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Independent Namib
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President Geingob gives hope to the people.
Issue 141 - Thurs, 26 Mar 2015 to Wed, 01 Apr 2015
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It was becoming evident that our two current facilities were getting too small for the growing demand of the public.
We chat to locals about our progressive new leadership.
Gareth Smith, Manager of Welwitschia Hospital, on the upgrade of hospital facilities.
See Page 4
New cigarette packaging depict graphic warnings for smokers
See Page 7
New cigarette packaging that depict graphic images of the effects of smoking
Welwitschia Hospital builds
high-tech theatre block opening, they are looking forward to being able to offer such world class facilities to the town.
Donna Collins The astounding population growth of Walvis Bay has accelerated the necessity to speed up the expansion and advancement of medical facilities in the harbour town, in particular the need for state-of-the-art operating theatres. Currently Walvis Bay Medi Park is in the process of constructing a new N$12 million operating theatre block, which, once completed in July this year, will extend the Welwitschia Hospital services. Hospital Manager, Gareth Smith, said that construction of this 650 sq metre, extensive unit started in June 2014, and with only months away from their official
We will be able to do more complex operations, because the theatres are much bigger and the fitments specifications are high-tech and more advanced.
"We will be able to do more complex operations, because the theatres are much bigger and the fitments specifications are high-tech and more advanced, bringing us up to a much higher standard," he said. The new block comprises three new operating theatres with recovery area, reception area and rest facilities for doctors and staff plus central sterilizing department, and has been constructed to adjoin the back
wing of the existing hospital. It is being considered a milestone for the medical world in Walvis Bay, and will expand on the hospital's existing two operating theatres, doubling their existing number of surgery patient output. The theatre block will also feature a dedicated eye-theatre and all three operating theatres will be fitted with state-of-the-art equipment, such as anaesthetic machines, monitoring and ventilation care systems, endoscopic (keyhole) surgical equipment and advanced operating lighting systems to mention some. "It was becoming evident that our two current facilities were getting too small for the growing demand of the public, and there was a need for more modern equipment and specialised surgical facilities," said Smith. "We are creating an environment where medical specialists in their field will have a facility at their fingertips, and the long term plan is to encourage out of town specialists to settle here at the coast, because of what we have to offer. Continued on Page 3
See full story on Page 7
Concerns of learner safety at International School unfounded Sharon Brooks
recently cropped up when a local parent raised concerns about the safety of the students at the International School in Walvis Bay. The parent, who wishes to remain anonymous, was upset that adult students of the newly founded International Vocational College were enjoying unfettered access to the school and even shared bathroom facilities with the young school children.
All school teachers and workers at centres that look after children must undergo a police clearance process before being allowed access to the children. That is a directive of the longawaited Child Care and Protection Bill which was passed on 4 March. One section deals specifically with the requirement that any person who works with Under no or has direct access to circumstances children will have to be in possession of a valid do the college police clearance certificate students roam to ensure that they have freely through not been found guilty of certain crimes. The crimes the school. listed include murder, rape, statutory offences Henda Meyer, the principal and any offence involving child pornography. The of the International School, police clearance must be responded to the allegations renewed every year. Continued on Page 3 A relevant issue
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News
Thursday, 26 March 2015
Have-A-Heart Spayathon rolls into Swakopmund Donna Collins
At least 120 dogs chosen from the DRC informal settlement will be sterilised for free during a threeday Have-a-Heart Spayathon that will take place from Saturday to Monday. Have-A-Heart Namibia is a national charity driven spay and neuter programme, addressing the
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Independents Tel (+264 64) 200 497 Email info@namibindependent.com.na Sales Lorna Bock 081 350 0346 lorna@namibindependent.com.na Rita Potgieter 081 150 5455 rita@namibindependent.com.na Gareth Amos 081 128 2157 gareth@namibindependent.com.na Editorial Donna Collins 085 128 2158 donna@namibindependent.com.na Design Maggie’s Attic Graphic Design sonya4maggiesattic@gmail.com 081 129 2158 Address
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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.
overpopulation of stray and free roaming dogs in underprivileged areas. It was started in Outjo some three years ago as a non-profit organisation to reduce unwanted litters and suffering of domestic pets in townships. Now it is held on a regular basis in major towns around Namibia stretching from Rundu to Luderitz. This will be the first Spayathon held in Swakopmund, organised by the Have-A-Heart team who have held fundraising efforts amongst the local business community over the past few months. However, there is still a huge need for financial assistance and with a target set for N$150 000, the organising committee is still holding out their begging bowls. The animals were chosen by 'Feed a Paw', driven by a local mother and daughter team who distribute dog food regularly to the homes of the needy community. These cats and dogs which have been prepared and vaccinated are ready for the operating table on Saturday morning when the mass sterilisation programme starts. A make-shift veterinary clinic at the DRC Fire Brigade will be turned into an operating theatre with anaesthetist and recovery area which will be manned by a crew of a veterinarian Dr Desmond Stafford, who also works pro bono and expects to neuter and spay between 30 and 50 animals a day, using facilities from the Swakopmund Vet Clinic and the SPCA. Dr Stafford, who heads the non-profit Avatar Sterilisation and Protection services in Johannesburg, has been
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instrumental in facilitating three major national Spayathons in Namibia over the past few years. According to Lindie Prinsloo, HaveA-Heart founder, this project is going from strength to strength, since she introduced this campaign to Namibia over three years ago. And with team leaders positioned in every town, and local vets coming on board since last year, Namibia is becoming a country where the ethical treatment of animals is growing. Dr Stafford is kicking off the Namibian 2015 Have-A-Heart spay and neuter campaign in Swakopmund, followed on by the towns of Outjo and Rundu during April. Later this year, various towns in the South will be covered. According to Prinsloo, the cycle of unwanted litters is endless and the only way to address the problem is by ensuring that dogs and cats are unable to reproduce. It was explained that by relieving a bitch from having to raise a litter twice a year, this also eliminates the many illnesses that she can carry, such as STD (sexually transmitted disease), scabies and mange. Animals that are sterilised are stronger and live longer, and the drive by Have-a-Heart volunteers is to reduce the amount of suffering that is taking place in the townships. All contributions are greatly appreciated. Account details are on the Facebook page of HaveA-Heart, or send an e-mail to haveaheartswakopmund@gmail.com for information.
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REGISTRATION DEPOSIT: N$5000.00 BY BANK GUARANTEED CHEQUE OR BANK TRANSFER ONLY. COPY OF ID UPON REGISTRATION. PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO CONFIRMATION. 10% PAYABLE ON FALL OF HAMMER. FINANCE MUST BE APPROVED PRIOR TO BIDDING. BUYERS BEING FINANCED MUST PRODUCE AN IRREVOCABLE LETTER OF CREDIT WITHIN 14 DAYS AFTER SALE. DETAILS SUBJECT TO CHANGES WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. FOR BROCHURES VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.aucornamibia.com INFO CONTACT THE AUCTIONEER NEIL ON 081 128 2671
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News
Thursday, 26 March 2015
Welwitschia Hospital builds high-tech theatre block "One of the theatres will be fitted with the Laminar Flow ventilation ceiling system, which is especially useful to orthopaedic surgeons, as it lowers the risk of infection whilst on the operating table, and meets the highest demands for hygienic and physiological working
conditions." He explained that sterility in an operating theatre is an absolute imperative for ensuring that patients are protected from life-threatening infections. Any bacteria, viruses or dust particles are extracted directly before
the air enters the area, which means that the operating area is completely isolated within the surrounding room, preventing any contamination by bacteria or virus-laden air. It was also mentioned that due to the industrialised nature of Walvis Bay,
the extent of injuries caused at the harbour, the mine, or at a construction site to mention some, require specialists in their field such as orthopaedic surgeons or ophthalmologists which the new theatres with the Laminar Flow System will cater to. As a result of providing these modern new surgical facilities, general practitioners in town will have a wider scope of specialists
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Continued from Page 1 to send their patients to, whilst general surgeons will also be able to make use of the theatre block. "Modern operating theatres are in demand, and the hospital is strategically looking at developing our business; so we were automatically presented with expanding our hospital capacity into a world class medical service."
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Welwitschia Hospital is expanding their facility and constructing a new N$12 million operating theatre block. (Photo Donna Collins)
Concerns of learner safety at International School unfounded Continued from Page 1 by saying that under no circumstances do the college students roam freely through the school. They only have classes in the evenings and they use the staff bathrooms and kitchen. Their lectures are held in the office area, completely separate from the children’s classrooms. Doors to the school are closed at 8 am and any visitors must report to reception. The Child Care and Protection Bill addresses a number of key areas, including children’s courts, early intervention services, procedures for removing endangered children from the home, foster care, adoption, child trafficking and child headed households. The Bill will provide a legal
framework and guidance on how to prevent and respond to neglect, abuse, exploitation and trafficking of children. The placement and monitoring of children in alternative care, inter-country adoptions and the social effects of HIV/ AIDS are also addressed. Originally, it was suggested that a register be put in place which would contain details of anyone that has been convicted of child abuse. It was decided though that the implementation and upkeep of such a register would be too costly, and the requirement that anyone working with children would have to have a police clearance certificate would serve the same purpose.
A police clearance certificate is not currently a requirement for working with children. The Namib Independent spoke to schools in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay and learned that most of the primary and secondary schools do not request such a document from employees. UNICEF has welcomed the passing of the Bill as a milestone in the realisation of children’s rights in Namibia, but warned: “The passing of the Bill is just the first step; a lot more hard work needs to be done to ensure that smooth implementation, awareness and adoption of the legislation follows.“
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Thursday, 26 March 2015
President Geingob gives hope to the people Donna Collins "We will declare an allout war on poverty and inequality," were some of the first words President Hage Geingob said in his inaugural speech to the nation, after being sworn in as Namibia's new President on Saturday. He vowed to make poverty eradication one of the major objectives of his administration. These words have hit home on millions of Namibians who live in abject poverty as well as those who are looking for a ray of hope to carry on living in our peaceful democratic rule. Geingob on Saturday stressed that poverty eradication; job creation and improved service delivery are urgently needed. He said voters do not eat good policies, a good constitution or democracy but that they eat food and thus they need jobs. This hard hitting message, as well as his new balanced parliamentary structure, has been given the thumbs-up by coastal residents across the board, and in an interview with an opposition party member
and businessman in our community, President Geingob has been welcomed with open arms. Councillor Uahimisa Kaapehi, member of the NUDPO (National Unity Democratic Organisation) and Chairperson of the Nama/ Herero Genocide Committee at the coast, who was the man behind the Herero march this month, said in an interview: "There is hope for the Herero in this new era." This came hot on the heels of the eighth annual Ovaherero/ Ovambanderu reparation walk organised by Kaapehe, when hundreds of Hereros marched to the mass graves on the outskirts of Swakopmund. When asked how he thinks the Herero will fit into Namibia's government structure, Kaapehe said without hesitation that the new ministerial appointments are encouraging and that Namibia is moving ahead. "Key Herero figures have filled substantial roles in leading Ministries such as the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Mines and Energy,
as well Peter Katjivivi as the newly elected Speaker of Parliament, and Minister of Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare: Bishop Zephania Kameeta. "It seems that everyone is given a fair chance under the new government. President Geingob is a diplomat, an educated man with his roots in the struggle. He has chosen men and women to stand by his side in parliament who are strong and able to assist with the further development of the country." This sentiment was mirrored by another business personality at the coast, Mateus Namhila (Metropolitan Namibian Sales Manager for the coastal region) who said that Namibia's Silver Jubilee Independent celebrations have been watched by the rest of the world, which is receiving a very positive message. "President Geingob is a world class diplomat and business man who comes from the struggle," he said. “I am all in favour of his restructuring of the Ministries, as well as the creation of new Ministries,
We chat to locals about our
Independence and our progressive new leadership Julia Hango Last week Saturday the capital city came alive as the Namibian nation celebrated the silver jubilee, 25 years of independence and so The Namib Independent went out onto the street to find out how the coastal community feels about 25 years of freedom and our new President Hage Geingob.
Jettry Freddy
Priscilla Simon I am a poor woman in need of any help I can get, I wake up every day and I spend the day outside shops hoping to get some food to eat so I can’t say I feel free like many other Namibians do. I hope Mr Hage Geingob will help me and people like me.
Enos Nambinga I am very happy about the 25 years of freedom we have achieved so far as a the land of the brave, but I hope this new President Hage Geingob will be the one to help the poor people and most importantly stop crime in Namibia, so to him I want to say good luck Mister President.
Ek voel baie trots om Namibies te wees en dat die nuwe President Damara is. I hope he will finally give us jobs and not only Oshiwambo speaking people.
which has created a balance of gender amongst other things, and is a step in the right direction. "Because Namibia is a peaceful country, tourism is going to boom and investors will take us very seriously," he said, adding that the new President's stance on poverty is a strong message for all Namibian citizens. "I am a very happy man being a Namibian today in a country that has just celebrated a quarter of a decade of independence, and I believe that our government is made up of a selection of fine people who are going to take us up to the next level." Geingob was born on 3 August 1941 in Otjiwarongo. In 1964 he was appointed Swapo representative at the United Nations and to the Americas. He served in this position until 1971. During the 70s he was appointed Associate Political Affairs Officer to the United Nations Secretariat (Council for Namibia) and was later appointed to the Politburo. The 74-year-old Geingob is the third president of Namibia since the country's independence in 1990.
Councillor Uahimisa Kaapehi, member of the NUDP opposition party, says there is hope for the Herero under the new leadership.
Mateus Namhila (Metropolitan Namibian Sales Manager for the coastal region) says President Hage Geingob is an educated man with his roots in the struggle.
Bea Vermeulen I was born in 1990 in Luderitz, I moved to Swakopmund when I was about six years and I have lived here since, In high school I always had black friends who were there for me so I love black people as well as all the different cultures and tribes of Namibia. I turn 25 this year as well so I am very proud to be Namibian. I am not much into politics or watching news but I have to say schools need major upgrades and maybe the new President can bring back the Bible into the education system of the country; there are too many weird things happening in schools lately. God can solve all of it if we teach our kids about Him.
Heindricht Morkel I am feeling free and excited today; change is in the air for the Namibian nation. I want the new guy in the state house to be fair and honest with us, he should fight corruption in the government and most importantly I hope he is not only a talker but a walker as well. Let’s see what he does for us.
Sebastian Likuwa I feel very good, excited and proud today, that’s why I am wearing my jubilee T-shirt. I am free and my country is free there’s nothing more important. President Geingob must address poverty and must create equal job opportunities for all the black people in Namibia. We need jobs and we need land. Help us and stop the corruption.
Linda Louw I simply love the 25 years of independence because I feel it comes with so much peace and joy for the nation. Hage Geingob: I can’t describe the positive vibrant energy he exudes, I cannot wait for him to take us into the future, what an inspiration.
News
Thursday, 26 March 2015
The new presidential couple
Julia Hango Last week Saturday, on 21 March 2015, Hage Gottfried Geingob (73) became the third Namibian President. He was born 3 August 1941 in Otjiwarongo and received his early education at Otavi under the Bantu Education System. He then joined the Augustineum High School in 1958, where most of today’s prominent political leaders of Namibia were educated. In 1960, Geingob was expelled from Augustineum for having participated in a march to protest the poor quality of education. He was, however, re-admitted and was able to finish the teacher training course in
1961. Subsequently, he took up a teaching position at the Tsumeb Primary School in Central Namibia but soon discovered that his thirst for knowledge was unlikely to be quenched in Namibia. He left his job to seek knowledge and instruction that could help him change the system. He, with three of his colleagues, walked and hitch-hiked to Botswana to escape the system. Hage Geingob was Namibia's first Prime Minister following our independence from 1990 to 2002 and again from 2012 to early 2015. Geingob married Loini Kandume, a businesswoman, on 11 September 1993
in Windhoek. This was a high-profile marriage and resulted in two children a daughter and a son. Geingob initiated divorce proceedings against his wife in May 2006, and he was granted a provisional divorce order in July 2008. In October last year, a month before the announcement of Geingob’s overwhelming victory in the country’s presidential race, social media came alive with breaking news of the new Presidential couple. They called it Namibia’s wedding of the century. Monica Geingos Kalondo was born in 1977 and hails from the highly respected Kalondo family. She is a well-known business woman and
serves as the Managing Director at Stimulus Private Equity, the National Council of the Namibian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and she has been a member of the President’s Economic Advisory Council and Deputy Chairperson of the Public officer-bearer’s Commission since 2006. Geingos has received numerous accolades, including being the youngest laureate of the prestigious Namibian Business Hall of Fame. She holds a B.Juris and an L.L.B. degree. President Hage Geingob and businesswoman Monica Kalondo, now Geingos, tied the knot on Valentine’s Day this year at the Windhoek Country Club and casino. They exchanged vows in front of about 250 guests and the marriage was solemnised by Reverend Ngeno Nakamhela of Windhoek’s Inner City Lutheran Church. Despite her vast experience in the business and corporate world there will be no cabinet role for Namibia's next First Lady, said the President in an interview with The Namibian newspaper. Geingob said there are governing rules
in any organisation, including government, for spouses, partners or businesspeople. “That is why, when it comes to political office holders and civil servants, a declaration of assets is required as an important part of transparency to prevent conflict of interest. Concerning the matter of marriage and public office, as you know, there are several types of marriage, including marriage out of community of property,” Geingob said. The President said his wife has already engaged a governance expert, at her own cost, to study the possibility of conflict of interest arising in any way and will also publicly disclose her assets despite the fact that no legal obligation requires her to do so. “Everything in this instance will be transparent and there will be no executive role for Monica, despite her ability to fulfil such,” he said. There is a cloud of change over Namibia and we trust the new head of state and his first lady can take our nation to greater heights. We at The Namib Independent wish him all the best.
“Namibia is a ‘Child of International Solidarity’, friend to all, enemy to none,” President Hage Geingob
The Namib Independent salutes our new leader, His Excellency President Hage Geingob, a new breed of statesman who indeed epitomises his philosophy, “friend to all, enemy to none.” May we and all Namibians heed these wise words as everyone of us strives to build a nation of solidarity.
Tel: 064 200497 127 Theo Ben Gurirab Street, Walvis Bay PO Box 5085, Walvis Bay, Namibia
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News
Thursday, 26 March 2015
Oil explorers suffer setback Business reporter
There has been a notable slump in the pace of oil and gas exploration in Namibian waters over the past year. This is ascribed largely to the major drop in the price of crude oil on the world market in recent months, which has made explorers more cautious about high-risk drilling targets. On the local front the enthusiasm for new exploration projects has been dampened by the disappointing results of the last three wells drilled in the Walvis and Lüderitz Basins. As a result, several companies that were heavily invested in Namibian offshore exploration fields have taken a severe hammering on the stock exchange. One such Alternative Investment Market-listed on the London Stock Exchange that took a drubbing over the past year is Tower Resources Oil & Gas, which took on a high-risk stake in mid-2014 when partnered with Spanish Repsol on drilling the Welwitschia 1 well in the Walvis Basin, where Tower holds a 30% stake in Licence Block
10, about 200 kilometres north of the Wingat well, where Brazillian explorer HRT struck a dry well in May 2013. Tower lost more than 90% of its share value since spudding the Welwitchia well, with its share price falling to £0.12 this week from a high of £6.63 in March 2014. Tower Resources Board Chairman, Jeremy Asher says they fully recognise “the current adverse sentiment towards the [oil and gas] sector and to exploration in particular.”
The drill attempts were not successful, but we are reviewing the implications of these results for those blocks, where untested targets still remain. He told investors this week that high expectations (“pre-drill potential”) of
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• Code CE Drivers License (Code 11) • A minimum Grade 10 Education certificate • Good communication skills and Fluent in English & Afrikaans (read & write) • Valid Code of Conduct • Namibian Citizen/ in possession of Namibian ID • Ability to work independently • Sober Habits • Previous experience in operating a Hiab Crane Truck would be advantageous The Company offers • Competitive Salary • Medical Aid • Pension Fund
Please submit your curriculum vitae and proof of qualifications with a covering letter, to E-Mail: recruitment@linkservices.com.na | Closing date: 2 April 2015. Please note: Only short listed candidates will be contacted.
the prospects in Namibia in 2014 were supported by “the entry of large, well-respected and successful international companies with strong exploration track records… [the drill attempts] were not successful, but we are reviewing the implications of these results for those blocks, where untested targets still remain.” To date 19 drill attempts offshore Namibia have produced no oil of commercial viability. One investor ranting on the share LSE price chatboards wrote: “Those of us who have been in since Namibia – and maybe before – have now seen nearly all their money go down the drain. Whilst we all agree that the finding of oil is very speculative and no one told us we had to invest, we all did it of our own free will, but TRP beggars belief that in all the years they have been trying to find oil they have found none!.. I cannot, at the moment, see any way forward for any of us to get even some of our money back – a disgrace.” In a statement to the markets Tower said this week, “We are taking steps to adjust to the current adverse oil sector market conditions. We believe that underlying market conditions will improve over the next couple of years. “With the current devaluation of exploration assets in the market,
we are all suffering substantial losses and discounts to asset values. However, we also know that exploration is a long-term activity and rarely lacks painful moments. We will continue to work our way through this downturn to achieve success.” Chairman Asher said following the resolution of a dispute with the operator, Repsol, regarding final drilling costs of Welwitchia-1/1A, they are looking at the remaining potential in Block 10 in the Walvis Basin. Tower’s share of the drilling costs on the last well had risen to US$33 million after local subsidiary, Neptune Petroleum (Namibia) Ltd, had settled US$25.3 million of the costs. In December negotiations
with Repsol led to an agreement, reducing Neptune’s share of costs at US$28.3 million, the company said. Asher explained that the “Welwitschia-1/1A well completed in June 2014 failed to reach the deeper Albian Carbonate targets identified previously, which were assessed originally to have multibillion barrel potential.” Tower said they are analysing the data from the dry well and reassessing the potential of the remaining targets: “We remain of the view that oil will be discovered in commercial quantities offshore Namibia and we note plans announced by other international companies for contingent drilling in late 2015/16/17.”
News
Thursday, 26 March 2015
New cigarette packaging depicts graphic warnings for smokers Sharon Brooks Tobacco counters in shops have taken a turn towards the macabre with the recent arrival of cigarette packaging that depicts graphic images of the effects of smoking. The pictures vary from a diseased heart to an image of a throat riddled with cancer. While smokers we spoke to find the images disturbing, many have said that it will not stop them from smoking. However, when younger non-smokers were shown the images they were shocked, and said that the warnings had definitely made them think twice about lighting up. So it would appear that while smokers have not been affected in any meaningful way by the new packaging, the campaign may prove effective in preventing people from taking up
the harmful habit in the first place. The introduction of graphic warning labels has proved very effective in countries such as Australia and Canada and it remains to be seen whether Namibia will benefit in the same manner. The Namibian government should be applauded for keeping the best interests of its citizens at heart by implementing the new packaging despite the pressure it has received from tobacco companies to do away with the legislation. The Namib Independent reported early this year on the potential backlash from the planned execution of the amended Tobacco Control Act of 2010, as big tobacco companies threatened the Namibian government with legal action if the legislation was implemented.
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News
Thursday, 26 March 2015
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Thursday, 26 March 2015
9
Experts meet to discuss
THINK ABOUT THIS ...
Walvis Bay Corridor Staff reporter The eighth Walvis BayNdola-Lubumbashi Development Corridor (WBNLDC) Tripartite Technical Committee meeting was held in Zambia at the beginning of March 2015. It was revealed in a latest report that public and private sector senior officials from Namibia, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) attended the meeting. At the meeting, technical experts identified possible solutions to increase the efficiencies of the WBNLDC in order to ensure the smooth movement of goods along the corridor, and as such increase cargo volumes. The WBNLDC provides the shortest trade route between the Namibian port of Walvis Bay and the vital transport hubs of Livingstone, Lusaka and Ndola in Zambia, Lubumbashi (southern DRC), and Zimbabwe. This corridor is perfectly positioned to
service the two-way trade between the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and Europe, North and South America and emerging markets in Far East. The WBNLDC allows three to four days in transit to and from Lusaka, Harare and five to seven days into Lubumbashi. Amongst the issues discussed at the meeting were high transit charges among member states, congestion at border posts, customs bond, the issuing of 12 month visas to commercial drivers at border posts, etc. As part of the solutions identified, the experts have agreed to ensure a confirmed commitment to address and reduce bottlenecks along the entire WBNLDC corridor by 50% by June 2017. They have also agreed to establish a permanent secretariat of the WBNLDC by June 2017, as well as initiate the spatial development initiative along the corridor by June 2016. In addition, the meeting agreed to establish working
groups at Wenela/Katima Mulilo border post between Zambia and Namibia and Kasumbalesa border post between Zambia and DRC. The working groups will be addressing challenges being faced by the users of the borders for smooth movement of cargo and people. The DRC is currently the only country that has ratified the WBNLDC Tripartite Agreement. Both the Namibian and Zambian governments have been urged to ratify the agreement before August this year. The agreed resolutions will be presented to the committee of Permanent Secretaries and Ministers in August 2015 in Walvis Bay, Namibia for endorsements. The Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG) has had a branch office in Lusaka, Zambia, since 2005 to support its business development drive in the Zambian market and to provide quicker access to local service providers in the logistics industry who are interested in utilizing the WBNLDC, including an additional branch office in Lubumbashi, DRC.
Asking someone "where are you" is a recent thing. Before we had mobile phones, the only way we could talk to people is if we knew where they were.
VACANCY The Namsov Group of Companies is an equal opportunity group involved in the fishing industry. The Group is looking for a suitably qualified HR/IR Officer to join its ranks as soon as possible.
Strange high court decision sinks popular Wreck Restaurant Jade McClune The owners of the Beach Lodge at Vogelstrand in Swakopmund have decided to close The Wreck Restaurant following a Supreme Court ruling last week that the Beach Lodge may not serve guests who are not staying at the hotel. The decision comes on the back of a protracted legal battle between the owners of The Wreck hotel and a land owner in the vicinity who may or may not build a hotel in the area. The judgment handed down by three judges has come as a shock to many locals, given that the restaurant is popular and highly renowned. The owner of The Wreck Restaurant told the Namib Independent this week that as a result of the ruling, they have now decided to close the restaurant altogether. Mr Andre van Rensburg said that closing the restaurant is one of the most difficult things he has had to do because they have to retrench 22 people. "The Supreme Court ordered that we may not serve any guests who are not staying at the hotel and we cannot appeal the Supreme Court judgment, so we decided to close the restaurant, because it would no longer be a viable business." He said the ruling was the outcome of a protracted legal battle, which lasted more than seven years with the owner of an undeveloped property to the south of the Beach Lodge. Mr van Rensburg had won the initial round against the owner of Village Hotels cc, Mrs Cornelia Lewies, who then appealed and won in the Supreme Court.
HR/IR Officer Namsov Fishing Enterprises (Pty) Ltd.
Location : Walvis Bay
Lewies says she had a number of problems with the Beach Lodge, for example, the area is zoned as a residential area, not as a public restaurant. Furthermore she objected to the height of the building, as it would obscure the view to the hotel she was planning to build. In addition, she objected to the number of rooms at the lodge and argued that the limit is eight. When asked about her plans to build a hotel in the area, Lewies said this week that she is no longer sure whether she should build the hotel or just sell the property as residential erven. She said that the legal costs escalated to close to N$2 million. She believes the municipality was at fault for allowing the Beach Lodge to operate as a restaurant in a residential area and to build higher than the zoning allows. "They [municipality] took a wrong decision to allow this, and they were against me throughout this case," she said. A municipal source confirmed that the municipality acted contrary to the law when it approved the building plans of the Beach Lodge. Three Supreme Court judges agreed with this assessment when they ruled that The Wreck may no longer serve customers who are not staying at the lodge. Though he was not prepared to disclose their future plans, Mr van Rensburg said they were grateful for the messages of support they received from the local community. "We will not take this lying down," he said.
The incumbent will be responsible for assisting with crew disciplines; the performance management of the crew, specifically the career and growth of all crew; the general wellbeing and safety of crew; the administration of the register of IOD's (injury on duty) and be the link between NFE and Neptune Risk Managers on WCA cases. The successful incumbents should possess the following:Ÿ Be a Namibian citizen; Ÿ Be in possession of a Diploma/Degree in HR with Industrial Psychology; Ÿ Knowledge of conciliation and arbitration would be an advantage; Ÿ Have a certificate in administration or Industrial relations; Ÿ Have a good command of the English language; Knowledge, experience and skills required:Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ
Understanding & knowledge of the Labour Act, Act 11 of 2007; Knowledge of the Social Security Act; Knowledge of the Merchants Shipping Act; Some knowledge of the Immigration Control Act; Experience of dealing with union-related issues;
Particular responsibilities will include: Ÿ To have one-on-one consultations with individual employees; Ÿ Should have the ability to work with a group of workers; Ÿ The holding of meetings with aggrieved workers; if necessary; Ÿ To be the link between management and the workers; Ÿ To report on major problem areas concerning the crew; Closing Date: 3 April 2015
Read more on the Website
Bidvest Namibia is an equal opportunity employer. Remuneration packages are commensurate with qualifications and experience. Apply for this position online at: http://bidvestnamibia.pnet.com.na Register and upload your CV for alerts on future positions.
Thursday, 26 March 2015
10
JJP FUNDS JONATHAN JACOB PROJECT IN AID OF JJ’S CARE CENTRE RUN / WALK - 5KM SATURDAY 28TH MARCH 2015
Breathalysers to be reintroduced
STARTING POINT @ LAGOON CAFÉ 07:00 - 08:30 REGISTRATION 08:30 READY, SET, GO!
Registration Fee: N$20.00 Register via Email: jjp.namibia@gmail.com (Please include contact number and t-shirt size) THIS YEAR, YOUR LEGS CAN SUPPORT MORE THAN JUST YOUR BODY WEIGHT. FIRST 100 ENTRIES TO PAY WILL RECEIVE A FREE T-SHIRT.
JONATHAN JACOB PROJECT CONTACT DETAILS: Audrey 081 333 5452 | Geraldine 081 558 1762 |
Louis 081 293 2348 Chantelle 081 587 7792
jjp.namibia@gmail.com Banking Details: Bank Windhoek Cheque Account Nr: 800 326 4900 Branch Code: 481-872
*DONATIONS WELCOME
JJ’s CARE CENTRE
Sharon Brooks Breathalysers would soon be reintroduced by Namibia’s traffic law enforcers after an agreement was signed between the Namibian Police and the National Road Safety Council (NRC). The warning came last week from NRC’s executive secretary, Eugene Tendekule. Drivers could be confronted with a breathalyser as early as June this year if all the necessary paperwork and formalities are finalised in time. In addition, the system of drawing blood from suspected drunken drivers would continue to be used to test blood alcohol levels. Any driver who refuses to give a blood sample if requested to do so, will be arrested. The use of breathalysers was suspended in 2013 after a magistrate in Swakopmund found that the Government Notice which identified the
type of breathalyser which could be used did not meet the requirements set out in the Road Traffic and Transport Act. Chief Inspector Iikuyu of the Walvis Bay police said he had not yet received any official communication in regards to breathalysers or their planned implementation. Alcohol is one of the most prevalent causes of accidents on Namibian roads; especially accidents involving the youth. Younger drivers, when under the influence, are five times more likely to be involved in a fatal car accident compared to drivers over the age of 30. Alcohol consumed shows up in the breath after it gets absorbed through the mouth, throat, stomach and intestines into the bloodstream. Because the alcohol concentration in the breath is related to that in the blood, one can determine the level of alcohol in the blood by measuring the level of alcohol on the breath.
Thursday, 26 March 2015
11
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”.
VACANCIES LAborAtory MANAgEr Reports to Reports to the Processing Manager To plan, direct and co-ordinate activities concerning the provision of continuous and updated laboratory services in order to ensure the smooth, effective, efficient and reliable running of the facility/laboratory, including satisfactory performance of personnel and compliance with specifications, regulations and laid down standard procedures, practices and corporate governance. Key Performance Areas: • Manages the Laboratory to provide assurance that all QC/QA targets are met, by leading the Laboratory Team during construction, commissioning and operation to ensure agreed targets are achieved, with safety and environmental guidelines. • Manages and monitors laboratory Quality Control (QC) charts (Shewhart), and ensures rectification/correction to deviations/problems. • Prepares budgets and keeps expenditure within parameters of the approved budget, by implementing and monitoring budgeting and cost control systems. • Compiles comprehensive reports on results of all analyses performed at Swakop Uranium (SU) Laboratory, and enters results on database (geology database, etc.) as per standard procedures. • Ensures training and evaluation of employees to enhance their performance, development and work output, as well as addressing performance issues and making recommendations for personnel disciplinary actions as and when required. • Takes responsibility of self/career development by setting and achieving personal goals. • Contract management and interaction with service providers. • Co-ordinates and reviews the Departmental SHERQ programmes, ensuring that the company’s overall policy and objectives are achieved and that all statutory legislation and regulations are met. requirements and experience: • A relevant B degree in Chemistry • Code 08 Drivers License • Working experience in a mining/chemical/metallurgical/smelter laboratory environment: 8 years, of which at least 5 years must have been in developing and implementing quality control/quality assurance procedures • Supervisory experience: 5 years • Experience in contract management would be a distinct advantage • Experience with the use of analytical instrumentation/Wet chemical and instrumental inorganic analysis • Experience in managing Quality Assurance/Quality Control processes and procedures in a mining laboratory • Use of statistic certification, validation techniques
tEChNICIAN rAdIoS Location: Husab Mine, Swakopmund Reports to Superintendent Radio Networks and Communications To perform technical, skilled and diagnostic work to install, commission, maintain and repair radio equipment, in accordance with Swakop Uranium’s
(SU) standards, service levels and performance outputs / requirements. Key Performance Areas: • Skilled Technical work Effectiveness • Technical Support Effectiveness • People and Performance Management • Professional Development & Growth • Co-worker Effectiveness • Safety, Health, Environmental, Radiation & Quality Effectiveness requirements and experience: • National Diploma for Technicians or recognised Radio Technician qualification • Minimum 3 years’ experience as a qualified technician in an industrial, telecommunication and/or radio / television environment. • Mining experience is a definite advantage. • Code 08 Drivers License.
Travel Co-ordinaTor Location: Husab Mine, Swakopmund Reports to Superintendent Radio Networks and Communications To co-ordinate and execute travel and all related arrangements for shortlisted job applicants and prospective employees and / or candidates in connection with the hiring and placement process at the Swakop Uranium (SU) office in Swakopmund. The position is also responsible for booking and travel arrangements for people in the employment of the Company. Key Performance Areas: • Enter information provided by the traveler into the database and maintain travel database; • Communicate with staff travelers regarding their travel needs on availability of flights and accommodation; • Makes accommodation arrangements and bookings for traveler and coordinate with Travel Agency to provide trip itineraries to travelers; • Coordinate with Travel Agency to obtain excess baggage vouchers when needed, and to ensure in-transit hotel accommodations; • Send airline tickets to travelers (including sending packages via express mail services) and arrange travel insurance where applicable; • Coordinate and verify with Travel Agency to invoice Swakop Uranium for travel cost; • Review travel associated invoices as well as statements for accuracy plus codes for Accounts Payable.; • Resolve organization travel related technical conflicts and ensure to compare invoices with genuine travel transactions to validate every charge; • Compile monthly report on travel cost and expenses and submit to supervisor for review; • Identify most suitable as well as best quality service with reasonable possible rates. requirements and experience: • Grade 12 • A certificate in office administration will be an added advantage • 2 – 5 years clerical administration and travel logistics experience • Experience of travel & tourism sector
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@cgnpc.com.cn OR on Jobportunities.net website by 9 April 2015. Previously disadvantaged Namibians meeting the above criteria are encouraged to apply. Clearly indicate the position you are applying for as well as your name and surname in the subject line of your application email. Applications received that do not meet this criteria will not be considered. 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
12
Lifestyle
A dog's best friend Julia Hango
They say dogs are a man's best friend. So what is the point of having a best friend if you cannot take them with you to your favourite restaurant and order them a puppychino or a juicy pork sausage every once in a while? While it might seem gluttonous to feed a beef sausage to a schnauzer or give a bulldog a slice of dog cake, we have discovered that the Village Café in Swakopmund may be one if not the only restaurant/café in the country indulging dog owners' willingness to pamper their pups by offering a special canine-only menu. The popular Village Café in the centre of Swakopmund is not only known for its fresh homemade Village Breakfast but if you are a regular or simply happened to have turned their menu around then
you must have noticed their dog menu at the back; with juicy dog patties and tuna for the cats, Village Café is encouraging animal lovers with small, cute and calm cats and dogs as well as friendly, controllable big dogs to bring their pets with them for lunch. Sida !Naruses, a waitress at the Village Café says: "It works very well; especially during lunch time or right before closing time we are flooded with pet owners bringing their animals for a warm meal and a refreshing bowl of puppychino.” It is hard to resist a drink with a great pun but it must be even harder for the dogs to pick just one thing off the menu. !Naruses excitedly told us about the dog parties that they occasionally host where animal lovers get the whole doggy party experience from doggy decor, dog themed snacks and even dog cake. The entire café comes to life
How is this
Thursday, 26 March 2015 when they host pet birthday parties, with singing and pampering of the celebrated pup or kitty. This may be the first for the coast but a lot of international restaurants have started this trend years ago; some even have a dog sitting section and bathrooms for pets. American coffee shop/ restaurant Starbucks is amongst the world's leading take away outlets that have a dog menu; both for sit down and doggy bags. They also have a puppchino which is a Starbucks
coffee cup filled with whipped cream. One can teach old dogs new tricks and the innovative Village Café has done so with their infamous dog menu and delicious breakfasts. And when it comes to the friendliest service in town, they also take the cake. For bookings and more info Contact Village Café at 064404723 or find them online at www. villagecafenamibia.com and on Facebook.
NamPost Savings Bank
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Investment team For Corporate Investments Our NSB treasury team consists of two dedicated professionals: a Portfolio Manager, Lorentha Harases and Treasury Dealer, Cecil Anthony Goliath, who work closely together to deliver the best client service when it comes to all your corporate investment needs. For more information, contact them today for a quotation.
still a thing?
Portfolio Manager Tel: +264 61 201 3214 Email: lorenthaha@nampost.com.na
Cecil Anthony Goliath Treasury Dealer Tel: +264 61 201 3196 Email: cecilgo@nampost.com.na
Julia Hango It is almost that time of the year again, with the breeze of winter bringing our yearly time change, also called Fall Back, winter time, or daylight saving time. Daylight saving time (DST) is the practice of adjusting clocks an hour back during winter months so that we are able to wake up later and leave work before sunset. Typically, users of winter time adjust clocks back one hour near the start of winter and adjust them forward in the spring to regular time. The concept of daylight savings was initially introduced by Benjamin Franklin in the 18th century; though he never suggested altering clocks, instead suggested that the use of candles can be economized by people waking up earlier to use morning sunlight. Formally, daylight savings time was proposed in 1895 by astronomer George Vernon Hudson from New Zealand who presented a proposal for a 2 hour daylight savings shift to the Wellington Philosophical Society. Modern daylight saving time was introduced during the First World War in Germany and Austria as a fuel saving
Lorentha Harases
measure, many countries consistently implemented daylight saving time during the energy crisis of the 1970s. Today 70 countries worldwide still observe daylight saving time and none of them have clear reasoning as to why. In Namibia they say it is so school kids can have an extra hour of sleep in the cold winter but the question is, how does daylight saving time benefit us as a nation that relies on South Africa for a lot of our supplies? A joint Transport Research Laboratory and University College of London study predicted that less people would be killed and injured in road accidents if one hour of daylight was transferred from the morning to the afternoon. Have we ever wondered why the time changes for winter and summer months and would it rather not be more beneficial in every aspect to have DST for the summer months all year around? If it does not benefit our health or economy, how is daylight saving still a thing? Remember to change your time back by an hour on Sunday 5 April 2015.
For Individual Investments Ready to assist with all your personal investment needs, is our unique sales team: Paul Kanjavera, Tangeni Shifotoka and Faith Kapia. Contact any of our sales representatives today, for more information on investment products offered or for a quotation.
Paul Kandjavera
Business Promoter Tel: +264 61 201 3096 Email: paulka@nampost.com.na
Tangeni Shifotoka
Business Promoter Tel: +264 61 201 3096 Email: tangenish@nampost.com.na
Faith Kapia
Business Promoter Tel: +264 61 201 3153 Email: faithka@nampost.com.na
NamPost Savings Bank • 175 Independence Avenue, PO Box 287 Windhoek, Namibia. • Tel: +264 61 201 3115 • Email: banking@nampost.com.na
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Thursday, 26 March 2015
13
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources
Honourable Bernhard Esau
Honourable Dr Chief Samuel Ankama
The Permanent Secretary, Management and the entire staff of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources wish to congratulate Honourable Bernhard Esau on his reappointment as Minister and Honourable Dr Chief Samuel Ankama on his reappointment as Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources respectively.
May wisdom, strength and blessings in abundance follow you during your tenure in office.
14
Worldwide
Thursday, 26 March 2015
NOTICE
We at the SPCA need to keep our establishment active and functioning. We can only provide a constant service if we can ensure stability. Currently we are relying on donations which we are very thankful for. We can only but praise the community of animal lovers in this town. We do however have the normal expenses that require payment on due dates, and that is where the ‘Sponsor a Kennel’ initiative started. We need to source a stable
income for wages for our staff at the SPCA. Our aim is to secure a monthly sponsor for each kennel @ N$500.00 per kennel. This will ensure that we can retain our staff so that we can keep the SPCA in tip top condition. We have a dedicated team here on the premises and would truly like to keep it that way. In return for the kennel sponsorship, we would like to display our sponsors, and therefore we would welcome your company logo and contact details so that we can place these on the sponsored kennels. The local public also like to see and appreciate who is supporting the SPCA. For more information on the ‘Sponsor a Kennel’ initiative, please contact us on 064-204041 or spcawalvisbay@gmail.com
Ireland
legalises drugs Possession of once illicit drugs became legal for a brief period earlier this month. Minister for Health Leo Varadkar confirmed on 10 March that possessing certain drugs was no longer illegal, following a court case. He stressed that the sale, supply, import and export of the drugs remained illegal. Exactly which drugs are we talking about? Ecstasy, magic mushrooms, benzodiazepines, ketamine, khat and some “head-shop drugs” were among those involved. The legal judgment had no implications for 125 or so other substances, including cannabis, heroin and cocaine. How on earth did this happen? The State successfully defended a challenge to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 in a High Court hearing in March 2014. The case then went to the Court of Appeal. Concerning the prosecution of one Stanislav Bederev for possession for sale of methylethcathinone, it dealt with the Government’s power to control substances harmful to human health under Section 2 (2) of the Act. The subsection was found to be unconstitutional, so possession of any of the substances it was meant to control then ceased to be an offence. The Government moved quickly to address the situation, rushing emergency legislation through the Dáil on Tuesday 10 March and the Seanad on Wednesday 11 March, with the co-operation of the Opposition. President Michael D Higgins signed the Bill into law; the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) 2015 Bill amended the 1977 Act. Varadkar said he had been told that “dozens” of cases could be affected by the ruling; the legal expert Garnet Orange SC warned that the ruling would undermine forthcoming criminal prosecutions. The Minister said that each case would be analysed but that anything to do with the prosecutions of individuals would be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Director of Public Prosecutions, who acts independently of the Government. http://www.irishtimes.com/
Worldwide California Spends $1 Billion on drought The state government of California would rather set aside taxpayer money to “make the state more resilient to the disastrous effects of climate change and help ensure that all Californians have access to local water supplies”; rather than put a cap on corporate water syphoning. California Governor Jerry Brown said: “This unprecedented drought continues with no signs yet of letting up. The programs funded by the actions announced today will provide direct relief to workers and communities most impacted by these historic dry conditions.” The residents of California will spend $1 billion on local drought relief and infrastructure projects to make the state’s water infrastructure “more resilient to extreme weather events.” Another $128 million in taxpayer funding will go directly to the implementation of a state wide Water Action Plan (WAP). Scow, Director of Food and Water Watch California, points out: “Governor
Brown is penalizing Californians for their water use, but is giving a free pass to agriculture and oil corporations that are over-pumping and polluting our State’s dwindling groundwater supply. Agriculture uses 80 percent of California’s water while urban and residential uses account for less than 15 percent.” Scow said: “If the Governor was serious about protecting our water he would issue a moratorium on fracking to stop the ongoing pollution of 2 million gallons per day of fresh water and stop the ongoing dumping of oil wastewater into our aquifers. California’s aquifers are crucial and must be protected in order to save and store water for the future.” Recently the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) reported on the financial relationship between Brown and fossil fuel corporations which keeps fracking going admit the drought. In the report it showed that Brown has received an estimated $2 million for signing into law a recent favorable bill for
the fossil fuel industry. Another shocking use of California water is the unmonitored pumping of groundwater depleting underground aquifers. The scariest part is that “no one in California knows exactly how much water is being drawn from the state’s aquifers, because the pumping of underground water is not measured or recorded by state or federal agencies, or by any private party.” Highlighted at the core of the problem is Nestle Waters North America (NWNA) who has “continued its operations despite the worsening water crisis.” To justify their removal of water from the drought stricken California, NWNA said: “Our water use management program includes curtailing withdrawals depending on conditions at a spring site. Our monitoring shows that there is no significant adverse impact on the any springs or surrounding groundwater levels related to the water we withdraw.” http://www.occupycorporatism.com/
French Modeling Agencies Could Face Jail Time
The next Paris Fashion Week might look a little different if France moves forward with its effort to crack down on the glorification of anorexia. The government is considering a piece of legislation that would prevent the fashion industry from hiring models who are deemed to be an unhealthily low weight, as well as target pro-anorexia websites that celebrate emaciated images of women. The country’s health minister has thrown her support behind the proposal. “I think that by the end of 2015, we will no longer have anorexic models on the catwalk,” Olivier Veran, the French lawmaker spearheading the legislation who
is also a medical doctor, told CNN this week. Under Veran’s proposal, modeling agencies would only be allowed to hire models if their body mass index (BMI) is at least 18, the threshold for being considered underweight, in addition, models would be subject to regular weigh-ins. Agency employees who violate those requirements could be subject to fines up to $79,000 and up to six months in jail. The issue of too-skinny models hits close to home for France’s fashion industry. In 2010, model Isabelle Caro succumbed to her eating disorder at the age of 28. Caro had become somewhat the face of anorexia
in the country after she appeared in a shocking Italian advertising campaign illustrating what it means to be “dying to be thin.” Fashion industries in other countries have taken recent stands against anorexia, too. In 2006, the organizers in charge of Madrid Fashion Week became the first to ban underweight models. Italy and Israel have also adopted laws that require runway models to be above a certain BMI level. In the United States, models are increasingly speaking out against the drastic Photoshopping of their bodies, while activists are pressuring magazines to refrain from using retouching and display a range of more realistic body sizes within their pages. Some fashion publications, like Vogue, have voluntarily adopted standards for their models that are similar to France’s proposed law. “There’s a paradox at work here: Many women like looking at the very same images they feel hurt by. We claim we want to see more realistic images, but we also like looking at beautiful people” Dr. Renee Engeln, a psychology professor at Northwestern University, told ThinkProgress last year. Research has confirmed that looking at fashion models can have a directly negative impact on young women’s selfesteem, particularly as models have been getting thinner at the same time as the average woman has been getting bigger. http://thinkprogress.org/
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Motoring
Thursday, 26 March 2015
15
Clarkson could
motoring get the 'boot'
Polluted Paris banned half its cars Paris authorities imposed 24-hour emergency measures on Monday to limit traffic after record levels of pollution, banning cars with evennumbered plates from operating within the French capital. Pleased with sharp reduction in traffic, officials decided not to extend the measures another day, when cars with odd-numbered plates would have been grounded. Similar alternate-day methods were implemented last spring, a time that is prone to lingering pollution because of specific weather patterns in the Paris area. Public transportation has been free over the weekend and continued Monday in a bid to lure drivers away from their cars. But some Parisian residents believe that taxpayers' money would be better spent seeking out ecological alternatives. “It would be good if authorities rather looked to car makers that manufacture
Jeremy Clarkson is still awaiting his fate after an apparent 'dust up' with one of his producers.
cars that pollute less. I am pretty sure that somewhere there are innovative solutions,” said Mireille Castel. “We should give more place to hydrogen, electricity, hybrid cars. I don't believe at all in this alternating traffic system, I don't believe (it works),”
said resident Frederic Lebel. “Clean” cars, like hybrid or electric-powered vehicles were exempt from the ban - which Paris' Mayor Anne Hidalgo trumpeted as having already reduced by 40 percent the levels on Monday's city traffic. http://www.iol.co.za/ motoring/industry-news
BBC, will announce that Clarkson's relationship with the broadcaster will be terminated in the wake of his assault of producer Oisin Tymon and the ensuing internal investigation. Lord Hall is expected to thank Clarkson for his service in building one of the Beeb's biggest and most profitable properties, calling him a "brilliant broadcaster," and according to The Telegraph, defending his on-air style. He will add, though, that his behavior in this most recent case will not be tolerated at the government-owned network. According to the investigation, Clarkson verbally abused Tymon for 20 minutes before attacking him. Apparently, the incident was set off after the 54-year-old host was told the hotel they were staying in had stopped serving hot food, meaning he could not enjoy a steak and chips (French fries, American readers) after a day of filming. This development throws the future of Top Gear into doubt. According to The Telegraph report, BBC bosses are trying to sway Radio 2 host and Ferrari connoisseur Chris Evans to take the slot, although he has apparently been defiant so far. Replacing Clarkson may be the
least of the BBC's worries, though, as both James May and Richard Hammond have said they would not present the show without Clarkson. That is doubly bad news for the BBC, as all three Top Gear hosts are facing expiring contracts, meaning that wherever Clarkson lands, it is reasonable to expect The Small One and The Slow One to follow. As for that landing place, The Telegraph seems to think Netflix could become the new home of the TG trio. The Corporation is due to decide Clarkson’s fate shortly, after he was suspended pending an independent review into allegations surrounding the alleged assault. To the disappointment of millions of fans, Top Gear has also been taken off the air. BITTER WAR OF WORDS The BBC and Clarkson have been locked into a bitter war of words since the altercation. Clarkson does not deny ranting at the producer but other claims that he punched his colleague remain unsubstantiated. Ken MacQuarrie, head of BBC Scotland, who has been investigating the claims, is due to report to BBC director-general Lord Hall, who will then decide on the star’s fate. Yet the BBC is facing mounting pressure not to let Jeremy Clarkson off the hook if its investigation concludes that he did punch a Top Gear producer. Top Gear is sold in more than 200 countries, bringing in around £50 million a year for the BBC. Clarkson was keen to stress his commercial clout in next month’s Top Gear magazine, which was written before the latest row erupted and will go on sale on Friday. He warned against Top Gear becoming boring, saying: “We could talk about fuel economy. And hire purchase plans. http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/ industry-news
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