Namib
Independent free!
Great news for the coast!
Tel: 064 200497
info@namibindependent.com.na
Issue 113 - Thursday, 20 August 2014 to Wednesday, 27 August 2014
high house prices
TROPHY HUNTING BAN
04 05 EXCLUSIVE:
A GREAT TOURIST YEAR
07
I DREAMT IT WOULD HAPPEN
13
Walvis Bay Lawyer
Legally Weds
Coastal Gay Couples Legal loophole opens gay marriage doors in Namibia Lavrenty Repin A coastal lawyer has revealed a littleknown legal loophole that allows Namibian same-sex couples to legally marry, though they need to leave the country for a day first. A perfectly legal procedure, which any gay Namibian couple can undertake, will see their marriage officially recognised by the Namibian Government in accordance with law, giving them all the rights and benefits of an ordinary marriage. Heide Rossouw of Heide Rossouw Legal Office is a Walvis Bay based lawyer who began offering the chance for gay couples to get married and stay married
in Namibia two months ago, and she believes that her unique service is the first of its kind in Namibia. The idea began when a Namibian client married to an American partner of the same-sex approached Heidi for help. The marriage was not recognised in Namibia and her American partner could not get her visa renewed, eventually forcing her to leave the country. After researching the matter, it transpired that although the Namibian court does not recognise gay marriage, we are one of the countries that, without offering, Continued on Page 3
No More Foreigners, Says Namport Tanya Calitz
and support local businesses and Small Medium Enterprises, by awarding Namport in collaboration with the Namport tenders to wholly Namibian Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) owned companies only, as well as financial made a conscious decision to develop commitment from the DBN.
Sealing the deal, the DBN and Namport signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) this week to show their commitment to the country’s economic growth through the development of SMEs and other smaller entrepreneurs. Namport promises to only award tenders to Namibian companies or joint ventures with majority benefits to the locals,
Energy saving tips ENERGY SAVING TIPS Kettle • Only boil the amount of water that you need. • Keep the kettle’s element clean by boiling vinegar to remove lime scale build up.
Let’s work together and use electricity sparingly.
and the DBN promises to award loans to companies selected through Namport’s tendering process to execute projects. Namport CEO Bisey /Uirab stated that their aim is to empower and help develop Namibian owned Small Medium Enterprises (SME) through their tenders. “Namport have taken a bold decision that all our tenders and projects must be awarded to companies that have a serious agenda to
empower our people. Hence going forward all tenderers to Namport projects must either be wholly Namibian entities, or alternatively they must enter into a joint venture arrangement with Namibian companies where a significant portion is with Namibians from previously disadvantaged backgrounds,” he stated. /Uirab further stated that Namport has a capital budget Continued on Page 3
2 | News
Thursday, 21 August 2014
McCLUNE’S Shuttle Services
No More Empty Dairy Shelves for the Coast Siglinde de Villiers
For many local residents as well as shop owners, the dairy import restrictions proved to be quite frustrating, since Namibia Dairies could not cope with the demand for dairy products. To the great relief of coastal residents, the ban on import restrictions has been lifted. Last Friday, the High Court of Namibia with immediate effect lifted the import restrictions that had been imposed on companies such as Clover and Parmalat. Previously, only 500 000 litres of milk and cream plus 200 000 litres of other dairy products such as yogurt and buttermilk could be imported by means of permits issued in advance. When Clover started to lose N$500 000 per month due to the import restrictions it forced
We offer a reliable shuttle service between Windhoek, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay that guarantees satisfaction and channels development on internation and local scale. Our vehicles have been branded and are easy to identify, Which expresses ownership and legality as well as professionalism. Bookings are essentail. Terms & Conditions apply.
We operate 7 days a Week Prices per person (one Way); Windhoek/Swakopmund N$ 220.00 Windhoek/Walvis Bay N$ 230.00 Pensioners Special N$ 170.00 Departures are as follows
Windhoek
Contact Details Tel: +264 64 221 713 Cell: +264 81 628 5010 CELL: +264 81 128 7916 email:mcclunes@mweb.com.na
Walvis Bay
Swakopmund
Departure 1: 7:30 am
Departure 1: 7:00 am
Departure 1: 8:00 am
Departune 2: 14:45 pm
Departune 2: 14:00 pm
Departune 2: 15:00 pm
How can I send money to my dependents?
CONTACT US
LET’S TALK OMCARD
Tel (+264 64) 200 497 Email info@namibindependent.com.na Sales
Marius Smit 081 601 6822
marius@namibindependent.com.na
Gareth Amos 081 128 2197
gareth@namibindependent.com.na
Editorial Tanya Calitz
tanya@namibindependent.com.na
Design
sonya4maggiesattic@gmail.com
Maggie’s Attic Graphic Design
them to retrench a great number of their workforce. However, Clover decided to appeal to the High Court of Namibia to lift the restrictions, otherwise they would withdraw all business from the country. “It is nearly too good to be true. At least now we are able to provide the necessary service to our clients when it comes to dairy,” a floor manager of a local retailer in Walvis Bay said when asked how the lifted import restrictions would affect his business. “If Namibia Dairies could have kept up with the demand and also sold their goods at the same price as the imported products, I would have continued to support them,” a local shopper stated. “Unfortunately that is not the case,” he said as he pushed his trolley off towards the dairy section.
Sending money home is now much safer and convenient. You can do so by following the below steps: • Have your domestic worker, gardener, nanny or family member sign up as a dependent • Dial *140*777# • Enter your Pin • Select “Send Money” • Select the dependents name from the list • Enter the cell phone number of the dependent if they are not listed • Enter the amount and choose send
Address 127 Theo Ben Gurirab Street (MVA Office Complex) PO Box 5085, Walvis Bay, Namibia
The funds will be available immediately and it is free!
Disclaimer:
Namib Independent is published by Halfround Communications CC. All rights are reserved. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within, no liability can be accepted by the publishers or contributors for any errors, misstatements or omissions which may have occurred. The opinions expressed in the publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Also, the publishers accept no legal liability regarding copyright ownership for material which was supplied directly to the publishers by any of the advertisers or contributors.
weather
Contact your adviser or broker countrywide for your OMCARD* today. For further information call 0819 140 777, or go to www.omcard.com.na * Proudly supported by Bank Windhoek
Swakopmund
Walvis Bay
International
7 day forecast
7 day forecast
7 day forecast
Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed
14 AUG 15 AUG 16 AUG 17 AUG 18 AUG 19 AUG
21 Sunny
9
19
23
22
21
22
20 AUG
19
Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed
14 AUG 15 AUG 16 AUG 17 AUG 18 AUG 19 AUG
21
19
24
Sunny
Sunny
Sunny
Sunny
Sunny
Sunny
Sunny
Sunny
Sunny
11
10
11
9
9
8
9
11
10
23 Sunny
9
23 Sunny
8
19 Sunny
8
20 AUG
19 Sunny
7
Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed
14 AUG 15 AUG 16 AUG 17 AUG 18 AUG 19 AUG 20 AUG
Cape Town Johannesburg Port Elizabeth Durban Luanda Harare Gaborone
20/8
20/11 18/14 21/12 17/10 14/12 11/12
18/2
15/3
15/11 19/6
17/5
21/11 18/7
28/12 27/14 25/14 24/16 23/17 20/15 23/16 23/8
26/10 28/10 25/12 24/12 30/16 31/10
32/20 32/19 31/18 32/17 32/17 30/15 29/13 19/7
22/9
22/9
25/10 24/10 24/10 26/11
19/6
21/7
22/7
21/7
22/7
24/7
24/7
News | 3
Thursday, 21 August 2014
EXCLUSIVE: Walvis Bay Lawyer
Legally Weds
Coastal Gay Couples Continued from Page 1 recognise civil unions. To this effect, South Africa, where same sex marriage is legal, offers a civil union as a choice instead of a domestic marriage for any aspiring couple. Under a civil union, which follows the exact same procedure as any other form of marriage, the same-sex couple receives a valid marriage certificate which retains, according to the act “all the rights, responsibilities and legal consequences as other marriages.” Thus, this civil union is officially recognised in Namibia . Since modestly advertising her services in a small column in the classifieds section, Heide Rossouw has received over 300 phone calls. She relates that in the beginning she had to explain it profusely at Home Affairs, who refused to believe her.
“I spent two hours at the office, because the lady kept telling me that it is sinful,” Heide details. However by now, she says, the process moves smoothly since the full force of the law is behind it. An aspiring couple, Heide explains, will need to travel to South Africa for one day. There they will be met by her colleague, who will take them to a priest to get married and to fill out the appropriate documents. In Namibia, Heide will apply in Home Affairs and Immigration, and the couple can also apply for a surname change. Clients, Heide explains, opt to let her do the talking at Home Affairs as the process can be uncomfortable for the client. The entire procedure will cost you a reasonable N$12 000. Heide Rossouw, who says that she supports gay marriage entirely, explains that the benefits of a recognised marriage for same-sex
couples are innumerable. “You get guys that are insecure about their partners, who they’ve been with for 10, 15, 20 years! Why shouldn’t they get married? Why shouldn’t they have vows and promises to hold their relationship together, in the country where they belong?” Legally, the marriage means that if one partner passes away, the other will be eligible to inherit his or her property. “Even if there is a will (but no marriage) the family business, for instance, can oppose it and often win. With a marriage and a will there is no chance of this happening.” All estate planning, if married in community of property, is a great advantage, which leads to easier home-loans and healthier life insurance policies. Divorce is also recognised, and a same-sex couple is able to sue each other for infidelity or to split property equally, and the partners may not remarry until their divorce is finalised. Finally, and crucially, a partner out of wedlock is barred from visiting his partner in hospital in an event of injury and in making any decisions on behalf of the unconscious partner; again this life or death privilege is a given when the partners are involved in a civil union. Even the question
No More Foreigners, Says Namport
of adopting children lingers, as this too is of this kind of thing, it will work.” recognised as an official marriage benefit, Heide is adamant on helping all people although Heide Rossouw speculates that, in Namibia, which is why her fee is so “it would be very challenging. Maybe if affordable. Namibia is going to become more aware
ANCE
STAND A CH TO
WIN
R 2 BY A DINNER FO G YOUR PURCHASIN
MATRIC UIT FAREWELL S
FROM US.
Continued from Page 1
H.LOHMEIER MEN'S OUTFITTERS Exclusive Men's Wear S WA K O P M U N D
Tel: 064-402515 • Fax: 064-402515 Email: lohmi@iway.na
Connect 250 Achiever
Namport CEO Uirab and DBN CEO Inkumbi signing the MOU of N$300 million annually to spend on projects within the harbour through a tendering process. These projects can vary from small projects such as supplying goods to big infrastructural projects. For this agreement specifically the DBN said they are looking at approving loans for up to N$5 million, but can approve loans for as much as N$300 million per single entity. “By entering into this agreement with Namport, the DBN can approve loans to applicants without collateral, which makes this MOU even more unique and in favour of the SMEs,” said the CEO of the DBN, Martin Inkumbi. In response to a question on what rules the DBN will apply when considering a loan, Inkumbi said that they have full faith in Namport to award the tenders to companies that are capable and competent to carry out the project successfully, but stated that regardless they will also be doing their own due diligence on applicants. “The DBN will look at the company’s history, success rate, experience, financial history and the projects viability for all parties involved.”
375
N$
*FREE
PER MONTH
Samsung Galaxy S7580
What you get minutes FREE 500 SMS FREE 250 Connection fee N$218
*Visit website for more phone options on this package. Offer valid until 31 August 2014, subject to 24 month contract. Terms & Conditions apply.
CEO /Uirab breaking the news
www.mtc.com.na
Wedding Suits Business Suits Boys Suits Any Suits
4 | News
Thursday, 21 August 2014
High House
Prices Change
Pedestrian Only Zone for Swakopmund Town Centre Suggested
Social Fabric
A pedestrian zone only in Swakopmund Siglinde de Villiers
Siglinde de Villiers As more and more people are drawn towards Walvis Bay, its population grows. Many settle and so a dire need for more houses is created. Yet, despite the Municipality providing erven for residents to build on, only a few have been bought. For most house seekers, the price class is simply way out of their league. As previously reported by the Namib Independent, the Walvis Bay Municipality only managed to sell 30 erven out of the 105 that they staked out in Meersig. Going for N$650 per square metre, the erven were sized between 800 and 1220 square metres. Thus, one erf cost around N$500 000, not considering any building costs. Even for those who receive a middle class income, these erven prices are too high. Only twenty years ago, a person who entered the working world in his early 20s would have been able to afford and own a house by the time he entered his 30s. Nowadays, a local bank stated
that a couple will have to earn a combined salary of at least N$20 000 to qualify for a loan if a development costs N$650 000. Looking at what is available in the market, there is hardly a family home that sells below N$1 million. This means that a couple would have to be able to set aside at least N$20 000 per month to own a house 20 years down the line. Not to mention general expenses of surviving each month. “I can hardly cope between school fees and my car payment, never mind a house payment. It is just way too much,” a mother of two told the Namib Independent. For many young couples, the race in house prices towards an ever increasing finishing line renders the buying a home of their own simply a far fetched dream. Thus, young people are staying at home for longer. An aged resident in Walvis Bay related, “When we reached the age of 20, we had to set ourselves up or we were kicked out of the house. “Now, I have my children’s
children living with me, because they are not able to survive out there on their own,” she lamented. Figures received from a local estate agency highlight the aged lady\s sentiment. “Average two-bedroom unit rental starts at N$5500, a price class that is not within range for most young adults. We hardly ever have young adults as our clients, unless they earn upwards of N$15 000 per month,” a local industry insider explained. According to local residents, the scarcity of houses has also lowered the standard of living, for very few are happy with their current living conditions. “The only way to stay on your own is to share with someone, but most of the rentals are in a pathetic condition,” a young Walvis Bay resident observed. One young reader commented, “It is a really sad reality that we are having to deal with,” and asked: “It makes one wonder where we are going to end?”
Once the new shopping malls in Swakopmund are completed, they will draw the masses. Despite the positive influence of these investors, many wonder what will happen to the old city centre once this paradigm shift has completed its course. This is the very question that was discussed between business owners and the Municipality last Friday. Once the Bahnhof Square and La Mer Shopping Complex are completed, many businesses in the town centre will move into these modern buildings. “When some of these shops move, the town might become empty. So we are trying to raise awareness and wake up the local community to come up with a plan to keep town centre alive,” said Eckart Demasius, CEO of the Municipality. One of the suggestions made was to change the town centre to a pedestrian only zone. This idea would follow the precedent set by developed countries worldwide. Juuso Kambueshe, Mayor of Swakopmund, commented, “Swakopmund is a tourist destination in competition with the world. Our target is to make ourselves internationally competent through strategies that empower us accordingly and cater for the transformation of the old city to new developments.” Kambueshe continued to explain that what is happening in Swakopmund also happened in Frankfurt when they “pedestrianised”. “We are following the same process,” Kambueshe said. Taking a look at the world, a large number of European towns and cities have made part of their centres car-free. A case in point would be central Copenhagen, one of the largest and oldest pedestrian zones in the world. It is centered on Strøget, a street with a series of interconnected avenues, which create a very large pedestrian zone. In some places it is crossed by streets with vehicular traffic. Most pedestrian zones allow delivery trucks to service the businesses located there during the early morning, and streetcleaning vehicles will usually go through these streets after most shops have closed. According to Kambueshe, it will not be possible to transform Swakopmund’s town centre into a full no-car zone. “People who have businesses in the town centre might be in need of their cars for emergencies,” he said. However, the creation of pedestrian zones will be in line with the Mayors ‘Go Green’ policy. “I had the idea a long time ago, when we wanted to make Swakopmund greener. There is
a general tendency amongst local residents to drive their cars from corner to corner when they do shopping. Swakopmund is the worst place to be in during the holidays because of all the cars. Thus we have not made more provision for parking spaces so that people are encouraged to walk,” he explained. Demasius however, thinks that the idea is far fetched. “It will take at least another two years for the major shopping malls in Swakopmund to be completed. At the moment it is just a play with ideas for people to become aware of what is happening in order for them not to lose business,” he said. What do coastal residents think about a pedestrian only zone? “It will definitely alleviate the parking rush in Swakopmund,” a resident said. Another reader commented, “When I had to go to Denmark, we also had to walk everywhere. That’s when I noticed that their obesity rate is very low. Walking is good for us. There will have to be secure parking facilities at the edge of the pedestrian zone though.” A local resident reckoned, “If most chain and grocery stores move to the new shopping centres, a pedestrian zone with cute niche shops can become a huge attraction, not only for tourists but locals as well. It could promote a nice cultural vibe and give an opportunity for the arts to have a better platform, such as live music, markets and stalls.” Yet another coastal resident said, “The possibilities are endless, really, and all the best tourist spots have provision for visitors who would much rather walk and let the town sink in. In short, I don't see anything but good coming from this decision.” However, some residents did express their concern about empty shops in the town centre. The Mayor refuted these fears, saying, “Something that people might not realise is that when some of the current shops move, there will be new ones to take their place. Other products that we do not know can then penetrate our market in Swakopmund.” He continued to explain that it is necessary for us to adopt a 21st century viewpoint, where we drive the town towards an international tourist standard. “The town council has not made a definite decision about the pedestrian zones yet, but we are playing with ideas. Development creates employment, aiding Swakopmund to change and transform for the better,” the Mayor concluded.
News | 5
Thursday, 21 August 2014
Petition to
Ban Namibian
Trophy Hunting Imports to USA
Tanya Calitz An independent party from the United Kingdom launched a petition on the internet in aid of saving the endangered Namib Desert Elephant, urging the US Government to ban the import of all hunting trophies from Namibia to the United States. According to the site the Namibian Government has sold licences for the killing of 11 specially desert-adapted elephants of the Namib Desert. According to the internet site, two of these elephants have already been killed. The saving party also stated that the second elephant was not killed by a licence holder so it may not count, in which case there may be a further ten desert elephants on death row. “We are petitioning the USFWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) and CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) to ban the trophy imports of the desert adapted elephants into the USA,” said Louise D, the founder of the petition for the desert elephant. As reported in a recent BBC program, there are only about 100 of these desert elephants left in the Namib Desert. Each herd is guided by a leader that has gained specialist knowledge over many generations of where to find water and food in the harsh Namib Desert. The
killing of 11 or 12 desert elephants out of this small number of 100 animals will significantly destabilise the herds and take them too close to extinction. “Hunters are motivated by being able to brag about their kills. And they can do this if they have a trophy to take home for show. If we can stop them from taking home their trophies we will remove their motivation to proceed with the hunt,” the site stated. “The unique adapted desert dwelling elephant numbers are on the decline, and they are down to less than 100 individuals again, their existence is threatened. They are going extinct. 10% of the whole population of the very unique adapted desert dwelling elephants. In the world, will be killed by trophy hunters. We need the USA government to ban the import licences urgently. This is unsustainable hunting,” Louise stated. You can help to stop the slaughter by signing the petition (link) below. The link will also be posted on the Namib Independent Facebook Page. https://secure.avaaz.org/en/ petition/Director_Daniel_M_Ashe_ USFWS_John_E_Scanlon_CITIES_ SecretaryGeneral_BAN_USA_TROPHY_ IMPORTS_of_the_UNIQUE_ADAPTED_ DESERT_/?wQweebb
6 | News
FFB522_LIFESTYLE print 300 x 220_bike2 .pdf
3
14/08/2014
15:11
Thursday, 21 August 2014
FOR ALL YOUR DSTV REQUIREMENTS, PAYMENTS AND INSTALLATIONS
N$ 1299*
Explora Decoder
Decoder + Dish + Installation
N$ 2999*
WALVIS BAY: 064-203318 SWAKOPMUND: 064-403418
We don’t see much of Jaco. He banks almost completely online and via his cellphone thanks to his Lifestyle Account. It gives him less admin and more air time, and that suits him fine. So free up your life and open a Lifestyle Account today. It’s banking designed around you.
Visit your nearest FNB branch or call us at tel: (061) 299 2222. www.fnbnamibia.com.na Terms and conditions apply.
News | 7
Thursday, 21 August 2014
Hosea Kutako Downgrading Has No Effect 2014 a Great Tourist Year Lavrenty Repin The massive downgrading of our national airport sent shock waves across Namibia, many wondering what impact this embarrassing situation would have on the vital tourism sector, which provides the backbones for towns like Swakopmund. Yet although a music concert had to be cancelled in the capital after an international artist failed to find a plane to arrive on, the downgrading seems to have had no other repercussions. Although the FNB tourist index states that the measure of tourism activity in the country fell by 1.7% from the previous quarter on the back of lower seasonal demand, at the same time the first quarter figure was 17% higher than the same period last year. This is because travel to Namibia had been 6% cheaper for tourists from Europe and America because of the weakened local currency against the Dollar and the Euro, inviting not only more tourists but also more spending. “Although there had been fewer tourists, the few that did travel to Namibia spent more money than usual,” the FNB report states, also indicating that local travellers have increased by 6%. A brief look at accommodation establishments at the coast supports this data. The prestigious Hansa Hotel in Swakopmund so far has had a tremendous 10% increase in business revenue compared to the previous year. Manager Stephan Wacker boasted, “The first half of the year has been excellent, because of the weak currency, of course. Now, high-season is high-season, fully booked is fully booked.” He went on to explain that the business has not suffered by the downgrading of Hosea Kutako.“We haven’t experienced anything,” he said, “I think the Ebola outbreak is more dangerous to our business than this!” Europa Hof Hotel is doing just as well, said Manager Veronica, since the year’s bookings have had a huge
increase, which has boosted the previously struggling hotel. Furthermore, the sudden airport closure seemed to have little impact. “It was only in the beginning of the tourist season. If it happens again, we will suffer,” she said, agreeing that, “if the timing of the downgrading was a month later, it would be a disaster! You can’t reschedule and re-accommodate a group of 25 people just like that.” A La Mer, too, had only one booking affected by the ‘airport crisis’, a couple who were not able to travel. Surprisingly, they reported that the first half of the year has been
t a e Gr ls a e D
VACANCIES
“the worst ever” but with the high season looming, “bookings are picking up for this year and even the next.” Tour operators African Eagle remarked, “This year has been awesome. It’s really been a good selling point, and it is something that people do advertise, that now it is sort of cheaper (in Namibia) than a year or two ago.” The Hosea Kutako airport scandal has had no effect on tourism, the company
Seasonal Special
From SADC Cities to Frankfurt
Applications are invited from suitable qualified committed professionals for the following positions in the Erongo Region:
Return
2 X I.L.S. PRACTIONERS REQUIREMENTS: • Minimum Grade 12 • Namibian Citizenship/Permanent Resident/Work Visa • Valid Passport • Proof of valid registration with the Health Professions Council of Namibia • Experience in the field • Experience in training competency • Excellent interpersonal communication skills • Excellent computer literacy • Valid driver’s license (code8/10) essential. PDP with advance driving skills • Be prepared to work shifts and travel as needed MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES: • Practice as Intermediate Life Support • Maintain accurate administration and monitoring • On going in work training • Maintain of fleet • Maintain accurate stock control • Ad hoc duties SUBMIT YOUR CV WITH SUPPORTIVE DOCUMENTS BEFORE 30.08.14 TO Fax Number: 064 20 9855 E-mail: st.gabrielambulance@iway.na Only short listed candidates will be contacted Contact number: 064 20 9955
PHOTO SOURCE: http://www.panoramio.com/ explained. “The news probably hasn’t even reached the ears of people overseas, and everybody flies through Johannesburg anyway.” Although tourists are willing to spend more, accommodation prices are also on the increase. According to African Eagle, the increase for 2015 is nearly twice the usual at 15%, instead of the expected 8%, and if our currency strengthens against the Dollar and Euro, “we will be in trouble.”
Save up to
5% 4 taxes included From
To
Windhoek Frankfurt Johannesburg Frankfurt Cape Town Frankfurt Harare Frankfurt Luanda Frankfurt Maun Frankfurt Victoria Falls Frankfurt
Price
NAD 9,870.00 ZAR 9,190.00 ZAR 10,690.00 USD 1,060.00 USD 990.00 BWP 9,880.00 USD 1,050.00
Effective from 01 November 2014 to 31 March 2015 Applicable on selected flights only, limited seats! For details, contact us
www.airnamibia.aero Contact : +246 61 299 6111 E-mail: CallCentre@airnamibia.aero
8 | News
Thursday, 21 August 2014
Crucial Coastal Management Bill in Final Stages Lavrenty Repin The Integrated Coastal Management Bill is set to come into effect before the end of the year, following eight years of deliberation, consultation, planning and revision. “It is probably the most consultative process that we have experienced in Namibia’s history,” says
NACOMA Project Coordinator Rodney Braby. He explained that the first three years of the process were exclusively set aside for public and stakeholder consultation, calling it “the work of hundreds of meetings and thousands of questioners.” The Bill has now left NACOMA’s hands and, having been altered where necessary by Nakamhela’s Attorneys, the draft is presently under the Ministry
PHOTO SOURCE: http://www.minesight.com/ of Environment for revision. Following this, according to Mr Braby, it will be sent to cabinet in a matter of weeks. Once approved, the establishment of a Coastal Authority will follow. NACOMA was established in 2006 to facilitate the slow-moving bill, which will be a first for Namibia, and only the third of its kind to be implemented in Africa, with Namibia following rapidly in the footsteps of Tanzania and South Africa. The alternative would be constructing hard barrier structures, which are extremely expensive to build and maintain. They also cause unpredictable changes to the dynamics of the climate and environment. The Act will also deal with ambiguity of the “High Tide Mark”, which Mr Braby says is moving up. The Municipal legislation goes only up to the high tide water mark, yet the boundaries are undetermined as it is moving eastwards for the most part, and
in some areas it is retreating, eroding fast. The Bill, which is split into a North and a South coastline will further address coastal protection, protection of workers refusing to do environmentally hazardous work, environmental clearances and prohibitions of activities and developments in the coastal zone, discharge of effluent into coastal waters as well as disposal and dumping into the sea, among other objectives of the 80 page draft document. At present the coast is in a fragile position and in dire need of professional protection, which is what this bill is set to do regarding the environment, safety and responsible development. Things like qualified coastal engineers and independent environment impact studies are lacking at the coast. “We cannot afford to slow this bill down,” states Mr Braby , “it is a matter of urgency.”
Connect 100 Active
179
N$
*FREE
PER MONTH
LG E450 Optimus extra payment N$191
What you get minutes FREE 200 SMS FREE 150 Connection fee N$218
*Visit website for more phone options on this package. Offer valid until 31 May 2014, subject to 24 month contract. Terms & Conditions apply.
www.mtc.com.na
News | 9
Thursday, 21 August 2014
American Embassy Donates Grant to Walvis Bay NGO Lavrenty Repin
Vacancy: Operations Manager Skills:
Duties & Responsibilities:
Manage Daily Operations & Planning Manage and guide Operations & Crewing Teams Compiling of vessel DA’s and maintaining of same. Assisting Debtors & Creditors departments on all aspects of the finance processes. Resolving and attending to Operational & Financial queries. Attend to Operational Tenders, compiling and submitting of same. Negotiating and corresponding with clients. Updating all departments on vessel schedules and activities. Attending Management meetings for strategic session
Education:
Experience:
Written communication skills Problem Solving Skills Verbal communication skills MS Office Computer Skills Good Judgement Analytical Skills Business Writing Skills Organized Flexible Fast moving Ability to read speak & write English ( Other Languages will be beneficial) Working knowledge procedures & documentation of various authorities Understanding of shipping industry & procedures Make Frontline decisions Take ownership / leadership of your department and its personnel
5 - 10 years in the shipping industry & Managerial Position Logistical Degree or Diploma will be advantageous Knowledge of Local Port & Industry
Grade 12 Code BE Driver’s license
Young Africa Namibia, an NGO situated in Kuisebmund, received a grant of nearly N$70 000 from the US Embassy last Wednesday to continue with their successful Solar Technology Department in the low income area. The project, which originally began in Zimbabwe, focuses on school dropouts in Kuisebmund, aged between 15 and 25. The course includes learning to install and maintain solar equipment as well as understand the concept behind the technology. Each class can contain 20 students, but the demand, founder Dirk Bellens said, is a lot higher. Although Dirk Bellens and his wife and partner Yvette Bellens reckoned that solar power jobs at the coast are still new, the market is picking up and companies in the North and South of the country are looking for specialised workers, which
Young Africa hopes to produce. There is also a market for maintenance of solar panels. The US Embassy looks at reaching out beyond Windhoek, and aims at youth development and education. It gives grants worth half a million Namibian dollars each year to a handful of organisations that have the potential to reach more people. The embassy’s Chargé d'Affaires, John Kowalski, explained that, “Young Africa Namibia came to us with a great, innovative idea and sound way of approaching it,” adding that “it’s an opportunity to really uplift the lives of everyone, especially in remote areas. It is a transferable skill, the further it gets out the better.” Yvette Bellens mentioned that the money will be used to purchase a solar geyser for the school and to compose and develop a first of a kind teaching manual that can be used and implemented around the country.
VACANCY The Manica Group Namibia (Pty) Ltd. is an equal opportunity employer with offices based in Walvis Bay. The Group is looking for a suitably experienced Senior Accounts Controller- Creditors (Patterson Grade: B5) to join its ranks as soon as possible.
Senior Accounts Controller- Creditors (B5)
Manica Group Namibia (Pty) Ltd. Location : Walvis Bay Job Specification...
Ÿ Manage creditors department; Ÿ Maintain creditors master data; Ÿ Review creditors reconciliations monthly;
Minimum Requirements... Ÿ Bookkeeping or other relevant qualification; Ÿ Grade 12; Ÿ 3-5 years related experience is essential; Read more on the website
The closing date for the above position: 27 August 2014 Bidvest Namibia supports all efforts to conserve the environment and uses an online recruitment service to reduce its carbon footprint. This service enables you to view the latest vacancies within the Bidvest Namiba Group and to register your CV for any other future positions. All applications must be done online at:
Please submit your CV to info@Lssnamibia.com
Closing Date: 05.09.14
Please note: Only short listed candidates will be contacted Cnr of 2nd Str East & John Newman | P.O. Box 4407 Walvis Bay Namibia Tel: +264 64 276 600 | Fax: +264 64 276 601
get tailor-made financial solutions for your specific needs in the public sector. Call Leslie Puriza on (+264) 61 299 7599 or Bolle Hans on (+264) 61 299 7533 for more information.
http://bidvestnamibia.pnet.com.na
Bidvest Namibia Limited is a proudly Namibian company, listed on the Namibian Stock Exchange and is engaged in fisheries, food distribution, commercial trade, freight management and service industries. Bidvest Namibia believes in empowering people, building relationships and improving lives. We turn ordinary companies into extraordinary performers, delivering strong and consistent shareholder returns in the process. But most importantly, we understand that people create wealth, and that companies only report it.
10 | News
Thursday, 21 August 2014
I'm Gonna Sue Your
@rse
WASTE MANAGEMENT (PTY) LTD. vaCanCy: OPeRatIOns FOReMan
Sue Culture On It's Way
Department: Waste Management Reporting
The incumbent will report to the Operations Manager of Wesco Waste Management (Pty) Ltd.
Main Responsibilities
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Undertake all engagements with a safety first attitude Attend Dry-dock Vessel meetings Liaise with Vessel Managers and Superintendents. Carry out costing estimations Maintain equipment service records Receive customer orders Manage Supervisors, Charge Hands and Operators in a safe and effective manner. Manage the cleaning of tanks and enclosed vessels Manage the cleaning of HAZMAT spills and related activities Communicate technical information Plan and organize work Use time management techniques Work as a team member Any other duties that may be reasonably required from time to time
Minimum requirements of the job
• • •
3 years relevant experience in a similar or related capacity Should be proficient in Microsoft programs and be computer literate Technical experience in the Maritime / Ship Repair or Oil and Gas Industry
Desirable Competencies/Knowledge:
• • • • • • •
The successful candidate must have strong leadership skills and organisational capabilities, as well as analytical and problemsolving skills will be required for this role Suitably qualified applicants from designated Affirmative Action Groups, especially women, are encouraged to apply Understanding of Logistics & Transport Understanding of ISO 14000/ 9000 family of standards & OHSAS 18000 Understanding of Oil Industry Standards (API & SANS) Understanding of ISM Code STCW Deck Officer (Class 3 unlimited)
The Company offers competitive fringe benefits which include the following: • • •
Competitive Market Related Salary Pension Fund Medical Aid
Interested?
Please submit your curriculum vitae and proof of qualifications with a covering letter, to: recruitment@linkservices.com.na
Closing Date: 29 August 2014
PFB642/GEN/01
Please note: Only short listed candidates will be contacted
Opinion Piece by Siglinde de Villiers For most of us, lawyers have always had an air of honourable professionalism, the aura of qualified expertise that demands respect. Until now. In the past, lawyers had to depend on professional references from others for business. However, a new ruling, which allows law firms to advertise in the media, might plunge our current viewpoint into abysmal depths. Finishing law school to starting an own practice used to be a far stretch. A stretch that involved a lot of money, generated from the reputation a new lawyer gains within the industry. Following in the footsteps of many other countries in the world, Namibia has decided to allow its lawyers to advertise, with the result that these days, a lawyer can easily start up his practice from home. And soon, all kinds of little law firms could be popping up nationwide. Which of course will also change the clientele that visits lawyer offices. Usually, lawyer’s fees start with the first consultation. Something that not everybody could afford, which limited the number of people that could gain justice for their cause. Looking at what happened in other countries, the media will suddenly be flooded with claims of justice for the poor by various law practitioners. How would they operate? Once again, our predecessors show us: a ‘no win no pay’ basis. This means that if the court case is not won, the
clients will not have to pay. However, this new kind of lawyer will pick his cases very carefully, choosing only those that have a good chance of winning a court case and proving to be profitable. Will this mean better justice for Namibians? There are two sides to the coin. Sure, the new law industry will serve in the interests of the poor. With our current statistics of high unemployment rates, low education standard and below average income for the majority of Namibians, many can only dream of visiting a lawyer. Now that dream has become reality, since this group of people can see a lawyer at no cost, especially those who have to go against the rich and famous as is illustrated by the case of Riaan* (pseudonym). “I was mauled by a rich guy’s dogs in the street when I walked past his house once,” this coastal resident related. “Despite having visited a lawyer, I was poor and he was rich. I could not afford any more fees and the case died with the money. Nothing ever happened to him while I still struggle with physical disabilities of that mauling.” On the other hand, one has to ask, how many cases will be discarded because a lawyer sees no profit in them? No one can say for sure. Neither does it inspire confidence that ‘all will attain justice’. Justice will be linked to profit, not to moral and ethical right and wrongs. Then there is also the question of misleading adverts and hidden costs. Since this new kind of lawyer will not ask a consultation fee, what hidden
costs will there be in order for his business to remain profitable? Only the future will tell. Once again, looking at what happened overseas should give us a pretty good indication of how this new policy will change our society. With cheap and easy access to a lawyer, it is inevitable that people and businesses get sued for the smallest things. If somebody takes their child for a walk next to the lagoon and it slips and hurts itself, one can sue the Municipality for not putting up warning signs, or worse, for not having a fence guarding children from falling into the lagoon. If a child gets an infection from playing in a park, the Municipality can get sued for bacteria present in the sand or grass in the park. Like in many other countries, the sand and grass will have to be replaced with a sterile synthetic rubber material. The list can go on and on. Eventually, the desire for making some quick cash, enabled by the new kind of lawyer, will slowly change us into a sue society as well. How much of our freedom and independence will it take away? That each one has to answer himself. Then there is also the question of our justice system. At present, court cases carry on for months on end, sometimes even years after a crime has been committed. With the current justice system being so overloaded, how will it handle the thousands of minor cases that are bound to spring up everywhere without collapsing into itself? Unless of course, a new court system is designed, constructed and implemented.
Wys ons hoe warm jou hart klop en WEN! 300 kaartjies op die spel! In samewerking met:
Sluitingsdatum: 22 Augustus 2014
SMS “Vrydag Hart” of “Saterdag Hart” na 1010 om 4 kaartjies na die fees te wen! Die bank wat amptelik Windhoek se hart laat klop! Trotse borg van die 2014 Huisgenoot Hart van Windhoek. SMS kos N$2. Terme en voorwaardes geld.
how can we help you?
News | 11
Thursday, 21 August 2014
Animal
Physiotherapy Clinic for Coast
New building next to Anna Mart Kruger Biokintetics For several weeks, coastal residents have been driving past Anna-Mart Biokinetics and observed a new structure springing up from the ground. Is it a new medical practice? Another indoor pool? Perhaps something unique that Walvis Bay does not yet have? Well, the Namib Independent decided to find out and yes, something most unique is on its way. Right on our doorstep, as a first for Namibia, Anna-Mart Kruger is expanding her practice to include an animal physiotherapy section. “I have done all the training and am really excited to help animals in this way,” she said. Currently Anna-Mart treats dogs at Dr R Beeker’s Southern Cross Veterinary practice. Once the construction is completed, the new facilities will work miracles for animals. “This will be the reception,” AnnaMart said, pointing to the front side of the incomplete building. “Here will be the evaluation area and this section the training area,” she continued to explain. The training area includes a small pool where Anna Mart will be performing hydrotherapy with her four-legged patients. “Swimming is an excellent cardiovascular exercise and does not add extra strain to already overloaded joints,” she said. Other treatments include massage, passive range of motion and stretching as well as therapeutic exercises. The latter involves exercises
to encourage gait rehabilitation including cones, cavallettis, ball and treadmill exercises. Other available treatments focus on fitness and weight loss. In addition, Anna Mart has made provision for four dog kennels. “Since we will be the only practice in Namibia, patients from other parts of the country can be accommodated in the kennels. They are also helpful if a pet needs cage rest in order to recover. In this way, I can keep an eye and monitor their health status,” Anna-Mart explained. Even though her animal physiotherapy practice focuses mainly on dogs, she will also accommodate horses and cats. “The horses will be treated as outside patients, though,” Anna-Mart added. She further stated that all her patients have to be referred to her by a vet. The current facility, compromising 580 square metres, will expand to nearly double its size, but not all of the space has been assigned to animal physiotherapy. “I am expanding the biokinetics and physiotherapy departments as well,” Anna-Mart said. In this way, the service will be upgraded and more patients can be accommodated. “In 2015, I am planning to employ five biokineticists and four physiotherapists,” Anna-Mart explained. The bigger space will also allow Anna Mart to establish the first affiliated cross fit studio in Walvis Bay. According to Anna-Mart, she wants her expanded facility to be up and running by the end of October.
POST YOUR news, views &
comments on our
FACEBOOK PAGE
12 | Worldwide News
Thursday, 21 August 2014
W o r l dwide Husband Sets Wife Rare "Blond" Penguin
On Fire
Spotted in Antarctica
A woman was covered in alcohol and set alight by her new husband after he passed out drunk on their wedding night and she slept with an ex-lover in revenge, say Russian police. Veronika Filippova, 27, died with 80 percent burns on her body after she confessed to husband Ivan Kuzmin that she spent their wedding night with someone else. According to news site Life News, Kuzmin, 30, had fallen asleep after drinking heavily during the wedding reception and his new bride had gone looking for her ex in a bid to take ‘revenge’. Police in Volgograd in southern Russia revealed that Kuzmin had confessed to the murder. Kuzmin allegedly had a violent past that he kept from his new bride. He now faces up to 15 years in prison.
Seafarers on a 2012 National Geographic-Lindblad expedition to Antarctica spotted this rare "blond" chinstrap penguin in a colony on Aitcho Island. The condition is known as isabellinism or leucism (like "leukocyte," or white blood cells), and not albinism, where no melanin is produced. Animals with isabellinism have a genetic mutation that dilutes pigments in the feathers, according to a 2009 study in Marine Ornithology. Though technically separate conditions, isabellinism and leucism are used interchangeably. Leucistic birds have a mutation that restricts the dissemination of pigment to feathers. Source: http://www.iflscience.com/
Source: http://metro.co.uk/
"Human Barbie"
Connect
Claims She's the Best One Yet
Smartphone Lite
249
N$
*FREE
This is Lolita Richi from Kiev, Ukraine. Richi (I don't know how that could possibly be her real name) is 16 years old and claims to be the best "human Barbie" yet, without the help of surgery, dieting, or Photoshop. "I think I've achieved this image better than anyone else," she told reporter Pesala Bandara. "I'm the ultimate vamp woman. I haven't even heard of Valeria Lukyanov." Oh, OK. Richi is still in high school, where she says she is the queen bee. "People have openly told
PER MONTH
Nokia Lumia 520
What you get minutes FREE 200 SMS FREE 100 data FREE 200MB Connection fee N$218
*Visit website for more phone options on this package. Offer valid until 31 August 2014, subject to 24 month contract. Terms & Conditions apply.
www.mtc.com.na
Energy saving tips ENERGY SAVING TIPS Geyser • A geyser accounts for up to 40% of your electricity bill. • Ensure that the thermostat is set to no more than 55 Degrees Celsius. • Wrapping your geyser in an insulating blanket can reduce power consumption by half. Let’s work together and use electricity sparingly.
me that they're jealous of me and how good I look," she says. "All of the boys at school fancy me as well but I don't like any of them. They are not to my taste." Richi went on to explain her look: "I had great features to start with and I just improved on them. My big breasts are natural although I sometimes wear a push-up bra to enhance them. I have a gorgeous figure so I don't even have to diet. I just eat whatever's available in the fridge whether that's sausages or fruit. I started wearing affordable contact lenses and make-up. My mother used to be an actress so I borrow her wigs. I feel comfortable and confident in my appearance. There are many women who want to look like this." Source: http://www.cosmopolitan.com/
It Happened to ME | 13
Thursday, 21 August 2014
It Happened to ME!
I Dreamt It
Would Happen
Tragic train accident victim, school girl Benita Johannes (14) told the Namib Independent that she had a premonition about that fateful day she lost both an arm and a leg when a TransNamib train ran over her. Tanya Calitz After more than three months care in Windhoek State Hospital, Benita has finally been released and is back with her family in Walvis
Bay. The Namib Independent spoke to Benita at her home in Kuisebmond about her heartbreaking ordeal, being back, life as an amputee, her premonition and the road to recovery. The question most people would ask first is what really happened that day, which led to the poor girl being ripped apart. Benita shares, what she can remember, in detail with the Namib Independent from her wheelchair in front of her family home in Kuiseb. “The night before the accident I had a terrible nightmare. I dreamed
that I had no arm, and no leg, but in the dream it was not clear how I lost my limbs,” Benita lays out. “I also vaguely remember seeing a train in my dream, but it was not clearly indicated that it was the cause of the loss of my arm and leg. I just distinctly remember only having one arm and leg. The next morning the nightmare replayed itself in my head over and over. I went to school like any other day, but with the thought of this dream stuck in my mind. It bothered me,” Benita says. Around break time at school, Benita started feeling ill. She had a bad stomach
One of the world’s foremost emerging uranium companies, Swakop Uranium, is focused on developing and operating the world's third-largest known primary uranium deposit near the town of Swakopmund in Namibia. We need energetic, self-motivated and confident people to apply for our roles and we regard you as our “Employee of Choice”.
VACANCY ProduCtioN MANAger Location: Husab Mine, Swakopmund Reports to the Mining Manager Effectively start-up and manage Swakop Uranium’s extensive open pit mining production function that at peak production will produce around 140 million tons per annum with a mining fleet that will comprise of 80 mining units. The production department is to ensure the necessary quantity demand of ore at the required quality to be mined and delivered to the process plant on a continuous basis. Key Performance Areas: • Successful implementation of the mining production start-up plan; • Production Effectiveness and Efficiency • Mining Production Management • Development and management of all relevant mining and production policies and systems • Optimization of production practices and increases in mining fleet performance through continuous improvement; • Compliance to approved mining plans and achievement of targets; • Continuously meeting internal customer satisfaction; • Comprehensive training and development of all production personnel; • Safety, health, and environment management; • Statutory Compliance; • Budget, costs, reporting, business planning and document control; • Mining support, communication and training including monitoring, guiding and participation in meetings, audits and incident reporting; • People and performance management. requirements and experience: • BSc Degree in Mining Engineering or similar qualification in mining. • Open pit blasting certificate and Mine Manager Certificate of Competency. • General hard rock open pit mining experience (Will consider coal mining experience): 15 years • Optimization of Heavy Mobile Equipment (Haul Trucks, Excavators, Front End Loaders, ect) : 10 years • Senior leadership experience: 5 years of production manager in large –scale mine • Previous start – up mining operations experience in large-scaled mines will be highly desirable. • Good communication and function in a multi-cultural environment. • Code B driver’s license.
Through its commitment to its people, the company offers a competitive remuneration package and the opportunity to work alongside some of the most experienced and dedicated people in the industry. Interested persons should submit their CV and relevant supporting documents to recruitment@swakopuranium.com.na website by 29 August 2014. Previously disadvantaged Namibians meeting the above criteria are encouraged to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within two weeks of the closing date of this advertisement and no documents will be returned. Short-listed candidates must be willing to undergo pre-employment selection assessments. For more information on the company, please visit www.swakopuranium.com
Passionately energise our World
Benita with her mother, far left, a friend and her sister ache, combined with this ill feeling of the dream. She left school, and went home. “At home I made myself some food, and sat in the sun at the back of my house, eating, still thinking about the dream. My sister came home and I shared the strange dream with her. After that I went to the library in town, next to the municipality.” According to Benita she spent some time at the library and started walking towards the railway in town. As soon as she reached the railway line her body froze. “The minute I saw the track I got chills all over my body. I immediately left the area and went back to the library,” Benita takes me through her recollection of events on the day of the accident. After spending some more time at the library, Benita decided that it was time to go home. She walked to the railway line near Namport again. “The last thing I remember is a man calling out to me in Oshiwambo. ‘Hey girl, watch out for the train!’ The next memory I have is me lying under the train while paramedics are talking to me, telling me to not close my eyes and go to sleep.” Benita recalls that at the time, she cannot remember feeling any pain. After that she cannot remember anything but s a quick discussion she had with someone in hospital regarding contact details for her family. The next memory she has is of being in hospital, not sure whether still in Walvis or already in Windhoek. “I woke up and wanted to get out of bed when someone told me that I could
not get out of bed and stand because I only had one leg. I was very confused because it still felt like I had both my legs. Only once I investigated with my hand did I realise that my leg was in fact gone,” Benita shares. To this day the above is all Benita can remember and recall of that day and the few days following the incident. The areas where her limbs have been removed have recovered well. She is currently back in school. “My friends are very supportive and help me a lot to cope with my new reality,” Benita says. Some days are better, and other days are bad. At the moment she only has a manual wheelchair, which she cannot operate with only one arm, but she says that TransNamib promised to help her out and have apparently ordered her an automated wheelchair from South Africa. Then there is always the possibility of getting prostheses at a later stage. “I really hope that I will be able to get prostheses, because that will make me feel more normal,” Benita says, hoping that TransNamib will keep their promise in helping and supporting her to improve her quality of life. Benita also wants to thank all the paramedics, doctors, nurses, people at scene, and people after the accident who helped, supported and saved her life. “My biggest dream now is that my mother will get a good job, so that she can help to look after me financially, because of my special needs,” Benita concludes.
14 | Lifestyle
Thursday, 21 August 2014
LIFESTYLE Child Abuse Could Lead to Permanent
Brain Damage Child abuse can reduce the volume of grey matter in the brain that is responsible for processing information, a new study has found. The study, by experts at London’s King’s College and the FIDMAG Sisters Hospitallers Foundation for Research and Teaching in Spain, analysed the association between childhood maltreatment and the volume of cerebral grey matter. “Childhood maltreatment acts as a severe stressor that produces a cascade of physiological and neurobiological changes that lead to enduring alterations in the brain structure,” said Joaquim Radua, a researcher at FIDMAG. In order to understand the most robust abnormalities in grey matter volumes, the research team, which included the National University of Singapore, carried out a metaanalysis of the voxel based morphometric
study on childhood maltreatment. VBM is a neuroimaging analysis technique that allows investigation of focal differences in brain anatomy comparing magnetic brain resonance of two groups of people. The study included twelve different groups of data made up of a total of 331 individuals (56 children or adolescents and 275 adults) with a history of childhood maltreatment, plus 362 individuals who were not exposed to maltreatment (56 children or adolescents and 306 adults). In order to examine the cerebral regions with more or less grey matter volumes in maltreated individuals, a three-dimensional meta-analytical neuroimaging method was used called ‘signed differential mapping’ (SDM), developed by Radua. Relative to comparison subjects, individuals exposed to childhood maltreatment exhibited significantly smaller
grey matter volumes: in the right orbitofrontal/superior temporal gyrus extending to the amygdala, insula, and parahippocampal and middle temporal gyri and in the left inferior frontal and postcentral gyri. “Deficits in the right orbitofrontal-temporal-limbic and left inferior frontal regions remained in a subgroup analysis of un-medicated participants,
9 Ways Tobacco Companies Make Cigarettes More Addictive It’s not just peer influence, stress or modern lifestyle that induces smokers to smoke some more. According to a recent report, over the recent decades, tobacco companies are making sure people stay addicted to the cigarettes, by making them more attractive and deadly. The report issued by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids details how tobacco companies purposely design cigarettes to make tobacco smoke smoother, less harsh and more appealing to new users, especially kids, and to create and sustain addiction to nicotine. This has increased smokers’ risk of developing lung cancer. “For decades, the tobacco industry had complete control over how cigarettes were made, and they responded by making a deadly and addictive product even worse,” said Matthew L. Myers, President of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. “Now that
it has the authority to regulate tobacco products, the FDA must require changes in these products to reduce the death and disease they cause. Decisions about how tobacco products are made and what is in them must now be based on protecting public health, not tobacco industry profits.” The report highlights nine key ways in which tobacco companies have made cigarettes more addictive, more attractive to kids and more deadly: ADDICTIVE 1. Increased Nicotine: Tobacco companies precisely control the delivery and amount of nicotine to create and sustain addiction. 2. Ammonia: Added ammonia compounds produce higher levels of “freebase” nicotine and increase the speed with which nicotine hits the brain. 3. Sugars and Acetaldehyde: Added sugars make tobacco smoke easier to inhale and,
when burned in cigarettes, form acetaldehyde, a cancer-causing chemical that enhances nicotine’s addictive effects. ATTRACTIVE Tobacco companies know that 90 percent of adult smokers start at or before age 18 and that smoking is unpleasant for new smokers, so they use chemical additives to make tobacco smoke smoother, less harsh and more appealing to the young, novice smoker. These additives include: 4. Levulinic Acid: Added organic acid salts, like levulinic acid, reduce the harshness of nicotine and make the smoke smoother and less irritating. 5. Flavourings: Added flavours like liquorice and chocolate mask the harshness of the smoke and make tobacco products more appealing to young people (the 2009 tobacco regulation law prohibited cigarettes with “characterizing flavours” other
indicating that these abnormalities were not related to medication but to maltreatment,” said Radua. The abnormalities in the left postcentral gyrus were found only in older maltreated individuals. These findings show that the most consistent grey matter abnormalities in individuals exposed to childhood maltreatment are located in ventrolateral prefrontal and limbic-
than menthol, but did not prohibit the use of flavourings at levels not considered to be characterising). 6. Bronchodilators: These added chemicals expand the lungs’ airways, making it easier for tobacco smoke to pass into the lungs. 7. Menthol: Menthol cools and numbs the throat to reduce irritation and make the smoke feel smoother. DEADLY The new Surgeon General’s report concluded that smokers’ increased risk of lung cancer was most likely the result of two design changes in cigarettes: 8. Tobacco-Specific Nitrosamines: Levels of tobacco-specific nitrosamines, a potent carcinogen, have increased substantially in
temporal regions. These regions have relatively late development, ie after the maltreatment and the malfunction which could explain the affective and cognitive deficit of people with a history of child abuse, researchers said. The study was published in the American Journal of Psychiatry. Source: http://indianexpress.com/
American cigarettes in recent decades and are much higher than in cigarettes from Australia and Canada. Factors affecting levels of nitrosamines include the tobacco blends and curing process used. 9. Ventilated Filters: Ventilation holes in cigarette filters cause smokers to inhale more vigorously, drawing carcinogens deeper into the lungs. (Cigarettes with ventilated filters were introduced by tobacco companies because they produced lower levels of tar and nicotine in machine tests and were marketed as less hazardous. However, the evidence now shows that these cigarettes did not reduce health risks and likely increased smokers’ risk of lung cancer.) Source: http://indianexpress.com/
Motoring | 15
Thursday, 21 August 2014
MOTORING
Top 10 Most Fuel Efficient Cars in SA for 2014 Yep, we’re at it again here, coming up with a list of SA’s most economical cars for 2014. You see not only do new cars come onto the market, but manufacturers also remove certain cars from their listings because they get too old or they’re not selling very well. Early in 2014 we saw fuel get close to R14 per litre, thanks to what the government say is a weak rand and rising oil price. I check that rand/dollar price everyday now as a hit of R14 per litre isn’t taken well by my wallet, it’s like watching Gio Aplon getting crunched by Bismark du Plessis. Without further ado here’s the 2014 top 10 most fuel efficient cars in SA, which are currently on sale: 1. Nissan Leaf You probably weren’t expecting that? At 0.0l/100km the Nissan Leaf proves tough to beat since it doesn’t actually use fuel, but runs on an electric motor. The catch is though, currently the car is only available in Johannesburg but according to Nissan there are plans to open up dealerships in Cape Town and Durban that can sell and charge your car. The other catch is that it’ll set you back R450 600, which is a pity since it’s actually quite cool and fun to drive despite the 190 km range.
for the diesel-powered Fiesta. The Fiesta has always proved fun to drive and the facelifted version’s ‘Aston Martin’ grille seems to have gone down well aesthetically. The cheapest car is at R194 900 6. Citroen C3 eHDI and DS3 eHDI Yet another 1.6 turbodiesel makes the list as the first French manufacturer joins the list. Whilst the C3 may be a bit bland for a French car the DS3 turns the dial right back up to what we expect to see in a French design. The C3 and DS3 are coming to the end of their life cycles so we should see some interesting replacements from Citroen soon. R236 900 for the C3 and R260 900 for the DS3 at 3.7l/100km. *pictured is the next generation Citroen DS3*
7. Toyota Yaris XS HSD and Auris XS HSD The Hybrid Toyota comes on strong down the list with Yaris and Auris both getting 3.8l/100km thanks to a combination of hybrid and petrol power. You get a good amount of power out of the Auris at 100kW but the lack of turbo torque you get from most of the competition here means you end up having to mash the throttle more often. If you don’t want to have everyone behind you hating you for 2.Porsche Panamera S e-hybrid driving so slow you’re probably not quite 306 kW and 500 Nm at a guilt free going to get the 3.8l/100km figure. R252 3.1l/100km? That feels a lot like cheating 400 for the Yaris and R319 500 for the if you ask us, but we’ll still take it. An Auris is what you’ll have to pay. electric motor allows the Panamera to drive around 35km in an all-electric 8. Audi A1 1.6TDI and A3 TDI mode at speeds of up to 135km/h whilst With the Polo 1.6TDI scrapped from the the petrol motor is an Audi-based price listings the Audi now pulls rank as supercharged V6. It’s a bit costly at the 1.6TDI of choice in the VW/Audi R1.38million, but it’s by far and away the group. Last year though you couldn’t fastest and luxurious car on this list. get an A3 doing 3.8l/100km, so now you 3. Volkswagen Polo 1.2TDI Bluemotion Last year’s winner has to settle for the bottom step of the podium but you can’t complain at 3.4l/100km. The small capacity of the engine makes it a great fuel saver in town, but you might be stretched to keep the consumption down while cruising at 120km/h. The Polo has a classy and well put together interior that always makes it feel a little better than the competition, even when it’s not. The price is now R222 000. 4. Volvo V40 D2 A great looking Golf-sized hatchback kicking it amongst the tiny toddler hatches for fuel economy bragging rights is great for Volvo. This is still one of the most underrated cars out there, it drives really well, looks sexy and sips a claimed figure of 3.6l/100km from its 1.6 turbodiesel. Not badly priced either at R296 100.
have to have another price battle with yourself. R262 500 for the A1 or R348 000 for the A3, or maybe that won’t be a hard choice after all. 9. Renault Megane 1.6dci Still churning out those miles the now quite old Megane can still match the fuel figures of the young techno-wizards and all their neat electronic tricks to save fuel. At 4.0l/100km the Megane sneaks onto the list, but does it with a spacious and family-capable hatchback that you won’t need a crowbar to wedge everyone in. Yours for R279 900.
10. Mercedes-Benz A200 CDI Now there are a few cars that match the 4.1l/100km of the Merc but you’ve probably had enough of tiny hatchbacks with small turbo-diesels. Here’s a 2.1l turbo-diesel that matches the smaller capacity engines on fuel economy and has 300Nm of torque to get you up the hills as well. It’s not cheap though, at 5. Ford Fiesta 1.6TDCi With an equally efficient diesel as the R381 100. Volvo V40 the Fiesta TDCi beats out Source: http://www.cars.co.za/ its 1.0 ecoboost stable mate by nearly a motoring litre per 100km. Ford claims 3.6l/100km
Coastal
WiNTER ClEARANCE
karmen +264 81 302 857 1
SPECiAl!!!
louis +264 81 293 2348
WAS N$379 995
WAS N$505 000
N$349 995
N$475 000
2012 Nissan Navara 2.5 Auto 4x4
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 V8
WAS N$330 000
WAS N$265 000
N$299 995
N$249 995
2011 Jeep Cherokee 2.8CRDi Auto
2010 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Auto 4 Dr
WAS N$225 000
WAS N$309 995
N$205 000
N$299 995
2010 Volvo S40 Diesel Auto
2012 Honda CRV 2.4 VTec Exec Auto
DiSCouNTS CoulD BE uSED foR DEPoSiT, TRADE ASSiSTANCE oR CASH BACk! Walvis Bay/Swakopmund/Henties Bay - Passenger & Commercial Vehicles +264 64 203 792 *Terms & C onditions Apply. Pi ctu re s m a y di ffe r fro m a ctu a l sto ck.
46963 As seen on DStv/SuperSport
K E E W A GAMES
N A H T E MOR
T,
POR S R E P U S L ON
FOOTBAL
, ndesliga u B g n i d clu titions in e p m o c , p s League s and cu n e o u i g p a m e l a l h C tbal and UEFA gest foo A g i e i b r e ’s S d l , r wo Liga erSport. ague, La 10 of the e p r L u e S r v e o n i o h m c Pre Wat in HD Barclays live and
N$ 2499 *Terms & Conditions apply.
WeChat Icon5.0 -Without Word Full Color & Solid Color