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SERVING THE COASTAL COMMUNITY SINCE 1958
Namib Times Holiday 2014
Walvis Bay
DECEMBER 2014
DECEMBER 2014
Namib Times Holiday 2014
Dear community of Walvis Bay and visitors alike
We near the end of a prosperous and productive 2014; therefore it is with great honour and privilege that on behalf of the Junior City Council of the Municipality of Walvis Bay I wish the residents, visitors and the community of Walvis Bay at large, a very Merry Christmas.
This festive season is about enjoying the environmental and recreational aspects that Walvis Bay has to offer, along with family and friends. Do keep in mind that, as residents of Walvis Bay, we have to host a warm and friendly welcome to potential investors or tourists here to enjoy our beautiful Port City. Many of our fun-filled activities in Walvis Bay are centred around the natural environment or along the contrast of our breath-taking shoreline. Thus I urge the youth to be ambassadors of Walvis Bay, to keep our community clean and bear in mind the environmental respect as we enjoy the holiday with our parents and friends. With the rules and regulations set aside, the Junior City Council would like you to have a joyful December and to continue to enjoy Walvis Bay as an “oasis of opportunities�. His Worship, the Junior Mayor of Walvis Bay, Cllr:
Eusebio Omar van Reenen
DECEMBER
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Traffic festive season message
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With the festive season ahead of us Chief Traffic Officer Eben Platt shared vital safety tips and guidelines to follow during the holidays.
Traffic Officers Eben Platt (left) and Collin Rickerts
According to him, holiday goers are advised to plan their trip and routes ahead. “The condition of your vehicle must be up to standard. Make sure your brakes and lights are in a working condition. In many cases only one light is working, which could be very
dangerous as many people think it is a motorbike approaching. Your tyre pressure must be correct, for if not, it could cause a tyre burst,” he said. According to Platt they are expecting more people to the coast this festive season and advise vehicle owners to see to it that their vehicles are roadworthy. “Your licence disc must be up to date and the vehicle must be licensed. Passengers must wear a safety belt at all times. These belts are not there for roadblocks only. Small children should be secured in a baby-chair. Minors may not sit on the front passenger’s lap at all. We will also be looking at the overloading of
vehicles. Do not overload caravans or trailers. You are responsible for people’s lives when you transport them,” he said. According to Platt, the road between Walvis Bay and Karibib is a danger zone, stating that there have been a lot of deaths. “We ask for obedience. Do not speed. Do not overtake on solid lines or on blind spots. We have asked this so many times before. If these rules are not obeyed, a head-on collision could occur. The chances that one survives a head-on collision are almost 0%. We are losing too many people on these roads. Thus we ask you to change your attitude on the road,” he requested.
Regarding drunk driving, Platt stated that they will act very sternly towards drunk drivers and advise anyone planning to drink alcohol, to make use of a designated driver. He requested that truck drivers use the road behind Dune 7. “That road is in a drivable condition. We ask the community to share this message with truck drivers as they are not always aware of these messages, due to being on the road,” he said. There will be patrols at Long Beach to ensure the safety of the visitors. “We always have a problem with quad bikes. We ask parents to help us maintain the rules. The driver must be licensed. Helmets must be worn at all times. There are specific areas marked for quad bikes. They are not allowed on a public road. Quad bikes must be transported with a trailer/ bakkie to the marked area. Last but not least, to all the motorbike riders, we ask that you stop speeding. We will not only be barking warnings. If we find you speeding, it will have serious consequences,” he said. In conclusion, Platt said that drivers who have traffic fines that is still due, should pay their fines as they will be arrested if they ignore the fines.
DECEMBER 2014
Namib Times Holiday 2014
For Kite surfers
Learn how to kitesurf this summer
Cooling down while having a blast this summer can be made one with the services provided at the Walvis Bay Kite Centre alongside the Lagoon. The Walvis Bay Kite Centre has been operating in Walvis Bay for the past 8 years and is the only certified and registered Kite-surfing school in Namibia. Thanks to the patient teacher and excellent spot everybody masters the sport practiced at the Walvis Bay Lagoon, which is hailed as the best Kite surfing spot in the world for new students.
The Walvis Bay Lagoon is “made� for everything, if you want to learn Kite surfing, freestyle or speed. Even small waves we have here, reachable from the Centre. Anybody can learn to kite surf and it is the ideal stress releaser after a hectic day at work as you totally switch off and relax. It is great fun and a nice come together
with friends. Walvis Bay Kite Centre offers safe training and one-on-one overseeing. Safety and service are their first priority. They also rent and sell all equipment.
Smarter, Sustainable, Solutions
Each Year, Mpact Corrugated Namibia donates Corrugated Sheet Boards & Paper Reels to various schools with the objective to support learners with their School Science Fair projects. Additionally, Bin Boxes are also provided to assist with waste-management at different schools and institutions.
Emergency Numbers Municipal Services (After hours) Customer Service
081 124 0726
Credit Control
081 122 0850
Hazard Waste
081 129 5017
Librarian
081 388 3902
Parks & Cemeteries
081 340 2111 / 081 124 3555
Public Health Services
081 124 1009 / 081 143 5871
Public Relations
081 124 8999
Refuse Removal
081 129 9316
Resorts & Tourism
081 124 3537
Sewerage
081 128 8324
Water Disruptions
081 128 8328
Road and Building Control
081 122 0809
Erongo RED Services (After hours) Electricity
081 129 3875
Other Emergency Services Ambulance
081 129 6280 / 085 9555
ISOS
200 200 or 081 707
E-Med Rescue
081 924
Police
219 048 or 10111
NAMPOL Traffic
081 202 8391
Municipal Traffic
20 13 241 / 081 122 0821 / 081 122 0822
Crime Prevention Units W/Bay Police Stations Walvis Bay Police Kuisebmond Police Tutaleni Police Narraville Police Harbour Police
064 - 219 048 064 - 219 070 064 - 219 073 064 - 219 071 064 - 200 509
Narraville Neighbourhood Watch Mr. Paul Fisher Mr. Erwin Byl
081 129 4425 081 669 6815
Walvis Bay Community against Crime Mr. Tara Shimbulu Mr. Bonetie Niilenge Mr. Alex Geiriseb
081 128 3629 081 128 3614 081 208 1241
Fire Brigade
081 122 0833 / 081 122 0888
Fire Brigade standby
081 122 0888 / 081 143 5875
G4S
213 922 or 081 922
Sea Rescue
208 2221 or
Kuisebmond Neighbourhood Watch
081 129 6295
Mr. Lucky Shipanga
081 340 2111 081 124 3555
Namport Fire & Port Control 208 2221 or 208 2265
Mr. Johan Herman
081 339 5874
Namibia Defence Force
081 259 7167 (Rooikop)
Tourism Info Centre
081 128 6713
Meersig Neighbourhood Watch
Life Guards
081 122 0888 / 081 122 0833
Walvis Bay Airport
200 077 or 200 143
Do not allow children to abuse these emergency numbers. A life may depend on the rapid response of these services. Public Relations and Customer Service Division Tel: +264 64 201 3111 Fax: +264 64 205 590 Email: pr@walvisbaycc.org.na
Mr. Riaan Archer
081 129 8223
Therefore, we support local non-profit organizations, schools and churches. We are proud of our contribution of 10.7 tons donated in 2014. Mpact Corrugated is a truly Namibian Company that supports local communities. Mpact Corrugated (Pty) Ltd 44 3rd street East, Walvis Bay Tel: + 264 64 214 200 Fax: + 264 64 200 667 www.mpact.co.na fscholtz@mpact.co.na
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Wetland & Coastal Tours
The Walvis Bay lagoon and the harbour make this coastal town the perfect place for water sports and marine cruises. Boat cruises in the Walvis Bay environment have almost guaranteed sightings of dolphins and seals. In season southern right and humpback whales are common. On a sea kayak you can paddle to the nearby seal colony and interact with these playful mammals. Meeting a whale while you’re in a kayak is an
experience that is not easily forgotten. Windsurfers and kite surfers love the Walvis Bay Lagoon and it also has a yacht club and annual races and regattas. The huge natural lagoon is bubbling with
an overwhelming abundance of seabirds. 120 000 birds are common on the lagoon and include innumerable flamingos and pelicans among them. Every year 200 000 migratory birds join them. Activities in
Walvis Bay are varied including sand boarding - paragliding - birding tours - scenic flights - beach or deep water fishing. Many tour operators have settled in Walvis Bay and open up the desert and the Atlantic
Ocean to adventurous visitors. You can choose between ski boats and catamarans in the calm and protected lagoon area of Walvis Bay. Entertainment is provided by two types of dolphins, a large seal colony at Pelican Point, some seals who climb onto the boat for a fishy snack,
and wonderful photographic opportunities of low-flying pelicans. To round off the trip, get spoilt with fresh Walvis Bay oysters, snacks, and cold sparkling wine served on board. Beer and soft drinks are also included. Experience magical kayaking tours on the beautiful lagoon and in
the surrounding water of Walvis Bay. Spectacular bird-life will fascinate and captivate both nature lovers and photographers alike. All kayaking excursions are guided by an experienced guide / birder, refreshments and transfer from Walvis Bay to starting point included.
DECEMBER 2014
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Avoid overindulgence over the festive season
Wondering how you’re going to survive the holiday party season? Here are some strategies on staying healthy over Christmas. The party season can be tricky even if your diet is healthy. But there are strategies for coping with the overindulgence and late nights that are an inevitable, but an enjoyable part of the festive season. If you are going out in the evening, start the day with a generous bowl of cereal, topped with a
handful of cranberries and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Cereal stabilises blood sugar levels, which helps control appetite later in the day. Add a good dollop of pro-biotic yogurt, which helps boost immunity as well as combat some of the less beneficial effects of the party season, like too much alco-
hol and not enough sleep. On the day of a big night out and the day after, make a conscious effort to drink 6-8 glasses of water, plenty of herbal teas or diluted juice. Even mild dehydration can lead to a headache and combined with the diuretic effects of alcohol, makes maintaining your fluid intake vital. Regular teas and coffee count towards your fluid intake, but caffeinated versions
should not make up your full quota. Take a full glass of water to bed with you at night and start the day with a second. Make sure you have drunk both before you have breakfast. Sensible snacking: If hungry when you arrive at a party, always have a pre-party snack like a small pot of plain yogurt with a sliced banana. The yogurt’s protein slows stomach emptying, which helps delay the effects of that first
glass of wine, while the potassium-rich banana helps balance any increase in salt intake - especially helpful if you are going to be nibbling on olives, crisps or salted nuts. Granary toast with nut butter, a bowl of muesli with milk, or a mug of chunky vegetable soup also does the trick. Back away from the buffet: Buffets can be a disaster zone - so make sure you fill half the plate with salad and vegetables and the rest with protein-based canapés like salmon or chicken. Take your time selecting and eating food and move away from the table as soon as the plate is full to avoid nonstop grazing. No more hangovers: Do not be tempted
to skip meals so you can stockpile calories for drinking. Alcohol only supplies empty calories, so avoiding proper meals to compensate for a booze splurge means you are losing out on valuable nutrients, just when your body needs them to help it detoxify. Stick to one type of drink and make it a lighter-coloured one, because they tend to be lower in the chemical by-products that can worsen a hangover. Aim to have no more than one alcoholic drink an hour, alternated with juice, water or soft drinks perfect if you do not like holding an empty glass. Get back on track: After a big night out, do not skip meals, even if you have over-indulged. After all, it is the balance of your diet that
is important. Apply the 80:20 principle - eating healthily 80% of the time, which allows the space for delicious treats at weekends and on special occasions. According to About Health, the holidays are a time to celebrate and we usually make the most of it. We eat, drink, indulge and end up feeling like bloated whales by the time it is all over. It is almost an unspoken rule that comes unlimited with eating and skipped workouts, but this year, you have a choice. You do not have to let every party become your own personal eating contest and you do not have to let shopping take the place of your usual exercise routine. All it takes is flexibility, creativity and
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a new way of defining exercise. It is tempting to ditch your workouts as your days fill up with holiday preparations, parties and errands, but you need to stay active. Exercise will help you deal with added stress and give you energy for everything you need to accomplish. It will also help you manage your weight through the maze of parties and gatherings you will be attending. If you have trouble sticking with your usual routine this time of year, come up with a new one. the Forget rules, lower your
DECEMBER Namib Times Holiday 2014 9
standards and do whatever you need to do to keep moving: Pare down your cardio routine to whatever time you have, even if it is only five or 10 minutes. Choose activities that are easy to do at a moment’s notice: Walking, running, jump roping or cycling. Get the most out of the time you have by working at a high intensity. Exercise wherever and whenever you can. You already know to take the stairs or park far away to get more exercise. This holiday season, wear a pedom-
eter as you are running around to see how many steps you can accumulate. Use every opportunity to get in more movement, whether it is parking on the opposite side of where you need to be or chopping down your own Christmas tree. As you gather together with your family, plan to do active things. Walk around the neighbourhood to look at holiday decorations. Do sports before the big Christmas meal. Plan contests with the family to see who can run the fastest or who can do the most push-
ups. Maintain your muscle mass by paring down your routine to the basics. Choose compound, multi-joint movements to make sure you are getting the most out of your time. Do not worry. You do not need any equipment to get a great workout. Eating yourself into a coma seems inevitable during the holidays, what with all the yummy delights available. Treating every party as if it’s an invitation to indulge, however, is a sure way to add pounds. Below are a few reminders for keeping the calories in check: Never go grocery shopping while hungry and similarly, never hit a holiday party on an empty stomach. You will be less tempted to overindulge if your stomach is full of something healthy. Once at the party, choose one thing to
indulge in and make it good (no chips). Pick something you only get during the holidays. Alcohol is an easy way to consume more calories than you need, so avoid mixed or fruity drinks and have a glass of water for every drink you consume. Also, definitely avoid the eggnog. It has up to 350 calories a cup.
Namib Times Holiday 2013
Do not skip meals. It is tempting to skip meals to make up for whatever nightmare food you will eat later, but just like the empty-stomach rule, if you are starving, your rational mind will be unavailable for healthy food choices. Eat small meals all day to avoid going nuts at the buffet table. However you deal with
the holidays, make this the year that you do not gain extra weight. Make a decision to do everything you can to stay active and eat healthy while not depriving yourself of all the fun. Like everything else in life, it is all about moderation. Have yourself a wonderful, healthy, happy Festive Season.
Namib Times Holiday 2014
DECEMBER 2014
Sea safaris
Namibia’s desert coast is packed with beautiful marine life and catamarans take you on an adventure that will allow you to meet many of these beautiful creatures. The catamarans are quiet, even when underway with their engines. The catamarans offer a stable platform and are ideal for elderly persons as embarking and disembarking is easy. Toilet facilities are on board. These tours are excellent for viewing the marine life on the Walvis Bay Lagoon with a close encounter with seals, dolphins, birds, whales, turtles and Sun Fish. There are a number of tamed seals that entertain the guests by jumping on board. They almost always see dolphins while out on the water, as well as whales if it’s during the right season. Another regular on the tours is the Mola Mola Sunfish, which is endemic to the waters of Walvis Bay. Additionally, their cruises traverse the oyster lines that are used to farm this international-
ly acclaimed delicacy. They also visit the colony of Cape Fur Seals, where these adventurous sea animals put on a show by playing in the surface and often come right up to the boat to say hello. There are a variety of different species living in and around the waters of Walvis Bay. This area of the African coast has native dolphin species including the Heaviside, or Benguela, and the Atlantic Bottlenose. These beautiful creatures have playful, inquisitive natures, meaning they happily swim alongside boats and put on a display by jumping out of the water. The Bottlenose dolphin is a commonly spotted species in the area and it usually travels in large pods of up to 30 members. Their sleek, grey forms are regularly seen hopping in
the bow waves of tour boats. The Heavisides tend to have smaller groups but are endemic to the area and are regularly seen. Regarding whales, the predominant types seen in the area are the Southern Right and the Humpback. The catamaran trips take you to Pelican Point where you’ll find an impressively large Cape Fur seal colony as well. Here, you’ll be able to get up close and personal with these often playful mammals. In many instances, the younger seals will swim up to the boat in search of tasty handouts. Their diet mostly entails fish such as hake and sardines, but they wouldn’t say no if you offered them crab or crayfish. These excellent swimmers are also keen to show off by playing and splashing in the surf.
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DECEMBER 2014
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Namib Times Holiday 2014
DECEMBER 2014
Environmental policies With the festive season at hand, Nacoma (Namibian Coast Conservation and Management Project) informed the newspaper about the rules and regulations holiday goers need to bear in mind when planning to have some adventure during the festive season. According to Nacoma, the Dorob National Park, being one of the most unique parks along the central Namibian coast, caters for various leisure, tourism and sports activities, while also providing for conservation measures and specific conservation areas. It was declared in Govern-
ment Notice No. 266 of 1 December 2010. The park stretches from the Kuiseb Delta (south of Walvis Bay) northwards to the Ugab River; and eastwards from the low-water mark of the Atlantic Ocean towards the boundary of the Swakopmund district. It includes the Walvis Bay
Lagoon, a Ramsar Site, but excludes the municipal areas of Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Henties Bay and the settlement area of Wlotzkasbaken. It excludes the railway line between Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Arandis, the road reserves of the major B2 route; the
minor routes C14, C28, C34, C35, C39 and certain district roads and farms under private ownership or belonging to a parastatal institution. Visitors to the Dorob National Park, who wish to enjoy the various leisure, sports and tourism activities in the park, should
familiarise themselves with and obey the regulations, laws and rules. For further clarification they can also consult with the coastal offices of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism at Swakopmund or Walvis Bay. Regarding the fishing regulations, anglers should consult with the offices of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources in Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. The Nature Conservation Ordinance Section 14 protects and conserves wild animal life, fisheries, wild plant life and objects of geological, archaeological, historical and other scientific interest and for the benefit and enjoyment of the inhabitants of Namibia. Therefore some activities in the Dorob National Park are allowed, while others are not. Activities causing the least damage to park resources are regulated less, while those that would be the most damaging, are strictly regulated. All people who enter the park must comply with the stipulations of the Ordinance, the regulations and the Environmental Management Act of 2007. They must comply with the instructions of signposts, signboards, pamphlets or communicated in any other manner. They must obey any legal order or instruction given by a law-enforcement officer. When entering on foot, people may go without a permit, except in an area that is closed or exclusionary. Young adults or those on foot, younger than 16 without adult supervision, do so at their own risk. A person may take a domestic animal into the park without a permit, except in areas where it is indicated that such animals are not allowed. The owner must remove the faeces of the animal and the animal should not cause any inconvenience, nuisance, damage or injury to other people, animals and any plants or any other aspect of the environment. Any person entering the Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) area in the Dune Belt between Langstrand and Walvis Bay by vehicle will need a permit. In addition a permit is required for the Ugab Menhir, Messum Crater, Minerals, Omaruru and Swakop River 4x4 trails. Permitted and prohibited areas for sedans, 4x4s, bakkies and beach buggies: These vehicles may only drive in the ORV area with a permit (the Dune Belt between Langstrand and Walvis Bay) and without a permit on proclaimed roads and clearly marked MET routes, tracks and roads (except where prohibited, or as indicated by sign boards). Where allowed, beach driving is only authorised on MET designated and clearly marked routes, tracks and roads. No driving is allowed on the beaches at the sea fronts of Henties Bay, Wlotzkasbaken, Swakopmund, Cape Cross and the Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) managed camping sites at Mile 14, Jakkalsputz, Mile 72 and Mile 108. East of the C34, self-drives are only allowed with permit on the 4x4 tracks indicated on the attached maps. Permitted and prohibited areas for quad bikes and other motorised bikes: Quad bikes and other motorised bikes may only drive in the ORV area with a permit (the Dune Belt between Langstrand and Walvis Bay) and without a permit west of the C34 between Swakopmund and Henties Bay, only on proclaimed roads and clearly marked MET tracks and roads (except where prohibited). Where allowed, beach driving is only authorised on MET designated and clearly marked tracks. Quad bikes and other motorised bikes are prohibited on beaches between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, in all areas north of Henties Bay, and on the beaches at the seafronts of Henties Bay, Wlotzkasbaken, Swakopmund, and the Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) managed camping sites. Quad bikes are strictly prohibited north of the Omaruru River up to the Ugab River
and other motorised bikes are prohibited off the proclaimed roads north of the Omaruru River up to the Ugab River. Quad bikes and other motorised bikes are permitted 10 km upstream from Henties Bay within the Omaruru River but not beyond. In general, people may use a vehicle in the park with their permit at any time except between 21:00 and 05:00. This provision does not apply to proclaimed roads and people may use those roads at any time. A valid driver’s license will be required to use any motor vehicle in the park. No person shall drive or use any vehicle in the park whilst under the influence of alcohol or any other narcotic substance or in such a way that is dangerous to human life or that may cause damage to any property or the environment. Between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, no person shall off-load their quad bike or motorised bike at any other area than the designated offloading areas in the Dune Belt between Langstrand and Walvis Bay. Although many activities are allowed in the park, no person may angle on the beach in such a way that is inconvenient to other people. No person may leave or use angling tackle in a place where it may cause inconvenience or injury to other persons or animals. You may not throw away or get rid of any part of a fish, bait, refuse or rubbish other than in the refuse bins provided. You may not collect or remove any shell, shell grit, sand, rock or stone. You may not use water or electricity in excessive quantities or for any other purpose other than for reasonable domestic use. Do not pollute or degrade the environment. Do not kill, injure, hunt, capture, disturb or feed any wild animal or remove any part of any wild animal, whether alive or dead. Do not remove, destroy, damage or disturb any egg, nest or burrow and do not pick, collect, mutilate, destroy, damage, tamper with, disturb or remove any tree, plant, shrub, herb, mineral or any other object of botanical, zoological, geological, archaeological, historical or any other scientific interest, or part thereof. One may not collect or gather firewood, nor remove, damage, destroy soil, mutilate or interfere with any form of State property. One may not possess or use any weapon, explosive, trap or poison or throw away a burning or smouldering object or leave it at a place where it may possibly ignite another object. Entering the Park by air Although aircraft and helicopters may fly above a game park, it is unlawful to fly at an altitude of less than 1 000 metres, except for lawfully landing or taking off. It is illegal to land in, take off from, enter or fly over the Dorob National Park in such a way that is dangerous to human life or that may cause damage to any property or the environment. A permit is required from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism to do any of the following in the park: Carry on, transact, or conduct any trade, business or tourism, to hold any organised competition or event, to undertake any construction activities of any nature or engage in any kind of commercial activity.
Welwitschia plant
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The Bay of Whales
Walvis Bay is a town situated at the coast of Namibia and named after the bay in which it lies. The town covers approximately 29 square kilometres of land. The town (meaning Bay of Whales in Afrikaans) has a colourful history. It was discovered by the Portuguese sailor Diaz, who explored the West African coast from 1482 to 1489, and who sailed into the bay for the first time in 1487. At the beginning of the 18th century the place developed into a sought after fishing ground for fishermen from North America and Europe, due to its abundance of whales and fish. The bay has always been a haven for sea vessels, because of its natural deepwater harbour, protected by the Pelican
Point sand spit, being the only natural harbour of any size along the country’s coast. Being rich in plankton and marine life, these waters also drew large numbers of whales attracting whalers and fishing vessels. The town itself was founded in 1793 by Dutch from the Cape (South Africa), who referred to it as Walvisch Baye. The town was annexed by a British war vessel only a few years later, to them at the time called Whale Bay. Since 1850 Walvis Bay grew steadily due to its
trade connections, but it was occupied in 1878 by the British Crown, as many British fishermen and Guano trades had settled there. Furthermore the bay was of strategic importance for the sea route. In its eventual proclamation the town came to be called Walfish Bay, then Walvish Bay, and ultimately Walvis Bay. In 1884 the German Protectorate included the surrounding areas of the bay. Walvis Bay later became a British enclave. In 1910 the South African Union was established and as part of the Cape Province Walvis
EMERGENCY NUMBER UPDATE Correct emergency numbers for Walvis Bay AMBULANCE
LIFE LINK 085 9247 ST GABRIEL 085 955 STATE 216 300
HOSPITAL STATE PRIVATE
216 300 218 911
FIRE POLICE ALL EMERGENCY G4S
081 922 219 052 081 922
Bay was integrated into the Union. At the beginning of the First World War the town was shortly occupied by German troops and after German South West Africa had been put under South African administration as League of Nations mandate in 1919, the South African parliament decided in 1922 to assign the town to South West African territory. In 1971, anticipating the imminent ceding of its control over SouthWest Africa, South Africa transferred control of Walvis Bay back to its Cape Province, thus making it an exclave.
However in 1977 the town was reassigned to the Cape Province which was seen as a repeated annexation, especially as efforts for the independence of Namibia were made since the early seventies. In 1990 Namibia became independent. A resolution of the UNO stipulated that South Africa was to hand over Walvis Bay to Namibia, but it never happened. Only with the end of the Apartheid regime the Walvis Bay area was handed over to Namibia in 1994. The town is situated just north of the Tropic of Capricorn in the Kuiseb
River delta and lies at the end of the TransNamib Railway to Windhoek, and on the B2 road. A succession of colonists developed the location and industrial resources of this strategic harbour settlement. The harbour’s value in relation to the sea route around the Cape of Good Hope had already caught the attention of world powers when it was discovered. This partly explains the complicated political status of Walvis Bay down the years. Walvis Bay, with its large bay and sand dunes, is the tourism activity centre
of Namibia. Other attractions include the artificial Bird Island, centre of a guano collection industry, the Dune 7 sand dune, salt works, bird-life and a museum. Today Walvis Bay is the third largest town of Namibia and its only deepsea harbour. About 55 000 and 65 000 people live in Walvis Bay depending on seasonal workers for the dominant fishing industry. As the water of the coastal area is very clean Walvis Bay is known for its high quality fish, oysters and rock lobsters.
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How to cure a hangover!
This time of the year the drinks will be flowing freely, and the worst thing to damper the holiday spirit, or at least the party spirit, is a TERRIBLE HANGOVER. And this is where we come to the rescue, with a few tips on how to cure a hangover. Firstly, the golden rules are: to keep moderation in mind. Refrain from drinking and driving, even if you’ve only had two glasses of wine, there’s been enough lives lost to alcohol, don’t let yours be one of the statistics. Never drink on an empty stomach and space your drinks with water. However, since the Internet, meaning google, has been invented WikiHow.com takes the liberty of giving us a few tips on a how to cure a hangover, and better yet how to prevent one. Rehydrate Hangovers are a sign that your body is extremely dehydrated. Staying hydrated will
alleviate the headaches, dizziness, and lightheadedness that result from a hangover. It is especially important to load up on fluids if you are vomiting. Drink plenty of water. Drink coconut water and/or sports drinks, both of which are rich in electrolytes. Most headaches secondary to alcohol consumption are caused by both dehydration and an imbalance of electrolytes. Avoid coffee or caffeinated teas. Many people drink coffee in order to “wake up” from a hangover, but the caffeine will only make matters worse by further dehydrating you. Try ginger ale If you’re feeling nauseous, the ginger helps calm your stomach.
Take a painkiller. Avoid Acetaminophen, due to liver-damaging reactions with alcohol metabolites. Aspirin or ibuprofen are both fine choices if you have a headache. Be sure to read the instructions and take only the recommended dose. Note that excessive use of these medications may cause long-term damage to your liver, especially when used in conjunction with alcohol. If you can’t keep the painkiller down, don’t take another dose. You’ll just have to ride the pain out until your body recovers enough to accept painkillers. Eat crackers, toast, or other mild-flavoured carbohydrates. These foods alleviate nausea and help your body soak up the alco-
hol in your system. Avoid foods that are acidic or spicy, since they are more difficult for your body to digest. Avoid foods that are heavy or oily, since they increase the feeling of nausea. Don’t drink alcohol to cure a hangover. Alcohol may temporarily make you feel better, but it will ultimately dehydrate you and leave you feeling worse
later on in the day. If you decide to have a drink, stick with a Bloody Mary or a cold beer, and do not overdo it. You need to give your body a chance to recover. Only drink if you have no obligations, like work or school, for the rest of the day. Go back to sleep. Alcohol disrupts the sleep cycle, so part of the reason you are feeling
so tired is because your body is sleep-deprived. Getting a few more hours of sleep will have you feeling better in no time. To prevent a hangover, have one glass of water for every drink of alcohol you have. This will prevent dehydration, a major cause of most hangover symptoms. If you forgot or were unable to have water in between drinks, be sure
to drink a glass or two of water before going to bed. Don’t mix different types of alcohol. Stick with one, be it wine, beer, or a certain type of hard liquor. Mixing different types is a surefire way to end up with a hangover. Drink responsibly and have fun! Cheers!
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DECEMBER
Belgian Choclatique started with a + article and pics living dream The Belgian Chocolatique opened its doors in December 2013. Chocolate is moulded here in different shapes - from shoes, photo frames, angels, and business cards. Behind this success story is the charming Adelaine Bruwer, who had a dream – a message from God, she believes - and while she was on holiday in South Africa, she decided to visit the Franschoek Huguenot Fine Chocolates. She started to investigate the possibility of having a similar place in Walvis Bay. She and her husband came back to their home town and got all the necessary machinery and equipment. After a year she and one employee travelled to Franschoek for the necessary training to empower them for this interesting career. The business started to grow. Franschhoek Huguenot Fine Choclates also vi-
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sited Bruwer in Walvis Bay and assisted her in training the factory’s permanent staff. She still has the support of the management of Huguenot Fine Chocolates. “I saw a market opportunity to supply hotels, lodges, restaurants, retail outlets, and events like weddings, conferences and so forth with personalised chocolates. Chocolate is a fine way to say to guests and patrons they are welcome and appreciated. Through our quality chocolate and wide variety of attractive forms and shapes, we want to deliver this service,” says Bruwer. Her new idea for her business – and one she hopes that will take the market by storm early
next year - is a chocolate flower bouquet. She’s also produced a range of different flavoured slabs, like a ginger slab, and also slabs laced with coconut and peppermint. “My clients also give me very interesting ideas” says Adelaine. Belgian Chocolatique is now a household item in Namibia’s tourism and accommodation sector. Event planners and retailers all over Namibia love to include the factory’s products. For a sweet Christmas gift or wedding gift, she can design personalised chocolates with photographs of loved ones. The factory is on the corner of Sam Nujoma Avenue, and 16th Road.
The factory shop
Namib Times Holiday 2014
+ article and pics
Personalised chocolates with photographs
DECEMBER
Akwaake Thomas, enrolled in Hospitality Management, busy moulding the chocolate
Sample of chocolate souvenirs created for clients
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DECEMBER DECEMBER 2014
SANDWICH HARBOUR
www.tripadvisor.com
Not associated with a river, it is an area of water that is protected from the open ocean by a sand barrier where potable water seeping from underground aquifers sustains the freshwater vegetation at the base of the dunes. The lagoon
fills with water filtered through the dune field from the Kuiseb which has a purifying effect and reduces salinity. South of the freshwater wetlands are the extensive mudflats of Sandwich Harbour. In the past, Sandwich Harbour was
much more extensive and offered a very good anchorage to shipping. Today it is comprised of two portions: the northern part is an extensive wetland (5km x 300 m) consisting of salt marsh and intertidal mud flats, this area is extensively vegetated.
http://stories.namibiatourism.com.na/
Wedged between the sea and the Namib Dunes, Sandwich Harbour is one of Southern Africa’s richest and most unique wetlands for migratory and resident birds.
The southern portion is much larger at 40km² and consists of tidal mudflats. There is seepage of fresh water onto the beach in the northern portion. Sandwich Harbour is a proclaimed Ramsar site because of its biotic richness including 36 species of fish, migrant sea and shore birds and red data birds. Sandwich Harbour is one of southern Africa’s most im-
portant coastal wetlands for migratory and resident birds. In 2006, the area supported about 179 000 sea and shore birds. The majority of these birds belong to five species: Common/Arctic Terns. Curlew Sandpipers, Little Stints, Sanderlings, Lesser and Greater Flamingos. The density of waders recorded at low tide was 7 791 birds/ km2, one of the
highest densities recorded anywhere in the world. At least one Namibian red data species occurs in significant numbers; the Chestnut-banded Plover. Eight other Namibian red data species were re-
corded, including the Damara Tern, an African red data species. Since 1991, mean counts have been lower (60 000 birds), probably because of the natural changes at Sandwich Harbour.
Thank you for your loyal support. Have a tastefull Christmas!
icio
usly
D e l i c at e s s e n.
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Del
Contact Us for your booking or take-away! Tel +264 64 206 959 Belinda Cell +264 81 399 5040 Donelia Cell +264 81 129 6179
DECEMBER 2014
Namib Times Holiday 2014
Slaghuis snoei
vleispryse Blumevelde het hul deure geopen op die hoek van Theo-Ben Gurirab en 9de Straat, Walvisbaai, onder die leiding van Willie Le Roux, Diane Le Roux en die Blumfelde Meat-span. “Blumfelde Meat wil vleis direk aan die publiek lewer met so min as moontlik hantering en onkoste,” sê die bestuur. Hulle is vier vennote wat saam besluit het om ‘n geregistreerde slagpale op die plaas “Kildare” te bou sodat hulle as boere ook ‘n goeie afsetgebied vir hul vee kon bekom. Die vennote het ook ‘n slaghuis in Windhoek. “Ek het in 1988 in Die Vleiswinkel, op Sasolburg begin werk as kassiere, en ek het baie geleer,” aldus van die vennote, Willie le Roux.
NamibTimes TimesHoliday Holiday2014 2013 Namib
DECEMBER
DECEMBER 2014 13
t l Production a S so provides an ideal habitat for many species of marine birds. The 3 500 hectare Walvis Bay salt field is one of the largest solar evaporation facilities in Africa, processing 24 million tonnes of sea water each year to produce more than 400 000 tonnes of high-quality salt. The salt is shipped to markets in southern
and western Africa. Walvis Bay Salt Refiners is also a commercial producer of
high quality oysters supplied to customers throughout southern Africa.
Photo by Chris Wildblood
The colour indicates the salinity of the ponds. Micro-organisms change their hues as the salinity of the pond increases. In low to mid-salinity ponds, green algae are predominant. In middle to high salinity ponds, an algae called Dunaliellasalina shift the colour to red. This successful commercial enterprise al-
Photo by Belinda Smithdorf
Walvis Bay has one of the largest salt works in Africa. The seawater is fed into large ponds, which gradually dry out through natural evaporation.
Areal view of the salt works plant
Namib Times Holiday 2014
DECEMBER 2014
Attention all adrenaline junkies!
Dune7 Monster Truck @
Have some adventurous fun this holiday at Dune 7. Enjoy a breathtaking trip on a guided quadbike trip through the Namib dune belt and experience the most awesome views from the top of the dunes.
SandrailDune7 @
Adventures
3
Adventures
Jump into our Sandrail for the ride
Monster Truck @
of your life or take a Dune7 slow drive Adventures
on the back of our MONSTER TRUCK. Have a nice sundowner on top of the dunes, watching the sun go down over the ocean. Fancy some sandboarding ... no worries we take you up, all you have to do is slide down - no more walking. At Dune 7 Adventures, safety comes first - all rides
are safe and our quads are equipped with surveillance cameras. Dune 7 Adventures is open 7 days a week all year round, for all year fun. We have clean flush toilets, outside shower facilities and a Lapa to hide from the sun and relax. We have a kiosk
with cold beverages and snacks. Adrenaline junkies .... what are you waiting for ... come and join the thrill!
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DECEMBER 2014
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Foto deur Bernabé Blaauw
KEN JOU VIS!
Kennis oor visse se gewoontes kan van jou ‘n beter hengelaar maak! Hengel aan die Namibiese kus vanaf Sandvis-hawe tot en met die Ugab mond kan vir elke hengelaar ‘n groot plesier wees indien jy enkele geskrewe en ongeskrewe reëls volg. Gehoorsaam die reëls aangaande die hengel soos voorgeskryf deur die Ministerie van Seevisserye en Marine Hulpbronne. Sorg dat jy te alle tye in besit van ‘n geldige hengellisensie is, dit kan baie onaangenaamheid langs die
kus vermy. Maak seker dat as jy die hoofpad verlaat en afdraai na die kus, dat jy ‘n spoor of paadjie van ander voertuie volg en nie blindelings oor alles ry nie. Ek weet nie hoekom ons altyd plek het om koel-
drank, bier of aas saam te ry na die hengelwater nie, maar as ons terugkom het ons geen plek vir die leë houers nie. As jy tussen die hoogwater en laagwater merk ry, doen dit met inagneming van die hengelaars en mense
wat ontspan langs die water. Dis nou genoeg gekla en voorgeskryf, kom ons kyk so ‘n bietjie na die verskillende spesies vis wat hier by ons voorkom en die tipe aas wat ons kan gebruik om hulle te kul om ons hoeke te neem.
GALJOEN
Dit is natuurlik die mees gesogte vis aan ons kus aangesien dit heerlik braai op die kole en ook gerook smaak dit vorentoe. Die vis kom voor waar daar heelwat bamboes of rotse is. Galjoen se geliefkoosde aas is swart-
en witmossel asook ‘n stukkie rooiaas. Ons hoekgrootte wissel hier vanaf ‘n 2 tot 1/0 hoek. ‘n Knewel van 3,5kg staan aangeteken in die Namibiese rekord anale. Ons kry ook die sand galjoene wat by Langstrand en Sandvis voorkom.
Namib Times Holiday 2014
DECEMBER 2014
KOLSTERT Hierdie is ‘n baie onderskatte vis en kan vir groot hengelvermaak sorg en is selfs ‘n lekker eetvis om te bak of braai. Kom oral langs die hele Namibiese kus voor en is die Namibiese rekord ‘n allemintige 2,45kg. Hierdie vis het ook ‘n klein bekkie en gebruik ons ‘n 2 of 1 hoekie.
Hierdie is nie ‘n kieskeurige vis nie en sal aan alles byt, dog ‘n pienk garnaal sal dit nie by verbyswem nie.
STEENBRAS Wat ‘n sterk vis om aan die lyn te kry, hy sal baklei totdat hy op die strand lê en dan nog steeds nie opgee nie. Hierdie is ‘n sterk vis en durf ons dit normaalweg met ‘n 2/0 tot 3/0 hoek aan wat gevul is met hetsy pelser, tjokka, mossel of kreef. Laasgenoemde natuurlik eerder ‘n delikatesse wat die mens self wil
nuttig. Die amptelike rekord staan hier op 17,3kg maar groter diklippe van tot 23kg is al aan wal gebring. Word baie in die omgewing van Walle, Myl 98, Canopy, Doep se Gat en Leiter gevang.
met geskatte gewigte van tot en met 86kg, ek weet nou nie of dit voor of na die vloeibare versnaperinge was nie. Hierdie vis kom algemeen oral aan ons kus voor en word maklik gekul met ‘n sardyn, tjokka of ansjovis. ‘n Kombinasie van sardyn en tjokka is ook baie gewild. Indien seekat poot beskikbaar is, is dit ook ‘n baie suksesvolle aas.
ook enige aas. Pasop vir daardie geniepsige pen bo-op en aan die kant van die kop, dit kan jou hengel uitstappie totaal bederf vir die dag.
BRONZY (KOPERHAAI) Die mees gesogte sportvis om te vang aan die Namibiese kus, en hengelaars vanoor die hele wêreld kom na ons viswaters om hierdie knewel te
‘n Haai met ‘n skrikwekkende stel tande wat ook nie sonder ‘n staal strop en groot hoeke aangedurf word nie. Alhoewel die rekord op 87kg staan is dit ‘n haai wat sommer in 10 tot 20 minute geland word en is nie ‘n groot vegter nie. Hierdie haai verkies kouer water en kom oral aan
ons kus voor en sal enige visaas vreet wat jy in die water gooi. Pasop egter vir die stel tande wanneer die haai geland is aangesien die haai die punt van sy eie stert met gemak kan raakbyt en is lief om hengelaars te probeer byt op die strand.
SPOTTY (GESPIKKELDE SLOEP-HAAI) ‘n Lekker bakleier wat vir sy grote jou die geveg van gevegte gee. Word aangekeer met ‘n harderkop of selfs ‘n stuk barber en gebruik ons 6/0 tot 7/0 hoeke met ‘n stewige nylon strop van so 70kg aangesien die haai geen tande het nie. Soos sy naam aandui kom die haai graag tussen rotse by sloepe voor en is dus een wat die rotse gebruik om te skuil as jy hom gehaak het. Die Namibiese rekord is dan ‘n allemintige 37kg, maar sloephaaie vanaf so 10 tot 25 kg is algemeen en word dan oral langs die kus gevang waar rotse voorkom.
Hierdie haai is ook ‘n fynproewer en is versot op ‘n stuk kreef of tjokka (kalamari).
LEERVIS ‘n Minder bekende roofvis aan ons kus wat meer warm water verkies. Alhoewel dit resident is aan ons kus jag dit meer in die warm maande vanaf November tot April en is groot sport om aan te keer.
Meestal word kunsaas gebruik waarvan “poppers” die gewildste is. Hier is die amptelike rekord slegs 12kg maar groter “leeries” van tot 24kg is reeds aan wal gebring.
ELF
BABER Nou ja wat kan ek hiervan sê, net dat baie hengelaars die vis nie kan verdra nie en kwaad word as dit byt. Dit is egter vir baie hengelaars ‘n delikatesse en is baie gesog wanneer dit gerook is. Hierdie vis is egter net so heerlik wanneer dit gefilliteer word en in ‘n bietjie botter met sout en peper gebak word. Smaaklike ete. Word tot en met 1kg groot in ons waters en kom orals voor en vreet
Langstand gevang is en dit nogal deur twee oorsese vroue hengelaars. Kom geredelik aan ons kus voor en is baie gewild by Langstrand, Myl 8, Myl 17, Myl 28, Popeye, Myl 68, Myl 100 en Winston. Staan ook bekend as “die arm man se marlyn” omdat dit net soveel aksie verskaf as ‘n marlyn, maar heelwat goedkoper is om te vang. Hierdie haai kan vir jou tot 4 ure en langer besig hou, dus sê ek net stywe lyne.
KOEIHAAI
KABELJOU Seker die mees gejagte vis aan ons Namibiese kus aangesien hierdie roofvis nie speel wanneer dit jou hoek gryp nie. Hy kan sommer korte mette maak met jou aas en is ‘n kalant wat maar met ‘n stewige hoek vanaf ‘n 4/0 tot en met ‘n 7/0 aangekeer moet word. Omdat hierdie vis so aggressief is, is dit gewoonlik maklik om hom aan te keer aangesien hy homself gewoonlik vang. Hier is die amptelike rekord 25,9kg met ‘n bevestigte 33kg wat op ‘n skiboot gevang is. Daar is natuurlik fotos van groot vis
en die fiksste en flinkste wen gewoonlik. Anders as wat die meeste mense glo word ‘n bronshaai met doodgewone gerei vanaf die kant gevang en word slegs ‘n stewige staalstrop met 9/0 tot 10/0 hoeke gebruik. ‘n Makrielkop of self die kop van ‘n galjoen of kabeljou is dodelike aas vir hierdie vleisvreter. Alhoewel die amptelike Namibiese rekord slegs op 172kg staan is daar al ‘n paar knewels van oor die 200kg geland, met ‘n bielie van 240kg wat op
probeer verower. Natuurlik geweldig sterk, en met tot 200kg plus aan die anderkant van jou lyn is dit ‘n werklike toutrekkery
Beter bekend as “shad” en baie keer verwar met ‘n kabeljou deur die hengelaar, is hierdie vis ‘n baie lekker eetvis wat aan ons kus gevang word. Die vis word meestal gevang wanneer die hengelaars gewoonweg hengel vir kabeljou of steenbra en die aas wat aangebied word vertoon lewendig genoeg dan vat die vis graag die lyn.
As daar spesifiek gehengel word vir elf moet gebruik gemaak word van ‘n stukkie staalstrop of klavierdraad en ‘n 3/0 tot 4/0 hoek. ‘n Kurk of “bung” word dan ook gebruik om vlottasie aan die aas te gee en dit meer lewendig te laat vertoon. Die amptelike rekord hier is 4,2kg.
ALGEMEEN Hengel is soos jag en durf jy nie ‘n olifant aan met ‘n .22 kaliber nie, dus maak seker dat jy die regte gerei vir die regte doel aanskaf. Daarvoor is daar meestal kundiges by hengelwinkels en vra dus daarom raad.
Verder sorg jy dat jy altyd die varsste moontlike aas bekom aangeien die resultate daarmee beter is. Hengel altyd met inagneming van jou mede hengelaars en die natuur.
STYWE LYNE!
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Dune 7
- breathtaking adventure On the way to Walvis Bay, you find the famous Dune 7, the highest sand Dune in the area. Driving along the beautiful dune coastline of the Namib desert in the direction of Walvis Bay (30 km south of Swakopmund), with the see usually foggy on one side and the never-ending dunes on the other, is a breathtaking experience. On Quad Bike trips through the Namib Dune Belt, you will experience the most spectacular views from the top of some of the highest dunes in the world. This is a must for all visitors to Walvis Bay. Located on the outskirts of the town, Dune 7 is the highest sand dune in the area. Those who have visited, say it is an unforgettable experience for someone who feels inclined to challenge the height of this outstanding land-
mark to admire the view from the top. Palm trees provide shade for day campers while a barbecue facility makes it ideal for family entertainment. The equivalent to snowboarding down 100m dunes into an oasis situated along the coast of Namibia, is a unique experience. Easy to learn and no experience needed, all gear supplied, including a quad bike to get you to the top of the dune again and again! Their Kiosk has clean flush toilets, outside showers and a huge Lapa to hide from the desert heat and relax whilst enjoying a barbeque. Dune 7 Adventures is open seven days a week all year round.
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THE NAMIB NAUKLUFT PARK A permit to enter the Namib Naukluft Park is compulsory and visitors and holiday-makers are reminded to stay on marked and designated roads in the park. It is also prohibited to harvest firewood in the park or to camp outside the designated areas demarcated for camping. A detailed map and information accompanies all permits. The Namib Naukluft Park is one of Namibia’s splendours. Permits can be purchased at the offices of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism in Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. Weekdays from 08:00 till 17:00 and Saturdays and Sundays from 08:00 till 13:00. For Namibians it is N$10 per person per day, for citizens of other SADC countries N$30 per person per day and non-SADC visitors N$40 per person per day.
All vehicles are N$10 per vehicle per day. Covering nearly 5 million hectares, the Namib-Naukluft Park is the third largest game park in Africa. It is a spectacular mosaic of landscapes, ranging from the orange dunes of the dune sea and the vast gravel plains between the Swakop and Kuiseb rivers to the wetlands of Sandwich and the rugged mountains of the Naukluft massif. The Namib section of the park lies between the Swakop River in the north and the Kuiseb River in the south. Its stark and barren landscape is characterised by vast gravel plains, isolated inselbergs (is-
land mountains), the spectacular Moon Landscape of the Swakop River Valley and the badlands of the Kuiseb Canyon. To date nearly 60 mammal species have been recorded in the area; the most commonly seen larger species are oryx, springbok and Hartmann’s mountain zebra. Mountain zebra occurs mainly in the eastern part of the park, especially in the vicinity of the Kuiseb and Swakop canyons. Oryx are fairly widely distributed after the summer rains, but during the dry season they concentrate in large numbers on the south-eastern plains and in the Kuiseb River area. Springbok are also widely distributed.
Klipspringer occur in suitable rocky habitats, especially the rocky canyons in the upper reaches of the Swakop, Khan and Kuiseb rivers. The Kuiseb Canyon is also home to three troops of chacma baboon and the westernmost troop have been observed to go without water for up to two weeks. Among the predators the blackbacked jackal is the most widely distributed. Leopard occurs in the Kuiseb and Swakop canyons and the mountain areas of the northeast. Spotted hyaena inhabit the eastern part of the park and along the coast
brown hyaena patrol the beaches in search of food. The Namib section of the park has one of the highest densities of lappetfaced vulture in Africa. Among the other species to be seen are ostrich, Ludwig’s bustard, Rüppell’s korhaan, Namaqua sandgrouse, Stark’s lark, greybacked finchlark and tractrac chat.
The vegetation is sparse, except in the Kuiseb and Swakop rivers, where a variety of trees and shrubs grow. Among these the camelthorn, ana tree, ebony tree and real mustard tree are the most conspicuous. The gravel plains are often bare for years, except for camelthorn trees and shrubs growing in the shallow river
washes. However, after good rains the plains are transformed into waving grasslands. Along the coast the vegetation is characterised by dwarf shrubland, dominated by brakbos and inkbos. A rich diversity of lichens is also found here, but the most fascinating plant is without doubt the Welwitchia.
Namib Times Holiday 2014
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OFF-ROAD RULES FOR CENTRAL NAMIBIAN COAST From the Kuiseb Delta to the Ugab Rivers, sedans, 4×4s, bakkies and beach buggies may go anywhere on proclaimed roads and on existing clearly wellused tracks, except where prohibited. No driving is allowed on the beaches at Henties Bay, Wlotzkasbaken, Swakopmund, Cape Cross and the camping sites at Mile 14, Jakkalsputz, Mile 72 and Mile 108. Beach driving is allowed elsewhere on existing wellused tracks. Quad bikes and other motorised bikes are prohibited on beaches between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund and on all beaches north of Henties Bay. No driving is allowed in the Swakop Riverbed up to the Rössing Golf Club. Only limited concessionaires may operate there under tourismspecific MET permits. Quad bikes and other motorized bikes are strictly prohibited in the entire Swakop River. Bikes and vehicles may only access the off-road recreation area in the dunes between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay through the demarcated access corridors at Langstrand, Dolfynpark and Dune 7. No access to the recreation area is allowed south from Swakopmund or the Swakop River. Quad and twowheel bikes may ride
west of the coastal road between Swakopmund and Henties Bay, only on existing well-used track. They may travel without a permit in the Omaruru River bed, only 5 km inland from the beach. No quad bikes and two-wheel bikes are allowed north of the Omaruru River, up to the Ugab River. Please note that the offroad area east of Swakopmund, north of the main road to Usakos, starts where the Swakopmund Municipal boundary ends. Driving in any conservation area or signposted no-driving area strictly prohibited. Drivers of any vehicles that can go off-road (4×4s, sedans, bakkies, beach buggies, quad or two-wheel bikes), need to adhere to the off-road Rules of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, when utising the off-road areas in the Central Namibian Coast area, between Sandwich Harbour and the Ugab River. To drive in the specially demarcated off-road areas in the dunes between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, offroaders are required to obtain a free permit.
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism has the authority to manage and protect the conservation areas under the Accommodations, Establishments and Tourism Ordinance of 1973 and Cabinet Decision, Dec#5th/ 27.03.07/13 Get your free permit to drive in specially demarcated off-road areas in the dunes between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund from: The Ministry of Environment and Tourism: Swakopmund Office. Cnr Bismarck St & Sam Nujoma Ave. Tel: 064 404 576. Walvis Bay Office 643 Heinrich Baumann St. Tel 064 205 971/2. Office hours for both offices during week days from 08:00 to 17:00. Weekends & Public Holidays: 08:00 to 12:00 and 16:00 to 17:30. Weekends & Public Holidays: 08:00 - 13:00. Walvis Bay Tourism Centre, Cnr Union St & 5th Rd Walvis Bay. Cell: 081 426 1200 / 081 1286 731. Open week days from 08:00 17:00. Weekends and Public Holidays: 08:00 12:00 & 16:00 17:30.
DECEMBER DECEMBER DECEMBER 2014 DECEMBER
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Do you as a parent, want your daughter to learn how to make positive first and lasting impressions, feel comfortable in social situations and polish their personal brand for success?
Etiquette and per- we will equip learners imagining all pos- and Windhoek for sonal image is not with essential life sibilities! women of all ages, about being perfect, and social skills as a We will create a where we will exbut about making preparation for entry dream map to get clear plore and uncover the on achieving dreams best possible style people feel comfor- into adult society. and goals. haveto fun table inas prefor your personality Do Doyou you asayour aparent, parent, want wantWe your yourwill daughter daughter tolearn learnhow howsetting to tomake make positive positivefirst first and and lasting lasting If the above appeals exploring mannesence. and body be impressions, impressions, feel comfortable comfortable in insocial social situations situations and andpolish polish their personal personal brand brandfirst for for shape, Do you as afeel parent, want your daughter to learn how their to make positive and lasting Fresh ideas for table design Do you as a parent, want your daughter to learn how to make positive first and lasting In our finishing clas- risms, table etiquette to you, then join our inspired by learning success? success? impressions, feelcomfortable comfortable in social situations and polish their personal brand for impressions, feel social situations polish their making personal brand for ½andday and what your child ses and and workshops to feel set trendy during our classes, workshops View our website for additional Etiquette Etiquette and personal personal image image isisin not not about about being beingperfect, perfect, but butworkshops about about makinghow people people feel success? success? comfortable comfortable in inyour your presence. 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In our finishing classes and workshops for our young preparation preparation for entry into adult adultsociety. society. what to do with a ambassadors and teens, wewe willwill equip learners with essential life your and social skills asof askills as a ambassadors and teens, equip learners with life and social We We will willhave havefun fun exploring exploring mannerisms, mannerisms, table table etiquette etiquette and andessential what what your child child dreams dreams of fresh bunch of flopreparation for entry into adult society. living, living, doing doing and and being being by by imagining imagining all all possibilities! possibilities! We We will will create create a a dream dream map map to to get get preparation for entry into adult society. wersdreams and map and We will will have mannerisms, tabletable etiquette and what child ofdreams clear clear on onachieving achieving dreams dreams and and setting setting goals. goals. We havefun funexploring exploring mannerisms, etiquette andyour what your childsteps of brainstorm you living, doing and being by imagining all ½ possibilities! We will create aSwakopmund, dream map toWalvis get If If the the above above appeals appeals to to you, you, then then join join our our ½ day day workshops workshops offered offered in in Swakopmund, Walvis living, and dreams being by all possibilities! We will create a dream map to get wouldthe need clear ondoing achieving andimagining setting goals. Bay Bay and and Windhoek Windhoek for forwomen women of of all allages, ages, where wherewe wewill willexplore exploreand anduncover uncover the best bestto take, clear on achieving dreams and setting goals. If the above you, then join ½shape, day workshops offered in Swakopmund, Walvis tohow get to toset where you possible possible style styleappeals for foryour yourtopersonality personality and andour body body shape, be beinspired inspired by bylearning learning how to set trendy trendy If the above appeals to you, then join our ½ day workshops offered in Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Windhoek for women of all ages, where we will explore and uncover the best want to be in life. table tabledecorations decorationsfor forany anyoccasion, occasion,know knowwhat whatto todo dowith withaafresh freshbunch bunchof offlowers flowersand andmap map Bay and style Windhoek for women of all ages, where we will and uncover thein-best possible for your personality and body shape, be inspired byexplore learning how to setistrendy and and brainstorm brainstorm steps steps you you would would need need to to take, take, to toget getto towhere where you you want want to toOur be be in invision life. life. to table decorations for any occasion, know what to do with a fresh bunch of flowers and map possible style for your personality and body shape, be inspired by learning how Our Ourvision visionisisto toinspire inspiregreatness, greatness,by bytouching touchinglives livesand anduncovering uncoveringthe thebeauty beauty that lies lies tobyset trendy spire that greatness, and brainstorm steps you would need to take, to get to where you want to be in life. within withindecorations and andwe wedo dothis this byany sharing sharing the thegift giftknow of ofknowledge knowledge offered during during our ourtouching classes, classes,of table forby occasion, what tooffered do with a fresh bunch flowers lives and un-and map Ourbrainstorm visionand is toindividual inspire greatness, touching livesto and uncovering beauty that liesin life. workshops workshops and individual sessions. sessions. and steps you wouldbyneed to take, get to wherethe you want to be covering within and we dofor thisadditional by sharing the gift of knowledge offered during our classes, the beauty View View our our website website for additional information. information. Our vision is to inspire greatness, by touching lives and uncovering the lies beautywithin that lies that workshops and individual sessions. www.senastyledesign.com www.senastyledesign.com within and we do this by sharing the gift of knowledge offered during our classes, and we do this by View our website for additional information. workshops and individual sessions. sharing the gift of www.senastyledesign.com View our website for additional information. knowledge offered www.senastyledesign.com New front door and tiling
Re-purposing of post boxes, new mirrors and fresh wall colour
Namib Namib Times Times Holiday Holiday 2013 2014
DECEMBER DECEMBER 2014
Sarah Se gat, Walvisbaai, waar bekendes kuier
Photos by Coenita de Bairos
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Sarah se gat staan bekend as ‘n plek waar vriende ‘n hond uit ‘n bos kan kuier. Met sy pragtige see uitkyk is dit ‘n moet-sien. Die Campbells, Die Bos-veldklong, Dozi, en Gerri Pretorius is van die kunstenaars wat daar kom optree. Karaokie-aande is ook altyd ‘n wenner. Almal beskryf dit as ‘n plek met ‘n lewendige atmorsfeer,
en vriendelike diens waar jy en vriende kan kuier. Sarah de Jager, na wie die plekkie venoem is, was ‘n legendariese figuur wat mans ‘n ding of twee kon wys oor visvang. Sarah se gat is geleë by die Walvisbaai-Waterfront.
DECEMBER 2014
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Photos by BernabĂŠ Blaauw
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The Lagoon At the lagoon the most beautiful birds come together
Walvis Bay is famous for its beautiful lagoon area. The area is very rich in plankton and attracts huge numbers of seals, flamingoes and pelicans, making it a huge tourist attraction. This remarkable natural lagoon is the largest single area of shallow water on the west coast of Africa. This tranquil stretch of water with its natural beauty is accentuated by thousands of flamingos and
other birds. Bird counts are done regularly. During one of these counts it was found that the lagoon is a safe haven for between 70 000 and 120 000 birds, and a feeding station for up to 200 000 birds on their natural migration route to and from the Arctic Circle. The 3 000 year-old stretch of water has been declared a Ramsar (Convention on Wetlands, 1971) site because of
its value as a wetland area. The Lagoon is regarded as one of the most important areas for coastal birds and the best flamingo viewing locality in the world. A pleasant walk of just over three kilometres along the Lagoon takes the visitor to Lover’s Hill, where information on various aspects of the Lagoon is provided. This scene is a must-see for bird-watching and photography.
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Dune belt and coastline between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay The 30 km section of coastline from Swakopmund to Walvis Bay is designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA). The area has up to 770 birds per kilometre of rocky shore which is the highest linear count of birds anywhere in Southern Africa. The importance of this coastline for birds is largely due to the high productivity especially on the rocky shores and the sheltering effect of the Pelican Point Peninsula. Onshore winds blow upwelled nutrients into the sheltered bay area allowing them to settle and establish a complex food web. The rare, breeding endemic Damara Tern (Sterna balaenarum) has various breeding sites in sandy, near-shore areas along the Namibian Coast but the most important breeding area on our planet is on the coastline between Swakopmund and Walvis
Bay, in three colonies, namely Swakopmund, Caution Reef and Dolphin Beach. The Swakopmund colony has been completely fenced off to protect it from off-road driving, as with the Caution Reef colony west and east of the main road, the Dolphin Beach colony is likely to become extinct shortly due to proposed housing developments. The Damara Tern is a breeding endemic to Southern Africa, and Namibia is home to about 98% of the world’s population of this species. It has a Red Data Book Conservation Status and is ra-
ted as “extinction possible.” Its breeding areas are therefore of vital global conservation concern. Damara Terns breed in loosely connected colonies which are sometimes located up to eight kilometers inland so as to avoid beach patrolling predators such as brown hyena and blackbacked jackal. During the breeding season, these birds are easily seen on the gravel plains and salt pans where they nest well apart from each other in small scattered colonies.
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Tips for the best photos Capture a good angle. Instead of taking the picture head-on, experiment with different angles to show off your features. If you turn your head a few degrees to the right or left, your features will appear less flat. Holding the camera slightly higher than your head so that it’s pointing down on you will make your eyes look bigger and help you avoid “pig nose.” Here are a few other ideas for finding a good angle: Know your “good side” and take the photo from that side of your face. It’s the side of your face that looks the most balanced and symmetrical. Angling the camera slightly above yourself and taking a snapshot of your face and chest will highlight your cleavage. Since this position is fairly unnatural, odds are, you already know what the camera will focus on when you take a selfie like this. 1. If you tend to blink in
photos, close your eyes just before the picture is taken and open them slowly before the camera clicks. No more halfclosed eyes! 2. To avoid a double chin, elongate your neck and push your face forward a bit. Think of sticking out your forehead and tipping your chin slightly down. It might feel awkward, but it will look great - promise. 3. Make sure your makeup is a perfect match, 4. Curled lashes and mascara are musts. The more open they are, the more the light hits them and that’s what makes them twinkle! 5. Take a look at your favourite pictures of yourself and try to spot a pattern. Do you like the way you look from a certain angle? When you smile a specific way? Try to replicate your best poses next time you have your photo taken. 6. Try this old school red carpet trick: Put your tongue behind your teeth
when you smile to avoid a goofy, too-wide grin. 7. Fill in your brows. Not only do your eyebrows convey character and emotion, they often mean all the difference between looking wide awake and washed out on camera. You may even consider using a slightly darker brow pencil if you know you’ll be photographed, since features tend to look lighter in pictures. 8. Make sure your hair is shiny. 9. Look toward a light right before someone snaps your photo. Doing so will shrink your pupils and help you avoid red eye. 10. Surprise photo op? Try this five-second prep: Blot your face with a tissue or singleply cocktail napkin, then pinch your cheeks to create a rosy glow (yep, it’s old school, but it works). 11. Blush is a must! Without some color on your cheeks, your face
can look two dimensional in photos. Use a medium pink shade on the apples of your cheeks to help shape your face. 12. Think about angles. Facing the camera straight on is rarely flattering; instead, turn your head to a threequarter position to give your features depth. 13. Try the “red carpet” pose: put your hand on your hip, angle your body to the side and turn your head towards the camera. It’s a cliché, but it really does work to help you look slimmer. Taylor Swift demonstrates the classic red carpet pose. 14. Stand in front of a white wall. A lightcolored backdrop will help brighten your face. Using a white background also helps a camera’s automatic settings find the right color balance, so your skin tone doesn’t end up looking too pink or yellow. 15. Wear bright lipstick.
“Dark lipstick can have a minimizing effect on lips,” says Stiles. “Steer clear of a dark matte lip color. It can look aging and unflattering. Stick with brighter colors.” 16. Be in more pictures! People who think they’re unphotogenic tend to pose for fewer photos overall, but photography is a game of averages. Even Kate Moss doesn’t nail it on the first frame. The more shots you let your photographer take, the more likely you’ll be happy with one or two of them. 17. A photo shot from just above you is way more flattering than one shot from below. If you’re taller than the person holding the camera, grab a seat. 18. Avoid standing directly under a light, which can cast weird shadows on your face. Instead, stand facing a natural light source, such as a window, or in a spot where soft light hits your face from the side.
Photo: Getty Images
With everyone packing a camera in their pockets for this holiday to capture unexpected moments and to keep memories for old time’s sake, below are some tips from Mr Google for taking the best photos this summer. The good news? Being photogenic is a skill you can totally master. Here are a few of our favorite tips that will help you bring out your photogenic side.
Try the “red carpet” pose: put your hand on your hip 19. Grab a prop preferably not a red Solo cup. Holding onto an object such as a flower or decoration can help you relax your posture and add personality to a picture. 20. To make your eyes sparkle, look at a light source. A lamp or brightly lit Christmas tree will create a
flattering gleam in your pupils. 21. Forget saying “cheese,” and instead think of something funny. Better yet, joke with the photographer. A natural smile trumps a fake one every time. Source, http://www. wikihow.com/TakeGood-Selfies
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Kersboodskap deur die Swakopmund Munisipale Hoof-verkeersbeampte - Melvin Cloete 'n Boodskap vir die regte gesindheid, mededeelsaamheid en empatie is deur die Hoof-verkeersbeampte, mnr Melvin Cloete uitgestuur aan alle padgebruikers vir die komende Fees- en Vakansieseisoen. “Baie mense reis na verskillende dele van die land om hul familie en vriende te besoek, en veral na ons kusdorpe. Sommige is reeds hier en baie gaan nog die pad na die kus aanpak, vir 'n welverdiende ruskansie. Ek wil van die geleentheid gebruik maak om ons padgebruikers te versoek om die regte gesindheid te openbaar en verkeersreëls te gehoorsaam en te respekteer. Dit is jammer dat verskeie lewens reeds in padonge-
lukke verloor is. Dit is belangrik om te verseker dat alle padgebruikers, bestuurders van voertuie, passasiers en voetgangers, met die maksimum versigtigheid, dissipline en selfbeheersing optree, sodat ons die onnodige verlies aan produktiewe en onskuldige lewens kan voorkom. Elke jaar word padgebruikers gewaarsku en daaraan herinner om gehoor te gee aan verkeersreëls, om te sorg dat hul voertuie padwaardig is, om genoeg rus te kry voor hulle op reis gaan en
om teen die voorgeskrewe spoedgrens te ry. Tog is dit elke jaar ongelukkig so dat padongelukke hierdie tyd toeneem en baie onskuldige lewens kortgeknip word. Alle padgebruikers in Namibië het 'n verantwoordelikheid teenoor hulself, hul geliefdes en inderdaad ook alle ander mense wat van ons paaie gebruik maak. Kom ons werk hierdie jaar saam, om die onnodige hartseer en verdriet, wat deur voorkombare padsterftes en beserings
veroorsaak word, te voorkom. En laastens, moenie drink en bestuur nie, wees verantwoordelik en dink ook aan ander padgebruikers, passasiers en jou en jou kinders se toekoms. Op dié manier kan ons help om die Kerstyd en die vakansieseisoen betekenisvol vir ons medeburgers te maak. Aan ons besoekers vanuit alle rigtings, julle is meer as welkom, so kom en geniet ons gasvryheid terdeë. Ons nooddienspersoneel, die Namibiese
Polisie, Mediese en Ambulansdienste, Brandweer en Verkeersbeamptes asook die Buurtwagte, wat hierdie seisoen weereens aan diens moet wees oor die Kerstyd: alle sterkte word julle toegebid en in besonder julle families wat gedurende hierdie tyd alleen gelaat moet word, sodat julle die nodige hulp kan verleen in die samelewing waar dit nodig is.”
Swakopmund Verkeershoof - Melvin Cloete
DECEMBER
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Christmas Speech by the Junior Town Council Deputy Mayor
Road Safety Tips
MOTORISTS: ∙ Always drive on the left side of the road ∙ Speed should be adjusted according to the road conditions ∙ Drive at a safe speed and always observe the speed limit ∙ Always wear your seat belt and ensure that your passenger do the same ∙ DO NOT drink and drive ∙ Follow other vehicles at a safe distance ∙ Do not use a mobile phone while driving ∙ Overtake with care ∙ Do not tailgate ∙ Before you drive a vehicle ensure that: ∙ The vehicle is properly licensed and registered ∙ You have the valid and appropriate license to drive that class of vehicle PEDESTRIANS: ∙ Always cross the road at designed pedestrian or zebra crossings ∙ Always use sidewalks where they are available ∙ Do not cross at bends in the road where you cannot see of oncoming vehicles ∙ If you are walking in a group, walk in single file facing oncoming traffic ∙ When crossing the road, be attentive and on the lookout for oncoming vehicles COMMUTERS: ∙ Always wait for the bus or minibus to stop completely when boarding or alighting
∙ Do not put any part of your body outside when you are in a moving bus or car. “One accident can have a ripple effect that impacts on so many lives - spouses, mothers, fathers, children, sisters, brothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and colleagues”. “We urge everyone to drive safely, to be courteous on our roads and to heed road safety requirements relating to speed drink driving, fatigue, safety belts and other restraints and safe vehicles.”
Christmas is slowly but surely creeping in and we have already started spreading the Christmas spirit by initiating the Shoe Box Project. With this initiative, we were able to give more than 200 OVC's from primary schools in Swakopmund, an early Christmas present. This present consisted of a shoe box filled with toys, sweets and other basic necessities donated by high school pupils, residents of Swakopmund and some local businesses. Once again this year, people from all
different walks of life will be flocking to our lovely town to spend their long-awaited holidays. We would like to urge all visitors to enjoy everything that our town has to offer, but this should please be done in a responsible manner. The youth should please refrain from indulging themselves in any activities in which alcohol and drugs are involved. In conclusion, the Junior Town Council would like to thank the Swakopmund Municipality, respective high schools and all our sponsors that
S H U T T L E
Depart WB 06h45 / SWK 07h30 Depart Whk 14h00 Pensioners and Children discount Contact us 064-407223 or 081 210 3062
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ll Wishing a ers a m o t s u c r ou as & m t s i r h C y r Mer Year w e N y p p a Ha
Hop along with us...
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
WATER FILTER SYSTEMS
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Kevin Nakashona Deputy Junior Mayor
Between Walvis Bay – Windhoek
A
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have helped us during the duration of this year. The Junior Town Council plans to have bigger and more innovative projects next year that will help us sustain the reputation that we have set thus far. We would like to wish all residents of Swakopmund and the visitors a Merry Christmas and a prosperous and fruitful 2015!!
D A I LY
CIA
E
P SS
SWAKOPMUND: The year 2014 has been filled with many obstacles for the Junior Town Council, but with the determination and perseverance of all junior councillors, and with the support from the local businesses and Swakopmund residents, we were able to overcome all these obstacles.
P.O.BOX 8796 SWAKOPMUND
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Swakopmund, the ultimate holiday destination The tourism industry is one of the main contributors to Namibia's economy and the coastal town of Swakopmund definitely plays a vital role in this regard. Described by the town's Mayor, Mr Juuso Kambueshe, as the “City of Light”, this town surely lives up to standards and can easily rub shoulders with holiday resorts around the globe.
History:
Captain Curt von François founded Swakopmund in 1892 as the main harbour for the Imperial German colony - The deep sea harbour at Walvis Bay belonged to the British. The founding date was on 8 August, when the crew of gunboat Hyäne ("Hyena") erected two beacons on the shore. Swakopmund was chosen for its avail-
ability of fresh water and because other sites further north, such as Cape Cross, were found unsuitable. The site did, however, not offer any natural protection to ships lying off the coast, a geographical feature not often found along Namibia's coast. When the first 120 Schutztruppe soldiers and 40 settlers were offloaded at Swakopmund, they had to dig caves into the sand for shelter.
The offloading was done by Kru tribesmen from Liberia who used special boats. WoermannLinie, the operator of the shipping route to Germany, employed 600 Kru at that time. Swakopmund quickly became the main port for imports and exports for the whole territory, and was one of six towns which received municipal status in 1909. Many government offices for
German South-West Africa had offices in Swakopmund. During the Herero Wars a concentration camp for Herero people was operated in town. Inmates were forced into slave labour; approximately 2 000 Herero died. Soon, the harbour created by the Mole silted up, and in 1905 work was started on a wooden jetty, but in the long run this was inadequate.
In 1914 construction of a steel jetty was therefore commenced, the remains of which can still be seen today. After World War I it became a pedestrian w a l k w a y. I t w a s declared structurally unsound and was closed to the public for seven years, and in 2006 renovations to the portion supported by concrete pillars were completed, with a seafood restaurant and sushi bar being added to the end portion of the steel portion of the jetty soon after. A new timber walkway was also added onto the existing steel structure, and the steel portion of the jetty reopened to the
public in late 2010. Trading and shipping companies founded branches in Swakopmund. A number of these buildings, many of them built by enslaved natives, still exist today. After German SouthWest Africa was taken over by the Union of South Africa in 1915, all harbour activities were transferred from Swakopmund to Walvis Bay. Many of the Central Government services ceased. Businesses closed down, the number of inhabitants diminished, and the town became less prosperous. However, the natural potential of
Swakopmund as a holiday resort was recognised, and this potential has subsequently been developed. Today tourism-related services form an important part of the town's economy. The discovery of uranium at Rössing, 70 km outside the town, led to the development of the world's largest opencast uranium mine. This had an enormous impact on all facets of life in Swakopmund which necessitated expansion of the infrastructure of the town to make it into one of the most modern in Namibia.
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DECEMBER
Namib Times Holiday 2014
The question is are you! LIVING IT? If NOT WHY NOT? We believe that “FITNESS CREATES ENERGY” ENERGY can only be in abundance when you nurture you mind and body with lots of oxygen, blood pumping with speed trough your veins, your heart accelerating and your brain becoming into clear thinking. As I just experienced motherhood, getting back into shape isn't an easy, but daunting task. I do however believe in exercise to reshape and to re-energise myself. At LIVE IT health & fitness club we have the latest modern cardio and weight equipment. The 25 meters, 10 lane heated swimming pool is a blue ray on the eye. Classes ranging from ZUMBA, Cross Fit, Spinning, Body Conditioning, Water Aerobics and Yoga we have it all under one roof. If you don't know how to train or need a training program our personal trainers can assist you.
Clean bathrooms, locker facilities and Sauna are available and part of your gym membership.
So NO excuses of being tired, depressed or as they say in Afrikaans “ ek is nie lus nie” if we are on your doorstep. Visit us @ ! LIVE IT health & fitness club for a one day “ FREE EXPERIENCE”
Wishing all our customers a
Merry Christmas &
Prosperous New Year Tel: +264 64 463 113 Cell: +264 81 129 4030
DECEMBER
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DECEMBER
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About Excellent Fire Fighting Services Excellent Fire Fighting Services CC is a firefighting company that officially opened in 2008 that specialises in firefighting equipment, services and firefighting training. The company produces top quality work on services of fire equipment for a company that needs their annual services and new supply of fire equipment. Excellent Fire Fighting Services CC operates from Windhoek and also expands to the Coastal area of Namibia in Swakopmund, in the South Area Keetmanshoop and Rehoboth. Our staff travels all over the country for annual services and to develop new business. The company is owned and managed by Mr Ronald Adams. Our team is made up of professionals who are willing to work hard and shift boundaries. Our company multitasks and adapts to keep abreast of
and to anticipate mar-ket demands. With our fully equipped workshops, powder rooms and C02 filling stations and expert staff, our company is in a position to train and guide companies for basic firefighting training. We deliver professional fire-fighting services to all our clients for a very competitive price. In fact, no job is too big or too small and we work with clients to develop a product that is cuttingedge, yet fits their budget. With Excellent Fire Fighting Services' years of experience
and unique approach to firefighting you're guaranteed to stand out from the pack. Services New Equipment We provide our clients with SABS registered products. Annual Services With our highly trained technicians we provide an excellent service to our customers on fire equipment such as all dry chemical powder fire units (0.6kg DCP, 2kg DCP, 4,5kg DCP, 9kg DCP). With our C02 filling stations we also provide services on all C02 fire units. First Aid Equipment As an add on to our
firefighting products we also provide our clients with First Aid products. Basic Firefighting Training We find it essential that to provide our clients with basic firefighting training so that the public do not have a perception that fire equipment is only used as “white elephants”. Our Work A) Safety First B) Safety on the job C) Safety Always D) Safety everywhere
vative and advanced fire, safety and suppression equipment and services available today to protect lives and properties. · To give advice on fire protection measures and fire hazards. · To educate the community and to promote the public awareness on fire safety · In addition it is our responsibility to grow and sustain our company to achieve profitability that will support our commitments and sustain
We will grow in the future through strate-gically placed sales and service locations with professional teams that will support and strengt-hen our entire customer relation-ships. To serve the whole nation of Namibia by making it a safe place to live and to work. Our Vision · Excellent Fire Fighting Services cc is committed to our customers by providing the most inno-
growth for our customers, employees and suppliers Values · Upholding high standards of integrity. · Striving for professionalism and continuous improvement · Dedication and commitment to providing quality service · Readiness in meeting challenge and accepting accountability · Maintaining high spirit and esprit de corps among staff
Our Mission Excellent Fire Fighting Services cc will be the #1 supplier of fire equipment throughout the entire Namibian state.
Early Christmas Special!!!!! Hose Reel Complete N$1 250.00 Hydrant N$1 250.00
Fire Extinguishers N$100.00 0.6kg DCP N$200.00 1kg DCP N$300.00 2.5kg DCP N$400.00 4.5kg DCP N$500.00 9kgDCP
NO.1 NO.2 NO.3 NO.4 NO.5 First Aid First Aid Vehicle (S) First Aid Vehicle (L) First Aid Green Box First Aid White Box First Aid Refills (S) First Aid Refills (M)
Fire Blankets - N$100.00 - N$200.00 - N$300.00 - N$400.00 - N$500.00
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Specials last as stock last – CASH ONLY – prices VAT Exclusive T'S & C'S apply Bring in / drive in all fire equipment for services (December) only for N$ 50.00 T'S & C'S apply Free delivery in Swakopmund. FREE INSTALLATION
SWAKOPMUND BRANCH: Tel: 064 403 136 • Fax: 064 403 139 Email: effsreception@africaonline.com.na effs@mweb.com.na 081 279 0088 Ronny Adams WINDHOEK BRANCH: Tel: 061 210 056 Fax: 061 210 057 Email: effswhk@africaonline.com.na • 081 279 0088
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Contact Vernon Dausab @ 081 470 6190 (next to Super Save, Tamariskia)
Namib Times Holiday 2014
DECEMBER
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Cape Cross Cape Fur Seal Colony!! Cape Cross is about 130 km north of Swakopmund along the desert coastline of Namibia. It was one of the first landfalls of European explorers in southern Africa; Bartholomew Diaz erected a cross here. It consists of a rocky promontory, to the south of which is a series of lagoons, which have a total area of about 5 000 ha. The sandy barrier between the lagoons and the ocean consist of sediments brought
down by the Orange River, and swept north by the actions of the Benguela Long shore drift. The lagoons are maintained by seepage of seawater, and by waves overtopping the barrier during spring high tides. Cape Cross has a large Cape Fur Seal Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus population, numbering about 150 000 ani-
mals. It is on the mainland, so unlike island-based seal colonies, it is not space-limited. Entrepeneurs have developed a simple but effective way of producing guano at the Cape Cross lagoons. Three wooden platforms with a total area of 68 000 ha were erected in the 1950s to provide a breeding and roosting site for Cape Cormorants. About 30 000 pairs of cormorants currently breed on the platforms; in 1974, an aerial survey estimated 900 000 cormorants. Guano is still collected on the platforms, even though guano scraping has largely stopped on most of the offshore islands.
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Environmental policies
With the festive season at hand, Nacoma (Namibian Coast Conservation and Management Project) informed the newspaper about the rules and regulations holiday goers need to bear in mind when planning to have some adventure. The newspaper spoke to a spokesperson at Nacoma, regarding the rules and regulations pertaining to the environment during the festive season. The Dorob National Park, being one of the most unique parks along the central Namibian coast, caters for various leisure, tourism and sports activities while also providing for conservation measures and specific conservation areas. It was declared in Government Notice No. 266 of 1 December 2010. Under section 84 of the Nature Conservation Ordinance, 1975 (Ordi-
nance No. 4 of 1975), Regulation 36 of the Regulations Relating to Nature Conservation GN 240/1976 has been amended by the addition of specific regulations for Dorob National Park under Government Notice No. 210 of 15 August 2012. The Nature Conser-vation Ordinance 4 of 1975 and Regulations Relating to Nature Conservation GN 240/1976 remain in effect. The park stretches from the Kuiseb Delta (south of Walvis Bay) northwards to the Ugab River; and eastwards from the low water mark of the Atlantic Ocean towards the boundary of the Swa-
kopmund district. It includes the Walvis Bay Lagoon, a Ramsar Site, but excludes the municipal areas of Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Henties Bay and the settlement area of Wlotzkasbaken. It excludes the railway line between Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Arandis, the road reserves of the major B2 route; the minor routes C14, C28, C34, C35, C39; the district roads D1983, D1984, D1986, D1991, D1901, D1918 and D2302 and farms under private ownership or belonging to a parastatal institution. Visitors to the Dorob National Park, who would wish to enjoy the
various leisure, sports and tourism activities in the park, should familiarize themselves with and obey the regulations, laws and rules. For further clarification one can also consult with the coastal offices of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism at Swakopmund or Walvis Bay. Regarding the fishing regulations, anglers should consult with the offices of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources in Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. The Nature Conservation Ordinance Section 14 protects and conserves wild animal life, fisheries, wild plant life and objects of geological, archaeological, historical and other scientific interest and for the benefit and enjoyment of the inhabitants of Namibia. Therefore some activities in the Dorob National Park are allowed, while others are not. Activities causing the least damage to park resources are regulated less, while those that would be the most damaging, are strictly regulated. All people who enter the park must comply with the stipulations of the Ordinance, the regulations and the Environmental Management Act
of 2007. They must comply with the instructions of signposts, signboards, pamphlets or communicated i n a n y o t h e r manner. They must obey any legal order or instruction given by a Law-enforcement Officer. When entering by foot people may go without a permit, except in an area that is closed or exclusionary, and go on foot if being young adults or younger than 16 without adult supervision, but do so at their own risk. A person may take a domestic animal into the park without a permit, except in areas where it is indicated that such animals are not allowed. The owner must remove the faeces of the animal and the animal shall not cause any inconvenience, nuisance, damage or injury to other people, animals and any plants or any other aspect of the environment. Any person entering the Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) area in the Dune Belt between Langstrand and Walvis Bay by vehicle will need a permit. In addition a permit is required for the Ugab Menhir, Messum Crater, Minerals, Omaruru and Swakop River 4x4 trails. Permitted and prohibited areas for sedans, 4x4s, bakkies
DECEMBER and beach buggies: These vehicles may only drive in the ORV area with a permit (the Dune Belt between Langstrand and Walvis Bay) and without a permit on proclaimed roads and clearly marked MET routes, tracks and roads (except where prohibited, or as indicated by sign boards). Where allowed, beach driving is only authorised on MET designated and clearly marked routes, tracks and roads. No driving is allowed on the beaches at the sea fronts of Henties Bay, Wlotzkasbaken, Swakopmund, Cape Cross and the Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) managed camping sites at Mile 14, Jakkalsputz, Mile 72 and Mile 108. East of the C34, selfdrives are only allowed with permit on the 4x4 tracks indicated on the attached maps. Permitted and prohibited areas for quad bikes and other motorised bikes: Quad bikes and other motorised bikes may only drive in the ORV area with a permit (the Dune Belt between Langstrand and Walvis Bay) and without a permit west of the C34 between Swakopmund and Hen-ties Bay, only on pro-claimed roads and clearly marked MET tracks and roads (except where prohibited). Where allowed, beach driving is only authorised
on MET designated and clearly marked tracks. Quad bikes and other motorised bikes are prohibited on beaches between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, in all areas north of Henties Bay, and on the beaches at the seafronts of Henties Bay, Wlotzkasbaken, Swakopmund, and the Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) managed camping sites. Quad bikes are strictly prohibited north of the Omaruru River up to the Ugab River and other motorised bikes are prohibited off the proclaimed roads north of the Omaruru River up to the Ugab River. Quad bikes and other motorised bikes are permitted 10 km upstream from Henties Bay within the Omaruru River but not beyond. In general, people may use a vehicle in the park with their permit at any time except between 21:00 and 05:00. This provision does not apply to proclaimed roads and people may use those roads at any time. A valid driver's license will be required to use any motor vehicle in the park. No person shall drive or use any vehicle in the park whilst under the influence of alcohol or any other narcotic substance or in such a way that is dangerous to human life or that may cause damage to any property or the environment.
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Eat, Drink and be Merry
24 December 25 December 31 December Christmas Dinner (three course menu)
Christmas Lunch Buffet
(Cocktail party on our rooftop terrace combined with exclusive buffet dinner in bistro)
Also bistro will be open during weekdays.
Bistro is situated at the Hotel Zum Kaiser (formerly known as Swakopmund Boutique Hotel)
BOOKINGS
Contact: Willem Danster +264 (0) 64 417 100
‘n
Ons sal gesluit wees vanaf 20.12.2014 tot 13.01.2015
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Namib Times Holiday 2014
Camel rides are one of the most adventurous things you can enjoy with your family and friends over the holidays. The rides take place between 09:00 to 17:00 every day. Even though the desert is extremely hot, people still enjoy the rides. The camel live behind the Desert Explorers, which is based on the southern outskirts of Swakopmund on NataniĂŤl Maxuilili Street. Everybody is allowed to go on camel rides and there is no experience required as the camels have guides who trained them and guide them through the desert. There are no special events happening during the festive season because the Desert Explorers are fully packed during the festive season and everyone is only interested in the rides and nothing else. They do have holiday specials though. Because the camels take a long time to walk back, this December holidays there will only be rides for 30 minutes per ride, fifteen minutes into the desert and fifteen minutes back, which will cost only N$200. The camel rides at Desert Explorers have been taking place for about two years. There are 19 camels at Desert Explorers. Camel rides are not the only activity you can find at Desert Explorers, there is also Quad Biking which is a lot of fun.
DECEMBER
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The National Marine Aquarium of Namibia The Swakopmund Aquarium is the only aquarium in Namibia, located at the Atlantic coast of the country.
The National Aquarium in Swakopmund opens a window to the wonders of marine life found in the cold Benguela Current off the coast of Southern Africa. Seawater, drawn from the old jetty, is pumped through a series of filter systems before reaching the exhibition tanks. The main tanks have a holding capacity of 320 000 litres, is 12 m long and 8 m wide. An underwater walkway allows the visitor to view sharks, rays and fishes from close range. The smaller exhibition tanks house organisms from the inshore waters, mainly found along sandy and rocky beaches. Numerous information posters line the walls of
the Aquarium. Scientific information regarding the rich resources of Namibia, is simply, yet comprehensively displayed. The functions of the National Marine Aquarium are to disseminate information about Namibian marine life, to enhance visitors about the sensitivity and complexity of the Benguela System and to serve as a place of recreation for those who merely want to put their feet up and relax. Feeding takes place each day at 15:00. Fishes in the main tank are fed 810 kg of fillet hake. Special feeds are prepared for the filterfeeders (such as mussels and barnacles) and smaller creatures such as crabs, anemones, starfishes and sea snails. Open: Tuesdays -
Sundays 10:00 - 16:00 Closed: Mondays, Christmas and New Year's days Feeding: Daily at 15:00 Feeding by divers: Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays Species that may be viewed in the Aquarium: Galjoen, West Coast Steenbras, Baardman, Ragged-tooth Shark, Shyshark, Klipfish, African penguin, Cape cormorant, Blacktail, Red-fingers, Horse mackerel, Octopus, Green turtle, Pipefish, hermit crab, kelp gull, White pelican, Anemone, Horseshoe sea cucumber, Spotted grunter, Mullet, Spotted gully shark, Blues p o t t e d r a y, S a n d shrimp, Crumb-ofbread sponge, Silver kob, Barbel, Houndshark, Eagle, ray, Hawksbill turtle, Three-spot swimming crab, Red crab, Cape fur seal. Commercial species of Namibia Chub mackerel, Horse mackerel, Deep-water hake, Orange roughy, Alfonsino, West Coast Sole, Kingklip, Cape hake, Mako shark, Red crab, Cape rock lobster, anchovy, Pilchard, Mullet, Silver, kob, Monkfish, Swordfish, Snoek, Yellowfin tuna, Blue shark and Cape fur seal.
DECEMBER
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Ekspert van die Namib – Tommy Collard se duine… Frikkie Wallis “I'm going to give you some background music of the Namib so that you can understand how everything fits together...” “Namib means a vast, open space…” “ The currency of life is water. ..” “Die Namib is almal se plek…” “Opvoed, pleks van opvoeter” “ As jy nog nie die spinnekoppie se klein gaatjie in die sand gesien het nie, sal jy nie verstaan wat jou spelery in die woestyn doen nie” “Daar is nie eintlik experts oor die Namib nie…”
Klein gediertetjie – gróót byt
Een van die Groot Ontwerper se juwele
Besoekers vasgevang in die oomblik
Die ene oë en ore
My eerste kennismaking met Tommy Collard was 'n goeie onthou. Die Namib is Tommy - en Tommy is die Namib… Min mense ken die Namib soos Tommy Collard. Min mense gee vir die woestyn om soos Tommy. Min mense vertel só onderhoudend soos Tommy van die duine, diere (groot en klein), die moets en moenies en hoe belangrik bewaring is. En min mense kan dit wat hy vir jou vertel so vol humor maak dat jy nie anders kan as om dit vir altyd te onthou nie. Hy het die oggend op ons toer met sy kortbroek, kaalvoet uit sy ryding geklim waarmee hy toeriste leer van die Namib en die wonderlike lewe wat in en op en onder die duine se sand wegkruip. En ook van dit wat nie
versteek lê nie en geduldig en ooglopend vir jou wag. Hy doen sy toer vlot en sonder fieterjasies in drie tale en skakel gemaklik oor van Engels na Duits na Afrikaans en terug na Engels – sommer so terwyl jy nog besig is om alles in te neem. “Good morning. Welcome to the Namib, the oldest desert in the world! We're going to do the tour in the Queens language and in Keiser Wilhem Sprache…” begin hy die toer van vier ure. Die mis maak ons groep van so by die 20 net buite die duinegordel toe. In Tommy se voorste voertuig, ry ek saam met ses ander toeriste; agter ons kom die res van die konvooi aan. Drie viertrek-voertuie wat presies in Tommy se spore ry. Ons toer bestaan uit 'n paar Afrikaanssprekendes, 'n paar Engelse, Duitsers, Spanjaarde en 'n groep uit Beijing. “Halfway” sê Tommy by sy eerste stilhouplek “we'll do a test and discuss the price of he tour – I need a new car!” en hy sprei kleurfoto's van kewers, verkleurmannetjies en slangetjies van die woestyn op die enjinkap uit. “We're going to give you some background music of the Namib so that you can understand how everything fits together…”. Hy kyk elke toerlid in die oë, en ek weet dis vir latere onthou – want ek dink nie daar is iemand wat Tommy ooit weer sal vergeet nie. “Scientists, people with thick round glasses, say this is the oldest desert in die world. The word Namib means a vast, open space. The currency of life is water. For the Germans it's beer. I've never heard of people crawling in the desert and they say “beer”. During Octoberfest you see people crawling but they say “no more beer”.” En sy oë word skrefies getrek deur 'n ondeundheid wat jy later die dag vir altyd sal onthou. Twee-derdes van elke dag rol die mis van die see af in, en dit is die hartklop wat die woestyn lewendig hou. Alles in die Namib kry
Tommy Collard en sy vrou, Kitt
'n Onvergeetlike ervaring
Op soek na een van die klein vyf van die Namib hul vog, direk en indirek, van die mis. Hy druk met sy bruingebrande wysvinger op die foto van 'n kewer. In die Namib is daar sowat 300 verskillende soorte. Op sy eenvoudig-treffende manier verduidelik hy dat elke stukkie iets, selfs gemors soos 'n plastieksak, wat deur die wind die woestyn
ingewaai word, soos 'n klein dorpie is omdat dit beskutting teen die weer bied vir die kleinste onder die kleinstes wat verwaaid ronddwaal. Die temperatuur kan bedags tot 75°C styg, wat warm genoeg is om 'n eier in die sand te kook! Dit is wanneer die slange en skerpioene onder die yl plantegroei
skuilte soek. Die bedaarde Tommy raak erg omgekrap wanneer hy oor die vernielsugtiges van die woestyn praat. Roekeloses wat met hul viertrek-voertuie en kwadfietse, ja selfs gewone fietse, in die woestyn ry. Dit sê hy is soos 'n gipsafdruk in die landskap - met die spore wat vir tot vyftig, selfs honderd jaar daar kan agterbly. Die uiters-primitiewe ligene, plantorganismes wat saamgestel is uit 'n fungus en 'n alg, 43
Duineman Tommy
DECEMBER
Namib Times Holiday 2014
Tommy Collard se duine… Vervolg vanaf bls 42 is só sensitief dat dit eers weer ná 40 jaar tekens van herstel kan toon. Ligene beskerm boonop die boonste lagie grond teen winderosie. Tommy sê dat wanneer hy in die woestyn ry, hy net bestaande spore volg – hy maak nie nuwes nie. Die vier voertuie agter ons het juis om dié rede versigtig in Tommy se spore gebly. Toergidse wat nie dié woestytreëls gehoorsaam nie, word swaar boetes opgelê en in sommige gevalle is daar selfs van hulle wat al in die pad gesteek is. Tommy het nadat hy in feitlik die hele suidelike Afrika gewerk het, in 1995 uit Angola Namibië toe gekom. Hy was toe 40 jaar oud en ongetroud – totdat hy gevang is deur 'n Engelse meisie wat stadiger as hy gehardloop het! “Dis 'n Bybelse beginsel in die Ou Testament dat as 'n soldaat trou dan is jy vir 'n jaar lank nie toegelaat om oorlog toe te gaan nie. Jy moet by die huis bly en jou vrou leer ken…” sê hy met 'n stoute glimlag om sy mond. Hy het die woestyn en die veld beter leer ken en toere begin doen om sy kennis met ander te deel. Omdat hy in sy weermagdae die maniere van oorlewing by die Boesmans geleer het, en begin spoor sny het, kan hy dit vandag toepas en ander daaroor inlig. Hy en Kitt is aktief betrokke by omgewingsbewaring, – die kontrole en regulering van toe-
gang tot veral die duinegordel tussen Swakopmund en Walvisbaai. Saam met die Namibian Coastal Comitee word daar druk op die regering geplaas om die gebied tussen die twee dorpe as 'n nasionale park te proklameer. Die woestyn se grootste gevaar is ongevoelige kwadfietsryers wat nie 'n duit omgee oor wat hulle agterlaat nie. Tommy sê dat daar oor vanjaar se Paasnaweek 900 fietse byeen was wat alles vernietig het wat hulle agt jaar lank aan opgebou het. Hy kry dikwels ouers in die straat wat vra wat hy met hulle kind in die duine aangevang het, omdat hul kinders hulle oor die vingers tik en sê dat oom Tommy sê jy sekere goed nie mag doen nie. “Die Namib is almal se plek en hoe meer mense se oë kan oopgaan, hoe meer mense kan toegelaat word om die Namib in te gaan”. Niks lê hom so na aan die hart as bewaring nie! Polisiereserviste word die jongste tyd geregistreer wat die gesag het om oortreders in die woestyn vas te vat. Voertuie mag deurgesoek word en die afgelope byna vyf jaar is kennisgewingborde met versperrings aangebring om skades te voorkom en vernietiging te keer. Mense wat hom kritiseer word op 'n gratis toer die Namib in gevat, om as heeltemal iemand anders terug te kom. “Dit is hoekom ons met die Amerikaanse rol-
Sirkel van belangstelling…
Tommy Collard in sy Namib
prentmense dia hare laat waai het. Jy kom op 'n punt waar jy nie die vernieting verder kan aanskou nie. Dan voel jy soos ek wat 'n ou se arms wou breek en hom uit die pad wou ry vir wat hy met sy onbesonnenheid hier aangerig het…” Hy raak kwaad wanneer hy praat oor mense wat verkleurmannetjies uit die Namib wegdra. “'n Paar horingsmannetjies haal tot R6 000 op die swartmark…” Ses maande gelede het hy begin om navorsing te doen oor die verkleurmannetjies van die Namib. Omtrent geen navorsing is nog oor die reptiele gedoen nie en 'n Amerikaanse universiteit het vir hom 'n skandeerder en 100 mikroskyfies geskenk om hulle te monitor. Op dié manier het hy waargeneem dat 'n dragtige verkleurmannetjie in drie weke 800 meter ver aflê terwyl 'n mannetjie in 20 minute 300 meter ver kan loop! Ons onderhoud is klaar en ek sit my opnemer af. Hy spring soos 'n jong bok uit sy ryding, stap oor die stil straat na sy gunstelingkoffieplek en raak weg in Swakop se laatmiddagmis. Tommy Collard se uurglas bly vol Namibsand… tommys@iway.na
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DECEMBER
The Pantry…a place you can never miss The Pantry is one of the places you would not want to miss this festive season. It is the first of its kind and there is nothing else like this little deli in Namibia. The concept and idea locally produced by studied Interior Design originated ten years N a m i b i a n f a r m e r s in South Africa. The ago, said Tielman and because we want to Pantry sells different his wife Yvonne van support our locals” kinds of artisan breads Lill, the owners. The narrated Tielman. A which are made in their P a n t r y o p e n e d i n variety of fresh cheeses own on-site bakery. All S w a k o p m u n d i n a r e b r o u g h t f r o m the artisan breads are September this year Omaruru, Mariental made fresh every day. and is based at the and Otjiwarongo. The “People are welcome Swakopmund Indoor processed meat on to ask for quotes on Sports Centre on the offer is exclusively bread products, platters g r o u n d f l o o r . made by a farmer and more, since we According to the van outside Swakopmund now have a qualified Lill's, their love for for them. There is a pastry chef on our team f o o d a n d s e r v i n g tasting table “try me, and customers should people is what made I'm free” where people f e e l f r e e t o g i v e them come up with this can taste different suggestions” Tielman idea and concept. They products available in added. The Pantry is want to promote home- the Deli. The entire open every day of the made products “Most interior was designed w e e k , M o n d a y t o of the products are by their daughter, who Sunday.
DECEMBER
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Carnival of Flames The Carnival of Flames, A Fire, Dance & Music Extravaganza is a Concert Style Event showcasing local Swakopmund Talent. Evolve Entertainment, will be collaborating with West Coast FM, Moon Goddess Dance Studio and Violinist Heini van Biljon from Windhoek, Dancers from Dance Factory, Ombazu Drummers, Sonja Keil and Savannah Collins, all from Swakopmund. We will be combining dance choreographies with and without the use of props, fire flow art toys with live Music performances. This will be a first of its kind in Namibia. Our aim is to stun and mesmerize our audience by offering a visual extravaganza of flaming inspiration. The Event itself will be one night only. We are building a temporary open air stage 10m x 10m with backdrop and theatre style seating for 1 000 spectators on the large area behind Desert Explorers and SFC. Entrance and parking will be from Desert Explorer’s side. There will be a carpeted area around the stage with pillows for kids. Food stalls will be available at the entrance to the venue selling different types of food. Also available is a bar with cocktail tables and a smoking area. People are welcome to dress up for our event, but remember to bring something warm as you never know with Swakop weather.
Join us at Rössmund Golf Course for a traditional Christmas carvery with all the trimmings and decadent trifles and puddings to round it off.
es Priz& s rise Surp There is wine, turkey and sweets for many, Let’s celebrate Christmas and all be merry!
25th Dec. 2014 from 12h00-15h00 Adults @ N$300 Kids 7-12 @ N$150 Kids 2-6 @ N$75 Pre-booking essential. Phone 405644 or email catering@rossmund.com
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DECEMBER
Go-Kart Track...... Now more fun than ever! The Go Kart Track in Swakopmund has recently finished the construction of a new form of playground for children ages 4 to 12.
Besides a swing and seesaw, the playground's layout resembles a small scale village, with a traffic circle, 4-way stops, service station, railway station and a soccer field. Children can climb on one of the “vehicles” and explore the area. The playground is of course a lot of fun for the children, but also has the purpose to create an environment for children, in which they can recognise the real road situation and can learn and practice how to behave in real traffic. Together with people from the Swakopmund Traffic Police Department, the Fire Brigade and Emed Rescue, the Go-Kart Track in Swakopmund has hosted some Road Safety Days for children before. These practical training days have been a great success and the Go-Kart Track hopes to host many more of them in 2015. Over the festive season, children are more than welcome to come and play on our playground.
To give the playground that extra bit of holiday atmosphere, a face painter will be present on the playground and a traffic controller will hand out driver licenses to children that show good driving skills! For those who have obeyed all the traffic rules driving to our coastal holiday town, the Go-Karts on the race track will give them the adrenaline rush that you normally do not want to get while driving to work. Entrance fee for the playground: N$30. Children under 5: free entrance. For the Racing Karts you can buy 10 laps on the circuit for N$120. Go-Kart Track Swakopmund, B2 road to Windhoek, Exit Swakopmund Airport. Opening times from 15 December till 10 January 2015: Daily from 09:00 – 20:00 For reservations or information, please call 081-350 2723 and/or 081-340 8021
Namib Times Holiday 2014
DECEMBER
This museum, founded in 1951, has some of the most in-depth exhibits about Namibia's flora, fauna, geology, archaeology culture and modern history - all under one roof. The wildlife room exhibits stuffed species which are almost impossible to see on safari - such as the aardvark and golden mole. Fossils and meteorites are on show in the geology department, and Namibia's many diverse ecosystems are explained in the botanical department. Ancient culture is explored in the archaeology room, with well-preserved
pots and centuries-old jewellery. Contrast this with the exhibits exploring Namibia's
contemporary culture with body decorations, weaving and clothing from the Himba, San and other communities. The Swakopmund Museum offer different Presentation and show Movies. Two of the highlights of this year although has been firstly Heritage Week which is something that the Museum Association of Namibia brought into life. The Museum participates each year by inviting primary schools from Swakopmund to come by appointment to visit the museum free of charge. It took place from 22-26 September 2014 and a total of 641 Students from various schools came to visit the museum with their teachers. “It was such a pleasure to just work with them and some came for the first time to the museum and they
really loved it” said Ms N a d i n e S a r n o w, assistant in archives/website of the Swakopmund Scientific Society. Secondly during the year the museum also asked high schools to present projects about World War 1 contributing to an exhibition that is still ongoing at the museum right now! Thirdly they (the museum) are in the process of preparing and finalising a geological exhibition in the museum that should be finished sometime next year. During the Christmas Season it is business as usual for the museum, it closes on Public Holidays. A special film will also be shown by Immo Böhlke, so just keep tabs on their Facebook page and Website. The museum is fairly big…it hosts exhibitions on Transport, Mineralogy, Animal Life in Namibia, Archaeology, Peoples of Namibia. Interesting monuments might be the Transport Section which hosts the Ox
Wagon, also interesting and a much loved exhibition is the Peoples of Namibia which describes the culture
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and traditions of various tribes from Namibia. Museums host something for young and old so everyone is
bound to find something that they will find interesting. The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00.
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DECEMBER
Laundry is aan die brand diè Feesseisoen Partytjiegangers van heinde en verre, tesame met kus-inwoners, kan hulle gereedmaak vir ontspanning soos min, hierdie Feesseisoen, by die Alte Laundry in Swakopmund. “Die Laundry” soos die ontspanningsplek oor die algemeen bekendstaan vermaak alreeds vir jare diegene, jonk van gees, en hierdie jaar gaan beslis geen uitsondering wees nie.
Onder die nuwe bestuur se bekwame leiding is die Laundry besig om vinnig opslae in die dorp te maak en is tans een van die bekendste ontspanningsplekke in Swakopmund. Plaaslike kunstenaars,
Vegas Divas (Monique English, Stephy English en Bernice Plaatje) gaan op Oujaarsaand hul ding doen om gaste met smaak, die Nuwe Jaar in te neem. Weekend Band met Bones, asook Vernon en Ruby Davids gaan die biertuin aan die gang hou met hul op en wakker musiek (Live). Ook die Rasta manne kan hul gereedmaak vir 'n
Reggae Fever in die Biertuin, met Reggae sangers soos Ras Levi en Ras Eddiemann wat beslis groot aftrek gaan kry. Verskillende disse, soos seekos, potjiekos, braaivleis en vele meer is op die spyskaart. Die Laundry begin alreeds hierdie naweek met hul Feesaktiwiteite en gaan elke Woensdagaand tot Saterdagaand, elke week, hul ding doen.
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You can't miss it‌
The Living Desert Snake Park was founded two decades ago by Mr Stuart Hebbard. Though feared by many, snakes are hard to spot in Namibia. So it will be a relief for serpent fans to know that many of Namibia's native species can be seen in Swakopmund at the living desert snake park. This year was the 20 year that the snake park has been in existence. Quite a few of the snakes that can be seen there were there on opening day in November 1994. One of these, a Zebra snake, spitting cobra, is now over 2 meters long, and quite relaxed and free of fear of humans in other words, 'tame' quoted Mr Hebbard. “Since March we have been visited by some 160 school groups comprising 650 teachers and more than 7 000 learners. These are normally given a short lecture and literature to take along when they leave� said Mr. Stuart Hebbard, the founder of the Living Desert Snake Park. During the December vacation period the snake park will be open on public holidays. Informative talks and demonstrations will be given to groups on th
request, as possible. As usual, cameras are allowed in the park, and visitors can have their photos taken holding one or other of the snakes. According to Mr Hebbard, the living desert snake park, although occupying relatively small premises at the moment, is in fact a rather large snake park considering the number of species of snakes to be seen there. Altogether there are in the region of 70 snakes representing nearly 30 species. Some of the more notable are 3 types of python, 4 types of adder, and 4 types of cobra, Boom slang, twig snake, and black mamba. A few types of exotic snakes are kept; boa constrictor, rat snake and an albino rattle snake. In the latter part of next year the living desert snake park will be moving into brand new premises....
DECEMBER
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Piquet Jacobs
Christmas to me, is a time of big family get-togethers, of precious hours with my family. We decorate the house and Christmas tree together. Christmas also means staying up late, watching movies with my family. To me Christmas is a time of happiness. It is a time when families and close friends come home from all over the world to be with the people they love. Christmas is also a time for giving and sharing, and lots of fun. I like to be with my family as much as I can, because family comes first. To me the Holiday season is also food like candy, doughnuts, cookies, cake
and about gifts we all receive and give. For me it's all about family, my great friends and the Christmas parties. Christmas is therefore also synonyousm with is Santa. In my mind's eye I see fuzzy brown reindeer gliding through the night sky. I think of elves too! Elves are the tiny people who make the things you would get on Christ-mas. Christmas is my favourite time of year when it's time to shop for all those Christmas gifts for everyone. I love the red and green decorations, and my beautifully deco-
rated Christmas tree sitting in my living room. While Christmas is usually associated with receiving gifts, I personally think, giving is just as great as receiving. Most of the time giving can be even more enjoyable. The whole idea of finding that perfect gift, making someone smile, and him or her realise that you put that much thought into just one gift, is just one way in which Christmas brings happiness to everyone. I also love the feeling of anticipation before receiving and opening gifts. But,
some people exchange gifts often and take it for granted. Sometimes I imagine snow-covered houses all along the street, with tall, fresh pine trees in their living
rooms, covered with lights and bulbs and an angel perched at the very top. And from the kitchen, the irresistible aroma of cookies baking in the busy oven. I love it
when my grandma makes her gingerbread cookies, and the great music. Christmas to me is just not Christmas without the decorations or festive treats.
But most of all, I love this wonderful time of year because I get the chance to be with my family and friends, and share and enjoy everyone's Christmas cheer.
Namib Times Holiday 2014
DECEMBER
I feel highly honoured to represent you as the Mayor of Swakopmund Local Authority. First and foremost I would like to extend congratulations to all the office Bearers as well as gratitude for my re-election. It is befitting also to extend congratulations to the SWAPO Party for their remarkable performance during the Presidential and National Assembly election. We are looking forward to support President-elect, Dr Hage Geingob during his tenure of office. In any democratic country that was deprived of democracy it is always befitting to celebrate democracy by campaigning and voting, when that happens, elections are deemed credible, and for that we have all the Namibian people to thank, hence Congratulations Namibia. The festive season is on our doorstep and this is the best time to reflect on the activities during the past twelve months. I had the pleasure of meeting many interesting people as well as attending a wide range of functions and events throughout the year. The Swakopmund Indoor Sport Centre is a welcomed investment that will solidify Swakopmund as an international events destination and it will
make our Municipality globally competitive as a destination not only for holiday but for business functions as well as sport activities. Looking ahead Swakopmund will be in the international spotlight as we stand to host various international sport events as well as international business events. The waterfront development is another infrastructure that will offer a contemporary lifestyle to Swakopmund, I am looking forward to the unhindered completion of this project. The Mass Housing project is in full swing. The bulk service construction in the DRC is nearing completion and it is remarkable to note that the DRC will soon have 3 034 houses. I can confidently assure the community that this project will be completed successfully. 2015 will mark the transition of DRC from an informal settlement to a proper integrated urban area in the Swakopmund Local Authority. I am sure that many of you are preparing for Christmas and I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and prosperous 2015. I trust that you will also think about those that are not having
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families around them as well as those that are going through ill health. I pay special tribute to the people that will be working during this period, especially the fire brigade and other departments that are conducting essential services, during this festive season. I will fail in my duty if I don't pay special tribute to the Erongo Regional Commander in Erongo Region, Commissioner Samuel /Hoebeb for the excellent dedication he has committed to the safety and security in and around Swakopmund. Efforts to fight crime in Swakopmund, Council have avail accommodation to the reserved Police Officers during the festive season. There is no better way of extending gratitude to the Governor of Erongo Region that has been a great source of support and inspiration during the year. I wish you and your family a merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.
Mr Juuso Kambueshe, Mayor of Swakopmund Swakopmund community has made me who I am today and I will eternally remain grateful, to council, its administration as well. Merry Christmas to you all and I am looking forward to see you, God willing, in 2015!!
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Namib Times Holiday 2014
Holiday Recipes Spinach Pinwheel Appetizers
Ingredients: 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed drained and squeezed dry in paper towels. 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup sour cream 1 envelope ranch dip mix 1 jar bacon bits (or to taste) 4 green onions, chopped 1 (8 count) package 10-inch flour tortillas Directions: 1 In medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise. 2 Beat in dip mix. 3 Add green onion, bacon bits and spinach (broken up into small clumps). 4 Mix thoroughly. 5 Spread mixtures onto tortillas, leaving a 1/2 space around edge. 6 Roll up each tortilla tightly, and wrap each in plastic wrap. 7 Chill for several hours or overnight. 8 To serve, cut off ends and cut into 1/2 slices.
Microwave Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients: 3/4 cup milk 1 (10 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup 4 medium potatoes, sliced about 1/8 inch thick 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated 1/2 small onion, chopped Directions: 1. Combine milk and soup in a microwave safe 2 quart casserole dish. 2. Add in all other ingredients, stirring to coat. 3. Cover and microwave on high for 10 minutes. 4. Stir and then microwave for another 12 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
DECEMBER
Namib Times Holiday 2014
DECEMBER
The different cultures and ethnic groups that have settled in the islands celebrate the Christmas traditions of Hawaii in their own unique ways, which may be religious or plainly secular. It is a major annual celebration, as in most of the Western world. The festival was introduced to Hawaii with the arrival of Protestant missionaries, and is believed to have started after 1820. Most of the traditions they currently celebrate can be traced back to the missionaries. Before the Hawaiians celebrated Christmas as people know it today, they had a festival named Makahiki, which lasted around four months and during which all wars were forbidden. The season still had the essence of "peace and goodwill to all men", widely associated with Christmas. Even Santa Claus “Kanakaloka” has swapped his traditional red and white suit, for flowery Hawaiian attire. They don't experience the “white Christmas” like many other places do, but that does not make it any less magical or celebrated.
Palm trees alongside the road are decorated with Christmas lights. People attend church in aloha shirts and mu'umu'u dresses. Instead of having dinner inside with the log fire going and Christmas stockings hanging on the mantel piece, Hawaiians celebrate with luaus and picnics at the beach, wearing leis and Santa hats. Children in Hawaii believe that Santa rides in a red canoe pulled by dolphins. Christmas in Hawaii includes many concerts, and parades. Many of the traditional Christmas songs are sung here, but in the Hawaiian version of "The 12 Days of Christmas," and “Silent Night”. There is a list of carols you may not have heard of, such as “Here Comes Santa in a Red Canoe," and “Christmas in Hawaii.” Christmas songs here are accompanied by ukulele or guitar, and sung by bands, choirs, and students. Most schools have some kind of Christmas performance every year
with Christmas songs and hula dancing. Christmas is a very busy time for Hawaii. Hawaiian Christmas feast recipe: “Oven Kalua Pig” Yo u w i l l n e e d : 3lb pork butt; 1½teaspoons liquid smoke; 2¼ teaspoons Hawaiian salt, or sea salt, or kosher salt Directions: Preheat oven to 350-400 degrees F. Pierce pork butt all over with carving fork or score with a knife. Rub salt and liquid smoke into meat. Place pork fat side up in a roasting pan or deep casserole dish. Cover and roast in oven for 2 ½ -3 hours. Remove the pork from pan and shred with two forks. It makes 6 servings.
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DECEMBER
Namib Times Holiday 2014
54
CHRISTMAS DRINKS Christmas Cosmo Serves 10 Ingredients 500ml vodka 500ml ginger wine 1l cranberry juice juice 5 limes, keep zest for garnish sliced stem ginger Method Mix the vodka and ginger wine in a jug. Stir in the cranberry juice, lime juice and some sliced stem ginger. Garnish with lime zest, if you like. Pomegranate mojito mocktail Makes 1.5 litres Ingredients 3 tbsp pomegranate seeds big bunch mint 2 limes, quartered, plus slices to garnish 1l pomegranate juice 500ml lemonade Method A day ahead, divide the pomegranate seeds between the holes in an ice cube tray, top up with water
and freeze. Reserve half the mint for serving, and tear the rest into a large jug with the lime quarters. Using a rolling pin, bash the mint and lime to release the flavours. Add the pomegranate juice and lemonade. Put ice cubes in each glass, then strain over the pomegranate mix through a small sieve. Garnish with lime slices and more mint. Homemade Eggnog Serves 16 Ingredients 6 eggs, separated 1/2 cup super fine sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoon vanilla 2 cups brandy 1 cup milk Nutmeg (use for garnish also) Method Beat egg yolks, 1/4 cup sugar, nutmeg, salt and vanilla together until very thick and light yellow. Slowly beat in brandy (rum and whiskey are also popular alternatives)
and milk. Cover and chill overnight. Shortly before serving, beat the egg whites to soft peaks. Gradually beat in remaining 1/4 cup sugar, beat this mixture to soft peaks again, creating a meringuelike cream. Then slowly pour this cream over the chilled brandy mixture, folding in gently. Serve the eggnog in a mug, Irish coffee glass, or punch cup and grate nutmeg over the top for garnish. Christmas Cookie Serves 10 Ingredients 300ml peppermint schnapps 300ml Kahlua 300ml Bailey's Method C o m b i n e t h e ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake thoroughly, then strain the ingredients into a chilled martini glass. Mulled Port & lemon Serves 8
Ingredients 1 orange 1 lemon 750ml bottle ruby port 2 star anise (optional) 4 cloves 2 cinnamon sticks, plus more to serve (optional)
plenty of ice, to serve orange and lemon slices, to serve lemonade, for topping up Method Using a peeler, pare thin strips of zest from the orange and lemon.
Squeeze the juice. Put the zests and juice into a large saucepan, then add the Port and remaining ingredients. Simmer very gently for 20 mins, then leave to cool completely. Can be made up to 1 week
ahead and chilled. To serve, 'frost' the glasses if desired (see 'Tip', below left), put ice and slices of orange and lemon in each glass, then carefully pour in equal quantities of the Port and lemonade.
Namib Times Holiday 2014
DECEMBER
NO, not kidding, just read on‌ The kids are about to finish their last exams, the Christmas decorations are appearing all over the shops, you eagerly await your annual 13th cheque and your holiday plans are taking shape. Of course, you are looking forward to getting away from it all for a bit, relaxing and giving your tired body and mind a rest. With your holiday period comes less exercise, a whole lot more eating in terms of volume and of course the wrong type of foods too, and perfect sunny days rounded off with endless glasses of red wine. So all the hard work you put in this year to get in shape, lose weight, become healthier and increase your fitness levels may go down the drain in two short weeks. It doesn't have to be like that. Of course you have to relax, of course you will be with family and
friends, eat to your heart's content, and have some wine to celebrate a good year, BUT you can do all that and still have a great and healthy holiday that will not leave you 10 kilograms heavier and completely unfit. Here are a few easy ways to make your holiday a bit healthier, without taking any of the fun out of it: THINK ADVENTURE: When planning your holid a y, t h i n k o f n e w adventures that you have always wanted to try but never got round to, you know, those items on your bucket list, and then include them in your holiday. It doesn't have to be expensive, or dangerous, and the whole family should be able to join in
the fun. How about taking a canoe trip on the lagoon in Walvis Bay, trying your hand at windsurfing or skiing at Oanob Dam, or doing a horse trail in Gobabis. Doing something active together is a great booster for family relationships, or friendships. It brings activity into your holiday, but not strenuous work-outs on a treadmill facing the same boring circuit machines and airconditioned fitness club, rather something that is so much fun that you will not even notice the calorie burn or the muscles working. Other options include climbing dunes, going on a cycling trip, riding camels, trying a surfing
class, dune-boarding outings, swim-ming in the ocean, or the more extreme options of the triathlons and other sporting events happe-ning at the coast during the festive season. MAKE BEACH TIME ACTION TIME: Does going to the beach normally involve dad fishing, the kids building sandcastles, and mommy lying under the umbrella reading a magazine? Why not bring in some activity into your daily beach sessions, and in that way you can get a nice tan AND keep your booty bikini-worthy and your six-pack speedo-proud. Get a few beach games to take with you for instance, beach tennis is always a popular option with the kids, and flying a kite is something that the whole family can do together. A long walk on the beach collecting pebbles and seashells will leave mommy very happy and the kids satisfied with
their ability to run up and down and look for jellyfish. The advantages are obvious. Not only will you have fun and bond as a family, the kids will feel you are part of their beach fun and making an effort to spend quality time with them, and your body will thank you with the release of an abundance of stressrelief hormones and improved muscle tone. GO LIGHT ON THE SHOTS: Your holiday period invariably involves more drinking than you would be doing on the average during the year. The problem with alcohol is not only that it is added calories, but in that it affects your body's fatburning processes negatively long after con-
sumption, and it takes away your inhibitions in terms of food so that you tend to eat much more and more of the wrong types of food as well. If you do want to have some alcohol, choose wisely. Avoid sugary drinks or those with high alcohol content. The occasional glass of dry red wine, or crispy dry white wine mixed with sparkling mineral water and ice to make a refreshing sprit-zer, or whiskey with some water and ice are better options than drinking shots, sweet drinks, or pink drinks. Your body will thank you, but you will also wake up refreshed and ready to make the most of the day, and not
35 55 37 battling with an unpleasant holiday hang-over. HOLIDAY EATING: December holiday is traditionally a time of eating out, family beach picnics, rich sauces and stuffing in the turkey, and Christmas pudding. It is a time when caution is thrown to the wind, and anything goes. That piece of fudge at the shop calling your name, the biltong with the nice fat piece of white meat on the side, and the second helping of the dessert is what generally makes it hard to stick to any healthy eating plan, let alone diet. My advice? Don't go for an all-out exclusion diet or
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Namib Times Holiday 2014
DECEMBER
Die Geskiedenis van Hentiesbaai Majoor Hentie van Der Merwe, ‘n motorhandelaar het in 1929, 'n varswater-fontein in die Omaruru-rivier ontdek, terwyl hy op 'n renosterjagtog was in die woestyn. Hy het onmidellik verlief geraak op die omgewing. Vir jare was dit sy hawe waarheen hy jaar na jaar in Desember ontvlug het. Hentiesbaai het sedertien ‘n gewilde vakansieplek geword, danksy sy rustige atmosfeer, sy lekker klimaat en sy vriendelike duine en strand. Dan byt die vis ook besonders, en kan mens witmossel grawe in die sand Wat om te doen in Henties Die jaarlikse Kerfeesmark, die hengel- bonanza en die Rugby Touchies in Desember is hoog op die plaaslike agenda. Die Rugby Touchies vind plaas op die 26ste Desember. Alhoewel hengel die nommer 1 lokaas is vir toeriste en vakansiegangers, bied die Bonanza nog baie meer aan diegene wat nie so mal is oor hengel nie. Die Jakkalsputz- en Omaruru- staproete, bied stappers die ervaring van 'n leeftyd. Die Jakkalsputz-staproete sluit die mooi Solitude Bay in, met sy rotsagtige oewers en heuwelduine wat gestabiliseer word deur kuswoestynplante. Die Omaruru staproete strek weer al met die rivierbedding en oor die Namib –woestyn, en laat stappers die harde, maar pragtige woestyn omgewing beleef. Baie belangrik, en onontbeerlik is baie water en die kamera! Die Hentiesbaai- gholfbaan is 'n nege-putjie baan en strek oor 2,7 km. Golfkompetisies word gereeld gereël veral gedurende die Desembervakansieseisoen. 'n Kwadfiets is definitief baie pret en gebiede wat vir hulle gebruik toegewys is, is 10 km stroom-op in die Omaruru-rivier-omgewing, en die strand aan weerskante van die residensiële gebiede. Kwadfietse is verbied noord van die Omaruru rivier, aan die ooste van die C34, asook voor residensiële gebiede en kampeerterreine. Waar om te eet. Die Winston Restaurant, Fishy Corner Seafood-restaurant + Take-Away, Legends Pub & Grill, Desert Sands Lapa Bar & Braai, De Dune Hotel, Pirate's Cove Sports Bar and Pizzeria en die Skubbebar is van die watergate en gesellige kuierplekke wat Hentiesbaai bied.
Namib Times Holiday 2014
DECEMBER
Keeping your head at the Office Christmas Party
Yes, it's that time of the year again where the Office Christmas Party Season is upon us! This is also that time of the year again where making a fool of yourself is to be avoided at all cost and I place emphasises emphasizes on 'at all cost'. After all, you'll eventually have to face that very same co-workers the following week and if they have a remarkably lowered opinion of you since the party, it'll leave you feeling awkward, way awkward. With all these worries for both the employer and employee, the office party is actually a great chance for you to mingle with colleagues and getting to know them in a casual manner. It all comes down to, “behave right and you'll have a great night”. With all this said, here is some straightforward suggestions to keep this part of your social event calendar all sorted. Number 1: Prepare yourself. By this I mean, prepare yourself mentally. Rather than dreading the occasion, the right mindset can provide the perfect balance. Regardless of how you feel about your superiors, or Jane from the HR department, or the office, office parties are a crucial part of the office dynamic. Just think of it like a Sunday afternoon visit to the in-laws, you don't really want to go but you probably go. Accept this is part of what is expected and except to be able to talk to the people you usually don't get along to and do get along with. This is an excellent
place to network with new people and meet your superiors in a casual environment. These are both great things for career escalation. Another plus point is, if work is paying, here's your chance to enjoy food and alcohol at the work's expense! Number 2: Leave Early This isn't a 'have to'. Consider leaving early. When you are deciding whether or not, you are planning to go to the party or not, it can help to reassure yourself by having a valid exit excuse like you have to attend your child's Christmas Party or you have to be at your significant other business Christmas party or just something along that line, if you get my drift? This way, you save yourself by turning up for the part where things get really strange or awkward, like the very drunk secretary crying over her boyfriend who left her for someone younger, or the veryolder-than-you executive who is trying to make the moves on you. Or do it the o l d - f a s h i o n e d w a y, arrange a friend to call you at a specific time and then make your getaway. But hey, if you are enjoying yourself, and the people around aren't that uptight as they always are in the office, go ahead and stay that 5 minutes longer.
Number 3: consult your wardrobe Decide before-hand what you want to wear. Ladies find a compromise between “I'm attractive and sexy” and “take me serious, I'm a professional”. Deciding to wear your Saturday night clubbing outfit, is a big NO! Revealing clothes is highly inappropriate around superiors. Marilyn Monroe said that a women's clothes should be tight enough to show she's a woman, but loose enough to show she's a lady. And guys, leave the flip flops and threequarter shorts at home, you might be comfortable around your colleagues but what about your superiors? Always keep in mind that your boss and their boss and their boss will also be there when you decide what to wear, but if it's a themed office party, GO WILD! Number 4: Timing is everything! Arrive on time. Being fashionably late is a big NO-NO! Arriving an hour later, you are communicating disrespect and disregard for others. If the party is at a location with which you are not familiar, get directions ahead of time. By the way, being late you miss all the speeches and the 'heartfelt' thank you's. Number 5: Get in with the crowd.
Mingle! Mingle! Mingle! Get to know the office wall flower, maybe you just might meet your new best friend. Talk about work issues in a positive and complimentary light. Don't be afraid to talk about other things outside of work, like sports or the latest fashion. This doesn't mean you should complain to everyone about how insensitive your husband is or how your kids are driving you crazy. Refrain from using this time to speak your mind informally to management. Unless you really want to get fired. Number 6: Keep moderation in mind! Drink responsibly! This isn't the time or place to gulp down Tequila shots like there's no tomorrow. Remember, everything observed has the potential to be turned into a judgment on your professionalism and work stability. No matter how much management insists on everyone letting their hair down, just don't. This doesn't mean that you should be uptight when you're asked if you want a drink. Eat before you start drinking, and between drinks always drink water. Keep in mind that the more drinks you drink, the more your chances are of doing something stupid, like making butt copies on the office copy machine. Avoid using alcohol as the
excuse to let out a year worth's resentment and frustration about your boss, co-workers, or the workplace in general. Number 7: Keep it in your pants! This goes for both the ladies and the guys. Be discreet and careful about declaring your undying romantic intentions. It's that time of the year, and you're tempted to make your move when you see Jane from editing, or the cute delivery guy. It can go either way, and you eventually will have to face them the next Monday. Ask yourself these questions; Do I really fancy them? Do they like me? How much have I had to drink? Will I regret this in the morning? This is called a REALITY CHECK! If you fail the reality check, RETREAT! RETREAT! Under no circumstances make your move. However, this
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could also mean, that you and Jane might both declare your undying love for each other- an opportunity you've been waiting for. But be discreet! Your co-workers will gossip as soon as they see anything happen. You may also find you are the object of affection of Steve from Accounting. If he or the whole situation isn't to your liking, be tactful. You surely don't want to damage your relationship with your co-workers or boss, so let them down gently. Don't lead anyone on because you feel like it or you are drunk. This will only create more problems for you, especially if they like you more than you like them. Do not touch people in ways that can be misinterpreted. Most importantly bear in mind the potential claims of sexual harassment. Use you common sense! Number 8: Lend a helping
hand! Help others. If you see your co-workers overdoing the drinking or making a move when they are clearly not fully mentally conscious step in and bail them out. Explain to them what they are busy doing and how it looks to other people. If that doesn't sink in, call someone discreetly to take them home. You can always return back to the party if you like, but don't mention to anyone what you've just done, it's a helping act to fix things quietly and with grace. But most of all have FUN!!! This is an excellent opportunity to get to know your colleagues and forge a better relationship in a whole new environment laced with a few Jägermeister and Tequila shots. BOTTOMS UP!!!
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Namib Times Holiday 2014
DECEMBER
Namib Times Holiday 2014
DECEMBER 2014
Angling Bonanza This year’s angling bonanza is scheduled to take place on 26 December at Henties Bay. Last year, Albert Thurling of Vredenburg in Cape Town South Africa walked away with N$26 000 as the winner of the annually contested and 26th Penguin Angling Club Fishing Bonanza. Thurling, an experienced SA Provincial angler who participated for his first time in the competition reeled in the 14.66 kg cod champion fish with pilchard and squid as bait at about lunchtime after a pretty intense but short struggle and snatched the first prize from E Bartsch (Junior) who had weighed in a cod of 14kg earlier on. E Bartsch (Senior) weighed in a cod of 13.360 kg. Their fishes earned the father and son duo the positions of cod
category winner for Bartsch (Jnr) with Bartsch (Snr) being the runner-up. Rex Fourie from Swakopmund with a cod weighing 13.015 took third place caught at Mile 17, with sardines used as bait. Warren Deysel of Swakopmund caught the largest Steenbras of the day with a weight of 4,195 kg in the vicinity of the Leiter wreckage. An interesting catch of the day belonged to F Boshoff who caught a Garrick (Leervis) with a weight of 5.48 kg. MC Horn weighed in the biggest Barbel with a weight of 0.595 kg and pocketed N$1 500 for his effort. The number of participants at this year’s Angling Bonanza in-
creased with 400 to 1303. The various prizes up for grabs amongst the respective category winners were N$5 000 for first place, N$2 500 for a second and N$1 000 for third place. The results: Champion “Bonanza” Fish A Thurling, cod 14.66 kg. Cod: 1. E Bartsch Junior, 14 kg, 2. E Bartsch 13.36 kg, 3. B. Fourie 13.015 kg. Steenbras: 1. Warren Deysel 4,195 kg, 2. W Davel 3.195 kg, 3. B. Bothma 2.65 kg. Galjoen: 1. C le Roux 1.62 kg, 2. S. Kasaona 1,595 kg, 3. R Sinden 1,535 kg. Kolstert: 1. J Visser 1,555 kg, 2. D Opperman 1.55 kg, 3. A Geldenhuys 1.22 kg.
DOUBLE TROUBLE: E Bartsch (Junior) weighed in a cod of 14kg and
E. Bartsch (Senior) weighed in a cod of 13.360 kg. Their fishes earned the father and son duo the positions of cod category winner for Bartsch (Jnr) with Bartsch (Snr) being the runner-up at the 2013 Henties Bay Peniguin Angling Bonanza.
Henties Bay Touchies The annual Henties Bay Touchies is scheduled to take place on 26 December 2014. The fun will kick off from as early as 07:00.
Last year, Swakopmund based teams dominated and won both the Cup and Plate sections of the 2103 Henties Touchies Competition. Red Square Reload successfully defended the 2013 Henties Bay Touchies Cup title they won in 2012 on 26 December. They defeated Bende Huis 1-0 and clinched the Cup section of the tournament on that occasion. Bullets won the Plate division of the competition of the annually hosted Walvis Bay Rugby Club fundraiser. Red Square Reload defeated Vrotties 2-0 in the cup section final. Morgan Izaacks and Tomashau Forbes touched down for Red Square Reload and ensured the victory. Vrotties received a bye into the final. Red Sqaure Reload defeated Dragons and secured their spot in the final. The final of the Cup section between Bullets and Die Sand Pikkewyne had to be decided in extra time after the
scores were level at full time. Captain Wikus van Zyl touched down for the Sand Pikkewyne. Mitchell Kotzee equalised for Bullets moments before full time. He also scored the winner in extra time and ensured the victory for the Bullets. Die Sand Pikkewyne received a bye into the final of the plate section. Bullets defeated Die Laaities and secured their spot in the final. Twenty-four teams competed in the 2013 event annually organised in aid of Walvis Bay Rugby Club. The competition was contested on a knock-out basis and featured teams consisting of NRU Premier League players from Dolphins, Kudus, NRU first League players from Walvis Bay Rugby Club, various corporates and social teams. The first round match winners advanced to the plate section and the losers were placed in the Cup section.
Namib Times Holiday 2014
DECEMBER 2014
The Pupkewitz Jetty
Mile The Jetty Mile is set to take place on the 27th of December at Swakopmund. It comprises of the Jetty Mile which is an approximate 1 mile swim from Tiger Reef to the Mole, a sprint approximately 600m in the Mole as well as a Kiddies fun event which is approximately 200m in the Mole and the little ones can be fully assisted. Online entries, can be entered on the OTB Sports website at www.otbsports. com and entries close on 24 December. Entries can also be done at any OTB Sports store. Late entries can also be done on 6 December at the OTB Sports store in Swakopmund between 9am and 11am. The costs for the Jetty Mile is N$110 and the sprint N$100. Last year more than 200 swimmers participated in the
Pupkewitz Jetty Mile in Swakopmund on 27 December. Conditions were great with unusually clear water, sunny skies and almost no swell. The calm waters ensured that almost all who entered completed the event. Meryl Barry, Mr Pupkewitz’s daughter representing the Pupkewitz foundation, was there to start the race for all three events. The 15-year olds ruled the 2013 event with nobody coming closer to the unbeatable Swakopmunder Philip Seidler. His excellent swimming ability and knowledge of the sea enabled him to utilise the elements of current, wind and waves to leave his closest challengers more than a minute behind. Seidler did not only won the race with a comfortable lead, he also set a new record time of
24 min 22 seconds. The previous best time for this event had been set by Florian Hentzen in 2011 when he completed the course in 24:53. “It was amazing to watch Phillip turning his head looking out for the swell and paddling hard to surf the waves gaining a huge speed advantage with his cunning strategy” commented Rodrigo Pimenta one of the water safety crew. The race provided some tough competition with fellow Swakopmunder Boris Kulikowski, Nicolai Fleming and Drikus Coetzee as well as Nic Deacon and Bernard Theron fighting it out for the positions behind Philip. In the end 15-year old Nicolai Fleming took second spot (25:47) with Boris Kusilowski taking overall 3rd (25:50) and winner spot in the 16-30 year old category. The 15-year olds also ruled
supreme in the Female section. Molina Smolley (27:58) left her closest rival 15-year old Sonja Adelaar (28:46) almost a minute behind with top national swimmer Toni Roth (28:51) coming in overall third. Toni Roth was first in the age category 16-30 years. Tyrone Kotze won the senior male category in 27:42, Alex Skinner in second place and Paul Brinkmann in third. Zoe Mitchell won the senior female category in 33:12 with Olivia Alfhein in second and Antje Tietz in third place. Martina Bueckendorf won the Master Female category in 39:54, with Willemine Maree coming second and Susanne Japser third. Jan Sterk won the Master Male category in 35:09, with Wolfang Bueckendorf coming second and Andreas Obholzer in third.
Another tight battle was fought in the sprint where 15-year old Alexander Skinner and Christiaan Lamprecht left the water together but the short run distance to the finish allowed Alexander to demonstrate his sprinting abilities beating Christiaan by 2 seconds. Alexander Skinner finished the 600 meter, in a time of 9:06 while Christiaan Lamprecht was second overall, and winner of the Elite age category in 9:11. JeanPaul was third overall in 9:44. In the female event 14-year old Kiara Schatz was first 16 and under and first overall in a time of 10:10. Heleni Stergiadis was second overall and first place 14 and under in a time of 10min 30 seconds. Zune Weber was second under 14 with Angelika Haas in third place. According to the event
organisers, OTB Sport this year’s event enjoyed a record turnout of over 200 participants. It was also the first year that the Brinkmann brothers were knocked out of the top 10 and not even legendary veteran swimmer Alex Skinner made it into the top 10 this year. All top 10 swimmers were young with only Vet Tyron Kotze managing a 10th place. The first female
was Molina Smolley who took 11th spot overall. The first Pupkewitz Jetty Mile event was hosted in 2007 with about 70 participants. With the late Mr Pupkewitzes foresight the event now attracts so many people that entries had to be rejected as the organisers ran out of swim caps and t-shirts. The final amount of entries allowed was 210.
SAILORS, AHOY! The Walvis Bay Yacht Club is on point and ready for the busy December Holiday Season with numerous races taking place. The bell buoy race will be held on 20 December 2014 at the Walvis Bay Yacht Club. The course is straight to the Bell Buoy and back to the Yacht Club. Entrance forms will be available at the Regatta Office 16:00, 19
December 2014 at the opening of the December Sailing Event. Race is open for all Classes. The different classes of Laser, Hobie 14 & Hobie 16 races is set to take place on 21 to 23 December and 28
to 30 December, Laser and Fireball and Hobie Cat 16 and Hobie 14 respectively from the Walvis Bay Yacht Club. Entry Forms will be available at the Racing Office on the first day of each class race.
The results were as follows for the Open Class: Rahhiyah Suleman Robert Glover Rudolf Nechville Cara Allen Alexandra Kotchoubei Dario De Gouveia Catherine Kotchoubei Eliot Oosthuizen Ze - Elias De Jongh Clayton Michaels
The races will start from 10:00. The Walvis Bay to Swakopmund Neo Paints off-shore race will be held on 26 December 2014 at the Walvis Bay Yacht Club. Race is open for all classes.
Entrance forms available at the Regatta Office on the day of the event. The Junior Sailing Nationals also take place from 28 to 29 November at the Walvis Bay Yacht Club.
For the Laser Dinghy Class results the three winnners were: Rahhiyah Suleman Rudolf Nechville Cara Allen The Hobie’14 Catamaran Class Results were: Robert Glover Eliot Oosthuizen Clayton Michaels The prize giving ceremony for all the races will be held on the evening of the 30th December 2014, 19h00 at the Walvis Bay Yacht Club.