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Independent Namib
Like a newspaper, only better!
Tel: 064 200497
Issue 146 - Thurs, 30 April 2015 to Wed, 06 May 2015
Diamond Arrow Winner Best Community Newspaper 2014
Tackling the unbalanced housing crisis
"I am really excited to have my first job and to be part of a newspaper team!"
Decent housing has plainly become unaffordable for a vast section of our population.
Introducing the Namib Independent's new distribution team...
See Page 4
Swakop musicians rock Sight for Sound Concert
See Page 8
The 2014 NAMA awards wowed the crowds with sensational performances, and this year’s event promises to be bigger and better
ALL EYES ON US Police officer As Swakop plays host to the NAMA’s Entertainment reporter The nation’s eyes shall be upon the usually sleepy town of Swakopmund as it plays host once again to the NAMA’s this weekend. The pageantry that is the NAMA’s will see the country’s music legends, rock royalty, superstars, diva’s and dignitary roll Westwards from all corners of the country. If the weeklong buzz, banging and belting voices raised in preparation in and about the Swakopmund Indoor Sports Centre, are anything to go by, then the recent prediction by Tim Ekandjo, Executive Chairman of the NAMAs, that plans are on track to deliver a phenomenal event with a spectacular stage production is one particular prophecy guaranteed its date with destiny come the weekend. The spectacle that is after all the single biggest entertainment event in the country attracted thousands of visitors to the coast, and with this
year’s event being hosted over the May long weekend, larger numbers are to be expected. Swakopmunders may even be graced with the charismatic and graceful presence of President Hage Geingob and First Lady Monica Geingos. Hopes of their presence are heightened by the fact that the President is the patron of the NAMA’s. By the time the first curtain has been drawn, preparations for the event will have expended 300 hours of set up and rehearsals, by a crew of over 100 production specialist in order to ensure that hundreds of celebrity and industry presenters are able to deliver over 40 live performances, 37 awards categories and some special surprises on the night. Additionally the production of the NAMA’s stage set will involve over 300 pieces of steel trusses and staging, over 250 light fittings and over 60 speaker cabinets. Taking heed of the perfection found
only in hindsight, the Swakopmund Council has managed this year’s event with aplomb, keeping in mind that while the awards are a phenomenally ideal occasion to market the seaside resort town internationally, it brings so much goodwill and enjoyment to the locals as well. The council will host all performing artists, production crew and 222 nominees at the municipal bungalows at its own cost, which the council did last year to the tune of some N$303,600. Recognising the importance of securing the awards for a successive year in a row, Swakopmund Mayor Juuso Kambueshe in February this year proposed this time round the municipality should cover the cost of hiring the Indoor Sports Centre as well as the chairs for a period of around 10 days to host the event. Continued on Page 3
arrested for car theft
Crime Reporter A Walvis Bay-based police officer and three others were taken into custody over the weekend in connection with a vehicle breakin that allegedly occurred in Kuisebmond. According to police sources, 28year old Nampol officer Barnabas Muzanima, who is the suspected ring-leader, was arrested along with three other suspected accomplices on Saturday night. It is strongly suspected that the four were involved in one or more car break-
ins in the early hours of Saturday morning. Israel Shavuka, 23, Lukas Ipinge, 28 and Hofeni Hamutenya, 30, were reportedly acting on the instructions of the police officer Muzanima by searching for suitable targets for their alleged crime. The four appeared in the Walvis Bay Magistrate’s Court this week and have been remanded in custody until their next hearing. The court case has been postponed to allow for further investigation and will resume on 28 May.
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News
Thursday, 30 April 2015
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What happened to our hospitals? The feeling that you have when you walk into Swakopmund state hospital is the same feeling you get at any state owned institution.
The civil servants have failed miserably. No one has telephone etiquette, the managers laugh and joke around with their subordinates, the doctors
are forever in meetings, you sit the whole day in a row and go home without being seen by a doctor for three days. I am a young adult
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Contact 081 304 0232 Email: namib.carwash@gmail.com Located next to Mega Stationers in Walvis Bay
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 Editorial Donna Collins 085 128 2158 donna@namibindependent.com.na Design Maggie’s Attic Graphic Design sonya4maggiesattic@gmail.com 081 129 2158 Address
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.
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and I sat in a row next to senior citizens, in the same predicament as them, and heard how they spoke about the "good old days" when the matrons were strict. The doctors were not as lazy as the young kids of today, the nurses stood straight up, bold and proud! The departments were so clean you could see your face in the marble floors, but today you see rude, disrespectful, unprofessional civil servants who think having a job is a right and not an opportunity. I was shocked, but I immediately agreed with what the elders said. Despite the oppression they suffered then, surely everything ran more smoothly, a million times better than today. The pathetic service you get at stateowned departments, be it a hospital, ministry of
per moNth
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Concerned health care worker
Man lost at sea last week identified Sharon Brooks
S
finance - any ministry – it is despicable! Private [hospitals] respect patients and their rights, they follow the Patient Rights Charter, whereas at State [hospitals] there is no or very little respect for patients and their rights. Wrongdoings are swept under the carpet and never corrected, Government property is abused and everybody thinks it’s their right to be a government employee. It’s very corrupt, I am so determined to work my way up and make a change one day. Just like South Africa, Namibia will soon be full of corruption if not already. We hope and pray that change comes with the new president.
The man lost at sea when the boat “Hot Stuff” capsized on 21 April 2015 has been identified after his body was recovered last week Thursday in the Vierkantklip vicinity.
According to Deputy Commissioner Kashuupulwa, the man has been identified as 46 year old Matheus Haragaed, who was unmarried and unemployed. Our sincerest condolences go out to his loved ones.
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News
Thursday, 30 April 2015
ALL EYES ON US
3
As Swakop plays host to the NAMA’s Continued from Page 1 Hiring the new sports centre would have cost around N$138,000 per day, or N$1.38 million for the entire show. Council however declined to pay for the venue out of its reserves and delegated the mayor to raise the funds needed to cover the cost of the venue. Against the kind of odds many would put their house down for, it is understood Mayor Kambueshe single-handedly raised around N$400,000 in donations, which municipal spokesperson Aillie Gebhardt said on Tuesday will be sufficient to cover the cost of the venue after the municipality negotiated
“a massive discount with the owners”. Council also proposed that local businesses should be notified to stay open later than usual to accommodate the vast number of people who will be in town. This year the awards for Best Male and Female Artists will include N$100,000 in prize money, while the Entertainment Journalist of the Year will also receive N$30,000. Overall sponsorship of the coveted music awards rose to N$8.7 million in 2015, with MTC contributing N$5.3 million. Artists performing on Friday
include Blossom, Dixon, Mr Makoya, Exit and Blacksheep. The star-studded cast for Saturday includes Lil D, Gazza with Uhuru, D-Naff with Tequila and V-LO, Female Donkey, Sean Naude, Lize-Ehlers, The Dotcomz, NiaNell, Riana Nell, Bullet Ya Kaoko, Stardust and Black Vulcanite. Live television transmission will start at 20h00 on Friday and the awards at 21h00. Music lovers can also watch online via live-stream using any internetconnected device by logging on to www.mtcnama.mobi.
Namport unveils new fire engine and opens new clinic
EES recieving the Award for most gifted kwaito video at the NAMAS 2012 To prevent congestion and frustration, dedicated parking space and entrances at the main entrance of the Swakopmund Indoor Sports Centre, accessible only to VIP guests, have been set aside for both nights. Following complaints about the
treatment meted out to artists at the awards show in previous years, nominees and performing artists will be provided with transport and meals; and all nominees will be escorted from the bungalows to the blue carpet in C-class Mercedes Benzes.
Wesbank Transport (Pty) Ltd, as a Namibian equal opportunity employer, offers the following challenging career opportunity for a suitable candidate in Walvis Bay. The position of Administration Controller: Long Haul, reports directly to the General Manager: Long Haul.
ADMINISTRATION CONTROLLER : LONG HAUL The posiTion’s key performance areas are: • • • • • • • • •
Responsible for bulk diesel purchasing and controlling. Processing of diesel usage and compiling reports. Managing fuel master enquiries and fuel master units. Monitoring refuelling points of vehicles on-route. Processing trip sheets. Compiling report of monthly kilometres driven and submit to HR. Responsible for the petty cash – processing and controlling. Monthly mass distance charge calculations for Long Haul. Ensure that vehicles are monitored according to procedures, deviations and exceptions reported and recorded. • Ensure that all C-Track units are working and installed / uninstalled. • Daily position reporting of vehicles. • Assist with general Weighbridge administration.
Sharon Brooks Namport took its firsts steps toward establishing a fully fledged emergency response unit through the purchase of a state of the art fire truck commissioned on Tuesday by the governor of the Erongo Region Honourable Cleophas Mutjavikua. At the same event, the governor inaugurated the brand new clinic that will provide basic health care services to Namport employees. “After the integration of Walvis Bay into Namibia in 1994, Namport entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Walvis Bay Municipality for the provision of emergency services to the port” said Namport CEO Bisey /Uirab. He went on to say that in 2013, due to the dramatic growth of both the town and the port, the Municipality approached Namport to consider establishing its own emergency unit; in addition, it is an international requirement that the port have adequate emergency response facilities on site. This prompted Namport to put out a public tender for the acquisition of a fire engine. The 6 x 4 Mercedez Benz truck was purchased by Namport at a cost of N$5.2 million from M+Z Motors and was converted into a fully functioning fire engine by Fire Raiders. Four crew members and a driver can sit comfortably in the double cab of the truck. The vehicle has the ability to carry 8000 litres of water and 2000 litres of foam and can pump 10 000 litres of water per minute at a pressure of 24 bar. In addition, the tuck is equipped with Hazmat spill kits, chemical suits and breathing apparatus to allow the crew to work in smokey conditions. The Namport CEO mentioned that there exists a possibility that Namport and the Municipality could reach an agreement to make Namports emergency facilities available to the town. The Governor of the Erongo Region, Cleophas Mutjavikua, also urged the Namibian Ports Authority to extend the use of the truck to the
The suiTable candidaTe will meeT The following requiremenTs: • Namibian Citizen with a valid, (Code BE) driver’s license. • Grade 12. • 2 years’ experience in an administration environment (Logistics / Transport industry) will be an advantage. • Basic knowledge of accounting principles. • Proficient in written and spoken English and Afrikaans. • Advanced Computer skills (Microsoft Office / SAP). • Must be able to work independently. • Must be pro-active and self-motivated, excellent planning and organisation skills. • Must have good communication skills.
Municipality, specifically in regards to the regular shack fires that occur in Kuisebmond. Training of personnel to operate the truck is currently underway and a garage is being custom built to house the big red beauty. The CEO expects the truck to be operational with fully trained staff by July this year. In addition to the unveiling of the fire engine, Tuesday saw the opening of the new Namport Clinic, which has been built to solve some of the problems faced by the current clinic. The new clinic will provide a larger space for medical services for the over 100 Namport employees that visit the clinic weekly. The clinic will be headed up by Ms Hedwig Hijamutiti, an experienced nurse who has been working for Namport for twelve years, she will be assisted by Laura Victor, who has over thirty years experience in nursing. The clinic has a dispensary, two consulting rooms, a hearing screening room, a lung function testing
room and a large waiting area. According to the CEO, the clinic, which cost N$1 million to build, will also offer medical examinations, counselling for chronic conditions such as diabetes and HIV/Aids and has the ability to treat minor ailments and injuries. At the event, the Chairperson of the Namport Board of Directors, Jerry Muadinohamba expressed his concern at a lack of Namibian captains, and said that an aggressive plan would be put in place by the time he steps down to encourage Namibians, especially women, to fill skilled positions at the port. “If we don’t do it, nobody will do it” he said. He added that synergy needs to be found between the Municipality and Namport in order to fast track the development of the port, referring specifically to the fact that the port is treated like any other applicant in regards to land acquisition, pointing out that Namport is the biggest investor in the harbour town.
In return we offer a market related salary with Medical and Pension benefits. A written application which includes a C.V. and a covering letter should be submitted to the following address: The Human Resources Manager, Wesbank Transport c/o Hanna Mupetami Road 11 PO Box 2916, Walvis Bay, Namibia Fax No: +264 64 220076 e-mail: HR@wesbanktransport.com
please noTe:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and no documents will be returned. Applicants from Designated Groups are encouraged to apply.
Closing Date: 8 May 2015
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News
Thursday, 30 April 2015
Tackling the unbalanced housing crisis Opinion piece by Jade McClune
Decent housing has plainly become unaffordable for a vast section of our population. Property prices at the coast rose by no less than 30% in 2014. Over the past five years house prices increased by a staggering 84% (from N$381 000 in 2009 to N$700 000 in 2014), which strongly suggests that we are witnessing an unprecedented house price bubble. This inflationary bubble is likely, sooner or later, to either deflate, or simply burst, bringing in its wake economic disaster and potential collapse of the banking system and construction industry, as it did in Europe and America in 2007 and 2008, while leaving many destitute, or in insurmountable debt. It seems that we have not learnt from the painful experiences and the main causes of the world recession that has plagued the global economy over the past decade. The extraordinary prices of properties for sale and rent should raise eyebrows, if not the blood pressure of prospective homeowners and tenants. In Windhoek it is common, for example, to see a garage being offered as rental accommodation for no less than N$3000 a month. Property prices have reached levels that put the possibility of owning a home way out of reach of most people. Indeed, statistics show that fewer that one in ten households can afford a low-cost house. To afford an average three-bedroom house worth N$750,000 in Windhoek 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. At Walvis Bay the median price (middle-point) of houses varied between N$664,000 and N$956,000. Taking into consideration the fact that the majority of people earn less than N$2,000 a month, it is clear that the market cannot solve the problem, which it has created. Speculation in the housing market has led to a concentration of vast areas of land in the hands of a few developers, while the majority of residents have effectively been priced out of the housing market. The situation has produced the extensive problem of backyard shacks and informal shantytowns, massive sprawling slums in every town and city, where thousands of people who have effectively been priced out of the housing market are forced to make do with any small place to put up a shack. It is this deplorable situation, whereby people are forced to live in Stone Age conditions, without access to running water or electricity, or basic services that cause the deaths of hundreds of adults and children, who are caught up, week after week, in the endless spate of shack-fires. There is currently a backlog of at least 120,000 homes in the country. I have no doubt that the situation cannot continue much longer without producing an uprising among the poor and homeless, who witness every day how politicians and property magnates divide large pieces of prime land between themselves and their comrades in business. It is this situation which gives rise to the trend whereby young professionals are obliged to live with
Thousands of people who have effectively been priced out of the housing market are forced to make do with any small place to put up a shack. (Photo Donna Collins) their parents or squat in someone’s backyard, because of the high cost of rentals as it has become extremely difficult for first-time buyers to enter the property market. The laissez-faire policies of the government, which removed the Rent Control Board and allowed estate agents to charge tenants what they wish, and allowed unregulated speculation in the property market to become the order of the day, have actually facilitated and produced this crisis. Therefore it is quite understandable that there is a widespread discontent and anger, not only in the townships, but also among the struggling middle-class, who are feeling the economic squeeze. Many are on the brink of defaulting on their mortgages and are struggling to keep head above water. In a country where the poorest million people control less than 3%
of the national economy, while the richest 5% take 70% of the national income, it should be clear that such a high level of social inequality is not sustainable. Unless the housing problem is addressed – and urgently – we are surely heading for a crisis of revolutionary proportions. There is no silver bullet to solve the housing crisis at once. A range of measures will have to be put in place to ensure that rental prices are controlled, that municipalities invest in social housing programmes, that residential land is made affordable by charging only for the cost of installing services, by providing affordable long-term lease options to allow people to build their homes without having to buy the land, and by giving preference to firsttime buyers, as opposed to property speculators. Failure to tackle the housing crisis with the urgency it demands will
exacerbate the problem and could very well lead to widespread social unrest. If we want to preserve the peace of the country, we will have to take drastic and even radical measures to ensure that every citizen is adequately housed and that there is some measure of social and economic justice. We cannot leave the problem to the market to solve, because the problem was created largely by the conditions of an unregulated property market. The housing crisis must be solved by appropriate political and legal measures that aim at restoring a degree of social equality and justice. Every Namibian should be entitled by law to a piece of land to live on and nobody should be excluded from the right to shelter, because they cannot afford it. Either that, or face the consequences of an uprising among the poorest of the poor.
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News
Thursday, 30 April 2015
"Illegal" Kuisebmond speed bumps get mixed reaction harbour ropes which are "illegally" being laid by Kuisebmund residents to act as a method to slow down speeding vehicles in the built up neighbourhood. Earlier this week the Namib Independent drove around Kuisebmund in search of these new rope speed bumps. The makeshift traffic controls are, according to some motorists, very unsafe, and could cause damage to vehicles as they drive over them. After some time, we came across two such speed bumps in front of a house belonging to a friendly resident Joshua Henghono. We asked him why the ropes had been laid down on the street and by whom. According to Joshua, he was alerted to a huge noise and commotion outside his house last Sunday, and went out to investigate. To his dismay a speeding taxi had knocked over a young girl right in front of his house, this was not the first time such an incident had occurred. "People do not stick to the legal speed limits in built up residential areas, and once before a child was run over just streets away from me, also by a reckless taxi driver” he said. “I approached the municipality about placing speed humps in the smaller residential streets and they told me they will do a follow up inspection, but they never showed up, " he said in a frustrated tone. "I decided to take matters into my own hands, Julia Hango because I also have children, and want to prevent any further accidents taking place," he added, saying that Concerns have been expressed by he got hold of the thick roping from the harbour and the authorities and some motorists, laid them down on the street in an effort to prevent over the new speed bumps made from any further accidents from taking place.
"This is a 40 km zone, but taxi drivers and other motorists drive at speeds up to 120 km, which is terribly dangerous in a built up neighbourhood," he added, saying that the ropes get the job done and he does not see a problem with them. Meanwhile, more of these rope humps were found in other streets around Kuisebmund, we spoke to a resident in Kabeljou Street, who preferred to remain anonymous. He informed us that the municipality laid down the ropes in front of his home and that they are effective in slowing down speeding vehicles, and as such, he sees nothing wrong with this new system. After several attempts to speak to someone from the municipality about these speed bumps we got a hold of Adrie Louw from the roads and
building control department who said he has not heard about these bumps before, and that he doubts if the municipality would lay down rope speed bumps in the street. "It is illegal for the residents to put down speed bumps themselves as it is the job of the traffic department” he suggested that the traffic department would be able to shed some light on this matter. Senior traffic officer Jacobs of the traffic department confirmed that he knew about the speed bumps, and was looking into it. “I received a call about these ropes about a week ago and when I sent out someone to investigate, they found nothing. This week Wednesday I received yet another complaint about the same rope speed bumps in Tutaleni, but I was in a meeting so was only
O'Brian Hekandjo, Chief Officer at Nampower Julia Hango Erongo Red and Nampower have informed the public this week of the progress being made to meet the electricity demands of Walvis Bay. Robert Kahimise, CEO of Erongo Red, said that it is of utmost importance that the power supply for Walvis Bay is upgraded because electricity is important to the growth of the country's economy. The project by Erongo Red and Nampower is divided into three sub
projects with different categories and the tenders of these projects were all awarded to Namibian companies. Power line Africa, also a Namibian company, got the tender for two new power lines, which are expected to help further supply a safe amount of electricity to Walvis Bay to attract foreign investments and go hand in hand with the Namport expansion. The first power line is expected to be ready by 1 June, with the second one completed at the end of August 2015. According to the CEO, customers will be told of any new developments in regards to the power lines as they happen and the upgrade of the substation is expected to be completed by the end of 2015. Brian Hekandjo chief officer of Nampower went on to say the project has N$500 million in funds and that the power lines will provide electricity to the harbor town for the next 15 to 20 years. The new equipment will be able to handle the increase in demand of electricity needed as Namport is expected to triple its own demand with the bulk upgrade.
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able to send someone out to investigate that afternoon and I am currently waiting on that feedback. "The traffic department is certainly not responsible for laying down these speed bumps, and it is evident that the residents have taken it upon themselves to put these ropes in the street to slow down speeding cars. "These speed bumps are illegal, even if they are slowing down the traffic, and we will look into the matter," he assured. According to Jacobs these rope bumps work well on some occasions, but he said that a complaint had been received that there were more than eight of these rope bumps put down in one street alone, which could cause an accident, rather than be a safety measure.
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6
News
Thursday, 30 April 2015
The JJ centre for special needs kids call for support Julia Hango Not so long ago we published a story about JJ’s care centre, an Edu-Therapy Day Care facility for children with physical and mental disabilities as well as children with learning difficulties and this time around they want to challenge/encourage individuals and companies to support their pledge campaign! The Centre believes that all children should be given the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential; they provide the children with all meals and snacks, stimulation, education as well
as much needed therapy. There are 20 children currently registered at the Centre and 10 more on the waiting list and thus the campaign. According to Kim Koch, a facilitator at the centre, they are starting this pledge campaign to encourage everyone, especially companies, “Our goal is to reach at least 20 companies/individuals that can commit to donating N$500 on a monthly basis for as long as possible – this will be sufficient financial support to provide for all the children attending the JJ`s care Centre. "This will allow us the opportunity to relocate from the church premises we are currently in to a better, bigger
Petrol prices to increase
place for the kids on the waiting list. Help us encourage friends, families and colleagues to support this wonderful cause.” Said Kim. The Centre relies solely on the good hearts of the community for support so every donation, no matter how big or small, will make a difference to the lives of the children attending the
Centre! If you would like to make a donation, the bank details for the Centre are: J.Koch FNB Account number: 622 520 34 972 Branch code: 282 172 or for more information contact Kim Koch Cell: 081 479 0725; Email:jjscarecentre@gmail.com
Engen. Let’s make GREAT happen. Retail Dealership Opportunity in Katima Mulilo Engen, an Africa-based energy company focusing on the downstream refined petroleum products market and related businesses is inviting applications from suitably qualified entrepreneurs who wish to apply for a dealership with Engen Namibia in Katima Mulilo. Knowledge, Skills & Attributes: • Advanced Health, Safety, Environment and Quality awareness • Self starter and motivated • Retail Business (FMCG) experience • Ability to work long hours • Human Resources Management Skills • Financial and Marketing Management Skills • Entrepreneur with excellent customer service skills • Relevant tertiary education will be an advantage
Sharon Brooks
95 Octane Unleaded Petrol: N$10.39 per litre Diesel 500 ppm: N$10.32 per litre Diesel 50 ppm: N$10.42 per litre
The site consists of the following facilities: • Forecourt with E-fuel facilities • Quick Shop with Corner bakery • EDC/Truck Facilities NB. The site will be upgraded in due course. Financial Requirements: Estimated start up capital: N$ 5 000 000 (N$ 3 000 000 payable to the current dealer)
A written application together with the CV, plus a detailed business plan (with all relevant financial statements) should be addressed to: Retail Manager Engen Namibia Pty Ltd PO Box 201 Windhoek Successful applicants should be prepared to further invest in the following: Corner Bakery - N$ 600 000 Undergo three weeks retail training in South Africa - N$ 33 000 For more information please contact: Garth Greyling: 061- 296 9000. Closing Date: 15 May 2015
ENG15052015_N
The Ministry of Mines and Energy has announced that at 00h01 on Wednesday 6 May, the price of petrol will increase by 40 cents per litre, and diesel will cost 20 cents more per litre. Currently, the price of oil is hovering at a four and a half month high amidst concerns over disruption in supply in the Middle East. In addition, demand has been stronger than expected since the beginning of the year partly due to an increase in demand as a result of lower prices. Oil companies are expecting continued price volatility in
the oil market. In response, the oil industry has requested that the ministry increase the price of unleaded petrol and diesel due to the escalating cost of investment. Thus, the prices of petrol and diesel in Walvis Bay will be:
Bank Guarantee: N$ 3 500 000, 00 (In favor of Engen Namibia)
News
Thursday, 30 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”.
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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.
Location: Husab Mine, Swakopmund Reports to the Engineering Manager
LAB CLEANER
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
N$ 1299*
Explora Decoder
Decoder + Dish + Installation
N$ 2999*
Email: psujobs.proc@cgnpc.com.cn
RIGGERS
Responsible for the daily upkeep of the laboratory and all laboratory instruments.
FOR ALL YOUR DSTV REQUIREMENTS, PAYMENTS AND INSTALLATIONS
Requirements and experience: • National Diploma: Analytical Chemistry • 3 – 5 Year experience in a Chemical/Metallurgical environment
Email: psujobs.proc@cgnpc.com.cn
Location: Husab Mine, Swakopmund Reports to the Chemist
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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
WALVIS BAY: 064-203318 SWAKOPMUND: 064-403418
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News
Thursday, 30 April 2015
Swakop musicians’ rock benefit concert Donna Collins
Live rock music in Namibia is here to stay, as was evident last Saturday in Windhoek when the first ever benefit concert for the visually impaired brought together over 30 of the country's best musicians at a first class open air festival which showcased the diverse musical talent this country has to offer. What started out as a dream for organiser and musician Alfie Visser and his 'Sound for Sight' team turned into one of the biggest music festival's the country has experienced in a long time, raising around N$40 000 for this charitable cause. A total of 11 artists and groups ranging from solo acts to full blown bands, came together at the open air venue at the Vintage Pub where nearly 1 000 people attended the concert. Music enthusiasts were treated to a wide variety of genres ranging from folk, rock, grunge, ghetto blues, metal and 'boere stomp', catering to everyone young and old. First class sound, lighting and equipment was laid on by Jay Lou Productions with sound engineer Wouter de Bruyn, the man behind
the crisp sound quality delivered by the musicians, who all gave it their best in providing top live entertainment in a relaxed setting which was enjoyed by the whole family. Mention must be made to those musicians who were represented from the coast and made a special trip to the capital to join in this first over music feast, namely 'Brown Paper Bag' - a four piece band who would make it onto any world stage. Whilst two of the band members are from the coast, the entire band meet up in their band room in Swakop for regular practise sessions, and are currently one of the 'hottest' acts in Namibia. Front man and lead guitarist Doane Madeheim from Swakopmund vocals for the band which they dub old school 'dirty blues/rock' - a blend of home grown blues meets ZZ Top. 'Home boy' Edward Taylor on a Fender bass is the meat on the bone, whilst Wayne Wentzel who is originally from Tsumeb lets rip on the drums kit. Their piece de resistance is Oliver Reissner fondly known as 'Ollie' who must rank as the best harmonica player this side of the Zambezi and blows the hell out of the mouth organ. The boys
cooked, with roars of 'encore' from the audience who could not get enough of their high voltage sound. They even dedicated one of their songs to the Sound for Sight cause, by turning off the light show and enveloping themselves and the audience in the dark while they played full volume into the night air. Another act that must be mentioned is the young and talented Savannah who visited her hometown Swakopmund between music studies in Cape Town. Swapping her usual instrument of choice, a acoustic guitar, she instead plugged in her electric Fender for an all original 'gypsy grunge' set which she belted out with her powerful, husky voice accompanied by CT drummer Eben de Wet. Other bands and acts in the lineup included the polished band Pennilane, the three-piece RAT, metal band Swollen Revolver with father and son input from drummer dad Hartmut and Johnny on lead, the groovy Desdamona sisters who were backed by Alfie on drums , Solitary Man, Windpomp Boereorkes, Tripping on Cables, Safe Nineteen and Rushour. These incredible acts performed free for
FULL MOON SERIES 5km or 10km RUN
Join us every month on Full Moon
Entry Fee N$30 - 5km | N$50 - 10km Next Run: Monday, 4 May 2015
• Run starts at 19:30 • Registration starts at 18:45 at the Parking lot infront of Bob Mould Architects • Race briefing regarding route to be done at Registration • All runners must wear headlamps • Carry own refreshments on route • Each runner responsible for own timing • Runners are encourage to download the STRAVA application on their Smartphones and to register a route.
Hosted by The Walvis Bay Road Runners
Swakopmund rockers Doane Madeheim and Edward Taylor from the incredible 'Brown Paper Bag' group brought the house down during Saturday's open air Sound for Sight benefit concert in Windhoek
'Rock Chick' Savannah went electric and belted out an all original set charity, and entertained the crowd from 13h00 Saturday afternoon till very late Saturday evening. All proceeds raised will be utilized for the school for the visually impaired in Khomasdal. And according to Alfie, this is going to become an annual event. He made a special thanks to the sponsors
who opened their hearts and purses towards making this festival a roaring success, namely Aucor Namibia, Essie & Associates, AGA Technical Services, Marais Motor Spares, and Total Wika who made it possible for the bands to travel.
WALVIS BAY CONVENIENCE CEN RE Tired of queues at month end?
Fill up your wallet with convenience at our in-store ATM
For more information contact 081 360 7007 or wbroadrunners@gmail.com Like our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/walvisbayroadrunners PO Box 43, Walvis Bay Corner of Sam Nujoma Avenue & 10th Road Tel: 064 207248 | Fax: 064 207253 Email: wvbconv.centre@iway.na
News
Thursday, 30 April 2015
9
FNB warns of thieves targeting grievers Sharon Brooks FNB Namibia has cautioned the public to be vigilant of a new scam doing the rounds in which people who have recently lost a loved one are targeted by fraudsters who are reacting to a death notice or tombstone unveiling advertisement placed in the local newspapers. Victoria Muranda, Manager of Corporate Communications at the FNB Group explains: “People who have lost their loved ones
would receive calls from a person introducing him/herself to be an employee of FNB. The person would advise that the deceased had a policy with FNB and that he/she is the beneficiary to the policy. The fraudster would then ask for banking details of the beneficiary and identity details purportedly for the deposit of the benefit. This is in actual fact just a trick and the person will call back after a while telling them that to expedite the claim, the customer needs to deposit a certain amount to
a given account and or e-wallet, for funds to be cleared. Muranda cautions all customers to be wide awake and super alert and to make sure that the caller is genuine by asking the name and department and then phoning the bank and asking for this person, rather than taking it at face value that the caller works for the bank. “Here are some more tips to make sure that customers are protected at all times,” says Muranda: What should customer do to protect themselves?
• The Bank and/or any other Insurance company would never call on claimant and would never ask for a payment to clear funds • The Bank or any other Insurance Company would never ask for payment to be affected via E-Wallet for any type of payment. • Always insist on company account details which you can verify with the Bank for legitimacy.
• Never make a payment to receive your just dues such as insurance benefits. • Ask for actual policy number and do a direct follow up with that specific company For more information please contact Vicky Muranda, Manager: Corporate Communications at FNB Holdings on telephone: (+264 61) 299 2944. vmuranda@fnbnamibia. com.na
10
News
Thursday, 30 April 2015
Sweat like a pig? Feel like a fox.
REWARD OFFERED Missing Invoice book
This cartoon has been published with the kind permission of Brian Gorden, creator of Fowllanguage.com
A cash reward is being offered for the return of this invoice book. If you come across the book, please contact 081 129 1732
Thursday, 30 April 2015
News
11
Namib Independent and De Duine
learners team up
Our vibrant new paper route team will be delivering the Namib Independent to your door each week Sharon Brooks In an effort to improve service delivery the Namib Independent has joined forces with De Duine Secondary School to establish a “paper route”, to give children from underprivileged backgrounds the opportunity to earn an income and get their first taste of financial independence. The paper route is a well-known and popular
Enough SAid...
practice in Europe and the United States, that has become somewhat a rite of passage for many youngsters, and for a large number of Americans a paper route was their first job. Readers of the Namib Independent contacted the newspaper to inform us that they are regularly unable to find copies of our weekly edition due to the popularity of the paper. Even though the Namib Independent prints 8000 copies, more than any other coastal newspaper, by the time our
readers are able to get to their local shop, all the copies of the paper are gone. In an effort to solve this problem and in the process assist the local community, the Namib Independent contacted De Duine Secondary School to recruit a team of young, energetic students to deliver papers to all the businesses in the Walvis Bay city centre, as well as the surrounding industrial areas. The principal of the school, Anton van Wyk, hand-picked 10 students based on their integrity and work ethic. Rita Potgieter, a junior sales executive at Namib Independent says “I love working with them, and it is great to be able to give less fortunate children this opportunity," adding. "They are a well-mannered group and are incredibly hard working”. For many of these children, this job is the first step to being financially independent, and for many these extra funds will be used to contribute to the running of their households. With the unemployment rate as high as it currently is, these learners are being taught skills through experience, and character building to prepare them for the future. Last week was the first time the team were out on the streets, and the new distribution scheme was a huge success, according to Gareth Amos
If you meet a learner on their paper route, please let them know how many copies of the Namib Independent you would like to receive each week (Managing Editor Namib Independent), who said. "If the new distribution process continues to be effective, we plan to introduce a second team to undertake delivery in Swakopmund." "The Namib Independent calls on all businesses to welcome these upstanding youngsters, and to assist them by letting them know how many copies of the weekly paper they would like delivered to their businesses, in order for the youths to plan their routes more effectively.
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Lifestyle
Thursday, 30 April 2015
e l y t s e Lif
Our technologyobsessed culture Here is a light-hearted look at today’s technology-obsessed culture. The graphics below were created by French artist, Jean Julian, who depicts in particular our narcissistic preoccupation with technology. Source: www.disinfo.com
The Summer Night Series Presented by THE WALVIS BAY ROAD RUNNERS
LOST
Please help us find Vodka! She is two years old and is very scared of people. The last time we saw her was last week Wednesday near Walvis Bay Private High School. She is a dearly loved cat and is sorely missed. If you have seen her please contact Sharon on 081 394 1235.
Join us on the last Wednesday of the month during January to April 2015 for a 4km or 7km run @ 18:00. Start and finish at The Raft. Vodka when she was a kitten.
Prizes for “Best time”, “Most improved runner” and more…
News
Thursday, 30 April 2015
More support for the Red My Lips campaign
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Have your business take the challenge today! Call us on 064-200497 or email: info@namibindependent.com.na
Sharon Brooks In the fourth week of the ongoing Red my Lips campaign, Namib Poultry and Walvisbaai Kickboxing took up the challenge to don red lipstick in order to raise awareness for sexual violence. The two establishments sent in photos of their employees and members proudly wearing lipstick to show that they are against sexual violence in all its forms. Have your business take up the challenge today! Call us on 064 200497 or email info@namibindependent.com.na
The Walvis Baai Kickboxing team were proud to show their support for the Red my Lips campaign
We have moved!!
Namib Poultry challenge all other companies to rise to the challenge and support victims of sexual violence
New Industrial Area at the Weighbridge, Namibia Walvisbaai, Erongo, Namibia
Our team of 11 participants will be competing in the 42nd ANNUAL US OPEN / ISKA World Martial Arts Championships taking place on the 3 & 4 July 2015, in Disney Coronado Springs Resort, Orlando, Florida, USA. Each participant will need to raise N$ 36 340.00 per person, therefore sponsorships are more than welcome. Practice times are Tuesday & Thursday; Juniors 17:15 - 18:15 | Seniors 18:15 - 19:15
For more information please contact Dorothy Bachmann on 081 640 1709
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Worldwide
Thursday, 30 April 2015
Worldwide World's oldest newlyweds George Kirby and Doreen Luckie are finally set to tie the knot after being together for over 27 years in 2013. George, a champion boxer in 2013. A British couple with a combined age of 195 will become the world’s oldest newlyweds later this summer. George Kirby, 103, and Doreen Luckie, 91, from Eastbourne, East Sussex will finally marry after first getting together 27 years ago in 1988. Between the two of them they have had seven children, 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. George proposed to Doreen on Valentine’s Day and the two will marry on June 13. They will break the previous world record of 188 years set by a couple
his younger days commented, "I did not get down on one knee because I do not think I would have been able to get back up,” adding, “I suppose it is about time, really. I do not feel my age. Doreen keeps me young.” They reportedly decided to make their union official after giving into pressure from the elderly children. Doreen said: “I will not be much of a blushing bride, but I am getting a bit giddy thinking about it.” They will get married at the Langham Hotel in Eastbourne, owned by George’s son Neil, where they have lived since
Fireman uses
quacking ringtone A resourceful fireman used a quacking ringtone to rescue six ducklings from a storm drain. Cody Knecht, of St. Tammany Fire District in Louisiana, was sent out to rescue six baby mallards after residents reported they had gone into a storm drain. Using a duck call ringtone, Mr. Knecht was able to calm the ducklings so he could fish them out of the drain. They were then reunited with their mother in a nearby canal. Oddly, it was the second duck rescue that week. Firefighters were called out on 19 April after a duck got stuck in a chimney.
The Guinness World Record for the oldest newly married couple is currently held by Francois Fernandez and Medeleine Francineau, who had a combined age of 190 years and 126 days when they tied the knot. A spokeswoman for Guinness said: “We are excited to hear of this incredible marriage and would like the family to file a Guinness World Records application so we can make their achievement official.”
Source: www.metro.co.uk
Source: www.belfasttelegraph. co.uk
'Evil Twin' Embryo
Removed From Woman's Brain
Stephen Hawking: humanity needs to live in space or die out Stephen Hawking has warned that humans must go live in space within the next 1,000 years, or they will die out. "We must continue to go into space for the future of humanity," Mr Hawking said. "I do not think we will survive another 1,000 years without escaping beyond our fragile planet." Hawking issued the warning during one of two talks at the Sydney Opera House. He addressed the sold-out crowds at the venue by using holographic technology, which he used to talk from his Cambridge office. At the end of the lecture, Hawking encouraged his audience to “look up at the stars and not down at your feet”. “Try to make sense of what
you see and wonder about what makes a universe exist,” he said. “Be curious, and however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you do not just give up.” Stephen Hawking has repeatedly warned of the danger that humanity finds itself in, as a result of the rise of artificial intelligence and the dangers of human aggression and barbarity. In February, he said that humans should colonise other planets as “life insurance” for the species, and could be the only way of ensuring that humanity lives on. Members of the audience found the time to ask the professor about the “cosmological effect of Zayn leaving One Direction
Los Angeles doctors find the extremely rare "teratoma" complete with bone, hair and teeth - in the patient's skull. Doctors have discovered an embryonic twin complete with bone, hair and teeth in the brain of a woman having surgery for a suspected tumour. Yamini Karanam, 26, sought medical help last September after she began to struggle with conversations and reading. Doctors were initially unsure what was causing the Indiana University PhD student's health problems. She had keyhole surgery deep into the brain which found a "teratoma" - the embryonic twin. Ms Karanam jokingly told NBC Los Angeles it was her "evil twin sister who has been torturing me for the past 26 years". Surgeons removed the teratoma and she is expected to make a full recovery. Dr Hrayr Shahinian, at the Skullbase Institute in Los Angeles, told NBC it was only the second teratoma he had encountered out of up to 8,000 brain tumours he has removed. Source: www.news.sky.com
and consequently breaking the hearts of millions of teenage girls across the world”. Hawking calmed the fans by telling them that in a parallel universe Zayn was a member of the band — and that in another, he was married to the woman who had asked the question. At the end of the talk, Hawking referenced Star Trek and said “beam me up Scotty!” After that, his digitallycreated image — made by filming him with two cameras, processing the video and then displaying it on special technology at the opera house — disappeared. Source: www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
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Motoring
Thursday, 30 April 2015
15
motoring
Travel sickness could put the brakes on driverless cars The Age-old problem of travel sickness threatens the hoped-for benefits of letting a computer take the wheel in autonomous cars. Human frailty could put the brakes on the hi-tech world of driverless cars, with travel sickness expected to be a major problem in automated vehicles. A new study from the University of Michigan predicts a 27.8% rise in the number of people suffering from nausea, dizziness and vomiting when travelling in vehicles in which computers do the driving. Rather than ushering in a new era of motoring, autonomous vehicles could rekindle childhood memories of long
car journeys punctuated by queasiness and emergency roadside stops. The study indicates that one of the major expected benefits of driverless cars – their ability to free up time spent controlling a vehicle – might not be a given. The study said that motion sickness – or kinetosis – most often occurs when the brain gets different indications from the eyes and the balance system. Being unable to anticipate or control the direction of movement also causes the symptoms. The chance of this happening is reduced when a driver has control of their vehicle, but the “hands off, feet off” nature of automated cars
raises the chance of travel sickness. The researchers found that while almost a quarter of respondents said they would not travel in a car driven by a computer, of those who would, 57% said they would spend the time travelling watching the road even though they were not in control. Almost 10% said they would read, while almost the same amount would use the time to sleep, 7% would talk or text, and the remainder would use the time for activities including watching TV, playing games or working. However, the researchers found that unless an automated car’s occupants kept their eyes on the road, except for sleeping almost any of the activities they were likely to do in a driverless car would mean they were more at risk from travel sickness. “By switching from driver to passenger, by definition, one gives up control over the direction of motion, and there are no remedies for this,” the study’s authors warn. However, they say that car designers of the future could reduce the chances of motion sickness through design features such as larger windows so passengers have better all-round views and seats that face forwards or recline, as people lying down are less likely to be affected. For those determined to risk kinetosis by working on a computer
or watching TV while on the move, the researchers say there are other options. They suggest that using visual stimulus and technology to “move” screens to imitate the actions of the car as it accelerates, brakes and turns could reduce the chance of inducing motion sickness.
Overcoming the challenges that driverless cars present to the human body could be a key task for the car industry if automated vehicles are to deliver the hoped-for benefits to society. Source: www.telegraph. co.uk
PUPKEWITZ MOTORS WALVIS BAY
We ensure that our customers receive exceptional after sales service through our well-oiled workshop and availability of genuine parts. Tel: (064) 206 152 C/O 18th Ave & 11th Street E-Mail: nissanwbdp@pupkewitz.com www.pupkewitz-motors.com
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