APRIL, 2019
ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY News & Analysis
Training and it's Practicality - A need for Innovation
This Months Issue: RDJ CAREER DAY, EXHIBITION, OFFICIAL LAUNCH & GRADUATION THE 2019/20 NATIONAL BUDGET AT A GLANCE NAMIBIA’S RENEWABLE ENERGY POLICY IS READY
The Official Country Briefing of RDJ Consulting
APRIL, 2019
TRAINING AND IT'S PRACTICALITY - A NEED FOR INNOVATION RDJ Consulting officially launched their internship program on the 5th of April 2019, along with the graduation of the 2018 Interns. A great big thank you to all who were involved in making this day a success
For some exciting opportunities to advertise, do a brand cover or publish an article aligned with our objectives please contact: marketingcomm@rdjconsulting.co.za
RDJ Consulting Services CC is an advisory consultancy to the Energy, Water and Transport Sectors with a focus on sustainable operations and renewable energy.
Editor: David Jarrett RDJ Consulting Services CC Author: RDJ Consulting Interns* PO Box 23738 Windhoek, NAMIBIA Telephone: +264 61 400 171 Email: briefing@rdjconsulting.co.za Visit our website www.rdjconsulting.co.za for more information.
This report is a FREE Publication and was prepared by RDJ Consulting Services CC based in Windhoek, Namibia. The content is collated from publicly available information and so its accuracy cannot be guaranteed.
APRIL, 2019
EDITORS PAGE Editor: David Jarrett RDJ Consulting Services CC Editor: Priscila Olga RDJ Consulting Services CC Author: RDJ Consulting Interns Visit our website www.rdjconsulting.co.za for more information.
Contributing Author: Fares Shipaxu (Lead researcher & statistician) RDJ Consulting Services CC Contributing Author + Layout & Design: Gabriella Bock (Freelance Marketing & Communication Officer) RDJ Consulting Services CC Contributing Author: Kina Indongo (Intern) RDJ Consulting Services CC Contributing Author: Selma Taapopi (Intern) RDJ Consulting Services CC Contributing Author: Olivia-Joan De Celestino (Intern) RDJ Consulting Services CC Contributing Author: Johannes Sakaria (Intern) RDJ Consulting Services CC Contributing Author: Peter N. Haufiku (Intern) RDJ Consulting Services CC
APRIL, 2019
FROM THE DIRECTOR ON THE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM It is with great pleasure that as Managing Consultant and Lead Trainer, I get this opportunity to review our 2018 progress while laying out our 2019 goals. The 2018 Interns Intake was a significant milestone for the RDJ Internship Program. It was the year where we had our largest intake of the last three years. This increase has contributed to important research breakthroughs in the areas of Waste Management and Fuel Use.
RDJ Consulting is committed to conducting its research and corporate activities in a sustainable manner. In keeping with this commitment, we insist on providing “real world� experiences to the recent Graduates or Final Year students via the RDJ Internship Program to enhance their job prospects and produce a constant supply of skilled youth to the job market. We reproduce as many of our outputs as possible in electronic formats instead of hard-copies, encouraging stakeholders to do likewise where possible. RDJ Consulting laid the groundwork to reaffirm our position as a significant, research led advisory service, with far-reaching expansion of our research partnerships and networks. Gender equity has also been maintained throughout and as will be seen in this report, female leadership has increased with the associated benefits to our operations.
I would like to thank all staff, interns and stakeholders (in particular UNAM), for helping define a future in which the RDJ Internship Program will be recognised as a creative force for current and future generations. We look forward to interaction with other corporate partners and further Intern successes to come.
RDJ Consulting Services CC
David Jarrett
APRIL, 2019
HIGHLIGHTS FROM CAREER DAY 2019
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APRIL, 2019
Facts Population size: 2.3 Million Employment: 66.6% Literacy rate: 89.0%
GDP Growth (2018): -0.1% Repo Rate: 6.75 % Interest rate (Prime): 10.5%
Inflation (CPI): 4.5% Telecom (LTE): LTE Mobile-Cell phones: 2.575 million Subscribers
Water availability: /Capita3:8,800,000 litres/capita Electricity Gene. (Local): 484.000 MW Electricity Demand (All): 629.000 MW
APRIL, 2019
THE ECONOMY The 2019/20 National Budget at a Glance
APRIL, 2019
THE ECONOMY An Analysis of the 2019/20 Budget
The period from 1990 through 1992 was associated with a sharp increase in government expenditures with 23.64 percent of GDP. They, however, decreased steadily from 1993 through 2007 to reach 27.7 percent of GDP in 2007. The period of 2005-2008 experienced an erosion in deficit resulting in an average surplus of 2.63 percent of GDP, noting the strong increase in SACU receipts (averaging 11.7 percent of GDP) and tax revenues (with a period average of 31.3 percent of revenues) as some of the attributes. The general revenues in the latter period increased by an average of 32.15 percent while expenditures stood at 29.53 percent of GDP. The period of the world economic crisis which took effect in 2009 through 2011 saw Namibia with a deficit of -7.0 percent of GDP with both expenditures and revenues increasing with less impact. This was caused by increases in government debt which stood at 25, 1 percent and was financed through borrowing at a rate of 4.4 percent. The budget consolidation efforts which took effect in 2015 through 2018 resulted in a decrease in expenditures by an average of 37.93 percent of GDP and increase in taxes while revenues increased only slightly, precluding any deficit erosion which stood at -4 percent of GDP in 2018. Persistent reduction in SACU receipts, decrease in major economic activities such as mining (productions decrease as a result of commodity price slump), construction and debt servicing are some factors that are keeping the deficit from being eroded. When economic activities are sluggish there result an elimination of most players to economic activities which tend to make it impossible to increase the tax base notwithstanding any tax increase.
APRIL, 2019
RENEWABLE ENERGY Renewable Energy Making Strides The share of global Renewable Energy (RE) in terms of installed capacity as of 2018 stood at 2 350 755 MW (Megawatts) of energy, with Africa contributing 46269 MW and Namibia contributing 431 MW. These contributions outline increases of 0.64 percent, 0.33, and 0.018 of installed capacity respectively, from 2017 to 2018. See figure depicting RE Installed Capacity by geographical area.
In addition, the total installed capacity of Renewable Energy contributed by Namibia to the total installed capacity in Africa in 2018 represent: 0.027 percent of Hydro 0.00089 percent of Wind 0 percent of Bioenergy 0.016 percent of Solar
APRIL, 2019
URANIUM Vice president of Swakop Uranium Human Resource to retire Having contributed to building the company’s work force growth and having well represented the company to various industry players such as “Namibian Uranium Institute; the Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology; and the chamber of mines,” the Human Resources Vice president of Swakop Uranium Percy McCallum is set to go on early retirement as of 21 June, 2019.
Meranica secures another Uranium Exploration License Meranica Energy Limted has announced that it has been given the right for a uranium exploration license- KOPPIES (EPL 6987). It said that they have “identified an exploration target of 20 to 60 million pounds grading between 300 and 500 ppm U3O8.” The exploration is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2019 and the area is located 100 metres east of Deep Yellow Limited’s Tumas. Meanwhile the drilling to its Mile 72 Uranium Project (EPL 3308) has also begun.
APRIL, 2019
OIL & GAS Facts The ministry of mines has decided to keep the domestic fuel pump prices for April unchanged. The prices remain unchanged as follows: Petrol (95 Octane) - N$12.05 /L Diesel (50ppm) - N$13.13 /L
APRIL, 2019
WATER Namibia current dam levels
The figure above indicates that Goreangab dam has the highest volume with 100.2 percent of full capacity. This represents a 0.8 percent decrease of the 101.0 recorded on the same week in the previous season. Naute dam in the south recorded the highest volume with 93.8 percent of full capacity representing a 6.9 percent increase of the 86.9 percent contained the same time last season. Omatako, Otjivero Silt, Bondels, Omaruru, and Omatjene Dams recorded the lowest percentages of full capacity by volume with all recording 0.0 percent. The volume of water at Von Banch was recorded at 44.5 percent of full capacity due to the transfers of water it received from Swakopoort dam. This depicts a 8.9 percent decrease of its volume from the same time during the previous season. Swokopport lost 0.5 percent volume of the 16.3 percent of full capacity it had received in the week before and 21.9 percent of the 37.7 percent it recorded on the same week last season. As observed, it is evident that due to less or no rainfall received, the dam levels have been either constant or decreasing compared to last season’s records.
APRIL, 2019
Water Analysis by Region Khomas region a) Rehoboth town council in water debt The Rehoboth town council is reported to be in water debt of N$20 million. This was brought to light by the finance manager in the council on 08 April, 2019 at a meeting held with the community. A daily consumption of 5000 cubic metres of water by the residents is said to be one of the causes of high debt. b) Water conservation efforts in Windhoek seem to have failed As a category labelled ‘C’ was noted to be the level of water scarcity in the capital and hence highlighting that for the residents to keep getting water, they should decrease their water consumption by at least 8 percent. However, this turned out to be unattainable as they continued to consume water at a rate of 13 percent. It has also come to light that Windhoek consumes most of the water consumed in central areas. The city’s urge Consumption of water be kept at 730 litres (equivalent to 22 000 litres monthly). Going beyond this results in consumers paying N$141.00 per 1000 litres. In addition, a widespread water-savings campaign which it hopes will create improved awareness is going to be implemented. c) Operations at Goreangab Reclamation Plant resumed Following a temporary shutdown of the Goreangab Reclamation Plant due to contamination from an oil spillage at Namibia Dairies three months ago, the Windhoek Goreangab Operating Company (WINGOC) responsible for operations is reported to have now resumed work at the plant. Due to the incident, the Plant is now only producing about fifty percent of its total capacity , which translates to an output of 9000 cubic metres of treated water daily, compared to a total capacity of from 18 000 cubic meters. Production is anticipated to increase steadily, this will also affect the general water supplies in the city.
Oshikoto region Resettled areas in the Oshikoto region are expected to receive 16 boreholes from the Ministry of Land Reform. Moreover, a completed 2.4-kilometre water pipeline[1] to the Omadhiya community in the latter region gave the residents hope there.
Omusati region The governor of the Omusati Region revealed that only 15-20 percent of the region received rain by early March, 2019.
Oshana region Uuvudhiya, a village in Oshana region is running out of water supplies as most lakes in the area have gone dry as a result of poor rain received and the farmers are afraid for their animals which amount to over 500 000[1] in cattle. The only solution is allegedly by bumping water into the lakes from Olushandja (in Omusati region), a practice that can only be done by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry as per the constituency’s councillor.
Karas Region The town of Lüderitz experienced water issues on 11 March 2019, as a result of a “breakdown” [1] of an electricity transformer ultimately causing the water supplying pump to fail.
"WATER IS THE DRIVING FORCE OF ALL NATURE"LEONARDO DA VINCI
APRIL, 2019
ELECTRICITY Namibia’s Renewable Energy Policy is Ready The Renewable Energy Policy is reported to have been finalised. This was hinted by the Deputy Minister of Mines Energy, Kornelia Shilunga during a technical conference of the Association of Electricity Distribution held on the 15th March, 2019. Due to an observed increased level in domestic demand for energy in the country, the Policy aims at encouraging citizens to make use of Renewable Energy their main source of energy needs. The figure below depicts Namibia energy imports as of 2018, and it can be seen that there is an increase in imported energy due to increased demand over the recent years.
Rehoboth Town Council in Electricity Debt. The Rehoboth town council is reported to be in a N$99.6 Million debt of electricity usage, of which 21 million is owed to the council by residents as most of them use electricity on a prepaid basis.
Onayena Settlement Serviced with Electricity At least 30 residential plots in Onayena in the Oshana region are reported to have been serviced with electricity. Schools around the vicinity are also expected to be serviced as the Northern Electricity Distributor (NORED) is also busy setting up electricity poles to the schools.
APRIL, 2019
THE ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY Clean up Namibia Namibia is set to have a national cleaning day on 21 September 2019. This year’s campaign event will be held in line with the commemoration of the World Clean-up Day. The minister of Environment, stated that the campaign will “build on existing initiatives” and create new ones to execute the “reduce, reuse and recycle” (3 R’s) principle that is seen in the national waste management strategy. The Clean-up campaign is an environmental initiative that helps the people of our communities’ keep the environment clean. This will not only benefit the locals, but also help to promote local trade and tourism and to restore wildlife habitats.
APRIL, 2019
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Telecom improves its internet connectivity Telecom Namibia has announced an upgrade of its broadband package, which became effective from the 1st of April, 2019. The upgrade will cater for residential and business clients in Namibia.
See figure above for the upgrades: A minimum download speed of 2 Mbps as an entry package. The company reported that the upgrades were done for a speedier internet experience that terminates the previously used 1 Mbps, which was slower.
MTC sets up a new mobile home in Kunene The Namibian Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) recently unveiled a new mobile home shop in Kunene Region’s Opuwo which is the 36th in the Country. The Telecommunications experienced customer growth over the years in Opuwo which served as an encouragement to establish a mobile home in the area which will render services such as: the provision of contract applications, account payments, pre-paid starter packs, recharge vouchers, mobile phone sales, email settings, MMS/data connection. MTC’s Chief Technology Officer at the opening made it known that the choice to invest in Opuwo town was solely because of the company’s newest strategic outlook which seeks to ensure 100 per cent population settlement coverage during the next three years.
MTC Implements phase 1 of Network Improvement Project Over 20 network towers were inaugurated by Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) in the northeast regions of Namibia including Kavango East, Kavango West and the Zambezi Region. As phase 1 of the 081Every1 national network project, all three of the benefiting regions got seven new network sites equipped with 3G technology.
APRIL, 2019
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Paratus expands its Telecommunications With already N$200 million invested in the country, Paratus plans to further invest N$114 in local infrastructure during 2019. Paratus Chief Executive Officer however maintained that majority of this investment will be directed towards the laying of fibre optic cables, LTE mobile base stations as well as back office systems, to improve its local coverage, streamline operations and improve speed and reliability. As a Namibian telecommunications service provider planning to be operational internationally, the Paratus group further activated a supplementary capacity between the West Africa Undersea Cable System (WACS) and Lusaka, Zambia. This follows the completion of the N$170 million Trans Kalahari Fibre (TKF) project in 2018 that was constructed between the WACS landing station in Swakopmund and Sesheke on the Zambian border.
NWR improves its Digital platforms The Namibia Wildlife Resort’s Managing Director Zelna Hengari recently announced that NWR has restored all of its Digital platforms with a re-developed user-friendly website accessible on any smart device. This comes along with many other digital changes such as an online booking and payment portal for the convenience of its clients to finalise their bookings on site. The NWR website receives monthly visits of over 20 000 from countries such as the Netherlands and France.
Telecom, MTC and NamPost to part The Information Executive Director of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) recently revealed that a cabinet decision to part Namibia Post and Telecommunications Holdings (NPTH), the holding company of NamPost, Telecom and 66% of MTC, will soon become a reality. This comes after Telecom Namibia attained then mobile operator Leo now TN Mobile which gave Telecom the exclusive control in the mobile transmissions industry. The Namibia Competition Commission then advised that the ownership structure of MTC and Telecom be made into separate entities.
FWA crucial for world development To date, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA also known as fixed-wireless broadband or WTTx) stands at 6.6 million in the sub Saharan region and is expected to increase to three-fold by the year 2023. FWA has progressed to be one of the most substantial development drivers worldwide. User growth is experienced in both developed and emerging markets such as South Africa, Philippines, Japan and Germany.
APRIL, 2019
ROADS AND TRANSPORT
Road Maintenance Expenditures Namibia’s Minister of works and transport reported that about N$316m is being spent by the government through the Roads Authority to maintain roads annually, of which a sum of N$20m is solely dedicated to the damage caused by the overloaded vehicles. The Minister revealed that his Ministry is in the process of introducing a law to decriminalise overloading offences to ensure that overloaders pay fees corresponding to the damage caused on roads, based on the distance travelled. The prosecution of overloaded vehicle drivers on the national roads network has been in effect since the 1st of April 2019 by the Roads Authority.
Safety devices Proposed for B8 Trans-Caprivi highway The Rundu Town Council requested the installation of speed reduction devices along the Trans-Caprivi Highway which passes through the Ndama settlement during a stakeholders meeting between the Minister of Works and Transport and the leadership of the RA on vehicle loads and road safety. Acting chief executive officer of the Rundu Town Council, Sikongo Haihambo explained that most residents at the Ndama settlement are facing potential danger when crossing the highway due to the high speed of vehicles using that section of the road. He insisted since the engagement was based on vehicle load and road safety they should consider putting up speed humps and widen the road like how it is being done in other towns. Additionally he added this will also accommodate the growing population since Rundu is a fast-growing town. In response to this, the CEO of RA, said the request would be considered so that long-distance traffic can have its own lane, and traffic turning into town its own.
APRIL, 2019
TENDERS 1. Company: NamPower Description: Expression of Interest for Retrofitting/Replacement of the Pressure Tunnel Intake Raking Unit at Ruacana Hydropower Station Reference number/Bid Number: EOI/NPWR-04/2019 Closing date: 03 May 2019 at 00:00 Namibian Time 2. Company: NamPower Description: Supply, Delivery and Installation of Beltweigher controllers for Van Eck Power Station Reference number: G/RFQ/NPWR-167/2019 Closing date: 06 May 2019 at 11:00 Namibian Time 3. Company: Nampower Description: Design, Supply, Delivery, Installation and Commissioning of a System that Runs Up the Van Eck Power Station Generator Units as Synchronous Motors Reference number: W/OIB/NPWR-02/2019 Closing date: 10 May 2019 at 11:00 Namibian Time
APRIL, 2019
APRIL, 2019
EVENTS New Section to the RDJ Briefing To advertise here email: marketingcomm@rdjconsulting.co.za
South Africa to host Africa’s first Digital Economy Summit South Africa Minister of Communications, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams in a press briefing announced that the Digital Economy summit will be held on 27-28 June 2019 at the Universities of Witwatersrand (Wits) Tshimologong Digital Innovation Hub, Johannesburg. The Fourth Industrial Partnership for South Africa (4IRSA) initiative has been formed by the Universities of Witwatersrand (Wits), Johannesburg (UJ), and Fort Hare (UFH), with support from Telkom SA to facilitate the summit with the aims to stimulate and facilitate an inclusive national dialogue to shape a coherent national response to the Fourth Industrial Revolution in South Africa
APRIL, 2019
CAREERS
APRIL, 2019
COMING SOON! To request a FREE COPY of the book, send your email address to office@rdjconsulting.co.za
APRIL, 2019
WHO'S WHO?
A Great Big Congratulations to All 2018 RDJ Interns A short introduction to the 2018 interns who have graduated at the 2019 Career Day
Name: Aili Ipinge Institution: University of Namibia Qualification: Bachelor of Integrated Environmental Science and MSc. Biodiversity Management and Research Position at RDJ: Research and Personal Assistant Intern
Name: Fares Shipaxu Institution: University of Namibia Qualification: Bachelor of Economics – Honours (Graduate) Position at RDJ: Research and Personal Assistant Intern
Name: Vistoria Nuumbala Institution: University of Namibia Qualification: Bachelor of Science (Honours): Physics and Geology (Graduate) and Masters of Science in Renewable Energy Position at RDJ: Research Special Projects Intern
APRIL, 2019
Name: Lukas Sizario Institution: Namibia University of Science and Technology Qualification: Bachelor of Science: Applied Mathematics Position at RDJ: Statistics Intern
Name: Matheus Shitjeni Ndingoya Institution: University of Namibia Qualification: Bachelor of Arts Media Studies –Major in Public Relations
Name: Hilma Hatupopi Institution: University of Namibia Qualification: Bachelor of Accounting Position at RDJ: Accounting Special Projects (Intern)
APRIL, 2019
Name: Magdalena Amashali Ndalulilwa Institution: University of Namibia Qualification: Bachelor of Arts: Media Studies Position at RDJ: Marketing and Communications Intern
Name: Amakhoe//Hoabes Institution: Namibia University of Science and Technology Qualification: Bachelor of Marketing Position at RDJ Consulting: Marketing and Communications Intern
APRIL, 2019
Name: Karen Kudazi Mangwendeza Institution: University of Namibia Qualification: BSC. Economics Position at RDJ: Research Intern
Name: Johanna Shihepo Institution: University of Namibia Qualification: BSc. Economics Position at RDJ: Research Intern
APRIL, 2019
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