in Kenya. She co-chairs this AfriCHI which is the inaugural conference for Human Computer Interaction in Africa. “The aim of AfriCHI is to widen the international participation of Africans in the practise and study of Human Computer Interaction and Interaction Design, and to advance HCI by increased awareness of designs, tools, inventions, methods and theories for creating or using technology in Africa. It is organised in co-operation with various pan-African teams, and I am honoured to be chairing it after a long journey to get Africans defining their own computer interaction terms,” she says.

Anicia Peters: Awards and Activities Awards 1. 2016 Achiever's Award: Best Contribution to Computer Science for the Year, ICTCS2016, India 2. 2014 Research Excellence Award, Iowa State University • 2013 Boeing Award for most HCI conference publications • 2013 Boeing Award for most significant research contribution to the HCI field 3. 2012 Google Anita Borg Scholarship for Women in Computer Science in the US 4. 2012 - 2013 Schlumberger Faculty for the Future Women in Science PhD Scholarship 5. 2012 Google Scholarship for Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing 6. NSF Scholarship for Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing 2010 7. Fulbright International Science and Technology Award for Foreign Students (2009) (only 42 selected worldwide in 2009) 8. Rector’s Medal for outstanding academic merit in the Institution (2008) 9. Rector’s Award for best graduant in Institution (2008) 10. Prof. Neuvo Yrjo Award for best Graduate in Information Technology (2008) (Nokia award)

Professional Membership 1. Chairperson: ACM Local Chapter Professional 2. Chair: Namibian Women in Computing 3. Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) - SIGCHI member 4. IEEE Member 5. Association of Information Systems (AIS) - SIGHCI member 6. Phi Kappa Phi Member 7. Golden Key International Honour Society Member

NUST delegates in the US