Namib Independent Issue 154

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Independent Namib

Tel: 064 200497

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Issue 154 - Thurs, 25 June 2015 to Wed, 01 July 2015

Diamond Arrow Winner Best Community Newspaper 2014

Namibians can only develop self-sustainability through concerted facilitation and empowerment of the Namibian populace in the core activities of the economy.

Walvis Bay Private High School victorious against reigning champions, Windhoek Gymnasium.

Namport CEO, Bisey /Uirab on the implementation of Namport's new procurement policies.

See Page 10

See Page 4

Kudu Building gets a face lift

See Page 8

Swimmers, Ulla Gossow-Buttner, Sandy Le Roux and Bobby Jo Bassingthwaighte are three Swakopmund ladies who are going to make history and swim the English Channel in August for a 'Strokes for Earth' environment awareness campaign. (Photo Donna Collins)

Three women to conquer The Dragan’s Lair

the English Channel Swakopmund ladies swimming for mother earth Donna Collins Brave and daring is one way to describe three 40-something Swakopmund women, who are going to make history in August when they attempt to conquer the English Channel in a never-done-before mission - a 'Strokes for Earth' driven effort to raise awareness for the environment.

Bobby-Jo Bassingthwaighte, Sandy Le Roux and Ulla Gossow-Buttner will be flying out on 19 August, 2015 to Folkstown to splash off from 'Shakespeare Beach' in Dover, where they will embark on a three day swim across the English channel to France

and back. The girls will have over 30 hours of swimming to cover a 90 kilometre stretch.

Whilst Bobby, Ulla and Sandy could be termed as ordinary Namibian women, who hold down jobs, have children and are not Olympic swimmers, what they have set out to do is extraordinary. In fact, they will be the first three women in the world to ever attempt a two-way relay crossing through the icy English Channel. And to do this they have been given the green light by the Channel Swimming Association (CSA), an international body which has laid down strict rules and regulations.

It is one thing crossing the English Channel, but another dodging the

many boats and vessels that have turned this waterway into one of the busiest routes between two countries. The women will be accompanied by a fishing boat manned by back up crew members, a boat pilot, and CSA observer.

"Our challenges are the distance, the cold, the boat traffic, jelly fish, sea sickness and fatigue," said Bobby Jo, who was the first Namibian woman to finish a swim across the English channel in 1999, and knows what she is talking about.

Continued on Page 2

Brave victim of paedophilia faces her abuser Julia Hango A 63-year old Serbian man, Dragan Vujicin, appeared in the Swakopmund Magistrate court last week Thursday to receive sentencing for the alleged sexual abuse of four minors.

The investigation of the case unearthed sordid details in which the main complainant and several friends alleged that they were not only molested by Vuljicin, but were also paid to perform sexual acts on him.

Dragan Vuljicin’s case was postponed to 16 November and his bail has been extended. It is understood that all investigations have been finalised and the docket is ready for the Prosecutor General

to make a final decision regarding this case.

Vuljicin’s first victim was his step daughter, whom he allegedly molested for nine years. Lucy Witts is now a mother of 2, wife, businesswoman and filmmaker. She was born in Cape Town and moved to Swakopmund when she was 3 years old. She is currently making a documentary about her experiences and in an interview with the Namib Independent, she recalls how it all started.

“My mom was going through a tumultuous time after her divorce from my biological father. I remember Dragan being very attentive, and he doted on me. It started slowly and progressively.” Today Lucy is 41 and Continued on Page 3

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News

Thursday, 25 June 2015

Three women to conquer the English Channel

Contact Us Tel (+264 64) 200 497 Email info@namibindependent.com.na Sales Lorna Bock 081 558 1263 lorna@namibindependent.com.na Wouter Deysel 081 437 8678 wouter@namibindependent.com.na Rita Potgieter 081 150 5455 rita@namibindependent.com.na Gareth Amos 081 129 2157 gareth@namibindependent.com.na Editorial Sharon Brooks sharon@namibindependent.com.na Design Maggie’s Attic Graphic Design sonya4maggiesattic@gmail.com 081 129 2158 Address

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Disclaimer: Namib Independent is published by Halfround Communications CC. All rights are reserved. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within, no liability can be accepted by the publishers or contributors for any errors, misstatements or omissions which may have occurred. The opinions expressed in the publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Also, the publishers accept no legal liability regarding copyright ownership for material which was supplied directly to the publishers by any of the advertisers or contributors.

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Swakopmund ladies swimming for Continued from Page 1 mother earth Bobby Jo has been ranked as one of only 500 people in the world to successfully cross the English Channel, and based on her first experience, was inspired to get a Namibian team together and change the dynamics of the swim, and turn it into something that had not been attempted before.

Now joined by two team members it's ready, steady, and go as they embark on a stringent training regime that will prepare them for a test of their endurance against some of the most gruelling conditions.

But since all three ladies are from Swakopmund, they are acclimatising their bodies to the uncomfortably cold temperatures, by swimming daily a stretch in our own freezing Atlantic ocean. Their practice regime is in itself worth a hand clap, as on most mornings the girls are up before the sun rises, and do a brisk multiple lap stint at the large old country club swimming pool. And before most people have had their first cup of coffee they head on down to the Mole and brave the nippy morning sea in temperatures of around 12 degrees on a good day.

Training and planning started back in August last year, but gathered momentum in March, as the swimmers worked on sharpening their fitness levels as well as preparing themselves

mentally for what lies ahead.

No wet suits in are sight, only specially designed black full piece costumes with the Namibian flag are going to be worn by the three swimmers, who will wear at least six costumes each during the swim . A lot of logistical preparations are also underway to make sure they are well fed and hydrated for the anticipated 30 hours in the water.

"Our swim is to raise awareness for the planet, and we wanted to do something worthy, in particular a cleanup campaign and fund raiser closer to our doorstep," said Bobby Jo, adding that since all three swimmers are from the coast, their passion lies with ocean, the marine environment and protection of the beaches from Walvis Bay to Henties Bay. She added that so far four major companies have donated substantially towards the 'Strokes for Earth' cause by branding large rubbish collection skips.

The sponsors are M&Z Motors Coastal, Premier Construction, the Lighthouse Group and Bannerman Resources, as well as Rennies Travel and Air Namibia who are supporting their flight.

In addition Radio Wave are on board to keep the public updated both leading up to and during the event. 'Strokes for Earth' is on Facebook for further information.

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News

Thursday, 25 June 2015

How greedy developers inflate property prices Jade McClune

The CEO of Swakopmund Municipality has revealed the extent of profiteering by private developers operating in the housing market.

During a briefing on the implementation of Council’s Strategic Five-Year Plan, CEO Eckart Demasius pointed out that some developers were charging 18 times more than the cost of actual construction.

In his presentation Demasius showed that Council developed far more than the planned 500 erven per year and was able to offer subsidised land to low-income residents as part of the Build Together Scheme for as little as N$6900 for a 300m² erf.

He said the cost of servicing these erven was around N$61.35/m². They were then sold at a subsidised rate of N$23/m². He pointed out however, that in certain areas erven are being put on the market by private developers for N$405,000 for a 600 m². “This represents [a cost of] N$675.00/m², or a profit of 400% based on development costs of N$167.38/m².”

He said Council’s upset price for erven includes 6% annual cost inflation plus 25% mark-up, which adds up to N$222.00/m². Using the example of Extension 15, he pointed out that the private developers of the area stood to make an eye-watering N$58.9 million in profit from the resale of that property.

He pointed to the impact private developers are having on land prices, using the example of business erven in Block 10. The whole block was put on sale for N$25 million and the developers stood to earn N$2,878.85/ m², whereas the actual construction costs were only N$167.38 per square metre.

This represents a profit margin of more than 17 times the actual construction costs. The decision to outsource the servicing of erven to private firms has cost the municipality hundreds of millions of dollars.

Affordability of land is possible, on condition that the land is developed and sold by Council only.

“The result is that Council now no longer has funds to finance our own

development of erven. Instead, we now have to call for proposals for the financing of developments by financial institutions in Namibia. Had Council developed all its erven, this would not be necessary and Council would not require financial support from government,” he said.

In his concluding remarks on the rising cost of erven, Demasius said “Affordability of land is possible, on condition that the land is developed and sold by Council only. Councils earn the profits and are in a sound financial position and are able to develop their towns further, and would thus not become a financial burden to the State.”

In total Swakopmund Council had made 5,606 erven available for development since 2011, far exceeding the minimum yearly projections of 500 serviced erven.

Since the launch of the Mass Housing Programme by former President Pohamba late in 2013, Swakopmund made 3034 erven available to private contractors for servicing and construction of homes, but the whole scheme has lately come apart. The scheme, which was hurriedly implemented prior to the 2014 elections, without proper financing mechanisms, has become widely ridiculed as the ‘mess housing scam’.

The minister of rural housing and development, Sophia Shaningwa, has meanwhile suspended the whole programme due to lack of funding.

Following the collapse of the scheme, the National Housing Enterprise now faces daunting lawsuits from construction companies they contracted to build houses throughout the country.

On such company, Power Onyeno, run by Paolo Shipoke, has now taken the government and NHE to court to recover over N$100 million they claim they are owed.

The CEO of the NHE, Vinson Hailulu, who headed the organisation tasked with implementing the mass housing scheme, has since resigned amid widespread criticism and acrimony over what officials have described as highly questionable tender procedures. Former housing minister Gen Namoloh said openly that the agreements between NHE and its contractors did not meet the qualification criteria and were against the public interest.

The Dragan’s Lair Brave victim of paedophilia faces her abuser Continued from Page 1 has embarked on a journey to share her story via her blog as well as a documentary that takes a good look at paedophile grooming. Recently, Lucy had an on camera interview with the self-confessed paedophile.

The last time I had any form of conversation with him I was 11. It was just after the secret had emerged that he had been molesting me for 9 years.

“The last time I had any form of conversation with him I was 11. It was just after the secret had emerged that he had been molesting me for 9 years.

It was a farewell conversation, but I have no recollection of it. It must have been a very traumatic time for my then 11-year-old brain. When the day in court wrapped up, he was waiting for me outside.

We agreed to meet at a nearby coffee shop. My family would not hear of leaving me to face this conversation alone. They sat inside the cafe, waiting to catch me if I fell apart while I sat with him outside.

“We sat face to face. His legs ajar, ready to pounce on me. My shoulder turned in to him…keeping a little distance, but my feet squared, firmly on the ground below me. I felt like I was in my power. I had to accomplish one thing and one thing only. I had to persuade him to go on camera and give me full disclosure. I explained that I would testify against him in the trial, and asked if, even so, he would be willing to answer my questions for full international exposure.

His answer was ‘I have always loved you and I still love you.

I will do anything you want.’ “ Lucy continued, “With

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nowhere to hide, he told me his truth. He started with the first time he met me and ended with the last time he saw me. In between I learnt how he groomed me and countless other girls as young as 3 – because according to him, ‘Age doesn’t matter; the response is all the same.’ He explained how he ‘hoped that she would learn to accept the way things were and legally become his wife.’ He told me that I ‘was such a good child.’ He had ‘no problems’ with me. He crafted his technique of gauging a girl’s interest based on her reaction to him exposing himself. He explained how he built the trust of young children in order to have ‘sexual flings’ with them, and so much more.”

When asked where she got the courage to finally tell her story she said, “I’ve never not ‘had the courage’ to speak about it. I have always spoken about it and don’t see it as courageous. To me it is simply my reality.

The shift has come in people and society’s willingness to listen and pay attention. It has always been such a taboo subject, but the reality is that just less than half of women and slightly fewer (but not much) men, have actually had similar experiences. So the adults of today do want to talk about it. They just need to be ‘given permission’ to speak openly by being exposed to platforms where there are people speaking shamelessly, un-dramatically and candidly about it. By ‘giving permission’, what I mean is that when we hear others talking we feel that if they can, so can we.

And we do.”

Lucy uses Facebook to share her story and to provide an open platform for people who might have gone through the same experiences, those who are still going through it and those who simply want to learn more about paedophilia. She says, “This support is new and you will find that it is a specific number and consistent group of people. On the back end statistics, you will see that as quickly as people ‘like’ my page, there are people who ‘unlike’ the page. The people against my journey are not verbal about being against it. They just say nothing. Which is okay. Put it this way… I have nearly 1000 ‘friends’ on Facebook. Only 190 of them follow The Dragan’s Lair. And that’s okay.”

Paedophilia is described as a psychiatric disorder in which an adult or older adolescent experiences a primary or exclusive sexual attraction to prepubescent children, generally age 11 years or younger. As a medical diagnosis, specific criteria for the disorder extend the cut-off point for prepubescence

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to age 13. A person who is diagnosed with paedophilia must be at least 16 years of age, but adolescents must be at least five years older than the prepubescent child for the attraction to be diagnosed as paedophilia.

Modern Western society views the expression of sexuality as a primary component of human identity. As sex leads to the creation of life, it is indeed an essential human act. Yet the West is currently trying to isolate sex as a pleasurable, inconsequential form of recreation. The issue rears its head in the latest definition of "paedophile" in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM V). In it the American Psychiatric Association (APA) drew a very distinct line between paedophilia and paedophilic disorder.

Paedophilia refers to a sexual orientation or profession of sexual preference devoid of consummation, whereas paedophilic disorder is defined as a compulsion and is used in reference to individuals who act on their sexuality. Yet if being attracted to minors is now only considered an orientation, how soon until we must accept the practice of pedophilia as a right to define oneself?

When asked whether she had any advice to people currently living in silence that have gone through the same experience Lucy said “Speak out! And then find someone who has experienced it to speak to on an ongoing basis. It is very natural to go through various phases of anger, hate, sadness, rebellion, denial and even euphoria. Your life is not governed by your past.

You can make decisions to take control of your world. You can do it alone - but it’s easier not to.”

Lucy plans on speaking openly to people who want / need to hear it. “I have been in film for 20 years in one way or another, so this is the medium I know for now. I’m open to new mediums though. Writing for example is brand new to me.

I am signing up for a criminal psychology degree from next year via correspondence so that I can get involved in the counselling of both survivors and perpetrators. I am fortunate to have the ability to see both sides of the phenomenon without judgement or blame.” Follow Lucy’s story and progress of her upcoming film on her Facebook page, The Dragan’s Lair.

News

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Thursday, 25 June 2015

Namport changes procurement policies in line with poverty eradication Sharon Brooks In line with the Namibian Government’s focus on poverty eradication in the country, Namport CEO Bisey /Uirab announced last week that Namport’s Board of Directors have taken a strategic decision to undertake a complete overhaul on the approach to procurement of goods and services that

will encourage broader participation from Namibians, and more specifically, previously disadvantaged Namibians, in the procurement process of Namport. /Uirab says, “It can never be overemphasised that, whereas redress of historical imbalances remains imperative, Namibians can only develop self-sustainability through concerted facilitation and empowerment of the Namibian

populace in the core activities of the economy. Namport is committed to playing its part in this regard.”

According to /Uirab, Namport tenders now require “mandatory participation of Namibian registered entities whereby at least fifty one percent effective ownership of the tendering entity is held by Namibian nationals of which thirty percent must be previously disadvantaged Namibian nationals or joint venture

Maersk Namibia (Pty) Ltd holds a vacant position: Sales Support & Counter Administrator Reports to the Business Performance Manager Key Responsibilities:

1.

• • • • • • • • •

Counter Administration Check status of customer accounts prior to release Check internal classification of customer whether Cash/Credit or Black listed customer Ensure all invoices settled prior release of relevant shipments Approve Freight Release in GCSS wherever required Immediate Update & receipting in SAP of all payments received at our office/EFT Consolidate all monies received and arrange deposit on a daily basis.

Assist auditors/GSC to ensure smooth pre-lim and final audit Ensure all invoices sent to GSC for processing Ensure all petty cash items are manually accounted for where GSC will be responsible for the processing • In case of cash advances related to travel you will be required to ensure all invoices are received and attached to the relevant journals in SAP 2. Sales Support • Support the sales team to manage and grow assigned accounts in line with the organisational strategies, goals, policies and processes • Builds a good understanding of target customers and their business • Maximises the impact of transactional sales through effective probing and lead qualification • Provides a personalised service and builds relationships with customers • Tracks competitor information and market trends and suggests required action • Formulates and manages service contracts with customer • Communicates service or rate changes, notable trends, policies and other relevant information to assigned accounts • Assists with processing price quotes and rate negotiations • Ensures customer relationship management tools are updated on time and are of an excellent quality • Is typically responsible for supporting a small/medium size impact client base in any size cluster • Follow up on open opportunities

Required Competencies:

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Listening and verbal communication skills Planning and organizing ability Problem Solving Analytical skills Commercial knowledge and willingness to develop same Influencing Skills Ability to coach and develop others Performance management ability Good sense of urgency Ability to perform under pressure Code 08 License Knowledge of the SAP system would be considered an advantage

Applications close: 6 July 2015

We encourage applications from Namibian citizens or those holding valid documents to work in Namibia. Please apply via our recruitment website: www.maersk.com Maersk Line is the world’s largest container shipping company, known for reliable, flexible and ecoefficient services. We provide ocean transportation in all parts of the world. We serve our customers through 374 offices in 116 countries. We employ 7,000 seafarers and 25,000 land-based employees and operate 580 container vessels. We market our services through the following brands: Maersk Line, Safmarine, MCC Transport (Intra-Asia), Seago Line (Intra-Europe), Mercosul (Brazil), and SeaLand (From 2015 Intra- Americas). Maersk Line is part of the Maersk Group, headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. The Group employs about 88,900 people in around 135 countries.

formats.”

The new procurement policy does not exclude non-Namibian or nonpreviously disadvantaged Namibians, but rather encourages joint ventures and broader participation of Namibians and previously disadvantaged Namibians in Namport’s procurement. /Uirab acknowledges that, due to the development stage of Namibia, some goods and services will have to be sourced from foreign companies.

In these cases, /Uirab says that foreign companies will be required to join with Namibian entities in order to meet the new procurement guidelines. In addition, written commitment on social responsibility in Namibia will also be required from these foreign companies.

“In so doing, skills are necessarily transferred to Namibian partners in the ventures and downstream, and puts

Namibia, as a nation, in a better stead to be self-provisioning.”

A public forum will be held in due course to further explain the Namport procurement strategy to the public. /Uirab went on to proudly announce that, since the drive was implemented in August 2014, there has been significant growth in the value of goods and services provided by Namibian owned companies and entities in which previously disadvantaged Namibians have direct ownership and participation. “Historically complex activities within the ports at Walvis Bay and Lüderitz are now being done by locals while meaningful and successful joint ventures have been conceived between local entities and foreign companies. The positive spin offs to the broader Namibian economy cannot be overstressed.”

Vicious armed

robbery in Meersig Julia Hango Last week, in the early hours of Friday morning, five to six men broke into a house in Meersig, and after violently attacking the occupants, made off with items valued at N$300,000.

It is alleged that the men entered the home at roughly 1am through a window that had been left open. Two men went on to search through the house while four of the men entered the bedroom where they woke the complainant and his wife demanding money.

When the culprits were told that there was no money in the house, the three of the men started hitting the complainant with steel pipes while the fourth began assaulting his wife. One of the suspects is said to have retrieved a knife from the kitchen which he used to cut the complainant on his right thigh, causing a superficial wound.

The suspects then tied both the home owners’ hands and feet together using rope. They then kicked and hit the husband with pipes while covering his wife’s mouth with a towel. Both victims were admitted to the Welwitschia hospital. The couple are said to be recovering from their physical injuries, but are still emotionally traumatised.

The complainant is said to be the owner of a fishing company in Walvis Bay. According to detective chief inspector Erastus IIkuyu, the suspects escaped with items valued at N$300,000 including a land cruiser which they used to flee the scene. Other items stolen include a flat screen TV, a Sony camera, three cell phones and jewellery. The land cruiser was subsequently found abandoned in Kuisebmond and as of going to press, no arrests have been made.

Bail granted to accused

Independence Beach murderer Sharon Brooks Jomo Petrus, who is accused of fatally shooting his girlfriend Louise Alupe (24) at Independence Beach last year, was granted bail of N$4 000 by the Walvis Bay magistrates court on Monday this week.

The bail conditions state that Petrus will have to report to the police station every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and will be required to remain within the Walvis Bay city limits.

He will have to hand in all his travel documents and will not be allowed to apply for new documents. Another condition set out by the court is that he may not, under any circumstances, interfere with witnesses involved in the case. Petrus is due to appear in court again on 22 July 2015.

Though Petrus has not posted bail as yet and still remains in custody, members of the public are outraged that bail has been granted. One

Louise Roxey Alupe - Victim of the Independence Beach shooting last year. resident says, “Women are being killed by their husbands and boyfriends every day lately, and they say we must stop gender based violence, but then this man is allowed to go free for only N$4000? Is that what a life is worth?”

News

Thursday, 25 June 2015

Counterfeit notes in Walvis Bay

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 DrAughtSMAN Location: Husab Mine, Swakopmund Reports to the Superintendent Drawing Office

Sharon Brooks It has recently come to light that counterfeit N$200 notes are being circulated in Walvis Bay. According to the Bank of Namibia, the easiest way to detect a counterfeit banknote from a genuine note is through a combination of eight security features on the banknotes, but one need only check three to detect fake notes.

One such feature is a watermark depicting Captain Hendrik Witbooi on the N$50, N$100 and N$200 banknotes. The watermark can be seen when the note is held up against the light, matching the main portrait.

Another feature is the colour shifting security thread.

On the front side of the note, a colour changing thread should form a solid line and on the back side, a dotted line with the word "BoN" should appear.

Finally, feel the banknote by identifying the raised ink on the Braille dot(s).

If you suspect a note of being counterfeit, it is important to report this at your nearest police station as the reproduction of images of the Namibian currency is a criminal offence. This means that upon conviction, a person is liable to a fine of N$100 000 or seven years imprisonment.

Coast’s coolest

Dad to be announced next week Sharon Brooks The Namib Independent would like to thank everyone who sent in photos of local Dad’s doing amazing things for the love of their children, proving that superheroes really do exist, and are living right here at the coast!

Entries for the competition are now closed, but watch this space because the winners will be announced in next week’s edition of the Namib Independent.

Co.Reg. 21/99/271

VACANCY EXPERIENCED CAMBRIDGE ART & DESIGN TEACHER The ideal candidate will have a BA in Arts, Design & Art History, an MA in Fine Arts, experience in teaching, organizing and managing all aspects of the subject: the theory, practical lessons, examinations and be familiar with academic selfgovernance. In return we will offer the opportunity of working in an innovative & supporting school with pupils who are motivated to succeed.

Only short listed candidates will be interviewed. Closing date for applications: 15 July 2015.

Contact the secretary: +264 (0)64 - 203995

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To prepare detailed drawings in various disciplines (i.e. mechanical, structural, architectural and civil) according to specifications.

Key Performance Areas:

• • • • • • • •

Prepares detailed drawings from sketches, marked up prints, layouts and documentation for approval and construction processes.

Conducts site visits to gather necessary information and measurements.

Assists in preparing flow sheets from engineers or metallurgists’ sketches.

Makes revision to existing drawings, arithmetic computations using standard formulas for dimension, scale and area.

Effectively prepares working diagrams of plant, equipment and mechanical devices.

Layouts and draws schematic, orthographic or angle views.

Freehand sketches of design, traces for reproduction of blueprints.

Provides documentation, detailed instructions, drawings or specification to superior and recommends how devices, parts, equipment or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained or used.

• Assists in maintaining the office filing system to support smooth running of the section.

• Produces material and bolt lists from drawings on requests.

• Adheres to all Safety, Health, Environmental, Radiation and Quality Effectiveness policies and procedures.

Requirements and experience: • Grade 12 plus National Diploma N6/T3 or equivalent technical qualification,

• • • • •

Completed a recognized draughting apprenticeship.

Architectural Draughting Diploma will be a distinct advantage.

Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a drawing office, with at least 3 years in a project environment.

Experience in a Drawing Office with exposure to structural and mechanical draughting in a mining or related environment.

Code B driver’s Licence

Email: psujobs.eng@cgnpc.com.cn Deadline: 3 July 2015

SuPErINtENDENt: OrgANISAtIONAL DEVELOPMENt Location: Husab Mine, Swakopmund Reports to the OD and Performance Manager To provide a comprehensive organizational development services by using various methodology, rules and practices, to build a sustainable organizational climate and culture that drives employee engagement in order to effectively contribute to achieving the departmental strategic objectives.

Key Performance Areas: • Execute and coordinate all non-technical training and skills development initiatives according to company training matrix to ensure • • • •

operational skills requirements are met; Oversee and management the training administration system and processes; Compile and intercept contractual agreements between company and trainees and recommend terminations where appropriate; Prepare and recommend relevant training programs; source and design internal training material for in-house training; Implement Skills Levy requirements;

Organizational Development Effectiveness:

• Implement organizational development initiatives in line with the Company’s organizational objectives and make recommendation to the OD Manager on appropriate OD initiatives; • Conduct and facilitate performance management training and assists with administration of annual performance reviews; • Oversee, coordinate and make recommendations on assessment batteries suitable for SU operations; • Review job descriptions and ensure an appropriate job description database is maintained; • Implement annual talent and succession plans; • Performs all associated administration in terms of the Affirmative Action plan, policies and understudy programs; • Maintains the organizational management system, transitional structures, reporting lines, levels of work and update as and when required; • Maintain training and events database for skills audit purposes; • Maintains and updates the HR policy and procedure matrix.

Organizational Culture and Change Management:

• Drives the organizational culture initiatives and conduct employee engagement surveys; • Sustains momentum on organizational culture initiatives and focusing on building and sustaining the Company’s organizational culture; • Supports effective organizational culture changes by facilitating and implement change management programs; • Co-worker effectiveness; • Safety, Health, Environmental, Radiation and Quality effectiveness

Requirements and experience:

• B Tech Degree in Human Resources Management/Organizational Development or Behavioral Science degree major in Industrial Psychology/Organizational Development. An Honors Degree will be a distinct advantage.

• 7 Years’ experience in the OD and Training environment of which 3 years should have been on supervisory level.

• Sound understanding of human behavior, business management and operations, key learning and OD interventions, tools and practice.

• Working knowledge of MS Office and SAP OM and Training and Events Management.

• Experience in the mining industry is a distinct advantage.

• Code B Driver’s License.

Email: recruitment@cgnpc.com.cn Deadline: 3 July 2015 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 OR or hand delivered to Husab Tower, c/o Leutwein and Nathaniel Maxuilili street Swakopmund by the above mentioned deadline. Enquiries can be directed to the Recruitment Team at 064 410 9000. 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

6

News

Thursday, 25 June 2015

Shaningwa cracks the whip on dodgy land deals VACANCY WITH THE EXPANSION OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND INCREASING BUSINESS, NAMPORT IS LOOKING AT EXPANDING AND REVITALISING ITS WORKFORCE AND SOURCING THE HUMAN CAPITAL REQUIRED FOR THE ANTICIPATED GROWTH. DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES? IF SO, WE ARE LOOKING FOR VIBRANT INDIVIDUALS TO BE PART OF THE NEXT GENERATION AT NAMPORT!

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• Competently pilot vessels within the port limits and assist with port administration • Responsible for carrying out all marine duties as stipulated in the Namibian Ports Authority Act, 1994 (Act No. 2 of 1994) • Promote and extend the business of Namport • Protect and safeguard Namport’s goodwill, property and assets • Responsible for the training and development of Namibian Trainees: Pilots and staff in the Marine Department through the transfer of skills and knowledge, coaching and mentoring • Produce progress quarterly reports on the training, identify training needs and make recommendations • Maintain an appropriate degree of competence • Assist the Port Captain with the general operations of the marine service.

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• Knowledge and experience of Safety and Environmental ISO 14001, ISO 19001 and NOSA standards • Well-coordinated and able to command respect from Ship’s Masters • Strong communication, supervisory and decision-making skills • Able to work independently and be highly flexible • The candidate must be a: - Namibian citizen; OR - a permanent residence holder • In the event that we must appoint a candidate from foreign country, a police clearance certificate from the country of origin will be required • Must be medically fit and have good eyesight.

Interested applicants are invited to apply in writing and attach a CV with certified copies of qualifications to Human Resources Practitioner - Namibian Ports Authority, Insel Street, P.O. Box 836, Lüderitz, Namibia as soon as possible, but no later than 3 July 2015. All hand-delivered applications must be signed into our submission list.

Previously disadvantaged groups, especially differently-abled persons and women, are encouraged to apply. Only interviewed candidates will be notified, neither documents nor CVs will be returned.

No faxed applications will be accepted.

Enquiries: Human Resources Practitioner Tel: (063) 200 2064 Email: f.daniel@namport.com.na In terms of DM Regulations as well as the STCW ‘95 Regulations, all shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo and pass DMA Medical and Fitness Test.

Jade McClune The no-nonsense minister of urban and rural development Sophia Shaningwa put her foot down earlier this month when she placed a total ban on the sale of unserviced municipal land to private developers.

In view of the minister’s directive and the mounting housing crisis the CEO of Swakopmund, Eckhart Demasius said during his review of the implementation of the town’s four-year strategic plan (2011-2015) last week that they face a number of obstacles in meeting the demand, but have on average produced more than 1000 serviced erven per year since 2011.

In May 2014 Council openly acknowledged that since it introduced the policy of selling unserviced land to private firms the municipality lost out on potential income of more than N$590 million over the past decade.

The lost revenue would have been enough to fund the formalisation of the whole DRC settlement. Instead the cake was shared between only 12 developers.

In May Shaningwa told local authority leaders that she has “noted with great concern, that increasingly, members of public are lodging complaints about irregularities and favouritism in the way some local authorities are allocating urban land.

We should desist from allocating many stands to one individual or entity. Similarly, larger portions of land should not be allocated to one person or entity.”

She has insisted that the needs

of low-income households and first-time buyers be prioritised: "I would like to caution that land being allocated or sold through what I would term inconsiderate actions will not enjoy my signature.”

House prices have reached levels which make the prospect of housing a distant dream to most households.

Data shows that less than one in ten households can afford a low-cost house.

Shaningwa has since cracked the whip on the backs of developers who are coining it at the expense of residents and has taken a number of drastic measures during her first 100 days in office to address the housing crisis. Last month she completely suspended the dubious mass housing scheme run by the NHE [National Housing Enterprise] until all irregularities are ironed out.

She recently told stakeholders that they must devise ways “to normalise this abnormal situation created by greedy property speculators and a few developers who have no mercy for ordinary Namibians.”

In addition to the ban on the sale of unserviced land, on 4 June she instructed all local municipalities in writing to compile a register of all vacant land in their localities, whether serviced or not. The data will be used to develop a comprehensive plan on land delivery. They were due to submit this register by last week, although it is not yet clear at the time of writing, how many municipalities have complied.

“The ministry is in the process of devising an integrated plan on land delivery and the information we are requesting is crucial for this, and

New app aids in fight against poaching Sharon Brooks

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will help the ministry to articulate the land servicing needs and plans of local authorities better and in a coherent manner,” she wrote.

At the beginning of June, Shaningwa launched a new N$45 million electronic Urban Land Management Information Management System, which is expected to speed up and improve transparency in reporting on land applications and transactions.

“Land in different urban areas is being sold illegally and in other areas utilised for wrong purposes.

As such, revenue is lost from the sale or lease of land and there have been numerous irregularities taking place in many local authorities,” she said.

Meanwhile, the minister is undaunted by the Affirmative Repositioning group, a splinter group of the Swapo youth league, which has threatened to start land occupations on 31 July. Shaningwa was quoted last week as saying she had given municipal leaders a clear directive to respect every citizen that applied for land.

“I’m hoping those municipalities [such as Henties Bay] that have responded positively to the AR applicants have worked according to the list and attended to all those who applied first,” she reportedly said.

“If someone applied in 1999 for land that is available and that person is able to pay for the land, that town should allocate land to that applicant and not Sophia Shaningwa who applied in 2015, just because she is a minister. There should be absolutely no preferential treatment given to anyone when it comes to land allocations.”

One brave Namibian has taken a bold and innovative step in the fight against poaching through the development of a cell phone app that allows the public to report incidents of poaching or misuse of natural resources.

Frustration at the growing problem of poaching in Namibia prompted Fritz Kaufmann to get involved to help protect Namibia’s sensitive flora and fauna. He realised that patrolling vast areas of land in the hopes of running into poachers was counterproductive.

His solution was to devise a cell phone app that can be downloaded for free which allows members of the public to immediately report any suspicious activities, this information is then processed and passed on to relevant authorities, who with the location information, now have a far greater chance of catching poachers red handed. Kaufmann says, “If I can get the information, I have the most powerful tool in my hands.”

The Intelligent Support Against Poaching (ISAP) is free to download to any smartphone, and not only allows users to report poaching, but provides vital information on numerous topics, from how to prevent snake bites to lists of protected species as well as emergency contact numbers for MET, NAMPOL and

Fritz Kaufmann many more.

All the information is treated with the utmost confidentiality and users can be secure in the knowledge that the information will be forwarded to the relevant authorities for immediate action. Kaufmann insists that under no circumstances is any report that is received by the control room released to the public. In addition, ISAP also maps all the reports in order to identify hot spots for targeted patrol.

The app was launched last year and is financed by FNB along with other sponsors such as Office Economix and Namibia Breweries. ISAP is a non-profit organisation registered

under section 21, and is not only concerned with the poaching of Rhino or Elephant, but with the misuse of any natural resource.

The app even allows for farmers to report stock theft, and ISAP has been involved in the arrest of fisherman at the coast who were using worms as bait, just half an hour after the report was received, as well as being responsible for the capture of bush poachers who had been hunting Oryx. Most recently, ISAP conducted a sting operation in Windhoek which resulted, not only in the arrest of the culprit, but in the rescue and release of a Pangolin, all thanks to a report received from a member of the public.

ISAP started their educational campaign recently by visiting schools to share knowledge on poaching and to encourage learners to download the app, as the project can only be successful with the help of the public. It must be noted that although the app asks for a member’s login, this is only relevant for the second phase of the project, and one does not need to be a member to report incidents of poaching.

If you would like to get involved in ISAP, download the app free to your phone, or visit their Facebook page for more information on how you can help win the war against poaching.

News

Thursday, 25 June 2015

7

To beat or not to beat, that is the question society judges their worth, some turn their frustration inwards, or against their nearest and dearest, as they try under conditions of poverty, unemployment and social rejection, to regain a sense of lost manhood by resorting to violence.

Opinion - Jade McClune Reports of the brutal killing of two defenceless women by their partners in separate incidents in the north of Namibia over the past week have once again outraged the public.

Martha Iyambo (30) was reportedly raped and murdered in her bedroom by a former ‘boyfriend’, who broke into the house armed with a knife on Saturday.

Another teacher at Oshikoto was killed and burnt beyond recognition by her husband.

In another gruesome case before the courts last week, the alleged assailant is accused of stabbing his partner 27 times in the head and back at her home in Khomasdal. This kind of brutality is no longer isolated or rare. It has become frighteningly common.

Here at the coast we have all read with horror about women murdered in their beds or in the street and dumped in the garbage, of newborn babies found smothered in plastic bags and discarded in

the dunes by their mothers.

The rise of violence against women and children has over the past decade reached alarming proportions, and despite a solemn national prayer day called by the former president, it seems all the prayers in the world are not enough to curb the crisis.

Underlying causes There is however one aspect that politicians are overlooking when it comes to identifying the causes of domestic violence: Namibia is the second most unequal country in the world in terms of income distribution. The poorest million people only control 3% of the economy.

The top 5% controls 70%.

Namibia is also ranked third in Africa when it comes to consumption of alcohol. The extreme level of poverty and alcoholism is a deadly combination.

For many men, masculinity is tied to symbols of success and material wealth, and if unable to realise these forms of outward success by which

One in ten Yet at least one in ten victims of domestic violence is a man. So it is wrong to automatically cast men in the role of abusers and women in the role of victims. Life is more complex than that. Domestic violence is a two-way street.

Someone suggested recently that when women beat up on men (who are traditionally seen as dominant and more powerful) it is a form of women’s empowerment, but when men hit back it is downright abuse.

This will simply not wash. Blame is not enough. Understanding the underlying cause is needed.

The anger and frustration brought on by poverty and the widespread abuse of alcohol in our communities are key contributing factors. There is no way we can take on the problem without tackling the roots of the frustration: economic inequality, and without tackling alcohol abuse in our communities.

I am not suggesting there is one simple answer, because human psychology is complex, but the evidence suggests there is a strong link between domestic violence and financial stress on the household. When families are in tough economic times, tension in the home rises.

The level of violence is thus in a very real sense a direct reflection of the level of poverty and inequality that we have allowed to develop in Namibia and the deadly frustration it gives rise to.

Equal work for equal pay The evidence suggests that when women have financial independence they are less likely to remain – or even get involved – in abusive relationships.

Researchers found that where women are dependent on the income of the male partner, they are more likely to remain in abusive relationships, whereas financial independence makes it easier to leave such relationships.

On the other hand, a breakup can also bring on economic hardship, which is why many remain in abusive relationships This may explain why relatively equal societies such as Norway (where unemployment is below 5%) and Sweden also report the lowest rates of violence against women. They also have strong welfare support systems for victims, whereas we do not even have a shelter for victims of domestic violence.

The higher status of women in those countries is surely related to the fact that they do not have such a big gap between the rich and the poor; between the earnings of men and women. Scandinavian women have relatively higher social status and their earnings are more or less on par with men.

To tackle the problem,

lawmakers need to ensure that there is real gender equality in terms of income and wages, immediately.

That, at least, is entirely within their power. Assaulting a woman is bad enough, but paying her less for doing the same job as a man is also a form of violence.

Secondly, we must expose the devastating role of alcohol and stop glamorising alcohol abuse.

Despite what the liquor companies say, alcohol is one of the most socially destructive substances known to man. We need to find a way to curb its abuse.

Ban shebeens from residential areas.

No studies have been done on the impact of shebeens on the health of our communities since the new liquor licensing law was introduced in 2007. It would be useful to correlate the growing number of shebeens with the rising number of domestic violence and abuse cases.

Yet as any casual observer of the news will know, a vast number of assault cases, murders and deaths by road accident, are linked to alcohol abuse.

Exposing the impressionable youth to this dangerous drug is a form of violence against their tender minds. If we want to start diagnosing the cause of the rising tide of gender-based violence, we would do well to start by studying the psychological impact of alcohol abuse and extreme poverty on the mental health and wellbeing of the people.

Walvis Bay Corridor to uplift freight forwarders Donna Collins With huge volumes of freight cargo already moving out of Namport along the Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG), it is expected that once the new Namport container terminal facility is completed the figures are likely to triple the 850 000 tonnes stats recorded in 2013.

And through the upgrading of roads and railing infrastructure, the WBCG wants to prepare the freight forwarding sector to become better equipped and better trained in the field, in order to develop the corridor as the leading trade route in Southern Africa.

During a recent information session held at the Protea Hotel in Walvis Bay, some of the 'big' names in freight

forwarding were invited to discuss the AfDB (African Development Bank) funded 'International Federation for Freight Forwarders' Training course, as well as a logistics master plan.

Speaking at this event were Immanuel Shipanga (WBCG Manager Projects & Funding) and Clive Smith (Project Manager: WBCG Logistics Hub), who said the ultimate goal is to promote Namibia as a logistics hub and transit route for southern Africa with all the key elements in place.

"If the capacity in the next five years is eight times more than what it is now, we have to improve our freight forwarding service, customs handling as well as border management if we want to move more volumes," said Clive Smith.

He said that through this training course funded by the

WBCG, they are sensitising the freight industry to sharpen their skills. And that they will short list the entries received to a total of 70 who will be eligible for the diploma, of which 60% must be women.

Training will commence in August, and the course will be facilitated by an external examiner.

He explained that the training programme comprises of 14 modules and will take 148 hours to obtain the diploma, which is an internationally recognised qualification that will serve to upgrade the status of the beneficiary of the course and ultimately the company.

In attendance were amongst others, representatives from Woker Freight Services, Namport, Customs, Transworld Cargo, Kuehne & Nagel, individual attendants who are striving to become freight forwarders and many more.

"Since Namibia is an international logistics Hub for landlocked SADC countries, the future will see a lot of focus on the new port's terminal as well as the freight forwarding sector, transportation and all the key elements which will contribute towards the potential growth of this market.

Attending the WBCG Freight Forwarding meeting are Samuel Shoopala (Woker Freight Services), Leena Shimpanda and Ben Louw (Walvis Bay Customs) with Ellery Innes (LBH ShipsAgency) (Photos Donna Collins) "At present we don't have the capacity to handle the volumes, nor do we have the trucks to move the goods, he added."All the sectors involved in the freight forwarding industry need to prepare in response to the demand of what is to come."

All of this development is being driven by 'National Development Plan4' to reach the aims and ambitions of vision 2030.

Regionally, the Walvis Bay Corridors stimulate the economy by increasing the global competitiveness of both Namibia and its neighbouring countries. Increased use of infrastructure also contributes to the efficiency of the transport system, optimises the use of the existing transport network and reduces costs.

"Namibia has decided to transform itself into a logistics hub for Southern Africa, the Walvis Bay Corridor Group is playing a role as an executing agency for the Namibia master plan, which is initiated by Government, coordinated by the National Planning commission, the Ministry works and Transport, Ministry of Finance, Trade and Industry and The Walvis Bay Corridor Group," added Smith.

"The Port of Walvis Bay is a fully equipped port supported by a network of well-maintained tarred roads and railways system, which not only facilitates trade between SADC region and Europe, but increasingly with the Americas and the Far East."

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Thursday, 25 June 2015

Kudu Building gets a face lift Sharon Brooks

transformed into a structure worthy of it location at the centre of the coastal town. The strikingly modern exterior is complimented even further by freshly painted interiors with newly refurbished flooring, ceilings and store fronts.

The current occupants, which include Alexander Forbes, Fabulous, DMW and Orion Computers are thrilled with the new look and feel of the building and residents have said that the ultramodern style gives the area an air of sophistication and progress.

The Kudu Building, situated on the corner of 11th Road and Theo Ben Gurirab Street, has served as a landmark to Walvis Bay residents since its construction in 1964. Erna Muller became owner of the building after the passing of her father and began work last year on a much needed facelift for the iconic building.

Now that the renovations have been completed, the Kudu Building has been

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Thursday, 25 June 2015

BUILDING YOUR FUTURE

News

Ministry conducts alcohol awareness campaign

Sharon Brooks

We’ve made changes to match our great service Alexander Forbes Financial Services looks forward to seeing you in the recently refurbished Kudu Building in Walvis Bay. What’s important doesn’t change – and that’s our expert service to help you secure your financial well-being.

Contact us or visit us in our newly renovated building: Kudu Building Unit 5 Corner of Theo Ben Gurirab Avenue & 11th Road Walvis Bay Phone: 064 277 700 Fax: 061 378 619 Visit: www.alexanderforbes.co.za/namibia

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The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) in collaboration with the Coalition on the Reduction of Harmful Drinking (CORHD) and the Destiny Aftercare Group commemorated the International Day Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking through an awareness campaign, aimed at educating the community on responsible alcohol use and the dangers of substance abuse.

The campaign ran throughout the week and included information sharing groups at different work places including the Municipality of Walvis Bay, Transnamib, Namport, the Namibian Defence Force and the Walvis Bay Prison. Special attention was paid to the creation of Teenagers against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (TADA) groups at coastal schools to encourage the message to be spread by learners and employees throughout their communities.

Senior Social Worker Adelheid Lekobane led one such focus group at Transnamib. Her message was that whilst the ideal would be for Namibians to abstain from drinking altogether, this is not practical. Hence, if one must drink, one should do so responsibly, and educate oneself and one’s loved ones, of the affect that alcohol has on one’s body.

Lekobane went on to share information with the group on the acceptable amount of alcohol that can be consumed to minimise the risks associated with drinking. She stated that women can safely consume two bottles of beer while men can handle three bottles of beer; the same ratio is true for glasses of wine and shots of spirits. Lekobane further stressed that the practice of mixing alcohol is a dangerous one. If a person starts off drinking beer, he/she should try to stick to beer and should refrain from then switching to wine or spirits.

She also stated that responsible drinking awareness starts at home. If parents drink or do drugs in front of their children, they are giving the message that such behaviour is acceptable. She

said that a child forms their identity by copying the behaviour of their parents, so it is of utmost importance to be aware of how your actions affect your children. The Ministry handed out booklets to be given to children that contain information on the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse, and Lekobane encouraged the group to go home and have an open discussion with their children about the information contained in the booklet.

Another Social Worker, Monica Chikozho, outlined the programs available to the community to combat substance abuse, referring to weekly aftercare support groups held every Saturday at the clinic in Kuisebmond.

The groups provide both group and individual counselling to support addicts on their way to recovery. For the families of addicts, there are support groups that help families support and care for a loved one who is trying to recover. Information on financial management and stress management is also available through the aftercare program.

Through these meetings, social workers evaluate patients and if necessary will refer them to a rehabilitation centre for further treatment. If the patient can afford it, they will be referred to a private centre, otherwise the patient will be referred to the Etegameno Resource and Rehabilitation Centre in Windhoek, which is state owned, and admission fees can be as low as N$1000. Lekobane stressed that the decision to stop drinking should be done with adequate support, as the effect of withdrawal can be quite dangerous if not monitored.

Petty Officer Munango of the Namibian Navy, who is part of CORHD, weighed in on the discussion saying that the information received at the meeting should be communicated calmly, he stressed that he does not advise people to attempt to limit a loved one’s drinking by being aggressive as this would surely lead to violence. He said that we should instead try to learn from each other and create a common understanding.

He said that the campaign will be conducted on an annual basis saying “making society better is one of the greatest goals of being human”.

10

News

Thursday, 25 June 2015

Walvis Bay Private High School

rugby team defeats reigning champs Sharon Brooks The first teams of Walvis Bay Private High School (WBPHS) and Windhoek Gymnasium went head to head on Wednesday in one of the most highly anticipated matches of the Super League. WBPHS walked away as victors with a final score of 14 to 5.

Both teams were unbeaten going into the match, with Windhoek Gymnasium having won the league last year and WBPHS ranked third. Despite heavy winds, both teams started the match confident of their chances. The Windhoek Gymnasium coach, Vince Dreyer said “This is the team we have picked out as the ones to beat”.

The team from Windhoek arrived at the coast on Wednesday morning and left straight after the game. Dreyer said that despite the fact that both the captain and the lock were not able to play due to

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Willie van Zyl, coach of the WBPHS team said that the players had been preparing hard for this match

and had been practicing daily. Van Zyl added “There is a good chance they might win the league this year.”

WBPHS will next face off against HTS in Windhoek on Saturday for the FNB Classic Clashes.

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SWAKOPMUND SWAKOPMUND ATHLETICS STADIUM,VINETA Race Date: Saturday 27th June 2015 Race Commences: 07:00am Registration: Friday, 26th June 2015, 15:00 - 19:00 at Swakopmund Athletics Stadium.

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OSHAKATI INDEPENDENCE STADIUM Race Date: Saturday 11th July 2015 Race Commences: 07:00am Registration: Friday, 10th July 2015, 15:00 - 19:00 at Oshakati Independence Stadium.

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JAN Mร HR SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL Race Date: 1st August 2015 Race Commences: 07:00am Registration: Friday, 31st July 2015, 15:00 - 19:00 at Jan Mรถhr Senior Secondary School, Windhoek.

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Thursday, 25 June 2015

LANGER HEINRICH URANIUM (PTY) LTD A Member of the Paladin Energy Ltd Group of Companies (An Equal Opportunity Employer)

Invites suitably qualified and committed self driven candidates to apply for the following position at the mining operation in SWAKOPMUND, NAMIBIA.

Tension triggered over 'holy' Herero horns

PROJECTS SUPERVISOR CLOSING DATE: 10 JULY 2014

To apply for this position, please register on Sage Skills Map and apply online @ https://langer.jb.skillsmapafrica.com Position specifications can be viewed at above link.

For any assistance, please download the job seeker’s manual.

Please note that no hand delivered or emailed applications will be accepted.

WE HAVE MOVED OFFICE Donna Collins

How do I find Old Mutual’s New Walvis Bay Office?

OLDMUTUAL has bounced from one office to another. We have taken just a small hop around the corner from our previous location on the 2nd Floor of the Nedbank Building on the corner of Sam Nujoma Avenue and 11th Road, to new offices located at the Afcon Building, corner of 6th Street and 11th Road. Our move allows us to improve our level of service, with better parking and easier ground floor access for all our clients.

Our contact number of +264 64 21 9700 stays the same, alternatively you can find further information on www.oldmutual.com.na, or speak to your Personal Adviser.

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17/06/2015 14:28

Tension has been triggered between the German and Hereros over the removal of the sacred Herero horned cattle head which was taken down by the Municipality from their burial heritage site earlier this month, because it was said to be a "grotesque" eyesore for the coastal town.

The erected horns were from the sacrificed holy oxen at the funeral ceremony of late Paramount Herero Chief, Kuaima Reruako. One of his last requests was that this oxen head was to be placed as the seventh horned emblem, on top of the stone carved horned monument at the mass Herero/ Nama graves, as a symbolic gesture to carry on his legacy.

The 'holy' cattle head was also unveiled during a public ceremony by Ovaherero Paramount Chief Advocate Vekuii Rukoro at the recent genocide 'reparation walk" in Swakopmund, in memory of the thousands of OvaHerero/Nama who perished under the German genocide in camps in Swakopmund between 1904 and 1908.

But an e-mail doing the rounds within the Swakopmund council chambers has changed all that. Written by complainant Councillor Steinkopff on May 25, it reads, "I was informed by a member of the public that someone had tampered with the monument which was erected at the cemetery, and when I visited the site I was disgusted to see an ugly skinned cattle head topping it.

"I am at a loss to understand why when I brought it to the attention of the Mayor's office; I was told it is a sensitive issue and that no immediate action had taken place to take down this unsightly grotesque caricature."

While fingers were pointed directly

at Councillor Kaapehi in the e-mail, who is also chairperson Ovaherero/ Ovabanderu Genocide Committee at the coast, no communication with the Herero community followed. And just recently an order to remove the horns from the Herero burial site, was carried out by a Municipal worker. The 'holy' horns have since been put into a Municipal storeroom to gather dust.

Speaking out this week about this disturbing and disrespectful behaviour towards the Herero nation and their culture, Councillor Kaapehi said that the "Germans are opening up old wounds."

"How would the Germans feel if the Hereros went on a rampage to tear down their beloved statues of German soldiers erected in our towns, because it is the same principle?

"We demand an apology for this behaviour, and we demand that our sacred cattle head is restored back to where they found it at our burial site," he added saying that they are waiting for council to call a meeting to discuss the matter amicably.

Meanwhile a senior spokesperson from Council said that they were never approached to amend this monument and that the necessary channels to make changes to public property were not followed.

"We don't mind the Hereros having their cultural beliefs, but they did not apply to put up this cattle head and in the process two horns have been broken and damaged," the spokesperson said.

"It doesn't go about which culture it is, everyone needs permission from Council if they want to make changes or arrangements."

When Steinkopff was asked for his opinion on the matter this week, he answered abruptly, "No comment, we are busy trying to resolve this matter."

News

Thursday, 25 June 2015

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Worldwide

Thursday, 25 June 2015

Worldwide

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The Earth stands on the brink of its sixth mass extinction Life on Earth is in trouble. That much we know. But how bad have things become – and how fast are events moving? How soon, indeed, before the Earth’s biological treasures are trashed, in what will be the sixth great mass extinction event?

There are many millions of species, many elusive and rare, and inhabiting remote and dangerous places. There are too few skilled biologists in the field to keep track of them all.

Demonstrating beyond reasonable doubt that any single species is extinct, is arduous and painstaking.

Gerardo Caballos and his colleagues at the National Autonomous University of Mexico have thought through these difficulties, and in a recent report have come up with probably the most robust estimate yet of how severe the modern crisis is. They have been deliberately conservative, but even with this caution, the figures are still

shocking. Rather than the nine extinctions among vertebrates that would be expected to have occurred in normal geological circumstances since 1900, their conservative estimate adds in another 468 extinctions, spread among mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish.

Examples of lost species would include the Yangtze dolphin and the Costa Rica golden toad. Depending on the group, extinction rates are 10 times to more than 100 times higher than normal. A sixth mass extinction, therefore, is beginning. They estimate that it would grow to rival the last great catastrophe of the past, when the dinosaurs and much else died out 65 million years ago, in as little as three human lifetimes.

Once more, this is a conservative estimate. It simply considers the kill mechanisms operating today, of habitat loss, predation, pollution and so on.

The Caballos projection does

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not try to factor in, for instance, the effects of global warming, or of ocean acidification. Once these kick in in earnest, they will sweep many species out of their habitability zones, and ratchet up the extinction rate still further.

Past extinctions have been driven by what are now becoming very familiar horsemen of a planetary apocalypse: massive volcanic outbursts to choke the atmosphere and poison the seas; the mayhem caused by major asteroid impact; and the wrenching effects of rapid climate change. None of these has really figured in the current biological crisis – not even climate change, which is still only in its early stages. Instead, the extinctions are being driven by the effects of just one single species, Homo sapiens. In all, our single species now commandeers somewhere between 25% and 40% of primary productivity on Earth. This productivity “hyperfertilises” large areas of land by the extraction of millions of tons of nitrogen from the air and by digging comparable amounts of phosphate from the ground.

These super-fed crops are fed, highly efficiently, to farm animals, that we eat in turn. The scale of this operation is a large reason for the scale of the ongoing mass extinction of other organisms.

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Measured by mass, humans now make up a third of land vertebrates, and the animals that we keep to eat – cows, pigs, sheep and so on – make up most of the other two thirds. All the wild animals – elephants, giraffes, tigers and so on – are now less than 5% by mass. It’s a measure of how they have been pushed to the fringes by humans. Humans change things in other ways – they now direct the evolution of the animals that are useful to them, by breeding and by genetic engineering. The energy our species obtains from photosynthesis is not enough, and so we mine stored photosynthetic energy from the ground, as hydrocarbons, in enormous amounts, and use that to power our machines.

The changes to the Earth’s biology do, therefore, include a rapidly developing mass extinction event, as charted by Gerardo Caballos and his colleagues.

Averting a mass extinction is still possible – but we don’t have much time.

Source: http://www.theguardian.com

Samsung’s ‘Safety Truck’ Shows The Road Ahead On Screen

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Semi-trailers are dangerous and stressful obstacles when drivers try to pass them, so Samsung has come up with a great way to make things a little bit easier for other drivers; they’ve attached giant TVs to the back so that drivers can see the road ahead before trying to pass.

According to Samsung’s video, almost one person dies in a traffic accident every hour in Argentina, so the need for something like their ‘Safety Truck’ is definitely there. The system is simple, though perhaps a bit costprohibitive – a small camera on the front broadcasts a live feed of the road to the screens on the back. There’s even a night-vision mode for night-time driving.

The truck’s prototype has already been tested, though no models are currently on the road. Samsung claims to be working together with local governments to figure out how to optimize the system for live road use. “So far Samsung has been able to confirm that the technology works and that this idea can definitely save the lives of many people,” they write.

Source: http://www.boredpanda.com

Motoring

Thursday, 25 June 2015

motoring

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A Fusion of beauty and cutting-edge technology headlamp design.

Inside, Fusion drivers are greeted by a digital analogue instrument cluster, while a sleek, wrap-around centre console design delivers a sporty, cockpit-like feel.

The all-new Ford Fusion is dubbed the most technologically advanced mass produced vehicle yet to come from Ford Refined unique designs “Our design goal for the new car was to give the mainstream sedan buyer a top-drawer visual experience, adding some emotional appeal to an already sensible choice,” said Chris Hamilton, chief exterior designer.

The model features a sleek profile characterised by sweeping lines, thin roof pillars, as well as polished exhaust tips and adaptive LED headlamps and taillights, combining full-LED headlamps with Ford’s “Adaptive Front Lighting System” to enhance the driver’s view of surroundings.

The sophisticated and technical front-end design features Ford’s more prominent trapezoidal grille, a power-dome bonnet and adaptive, slim-line, laser-cut

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Advanced materials help improve vehicle strength Advanced materials have also been used on the model, including high-strength steels, magnesium and smart plastic, as well as an innovative hydro-forming production method which is used to produce the A-pillars, B-pillars and roof rails – further improving the vehicle’s strength.

The recycled Front Energy Absorber, designed to meet pedestrian protection requirements also helped in delivering body structure weight savings of up to 115kg for the 1.5-litre EcoBoost model.

“The weight saved during development has been carefully reinvested into fuel-saving features such as aero-shields and Auto-Start-Stop technology; comfort and convenience features; and a stronger and safer body structure,” says Ulrich Koesters, Vehicle Line Director of Ford of Europe.

“We’ve improved the strength of safety relevant areas by 40%, and verified the performance with thousands of computer simulations and more than 180 real-world crash tests.”

The all-new Ford Fusion offers a number of driver assistance and convenience technologies based on sensors, cameras and radar that enable the car to see and respond. These include the Lane Keeping System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Park Assist and Blind Spot Information System.

(Available on certain models only and not included in base pricing) The Fusion also enhances comfort and convenience for drivers with a power-

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adjustable, memory-equipped steering column, Ford Multi-Contour Seats with unique Active Motion massage function, Ford’s SYNC 2 connectivity system with Bluetooth and voice control, as well as enhanced MyKey technology which will enable Fusion owners to programme a secondary key to restrict particular vehicle functions like top speed, sound system volume and disabling the various electronic driver safety systems.

Engine range Engine options include a 1.5-litre EcoBoost (132kW and 240Nm) and two 2.0-litre EcoBoost engines (one with 149kW/300Nm and the other with 177kW/340Nm), as well as a 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine delivering 132kW and 400Nm. Combined with the brand’s Active Shutter Grille system, which provides aerodynamic benefits, Ford says these new engines deliver low carbon-dioxide emissions and excellent consumption.

Claimed combined fuel economy ranges from 5.1-litres/100km (diesel) to 8.5-litres/100 km (the 2.0-litre petrol), with all four models mated to a sixspeed automatic transmission.

Ford Fusion prices (excluding packs): 1.5 EcoBoost Trend – N$350 934 2.0 EcoBoost Trend – N$371 006 2.0 EcoBoost Titanium – N$425 143 2.0 TDCi Titanium Powershift – N$455 847 Service intervals are set at 20 000 km for petrol versions and 15 000 km for the diesel. There’s also a four-year/120 000 km warranty, a four-year/80 000 km service plan (five-year/90 000 km for the diesel) and three years of roadside assistance.

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