RDJ Briefing - August 2019

AUGUST, 2019

ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY News & Analysis

Plastic Pollution Needs a Solution “Tackling Plastic Pollution”

IN THIS MONTH’S ISSUE: Waste Management Solution for Namibia – Tackling Plastic Pollution Namibia Taking Significant Steps to Cater for Drought Related Challenges Who's Who? Featuring Mr. Fares Shipaxu

The NAMIBIA Country Briefing of RDJ Consulting

Keep Plastics Away

C O N T E N T S 4

5

FromTheEditor

Quick Facts

6

8

Economy at a Glance

Oil & Gas

9

10

Uranium

Electricity

11

12

Renewable Energy

Water

16

19

The Environment and Telecommunications Sustainabilty

20

21

Roads and Transport

Financing

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25

Who's Who

Tenders and Careers

26

27

UpNext

Contributing Authors

AUGUST, 2019

RDJ Consulting Services CC is an advisory consultancy to the Energy, Water and Transport Sectors with a focus on sustainable operations and renewable energy.

From the editor Plastic Pollution Needs a Solution “Tackling Plastic Pollution” Dear Reader, The Winter is starting to say goodbye and Namibia holds its breath for the upcoming rainy season. As you would expect from your RDJ Briefing, our interns have compiled the hot topics that will continue to inform and keep you abreast.

NamPower must be commended for clearly outlining an increased generation fleet that recognizes end-user demand and technological advances. The new fleet will once commercially operational see increased renewable energy production. Tackling plastic waste is also getting our attention and a waste management solution is examined in this edition. Your feedback on these and other issues will be welcome.

PO Box 23738 Windhoek, NAMIBIA

Telephone +264 61 400 171 EMAIL briefing@rdjconsulting.co.za WEBSITE www.rdjconsulting.co.za

Please therefore enjoy this edition and feel free to reach out to us in anyway. Further, if you are new to the RDJ Briefing, subscribe to this FREE Publication at briefing@rdjconsulting.co.za and freely share the link with others that will benefit from its contents.

Enjoy….

( David A. Jarrett) Editor

Authors RDJ Interns*

This report is a FREE Publication and was prepared by RDJ Consulting Services CC based in Windhoek, Namibia. The content is collected from publicly available information and so its accuracy cannot be guaranteed.

quick facts Population size: 2.3 Million Employment: 66.6% Literacy rate: 89.0% GDP Growth (2018): -0.1% Repo Rate: 6.50 % Interest rate (Prime): 10.25% Inflation (CPI): 3.60% Industries: Tourism, Mining, Fishing Telecom (sophistication): LTE Mobile - cell phones: 2.575 million Subscribers Water availability: 8 800 000 cubic litres/capita Electricity Gen. (Local): 484.000 MW Electricity Demand (all): 629.000 MW www.rdjconsulting.co.za

6 AUGUST, 2019

economy at a glance

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Namibia’s Economy in the Midst of a Subduing Global Economy

he levels of global investments and demand for goods have been slowing down without any substantial improvements because of the U.S-China trade tensions and Brexit uncertainty. The International Monetary Fund, IMF has revised (decreased) its April World Economic Outlook for 2019 and 2020 global economic growth forecast to 3.2 percent and 3.5 percent respectively by 10 basis points (bp). Additionally, due to the weak growth of developing economies and SubSaharan African economies, their forecasts have also been decreased by 30 bps and 10 bps to 4.1 percent and 3.4 percent respectively.

This is evident in Namibia’s economy which is currently at a difficult juncture when it comes to its fiscal policy compared to its monetary policy, given that our primary goal of price stability is met through the peg with the South African Rand. Despite South Africa’s economy being “raptured through an increase in strike activity and energy supply issues in mining and weak agricultural products" which could potentially affect Namibia’s inflation level as reported by the IMF, Namibia’s central bank (Bank of Namibia) has recently opted in cutting interest rates by 25bp, which is seen as a positive act that will ultimately assist the domestic economy in gaining more productive activities. Additionally, the central bank also revised the loan-to-value ratio. The Central bank decreased the payment for purchasing additional properties from 20% to 10% deposit (of the loan-to-value ratio), and 20% thereafter, while first time house buyers still won’t pay a deposit.

Looking into the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) of 2016/17 to 2020/21, the fiscal policy stance which called for government expenditure re-prioritisation (tax financed) is likely to be proven as unsuccessful short run stabilisation efforts.

Notwithstanding the possible unsuccessful short run stabilisation efforts and the uncomforting IMF’s global economy projections, Namibia is showing strong signs of recovering in the long run, and is progressing strategies towards regaining growth momentum are being put in place. The government is making efforts to make sure the economy does not drown with the ongoing economic hiccup. One of these efforts is the recent Economic Growth Summit which took place from the 31st July to the 1st of August 2019. www.rdjconsulting.co.za

AUTHORS: Ms. Naomi Shoopala and Mr Fares Shipaxu Both Economic Researchers at RDJ Consulting

The government is making efforts to make sure the economy does not drown with the ongoing economic hiccup. One of these efforts is the recent Economic Growth Summit.

Naemi Shoopala Researcher at RDJ Consulting

AUGUST, 2019 7

The Summit successfully managed to attract domestic and foreign direct investments through policy amendments particularly in the manufacturing sector where it highlighted that foreign investors will be given rights to own land, but on the ground of productive utilisation. The government has also decided to remove the mandatory 25 percent of domestic ownership when a foreign investor wishes to set up a business in Namibia. A removal of 51 percent government ownership in mining exploration is another one of the many government foreign investor pull factors efforts. The Summit has also seen investment agreements and pledges to infrastructure development and manufacturing (with exporting prospects) which would allow the government to direct funds to other development areas, thus allowing less need to borrow.

Another way to reduce over-dependency is by increasing activities in the private sector, improving and expanding the existing businesses as well as establishing new ones and nurturing them to ensure success. However, this requires substantial amounts of money to start-up businesses that have potential to grow. With the SME Bank no longer in operation, although the

funding of small enterprises is addressed to some extent, “there is still a big gap as the minimum lending amount is on the high for smaller enterprises and the indemnity or security requirements is still unattainable by smaller enterprises and disadvantaged Namibians” said the CEO of Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) – cited in the Namibian Newspaper (16 August 2019).

Now, with an extensively expanded port of Walvis Bay up to a capacity of more than double (750000 twenty-foot equivalent unit) its former size (350 000 twenty-foot equivalent unit), the port now has a great potential to be a logistics hub in the Southern African region. This is because the port can now offer increased “transit cargo”.

Also, Namibia’s revenues in the Excise and Development Components stood at N$ 1.1 billion and N$ 1.2 billion respectively in 2017 from the Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU) Revenue Sharing Formula (RSF) as indicated by the SACU Secretariat, and is very likely to increase and mend the country’s fiscal policy for smoother and efficient developmental policies. All this is expected to happen in the long run.

www.rdjconsulting.co.za

8 AUGUST, 2019

OIL & GAS

Image source: https://www.schedulereader.com/blog/oil-and-gas-industry-overview

EMGS to conduct a 3D CSEM Survey in the Coast

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contract to the value of US$ 1 million for the Petroleum Exploration License (PEL) 0058 has been issued to Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA ("EMGS") by Nabirm Global LLC. The exploration block, Block 2113A is located in Walvis Basin offshore Namibia and EMGS is expected to conduct a proprietary 3D CSEM survey in the block.

The stipulations of the contract include processing provision, availing of vessel, inversion and interpretation services to Nabirm post acquisition. An environmental Clearance Certificate is yet to be given, and the acquisition and vessel availing are expected to happen within the first six months of 2020.

September 2019 Fuel Prices The Ministry of Mines and Energy reported that the fuel pump prices for the month of September, 2019 remained unchanged.

Therefore, the prices applicable are as follows: 95 Octane Unleaded petrol: N$ 13.05 per liter & Diesel 50 ppm: N$ 13.63 per liter

www.rdjconsulting.co.za

AUGUST, 2019 9

uranium Rössing Uranium is Officially Handed Over to CNNC

Image Showing a mine in Namibia

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o officially celebrate the hand-over of Rössing Uranium to its new majority shareholder – China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), Rio Tinto held a ceremony at Swakopmund at the end of July 2019, which was well attended by representatives from the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), CNNC Rössing Uranium, Peoples Republic of China (PRC), Erongo Region and other stakeholders. The mine is now officially called the “CNNC Rössing Uranium Mine”.

According to Rio Tinto Energy and Minerals CEO, the decision to sell the mine was not an easy one. He added that this was simply done to ensure a strong future for the business. That is why Rössing Uranium promises to continue providing taxation, employment, technology transfer and also play a prominent role in the local economy.

Meanwhile, there has been a raise of complaints that China is now monopolizing the local Uranium Industry.

This is based on the fact that both China companies now own and control two of Namibia’s largest uranium mines by having a 69% stake in Rössing Uranium (by CNNC), and

a 90% stake in Husab Uranium (by China General Nuclear Power Group - CGN).

The Chinese ambassador to Namibia Zhang Yiming however refuted these claims by clarifying that “CNNC and CGN are two independent business entities that compete against each other fiercely”. Therefore, it is not possible to call it a monopoly. He added that since the acquisition of Husab in 2012, the uranium industry cooperation between Namibia and China has played a significant role in bilateral economic development.

Therefore this acquisition is a result of the long-term cooperation between the two nations.

China assures that the Mine will continue to do its part for economic and social development in Namibia and also contribute to State coffers as a taxable corporate citizen.

Additional Readings: http://namibtimes.net/12784-2/ https://economist.com.na/46028/mining-energy/namibias-grand-oldlady-of-the-uranium-sector-defies-odds-mine-officially-handed-overto-new-majority-share-holders/

www.rdjconsulting.co.za

10 AUGUST, 2019

ELECTRICITY NamPower Sets Five Year Corporate Strategy and Business Plan

Figure: NamPower’s vision, mission, strategic pillars and value statements.

Source: NamPower Corporate Strategy and Business Plan 2019-2023

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orporate strategies have potential to improve a firm’s products, services goals and those at management. Without them, it is not possible for companies to have successful long run goals/objectives as they form the foundation of all these.

The Namibia Power Corporation, NamPower recently launched its corporate strategy and business plan for the years 2019-2023 and has four ensuing pillars. Below are the pillars and the strategy for achieving each: 1.Ensuring Security Supply of Electricity by 2023 To be achieved by expanding the power system and ensure security of supply, and also by increasing the energy supply mix through adding 150 MW of electricity from renewable energy sources. The latter will be supplemented by considering storage technologies such as batteries.

2.unlocking the Value of Electricity Sector Collaboration This will be achieved through developing a constant

(closer) collaboration between market stakeholders such as the government, regulators, customers, unions, media, industries, business, suppliers and global/regional players.

3.Optimising Financial Sustainability To be achieved through financial and technological investments, along with the formation of partnerships within and outside the electricity industry. The partnerships aim to ensure financial sustainability and raise competitiveness. Getting potential lenders and investors together, will aid in identifying new sources of funding to precipitate the implementation of projects and increase efficiency.

4.Driving Organisational and Operational Excellence This will be achieved through having an ethical, engaging and high performance culture; meeting market requirements by utilising and reaching for innovation in technology, as well as having the utility as the best place to work for (“top employer status”).

www.rdjconsulting.co.za

AUGUST, 2019 11

renewable energy The Ombepo Wind Farm is the first gridconnected wind farm in Namibia. The plant, set up by InnoSun Energy Holding, contributes a total of five megawatts of electricity to the national power grid.The project started in mid-2016, and was launched in April, 2019 at LĂźderitz, in southern Namibia.

Image showing Ombepo Wind Farm at LĂźderitz, in southern Namibia.

Courtesy of RDJ Consulting

www.rdjconsulting.co.za

12 AUGUST, 2019

WATER Namibia Current Dam Levels Update

A dam with low levels of water Image Credit: RDJ Consulting

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he graph on the right shows that Goreangab dam has the highest volume with 100.3 percent of full capacity. This represents a 0.3 percent change of the recorded on the same week in the previous season. Naute dam in the south recorded the highest volume with 83.9 percent of full capacity representing a 3.6 percent increase of the 80.3 percent contained the same time last season. Otjivero Silt, Bondels, Omaruru, Omatako, and Omatjene Dams recorded the lowest percentages of full capacity by volume with all recording 0.0 percent.

Figure : Author’s Representation of Namibia’s Current dam levels.

Data Source: NamWater Weekly Bulletin

www.rdjconsulting.co.za

AUGUST, 2019 13

Namibia Taking Significant Steps to Cater for Drought Related Challenges

According to the City of Windhoek's Water Management Plan, the City's primary response to drought is to reduce water demand so that supply will be available during the duration of the drought.

A community water supply point in Windhoek. Image Credit: RDJ Consulting

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he word “drought” is a relative term, and is defined differently by different regions and sources.

According to Webster’s Dictionary drought is a period of dryness especially when prolonged”. Drought can also be defined as an event of prolonged shortages in the water supply, whether atmospheric, surface water or ground water.

The Drought - Food - Challenge: Recently, there was a state of emergency concerning drought in the Windhoek’s rural constituencies. But fortunately, this was addressed immediately by the government, who conducted a registration of about 2 874 households as beneficiaries for assistance.

However, a re-verification process of these households was done later to find out households that are most in need of help. As a result, a total of 2 874 registered households stood out as being eligible to receive help.

Furthermore, the Khomas governor reported that unfortunately due to limited supply of assistance, only 1 229 households have been receiving support for now, and the remaining 603 households will start benefiting as of September, 2019.

The Drought - Water Supply - Challenge: In assistance to the constant shortage of water supply brought out by the drought, the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF) has availed a sum of N$1.5

www.rdjconsulting.co.za

14 AUGUST, 2019

A Ultrasonic Water meter is being piloted at the town of Oshikuku by a South African company, Afrihsot. The meter gives accurate information on water usage compared to the ones the town is currently using.

Information provided include water leakage or burst pipes.

million to install and rehabilitate boreholes in the Khomas Region. With the funds provided, three new boreholes will be drilled, four will be rehabilitated, and an additional five water tankers and 10 solar power systems will be installed to replace faulty engines.

Another method of dealing with the water shortage, NamWater has reduced its water supply to the municipality of Windhoek from 539 000 cubic meters to 163 000 cubic meters, as demand and drought continue to increase despite the city’s current target of 465 000 cubic meters with an overall 2 percent consumption above the target.

Residents are urged to decrease their water consumption by 15 percent in such times of drought.

In the Oshana region, a Ultrasonic Water meter is being piloted at the town of Oshikuku by a South African company Afrihsot. The meter gives accurate information on water usage compared to the ones the town is currently using.

According to the company’s representative the old water meters “compute air, movements and bills for water wasted”, thus making them inaccurate on water usage information. The digital meter on the hand, proved to have saved water and led to rise in proceeds from water in South Africa and Europe through its monitoring capabilities. The device provides information on water leakage or a burst pipe, and its holder is connected to it digitally for information access.

More broadly, Sakaria Nghikembua the chief executive officer of AgriBank (during the Economic growth Summit held 30-01 August, 2019) said that Namibia can solve the problem of erratic climatic conditions by sustainably tapping into underground water and creating green zones as well as a national climate resilience fund to smooth out the impact of climate change. He explained that apart from tapping water from the Kunene River and redistributing it throughout the northern regions, the country could additionally consider the extraction of water from fountains at Oshivelo, in Ohangwena, and eastern Zambezi to encourage diversification of crops and growing fodder.

This in the long run will turn traditional crop fields into allyear-round grain and horticulture farms and hence reduce the problem of water and food shortage.

Additional Readings: 1. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drought 2. https://www.namibian.com.na/82144/read/Khomas-hit-by-severe-food-watershortages 3. https://www.namibiansun.com/news/save-water-before-summer2019-08-15/ 4. https://neweralive.na/posts/oshikuku-implements-pilot-digital-water-project 5. https://www.namibian.com.na/82186/read/Namibia-can-deal-with-theongoing-drought

www.rdjconsulting.co.za

16 AUGUST, 2019

THE ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY Waste Management Solution for Namibia – Tackling Plastic Pollution

A community water supply point in Windhoek. Image Credit: RDJ Consulting

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he Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) has approved 11 sites and declared them as waste disposal sites in terms of Section 5 of the Environmental Management Act (EMA) of 2007, because they have all managed to follow due procedures in applying for environmental clearance certificates.

The approved sites include: Walvis Bay dumpsite in Erongo Kupferberg Windhoek Landfill in Khomas Epukiro dumpsite in Omaheke Oshakati, Eheke and Ondangwa dumpsites in Oshana Okahao, Ruacana and Tsandi dumpsites in Omusati Rundu dumpsite in Kavango East Oranjemund dumpsite in the //Kharas Region.

Based on the fact that recycling sites mobility is crucial, the Ministry intends to displace four mobile recycling sites to the towns Rundu, Okaukuejo, Divundu and Otjiwarongo in September 2019, during the National Clean-Up Campaign.

With a focus of not only managing waste by approving more dumpsites, the Ministry is also concerned about the increase in plastic pollution and the effects of its irresponsible dumping. Namibia is well known for exporting significant quantities of fish especially to Europe, and if the use of plastic is not fully regulated, this may pose as an economic risk to the country. The Ministry therefore requested the National Solid Waste Management Advisory Panel to conduct an investigation towards the total banning of plastic usage in the country amidst awaiting plastic levy approval.

www.rdjconsulting.co.za

AUGUST, 2019 17

Source: Government Gazette of the Republic Of Namibia Link: https://laws.parliame nt.na

On the 2nd of August, 2019 the local government, through the Ministry of Finance gazetted an environmental Levy to be implemented, of which included plastic bags were among the activities/items to be charged by 50 cents per item. Below is the table with information on plastic bags.

In response to this, food retailers such as Pick’n Pay started promoting plastic awareness to the public through charging N$0.50 (50 cents) for each plastic shopping bag obtained from their stores. The retailer reports to have raised an amount of N$ 174 000 on shopping plastic bags, of which 86 percent of the charge will be used to initiate environmental awareness campaigns at various Primary Schools through the Recycle Namibia Forum (RNF).

Similarly, Woermann Brock has also implemented a charge of N$00.25 on plastic bags.

In addition to the retailers’ move on environment protection, a solutions packing company, Plastic Packaging Namibia has also joined hands with RNF and MET to manufacture refuse bags which will be used during the national clean-up campaign day, slated for September 21, 2019.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Mines and Energy urged all local authorities to ensure that the revenue from charges to citizens and businesses for waste disposal is reinvested to ensure that waste disposal sites are brought up to sufficient standard.

With these done persistently, Namibia will surely be one of the countries that will be able to meet the standards of Solid Waste Management by the year 2028.

Additional Readings https://www.namibiansun.com/news/pick-n-pay-promotes-plasticawareness2019-08-02/ https://www.namibian.com.na/81502/read/Eleven-dumpsites-approved http://www.erongo.com.na/news/approval-for-coastal-landfill-site-201907-28 https://neweralive.na/posts/namibia-wants-to-lead-africa-in-wastemanagement https://laws.parliament.na/cms_documents/6967-b149170471.pdf

www.rdjconsulting.co.za

AUGUST, 2019 19

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Number Portability Extended To Fixed Line Services

#... #...

Nedbank Namibia Launches a New Money App

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edBank Namibia launched a new banking app, Money App for its customers, which allows customers to freeze and unfreeze their bankcards straight from the App. The App, which can be used even without mobile data, is reported to provide banking security through the use of biometric authentication.

Customers will benefit from the use of the App as it shows or hides accounts, provide a dashboard view, sets up recurring payments and ATM limits, provides loan repayment calculators, as well as an ATM and branch locator. International transaction activation such as travel, re-ordering can also be done on the App. The new App will substitute the incumbent App which will be valid until September 2019. www.rdjconsulting.co.za

The Mobile clients of Telecommunications services now have the option of alternating between network operators without changing numbers. This decision was recently taken by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia and sent to telecommunications operators on 11 July 2019.

20 AUGUST, 2019

ROADS AND TRANSPORT

Image showing a railway road Courtesy of RDJ Consulting

www.rdjconsulting.co.za

AUGUST, 2019 21

FINANCING

PNG Credit: ww.iconfinder.com

Financial Assistance Given in Support of Local Infrastructure Development and Projects 1. DBN and DBSA pledge N$8 billion A joint finance pledge of N$8 billion for local infrastructure requirements including water, electricity and railways was made at the recent Namibia Economic Growth Summit, by the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) and the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA). The pledges were respectively allocated as follows: N$3 billion for water projects development, N$2.5 billion for electricity generation and transmission, and N$2.5 billion for all railway requirements.

Likewise, the Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF) on the basis of the Go Green Fund was offered a donation to the amount of N$1 million by NedBank. This was done to give support to the foundation in its efforts to conserve the environment.

2. Go Green Fund gets N$1m from NedBank

The Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF) on the basis of the Go Green Fund was offered a donation to the amount of 1 million NAD. This was done to give support to the foundation in its efforts to conserve the environment. www.rdjconsulting.co.za

Government to Fund Upgrade of the Oil Storage Facility

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fire station to the oil storage facility at Walvis Bay is set to be built and is to be financed by the government at a cost of N$ 50 million, through the National Energy Fund (NEF). National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor)’s Managing Director Immanuel Mulunga emphasised the need of the fire station on occurrences of fire that can be inevitably uncontrollable.

22 AUGUST, 2019

WHO'S WHO AN INTERVIEW WITH MR. FARES SHIPAXU

fathom the intermediate/advanced part of economics that were covered on television I understood the basics and that intrigued me. My upbringing was that of normal house chores to go fetch water, collect firewood, pound mahangu, take care of your grandfather, cook, herd animals and forgivably miss a day or two at school but make sure you catch up with what you missed, and subsequently promotionally pass."

Q: What are some of the things that motivate you currently?

A: "My weaknesses motivate me to be better and do better, and the fact that I do not falter when something turns into what I did not expect, instead I work to improve it or what’s next."

WORK WITH RDJ...

Q: When and how did you get involved with RDJ consulting?

A: "I got involved with RDJ in March of 2018 during my interview for an internship. The internship’s requirements were very stiff at the time it required applicants who were either in their third year or fourth year of their university studies, and I was already a graduate, not a groomed one but it was only a few weeks before graduation, however that did not stop me from applying."

This

month, the RDJ’s WHO'S WHO segment features one of RDJ's pride, Mr. Fares Shipaxu, a young, intelligent, insightful and emerging Namibian Economist.

In this more personal interview, we encounter a bright individual, who is both deeply relate-able, and someone who's attitude we can all stand to learn from.

PERSONAL...

Q: Briefly tell us about yourself.

A: "I am Fares Shipaxu, an economist at RDJ Consulting, responsible for research and statistics work. I had not done economics in high school but the constant business and economics news I was always exposed to through watching television during the times I was away from my home village (Okakwa, in Ohangwena Region) made me feel insufficiently tamed in the Science field I was bred. And even though I could not

Q: What are your duties at RDJ? A: "My duties at RDJ are countless but I will mention oneanalysing research and statistics in the Research and statistics unit of the company. This entails assigning activities to research and statistics interns; overseeing the operations of the unit; supervising the interns’ work and directing them on analysing relevant data to the company’s monthly briefing publication. In addition, conducting research which mostly leads to collecting primary/secondary data; Updating the marketing team with relevant information for the company’s publication; writing, structuring, reviewing and editing the interns’ work and updating the databases."

Q: What are some of the insightful research work you have done, and why research in those areas?

A:"Well, all research I have worked on was all driven by the status quo in Namibia so I think they were all insightful maybe not 100 percent so given that the status quo is invariable but explicable I find the research on public finance “an Analysis to 2019/20 budget” and “an analysis to Namibia’s International investment position” insightful and I chose to do analysis on them because we have a fiscal policy that I believe can do better for the economy if it pivots to long run stabilisation as we strive to be an investment driven economy.''

www.rdjconsulting.co.za

AUGUST, 2019 23

Q: What skills have you gained from your involvement with RDJ? A:"I have gained skills in research at a competitive level, communication in both oral and written, decision making, collaborative, data effect assessment, using my colleagues’ perceptions in formulating prospective answers-teamwork and leadership."

Q: Briefly explain your fondest experience with RDJ? A: "There is not a single experience with RDJ I am not fond of and what I liked most in my experience with the company is the routine culture of being part of the decision-making processes as part of learning. And that made me a shrewder business minded individual."

RESEARCHER AND ECONOMIST...

Q:What, in your opinion, is the most important quality of an Economist?

A: "Liberal knowledge of economics and its sub-fields."

Q: What insider advice would you give the everyday Namibian consumer?

A: "Avoid profligate consumption habits which means spending money you don’t have on things you don’t immediately need."

Q:How would you ensure that you effectively communicate economic data to your audience?

A: "Ensuring that you have had an idea that preceded your analysis to the data you wish to communicate to the audience, it does not have to be an economic idea only it could be any other field and adapt it to economics. That involves conducting research prior to communicating economic data as you get to engage your audience with information you witnessed to."

Q: Based on the recent economic challenges the country is facing, which also reflected in a “reduction” of the 2019/20 budget is there a missed opportunity to revise development agendas?

A: "I would not really call for revised development agendas but they did miss an opportunity but that is only because they are not humble enough, they are too ambitious for policies that take more than five years to implement. The time-frame targets of developmental policies should be implemented in line with the developmental agendas time-frame targets."

CONCLUSION Q: You started early as an economist and developed fast. What was the trick and what recommendations do you leave to the Namibian students and graduates?

A: "Well, I approached industry at the time when most of the economic realities are highly at variant odds with economic concepts I learned in university. I found that intriguing as I had to assess my right of ways through testing economic data of the day-to-day news and I used the heuristic directives I received from my busy mentors

"I want to be a revolutionary economist and contribute positively and dynamically to my country."

Fares Shipaxu

invaluably-they got me busy as well. My recommendations to the Namibia students and graduates.

1. To the students: do not fail to acknowledge that you are in high education for education and not just schooling.

2. To the graduates: know that you grow from learning in opportunities like internships."

Q: What are your plans for the future?

A: Well, consultancy has taught me a lot. So I will start and finish what I have pivoted to but my long run plans are to be a revolutionary economist.

www.rdjconsulting.co.za

Mr. Fares Shipaxu Economist

FROM THE INTERVIEW

www.rdjconsulting.co.za

AUGUST, 2019 25

TENDERS NAMWATER Tender Name/Description: Construction of a Pilot rural desalination plants using renewable power and membrane technology for Grünau, //Karas Region, Namibia Closing Date: 08/10/2019 Tender Name/Description: Replacement of the liner and floating cover for the two compartments of the Katima Mulilo Clear Water Reservoir Closing Date: 01/10/2019 at11:00 NAMPOWER Tender Name/Description: Designing, Manufacturing, Testing, Delivering, Installing and Commissioning of a Static Frequency Converter (SFC)/Load Commutated Inverter (LCI) for Generator Run Up in Synchronous Condenser Mode Closing Date: 27 Sep 2019 at 11:00

Tender Name/Description: Construction of the Medium Voltage (MV) and Low Voltage (LV) Networks Supplying Ndjuwila & Ombalagelo Localities in Oshikoto Region Closing Date: 13/09/19 at 11:00

careers NAMPOWER Career Description: Material Requirements Planners (MRP): x2 Location: Brakwater Closing Date: 05 Sep 2019

Career Description: Utilityman - Civil Maintenance: x1 Location: Training Centre Closing Date: 05 Sep 2019 PLENNEGY (PTY) LTD Job Type: Permanent Career Description: Prospecting for new business by opportunity identification, area and business review, making telephonic contact and cold calling Sectors: Logistics,Sales,Import & Export Closing Date: 7 September 2019

www.rdjconsulting.co.za

UpNext 2019 Plastic Bag Usage Reduction Campaign RDJ Consulting, in collaboration with PWC Namibia will hold an Environmental Campaign on Saturday, 28 September, 2019, at Wernhill Shopping Mall

AUGUST, 2019 27

CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS

Fares Shipaxu (Lead researcher & statistician) RDJ Consulting Services CC David Jarrett (Managing Consultant) RDJ Consulting Services CC Priscila Chilombo Olga (Economist) RDJ Consulting Services CC Kina Indongo (Marketing & Communication Intern) RDJ Consulting Services CC Selma Taapopi (Marketing & Communication Intern) RDJ Consulting Services CC Peter N. Haufiku (Statistics Intern) RDJ Consulting Services CC Naemi Shoopala (Research Intern) RDJ Consulting Services CC Misodzi Mugala (Research Intern) RDJ Consulting Services CC

To Advertise Contact marketingcomm@rdjconsulting.co.za +264 61 400 171

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