EE
FR
Independent Namib
Like a newspaper, only better!
Tel: 064 200497
Issue 143 - Thurs, 10 April 2015 to Wed, 16 Apr 2015
Diamond Arrow Winner Best Community Newspaper 2014
" Let us stand together against
Coastal property increases thirty times higher than world average
the victimisation of our Namibian sisters and daughters. "
According to the latest house price index released by FNB this week. See Page 7
CEO of Walvis Bay Municipality, Muronga Haingura in support of the Red My Lips Campaign.
See Page 3
Namibian Save the Rhino Trust declares all-out war on poachers
See Page 8
Red My Lips!
Sharon Brooks April is sexual assault awareness month, and the Namib Independent has taken up the challenge to raise awareness of sexual violence through the “Red my Lips” campaign. From 10 April to 10 May the newspaper will be challenging coastal businesses to show their solidarity by sharing photos of their male employees proudly wearing red lipstick to show that sexual violence
is not a women’s issue, but a human rights issue that affects us all. The Red my Lips campaign began when the founder of the organisation was raped by a friend and was later told that the case would not be prosecuted because she had been drinking, putting the blame for the rape squarely on her shoulders. The organisation aims to promote awareness of the problem by using red lipstick as a symbol of solidarity, somewhat like
Male members of the community rose to the challenge and wore red lipstick for the “Red My Lips” campaign to raise awareness of sexual violence. the popular “Movember” campaign for men’s health. “Warriors” from over 90 different countries worldwide will be wearing red lipstick throughout April to raise awareness for the victims of sexual violence. With nearly a third of women around the world having been victims of violence at some point in their lives, it is indeed a global problem. The situation is no better in Namibia, over 30% of Namibian women report that they have experienced sexual or physical
violence at the hands of their partners with men committing 93% of domestic violence crimes. A report by UNAIDS found that nearly 35% of Namibian woman had been forced to have sex with a man at some point during their lifetimes. Statistics have revealed that one third of victims of rape are minors under the age of 18, and it is shocking to discover that often, rape is the most prevalent crime reported in Namibia with over 21% of rape cases taking place within a domestic relationship.
The statistics for the Erongo region are not much better, almost 14% of women in the region say that they often experience physical or sexual violence, while 27% report having experienced violence at some point in their lives. A new voice is being heard in Namibia, through the Red My Lips Campaign, which is highlighting and taking a stand against this shocking Continued on Page 3
2
News
Thursday, 10 April 2015
We've got
When strangers do good
Banks screwing us again Dear Editor I read the article on Jan Japan in your last issue and I am really angry that the banks would not give me a loan of less than N$100 000 for a car from Jan Japan because they say it is an import and I must put up 100% surety to get a personal bank loan to buy the car because they will not give a car loan for second hand “imports”. After all four big banks turned me down for the personal loan I was approved for a car loan for more than double the amount for a second hand car from a Namibian car
dealer with more mileage on it than the Jan Japan car. How does this work? They say that they are considering the risks, but how can it be riskier for me or the bank if the car that I wanted from Jan Japan had 60 000 km less on the clock, was only a year older than the Namibian car and cost N$ 100 000 less? This does not make sense. I never had the surety for the Jan Japan car and now instead of paying back N$100 000 to the bank I am paying back just over N$200 000. This is more risky to the
Contact Us 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
Many of us are often inclined to think the worst of our fellow citizens and to suspect them, rightly or wrongly, of being capable of the worst, but sometimes when you least expect it, people will surprise you. I had to travel to Windhoek last week for a business meeting, I got so busy with incoming calls and people to meet, that in between gulps of coffee I accidentally left my iPad outside the library where I had been working. Losing the iPad was still bearable, but losing the childhood photos and videos of my children was extremely sad to me, because they cannot be replaced. I felt forlorn. But to my great surprise when I logged onto my email account on Friday night, there was a letter from a young man. It said that one of the cleaning workers at a local law firm in town had found my device outside the library and she had taken it back to work with her and asked this young man
bank and for me. I will pay the banks much more in interest now which is probably what they want in the first place. I am sorry, but for Namibians to get ahead we need to be mobile. Jan Japan offers a great service when you think that taxi drivers could be buying bigger and safer cars that are not 25 years old or small businesses would be able to buy delivery vehicles etc. But instead, the banks are making sure that Namibians are forced to buy second hand cars that are two and even three times more expensive than at Jan Japan. This does not make sense at all. Jonny Strauss
McCLUNE’S Shuttle Services
Editorial Donna Collins 085 128 2158 donna@namibindependent.com.na
127 Theo Ben Gurirab Street (MVA Office Complex), PO Box 5085, Walvis Bay, Namibia
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.
Lenny Brown
Dear editor, I hope you can print this for me, because I am sure your readers will agree that what happened to me is something you do not read in newspapers very much, because what happened to me is good news. Last week I parked my car in the carpark next to Supertronix in Walvis Bay and left the car under the watch of a car guard. I always make sure that I lock my car with my remote and sometimes even go back to my car to double check if I am unsure. This time I locked the car and headed across the road to a meeting. I had already entered the building and was making my way upstairs when my car guard came running behind
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to see if he can trace the owner, hence the email. I could collect my device at their offices, it said. I was not only surprised at the kindness of my fellow citizens, but also felt a bit ashamed that I had suspected people of stealing my goods, when in fact I had lost it. And here was someone kind enough to trace me to return it to me. That is the kind of country I want to live in. So proud of my people, so proud to be a Namibian.
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me to tell me that my car did not lock because car thieves who use remotes to block the locking device had interfered with my locks and that my car was unsafe. I rushed back to my car straight away, which was being looked after by another car guard in the meantime and I locked my car again. Like anyone else I am sceptical about car guards doing their job, but if you are parking in the same parking lot then you can rest assured those guys are doing their jobs. When I did come back from my meeting needless to say the car guard (s) got a much bigger tip than they are used to. Thank you guys. Happy Tipper
News
Thursday, 10 April 2015
Red My Lips! abuse of women and children, with a message that demands that our wives, mothers and children are treated with the respect they deserve. The shocking revelation that over
1500 Namibian girls dropped out of school last year due to pregnancy, while the number of male drop outs across the country is a drop in the bucket, signifies the deep rooted social problems young
Continued from Page 1 girls are faced with. In fact it has been reported that 27 teachers in schools across the country, were responsible for impregnating the learners. Rape and other violent crimes against young girls and women, are some of the harsh realities that are playing a role in
denying our youths the right to receive a basic education, and through fear, are depriving them of their basic human rights. The Namib Independent this week challenged prominent men in our community to wear red lipstick in support of victimised women living in the coastal towns. We invite companies
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to join in the spirit of this campaign, by sending photos of male employees wearing red lipstick, and challenge other companies to do the same. Email your photos to info@ namibindependent.com.na and show your solidarity for our coastal ladies!
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News
Thursday, 10 April 2015
Council threatens to terminate taxi rank contract
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The future of the Mondesa taxi rank is uncertain, with mismanagement and vandalism posing a challenge to the Swakopmund Town Council. At the last management meeting it was agreed to issue an ultimatum to the Namibian Bus and Taxi Association (NABTA), that unless they improve the management of the rank within 30 days, their contract will be terminated. The Mondesa taxi rank has been a thorn in Council's side for quite some time. Fed-up with improper management, Council insisted that NABTA sign a lease agreement and find a solution to the problem. It is a case of shape up or ship out. The cherry on the contentious cake was when a NABTA representative failed to turn up at a scheduled meeting between NABTA and the Council in February. Bus and taxi owners who did attend the meeting were turned away disappointed. Discussions were to address issues such as refusal of some operators to pay service fees, sabotaging, vandalism and damage to the property, commuters embarking at unauthorized areas and safety and security problems.
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NABTA was expected to perform specific duties to ensure the smooth operation at the taxi rank and car wash after they signed the lease agreement. This was not adhered to since there are no management structure or security officers to enforce the rules. Attempts from various departments to iron out the grievances were fruitless. Now Council have explored other solutions and have undertaken further research and enquiries at different Town Councils and Municipalities in the country. It seems to remain a challenge throughout the country, with the state of affairs in some towns chaotic. Walvis Bay, however, suggested that, instead of awarding the management to any of the bus and taxi associations, they invite local bus and taxi operators to present a management plan for the running of the taxi rank. The Walvis Bay taxi rank is currently managed by a neutral body with a committee comprising a chairperson, vice chairperson, treasurer and administrator.
This is the path the Swakopmund Town Council would like to follow. Taxi and bus operators seem reluctant to use the taxi rank facility and co-operate with NABTA. Illegal off-loadings are still taking place in town and residential areas. Management of the taxi rank was awarded to NABTA in March 2014, in line with the directive from the Ministry of Regional and Local Government and Housing at a rental price of N$1 000. As a result the Namibia Public Passengers and Taxi Association (NPPTA) who were originally awarded the three year contract, refused to cooperate with NABTA, resulting in disorder and conflicts. NPPTA, according to council, failed to honour the lease agreement in terms of the upkeep and running of the rank in accordance with their arrangements. They are now faced with a similar dilemma and are waiting for NABTA to rectify the matter before their 30 days are up.
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5063/26/04/2015
The Namibia Training Authority (NTA) endeavours to become Namibia’s port of call for vocational skills through the sustainable facilitation of training and related services provision, organisational effectiveness, funding, regulation, the administration of the Vocational Education and Training (VET) Levy and stakeholder engagement and communication.
The Mondesa taxi rank is still a thorn in the side of the Swakopmund Town Council. They are now investigating better management options.
The NTA has developed new qualifications and unit standards, which have been identified by industry through the Mining & Quarrying; Construction; Electricity; Gas and Water Supply & Sanitation Industry Skills Committee (ISC), as priority. The new unit standards and qualifications are in the occupational area of Solar Equipment Installation and Maintenance. All interested key stakeholders in the abovementioned occupational area are hereby invited to attend a series of national consultation workshops to provide feedback on the draft unit standards and qualifications. Participating stakeholders are expected to comment on the drafts to assist the NTA’s Technical Working Groups in their refinement.
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Windhoek
Kindly confirm your attendance on or before the respective date of consultation. Copies of the relevant documents and feedback forms are available for download from the NTA’s corporate website – www.nta.com.na For confirmations and enquiries on the Solar Equipment Installation and Maintenance unit standards and qualifications please contact: Dessy Tjozongoro • 061-2078119 • dtjozongoro@nta.com.na
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Thursday, 10 April 2015
News
5
Budget to boost infrastructure development Economics reporter The new Minister of Finance took the bull by the horns when he tabled his ‘pro-growth’ budget for 2015 - 2016 at the first session of the newly elected parliament last week. The government’s spending priorities for the year ahead shows strong commitment to improving the transport and logistics infrastructure. Minister Calle Schlettwein outlined a number of priority projects, which will likely have an impact on the coastal economy and reiterated the government’s commitment to the expansion of the port at Walvis Bay and the construction of a bulk fuel storage facility. The Finance Minister said that N$34.4 billion, or 15.7% of noninterest expenditure was allocated in the current budget “to the economic and infrastructure sectors over the MTEF to stimulate growth and enhance the competitiveness of our economy through developing a robust transport and logistics sector.” Government would provide sovereign loan guarantees for the construction of the national fuel storage facility, fuel pipeline and the fuel off-loading jetty at Walvis Bay by National Energy Fund. Guarantees are also promised to NAMCOR and NamPower for the Kudu Gas-toPower Project and the Mass Housing Programme. He also gave sureties to the Road Fund Administration for the construction of a dual carriage between Windhoek and Okahandja. Funds were allocated to these strategic infrastructure projects and “targeted transfers to State-owned Enterprises for investment” as well as railway and road network rehabilitation, he said. He deems these to be the flagship projects
over the Medium Term Economic Framework (MTEF). Aimed ostensibly at economic growth and redistribution, the budgetary allocations are expected to create growth-enhancing infrastructure in the logistics and energy sector as well as improvements in the agricultural sector to boost national food security, the Minister said. The following infrastructure projects received major budgetary allocations: •
N$4.93 billion over the MTEF to support the balance sheets of Nampower and Namcor for the Kudu Gas-to-Power Project. In addition, the State will provide a guarantee for financing that will be sourced outside the budget;
•
N$1.25 billion over the MTEF for the Mass Housing Project. In addition, Government will issue a sovereign guarantee to the tune of N$2 billion for NHE to access funding for this vital project;
•
N$3.27 billion over the MTEF for the roads projects, in addition to N$1.7 billion to be raised by the Road Fund Administration;
•
N$945.84 million for railway projects, with funding outside the scope of the State Revenue Fund to the tune of N$3.79 billion over the MTEF;
•
N$7.75 billion is allocated to the Agricultural Sector to cater for, among others, the Green Scheme programme and other interventions in the sector over the MTEF.
News
6
Thursday, 10 April 2015
New film law places movie industry under pressure Jade Mclune
The Namibia Film Commission will host a public meeting in Swakopmund on 25 April to discuss the contents of a hotly contested draft law that
would regulate the local and international film industry in Namibia. The Namibian Film Commission (NFC) came under fire this week when the Film Association of Namibia (FAN) issued a blistering
critique of the new law and put the current operations of the commission under the spotlight. The new law provides for the creation of the Film Regulatory Authority Namibia (FRAN), a state-owned enterprise that would
Vacancy Erongo Medical Group (Pty) Ltd is a Walvis Bay based company that owns the Welwitschia Hospital and has an interest in a number of other health care entities. Erongo Medical Group (Pty) Ltd has earned a respected reputation from both patients and competitors for professional health care services.
GENERAL PRACTITIONER / ANAESTHETIST
replace the existing film commission. All film productions in the country would in future have to be approved by FRAN and the board would have the power to impose levies which may make Namibia a less attractive a destination for the blockbuster epics that the coast has become accustomed to. It is not yet clear what the broader impacts the new film law will have on our promising movie industry, but filmmakers are concerned about the current situation. The Namib Desert has offered the backdrop to many an epic film and the new law comes at a time when there is heightened interest in Namibia as a film location following the recent release of George Miller’s post-apocalyptic thriller, Mad Max: Fury Road. The lead actor, Tom Hardy, was quoted after the premier this week as saying that the film was “f*****g incredible!” and that he had signed up for three more instalments of the dystopian Mad Max franchise. At a time when unemployment figures have reached 28%, many film workers and small businesses in the Erongo are quietly hoping that Miller and Max will
serve on the NFC board.” FAN says their representatives were re-appointed by the ICT minister, despite repeated attempts to replace them: “They were re-nominated by the minister (in contravention of the current act), despite nominations having been handed in within the specified timeframe, and they refuse to step down.” Chairperson of FAN, Marinda Stein, said they are further opposed to unnecessary secrecy provisions in the law and to any attempts to curtail the artistic freedom of filmmakers. A well-placed industry source, who cannot be named, explained that the secrecy clause in the draft law would basically make it illegal for their representatives on the FRAN board to report back to the members. Filmmakers whose applications to the FCN for funding have been turned down are particularly suspicious about the way project funding is being awarded and called for clearer guidelines and transparency to avoid conflicts of interest and corruption within the commission. “The current chairperson of the NFC board was awarded a N$3 million grant by the NFC for the film ‘Katutura’, which the NFC chairperson produced as an
Erongo Medical Group (Pty) Ltd invites suitable qualified candidates to apply for the above mentioned position.
JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES • • • •
Provide a high level of Emergency room patient care; Administer anaesthesia in both cold case and emergency situations to both adult and paediatric patients; Provide support in both adult and paediatric HCU & ICU; Provide training to identified hospital staff.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE & OTHER REQUIREMENTS • • • • • •
Postgraduate diploma in Anaesthesia; Advanced Certificate in Cardiovascular Life Support; Advanced Certificate in Paediatric Life Support; 5 years working experience as a General Practitioner/Anaesthetist; Registered at the HPCNA as a General Practitioner/Anaesthetist; Namibian Citizenship or eligible to work in Namibia.
COMPETENCIES REQUIRED • • • •
Ability to work independently, organize effectively and operate optimally under pressure; Solid interpersonal skills and both verbal and non-verbal communication skills; Flexibility and willingness to provide emergency care and work extended hours outside regular working hours. Quality- and patient-care orientated. Interested candidates meeting the above mentioned specifications and requirements are invited to apply for the position by submitting their applications; CV’s and copies of supporting documents in confidence to: The HR Office, Welwitschia Hospital, Dr Putch Harries Drive, Walvis Bay or per e-mail at recruitment@walvisbay-medipark.com Please indicate the position you apply for in the subject line. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and must be willing to submit themselves to interview and selection procedures. As per Affirmative Action (Employment) Act, Act 29 of 1998; Namibian Citizens from previously disadvantaged groups will enjoy preferential treatment.
CLOSING DATE: WEDNESDAy, 15 AprIL 2015 AT 13:00 Should you require any further information on the vacancy, please e-mail recruitment@walvisbay-medipark.com
Tom Hardy has signed up for three more films in the Mad Max franchise following Fury Road, with the next being the sequel, Mad Max: Furiosa. It is not clear whether the sequel will be shot in Namibia. return to the Namib with the big bucks to film the rest of the franchise. While recognising the allure of big-budget Hollywood projects, FAN argued that: “The objectives [of the new film law] over-emphasise the attraction of foreign production to Namibia instead of the development and promotion of the local industry and cinema culture. The new law “seems to serve the line ministry rather than the industry and accordingly there are no provisions for communication or accountability to the public or the industry, only to the Minister of ICT.” Currently, “we have no communication between the NFC board and industry. The ministry representatives may or may not report to their respective ministries and sectors, and the two current film industry representatives do not have the mandate of the film industry to
5052/31/04/2015
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individual, while serving as NFC board chairperson without a public call or call for submissions. “The NFC board chairperson did not declare receipt of the grant to FAN although serving as a FAN representative on the NFC board. No information was provided about the procedures for the awarding of this grant by the NFC board, especially given the sizeable amount without a public call.” The commission did not respond directly to the issues raised, but said in an official response that they welcome the input of FAN and invited film workers and professionals, as well as the broader public to participate in the next round of consultations on the draft bill. A whole-day public meeting with industry insiders, filmmakers, aficionados and movie enthusiasts will take place at Swakopmund Hotel and Entertainment Centre on Saturday 25 April, from 09:00 to 17:00.
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News
Thursday, 10 April 2015
Coastal property increases thirty times higher than world average
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Vacancy Barloworld Equipment represents world leading equipment brands manufactured for earthmoving and marine applications in Southern Africa and the world, adding value to its customers in the Mining, Construction, Marine and Energy Industries. We provide technical and logistical support to our customers.
ParTs Warehouse assisTanTs sWaKoP uraniuM
The PosiTion: Reporting to the Parts Supervisor the successful candidate will be responsible for receiving, storing, assembling, packing and/or unpacking of goods as well as delivering goods from the store.
sKills anD abiliTies reQuireD: • • • • •
Advanced problem solving and fault finding abilities Well developed communication and interpersonal skills Strong organisational and planning skills Ability to manage all aspects of the role in a pressurised environment Knowledge and application of Industrial and personal safety behaviours
reQuireMenTs:
Business reporter The latest house price index released by FNB this week indicates that property prices in Walvis Bay rose by a staggering 30 percent over the past year, compared to a global average of 1.8%. The report also highlights that property prices in the harbour town have risen by an unprecedented 111 percent over the last five years. This worrying trend in the rising cost of buying a home at the coast is reflected in the median average of coastal house prices, which climbed from N$380,000 in 2009 to N$801,000 in 2014. The median average (middle-point) of house prices in Walvis Bay ranged between N$664,000 and N$956,000 between September and December 2014. Even in the small and relatively impoverished town of Arandis property prices rose by an astronomic 189% (from N$175,000 in 2009 to N$505,000 in 2014), rising by 68% last year alone. In Henties Bay house prices, by comparison, rose by only 7% on the previous year (79% over the past five years). In Swakopmund house prices apparently fell by 7% in 2014, having risen by 56% over the past five years, according to FNB’s Senior Manager for Research and Development, Namene Kalili. There was, however a marked drop in the sale of upmarket homes over the same period, he noted: “Falling demand for large coastal homes was responsible for the 29% contraction in volumes traded” Kalili said. He said nationally, the volumes of homes sold continued to fall by 22% in December and contracted by a further 1.5% in 2015. “Volumes in the upper price segment
contracted by 39% in December, which has decelerated mortgage advances to the upper price segment and reduced its share of overall mortgages in 2014.” With a backlog of at least 120,000 houses in the country the slowdown in the number of homes sold over the past year is not an indication of a falling demand, but of a mismatch of prices and income levels – what bankers call “effective demand”, or the ability to pay market-related prices – and the prices in turn are pushed up by the slow delivery of land for housing. Although the rate in house price inflation in Namibia began to “soften” somewhat towards the end of 2014 as the holiday season set in, prices have over the past five years risen by 84% (up from N$381,000 in 2009 to N$700,000 in 2014). To afford an average three-bedroom house worth only N$750,000 today, one would need a household income of at least N$23,000. Fewer than 5% of the households in Namibia earn more than N$23,000, with the majority earning below N$2,000 a month. The rising cost of home ownership and the un-affordability of basic housing have meanwhile become a major political problem, as thousands of people have rallied under the banner of the Affirmative Repositioning group over the past few months to campaign for residential land. Following the submission of their letters of application for erven earlier this year, thousands of landless people vowed to go beyond the bounds of the law and to claim residential land in and around cities and towns if their demands for affordable erven are not met by the deadline of 31 July.
Easter Weekend Mayhem
• • • • • • • • • •
Grade 12 certificate Be methodical and ensure operating procedures for the stores are enforced on all levels Well organized and focused on service delivery Good interpersonal skills Technical and Product Knowledge (advantageous) Passion and enthusiasm for the brand Ability to work under pressure, prioritize and multitask Self-motivated and ambitious Experience in a Parts store / environment essential. Code EB driver’s license
resPonsibiliTies: • • • • • • •
Achieve customer requirements for product quality, specification and delivery Demonstrate and promote a proactive commitment to health & safety, well being and the environment whilst complying with all laws and company policies To execute the receiving and dispatching of stock and raise delivery notes Prepare parcels correctly and in time for collection by courier company Administer all paperwork and delivery notes as per defined procedures Ensure Minimum and Maximum stock thresholds are maintained at all times Take part in stock take
PoWer Manager WalVis bay
The PosiTion: The Power Manager will develop and grow the Barloworld Power business through marketing Barloworld Power offerings in electric power and marine applications, ensuring adequate after sales support, and liaising with management and OEMs to ensure customer satisfaction, as well as achieving profitability within the power business. The incumbent will also depot through effective tactical management of people, customers and all other relevant stakeholders.
QualificaTions & exPerience: • • • • • • • • • • •
BSc or B.Eng/ B Tech Electrical Engineering or Trade Diploma Electrical with 5 years management experience specifically in the power industry 5 years Management experience in a similar industry Business development skills and knowledge; Track record in leading/managing people in team based & participative environment; Sound business and financial acumen; Exposure to business planning/budgeting processes; Sound HR and IR skills Strong business and financial acumen Good Technical proficiency (Mechanical & Electrical) Strong organisational skills Influencing and negotiation skills
resPonsibiliTies: • • • • • •
Responsible for business strategy and budget development / implementation, ensuring sustainable growth Customer satisfaction and profitable returns Ensure adequate sales coverage (whole goods and after sales) for all BWP market segments; i.e. Electric Power, Industrial, Marine and Allied Products Develop and implement Power marketing campaign Management of Power staff and related issues Management of whole goods stock, including forecasting, ordering and stock turn
Interested candidates that meet the above requirements should send their CV’s and certified copies of educational qualifications and relevant documents to: recruitmentwindhoek@barloworld-equipment.com not later than 17th April 2015 Please note that only short listed candidates will be contacted
A photo taken from Namib Independent reporter Julia Hango has gone viral on social media. The photo perfectly captures why Namibia is ranked first in road deaths per capita and was taken on the road between Okahandja and Karibib over the Easter weekend.
8
News
SRT to beef up their Rhino 'watch dogs' Donna Collins
With three of the five surviving rhino species critically endangered, the Namibian Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) is declaring all-out war against poachers by offering a N$100 000 reward for the successful arrest and conviction of a rhino poacher. Speaking from the Rhino Trust's headquarters in Swakopmund last week, CEO Simon Uri-Khob said they are adopting a zero tolerance policy towards rhino poaching in Namibia and will stop at nothing to safeguard the animals. The SRT will beef up their protection efforts with more boots on the ground to cover larger areas and with more effective preventative methods in place. "We want to outsmart the poachers; they do not follow a particular killing pattern, they just strike and take a chance where they can," he said. "If the Government declares a shootto-kill policy against poachers, we will not think twice about implementing it if that means we will succeed in protecting our black rhinos from syndicates in Namibia," he said. "Our rhino trackers
are not armed, but we have full back up from the police and the military." "Our rhino are under siege. We must do everything in our power to stop this slaughter," he stated, asking for assistance from the President's office as well as the entire community. "We have changed our strategy this year with a 24/7 presence in the fields, but we need to up our game, and are going to re-enforce our rhino trackers," he added and pointed out that the Government introduced a de-horning project in their efforts to keep these animals alive. Uri-Khob has been with SRT for over 23 years. Now, with no incidents of poaching in the Kunene Region so far this year, and some hot trails leading to a possible arrest, Uri-Khob feels positive.
Sadly we are still losing our animals because they are worth more dead than alive.
VACANCY
Thursday, 10 April 2015
Save The Rhino Trust CEO Simson Uri-Khob said they will stop at nothing to protect these animals against poachers. The Jeep Wrangler was donated by M&Z Motors. "SRT trackers are in the field every day. They spend a lot of time away from their families to protect our rhino on foot, by donkey and even on camelback. The work is difficult and dangerous, but we do it because we believe and hope that it makes a difference. "Sadly we are still losing our animals because they are worth more dead than alive. We are devastated by the loss of even one rhino. Together with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Community Rhino Rangers, IRDNC, Special Field Forces and the communities, we have vowed to strengthen our efforts to protect this endangered species." They aim to double the current number of rhino trackers, but salaries are a big expense. Namibia receives funding from the USA, the UK as well as the local business community. M&Z Motors recently donated a new Jeep Wrangler 4x4, but more off-road vehicles are needed for the vast distances of treacherous terrain. "I believe that President Geingob is going to take a firm stand against poaching because Namibia's reputation as
Walvis Bay Bulk Terminal (Pty) Ltd, an Equal Opportunity Employer and a division of Grindrod Terminals in Walvis Bay, is a company operating within the ports of Namibia, and hereby invites suitably qualified individuals to apply for the following position:
Effective 29 March 2015 Daily “non-stop” Flights from...
HEALTH & SAFETY OFFICER
Walvis Bay to Cape Town
(Reporting to the Operations Manager) Primary Purpose of Position: • Sound knowledge of legal as well as company HSE requirement, and to co-ordinate and ensure compliance thereof; • To co-ordinate and ensure all relevant training and inductions are done as well as communicate SHE rules and regulations to employees; • Liaise with relevant authorities, service providers, contractors, labourand casual employees in order to ensure compliance.
DIRECT return from
N$3,017.00
CLOSINg dATE: FRIdAY, 17TH APRIL 2015 Kindly e-mail a comprehensive application to JohnnyF@grindrod.com.na
Taxes included
Walvis Bay to Johannesburg
Scope of the Position include but not limited to: • Ordering, controlling, issuing and monitoring of PPE stock and ensuring optimal stock levels of required consumables; • Data capturing and maintenance of document control system in compliance with ISO standards; • Execute all company management objectives; • Be presentable at all times and ensure that all equipment being utilized is maintained, presentable and acceptable; • Keep all departments and managers fully advised of all relevant SHEQ matters; • Identify deviations and implement corrective action; • Enhance continuous efficiency improvements; • Undertake all duties and responsibilities in accordance with Company policies and procedures. Minimum requirements: • Grade 12, Code 8 driver’s License; • Fluency in oral and written English and preferably a national language; • Health and Safety diploma, or relevant degree; • Minimum 3 years working experience and knowledge in a Health and Safety portfolio; • Terminals experience would be an added advantage; • Applied knowledge of ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001 and ISO 9001; • Must be capable of dealing with conflict, have a mature approach to problem solving, and have very good decision making and planning skills; • Must have good interpersonal skills and display a strong degree of innovativeness and leadership.
a safe haven for rhinos took a serious knock last year, with at least 26 rhinos killed by poachers." Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) Namibia was established in 1982 by a Swakomund resident, Blythe Loutit as a Welfare Organisation and has been active for the last quarter century in the conservation of desert-adapted black rhino. Meanwhile the controversial "kill it to save it" hunting permit issued by Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism that allowed a black rhino hunting permit to be auctioned off outside the country, is still ongoing. Dallas Safari Club has billed it as a fundraising effort to help save the species. All proceeds from the hunting permit will, according to Uri-Khob, be donated to the Namibian Government and conservationists. Uri-Khob said poachers here are mostly Namibian citizens connected to the Chinese cartel, therefore support from the communities is essential. Asian medicine men value rhino horn, believing that it can cure cancer and other ailments. South Africa loses one rhino every 18 hours.
DIRECT return from
N$3,427.00
Taxes included
Offering most convenient departure and arrival times
For Bookings:
Tel: +264 61 299 6111 Email: callcenter@airnamibia.aero Book online: www.airnamibia.com Or contact your local travel Agent
Air Namibia Walvis Bay
Walvis Bay
Tel.064-203102 or 064-202867 Email: walvisbay.reservations@airnamibia.aero
Johannesburg
Air Namibia Swakopmund Tel. 064-405123 Email: Swakopmund.reservations@airnamibia.aero
Cape Town
News
Thursday, 10 April 2015
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 SENIOR OPERATOR (PROcESSINg PlANT) Location: Husab Mine, Swakopmund Reports to the Team Leader To supervise the operation of the Processing Plant and associated equipment, and ensure the plant operates in a safe and efficient manner. Comply with quality and volume requirements at the lowest cost. Key Performance Areas: • Responsible for Safety, environment, health and housekeeping in area of responsibility • Responsible for Efficient Operation of the relevant section • Responsible and accountable for Lockout, Isolation and issuing of clearance permits • Report and Communicate Plant Performance, safety and environment concerns to the Team Leader • Coordinate and manage Plant inspections before and during shift • Coordinate and lead all basic metallurgical maintenance activities during shift • People and Performance Management and strive for high performance culture in line with company goals and values Requirements and experience: • Grade 12 with passes in Math & Science required • Code BE/Code 08 driver’s license • Three (3) years Plant Operation experience • Driving experience of auxiliary equipment such as Front End Loader or Bobcat will be advantageous • Plant Commissioning and Ramp Up experience will be advantageous • Planning and organizational skills Interested persons should submit their CV and relevant supporting documents to psujobs.proc@cgnpc.com.cn by 24 April 2015. Previously disadvantaged Namibians meeting the above criteria are encouraged to apply.
SENIOR OPERATOR POWER PlANT (cONTROl ROOm) Location: Husab Mine, Swakopmund Reports to the Team Leader Supervise and operate the steam turbine, power generator and associated equipment to ensure that the plant runs in a safe and efficient manner. Comply with all quantity and quality requirements of the power plant in a safe and responsible manner. Key Performance Areas: • Responsible for safety and housekeeping in area of responsibility. • Efficient operation of the ion exchange plant. • Responsible and accountable for lockout, isolation and issuing of clearance permits • Report and Communicate Plant Performance, safety and environment concerns to the Team Leader • Coordinate and manage Plant inspections before and during shift • Coordinate and lead all basic maintenance activities during shift
•
People and Performance Management and strive for high performance culture in line with company goals and values
Requirements and experience: • Grade 12 or equivalent • Code BE/Code 08 driver’s license will be an advantage • Five (5) years Plant Operation experience • Acid Plant experience of at least 3 years will be an advantage • Power Plant and Steam Turbine experience is considered a definite advantage and is highly desirable • Planning and organizational skills Interested persons should submit their CV and relevant supporting documents to psujobs.proc@cgnpc.com.cn by 24 April 2015. Previously disadvantaged Namibians meeting the above criteria are encouraged to apply.
SENIOR EmPlOyEE RElATIONS OffIcER Location: Husab Mine Site Reports to the Employee Relations Manager To develop and maintain an Employee Relations System in order to provide a quality service to line managers and employees, in an area of responsibility and to effectively achieve Human Resources and Employee Relations goals and objectives. Key Performance Areas: Employee Relations Systems Effectiveness • Develops and maintains an effective ER systems in area of responsibility; • Sets output objectives in line with the ER section’s goals, co-ordinates the allocation of work and resets priorities to meet changes in demand; • Assesses subordinate’s performance, recommends corrective measures or action plan and provides training and coaching to achieve individual and section’s goals. Employee Relations Systems Effectiveness • Acts as a resource in area of responsibility for the implementation and maintenance of ER Policy and Procedures in order to achieve the Company’s goals. communication • Develops and maintains effective communication channels, in area of responsibility that effectively contribute to achieving the Company’s objectives; Employee Relations Training • Develops and maintains training programmes for effective implementation of HR and ER Policies and Procedures. Requirements and experience: • HR Diploma/Degree or equivalent HR qualification • Code 8 Driver’s license • 7 Years practical experience in an ER environment • Experience in the Mining sector will be ab advantage Interested persons should submit their CV and relevant supporting documents to recruitment@cgnpc.com.cn by 24 April 2015. Previously disadvantaged Namibians meeting the above criteria are encouraged to apply.
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. 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
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10
News
Thursday, 10 April 2015
Parents could face charges for not sending their children to school Sharon Brooks Parents may be criminally prosecuted in the future if they do not ensure that their children attend school. Minister of Education, Arts and Culture Katrina Hanse-Himarwa said last week that she is considering criminalising the non-attendance of school. At a farewell dinner for her as the former Governor of the Hardap Region, the Minister said she would push for a law to force children to stay in school until the age of 18. “I want [non-attendance] to be criminalised. If you are a parent of a seven-year old child and that child is not in school, you must come to court and answer why that child is absent.”
She would like to undertake a survey to establish the magnitude of the problem and said the number of children on the streets is likely to reduce once such laws are put in place because children found roaming the streets during school hours would be taken back to school. "To achieve the Vision 2030 objectives we need an educated nation, therefore we must do unusual things to educate our children," said Hanse-Himarwa. Her revelation follows the announcement that secondary education will be made freely available to Namibians from next year. The Minister said that an anti-truancy law would allow parents to be prosecuted if they do not ensure that their children are at school, especially since primary and secondary education is
Vacancy Walvis Bay Medipark (Pty) Ltd t/a Welwitschia Hospital, is a 50 bedded General Hospital catering to the needs of the community of Walvis Bay and the surrounding area. Walvis Bay Medipark has earned a respected reputation from both patients and competitors for professional health care services.
HUMAN RESOURCE PRACTITIONER Walvis Bay Medipark is an Equal Opportunity Employer in Namibia, and invites suitable qualified candidates to apply for the above mentioned position. Walvis Bay Medipark seeks to employ one candidate as a member of our dynamic health care team in Walvis Bay.
JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES • • • • •
Recruitment and Selection; Performance Management Systems; Organisational Diagnosis and -Development; Human Capital Training and –Development; Manpower planning.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE & OTHER REQUIREMENTS • • • •
B-degree in Human Resource Management; Relevant Masters/Honours degree will be a distinct advantage; 2-3 years working experience within a health care environment will be an added advantage; Namibian Citizenship holder.
COMPETENCIES REQUIRED • Ability to demonstrate in-depth knowledge in area of expertise; • Solid interpersonal people skills, counselling skills and firm leadership skills; • Ability to work within a team, appreciate cultural diversity and operate optimally under pressure. Interested candidates meeting the above mentioned specifications and requirements are invited to apply for the position by submitting their applications; CV’s and copies of supporting documents in confidence to: The HR Office, Welwitschia Hospital, Dr Putch Harries Drive, Walvis Bay or per e-mail at recruitment@walvisbay-medipark.com Please indicate the position you apply for in the subject line. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and must be willing to submit themselves to interview and selection procedures. As per Affirmative Action (Employment) Act, Act 29 of 1998; Namibian Citizens from previously disadvantaged groups will enjoy preferential treatment.
CLOSING DATE: WEDNESDAy, 15 AprIL 2015 AT 13:00 Should you require any further information on the vacancy, please e-mail recruitment@walvisbay-medipark.com
Minister of Education, Arts and Culture Katrina HanseHimarwa
free. “You will go to jail, you will go to jail grandma or grandpa if you do not send a child to school,” she warned. In addition, children who are above the age of eighteen but refuse to go to school may be sent to jail for failing to make an effort to receive a basic education. At the same event, she criticised domestic workers for demanding a minimum wage of N$3 500, calling the demand ungrateful and greedy. She said if domestic workers want higher pay, they should upgrade themselves by enrolling in adult literacy programmes. “You cannot demand what you do not offer. You must be able to read, write and at least speak English. “Education security should be treated as an emergency comparable to food security with the related laws and policies in place,” she said.
Smokers and drinkers to be hit by higher sin taxes Sharon Brooks Namibians who indulge in alcohol and tobacco will feel the pinch as excise duty rates (sin taxes) on alcoholic beverages and tobacco products will increase in line with the SACU common excise policy. The increases were announced as follows: • A quart of beer will cost 15½ cents more • Ciders and alcoholic fruit beverages will cost 7 cents more per 330ml bottle • A bottle of wine will increase by 15 cents • Sparkling wine will cost 48 cents more per bottle • A bottle of whisky and other spirits will go up by N$3.77 • Fortified wine will go up by 19 cents for bottle • The cost of a pack of 20 cigarettes will increase by 82 cents We spoke to a few locals about the tax hike and discovered that the majority of people feel that sin taxes are a good way for the government to increase tax revenue. Though one must bear in mind that the increase is as a result of the common excise policy of SACU, not a direct decision made by the government. The general opinion is that drinkers and smokers are not likely to curb their habits as a result of an increase in price. The popular senitment seems to be that members of the community
who abuse alcohol and will not be able to afford a bottle at the higher prices will most likely forgo food or accommodation in order to get their fix, and most people felt that this kind of behaviour needs be discouraged at all costs. The majority of the people questioned felt that the government could stand to increase sin taxes even more, some suggesting increases of as much as 50% for alcohol and some locals felt that cigarettes could be taxed by as much as 100%. This opinion seems to be as a result of the negative effects these substances have on our community. Namibia was recently ranked fifth for alcohol consumption in Africa, with the average Namibian consuming 9.62 litres of alcohol a year. The shockingly high statistics of alcohol related crimes and deaths and the number of Namibians suffering from smoking related diseases seems to point to a growing social problem which urgently needs addressing.
News
Thursday, 10 April 2015
Namib Marimbas get ready for Switzerland
SPCA
11
DBV
P.O. Box: 860 W/Bay Tel: 064 204 041 Cell: 081 629 1190 Email: spcawalvisbay@gmail.com
SPCA Walvis Bay ACC. NO: 1075093302 BR CD: 481 872 Bank Windhoek
NOTICE The time has come to get the new committee of the SPCA together. The SPCA will be holding a meeting at Waterbay Woods, on Wednesday the 15th of April at 18h00 in order to decide on a new committee.
The Namib Marimbas group from Walvis Bay have gained international stardom and are leaving for Europe in May to perform. (Photo Donna Collins)
Donna Collins The 'Namib Marimbas' Walvis Bay percussion group has been going for years delighting both locals and tourists with their sound of drumming and upbeat rhythm, which they perform at street gigs, corporate performances, lodges and even abroad. Many might even know the Marimba's who have been going for the past 18 years, and their foot tapping rhythm and catchy beat is born and bred in Walvis Bay. All band members comprise school learners from Kuisebmund Secondary school, and are managed by the founder Gretha Holst, who developed this project to uplift the living standards of these children. Saying that many of the youngsters are from underprivileged backgrounds, even orphaned in some cases, through music she has given them a chance to shine, which they do. The group is made up of ten members, ranging from ages between 14 and 20 years-old. The Namib Marimbas operates on a rotation basis, as once the children reach grade 12 they take in new members from the lower grades to start practising with the group. At present these 'fledgling' members are getting ready to step into the slots during October performances, whilst the older kids write exams. Gretha mentioned that she ploughs the money they earn back into their school fees and uniforms, and that they are
Executive Care
The staff of the SPCA would dearly appreciate all the help they can get. They have received so many compliments from the public, both locally and from other towns. They would like to build on their reputation, and can only do that if they have a good strong team together. Being a committee member is hard work with highs and lows, but it can be incredibly rewarding too. Every person has different qualities and ideas, they would like a team that can work together to make this SPCA the best.
currently in the recording studio to put down fresh tracks for the latest CD. To date she has released five Namib Marimba band CD's with her young band members, and they will be embarking on a trip to Switzerland in May If you are interested in becoming a committee member of the to perform. She also pointed out that some of the performances Walvis Bay SPCA, or would like to attend the meeting in order to can last up to three hours long with no break, and that keep up to date with the happenings at the shelter, please confirm they practise very hard. Their repertoire is unique, and your attendance via email to spcawalvisbay@gmail.com or contact that through this catchy African beat they have gained international recognition. the SPCA directly on 064 20 40 41. The instruments they play are unique to Namibia, and all have a different sound. They include everything from djemba's, wooden hand crafted Marimba, shakers and sticks. Some songs include vocals, many of which are written by the band members who all like to contribute toward the performance value. The group gets together to practise every Sunday after church, and the pressure is on to be well rehearsed for the tour, as they will be performing for three weeks with You seek … Requirements: Duties: their last performance scheduled in professional and personal Frankfurt before heading back to growth, challenges, mobility, • Must be a Namibian Citizen; • Forming and registering Namibia. diversity and inclusion. • Persons from previously of Close Corporations and "We are very proud of what disadvantaged designated Companies; we have achieved, and this music We are … groups are encouraged to • Appointment and project is something that uplifts the 4th strongest corporate apply; registration of Directors/ these children who have come brand in the world and rank in • A valid driver’s licence will Members/ Auditors and from difficult backgrounds, but the Top 100 of the world’s most be an advantage; Accounting officers; through music have taken a place valuable brands, placing us • Must have Grade 12; • Allotment and transfers of in this world as true ambassadors of ahead of our competitors in all • 1-2 years’ experience shares; Namibia," said Gretha. categories. required; • Preparation of special • Technical knowledge of resolutions; One of only 5 companies to the companies and Close • Preparation of minutes and Every attain a AAA+ brand rating. Corporation Acts; notices; 5th Wash • Excellent verbal and written • Minute taking at board and & Vac uum Surely more than 183,000 communication skills shareholders’ meetings; is people that share the same required; • Preparation of minutes and values worldwide cannot be • Must be able to work resolutions; wrong! independently in a team • Updating of statutory environment; records; PwC Namibia is Namibian • Must be able to meet • Filling and following up on owned and managed and a deadlines, perform under outstanding documentation; member of PwC Africa. pressure and manage • Liaising with clients; and multiple tasks; • Issuing fees and following up Join our network of • Competent in the use of on debtors. professionals! Microsoft office, especially Microsoft Word and Excel; and • Basic typing and administration skills.
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CAR WASH Email your CV to: vacancies@na.pwc.com or visit our website at www.pwc.com/na/careers Contact Lorraine Holland-Muter with any queries. Closing Date: 17 April 2015
Contact 081 304 0232 Email: namib.carwash@gmail.com Located next to Mega Stationers in Walvis Bay
If you haven’t heard from us within 14 days of the closing date, you should consider your application unsuccessful. © 2015 PricewaterhouseCoopers. All rights reserved. In this document, PwC refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers Namibia, which is a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, each member firm of which is a separate legal entity.
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Lifestyle
Thursday, 10 April 2015
e l y t s e f i L Julia Hango Swinging, also known as wife swapping or partner swapping, is a non-monogamous behavior, in which both singles and partners in a committed relationship engage in sexual activities with others as a recreational or social activity. Now you would ask why anyone would want to swap their partner for another partner just for sex. Well the question should be why would you not? Some people object to swinging on moral or philosophical grounds. Most religious communities and moralists regard swinging as adultery, notwithstanding that it is with the knowledge, consent or encouragement of one spouse to the other. Some argue that strict monogamy is the ideal form for marital relationships and that sexual relations should only take place between married partners or, perhaps, between partners in a committed
monogamous relationship. Bjorn and Christine, (not their real names) gave us an exclusive interview about their lifestyle and how they make it work, Bjorn (38) and Christine (27) have been married for 5 years and had been friends for two years before they started their relationship. He was born and raised in Omaruru, in a very conservative Afrikaans home but he says he has always felt different. He then attended the photography and design school in Stellenbosch, and in those four years away from home, he had experienced more than he had ever dreamt back home. She was born and raised in Windhoek by a single mother, she says her childhood was normal as far as normal goes. They met through a friend of Bjorn’s, who introduced them at a party. According to the couple “Couples swing in order to not cheat on their
Swinging ... The lifestyle.
partners” When asked whether they worry their spouse will "find they like someone else better," Bjorn replied, "People in the swinging community, the little that exists, swing for a reason. We do not swing to go out and find a new wife, we do it for fun and to keep our marriage alive. When I first suggested it to Christine she was not pleased, but when I explained to her that it was more for us than me or her, she agreed to start an account for us as a couple on Adult friend finder.com, and two weeks later, we met our first couple.” Swingers are exposed to the same types of risks as people who engage in casual sex, with the main concerns being the risk of pregnancy and of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Some swingers engage in unprotected sex, a practice known as bare backing, while others follow safe sex practices and will not engage with others who do not
also practice safe sex. Christine says the health factor scared her the most, but in some odd way the danger was reduced by the fact that they were doing it together as a couple.
We began with the women kissing, so us guys could get comfortable and I suppose aroused as well and before I knew it, we were full on swinging. Bjorn recollects “We exchanged our HIV/AIDS test results with the first couple we met so as to build up some trust, I remember we were really nervous, they were quite experienced and we had no idea what to expect. We began with the women kissing, so us guys could get comfortable and I suppose aroused as well and before I
knew it, we were full on swinging” said Bjorn. Even though many people assume that swinging is a man’s fantasy, it is often the women who find themselves enjoying it more. Men are more likely to feel competitive with other men, and begin to wonder whether their wives preferred their swinging partners, while women tend to be supportive of each other within the swinging scene. How do they make it work? According to the couple the key is to establish “hard and fast rules” before you start. Make sure you are on the same page as to why you are doing this, who you are doing this with, and most importantly where you stand as a couple before and after you swing so you can make these experiences a bonus to the future you are building together. Online sites like, Swakopmund swingers, Windhoek Swingers.com and Namswing make it easy for Namibian people to swing or simply have random hookups , and more and more people may be thinking about taking the plunge.
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BACHMUS
Thursday, 10 April 2015
13
BBC Makes a Hilarious Error in Their Coverage of Shepherd died 'while the LHC
Worldwide
having sex with scarecrow An Argentinean shepherd has died while having sex with a scarecrow that was dressed with lipstick, wig and a strap-on sex toy. The remains of Jose Alberto, 58, were discovered after neighbours called the council to report a smell coming from his house in San Jose de Balcare in eastern Argentina. Police spokesman Rodolfo Moure said: "I initially thought there were two bodies but then I realised one was a scarecrow wearing lipstick and a long-haired wig. It was lying next to the deceased and had a six-inch strapon penis. "There were no signs of violence and we are working on the assumption that the man died during sex with the scarecrow. Straw had been stuffed inside the old clothes that had been sewn together to make the scarecrow. "We are now awaiting the results of an autopsy.” Neighbours said he lived alone and was described as "very lonely" man who had few visitors.
The Large Hadron Collider – the incredible machinery that was credited with discovering the Holy Grail of long sought after particles, the Higgs Boson - has finally been re-awoken after a two year slumber whilst undergoing upgrades and repairs. Naturally this incredible piece of technology, with the ability to change our understanding of our universe as we know it, was due a graceful reintroduction. Unfortunately, the BBC did not appear to get the memo… http://www.iflscience.com
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
Lottery couple win EuroMillions for second time – at odds of 283 billion-to-one A British couple might just be the luckiest lottery winners in the world after taking home £1m in the EuroMillions draw for the second time in two years. David and Kathleen Long, from Scunthorpe, beat odds of 283 billion-to-one to secure the winning sum - a feat bookmakers William Hill claimed was less likely than "seeing Elvis alive and well". They won their first £1m in the same lottery in 2013. Mr Long said he "just knew it would be my turn again someday" - but admitted that when their numbers were first matched he just "could not believe it". "I tend to play when I know there are lots of prizes on the go," he said. "Last time I knew I had a good chance because there were 100 prizes of £1 million. Last Friday night I was passing the local shop and saw there were 10 £1 million prizes on EuroMillions and a nice car and thought yeah I'll give that a go. "Got to be worth a few lines and I got five using my usual numbers. "On Saturday morning I sat down in front of our telly and started checking the numbers. On one line I would matched two numbers and one star to get £7.20 and thought that is all right. "Then I checked the raffle codes- something I have learnt to do automatically since winning last time. After a few moments I very calmly called Kath in and said 'Have a look at this. It is there. Look. Read that line'." Mr Long said his wife checked the television and went online,
adding: "Then she went up right close to our television on the wall, put on her glasses and stared really hard at the raffle numbers. It seemed ages and then she finally said: 'You said you would do it again and you have!' Everything has been a blur ever since. "It is definitely taking longer to sink in this time!" A spokesman for lottery bosses Camelot said that they were "extremely shocked" and described the situation as "extraordinary". "As you can imagine, we see winners who win once who are very, very shocked," he said. "It must be even more shocking to win twice." Camelot also revealed how the huge odds were calculated. A spokesman said they had taken the number of prizes available - 10 - divided by the number of entries, which are not released for commercial reasons. This was done for the draw that the couple won originally - and then the two outcomes were multiplied. Mr and Mrs Long also won a top-ofthe-range Jaguar. Meanwhile, a UK ticketholder won Tuesday's £53 million EuroMillions jackpot - the 10th biggest EuroMillions jackpot to be won in Britain - but has not yet claimed the prize. http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
Poachers Hunt Endangered African Animals – This Woman Hunts Poachers Kinessa Johnson is a US Army veteran who served for 4 years in Afghanistan, this week she arrived in Africa to take on a different kind of enemy. Her new mission is, as she puts it, “We are going over there to do some anti-poaching, kill some bad guys, and do some good.” She is now enlisted with Veterans Empowered to Protect African Wildlife (VETPAW) as an anti-poaching advisor. VETPAW is a not-forprofit organisation that employs US Veterans to help protect African wildlife from being illegally hunted and captured. Ms. Johnson and her team of fellow Vets arrived in Tanzania on March 26th and began their work. She has already noticed a decrease in poaching activity in her team’s immediate area because their presence is known. Which is easy to understand, who would want to fight it out with a battle proven warrior like Johnson? Her team’s primary focus will be training park rangers and patrolling with them to provide support. African park rangers are in serious need of assistance, as she mentions, “they lost about 187 guys last year over trying to save rhinos and elephants.” The training they will provide includes marksmanship, field medicine, and counter-intelligence. Johnson joined VETPAW because she loves animals and protecting endangered species is close to her heart. Africa has the largest populations of rhinos and elephants in the world, making it the frontline for defending these endangered species that are top targets for poachers. Additionally, revenue from the sale of products from poached animals is often used to fund war and terrorism in Africa. She says that after the obvious first priority of enforcing existing poaching laws, educating the locals on protecting their country’s natural resources is most important overall. Ms. Johnson has taken to social media to help raise money and awareness for the cause and she now has over 44,000 followers on Facebook and Instagram. Checkout her profile where she has some amazing photos of exotic African animals and updates on what her team is doing. While we all don’t have the skills to take up arms to combat poaching, you can support Johnson and her team
by donating to VETPAW and sharing their mission. Soon you will be able to watch Johnson and her team on a new show on the Discovery Channel. It is really awesome to see men and women like Johnson who have served their country now serving the world by protecting some of its most precious resources. When asked if her or her team had killed any poachers yet in a Q & A on Reddit she stated, “We do not operate with the intent to kill anyone.” The African poachers would be well advised not to test this All-American badass on that though.
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Motoring
Thursday, 10 April 2015
2015 Skoda Fabia
motoring
The 2015 Skoda Fabia is a no-nonsense, no-frills, ultra basic hatchback that looks good with a protruding centre section in its hood and is hell-bent on winning people over with its performance, rather than its pretty face. For the trendy youth that go miles to make their pride and possession stand out, the Fabia offers a range of customisation options; interior, wheels, roof, you name it. Compared to the techladen cabins which house more buttons than a keyboard, the Skoda Fabia is very different. In
fact, due to its simplicity, many would consider the dashboard to be archaic. Gaping holes of hard plastic and a stereo system which looks like it belongs to the Eighties, make the Fabia feel like a downright Econo-box. When in RS territory, the improvements aren’t only under the hood. Both, the driver and front seat passenger receive specially moulded sports seats that are embroidered with an RS emblem and come in either grey or red. Standing out from the crowd should be easy… A naturally aspirated 1.6 litre engine that gives
105 horsepower is what makes its way into the Fabia. If you are more of a performance junkie and looking for some real hot hatch action, it is the 1.4 litre turbo and super charged, 180 horsepower generating unit that you will enjoy. Sliding in neatly between the Suzuki Swift
and pricier Ford Fiesta, the Skoda Fabia wears a starting price of just AED 54,900 which rises gradually before stopping at AED 79,900 for the mental RS version. The way we see it, it is the cheapest hot hatch out there, what is there to complain about?
NO DEPOSIT ● N$2100P/M 60 Months ● rv 25% ● C1 Comfort 5 Doors Air/Con ● Radio Terms and conditions apply. Image for illustration purposes only. While stocks last.
Motoring
Thursday, 10 April 2015
15
motoring
Desert Raceway Easter Fest turns up the heat!
V8 entry Rudi van der Westhuizen won driver of the day and his class.
Donna Collins
The Desert Raceway was the place to be over the Easter weekend when championship dirt racing and spinning entertained some 3 000 spectators who turned up for the two-day event.
The Go-Karts were in top form on the new kart track.
A dirt oval track bonanza and Spinning Fest brought a bumper crowd of nearly 3 000 motorsport fans to the recently built multimillion dollar raceway in Walvis Bay. The event was organised and hosted by the Desert Raceway and held under the NMSF (Namibian Motorsport Federation) as the second leg of the national dirt oval championships. Petrol heads were treated to Friday's Spinning spectacular, when the spinners and drifters entertained a packed arena with their tyre spinning antics and daredevil stunts. The Spin Fest featured some big action figures such as the Namtol Spinners Peter Opali, 'Most Wanted, Ma-takez, and the 'Driver' to name a few. Over 20 spinning machines from Windhoek, Walvis Bay and Swakopmund gathered centre track
to show off their manoeuvres. They returned on Saturday day due to popular demand and gave the crowd more wild stunts and roof jumping escapades. Swakopmund boys Eschel Team Taxi, Nompies, Stoutgat, with Walvis spinners Jody, Grant and Armando joined Windhoek's seasoned troops who spun, burst tyres and gave the crowd a rip roaring time. "We put on an encore show on Saturday between the dirt racing to give the crowd what they wanted it was really emotional because the people made us feel so welcome," said Peter. The pit area was a hive of activity with the comings and goings of machines big and small, taking part in the many different categories. Over 35 entrants participated including the Go-Karts on the newly built track, Open Class, 8-valves, V8s space frames and hot rods. The Class of the day was undoubtedly the V8s which
thundered and roared their way through the laps, with Rudi van der Westhuizen taking the number one slot as well as the driver of the day trophy. A hellish dice ensued between Durandt Oosthuizen and Frans Cronje who finished second and third respectively. The hotly contested 16-valve race was won by 'Sideways' Allan Martin who returned to the track after taking a short break. He beat the almost unbeatable Jan Everson and equally fast Frank Borusso to the podium after plenty of nail biting action. The 8-Valves was won by Werner Brand who put on a sizzling dice with Grant Wentzel and Riaan Viviers. MaxTerino Karting was dominated by the Doeseb brothers, with Jadine Doeseb in first place ahead of Guido Bidoli and Jarine Doeseb taking third spot. The Junior Max Karting was clinched by
Matthew Strydom, while the Senior Max Karting was won by Athi Mankonkwana. The Quads gave a full throttle blast in the categories 100cc - 300cc which was won by Stefan Burosso. Martin Kruger won the Open class 350cc and above. Racing was first class and the atmosphere at the raceway was fantastic, said Lynette Roodt, Desert Raceway organiser. "We really look forward to hosting the next event which is scheduled for May. We welcome all participants and the public to come out to our raceway and enjoy some first class dirt racing." The N$3.5 million Desert Raceway project is the brainchild of two prominent Walvis Bay businessmen Johnny Johnson Doeseb and Johan Roodt, who have revived motorsport in the Erongo Region with a facility that is moving motorsport into a new direction.
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The Municipality of Walvis Bay proudly stands in solidarity with our coastal sisters in support of the Red My Lips Campaign to raise awareness against Gender Based Violence. Walvis Bay Municipality | Public Relations Division | Private Bag 5017, Walvis Bay, Namibia | Tel (+264 64) 201 3111 | Fax (+264 64) 205 590