EE
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Independent Namib
Tel: 064 200497
Like a newspaper, only better!
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Issue 145 - Thurs, 23 April 2015 to Wed, 29 Apr 2015
Diamond Arrow Winner Best Community Newspaper 2014
There was just no time to put the life jackets on ... "
Gang of thieves patrolling Walvis Bay town centre
Buks Fourie on the tragedy at Vierkantklip on Tuesday morning.
Dramatic increase in vehicle break-ins. See Page 5
Public turns back on Walvis Bay SPCA
See Page 5
Emergency Services and volunteers salvage the boat's wreckage on Tuesday morning.
Black Dawn at Vierkantklip Sharon Brooks One man is missing and presumed dead after a ski-boat named “Hot Stuff” carrying four passengers capsized offshore from Vierkantklip just south of Swakopmund on Tuesday Morning. The owner of the boat, Buks Fourie was accompanied by Pieter van den Heever, Petrus Shifeni and another unknown man who went out on the boat at 07h00 on Tuesday morning to catch Kabeljou. Although the identity of the fourth passenger has not yet been confirmed, witnesses at the scene said that the man is known as Petrus and that he had decided to join the fishing trip that morning. Rough Seas At roughly 08h30, the drama began
to unfold as the crew dropped anchor off shore from Vierkantklip. The anchor rope got tangled in the engine and snapped; soon after, the force of the waves turned the boat and due to the rough seas at the time it was not long before the boat began to capsize. Mr Fourie was reportedly initially trapped under the vessel but managed to escape. The passengers clung to the overturned boat but the waves soon separated them from the vessel. It was at this time that the fourth passenger “Petrus” began to panic. He clung desperately to Mr Fourie, pulling him under the water and making it impossible for either of them to swim to shore. The waves separated Petrus from the rest of the passengers and he was lost soon after. Mr Fourie and Mr van den Heever managed to swim onto the rocks, but
Petrus Shifeni struggled desperately to keep afloat about 100 m off shore, periodically disappearing under the water.
In Trouble Rudi Horn was on a boat with a group of tourists in the area when Hot Stuff ran into trouble. When he realised that the boat was going to capsize he immediately contacted Seef and Louis Odendaal for assistance. They reported the accident to Sea Rescue and rushed to the scene. Hans Kaas was already on the beach as he planned to go out diving that day and once he noticed that Petrus Shifeni was in trouble, he swam out and managed to begin bringing him back to shore, however, about halfway back, Kaas was absolutely exhausted. Louis and Seef Odendaal swam out to bring Petrus the rest of the way to shore. Once on the rocks, Petrus was Continued on Page 3
Mineworkers still fighting for pension pay-outs Jade McClune The long-running – and as yet unresolved – dispute between the trustees of the Rössing Pension Fund and former mine employees is set to take a new turn as the matter heads to the High Court. The former mineworkers are challenging the way in which the Rössing Pension Fund (RPF) surplus was to be distributed. Some are sorely aggrieved that the process of paying out the surplus has dragged on for so many years, given that many of the beneficiaries have already died. One of the former members said this week that they are fighting to ensure that the next-of-kin and the dependents of those members who have since died receive the pension
payout, as the “payment was supposed to be made a long time ago”. In September 2012 the former members lodged an application to the High Court to review and set aside the distribution formula implemented by the trustees. According to the plan put forward by the trustees of the RPF in 2012, the former members would only get 15% of the total surplus, while 33% would go to the employer’s surplus account. Current and active members would receive 29.1%, plus 2% holiday reserve, while pensioners would get the remaining 20%. The former members are in Continued on Page 3
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Thursday, 23 April 2015
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Coastal musicians to rock Sound for Sight Festival Donna Collins
Coastal musicians will be well represented at the first ever benefit rock concert for the blind - the 'Sight for Sound Music Festival' which will be taking place in Windhoek on Saturday 25 April. The event is drawing an exciting line-up of 12 artists and bands with proceeds going towards a school for the visually impaired in Khomasdal. Brown Paper Bag, the four piece band which was formed in Swakopmund and is ranked as one of the hottest rock acts in the country, will be pulling out a sizzling set list that will raise the roof. Describing their music genre as "old school dirty blues/rock, these guys will liven up any show with vocalist
and lead guitarist Doane Madeheim fronting the band with his vintage ZZ Top style complete with full beard and low slung guitar. He is backed by Edward Taylor on bass, Wayne Wentzel on drums and Oliver Reissner who blows a mean harmonica. Together the boys deliver a powerful sound that is unique to this genre. On the acoustic front Namibia's 'rock chic' Savannah Collins, known as Savannah Unplugged will be pulling out an all original 'gypsy grunge' set on her black Ibanez box guitar, backed by her Cape Town drummer Eben De Wet who jetted into Swakomund this week for the music festival. This will be the first time the duo have performed together in Namibia as Savannah is based in Cape Town
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where she is studying music. The gig will no doubt showcase Savannah's skills as a versatile song writer and talented musician. The exciting lineup includes Windhoek rockers 'Safe 19' and 'Swollen Revolver', Penny Lane, Windpomp Boere Orkes, Rush Hour, Tripping on Cables, RAT trio, the blond Desdemona sisters, SA Idols contender John Rock Prophet, acoustic act Solitary Man and Koos Van Zyl. The Sound for Sight Festival will be held at Vintage Bar and Grill in Olympia with an entrance fee of only N$ 50.00 as a much appreciated donation to the cause. Food and drinks will be available with the first act on stage at 12:00, running till late into the night. Sound for Sight Music Festival is a first of its kind and aims to raise funds, through live music, for the School for the visually impaired, which is situated in Khomasdal. The children of all ages attend the school and are mainly housed in the hostel. Their needs include items such as
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At the band room with Swakopmund rock/blues group Brown Paper Bag who are getting ready to rock the Sound for Sight Music Festival
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Thursday, 23 April 2015
Black Dawn at Vierkantklip
3
Continued on Page 3
Despondent sea rescue divers back on shore
described as very disorientated and at one point fell off the rocks back into the ocean. By the time everyone had gotten back onto land, emergency services had arrived on scene. Petrus was rushed to hospital to be treated for shock and hypothermia and is reportedly in a stable condition. Life Jackets According to the passengers, everything happened so quickly that they did not have enough time to put on the life jackets that were available on the boat. Ian Isaacs of the Benguela Skiboat Association said "It was a highly regrettable and tragic incident, which highlights the need for safety measures and regulations to be put in place to regulate the industry." He says that the current legislation only deals with vessels larger than 25 tonnes, leaving the owners of smaller
ski boats entirely to their own devices. He wants to the municipality to “empower the local subsistence fishermen to run a checkpoint at the Mole and to operate a boom gate" in order to be able to monitor the condition of the boats that launch, to register all seagoing personnel and to ensure that safety equipment, such as radio-communication and life-jackets are used. Sea Rescue With the help of the fire brigade, the boat, which had evidence of damage to the visor screen and engine, was towed onto the beach. It was while the recovery operation was underway that the life jackets were found still packed away on the boat. Meanwhile the search had begun for the missing passenger. Adri Goosen, the chief officer of the
Swakopmund Fire Brigade along with Sea Rescue began to search the ocean. Two jet skis drove up and down the beach searching for the man and two divers from Sea Rescue scanned the ocean from the rocks for any sign of the missing individual, occasionally diving into the ocean to get a closer look. The search continued for roughly two hours, but the hopes of finding him alive dwindled by the minute. According to medical personnel on scene, a person has a window of roughly 20 minutes to be rescued from the ocean before hypothermia and exhaustion set in and the body begins to shut down. Reports from rescue personnel on scene suggest that the current would have pushed the man north towards Swakopmund. At the time of going to print, the unidentified man had not yet been found and is presumed dead.
Mineworkers still fighting for pension pay-outs Continued from Page 3
essence arguing that, by taking 33% of the surplus, the company is infringing on their rights. The principal officer of the RPF, Ismael Kasuto, announced last week that the former members’ surplus has since grown from N$68 million to N$105 million (a 54.5% increase). In 2012, the fund held N$454 million; thus a 54.5% increase of the total value of the fund would mean the RPF has grown to around N$701 million. Kasuto said the surplus “will be used to cover the legal costs” related to the case against the Fund, but Winston Groenewald, who represents the Forum of Former Rössing Workers (FFRW), said they were not sure whether Kasuto’s statement refers to their legal costs, or only those of the trustees. The RPF did not reply to questions sent on Tuesday. Groenewald noted that the former
members, many of whom are destitute today, have already contributed more than N$300,000 to the legal costs of fighting the case against the RPF. The FFRW has been arguing since 2008, that the approximately 10,000 former mineworkers who contributed to the pension fund from the time that the mine first opened in 1975, deserve a “fair and equitable' share of the surplus”. They maintain that the trustees’ distribution methodology is unfair. The main point of contention is the way in which the fund is to be distributed, leaving the former members with only 15%, while the dependents of those who have already died, would get nothing. “It belongs to the former members, but people (current members) who have not contributed a single cent, are getting more than 30% of the fund,” Groenewald said.
“We, as former members of the RPF, built up the fund up to 1992. Our monthly contributions were the source of that fund. According to the Pension Act, the company is not entitled to a single cent,” one former mineworker said. The Pension Act of 1956 in fact stipulates that, “No registered fund shall invest any of its assets in the business of an employer… or in any subsidiary company of such employer's business or lend any of its assets to such employer or subsidiary company.” Among the retired and aging group of former mine workers, many of whom are living below the breadline, there are widespread concerns that many more will die before the case is brought to a conclusion. A case management session between the two parties is set to take place before the High Court in May.
A distraught Skipper, Pieter van den Heever
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POWER OUTAGE POWER OUTAGE TO USAKOS ON THE 11KV RETICULATION Notice is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on the following date: DATE: DAY: TIME:
28 April 2015 Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
The power outage will affect the power supply to all customers in: • Bo- Dorp • Engen Service Station • Youth Project • MTC • Telecom / TN Mobile
The reason for the power outage is for Erongo RED to replace old 11kV RMU at Bo- Dorp Substation. Erongo RED regrets any inconvenience that may result from this outage. PLEASE NOTE: YOUR INSTALLATION MUST BE REGARDED AS “LIVE” AT ALL TIMES AS THE POWER SUPPLY MAY BE SWITCHED ON AT ANY TIME DURING THE ABOVE MENTIONED PERIOD. Issued by: Public Relations Division Benjamin Nangombe Tel: +264 64 214600
Enquiries Control Centre Renier Gomachab Tel: +264 64 214 687 / 0819600
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News
Thursday, 23 April 2015
Geingob throws down gauntlet in war on poverty Jade McClune Dr Hage Geingob took an extraordinary step on Tuesday when he took to the podium in parliament as President for the first time to deliver his State of the Nation Address. He vowed to tackle corruption as a matter of utmost priority, starting at the very top. President Geingob said he would
disclose all his personal assets by mid-May and called on the Speaker of Parliament to “ensure timely and adequate disclosure of assets by parliamentarians.” Parliament has not been able to produce a register of members’ assets since 2009, despite having passed a law in 1996 requiring it to do so. Geingob also threw down the gauntlet to civil servants who have been enriching themselves at the
expense of the public purse: “I assure the Namibian nation that the Prime Minister [Sara KuukongelwaAmadhila] will ensure that civil servants equally disclose all outside interests and sources of income,” he vowed this week. He told the assembled lawmakers that “it is important for public officials to take note that corruption, in any form, whether it is a kickback, commission or any other benefit
PUBLIC NOTICE
Dear Valued Customer, Kindly be informed that Erongo RED is conducting a Circuit Breaker Verification audit on all the registered senior citizens households in order to ascertain if they are qualifying for the subsidized pensioner rate. Please allow Erongo RED staff access to your premises. The staff will be carrying identification cards. Denying them access will result in your account being disqualified from the subsidized pensioner rate.
in the regular execution of duty is unacceptable.” Citing research conducted by Transparency International, Geingob noted that Namibia is one of the least corrupt countries in the world, but he sternly cautioned public servants who make themselves guilty of bribery that they will face the consequences. The “private sector should also take note that by paying a bribe, it perpetuates and entrenches the very corruption it laments”, Geingob warned. Countering the mounting criticism of the ACC as a ‘toothless bulldog’, Geingob said the ACC and the courts are only able to successfully prosecute cases if they have sufficient evidence. “We must capacitate and allow our institutions such the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the Namibian police and our courts to investigate and prosecute cases of corruption without fear or favour.” “I urge service providers to the government, or any user of government service to ensure that if he or she is asked for a bribe by a civil servant, not to oblige. Instead, please inform the Anti-Corruption Commission and provide them with the necessary evidence.”
“Corruption requires a corruptor and a corruptee. Businesspeople that pay bribes and the civil servants who solicit or receive bribes are engaged in an evil which undermines our development and weakens the fibre of our society.” Although the law does not require the President to disclose his personal assets, Geingob said he would voluntary declare his wealth within the next four weeks. “I have engaged PriceWaterHouseCoopers Tax and Advisory Services (PWC) to assist me with an independent assessment of my assets. PWC will also assist me to prepare a financial disclosure report which I will disclose to the public in the second week of May 2015.” “For the sake of consistency, the First Lady [Monica Geingos] will also disclose her personal assets, despite there being no legal requirement for her to do so,” he explained. Geingob went on to state that he will go as far as releasing his medical health reports for public scrutiny and that he was making these disclosures in line with his deeply-held belief that “transparency starts at the top.”
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News
Thursday, 23 April 2015
Gang of thieves patrolling Walvis Bay town centre
According to witnesses, the individual pictured wearing the white hat is in the area daily and has reportedly been caught in the act of attempting to gain access to parked cars.
Sharon Brooks There has been a drastic increase in the number of break-ins to vehicles parked in the centre of Walvis Bay since the beginning of the year. According to local business owners, the crime wave can be attributed to a group of roughly twelve men that patrol the streets on a daily basis in the area. According to an employee of one of the businesses on 11th road, the crime wave first became noticeable in January when breakins to vehicles parked on the street suddenly became a regular occurrence. It was around this
time that people began to notice a group of men that were seen hanging around on street corners by Nedbank, Truworths and Woolworths. According to a witness, the men can be seen monitoring movement on the street, taking note of the comings and goings of vehicles and pedestrians. Once the group has identified a target, they watch their victims get out of their car and one of the group will press a remote which blocks the locking mechanism of the vehicle. Occasionally, the men even follow their victims to make sure that they are out of sight before they approach the vehicle. Witnesses have said that one can immediately tell if they have pressed a remote as the group noticeably changes its behaviour. The men become alert and tense before they quickly begin to split up into groups of three. One of the men will then casually walk up to the vehicle, open the door and remove the valuables from the interior. He then hands off the valuables to another member of the gang, who passes it to one of the waiting groups of men. The valuables are transferred from group to group until eventually one of them will climb into a taxi and drive off. While there have been instances where the criminals have smashed windows to get to the valuables inside, (this happened to a pair of tourists two weeks ago), the majority of thefts are done using remotes. On Wednesday morning, the criminals were thwarted in an
attempt to rob a car parked outside the international school when bystanders, who knew the driver, noticed a man about to open the door and called out. After a brief confrontation, he simply turned around and walked away. The gang has been seen in the area on a daily basis, especially in the morning and during lunch time. On Monday, with the arrival of the Queen Mary 2, they were reportedly out in force attempting to take advantage of the visiting tourists. The thefts have been reported to the police, and for a few days after the break in of the tourists’ vehicle, police activity in the area was heightened. However, it has been said that the police presence does little to deter the thieves, they can be seen casually having a conversation until law enforcement moves on. At the beginning of March this year, a suspect that had stolen a woman’s handbag was caught by a vigilant car guard at Pick ‘n Pay, the Police were immediately called while the thief was detained by the car guard. On arrival, the police returned the hand bag to the victim and reportedly let the suspect go. Deputy Commissioner Kashuupulwa explained that in instances such as this, if the complainant does not wish to press charges against the suspect, there is unfortunately nothing the Police can do. When asked what is being done about the criminal activity in the area, we were directed to the Station Commander, who was unavailable for comment.
5
Public turns back on Walvis Bay SPCA Sharon Brooks Public support for the Walvis Bay SPCA was almost non-existent at a meeting that was held on 15 April to find new committee members for the shelter. A total of seven people attended the meeting not including current and former employees of the welfare organisation. Currently, the SPCA is headed up by one person, Rheta Smeer, who recently announced her resignation from the committee this week Wednesday due to the large workload she has had to undertake as the only active committee member besides her husband Fritz. Although all the people that attended the meeting agreed to serve on the committee, the lack of public support for the organisation as evidenced by the turnout was disappointing. The SPCA provides a vital service to the community and is in desperate need of public support as the organisation runs purely on donations from the public. While many issues, such as fundraising and the day to day running of the shelter were raised, a major sticking point for the shelter is a lack of public participation. The organisation has numerous expenses that amount to roughly N$47000 monthly, however very little money is donated to the shelter on a consistent basis to cover regular expenses and allow for adequate financial planning. The chairlady expressed dismay that so few people came out to support the SPCA, and says that she finds it frustrating that the public is quick to criticise the shelter, but is so hesitant to get involved in any meaningful way. On a positive note, a number of people offered their assistance at the meeting, and once all the formalities have been
Gerry Nell from Namibia Stevedoring handed over the keys of the mobile home to Bernice Grobler. finalised, the new SPCA committee will be announced. In addition, Monday was a milestone day for the SPCA as a mobile home was delivered to replace the house lost in a fire at the beginning of the year. Namibia Stevedoring donated the mobile home to the shelter and through the combined efforts of CPP, who donated crusher dust and foundation blocks, and Coastal Tool Hire who levelled and compacted the land, Walvis Bay Plant and Tool hire were able to transport and place the new home on the property on Monday afternoon. Bernice Grobler, the kennel master, could hardly contain her excitement at finally having a place to call home. It is due to the kindness of companies such as Namibia Stevedoring that the SPCA continues to serve the public, however, a great deal more public support is needed in order to make the organisation flourish and attain financial stability. Should you wish to make a donation to the SPCA, or if you can assist in any way, please contact the SPCA office at 064 20 40 41
6
News
Thursday, 23 April 2015
Road and fuel levy rates to escalate Staff Reporter
on 2 April 2015, when the levy on petrol increased by 10 cents per litre and diesel by 10 cents per litre. “Our revenue projections as per the past Five Year Business Plan for 2011 – 2015 averaged some N$1.5 billion per annum from road user charges,” said the Chief Executive Officer of the RFA, Ali Ipinge. “The current business plan (2015-2020) projects total funding of N$9.1 billion (or an average of N$1.8 billion per annum) to manage the National Road Network.” He said total revenue raised by the RFA by way of road user charges rose from N$1.4 billion in 2012/2013 to N$1.6 billion in 2013/2014, a 15% increase year on year. Money from the Road Fund is allocated to projects and programmes to maintain and develop the national road network and major urban arterial roads. Other contributions go towards the maintenance of urban roads, traffic information, law enforcement, as well as road research, Ipinge said. Among the projects to be funded by the RFA at the coast in the next period is the rehabilitation of Trunk Road 2 (T0201) between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund.
Motorists throughout the country are going to have to get used to the idea that road user charges will increase by approximately ten percent from 1 May 2015 which brings with it the usual knock on effect of an increase in the cost of imported goods. The Roads Fund Authority (RFA) announced this week that along with a slew of road-related price hikes, licensing and registration fees for vehicles will also increase as from May. Entry fees at the border will rise to N$154 for motorbikes, trailers and caravans; N$242 for motor vehicles and minibuses (less than 25 passengers), while light goods and delivery vehicles will now pay N$506 to enter the country. Mass distance charges will also rise significantly, potentially putting upward inflationary pressure on the price of imported commodities. Motor vehicle registration and licence fees will increase accordingly by 10%. Also, included in the list is the fuel levies. Regarding the Fuel Levies accrued to the Road Fund, the RFA referred to the increase which was gazetted
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TENDER 05/2015
REPUTABLE AND REGISTERED COMPANIES ARE INVITED TO PROPOSE FOR THE INSTALLATION OF CCTV CAMERAS AT ERONGO RED OFFICES Closing Date: Document Enquiries: Document Fees: Telephone: Facsimile: Technical Enquiries:
Friday, 22 May 2015 Mrs. A Welgemoed N$274 (Non - Refundable) +264-(0)64 - 214 600 +264-(0)64 - 214 601 Ms. M. Tjongarero
Documents in a sealed envelope clearly marked:
Swakop Uranium joins Forces with NIMT
Hendrik Koekemoer (NIMT Principal: Artisan Training), Winnie Mukupuki (Swakop Uranium Sustainability and CSI Assistant Manager) Heimo Hellwig (NIMT Deputy Director), Dr Peng Xinjian (Swakop Uranium Senior Vice President Corporate Affairs), Arandis Mayor Daniel Muhuura, Eckhart Mueller (NIMT Executive Director), Percy McCallum (Swakop Uranium, Vice President HR, Business Support), Mark Templin (NIMT Manager Finance) and Ralph Bussel (NIMT Principal Engineering Trade) during the handover of the N$200,000. Donna Collins "Today we witness two significant occasions the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT) and a handover of training equipment to the value of N$ 200,000." This was said by Swakop Uranium Vice President Percy McCallum, at the signing ceremony in Swakopmund this week, where Swakop Uranium seized the opportunity to invest in education and commit to the attainment of Vision 2030, specifically the development of skills for the mining industry, and a better future for the country.” “Once Husab Mine is operational, Swakop Uranium will employ about 1200 permanent employees at the Mine, and this means a massive economic injection in the Erongo Region,” MaCullum said, adding that NIMT has consistently yielded good results and supply various industries, especially the mining sector with skilled and highly sought after artisans. He added, “We commend Eckhart Mueller and his team for maintaining a culture of excellence and quality of the Artisans and through initiatives such as the partnership with NIMT, we are able to contribute to the development of young talent in the country. Signing the MoU on behalf of NIMT and accepting the donation, NIMT’s Executive Director Eckhart Mueller said the joining of the two forces will ensure that Swakop Uranium - one of the world’s largest uranium mines will always have enough skilled employees, and that they will strengthen each other and strive to socially uplift the country’s people. Mueller said “I am convinced that our co-operation and support of each other will be strengthened over the years to come and that we will, together, succeed in educating and developing/training thousands of young, and maybe not so young, Namibians, which in the long run is to the benefit of our people and through them, our country.” “For the past 25 years since its inception, NIMT always has been a true friend and partner of our country’s industry as such and especially of our mining fraternity,” he added.
Mueller thanked the shareholders of Swakop Uranium and other international investors for coming to Namibia and for investing billions of Namibian Dollars in the country. “By doing this you are providing job opportunities to thousands of Namibian citizens and job-attachment positions to a large number of Namibian trainees.” Eckhart Mueller, NIMT Executive Director, said that he was delighted that Swakop Uranium has seized the opportunity to invest in education and is confident that they will reap positive results from this partnership. "Please allow me to congratulate both Management Teams for having this MoU and I trust that this will be the beginning of a long and lasting relationship that will be beneficial to NIMT and Swakop Uranium, the town of Arandis, the Erongo Region and the country as a whole." Mayor of Arandis, Daniel Muhuura said he supports the tri-partite relations, and emphasized the Council’s commitment to ensuring a conducive environment for various industries to thrive, and ongoing efforts to attract and retain investors and residents to the town. "NIMT is regarded as one of the best technical institutes in the SADC region and if we have to realise our country’s vision of industrialising Namibia, I am of the conviction that we need to expand our premises in order to accommodate the demand of students that are venturing into technical fields. "The main campus that is situated in Arandis has added much value to our town’s vision of becoming a Centre of Excellence in Education," he said. “As a result of this, we are urging our Government to support our vision and contribute to the establishment of either a Polytechnic or University in Arandis that will serve the Erongo Region which will be an added attribution to the already existing Vocational Institute, NIMT." The Memorandum of Understanding is intended to facilitate collaboration and co-operative initiatives between the two institutions in the areas of professional training services, student job attachment, donations and any outreach activities related to the vocational training and advancement of skills training in Namibia.
“Tender 05/2015” addressed to the Chairperson of the Tender Committee must be placed in the tender box at the Enquiries Desk at: 91, Hage Geingob Street, Erongo RED Building, 1st floor, Walvis Bay or be posted to the Chairperson of the Tender Committee, P. O. Box 2925, Walvis Bay, to reach him at the latest by: 10:00 on Friday, 22 May 2015 Please note that no faxed or e-mailed documents, nor documents received after the specified closing date and time will be considered for evaluation. TEL +264 64 214600 ERONGO RED BUILDING
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Dr Peng Xinjian,Swakop Uranium Senior Vice President Corporate Affairs, Percy McCallum, Swakop Uranium, Vice President HR, Business Support and Eckart Mueller NIMT Executive Director sign the MoU
Thursday, 23 April 2015
News
7
NCCI broadens its horizons in Swakop Donna Collins The Swakopmund Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) broadens its horizons and presence with the
official opening of its brand new office in the prominent Swakopmund Indoor Sports Centre, making this non-profit link to the business sector more visible and easy to locate.
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Cape Town
Sweat like a pig? Feel like a fox.
Robert Kahimise (Erongo Red CEO) with Heinrich Hafeni (Chairperson, NCCI SwakopBranch) during the official opening of the new Swakopmund offices of the NCCI which was officiated by the (Mayor of Swakopmund) Juuso Kambuesh they are joined by the various stakeholders Following the NCCI's strategic planning meeting in January, the Executive Committee discussed their role in the community, and has paved the road for 2015 with a series of active monthly events for the year. Regular training, breakfast meetings, SME development and general meetings designed to bring businesses together for networking and information sharing, are open to all members, the entire business community and entrepreneurs to provide new concepts and skills for businesses big and small. During his opening address, the young and dynamic Heinrich Hafeni (Chairperson, NCCI Swakopmund Branch) welcomed the large turnout of SMEs, business and corporate representatives to this auspicious occasion, saying that the NCCI Swakopmund has been in existence for three years, and due to the support of the business community is growing from strength to strength. Making mention of some of the main players such as FNB, Westcoast Radio, Erongo Red, Areva Mine, the Savva family and Namspace, he urged new members to sign up and be part of the NCCI which, through its visionary action, provides a major economic cornerstone in the Erongo Region. "We need to start teaching our people how to get into business," said Hafeni who from humble beginnings in Mondesa has become one of the leading names in the tourist industry in Swakopmund. "As you might already be aware, we had our very successful SWAITEX (Swakopmund International Trade Expo) last year in October, with 130 business stalls exhibiting their products and services to the business community. "This year, we plan on making it bigger and better with the Expo stretching over four days from 7th to 10th October, with the NCCI expecting at least 250 business stalls represented at the SWAITEX 2015." During the ribbon cutting ceremony, the Mayor of Swakopmund Juuso Kambueshe said that the NCCI is the agent driving our businesses to propel to the next phase, and is a fundamental organ of the economy.
Getting straight to the point, Kambueshe asked why sectors of the community are still struggling to flourish economically, in a country so rich in resources, with such a well-run and democratic government. "We must all change the system so everyone has an equal opportunity, and those 'rich cats' must move out of their comfort zones and play a part in the economic progress of our country, by looking at the areas of need and implement different results," he said, adding, "We must not be stuck in a gear of business as usual, and make maximum use of our full potential to grow the economic climate for the benefit of everyone." Erongo Red's CEO Robert Kahimise pointed out that we must not be ignorant. "The landscapes of commerce and the dynamics of business in Swakopmund are changing," he said. "The growth is phenomenal in the Erongo Region, the mines are feeding a migration to Swakopmund, which is already established as the most popular holiday destination attracting investors. "We are living in a new era for business, and now is the time to support the SMEs and help them flourish, because the role the business community plays in our society is the thread that keeps it all together," added Kahimise. "Whilst the dynamics of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund are two different players, Erongo Red is there to ensure that the power is on to drive industry, and uplift living and business working conditions." Wrapping up the proceedings Hafeni thanked his Executive Committee and members for their support. He said that the NCCI is on the move to ensure that the town’s business community remains actively involved, informed and able to participate in developments taking place in the town’s business division. Hafeni is the youngest known entrepreneur to lead the Swakopmund branch of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), and besides his own vision in growing into a successful businessman from humble roots in Mondesa, he also sees the important role youth and culture can play in Swakopmund's economy.
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8
News
Thursday, 23 April 2015
Remax ranked top for third year in a row
The changing face of the Strand
The Lighthouse Restaurant and old swimming pool are being torn down, and will soon be reduced to rubble and replace with a modern seafront apartment block Donna Collins
Julia Hango Remax International has been ranked the highest real estate franchise on the Franchise Direct Top 100 List for the third year in a row. The Franchise Direct Top 100 List is released every year, ranking each estate agent in terms of the individual brokers based on commission, the top teams based on commission, and the top individual associates. This year, only three estate agents made the cut for the rankings and the Remax Coastline Property Centre in Walvis Bay, headed up by Claudia Lofty Eaton, has been ranked the second top producer based on sales and commission. Asked about
this significant achievement, Claudia comments humbly, “I am honestly just quite blessed to have a really great hardworking team by my side. I will not stop, until we get that number one spot, but it is a great feeling to see Namibia on top of this list of over 68 counties.” Remax Coastline Property Centre in Walvis Bay is passionate about giving back to the people and they run a number of ongoing Corporate Social Investment programmes. Remax provides regular meals for over 300 kids in Kuisebmond, and sponsors local sports initiative such as Kickboxing and Rugby.
The face of Swakopmund is changing rapidly, especially the popular Strand beachfront and Mole which for decades has remained the same - until now that us. Apart from the all new Strand Hotel reaching its final phase of construction, more developments and plans are in the pipeline for this piece of seafront haven. Upgrades have also taken place to the exterior of the museum which has been repainted with bright bold signage, but this is just the start of big things to come. Whilst the closing down of the well known Lighthouse Restaurant has come as a shock to residents and even tourists who enjoyed dining out whilst staring out to sea, Quinton Liebenberg (Lighthouse Group) said that this has been coming for a long time. In fact as soon as the last meal
was served, the demolition squad was on site and now the interior has been stripped waiting for the bulldozers to move in. Protection netting has been erected around the entire block whilst the old swimming pool building is torn down, and soon the site will be reduced to rubble. However, with the development of the Strand Hotel, plans for the development of new beachfront apartments at the site have been put on hold. According to Liebenberg the developer is still deciding whether to put up more flats and less shops since they do not want to double up on the Strand Hotel retail shopping experience. He said that nothing has been finalised, as plans would still need to be approved by the Municipality. Moving along the Mole one comes across the little jetty in the basin, which is disintegrating with two out of eight poles having disappeared in storms, leaving
the rest to support the structure. It was closed to pedestrians for several months but since the walkway has been stabilized with new planks, the tapes reading “Danger No Entry” have been removed, and the question is by whom? A few metres on and one comes across a wall of heavy boulders serving as a breakwater against stormy seas. According to the Swakopmund Residents Association, it was a good idea to drop them there at the time, but unfortunately the gaps between them are being used as rubbish bins and even toilets. "This is not very hygienic", said a spokesperson. "One can hope that once the Strand Hotel construction reaches its finishing stages this whole area will be cleaned decently with proper walkways and decent seating facilities."
Namsov and Walfish Electric sponsor sports tournaments Sharon Brooks Both Namsov and Walfish Electric have stepped up and shown their support for both the local police and employees of the Ministry of Education in their upcoming sports tournaments to be held in Oshakati next week. The Annual Namibian Police Sports Championships are currently underway in Oshakati, and over 1400 police officers from around the country have flocked to the city to participate in five disciplines, namely athletics, football, netball, darts and chess. Last week Friday, the Namsov Community Trust donated N$5914.75 to Nampol Erongo region for uniforms for the tournament. An additional amount of N$181 136.50 was donated to the Khomas region Nampol officers for the purchase of shirts, tracksuits and tog bags for the members that will be taking part in the event. Oshakati will also host an annual event next week that will see employees of the Ministry of Education come together to compete in Football, Volleyball and Netball tournaments. 65 support and custodial staff members from regional offices and schools around the Erongo region will be competing against 13 other regions to be named the region of excellence. Walfish Electric donated nearly N$1000 toward equipment for the Ministry of Education employees that will be participating in the tournament next week.
Namsov Community Trust sponsored the Namibian Police with Sports Gear for the Annual Namibian Police Sports Championship.
Quinton Matthews, Thalita Shiluama, Max Haraseb and Sandra Uises accept a donation from Franken Otto of Walfish Electric toward equipment for their upcoming tournament.
News
Thursday, 23 April 2015
March for Africa! Julia Hango
lies in our numbers, and we implore all Africans, to join in the #March4Africa. We will march from the steps of our National Museum to the High Commission of the Republic of South Africa, where we will deliver a petition, with a call to action to the South African President, his fellow countrymen, and indeed all Africans. The March4Africa will be on Tuesday, 28 April 2015 at 09:00 to 11:00am, it will start from the Independence Memorial Museum next to the Parliament Gardens, through Robert Mugabe Avenue onto Sam Nujoma Drive and then
Earlier this month social media was ablaze with photos and videos of horrific Xenophobic acts against African foreigners living and working in South Africa. These events have prompted a group of Namibians to organize a peaceful march on the 28th April 2015 in the capital city. Their ultimate goal is to act, to contribute and to make a positive difference in support of the Vision of ONE Africa. According to Lelanie Basson a participant and part organiser of the march “Our strength
MARCH FOR
AFRICA
following to Nelson Mandela Avenue, all the participants are asked to dress in African attire or elements thereof. Over the past weeks several people have been killed in South Africa, 74 detained and over 1 500 foreigners made homeless and fears are mounting that the violence will spread to Namibia. The organisers appeal to Namibians that the time come to make our voices heard. “We extend a personal call to you to join in and support this declaration that, despite our differences, we are ONE and Africa is our HOME!�
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Thursday, 23 April 2015
Hats off to 'Wamboes be like' ... probably all have the same deep down fears, hopes and challenges at different times of our lives. “If I talk about you or a specific group, it is important that I am able to make you laugh and not make the audience laugh at your cost”, said Basson. “I have been very honoured to step on a stage and see our Founding Farther and current president in the audience, laughing and truly enjoying the show that celebrates through humour the differences in our nation,” he states proudly. Namibian comedians like Neville Basson and Slick the D*ck have mastered the art and continue to make the nation laugh at itself in
Gareth Amos (opinion feature) As we know, there are very few things in this life that can unite humans in solidarity if only for an hour, a day, a week or even a month. These international binders are very few and standing head and shoulders above the list are music, sports and humour. Today, we celebrate the social media site, Wamboes be like…, a Namibian Facebook phenomena that, if it teaches us one thing only, it is that only when we learn to laugh at ourselves and our own idiosyncrasies can we move towards enlightenment and understanding of ourselves and our neighbours from different tribes and cultures. Studies reveal that two thirds of people suffer from low self-esteem and a lack of confidence. The same studies reveal that learning to take oneself less seriously and developing the ability to laugh at one’s perceived weaknesses and quirks contributed significantly to a new found confidence borne from an increase in the levels of one’s comfort with oneself. It was Oscar Wilde who once commentated that “life is much too important to be taken seriously”. Ponder upon this apt statement and one cannot but see the wisdom in these words. Nations are no different and are susceptible to circumstances which may create a collective lack of confidence or in the case of many Western countries, a sense of entitlement or arrogance. Think the US or UK for starters. Namibia is no different and this is especially true in a nation both as young and as diverse as ours. On account of the many different cultural pockets and languages in our country, we all too often look at what makes us different and not what makes us similar or better yet quintessentially Namibian in our own unique ways. Funnily, and no different to any family, as a nation we may tear shreds off one another in the house, but when challenged from outside the home, we stand together as one in defence of the family. So you can imagine our delight when we came across the Wamboes be like… social media page, which is filled to the brim with jokes and meme’s delivering great social commentary through self-effacing humour, on life in Namibia from a black Namibian’s perspective. Interestingly enough, though to be expected at a sociological level, is the fact that one finds no acrimony, anger or outright rudeness on the page whatsoever. Like all good comedians and cartoonists who use laughter as a means to deliver social commentary, the audience knows what to expect and gives tacit approval by continually supporting a page like Wamboes be like… The challenges come into play only if people from outside of the cultural sphere begin to comment negatively or to place or share derogatory images or content attacking the “owners” of the social group, in this case Namibians of colour. Conversely though, after a two minute search, the author was able to find a mirror version of the Namibian page in South Africa filled with people having a laugh at themselves. Though in this instance the cultural group is the Afrikaner. How fantastic; two homes and two families and two neighbours on the same street on the same block in the same suburb. Add into the mix pages such as you know you are from Walvis / Swakop / Grootfontein when… and other more specific pages like you know you are a baster when… and Namibia has the perfect ingredients to stand together as one house, united, under the banner of Namibian’s Be Like… The inescapable reality is that humour unites, period. As a people we are incredibly divergent, remarkably distinctive and downright comically unique with multi-layered cultural
Excitement builds for the NAMAs Julia Hango
peculiarities. Namibian comedian and well-loved personality Neville Basson is the epitome of this philosophy as is illustrated in his hilarious and edgy comedic approach to highlighting just how comical our individual cultural behaviour can be. Basson has entertained crowds ranging from young Namibians in tiny theatres and stages across the country to the highest echelons of society, with the same selfeffacing humour and has yet to put a foot wrong or indeed in his mouth. Coastal businesses and political elite were treated to an hour or two of the Basson magic at the mayors ball in the latter half of last year, where it quickly became evident that as long as cultural jokes are equally dished out at everyone (read culture, tribe or language) in the room, everyone becomes for that short time, Truly Namibian, a singular family united under one roof. This, dear reader, is the magic of humour. In an interview with Basson this week he shared his philosophy that making fun of social issues helps a lot of people feel less embarrassed about their own problems, it helps people see that we are all the same and we most
The Namibian Annual Music Awards are right around the corner and for the second year in a row it will be held at the Swakopmund Indoor centre. This year the NAMAS promise to have many surprises for both the audience and the nominated musicians. The winners of the Best Female and Best Male Artist of the Year categories are lined up to share a stage at the end of May with international music stars Trey Songz and South African gospel mogul Rebecca Malope. In 2011, the event saw some controversy when, after walking away with the Best House award, singer Lady May shocked the nation when she flashed her middle finger as she exclaimed, “Goodnight Mother F@%*#!” The show was broadcast live on TV and the audience included senior government officials and well known business personalities. The public incident resulted in the songstress being stripped of the award she had received that evening. However, it seems that Lady May has managed to turn it all around, and this year she returns as a co-host of the awards show. She released her jam entitled “Sorry NGO” as an apology to the Namibian nation, and she represented Namibia in the Big Brother Africa House that same year. Sponsor MTC’s Tim Ekandjo said
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their lives and on YouTube comedy channels such as “Free your Mind YouTube”. One salutes Basson and co, and again; tip the hat to social media comedy pages such as Wamboes be like .. and You know you are from (insert town) when…; and while one recognises the volume of work that goes into creating and maintaining these pages, one looks forward to the day when a talented joker opens Namibians be like… we as a people need to learn to laugh at ourselves and one another. God forbid though that any other Nation laughs at us. This is when the house of Namibia stands together as a united front.
in an interview with the Namibian Sun, “The middle finger incident is gone and forgotten. It was a NAMA moment we have all learned from and we are proud that artists have behaved and carried themselves in a professional manner after the incident and we are confident that Lady May will do us proud being a co-host of the event and being blessed with this opportunity.” This year will be the first time the NAMAs will be hosted by musicians, Lady May will be cohosting alongside Namibian kwaito star Gazza, and as a surprise factor there will also be two other, “main hosts” for that evening and two other hosts for Saturday evening. The NAMAs are scheduled to take place on May 1st and 2nd at the Swakopmund Indoor Sports Centre. VIP tickets cost N$500 while standard tickets are selling for N$250 at all Shoprite and Checkers stores and Computicket.
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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 LAB OPERATOR - SHIFT
LAB CHEMIST
Location: Husab Mine, Swakopmund Reports to the Laboratory Assistant
Location: Husab Mine, Swakopmund Reports to the Assistant Laboratory Manager
To accurately and precisely carry out and complete all production related analysis and test work, within the required time specifications. Key Performance Areas: • Daily Checks – Conducts all laboratory daily checks on machinery and instrumentation as per laboratory procedures. Ensures that all the necessary consumables/reagents are present and sufficient. • Analysis of Samples – Ensures that samples entering the lab are captured on the LIMS system, correct analysis is loaded with each sample batch. Samples are analyzed with required accuracy and precision and completed in agreed turnaround time (as per LIMS). • Reporting – Ensures that results are checked and timeously reported. • Instrument Maintenance – Ensures that each lab instrument has a maintenance schedule and that each schedule is timeously actioned. • Housekeeping – Ensure that the lab, instrumentation, lab-ware, fume cupboard are always clean. Requirements and experience: • Grade 12 • Certificate in Chemistry will be an added advantage • 0 – 3 Years’ experience in a Chemical/Metallurgical environment
To accurately and precisely carry out and complete all production related analysis and test work, within the required time specifications. Key Performance Areas: • Daily Checks – Ensures that all laboratory daily checks, as stipulated in laboratory procedures are carried out by relevant personnel and in his/ her subordinates absence by the chemist themselves; • Analysis of Samples – Ensures that samples entering the lab are captured on the LIMS system, correct analysis is loaded with each sample batch. Samples are analyzed with required accuracy and precision and completed in agreed turnaround time (as per LIMS). • Reporting – Ensures that results are checked and timeously reported. • Instrument Maintenance – Ensures that each lab instrument has a maintenance schedule and and that each schedule is timeously actioned. • Housekeeping – Ensure that the lab, instrumentation, lab-ware, fume cupboard are always clean. Requirements and experience: • National Diploma: Analytical Chemistry • 3 – 5 Year experience in a Chemical/Metallurgical environment Email: psujobs.proc@cgnpc.com.cn
Email: psujobs.proc@cgnpc.com.cn
RIGGERS Location: Husab Mine, Swakopmund Reports to the Engineering Manager
LAB CLEANER Location: Husab Mine, Swakopmund Reports to the Chemist Responsible for the daily upkeep of the laboratory and all laboratory instruments. Key Performance Areas: • Daily Tasks – Ensures that the daily cleaning roster is followed, all spillages cleaned up, floors free of dirt and the tiles are mopped. Ensures that cleaning chemicals are checked on a weekly basis to ensure no stock outages occur. • Housekeeping – Ensure that the lab, instrumentation, lab-ware, fume cupboard are always clean. Requirements and experience: • Grade 12 • 0 – 3 years’ experience in a Chemical/Metallurgical environment Email: psujobs.proc@cgnpc.com.cn
To perform technical skilled rigging tasks in accordance with set standards to achieve optimum safety when lifting and moving heavy loads and maintaining and repairing lifting equipment. Key Performance Areas: • Perform skilled technical work within the parameters • Lift, transport and reposition heavy loads • Estimate weight of load and select correct lifting equipment • Sling units to secure load • Splice ropes, slings to laid down standards • Service lifting equipment • Perform additional duties and overtime work when required • Promote safety & Comply with SHE Policies and Procedures & Practices • People and Performance Management • Professional Development &Growth Requirements and experience: • Recognized Trade Diploma with 4 technical theoretical subjects (N3 Level) • 5 years post-apprenticeship experience as a rigger. • Code 11 Drivers Licence Email: psujobs.eng@cgnpc.com.cn
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 the above email addresses OR via our fax number 064-410 9001 by 8 May 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
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12
Thursday, 23 April 2015
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News
Thursday, 23 April 2015
Red My Lips campaign continues
13
as EBH, Mpact and Walfish Electric take Have your business take up the challenge the challenge today! Sharon Brooks
This week saw teams from EBH, Mpact and Walfish Electric proudly wearing red lipstick in support of the Red my Lips campaign which uses red lipstick as a symbol to raise awareness of sexual violence. More and more companies at the coast are asking their male employees to be pictured wearing lipstick to show that they stand against sexual violence in all its forms.
Call us on 064-200497 or email: info@ namibindependent.com.na
Walfish Electric is proud to support the victims of sexual violence.
One of the saddest lessons in history is this: If we've been bamboozled long enough, we tend to reject any evidence of the bamboozle. We're no longer interested in finding out the truth. The bamboozle has captured us. It's simply too painful to acknowledge, even to ourselves, that we've been taken. Once you give a charlatan power over you, you almost never get it back. The team from Mpact challenges all other coastal businesses to join the Red my Lips campaign.
EBH Namibia has taken up the challenge to stand against sexual violence.
Carl Sagan
14
Worldwide
Thursday, 23 April 2015
May the Air
Worldwide
Force be with you
Google joins search for Loch Ness Monster Google has joined the search for the Loch Ness Monster by taking its Street View cameras across the famous Scottish loch. It sent teams to take pictures both above and below the waterline to help armchair Nessie hunters to explore the area. Google said the development was to mark the anniversary of the release of the Surgeon's Photograph a 1934 hoax image claiming to show the monster in the misty waters of the lake. A post on Google's official blog said: "Sail across the freshwater lake and take in its haunting beauty, made darker still by the peat particles found in its waters. Let the Loch unlock the spirit of your imagination, where the rippling water, tricks of the light, and drifting logs bring the legend of Nessie to life." It took Google around a week to take the photographs, with a diver being used to take the Street View Trekker camera under the waterline, before attaching it to a boat for the above-water shots.
Loch Ness is the largest Scottish loch by water volume, containing more fresh water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined. Google says there are more searches for Loch Ness than the likes of Buckingham Palace. Source: www.news.sky.com
Scientists discover real-life Kermit the frog
Kermit the Frog’s distant live-action cousin has just been discovered in the jungles of Costa Rica. The new species, Diane’s Bare-hearted Glassfrog (Hyalinobatrachium dianae), is most remarkable for its translucent underbelly (hence the name “glassfrog”) and its bulging
white eyes, which look just like Kermit’s! The frog evaded discovery as long as it did because of its remote location in the tropical Caribbean foothills of Costa Rica and because its mating call sounds just like an insect’s call – the scientists who discovered the frog described its call
as “a single tonal long metallic whistlelike note.” The scientists discovered the frog living between 400m and 800m up in the mountains. Brian Kubicki, the senior scientist, named it after his mother, Janet Diane Kubicki. Source: www.boredpanda.com
Japanese airline All Nippon Airways has unveiled plans to dress one of its planes up as the beloved R2-D2 robot in a tribute to the movie franchise. In just a few months one of its Boeing 787s will take to the skies decorated with R2-D2's famous blue and white stripes. It will also bear the droid's signature data ports as well as the classic Star Wars logo. The design is part of the airline's five-year Star Wars Project, which it hopes will "connect Japan to the global market". The jet is scheduled to begin international flights this autumn, just months ahead of the December release of Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. Star Wars Episode VII is the latest instalment of the blockbuster series originally devised by George Lucas in the 1970s. The second trailer of the film was released to a packed audience in California last week. Source: www.news.sky.com
Mother gets life
for killing six babies
A woman from the United States who admitted killing six of her newborn babies has been sentenced up to life in prison. Megan Huntsman, 40, pleaded guilty in February to strangling or suffocating the infants and hiding their bodies in her Utah garage. Huntsman told police she killed the babies because she was a methamphetamine addict and did not want the responsibility of raising them. She faced five years to life for each death. Last week, the judge ordered three of the sentences to run concurrently, meaning Huntsman will most likely serve 20 years to life. Police said that she had killed the infants between 1996 and 2006. A seventh baby found in the garage was stillborn. Huntsman's estranged husband, who fathered all seven infants, found their bodies in April 2014. DNA testing showed that all seven were full-term and that five were girls and two were boys. The case sent shockwaves through the mostly Mormon community of Pleasant Grove, about 35 miles (56km) south of Salt Lake City. Source: www.news.sky.com
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Thursday, 23 April 2015
motoring
VW Bus to be re-released as electric vehicle The Volkswagen Westfalia Camper ceased production in 2003, but board member Dr HeinzJakob Neusser revealed that the bus will be coming back as an electric vehicle. Though images of the new vehicle have yet to be released, Neusser explained that the Camper will have a small electric motor to power the front wheels; the battery packs will be under the floor. He added that it will feature three key design cues, reminiscent of the VW Bus, “First the wide, solid, D-Pillar, second the boxy design of the centre section and, thirdly, the front end must have a very short overhang. The distance from the A-pillar to the front end must be very short.” The original vehicle looked something like this:
There is no certainty when this will hit the market, according to Neusser, but with an attractive enough cost-base it most definitely will. Volkswagen has also released two other campers in recent years, the Microbus:
and the Bulli:
Volkswagen has also announced it will be investing $10 million in electric charging infrastructure by 2016.
Motoring
15
Dehydration as bad as driving drunk Failing to drink enough water before getting behind the wheel is equivalent to driving while drunk. A recent study showed that drivers who drank no more than 25ml - one metric tot - of water per hour made the same number of mistakes on the road as those who were over the blood-alcohol limit. In each case, the number of mistakes made was twice the number made by wellhydrated motorists. Researchers at Loughborough University said the change was evident in those who were only deemed “mildly dehydrated”. Ron Maughan, professor of sport and exercise nutrition, said “We all deplore drink driving, but we do not usually think about the effects of other things that affect our driving skills, and one of those is not drinking and dehydration,” he said. “Our findings highlight an unrecognised danger and suggest that drivers should be encouraged to make sure they are properly hydrated.”
Reduced Brain Activity Each volunteer, who was an experienced driver, used a simulator on a day when they were hydrated - which involved drinking 200ml (less than a cupful) every hour. The tests were then repeated on a “dry day”, when the participants were given just 25ml of water an hour. During the normal hydration test, there were 47 driving errors. That number rose to 101 when the men were dehydrated - the same mistake rate as that seen when drivers were either sleep deprived or at the blood-alcohol limit. The researchers, concluded that dehydration led to reduced brain activity, as well as a drop
in alertness and short-term memory. The researchers wrote: “Mild hypohydration [dehydration] can cause symptoms such as headache, weakness, dizziness and fatigue, and generally makes people feel tired and lethargic, with lower ratings of alertness and ability to concentrate. They added: “The level of dehydration induced in the present study was mild and could easily happen to drivers with limited access to fluid over the course of a busy working day.” “Given the present findings, perhaps some attention should also be directed to encouraging appropriate hydration among drivers.’ Source: IOLMotoring
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