FlyNamibia April 2022

ISSUE 5 | APRIL 2022

Launching FlyNamibia Safari:

The best way to discover

Take me home! Your free copy

Namibia

To Cape Town 6 days a week www.flynamibia.com.na flynamibia safari | adventure | lifestyle |

conservation | economic pulse | looking global | explore cape town

GOOD TODAY. BETTER TOMORROW.

from the publisher

Stories in FlyNamibia Magazine.

FIRE

“But how could you live and have no story to tell?”

- Fyodor Dostoevsky

A

Read this issue online!

is for Awesome... and Ads. To advertise in FlyNamibia magazine contact fly@venture.com.na.

Venture Publications (Pty) Ltd. PO Box 21593 Windhoek Namibia info@venture.com.na

Cover image:

Luciano Siluka Beaniiboy Photoworks

See more on page 14

This is us. extraordinary Namibian stories. publishing. content generation. content marketing. print. film. digital.

CONTENT IS

are compiled by Venture Media’s content team, in partnership with Tribefire Studios and freelance contributors.

and also

by Tribefire Studios

1

Table of

contents

CONTENT IS FIRE

01

And collaboration is the future. FlyNamibia Magazine is a compilation of Namibian stories sourced by Venture Media that entertain and surprise with interesting topics, introducing you to a new generation of trendsetters and Namibian personalities.

WELCOME ON BOARD

08

Excited about all things FlyNamibia.

DISCOVERING SOSSUSVLEI 14

10

Home to one of Namibia’s top tourist attractions.

IRDNC AND THE DESERT GIANTS

13

FNB Namibia and CYMOT in support of elephant conservation in Namibia’s northwest.

FASHION FIERCE

14

Johanna Swartbooi - Living the dream in Cape Town

LIFE ON A TABLE

19

The ultimate recipe for a Spicy Leg of Lamb.

ART-IST

20

Malua hears colour in ‘Den of Synesthetes’

28

FOODIES

23

Godenfang - Walvis Bay’s Urban Farm and Kitchen.

LOOKING GLOBAL

24

Talking about climate change and how it affects Namibians.

SHOP LOCAL-ISH

28

The most unique local lifestyle brands and products.

THE TRIBE

31

Meeting up with Lekker hitmaker Khadijah.

DISCOVERING THE COAST

32

Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Henties, Dorob National Park and everything in between.

53 2

10 MINUTES WITH LOCAL TASTE MAKERS Talking shop with Namibia’s favourite fashion journalist - Rukee Kaakunga.

35

GO SLOW ON THE BANKS OF FOUR RIVERS

36

Follow the call of the wet and wild northeast along Namibia’s perennial rivers.

GOOD VIBES ONLY

39

Your monthly dose of feel good news from Namibia and abroad.

DISCOVERING ETOSHA

40

Namibia’s internationally renowned wildlife haven – undoubtedly the country’s most popular tourist attraction

15 MIN SWEAT SET WITH ENA

43

There is always time for a workout.

ECONOMIC PULSE

44

Global Monetary Policy Normalisation - A key theme for the rest of the year.

THE GOOD BUSINESS SENSE OF SOUND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL PRACTICES

20

48

Building dreams on charcoal production.

BREAKING THE CYCLE OF STRIVING FOR PERFECTION

51

Step one: It is okay not to be perfect.

ROYAL HUSTLERS

53

Getting to know Mercia Geises, Standard Bank’s executive powerhouse.

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FROM ABOVE

55 35

Medical Rescue Africa - Namibia’s leading fixed-wing aeromedical evacuation company.

TRAVEL TALES

57

Flame-licked lashes.

BELLHAUS ATELIER & GALERIE

60

Namibia’s art scene warmly welcomes a new addition.

FLYNAMIBIA SAFARI CIRCUIT

64

Discover the very best of Namibia. See more, spend less time travelling.

DID YOU KNOW?

67

Fun facts, important dates and Suduko.

LOVE NAMIBIA Showcasing the beauty of our country.

68

60 3

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Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)

Windhoek Eros Airport Office SkyLounge Eros Ondangwa airport office Rundu airport office Katima Mulilo airport office

Online card transaction

PayToday app

All major travel agents

Buddy SuperApp

Check-in

prior to flight Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure of the flight on Fly Namibia Check-in opens 1h 30min before domestic flight and 2 hours before international flight.

Check-in CLOSES 30 min prior to flight

Luggage

restrictions Items NOT allowed in hand luggage: Lotions and aerosols above 100ml, flammable aerosol, sharp objects, i.e. nail files, nail scissors, Leatherman, matches.

MAX 20kg

Per person 5

Ondangwa - Toivo ya Toivo

Eros Airport

Cape Town

6

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

CONNECTING YOU TO

Windhoek, Ondangwa, Rundu, Katima Mulilo and Cape Town FROM

TO

DAYS

DEPARTURE

ARRIVAL

Windhoek

Ondangwa - Toivo Ya Toivo

Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun

07:00

07:50

Ondangwa - Toivo Ya Toivo

Windhoek

Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun

08:40

09:30

Windhoek

Ondangwa - Toivo Ya Toivo

Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun

16:00

16:50

Ondangwa - Toivo Ya Toivo

Windhoek

Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun

17:40

18:30

Windhoek

Rundu

Wed, Fri, Sun

06:50

08:20

Rundu

Windhoek

Wed, Fri, Sun

09:00

10:30

Windhoek

Katima Mulilo

Wed, Fri, Sun

11:00

12:25

Katima Mulilo

Windhoek

Wed, Fri, Sun

13:10

14:40

FROM

DAYS

DEPARTURE

ARRIVAL

Windhoek

Cape Town

TO

Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri

08:30

10:30

Cape Town

Windhoek

Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri

11:30

13:30

Windhoek

Cape Town

Sunday

14:00

16:00

Cape Town

Windhoek

Sunday

17:00

19:00

www.flynamibia.com.na

+264 83 339 0011

Schedule as per date of going to print. Please check the FlyNamibia website to stay updated on flight destinations, routes and schedules.

8

Welcome on board Setting our sights on the ultimate Namibian safari

“T

he only man I envy is the man who has not yet been to Africa - for he has so much to look forward to.”

- Richard Mullen

For few places does this phrase ring as true as Namibia. Arguably the top destination for travellers to Africa, Namibia’s vast array of travel options comes second only to its even more vast landscapes. With something to suit every traveller’s tastes, hopes and deepest desires, Namibia is not only a bucket list destination, but an accessible and affordable one at that. Be your tastes cultural, gastronomical, spiritual. Be your preferences landscapes, wildlife, history or adventure. Namibia is the destination for you.

With our love of this wild and beautiful country securely nestled in our hearts, FlyNamibia is incredibly excited to launch our new safari offering this April. Visitors to Namibia can, as of mid-April, reach Namibia’s most popular tourist attractions via fly-ins with us… at the cost of a self-drive. FlyNamibia Safari is a revolution for the Namibian tourism industry. It will enable travellers to significantly cut on the hours spent reaching the large country’s far flung destinations, giving them more time to truly discover, enjoy and absorb the wonders of this land of endless horizons. Building more memories and making the most of their Namibian adventure. Operated from Hosea Kutako International Airport (which allows for international connections) to Namibia’s most iconic travel destinations: Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, and Etosha, with an optional stopover in Twyfelfontein, FlyNamibia Safari is geared to make your journey to and across this incredible land all the easier, and more beautiful.

Connecting to the colourful Cape It has been a full month since we launched our six-days-aweek schedule between Windhoek and Cape Town. Giving our customers even more options and connections to explore has proven a tremendous success and we thank our FlyNamibia community for choosing us to start your Namibian adventure, connect you to business or help you reach family and friends.

On the 1st of March, at a sunset soiree overlooking the beautiful Atlantic, we hosted a selection of Western Cape tourism industry connections and affiliated partners at the 12 Apostles Hotel in Camps Bay, Cape Town. Speakers at the event included Ambassador Tonata Itenge-Emvula (Board Member of FlyNamibia), Alderman Vos (Mayoral Committee Member - City of Cape Town), MEC David Maynier (Minister of Finance & Economic Opportunities, Western Cape) and Wrenelle Stander (CEO of WESGRO).

“Namibia has historically been and remains one of the Western Cape's key trading partners. In 2021 it was the province's 4th largest export market. In the same year, international passenger volumes between Namibia and

Cape Town exceeded 81 000, constituting a significant recovery of 47% when compared to 2019. The addition of flights between Windhoek and Cape Town is indicative of how Namibia is fast becoming an important catchment area for intercontinental flights to and from Cape Town,” said Wesgro CEO and Official Spokesperson for Cape Town Air Access, Wrenelle Stander, at the event.

An Easter Egg Hunt you won’t want to miss This April we are hosting our very first FlyNamibia Easter Egg Hunt! There are four golden easter eggs hidden in our April 2022 copies of the FlyNamibia inflight magazine. Be on the lookout for a golden egg on one of the pages of the April editions and win a free return ticket between Windhoek and Cape Town (excluding taxes). Found a golden egg in this copy? Simply hand in your publication at the FlyNamibia Offices where you will receive your prize. Terms and conditions apply. Happy Hunting!

Homegrown expansion Back in Namibia, we are continuing our commitment to the Land of the Brave. Run under our Westair Aviation brand, the company offers flights between Windhoek and Oranjemund every Monday and Thursday, departing at 10:00 from Windhoek with the return flight departing at 12:30 from Oranjemund. We hope to incorporate this route into our FlyNamibia commercial schedule soon. Tickets to and from Oranjemund can be booked by contacting the Westair team at reservations@westair.com.na or calling +264 81 121 7000.

FlyNamibia is proud to partner with TravelStart and our airline is now part of the TravelStart booking system and live on all its platforms. Our contact centre operates on a 24/7 basis and can be reached at +264 83 339 0011. We will continue to offer COVID testing at our Eros Airport facility and customers now also have the added comfort of a wide variety of payment methods, including the PayToday and Paybuddy apps. You can also download the Buddy SuperApp through which you can access the FlyNamibia App. This new platform offers personal travel assistance (available between 08h00 and 22h00), an interactive travel map, our FlyNamibia inflight magazine, flight rewards, loyalty programmes and emergency SOS trigger. The app is available at buddysuperapp.com.

Customers can also visit www.flynamibia.com.na for online bookings.

We hope you enjoy your flight with us this April. Let’s FlyNamibia.

The FlyNamibia Team

9

Discovering

Sossusvlei with

Safari

Proclaimed in 1979, the Namib-Naukluft Park is an amalgamation of several areas into one nature reserve. It is the largest conservation area in the country and home to one of Namibia’s top tourist attractions, the legendary Sossusvlei, a spectacular white pan surrounded by some of the highest sand dunes in the world.

SOSSUSVLEI

Many visitors to Namibia say that no part of the desert is visually more dramatic than Sossusvlei with its monumentally high dunes. These gigantic star-shaped mountains of sand – one of the largest was measured from the base as 325 metres high – are a sought-after topic for artists and photographers.

The warm tints of the sand contrast vividly with the dazzling white surfaces of the large deflationary clay pans at their bases. One of these, referred to as Dead Pan, is a large ghostly expanse of dried white clay, punctuated by skeletons of ancient camel-thorn trees, carbon-dated as being between 500 and 600 years old.

Sossusvlei’s mountainous dunes lie at the end of an erosional trough formed by the Tsauchab River. They are shaped by strong multi-directional winds, primarily the southwester, and have three to five sinuous crests, which meet at the highest point to give them their characteristic star shapes.

Visitors are allowed access to Sossusvlei only between sunrise and sunset. The first 60 km of the road from Sesriem to

10

Sossusvlei has a permanent surface and is suitable for sedan cars, whereas the last five-kilometre stretch of sandy track is negotiable by 4x4 vehicles only. A shuttle service is available for people who do not want to hike the last 5 km.

SESRIEM CANYON

The permit office complex for entry to Sossusvlei and other destinations in this section of the park is at Sesriem. Four kilometres south from here is Sesriem Canyon, where the erosion of many centuries has incised a narrow gorge about 1 km in length. At the foot of the gorge, which plunges down 30–40 metres, are pools that become replenished after good rains. Sesriem derives its name from the time when early pioneers tied six lengths of rawhide thongs together to draw water from these pools.

To early inhabitants, the gorge was an important water source in an otherwise waterless area. Even during very dry times there is water in the upper reaches of the canyon, where the deep clefts reduce evaporation. The Tsauchab River flows through the Sesriem Canyon and continues down to Sossusvlei.

This is Namibia

Sesriem Canyon

The Namib-Naukluft is Namibia's largest conservation area.

NAMIBRAND NATURE RESERVE

What originated as a dream to extend the frontiers of the Namib Desert by consolidating a large number of former sheep farms and rehabilitating the land into a sanctuary free of fences and other farm paraphernalia became the NamibRand Nature Reserve during the second half of the 1980s. Many facets of the Namib Desert are represented at NamibRand, creating a living tapestry of colour and contour that makes it a visual utopia for artists and photographers. Game species found on the reserve include gemsbok, giraffe, mountain and plains zebra, springbok, red hartebeest, bat-eared fox, spotted hyaena, Cape fox and African wildcat. In the more rocky areas, kudu, klipspringer, baboon and leopard can be found, while the dunes harbour a rich and diverse microfauna of lizards, beetles and spiders, and even the elusive golden mole. The reserve is also home to a rich variety of birds – over a hundred species have been recorded on NamibRand. The NamibRand Nature Reserve today comprises 15 former farms and extends over an area of some 202 000 hectares, making it one of the largest private nature reserves in Southern Africa, and it is also an International Dark Skies Reserve. Situated on the reserve are the Namib Desert Environmental Education Trust (NaDEET) Centre, and the NamibRand Desert Research & Awareness Centre.

Dead Pan

See more info on FlyNamibia Safari on page 64

11

Purchase all your favourite CYMOT products online!

info@cymot.com

12 +264 61 295 6000

www.cymot.com

I

IRDNC and the desert giants of the northwest

ntegrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC) is a non-profit organisation that operates in remote rural regions of Namibia. For more than 30 years, IRDNC has worked to improve the lives of rural people by diversifying socio-economic activities in communal areas. The organisation does this by working closely with communities and within the framework of Namibia’s CBNRM (Community-based Natural Resource Management) system to balance the existence of wildlife and humans, and find constructive and sustainable ways in which people can benefit from valuable natural resources, whilst at the same time helping to conserve them.

One of the major conservation issues currently plaguing the northwestern conservancies and landscapes of Namibia is the co-existence of people and the roaming elephant herds of the region, which all too often leads to human-wildlife conflict in the area. Working closely with communities, and in the pursuit of the protection and conservation of the specially-adapted elephant populations who call the region home, IRDNC is undertaking a new project. The core of the project will aim to set up an elephant monitoring system akin to that developed and successfully implemented for many years

by Save the Rhino Trust Namibia as they monitor and protect black rhinos in the same area. By keeping tabs on elephant movements, monitoring herds and studying behavioural patterns, IRDNC hopes to be able to prevent human-elephant conflict situations before they occur, set up more feasible mechanisms to completely avoid it and broaden the communities’ and conservation entities’ understanding of what is needed to achieve a balance in which both elephants and humans can thrive.

Two Namibian companies have positively reacted in support of this new initiative. FNB, through the FirstRand Namibia Foundation, recently handed over N$ 300,000 to IRDNC. These funds will be used to enhance and support the efforts of IRDNC toward humans and wildlife coexistence research projects which offer practical solutions to keeping elephants out of crops and villages, and tourism initiatives aimed at helping communities understand the value in keeping these gentle giants alive.

Revonia Kahivere, FirstRand Namibia Foundation CSI Manager said that while people the world over reaped the benefits of maintaining flourishing wildlife populations, there were also cases where wildlife and human conflict has led to death and destruction. “This was the case with the unique elephant population, known as the Kunene Highlands Elephants, which have in the past conflicted with the local communities over natural resources – which has been exacerbated by the drought conditions experienced over the last six years in Kunene.

“With this support IRDNC will continue to work handin-hand with relevant communities, and stakeholders towards establishing a long-term monitoring system as well as facilitating wildlife events. Sharing of knowledge, and incentivising volunteer Elephant Rangers as well as training of rangers and communities on elephant behaviour is also part of this initiative. Since Human-Elephant conflict is one of the issues identified, the focus will also expose communities to different approaches on how to avert and mitigate Human-Elephant Conflicts. Overall, the funding will help to promote the long-term conservation and protection of one of Namibia’s unique elephant populations through implementation of the different interventions and objectives”, said IRDNC Executive Director, Mr. John K. Kasaona.

In March 2022, CYMOT Namibia also contributed products to the value of almost N$ 70,000 to IRDNC’s Elephant Ranger teams. These goods included everything from uniforms, walking boots, backpacks to camping gear - equipping the “boots on the ground” teams to tackle the harsh climate of the northwest in their endeavours to monitor and track these desert giants.

Through research, education, perseverance and teamwork, Namibians have in the past and continue to come together to protect our natural resources and sustain livelihoods for those that choose to live with wildlife everyday. Collaborative efforts such as these, along with the hardy and committed communities that call these regions home and wild animals their neighbours, are what drive Namibia’s continuing conservation success story.

Elzanne McCulloch

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Photography: Beaniiboy Photoworks - Luciano Siluka, Simz Khwanazi, Tereza Cervinkova, Neeltjie De Vries, Claudio Photograper, Kevin Patermann and Michael Oliver

Johanna Swartbooi

Living the dream in Cape Town

W

ith the fashion industry in Namibia still growing, models struggle to make a decent living on modelling gigs alone, often having to juggle multiple jobs just to get by.

This is why Johanna Swartbooi followed in the footsteps of many Namibian models before her to pursue a career beyond borders.

Currently settled in Cape Town, South Africa, the long-legged beauty is already turning heads with her striking looks and booking gigs in the bustling Capetonian fashion scene.

I caught up with this multi-talented model and entrepreneur to find out what working in Cape Town has been like.

WHAT INSPIRED THE MOVE TO SOUTH AFRICA AND HOW ARE YOU FINDING THE INDUSTRY OVER THERE?

Modelling is not as lucrative in Namibia, hence I made the effort to leave the country and pursue my modelling career elsewhere. I enjoy the freedom I have to do other things with my time, which is great because I’m also a student and business owner. I love meeting new people, travelling and having new experiences because of the type of jobs I’m exposed to.

YOUR CAREER HAS GROWN STEADILY OVER THE YEARS. HOW HAVE YOU MANAGED TO ALWAYS STAY RELEVANT?

I’m really just living my dream right now. What has kept my brand relevant is consistency, networking and a sense of being orig (overzealous). I’ve also been quite fortunate from the beginning of my career with people being so accepting of me and what I bring to the table.

In addition, taking part in a pageant like Miss Namibia greatly elevated my brand. It exposed me on an international scale and I believe that’s how my agency scouted me. Also, being open to sharing my story with the media and on my social media platforms keeps me and my brand growing.

WHAT HAS LIFE AS AN INTERNATIONAL MODEL TAUGHT YOU SO FAR?

I have learned to be more disciplined and to have better time management. I learned not to take things personally and to improve some of my other skills like cycling or running or even acting because I can be asked to do that on a commercial shoot.

I’ve also been quite fortunate from the beginning of my career with people being so accepting of me and what I bring to the table.

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WHICH DESIGNERS AND BRANDS HAVE YOU WORKED WITH SINCE MOVING TO SA?

I’ve worked with brands like Gavin Rajah, Pick n Pay, Superbalist, Spec-Savers and McDonald’s.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST INTERESTING THINGS THAT HAVE HAPPENED TO YOU SINCE YOU BECAME A MODEL?

The most interesting story of my modelling career is the story of how I got signed. It came from a simple DM, but before that DM, I listed 20 agencies I wanted to be signed with. The Circle Model Management was one of them, and I indicated it as the most ideal one. However, I only contacted four of them but didn’t get good responses. Some didn’t even respond, until six months later while I was doing Miss Namibia. The same agency I had listed as the most ideal one I’d like to work with reached out to me. I got this DM from the agency director and at that moment I didn’t realise that this was the same agency I had listed as the one I wanted to work with the most.

WHAT ARE THE FIVE THINGS YOU WISH SOMEONE TOLD YOU BEFORE YOU BECAME A MODEL?

How to do my taxes, the fact that you’ll be working long hours, the fact that you need good acting skills for this job and that you’ll also have a lot of free time. Another thing is knowing that sometimes you’ll be put on the spot to do challenging things, like when I recently had to jump off a cliff and swim for a long time for a gig.

YOU’RE A PASSIONATE ENTREPRENEUR RUNNING A JEWELLERY BUSINESS INSPIRED BY YOUR HERITAGE. HOW DO YOU WISH TO GROW THE ‡NU/GÔA BRAND NOW THAT YOU’RE BASED IN SA?

‡Nu/Gôa Accessories is destined to one day become a household name. Our mission is to continue developing.

The goal is to expand networks and to create opportunities for the brand to mature. Me being in South Africa at the moment means that the brand now has access to an international market.

WHAT DO YOU PRIORITISE TO BE HAPPY AND HEALTHY BOTH PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY?

I pray and God carries me through every journey. I also journal about everything that I go through and how I feel. I set out a yearly vision board of what I want to achieve, then I have weekly activities that I set out to achieve to help me reach those goals. I also really love being in nature. It brings me so much peace and joy and it is my place of prayer. It really helps me settle my mind.

As she continues to live out her childhood manifestations of one day making it onto billboards and magazine covers, Johanna is combining hard work and passion to propel herself forward. She hopes to continue making her mark as a model and to continue growing her brand in Africa and beyond.

Rukee Kaakunga is a Windhoek-based Communications Specialist, Blogger and Freelance Fashion Writer. Contact her via email: rukeekaakunga@gmail.com and follow her on Twitter @rukeeveni and on Instagram @rukeekaakunga.

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Foodies

SPICY LEG OF LAMB Hentie Burger

This leg of lamb is also one of Carla’s specialities. I tried the recipe with a leg of springbok and it was just as delicious. The meat is baked in a baking bag for 12 hours.

3 small red chillies (optional) 2 sticks of cinnamon 10 ml fennel seeds 10 ml coriander seeds 10 ml cumin seeds 1 ml whole peppercorns 6 cardamom pods 60 ml vegetable oil 1 onion, roughly chopped 3 cloves of garlic, chopped 2.5 ml fresh ginger, grated 5 ml garam masala 80 ml ground almonds 250 ml natural yoghurt 5 ml salt 1 leg of lamb A bunch of fresh coriander leaves 8–10 curry leaves 30 ml chutney 30 ml lemon juice

• • • • • • • • •

Preheat the oven to 100°C Heat a skillet on the stove and sear the chillies for a few seconds until they begin to change colour. Keep aside.

Roast the whole spices in the same pan to release their flavours.

Grind the chilli and roasted spices in a food processor for a few seconds.

Add the oil, onion, garlic, ginger, garam masala, almonds and yogurt to the spice mixture and process until smooth.

Season the leg of lamb with salt and put it in a baking bag. Add the sauce to the meat in the bag and make sure that it covers the whole leg of lamb. Place the bag in an ovenproof dish.

Close the bag tightly, poke a few holes into it with a fork to release steam and bake for 12 hours (or overnight).

When ready, leave the meat to cool a little, then take it out of the bag and garnish it with coriander and curry leaves.

Serve the sauce remaining in the bag separately.

Discover more of Antoinette's delicious recipes in Life on a Table To order your copy contact Bonn Nortjé at Venture Publications: bonn@venture.com.na

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art-ist

F

Malua hears colour in ‘Den of Synesthetes’

or his first trick, Nambowa Malua conjures an exhibition right before the crowd at the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre’s eyes.

Weaving from one blank canvas to the next as musicians Tapz and Chirau provide the soundtrack for his live painting, Malua presents and creates ‘Den of Synesthetes’ elevated by the sound of drumbeats and the thrum of a guitar.

While some people dance and others sway, the music which rings through the Franco’s large gallery is no casual background affair. It is, in fact, part of the process and hints at the artist’s second trick.

Malua is painting the music.

“The name of my exhibition is ‘Den of Synesthetes’. Den as in cave, a space to experience this condition, this neurological state,” says Malua who, under certain circumstances, can effectively hear colour.

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“I am a synesthete and I experience synesthesia in hearing colours. For some people synesthesia is a little bit more complex in the sense that some people are able to smell a colour for example. Some people are even able to see numbers when certain words are spoken and so on.”

Malua’s work is centered around altered states of consciousness and the artist is deeply inspired by musicians Tapz and Chirau whom he describes as extremely powerful sound therapists who use sound as a tool for healing.

“It’s all about channeling and opening yourself up to allow visuals, images and messages to pass through you and then expressing them on canvas,” says Malua.

“These kind of altered states of consciousness require help from others. So these individuals were there to assist me in fully being present in this state.”

While live painting may seem daunting, Malua embraces the challenge and the discomfort.

“Live painting for me is an attempt to break a lot of things, to disrupt a lot of things and among them is a sense of secrecy,” says Malua.

“This idea that I have a style or way of creating that is only possible for me and only known to me. I want to break that. I want to share my knowledge. I want people, especially young people, to see how I create and that becomes somewhat inspirational.”

This need to pay his talent forward likely stems from Malua’s own experience.

Malua began drawing at age 7. He was eventually taught to paint by his older brother who studied fine art in South Africa before working as a curator in Namibia. Learning after homework, on the weekend and finally pursuing a degree in visual art at the University of Namibia, Malua used these sacred moments with his elder sibling to refine the vivid, magnetic images that are his signature.

In ‘Den of Synesthetes’ which springs to life on a warm Tuesday night as wine flows, the audience follows and a shaman walks, Malua manifests a space that intrigues him.

“I didn’t see these artworks, they kind of just appeared,” Malua says.

“Most of the paintings have this otherworldly feeling in a way. They are not too abstract but also not so realistic. I feel like that’s a beautiful dance. It’s also a style I’m slowly developing. I want to find the grace between the real and not real,” says Malua.

“The very intention to title an exhibition that’s not there yet is in itself an interesting phenomenon to talk about. But I knew for a fact that I wanted to have this space where I’m exploring the senses. I’m exploring the dance between our ability to see, to hear and even to taste.”

Once locally famed for his portraits of Namibian artists and creatives and moving purposefully into a space of intuition, healing and the spiritual, Malua sets his paintbrush down at ‘Den of Synesthetes’ having unlocked a new set of characters and a fascinating mode of creation.

“Live painting has a way of dissolving ego in one way or the other,” he says.

“To be vulnerable or open in that sense is just heart opening, absolutely heart opening.”

Martha Mukaiwa is a columnist and writer based in Windhoek, Namibia inbetween spirited sojourns around the world. Her narrative nonfiction, personal essays, travel writing and short stories have appeared in Travel Africa, Quartz, Fields & Stations, Holiday, The Africa Report, Truthdig, Matador Network, Africa is a Country, The Namibian & The Kalahari Review. Martha is an honorary writing fellow at the University of Iowa. Read more at marthamukaiwa.com .

21

Be The

Change Know road safety That’s fresh

MON E L A N SAVAN COHOLIC L NON-Afety Awareness Road

Sa

tive Initia

No road safety That’s wack

Shift

The Gears Of Change

Not For Persons Under The Age Of 18 22

Foodies

Godenfang

G

Urban Farm and Kitchen odenfang - Urban Farm and Kitchen is housed in a lovingly restored, historical family home. “Godenfang”, the name given to the house in 1930, translates to “good catch”, referring to the fish caught from the front porch before the Harbour was built.

The restaurant now offers guests a small oasis in Walvis Bay, to get away from it all, and enjoy thoughtful homemade meals. All the menu items and daily specials focus on seasonal produce as well as whatever they are able to pick from their small urban vegetable garden at the back end of the property.

The Godenfang team strives to serve you great meals in a relaxed setting. They are happy to cater to your specific requirements, to host a special celebration, or to make your time as memorable as possible.

The Godenfang team looks forward to welcoming you to their home and serving you delicious food, while you enjoy precious time with your friends and family.

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NAMIBIA: AN ANCIENT LAND

Fragile and vulnerable

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amibia ranks amongst the most arid countries in sub-Saharan Africa and is subjected to periodic droughts that can last for years. The erratic rainfall poses a constant threat to food security and agriculture which is an important economic activity and a major employer.

The country is, therefore, very vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The question arises: how aware are Namibians of climate change? A recent survey conducted by local research company Survey Warehouse for Afrobarometer, a pan-African, non-partisan survey research network, found that only 45% of Namibians have heard of climate change.

Although people living in rural areas are most vulnerable to climate change, the survey found that only 35% of respondents living in rural areas are aware of climate change, compared to 52% of respondents living in urban areas. Half of the respondents (50%) with no lived poverty are familiar with the term ‘climate change’, compared to 38% with high lived poverty.

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Asked about the effects of climate change, almost half of the respondents who are aware of climate change said it is making life in Namibia worse. Surprisingly, nearly a third (31%) said it has made life better, while 16% said it has had no effect on their lives.

With regard to a question on fighting climate change, 71% of those who are aware of climate change said they agreed or strongly agreed that ordinary citizens can help to curb climate change. Two-thirds of the respondents said they want the government to take immediate action to limit climate change – even if it is expensive, causes job losses, or takes a toll on the economy.

With its wide open spaces, wildlife and diversity of scenery, Namibia is one of the top tourist destinations in Africa.

The tourism industry is one of main contributors to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), as well as a major employer. Environmental degradation could, however, affect the industry adversely and the survey also explored Namibians’ experiences and perceptions of pollution and environmental governance.

Looking Global

Asked about the extent of pollution, 67% said pollution is a “somewhat serious” or “very serious” problem in their community. Trash and plastic disposal, deforestation and human waste disposal were identified as the most important environmental issues. Just over two-thirds (67%) of the respondents want the government to ban the production and use of plastic bags.

On the question of who should be primarily responsible for reducing pollution and keeping communities clean, 60% of Namibians said it rests with local citizens. Only 12% said it is the responsibility of the national government, while 17% said it is the responsibility of their local government.

With an unemployment rate of 33% it is not surprising that nearly half (49%) of Namibians “agree” or “strongly agree” that overall, the benefits that natural resource extraction brings to communities, such as jobs and revenue, outweigh negative impacts such as pollution. Only about half as many (29%) disagree with this statement. On the upside, 70% of the respondents want the government to regulate the industry more tightly to reduce the negative impact of natural resource extraction on the environment.

The question arises: how aware are Namibians of climate change?

Mining is one of the pillars of Namibia’s economy and accounts on average for around 50% of the country’s total exports. At the same time, the sector can have serious negative impacts on Namibia’s fragile environment.

These views of Namibians on climate change, pollution and the environment and resource extraction are in some ways encouraging, but in other ways concerning. It nevertheless provides important insights into these important issues.

Willie Olivier

25

EXPERIENCE the nature of this beautiful country, Namibia

Image: Matej Smucr

Tel: +264 61 232871 | 24hr emergency no: 081 129 3355 Email: info@africa-on-wheels.com Website: www.africa-on-wheels.com

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Namibia Travel News

Namibia Photography of the Year Awards

Enter your ultimate Namibian photograph into our competition and stand a chance to win incredible prizes!

Three Categories: WILDLIFE

Prize: 2 Nights for 2 all inclusive at Ongava Lodge

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Prize: 2 Nights for 2 (Dinner, Bed and Breakfast) at any Ondili Lodges & Activities establishment

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Prize: Return flight for two on any FlyNamibia route

How to enter:

Submit your high resolution image (or images) to content@venture.com.na. Submission must include your name, contact details, the category you are submitting to and a short description of the image. Images must be originals and you must hold the copyright thereto.

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In partnership with

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PROUD BY PEWA Gorgeous gorgeous girls shop at Proud

by Pewa. If you are looking for on-trend, beautifully crafted garments, make sure to pop into The Studio on Independence Avenue in the capital. With a keen eye for prints and pops of colour, Proud creates incredible fashion pieces. From flowy blouses and dresses to more formal attire suited for snazzy dress-up occasions, Pewa’s designs and attention to detail are world class, so don’t miss out on the drip! @proudbypewa

SHOP LOCAL-ish

The most unique local lifestyle brands and products that will guide, motivate and inspire you to express your identity.

THE PENATU HOME

ABRE CREATIONS Haven’t you heard? Crochet is back with a bang and Abre Creations is the frontrunner in Namibia. Having showcased at the Windhoek Fashion Week in 2021, the female-owned brand specialises in bikinis and coverups, dresses as well as coordinated pants and tops.

But it does not stop there… Anything stylish you can imagine? Abre Creations crochets it by hand in gorgeous colours and jaw-dropping styles. You are sure to turn a couple of heads in one of their limited-edition pieces. @abrecreations

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Whether you have just moved into a new home, are sprucing up your existing one or are in need of some serious organising, The Penatu Home is your go-to, gal! Pekeloye Kamenye is Namibia’s very own Marie Kondo. Not only does she help you organise the kitchen, pantry, bathroom, kids toy storage and beyond, The Penatu Home also offers guidance on what to keep, donate, repurpose or discard. Pekeloye streamlines your living spaces, plus you can shop beautiful woven baskets and bags on her website. Yes, please!

Website: www.thepenatuhome.com @thepenatuhome

KARIBU FLOWERS The gift of flowers is not reserved for special occasions only.

Enter Karibu – this florist’s gorgeous arrangements are beautifully packaged in boxes, so you can leave your gran’s heirloom vase in the cupboard and opt for square, round, white or black hat boxes inspired by Parisian haute couture. Karibu means welcome in Swahili, and what a welcome addition it is to the Namibian flower market. Its range is not limited to flowers only. Owner Mutindi Lydia Jacobs has expanded the brand into gift-giving galore. With chocolate and wine combos as well as special occasion hampers, Karibu is sure to blow you (and your loved ones) away.

Website: www.karibuflowers.com @karibu_flowers_namibia

BE BETTY A woman can never have too many accessories, right? If you love jazzing up an outfit with statement earrings, complementing a bold look with something more subtle, or simply enjoy incredible detail, Be Betty is your match. Designed and handmade by Dawn Fourie, these beautiful clay and gold plated accessories embody the joyful spirit of her beloved mother. Think feminine florals, light lace and terrific teardrops, all perfectly pulled together with gold or silver hardware – or, as Dawn puts it, “little pieces of passion.”

Website: www.bebettynamibia.com @be_betty_fashion

Are you a Nam or SA-based small business lifestyle brand?

List your label with us for only N$750 per month. fly@venture.com.na

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THE TRIBE

Keith Vries; Black Pearl Photography

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The Tribe Exclusive Khadijah Mouton

ekker hitmaker Khadijah stepped back into our studios to share her latest musical endeavours.

She also talks about the artists who inspire her, what it takes to make lekker music, the challenges that Namibian musicians face and life as a multitasking mom.

LET’S GET INTO THE MUSIC. WHO ARE THE BIGGEST INFLUENCES ON YOUR WORK? I’ll name two because when it comes to music, I’m both an entertainer and a writer. From a performance element, of course it’s Beyoncé. She’s just such a powerhouse woman and performer and like her, when I go on stage, I perform! So I love watching Beyoncé and I love her work ethic.

When it comes to the writing and the depth of music, it’s André 3000. I have this big admiration for his style and poetry and his weirdness when it comes to outfits.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY THAT YOU THINK WE CAN WORK AROUND? The biggest challenge is funding. To shoot a really good music video, you’ll need at least N$50 000. But for a lot of us, especially upcoming artists, we are doing what we can with our resources. We’re being creative. Another challenge we have is substance abuse. I believe in performing sober.

You have so much control that way and you can feel the vibe even when you’re sober. We have a lot of challenges, yes, but we really also have the power to get out of it because even the biggest artists started somewhere.

YOUR SONG LEKKER TOOK TO SOCIAL MEDIA LIKE A BIRD IN THE SKY. WHAT INSPIRED IT? Lekker was inspired by the beat. Nasho sent me three beats and that’s the only one that stood out to me. The beat is fun, it’s like Amapiano and I like how it transitions to Trap.

Mind you, I’ve never made an Afrikaans song before so this was a first.

IS THE SONG PART OF A BIGGER PROJECT? I want to do an EP called Lekker Music. It’s definitely going to be a dancey kind of project because I love making people dance, also as a DJ. I have a few concepts in the stash so there’s definitely a project coming out.

NOT ONLY DO YOU WEAR THE DJ HAT, YOU'VE ALSO GOT AN 8-5 AND YOU MAKE MUSIC. HOW DO YOU DO IT ALL? Yes, I’m a mom, but I’m also still young. So when I had a baby, I felt like I became even more of myself. When I got pregnant with Nation, I was halfway through a degree. The day before I gave birth, I wrote a test. I was just that person who wasn't going to let anything hold her back. Three weeks after Nation was born I had a job interview. It felt like after having her, things just started to fall into place.

That’s how my life has been, an adventure. I feel like not giving up on myself makes me a better mom.

Watch as Khadijah’s star continues to rise by following her on Instagram @khadijah_adventuretime on Facebook Khadijah Adventure-Time, and on Twitter @Khadijah_amor.

Watch The Tribe on One Africa TV (GOtv 90, DStv 284, DStv Now) every Friday at 18h30 with repeat shows on Saturdays at 17h30, and Mondays at 21h00.

Alternatively, listen to The Tribe on 99FM every Friday at 19h00, and follow The Tribe on Instagram @thetribenamibia and on Facebook @TheTribeNamibia.

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Discovering the

Coast with

Safari

The coastal strip houses the towns of Henties Bay, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, and the fishing settlement of Wlotzkasbaken. Dorob National Park – proclaimed to protect sensitive environmental areas – extends between the Swakop and Ugab rivers, while the Skeleton Coast Park covers the area north of the Ugab River up to the Kunene River, protecting the northern third of Namibia’s coastline. In 2013, the Namib Sand Sea – stretching from the Kuiseb River southwards to the northern boundary of Tsau//Khaeb National Park – achieved World Heritage Site status, making it Namibia’s second UNESCO World Heritage Site.

SWAKOPMUND

Swakopmund is much-loved by Namibians as a welcome respite from the heat in the interior. It is also popular among visitors because of its old-world charm and relaxed atmosphere. Founded in 1892 during German colonial rule, it served as the territory’s main harbour for several years.

Today this quaint town between the desert and the sea is enhanced by lush green lawns, elegant palm trees and carefully tended public gardens. It has a wide choice of hotels, guesthouses and restaurants, and several coffee shops selling traditional German cakes and pastries. The coast with its desert hinterland offers many options, both for adventure and for relaxation.

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Just before reaching Swakopmund from the interior, enclosed in a small glass-fronted structure, visitors can view the Martin Luther ‘steam-ox’ imported from Germany in 1896 to transport goods between the town and other settlements.

When the steam tractor became irretrievably bogged down in the sand, it was dubbed Martin Luther, because of Luther’s historic statement in 1521, “Here I stand, may God help me, I can go no further.” The venue has a museum, toilet facilities and curios for sale.

Quaint architecture from a bygone era adds to the placeout-of-time atmosphere of Swakopmund. When approached from the interior, domes, turrets and towers on the skyline appear like a hazy desert mirage. Much of the distinct

This is Namibia

Swakopmund Architecture

German colonial character has been preserved and today many of the town’s old buildings house shops, offices and other services.

Swakopmund Jetty

Another historical landmark is the Old Iron Jetty, originally built in 1911 during the German colonial era. The jetty was frequented especially by anglers and tourists, but gradually fell into disrepair. Major repairs were done in 1983 when 17 pairs of the iron pillars were encased in concrete. In 1997 the Save-the-Jetty Fund was established and in 1998 the jetty was closed because it was deemed unsafe. Following a major N$ 3.7 million refurbishment in 2006, the front section was reopened to the public. In 2010 the back section was reopened and now includes an oyster bar and restaurant, with an observation deck on top.

SANDWICH HARBOUR

The lagoon at Sandwich Harbour, situated 48 km south of Walvis Bay at the foot of towering ivory-coloured dunes, is a spectacular and sought-after destination. The lagoon, referred to in old texts as Sandfisch Haven, is a former bay that silted up over the years. Today especially ornithologists, photographers and nature lovers visit Sandwich.

The Sandwich area has a strange mystique, enhanced by the legend that buried somewhere in the dunes above the high-water mark is a ship with a rich cargo of ivory, gold and precious stones. This treasure has been searched for by many fortune hunters, but to date has eluded all.

The lagoon is fed by fresh water seeping from an inland aquifer, and it is a sanctuary for large numbers of coastal and freshwater birds. It is also an important breeding ground for a variety of fish species. Sandwich Harbour was proclaimed a RAMSAR site in 1995. It is one of five such protected wetlands in Namibia.

Permits to visit Sandwich are obtainable from the MEFT offices in Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Sossusvlei and Windhoek. Please note that Sandwich is accessible only by 4x4 vehicles; that in certain areas angling and vehicles are prohibited; that angling is not allowed from 25 January to 15 April; and that overnight camping is not allowed here.

WALVIS BAY LAGOON

The Walvis Bay Lagoon takes pride of place as a scenic attraction in the Walvis Bay area. The tranquil body of water, its natural beauty accentuated by thousands of flamingos gathering at the rich feeding grounds, is over 3000 years old. The lagoon has been silting up for hundreds of years, a process hastened by man’s activities. Because of its value nationally and internationally as a wetland area, it was designated as a RAMSAR site in 1995, RAMSAR being a convention on wetlands held in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran. The lagoon is regarded as the most important wetland for coastal birds in Southern Africa. Wading birds including Lesser and Greater Flamingos and White Pelicans are seen here. A pleasant walk of just over 3 km leads to Lover’s Hill, which overlooks the lagoon.

See more info on FlyNamibia Safari on page 64

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Each journey is a story

waiting to be told Fly from Windhoek Hosea Kutako to Cape Town 6 days a week.

Let’s FlyNamibia

34 Operated

by Westair Aviation | AOC: NCAA / AOC / 010/2013

10 minutes

with local taste makers

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Rukee Kaakunga

t’s hard not to be starstruck when you’re sitting down with Namibia’s favourite fashion journalist. In her own words, Rukee birthed not only her beautiful daughter, but the exploration and emancipation of the local fashion scene through print media. She’s the well-manicured hands behind our monthly fashion feature, and if that doesn’t say enough about her deep-seeded love for clothes and creativity, the rest will surely confirm it.

Her impressive career portfolio begins with not one, but two degrees. Badass. Second to a qualification in journalism, Rukee took up a degree in public relations which later landed her a jam-packed-schedule job at TribeFire Studios. Her writing graced the pages of Namibia’s largest newspaper back in the day. While her journalistic endeavours spanned the spread of categories within the recycled paper publication, it was the entertainment segment that caught her attention. Rukee was growing weary of the lacklustre attempt at featuring fashion, as it revolved largely around international brands and, according to her, was neither relevant nor relatable. So she did what any extraordinarily bold individual would and began writing raw, honest reviews of the local fashion industry.

It’s no small feat – putting your head on the chopping block – but Rukee simply refused to pussyfoot around the fact of the matter: that at that time, the industry needed a little shaking up and someone to be brutally honest as well as incredibly constructive. How else are we to progress? Surely not by being false in the face of fashion that needs us to be real with each other.

Her bona fide fashion policing paid off. The opinion pieces featured on her personal blog provide feedback on events like the Windhoek Fashion Week and the Miss Namibia pageant and are reviews the fashion world look forward to. According to Rukee, designers have often responded positively to her critique and used her constructive criticism to further their creative work. It’s safe to say that after many

years of keeping tabs on the local, continental and global industry, Rukee is the woman we turn to for frank fashion advice, the only fluff being a faux fur or feather.

Rukee’s die-hard closet essentials say everything about her: timeless elegance. A crisp white shirt and classic flattering denim “without holes” she adds, these are a few of her favourite things. Long before Marie Kondo told us to purge our closets of the things we don’t wear, Rukee was doing it on a regular basis. She says, “It’s about quality, not quantity.”

Everything she owns, be it a pair of shoes or said crisp white shirt, she wears. The only exception being her little girl’s closet which Rukee says she’ll surely learn to scale down and invest in everlasting pieces in her own time.

The couture bug bit in primary school when Rukee and her classmates were fiddling with paper dolls. She proceeded to design fashionable garments to adorn her paper doll.

The paper doll wore Prada. And her friends, who took little interest in the details? Well, Rukee dressed their paper dolls too. When the time came, her subjects shifted from one-dimensional to designing matric farewell dresses for her peers which she admits were quite outlandish. It’s no coincidence that risqué rhymes with Rukee.

I ask for her take on the air of self-importance that has infiltrated the local creative industry, or more specifically the importance of sharing knowledge and expertise in a realm that is tight knit and frankly, tiny. Rukee reckons not to sell yourself short when it comes to your talent and what to charge, but it’s equally important not to willy around and burn bridges when values and ideals don’t align. She’s the kind of creative who rationally scopes the pay, platform and bigger potential, because sometimes the impact that a project can have outweighs the cheque at the end. Rukee’s advice is that sometimes the sacrifice is worth it. I’m taking notes, are you?

Charene Labuschagne

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Go slow on the banks of

four rivers You may not be a tree lover or a birder. You may not even like camping or road-tripping. Days at a waterhole when the monotony of yet another gemsbok or springbok or zebra coming to drink may bore you to tears, and the thought of the foggy coast and the sound of crashing waves, the boring conversations of fishing trips and the catch of the day makes you wonder where else in Namibia a more exciting adventure could be waiting. Rièth van Schalkwyk followed the whim of a family member to break the tradition of Christmas at the seaside, packed the camper for two weeks of slow travel and camped on the banks of the Kavango, Zambezi, Chobe and Kwando to discover the magic of looking closer and staying longer.

S

ummer in Namibia is hot and dry. That is, in years when the rains are late or, even worse, fail to come. The end of 2021 was such a summer. The sky blue and bright, or hazy because of veld fires and strong winds. The veld colourless except for Shepherds trees edged against an ugly charcoal hue over last stretches of burnt land.

Come December, the collective trek usually heads westwards for a cool respite at the coast to escape the inland heat and drought. We decided to travel north instead. To find water and, if not so much the greenery, at least returning summer birds and flowering trees. By a stroke of luck or idiocy on the part of the colonial powers the water-rich north-east became part of Namibia. And how lucky that is. Called Caprivi for over a hundred years, but changed to Zambezi Region in late 2013 as if to claim it as our birth right, this is the only part of Namibia that is always wet, that always has abundant water even in the driest of dry periods. Two mighty rivers connect us to our four neighbours and provide fertile land for an abundance of trees to grow lush and high, providing different biomes to the rest of Namibia.

From around our campfires on a riverbank under the dark moon and starry night skies, we could see fires burning across

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the water or the flood plains and hear the drums of rituals – in another country. This fascinating piece of our land is a corridor for elephants criss-crossing between Angola, Zambia and Botswana. Zebras migrate in huge numbers in summer and although buffaloes are not in as big a hurry as in the Serengeti, they also move about and stay long enough for us to observe them close-up on the flood plains or in the woodlands. The Carmine Bee-eaters return to their nests in the banks of the Zambezi near Katima in early summer, but when you arrive too late in December they may have left already.

Our journey started in mid-December. As we approached Grootfontein along the B8, the clouds were building. Upon reaching the Mangetti the promise of rain was real as the first showers moved our way. The Silver Cluster Leaf trees are so abundant along the tarred road and their shape is so recognisable that once you know their name, they are easy to identify. With Helga Burger’s Unbearable Beauty of Trees on my lap it was impossible not to be mesmerised by the parade we passed. For the time being, ignore the other seasons in the book. Just keep it open at Summer and stop when you see the first flowering tree. Pick a flower. Once seen, you will never fail to recognise a Raintree, Zambezi Teak, White Bauhinia or Thorny Teak. There are so many

species and all of them have such exquisite flowers that when you study them close-up you will forever remember them. So much so that halfway through the journey you will notice the not so obvious trees with smaller flowers or those that have given their best show a week or two earlier, like the Peeling Bark Ochna or the Sand Camwood.

Nothing gave me more pleasure than finding the splitopen fruit of a Natal Mahogany on the banks of the Chobe. So perfectly designed in black and red. Not to mention the fruit of the Pod Mahogany on the Kwando – its identical red and black beads in a fitting little shell.

To discover the magic of identifying a tree by its form or its bark, like the False Mopane, the Mangetti or the Knob Thorn or Marula is exhilarating. With its pretty pink and yellow lantern-like flowers the Sickle Bush certainly looks like a Kalahari Christmas tree. The beautiful Jackalberry does not need flowers to attract attention. These trees are truly impressive – tall, green and lush with the most beautiful trunk and bark. Perfectly posed at a picnic spot in the Mahango.

Slow camping is a must in the northeast. Who can leave when the birds are so obliging at every camping site along every river? When a cruise on each one of the four rivers – even when the tiger fish don’t play along – is an adventure in itself? The skipper knows his turf. When the rivers are too low to navigate safely even in a canoe, join a guided drive on the flood plains.

Guides do that every day. They know where to find a special breeding site or whether there is a chance of seeing a lifer you have missed so far. They also know when hippos are too close for comfort. They love to share their knowledge. Even if you think you know everything there is to know about birds and their habits, skippers and guides may surprise you with more interesting facts. How deep into Zambia did we have to travel to see just the back of a sitatunga! On the Kwando we had the privilege of looking them in the eye more than once.

In the reeds lining the canal, serious birders in our group were treated to a rare sighting of an Allen’s Gallinule in perfect light posing for the perfect photograph. On the same trip a Lesser Jacana showed itself. The least interested birder would be tempted to become a bit more serious while travelling in this part of Namibia. It is just so easy. Who would not be excited to witness a Hornbill feeding chicks

through a hole in a tree trunk covered up in mud with just a sliver of an opening to pass the food through?

One may not be at the right spot at the right time to see elephants crossing. But to stand on a platform in the river with your fishing rod in the water at sunrise or sunset must provide about the most romantic setting for anybody with a camera. Even if the early morning excursion on the water is more rewarding for birders than the anglers, the outing is worth every hour and the tiger fish will eventually succumb.

You may be fortunate to spot cheetahs under a Mopane bush feasting on prey, or as we were, a lioness in the Buffalo area and two young leopards. A wild dog en route to Mudumu or a lion kill on the Botswana side of the Chobe River.

As a wise man once said, “don’t talk about the weather”. If it rains in mid-summer, as it normally does in the northeast, the days are warm, and humid. The rainstorms usually start in the afternoon, followed by crisp, cool mornings.

A truly wonderful fact about camping sites along these rivers is that they are mostly right on the riverbank. Not hidden away in the second or third row behind chalets blocking the view. Abundant water means that most camping sites have lawns sturdy enough to camp on. Spending hours with your binoculars, a cup of tea and a book on your lap watching the tranquil flow of the river, is about as good as it gets. Except if you are one of those who need to explore. Put up camp for a few days in one place on the Okavango and drive in a different direction every day. Visit Popa Falls, the Buffalo Core Area and Mahango Game Park, a San village and a craft outlet.

Camp on the Kwando and visit Mudumu and Mamili, Mashi Craft Centre at Kongola and the Traditional Village at Sijwa.

The same applies to camping on the Zambezi and Chobe. So much to see and do and enough time for all of it.

And so the days go by. When you cross the checkpoint at Divundu going back south again, and you do not have that satisfied feeling of having made a giant leap in your knowledge of birds, trees, animal behaviour, having read a few books and taken thousands of photographs to keep you busy sorting for weeks… turn back. The holiday need not be over.

Text: Rièth van Schalkwyk Photographs: Louis Wessels

Allen’s Gallinule

First published in the Autumn 2022 issue of Travel News Namibia magazine.

Subscribe to Travel News Namibia here: www.zinio.com/za/travel-news-namibia-m38306

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38

Good news from Namibia and around the world

GOOD VIBES ONLY

LOCAL

The Forests of a Desert Land TH!NK Namibia is a national information campaign centred around environmental awareness, renewable energies, water conservation, climate-smart agriculture and sustainable forest management. In April this year TH!NK Namibia is launching a docuseries focusing on the impact that deforestation has on local communities and our country as a whole. This branch of the information campaign aims to raise awareness, support information exchange and build capacity and knowledge to implement sustainable forest management in Namibia.

Source: TH!NK Namibia

Watch the video: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=RlLuCIFBozI

Dr Esperance Luvindao receives the Commonwealth Points of Light award

Walvis Bay teenager celebrates her birthday by feeding the needy Azelle van Rooi chose not to throw a party for her 14th birthday, instead asking her mother to buy ingredients with which she and her cousin prepared meals for a disadvantaged community in the harbour town.

Initially wishing to remain anonymous, Azelle was later encouraged to tell her story and hopefully inspire others to help the less fortunate. She says “I grew up in a privileged home where I have enough. I rather wanted to use my gift to bless others who need it. I gave it to the councillor (Ryan Gordon) as he would know who to give it to.”

In 2019 the Namibian healthcare advocate and humanitarian began offering online consultations to rural communities, free of charge. She has since consulted over 44,000 people who would otherwise have to travel long distances and wait up to 10 hours to see a doctor. Dr Luvindao’s outstanding volunteer work has been recognised by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, who awards inspirational individuals for selfless efforts in their communities and beyond.

Source: Points of Light

Swakop River reunited with the Atlantic after 11 years

After much-needed heavy rainfall inland, the river that mouths into the Atlantic at its namesake coastal town reached the ocean for the first time since 2011. The Swakop River and its tributaries have been dry for over a decade. This historic event sent Swakopmund locals and holidaymakers rushing to the mouth of the river, with some digging out sand barriers to help the stream gush into the ocean. Aerial photography shows the muddy river reunited with the sea after seemingly endless years of drought in the country.

Source: The Namibian

Source: The Namibian

THE WORLD

New Swiss technology allows man with cut spinal cord to walk again A motorcycle accident paralysed Michel Roccati, who lived an active life of boxing, running and fitness training before his spinal cord was completely severed. Shortly after receiving a medical implant that emits electrical signals to the spinal cord, Michel was able to take some steps assisted by a wheeled walking aid. It is the first time someone with a complete spinal cord cut has been able to walk freely. Epidural electrical stimulation (EES) functions like a WiFi repeater, carrying signals further down the body. While the device is too complex to be used in everyday settings, the dormant leg muscles are exercised through this rehabilitation and is considered a massive leap towards improving the quality of life of paralysed people.

Recent economic feasibility studies show that whales would generate more revenue from tourism – with whale watching tours – than from being hunted and eaten. In light of this and many other factors, Iceland’s Minister of Fisheries, Svandís Svavarsdóttir, has cancelled all new permits for commercial whaling. Current permits will expire in 2023 after which whaling in Iceland will end for good. Their last full season of whale hunting in 2018 saw 146 endangered fin whales and six minke whales caught for the export market in Japan. In the past three years, only one minke whale was hunted. Instead of ending up on plates, whales around Iceland are the stars in a budding ecotourism scene that saw 360,000 whale watchers visit the country in 2019.

Source: BBC

Source: Al Jazeera

Iceland to hang up harpoons and end whaling from 2024

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Discovering the

Etosha National Park with

Safari

The internationally renowned Etosha National Park – undoubtedly Namibia’s most popular tourist attraction – is the heart of the north-central region. The park serves as the ultimate stopover before heading for the arid northwest, the water-rich northeast, or the largely unexplored culturally rich Land of the Owambo People.

E

tosha owes its unique landscape to the Etosha Pan, a vast, shallow chalky white depression of approximately 5 000 km2 that forms the heart of the park. Once a large inland lake fed by the early Kunene River and rivers from the north, it began drying up about 3 million years ago when the Kunene was diverted to the Indian Ocean. A series of waterholes along the southern edge of the pan guarantee rewarding and often spectacular game viewing. In good rain years the pan fills with water draining southwards from Angola via a delta-like system of shallow rivers and oshanas, drying out in the winter to become an austere expanse of white cracked mud, shimmering with mirages and upward spiralling dust devils.

What we call Etosha today was proclaimed as Game Reserve No 2 in 1907 by the then German Governor Friedrich von Lindequist. With subsequent additions it became the largest game reserve in the world, covering a vast area of ±80 000 km2. For political considerations its size was progressively diminished, until by 1975 it had been reduced by 77 per cent to its present surface area of 22 912 km2. Nevertheless, it is still one of the largest game reserves in Africa.

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Elzanne McCulloch

Elzanne McCulloch

This is Namibia

Etosha is known as the jewel in Namibia’s crown.

Of the 114 mammals species found in the park, several are rare and endangered, such as black rhino and cheetah, and the lesser-known blackfaced impala, which is endemic to northwestern Namibia and southwestern Angola.

Etosha’s current population of black rhino represents one of the largest populations of black rhino in the world.

Other large mammals in the park include elephant, giraffe, blue wildebeest, mountain and plains zebra, hyaena and lion. Cheetah and leopard complete the trio of ‘big cats’. Antelope species range from kudu, gemsbok and the large and stately eland, to the diminutive Damara dik-dik. Smaller mammals include jackal, bateared fox, honey badger, warthog and the ubiquitous

Elzanne McCulloch

ground squirrel. For the greater part of the year (the dry season) Etosha’s animals and birds are dependent on about 30 springs and waterholes. These provide excellent game viewing and photographic opportunities.

A good policy before setting out is to enquire from camp officials what the current game movements are. During the rainy season, the bird life at the main pan and Fischer’s Pan is well worth viewing. Etosha’s vegetation varies from dwarf shrub savannah and grasslands, which occur around the pan, to thorn-bush and woodland savannah throughout the park. Eighty per cent of all of Etosha’s trees are mopane. West of Okaukuejo is the well-known Sprokieswoud – Fairy, Phantom or Haunted Forest – the only place where the African moringa tree, Moringa ovalifolia, grows in such a large concentration on a flat area. Etosha is open throughout the year and is accessible by tarred roads via the Andersson Gate on the C38 from Outjo, the Von Lindequist Gate in the east from Tsumeb on the B1, the Galton Gate in the west from Kowares on the C35 and the King Nehale Gate located on the Andoni plains just north of the Andoni waterhole, which provides access from the north-central Owambo regions on the B1 from Onyati.

See more info on FlyNamibia Safari on page 64

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Make foreign payments on the FNB App With the FNB App, I can make international payments with just a click on the app.

Switch to FNB

Bank of The #Changeables

of Namibia Limited, Reg No. 2002/0180

15 min sweat set with Ena

Sustainable health steps and a full-body workout Sweat it out – in the comfort of your home! The “I don’t have time to exercise” excuse has flown out the door, because you can get your heart pumping and a sweat breaking in just 15 minutes!

Full-Body Sweat Session You will need: • 15 minutes • Water (stay hydrated!)

Each exercise = 30 seconds Rest = 1 minute, after the 9th exercise Complete the circuit three times 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

High knees Knee push-ups Superman lifts Jumping jacks Small crunches Glute bridges Burpees (do as many as you can in 30 seconds) Slow body-weight squats Arm circles

You can incorporate this sweat session into your morning or evening routine every day, or starting with three times a week, or you can do it in addition to your regular exercise programme.

Knee push-ups

Small crunches

Exercise Tips: • Both warm-up and cool-down stretching is vital • Always remember to keep your core engaged • Take sufficient breaths!

For more content on sustainable health and fitness, you can find Ena on Instagram (@fervent_wellness & @enavisagie_8).

Ena is a qualified Personal Trainer, assisting individuals through online coaching while sharing her journey and passion for fitness on social media.

Glute bridges

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Global Monetary Policy Normalisation

T

he majority of economic discussions this year have been focused on inflation and monetary policy. For good reason. Inflation rates around the world, and more prominently in the western world, are soaring, reaching levels last seen in the 1980s.

There are a multitude of reasons for this. At the onset of the pandemic central banks around the world lowered interest rates to historically low levels to aid with the economic recovery. This, coupled with record amounts of stimulus in the form of free money distributed to consumers, resulted in the release of pent-up demand as harsh lockdown restrictions were lifted. Global supply chains were unable to keep up with the sudden increased demand as numerous factors converged to slow the movement of goods from one point to another, increasing the cost of logistics, and by extension the products demanded. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which is currently pushing up commodity prices such as oil, is certainly not helping in this regard.

Central banks typically resort to monetary policy tools to tame rising inflation rates by means of controlling the money supply and interest rates. They are, however, cautious of raising rates too aggressively at the moment as they are still unsure of the trajectory of inflation and would not want to disrupt an equally uncertain economic recovery. Hence we have seen little action from the US Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank thus far.

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Locally, the Bank of Namibia’s (BoN) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) in February raised rates for the first time in six years, following the South African Reserve Bank’s (SARB) decision to do so the previous month.

As a member of the Common Monetary Area, Namibia has ceded its right of having an independent monetary system, and thus the BoN will have to follow any interest rate decisions made by the SARB, which is currently expected to raise rates an additional three to five times this year.

Low interest rates stimulate economic activity, with consumers more willing to borrow money to make large purchases, such as houses or cars, and making it cheaper for corporates to finance capital projects to expand operations. However, while Namibian households and businesses did benefit from historically low interest rates the last couple of years in the form of relatively cheap debt, the low rates did not spur credit uptake. In 2021, for example, private sector credit extension rose by a mere 1.0% year-on-year while interest rates were at historical lows. Namibian consumers were already heavily indebted prior to the pandemic while corporates opted to de-lever their balance sheets in the light of a subdued economic outlook, reducing the appetite of both groups for additional debt. Thus, while rising interest rates are not ideal in Namibia’s current economic climate, it is unlikely to have a significant negative impact on already low credit demand.

Economic Pulse

We anticipate that monetary policy normalisation will remain a key theme for the rest of the year due to its wide-ranging impact on the broader economy and asset prices.

Rising interest rates should, however, have a more detrimental impact on asset prices. The ultra-low global interest rate environment of the last decade or so has inflated asset prices.

Stocks, bonds, and real estate are trading at higher valuations than they would otherwise support. This is because debt funding has become extraordinarily ‘cheap’, which pushes up the profitability of firms, making them more valuable. With many countries now systematically reducing restrictions to curb the spread of the virus and treating it as an epidemic, the economic growth outlook for most countries is improving and with it there is less need to stimulate economic activity through relatively lower borrowing costs.

So-called ‘growth stock’ companies, which are generally reliant on low interest rates to continue expanding their operations, are expected to feel the brunt of the impact of higher interest rates due to their cost of capital increasing, coupled with lower consumer demand as they will have less discretionary spending money. By contrast, ‘value stocks’ which trade at lower prices relative to their fundamentals, typically perform better during rising interest rate environments, as they tend to be more mature companies

with the ability to pass on inflationary increases to their customers and are thus able to protect their profit margins better than growth companies.

We anticipate that monetary policy normalisation will remain a key theme for the rest of the year due to its wideranging impact on the broader economy and asset prices.

Despite being a small economy, Namibia is joined at the hip to the South African economy and will therefore also feel the impact of global monetary policy normalisation.

Danie van Wyk – Head: Research

IJG believes in tailoring their services to a client’s personal and business needs. For more information, visit www.ijg.net.

To sign up for the Economic Pulse newsletter, send an email to: daleen@venture.com.na www.namibiatradedirectory.com

NETWORK

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PECAN STREAM CHENIN BLANC

EXCLUSIVE TO WATERFORD ESTATE

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A worker proudly shows off one of the houses provided by their employer.

The good business sense of

sound environmental and social practices How a generational farmer is advancing his family farm with quality environmental and social practices

M

bati Tjiho is a generational farmer who in 2017 traded his office job of twentyfive years for exploring his passion for farming. His farm, which was predominantly focused on livestock, is located close to the town of Outjo in the Kunene Region of Namibia. Mbati has seen the impact of bush encroachment on his family farm first- hand. “Some farms in my area have much more grasses than our farm. My farm was overgrazed and encroached. Today my grasses don’t grow that high, but it is something I am correcting”, Mbati says. “I realised that encroaching bush presents an opportunity for the farming industry in Namibia. It is a problem for livestock grazing. But some have started adding value to the bush. Either charcoal production, firewood production, or biochar and many other products from the bushes. My main reason was to improve the grazing capacity of the farmland.”

HOW MBATI DIVERSIFIED HIS FARMING BUSINESS “When I started farming, my father was producing some charcoal, but I didn’t know how big this business should be to be profitable. Unfortunately, my father passed away at the end of 2017 and this meant I had to take over the farm operations.

At the beginning of 2018 I became a member of N-BiG”, Mbati says, referring to the Namibia Biomass Industry Group (N-BiG), a support organisation to the Namibian biomass industry.

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“With N-BiG’s assistance, we did an assessment of the farm. We did the calculations and came to the conclusion that there is a lot that I can do here”, Mbati continues.

“However, I didn’t have much experience then, so I had to knock on the different doors in the industry, the regulators and the industry stakeholders. I also became a member of the Namibia Charcoal Association (NCA).

At that time, if there was any article about the industry, I would be reading it. I used every opportunity to attend training or workshops to gain an understanding of the industry. Then I started with my production.

When I took over from my father the production was very small. My father had twelve kilns which produced enough to supply two to three trucks per year. I used my own savings to acquire more, and push our numbers to thirty kilns.”

DEMAND DRIVES QUALITY ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES Mbati says he quickly realised that the real driver of the charcoal industry is the demand for quality products. “I understood the issue of demand and the requirements of the customers where the products are being sold.

Especially in Europe customers are discerning about their products. They need to meet environmental and social standards. This was when I first heard about FSC.”

Policies and standards have been established in the bush mass and bio utilisation field to ensure sustainability and environmentally sound practices define this industry. One such gold standard of quality environmental practises is FSC Certification.

The Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) promotes responsible management of the world’s forests by helping consumers to identify products that are derived with responsible, fair and sustainable practices and then supports them with their purchase.

For a supplier to become FSC certified, they need to meet social requirements, i.e. providing quality living and safe workspaces, as well as applying sound environmental practices which ensure that only invasive species are removed or harvested and that it is done in a sustainable manner.

“At first it sounded like an insurmountable task, a big one, ” Mbati recalls. “But we had the product and we needed to sell.

I am on the production side, I don’t process, I sell in bulk to processors who package the charcoal. Most of the processors and buyers are FSC certified, and of course the rate for FSC suppliers is higher than for non-FSC.

Mbati Tjiho on his farm in the Kunene Region

I then approached N-BiG and NCA, who referred me to the CMO group scheme.” CMO offers services to natural resource-based industries and manages an FSC group scheme for charcoal producers in Namibia.

1600 or 1700 per ton. Then of course there is the guarantee or certainty, that once your product is ready the processor will take it. There is a buyer and if your buyer’s capacity is full you can go to another one who is FSC certified.”

HOW THIS FARMER BECAME FSC CERTIFIED Mbati explains that a producer must meet certain requirements in order to become FSC certified. “Things like protective clothing and first aid kits, providing housing and ablution facilities, training the workers, putting physical structures in place, setting up meeting places and so on.”

Mbati notes that initially it helped his process to be part of a group scheme together with CMO, especially in securing buyer markets. However, that did not mean that he could sit back.

Accommodation for workers is a strict requirement for FSC certification and so are sound environmental practices.

Mbati says he always wanted this kind of approach to his business and becoming FSC Certified “just fast-tracked my plan.”

He points out that Namibia’s Forestry Act also stipulates which trees may be cut down and which may not. “So it’s actually in line with our law and the issues around what type of species to harvest. This is very important.”

Another important aspect of FSC certification, Mbati says, is that “we needed to put good record-keeping structures in place, which is anyway good business practice. You need to maintain record-keeping in any business.”

According to Mbati the process may require some effort at the start, but complying with the FSC standards is not difficult. “It’s not difficult for you as a producer, or as the owner of the operation. At the beginning it might be a little difficult because of the cash flow.”

THE BENEFITS OF FSC CERTIFICATION As with most things, the gains become apparent in the long term. “If you compare my rate per ton to the other non-FSC producers, my average is N$ 2050 per ton compared to N$

The effort is rewarded by the environmental gains, says Mbati. “I think the thing you should take into consideration is the environment. The sustainability of the production, sustainability of your farmland. All those issues are very important because today you may not feel it, but tomorrow you will.”

When asked if he would recommend the process to other farmers, Mbati’s advice is, “Go for it. I have already told my neighbours to do it. It’s not difficult. Luckily, on our farm we already had some houses for our workers, so we just had to improve them, and then there was the matter of record-keeping. I tell everybody they must go for FSC. My experience is that if you invest today, you will have an asset tomorrow.”

As Mbati has learnt, “There’s nowhere in life where you just go and never face challenges. You always need to come up with mitigating measures to overcome those challenges.

So, I’m happy and I look forward to improving and growing even more.”

FURTHER SOURCES: NCA Best Practice Guide Download: https://ncanamibia. com/download/good-practice-booklet-july-2018-webversion/ Kirsty Watermeyer

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Wellness

Breaking the cycle of

striving for perfection

W enjoyment of life?

e all want perfect takeoffs and landings.

We need perfectionism in our air travel, and that is understandable. However, did you know that trying to achieve flawlessness in our everyday lives is holding us back from success and the

Perfectionism kills both creativity and productivity, yet many people would consider themselves on the right track if they were perfect. They would brag about being a perfectionist in job interviews, or with their friends. Working tirelessly to achieve this mythical thing: ‘perfectionism’. Yet ‘perfect’ does not really exist. Making it your goal is akin to making the proverbial pot of gold at the end of a rainbow your goal.

Let us look for a moment at the detrimental effects that being perfect has on your mental wellbeing. Studies have shown that people who strive for perfectionism fall victim to unreachable, rigid standards and negative self-evaluation.

The self-criticism that goes hand in hand with the constant need to be flawless has serious consequences. When you spend your life being hard on yourself, all you end up doing is breaking yourself down. This is not a good place to start from if you want to achieve anything in life.

People with disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety disorder and panic disorder are more prone to striving for perfectionism. Sadly, it is the need to be perfect that exacerbates these disorders.

The need to be faultless comes about when you attempt to live up to an internal idea or concept about how life should be. The problem is, it is one-dimensional (only your view of should) and it is motivated by fear and worry as to how others perceive you. These are not drivers of mental wellbeing.

This poses the question: if you are stuck in a cycle of wanting everything in your life to be flawless and breaking yourself down when it is not, how do you get out of it? The solution to break this cycle does require a bit of effort, but it is very worth it.

First, we need to recognise that perfectionism thinking is negative thinking that goes hand in hand with self-criticism and habitual negativity.

With all-negative thinking, the first step to break free is to be able to identify the thoughts. When we can see them for what they are, we can look at reframing them in our minds.

For example, if we start feeling like a failure when things do not go our way, we can stop and look at this feeling.

Notice it. Recognise that you cannot be a failure because things are not as you wish them to be. You can only be a failure when you stop trying. If you are trying, you are not a failure. Then reframe your thinking, taking heed of the fact that each downfall is an opportunity to learn. Without these learning opportunities we could never grow and be better in the future.

Another fantastic way to reset yourself and chase out thoughts of perfectionism is to practise mindfulness. By increasing self-awareness through mindfulness you can more easily identify when your thought patterns are slipping into the realm of negativity. This helps us to face our faulty ideals of perfectionism without reacting to them. It also helps us to steer our thoughts towards something more productive and useful than any amount of self-loathing could ever offer us.

One of the fastest ways to eliminate perfectionism in your life is to improve your self-esteem. Accepting yourself as you are will not only help with the need to be flawless but will also improve your day-to-day living. By improving your overall opinion of yourself you will realise that you are not your mistakes. Learning to love and believe in yourself, no matter the circumstances you face, is a major success all on its own.

It is okay not to be perfect, nobody actually is. It is okay to make mistakes – as long as you learn from them. You deserve to give yourself a break. You, like all of us, can be your own worst enemy or your greatest ally. It is up to you to decide which you want to be.

Kirsty Watermeyer

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D E L U X E C O F F E E WO R K S WINDHOEK, NA

Since Independence Day 2017 and, coincidently, starting with our first Namibian shop on Independence Avenue, we do strictly coffee!

Located in the centre of Windhoek CBD, our espresso bar has become the hub where we roast, blend and serve our famous House Blend. This being just the start, we now operate from four Deluxe Shops throughout the capital.

We don’t follow many rules when it comes to our coffee. In fact, there aren’t a lot of rules that we follow in general. We are passionate about coffee and that’s a good enough reason for us to do what we do: roast, supply and serve coffee in the best way we know. We believe in having a great place where this all comes together and where you can enjoy our coffee. That’s why our coffee shops are the way they are. You won’t find any fancy food or wifi here. That’s not our vibe. A lot of good music, interesting people and great coffee.

We like to give you coffee the way we would like to receive it. That’s what we’re all about.

established relationships with coffee farms across the globe, guaranteeing consistency in tastes and aromas for every roast.

We believe firmly in the fact that coffee should be made with freshly roasted beans. We roast five days a week to ensure that each bag you pick up is as fresh as possible.

Our signature House Blend is specifically blended to create a versatile well-balanced experience using the best characteristics of each of the single origins used therein, hailing respectively from Brazil, Guatemala and Ethiopia. Initial acidity leans to oranges or naartjies, followed by dark chocolate taste and raw cocoa in the finish.

And now... Aroma is in the air! We bring you the partnership between Fly Namibia and Deluxe – it just works!

So, sit back, enjoy the flight and ask for it by name, we serve Deluxe!

You will find Deluxe Coffeeworks at:

Founded in Church Street, Cape Town by Carl Wessel and Judd Nicolay, doing 400 cups of coffee a day and roasting shifts into the wee hours of the morning, Deluxe has gone from strength to strength.

When Carl and his cousin and local partner, Willem Bodenstein, sealed the deal for a fully-fledged Namibian roastery, they created the espresso bar that “explores the global but respects the local”.

Deluxe Coffeeworks imports only the finest green beans sourced from around the world. Our coffee bean suppliers have long-

• • • •

Shop 5, 42 Berg Street, Klein Windhoek.

Shop 3, Mutual Tower, 223 Independence Avenue.

Nictus Giga. 140 Mandume Ndemufayo Ave. Nedbank Campus, Ground Floor | Freedom Plaza, c/o Fidel Castro & Rev Michael Scott Street +264 81 767 7600 COFFEE@DELUXECOFFEEWORKS.COM WWW.DELUXECOFFEEWORKS.COM

@deluxecoffeeworks.na

“M

y entire career has been about purpose, to make an impact in people's lives,” says the inspiring and enterprising Mercia Geises.

A firm believer in living her purpose and making a positive impact, the Chief Executive of Standard Bank Namibia, Mercia Geises, gives us a look into her career.

In this inspiring '99FM Royal Hustlers' edition she talks about the early years that shaped her and shares her take on the importance of having a side hustle.

THE RISE AND RISE OF MERCIA GEISES The youngest of seven children, Mercia grew up in Kalkfeld, a small settlement in the Otjozondjupa Region. From the tender age of two, Mercia always followed her father to the school where he was the principal. By the time she was five, she was way ahead of her peers. “I knew the pre-primary syllabus off my head so my dad sent me to another school in Outjo to start my formal education. I spent my barefooted childhood there until I was 12.”

started sitting on company boards. But the more she climbed up the corporate ladder, the more she longed for a side hustle that was, in her words, “kinder” than her day job. This is why she eventually got into vegetable and dairy farming, a passion that she indulges in outside the boardroom.

“I also encourage all my employees to have a side hustle because it broadens your horizons and helps you to have intelligent conversations with your clients. If you just come to work and don’t have any other perspective in life, how do you really contribute to conversations and how do you influence?”

ROYAL HUSTLERS Getting to know Mercia Geises, Standard Bank’s executive powerhouse

Mercia then attended Otjiwarongo High School. “That’s where I reinvented myself and found a world much bigger than I had anticipated,” she recalls. By the time she finished high school, her parents had already retired.

While her peers went on to study at the finest South African universities, she had to do her first degree at the University of Namibia where she studied law. That wasn’t something she had envisioned doing, but she registered anyway and never looked back. Mercia went on to add other qualifications to her CV, and is now a qualified lawyer, banker and businesswoman.

Her current role as CE of Standard Bank Namibia was not something she ever imagined for herself either, but it is a task that she strives to do exceptionally well. On what the best part of her job is, she says: “Doing what I do everyday to the best of my ability, giving it my best and having no regrets, whatever the outcome is.”

FINDING PASSION OUTSIDE THE BOARDROOM “I’ve always had side hustles from the start of my career and even now I have side hustles,” says the enterprising Mercia. Her very first side hustle, she says, was to moderate exam papers at the then Polytechnic of Namibia. As her career progressed, she

A PURPOSE-DRIVEN LIFE Mercia is a purpose-driven woman, living by her personal purpose to make an impact in the lives of others. She is also highly inspired by the Standard Bank purpose: “Namibia is our home and we drive her growth”.

As the executive behind one of Namibia’s biggest banks, Mercia is proud of the work that they are doing. “We are very cognisant of the communities in which we operate and the needs which they have and our responsibility to support these communities,” she says. She also mentions the key impact areas in which the bank strives to continue having a sustainable impact including housing, healthcare and climate change.

“What we set out to do is to set aside part of our profits to reinvest in our communities to make sure that money can buy quality of life in our communities.” On top of that, Standard Bank aims to take its employees along on the journey of its purpose, giving them proper, future-ready skills.

Her advice to any young women aspiring to succeed in the corporate space is to believe in themselves and keep going.

“You can do it. If I can do it, so can you - but ten times better. You just need to believe in yourself, go out there with a mindset of possibility and do it!”

Tune in to The Royal Hustlers on 99FM every Monday to Friday at 07h35 or rewind on the 99FM App (now available on Play Store and the App Store) Proudly Sponsored by

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You

r H ea

o l t h C me s F i

st

www.rmanam.com 54

r

RMA and our administrator are 100% Namibian owned fund and company and are proud to have been involved in the lives of Namibians for more than 25 years. Ensuring that your health comes first.

Medical assistance from above

W

ith more than 20 years of experience across Africa, Medical Rescue Africa (MRA) is Namibia’s leading fixed-wing aeromedical evacuation company. It specialises in the evacuation of critically ill and injured patients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

MRA is based at Eros Airport in Windhoek and focuses on the provision of innovative medical emergency evacuation solutions to various customers across the continent as well as aeromedical services through a network of skilled paramedics, nurses and emergency doctors.

Always ready to assist, MRA has its own 24-hour call centre with trained and dedicated operators using state of the art equipment and aviation information technology. The call centre liaises with local and international medical aid, insurance and medical assistance companies to help facilitate and coordinate medical evacuations and repatriation services. Furthermore MRA provides unique database information technology for its clients and stakeholders, giving peace of mind that expert help is available at a moment’s notice.

As urgency is key, all aircraft and vehicles are monitored through approved tracking systems which provide the call centre with reliable real-time tracking data and GPS positioning.

Through Westair Aviation, MRA has a dedicated fleet of air ambulance aircraft on standby which can land on unimproved airstrips and operate at night as well as in bad weather conditions. Air crews undergo regular refresher training, and all operations comply with the highest safety and quality standards.

MRA maintains the required flight approvals and block clearances to fly to a number of African countries at a

moment’s notice, providing wide aeromedical coverage. A medical crew is ready on a 24-hour standby basis with a fully ICU-equipped aircraft.

To ensure the best possible prehospital treatment for patients, MRA also offers a 24-hour road ambulance at Eros Airport for transporting patients from the airport to the hospital. The MRA Ambulance is equipped to an ICU care level. Additionally, a standard service-level agreement is in place with all accredited ALS (Advanced Life Support) ambulance services across Namibia for effective evacuation by road, if no activation of the fixedwing air ambulance is required.

MRA specialises in setting up remote 24-hour onsite medical emergency units with ALS paramedical services.

Paramedics assist with basic first aid training, disaster planning, the development and implementation of emergency response plans, the provision of checklists for first aid kits on the premises and assisting with compliance with the Ministry of Health act. MRA also offers a 24hour doctor-on-call telemedicine service for companies in remote areas, including the transport of life-saving medication or blood packs to the sick and injured. Lodge assistance is provided by contracting emergency response and evacuation plans as well as remote telemedicine and assistance services.

MRA’s industrial site medical services include the management and operation of on-site ambulances and clinics, as well as regular safety audits, field intelligence, health risk management and emergency response exercises. These services typically extend to also incorporating on-site emergency medical services, mass casualty incident management and evacuation, emergency response plan development and training and disaster planning and management.

For more information visit www.medicalrescueafrica.com

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23 April 2022 Independence Avenue, Zoo Park parking area N$ 150 for non NWR Leisure Card members per person N$ 120 for NWR Leisure Card members per person Pay with PayToday or at NWR Head office Distances: 5, 10, 21 km Starting time: 21.1 km 05:00 am 10 km 05:30 am 5 km 06:00 am Great prizes to be won! All participants will receive 10% off at Waterberg Wildlife Resort.

First Prize N$ 5000.00 voucher for male and female Second Prize N$ 3000.00 voucher for male and female Third Prize N$ 2000.00 voucher for male and female Registration on www. windhoekcityrunnersclub.com Enquiries: Geoffrey on +264 81 319 0953

www.nwr.com.na

BI-ANNUAL HALF-MARATHON

Running for tourism

Travel Tales

Flame-licked lashes

A

long with the many technological advancements of the 20th century, electric ovens are a noteworthy revelation. I grew up with induction stovetops, which undoubtedly gives away my age, but alas, only in recent years did we bring gas cooking back into our household. It’s nostalgic – the high-pitched squealing of a kettle boiling over a gas hob. I’m convinced it’s the only way to perfectly sear a salmon steak. But the nostalgia of gas yields when it comes to the oven… Honey, it’s got to be electric!

For a mid-university holiday getaway I invited my dear friend along to this insane spot on the Remhoogte Pass. My family and our close friends spent the Fathers’ Day weekend there merely a month prior, where I inattentively watched as someone braver than me pursued firing up the gas oven.

Knowing what the cooking facilities would entail, Lenana and I planned our menu to be stove-top-specific. This one didn’t have the snazzy automated flint, so a box of matchsticks took its rightful place next to the spoon rest. I realised soon enough that the tick tick tick our stove at home emits is not as nostalgic as I make it out to be. This bad boy did not make a sound. Not even so much as a whoosh, leaving it to your other senses to tell when you might imminently die of carbon monoxide poisoning.

in the oven also need flames coming out, duh! I pulled my hair into a ponytail cause that’s the universal signal for “things are about to get serious here”.

What followed was pure stupidity.

I lit another match and drew it close to the thingamajigs, my mother’s voice echoing through the back of my mind saying “don’t mess with gas”. Her voice was drowned out by that anticipated whoosh sound, only this time it was accompanied by spontaneous combustion and a flame about as big as those at Burning Man. Lenana scurried over to my side, checking if I was all right.

Besides being absolutely flabberGASted, I escaped the infinite possibilities of being burnt to a crisp. Thank goodness I made that ponytail, otherwise I would have been running to the splash pool – channelling Hades in Disney’s adaptation of Hercules – to douse the flames on my head.

I lit another match and drew it close to the thingamajigs, my mother’s voice echoing through the back of my mind saying “don’t mess with gas”.

Between sitting on the stoep, overlooking the mountains, reading Paulo Coelho and taking naps, we cooked. I whipped up a carbonara with local Kalahari truffles and bacon. Lenana’s contribution was hard-shell tacos.

I know what you’re thinking: what kind of people prepare these dishes while “roughing it”? The answer is: us, all of us hopeless foodies.

Our menu was flawless, until Lenana skittishly asked if we could heat and crisp up the taco shells in the oven. I was feeling brave. Most definitely gin-induced bravery but bravery nonetheless. So I friggin’ did it. I put a match to the thingamajig that flickers a flame indicating gas circulation and called it a day, leaving Lenana to her Mexican mince preparation. A while later she called me back to the kitchen, noting that the oven wasn’t remotely hot. So I reassessed the situation and gathered that all the other little thingamajigs

Since the whole ordeal ended with the thingamajigs being lit, we went ahead and crisped up the taco shells while I took a much-needed bathroom break. I didn’t poop my pants but I was damn near close!

While washing the anxiety-induced sweat from my hands, I finally looked at myself in the weathered mirror. Like that scene where the main character reflects on the monumental event that took place and either has a revelation or an existential crisis. What I experienced was somewhere in between.

My eyelashes – or rather what was left of them – were shrivelled up like scared shongololos. My eyebrows barely made it. And right at the start of my hairline, the baby hairs that escaped my ponytail were whoosh, gone.

Jokes aside, this could have ended in catastrophe. The beauty of mishaps – when you live to tell the tale – is that they make for great stories down the line. But seriously… don’t try this at home, folks!

Do you have any funny travel stories to share? Send them to fly@venture.com.na Charene Labuschagne

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Etosha

Swakopmund Windhoek Sossusvlei

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Fly to Oranjemund with Westair Aviation

Windhoek Oranjemund

Oranjemund, departing 10:00 am Windhoek, departing 12:30 pm

Flying every Monday and Thursday.

T’s & C’s apply.

Call 081 121 7000 or email Reservations@westair.com.na vir bookings en enquiries

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Co-founders Andrea Behnsen and Marcii Magson

Bellhaus Atelier & Galerie

N

estled in a corner between a historic theatre, book shop and local watering hole is the new creative kid on the Grüner Kranz block. Bellhaus Atelier & Galerie opened their antique wooden doors in central Windhoek on 10 March and comes as a breath of fresh air for lovers of the arts, artisans and those forever yearning for a creative space to bolster a sense of aesthetics. The opening exhibition titled The Marks We Leave Behind is set on a stage of soft downlights, exposed concrete floors and a lofty ceiling all framed by the original wooden beams of the home it once was.

The late Namibian landscape artist Herbert Diener lived and created in the building, which has since been transformed with the help of his son (the current owner and landlord) to house what can only be described as a delightful departure from the stiff gallery spaces we’re used to. Bellhaus combines the old-world charm of the 1906 architecture with nods to the minimalist Bauhaus movement. Form frankly follows function at the atelier of Marcii Magson and Andrea Behnsen. Together they conceptualised a space that functions as more than simply a gallery. It lends itself to long-table dinner parties, film screenings, engaging art classes and yoga in the gallery. With these projects to look forward to in the coming months and many more beyond, Bellhaus is breaking the rules and creating new ones for what to expect from the local art scene.

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Marcii Magson needs little introduction to friends of Namibian arts. With over 20 years’ experience in photography, retail, fashion and interior architecture to name a few, Marcii’s touch is tangible in the ambience of Bellhaus. Foremost a visual artist, the opening exhibition features a collection of Marcii’s abstract work, namely a particular piece titled Me and Michael, which saw the artist plaster dark paint over a backdrop of gause. The marks left behind from a troubling experience sought to be covered and recovered through the process of layering wound dressing and an ominous hue.

Marcii’s body of work places emphasis on the process and act of creation, the materials with which the artist engages and their conceptual uses and forms. Rather than staying within the boundaries of stylised compositional narrative, Marcii’s contribution to The Marks We Leave Behind is inspired by the imprint that objects and materials otherwise overlooked contribute to the process of making and are shaped and transformed by memories.

Bellhaus draws its name not only from its ideal location on Bell Street, but also due to its synergistic ring to Bauhaus, the movement that is arguably the most influential in the history of art and design. It’s not just in the name, however.

Bauhaus established the birth of combining crafts and fine art around 1920. The two had previously been separated by a hierarchy in which fine art and sculpture assumed an exclusive position and practical crafts sat at the bottom of the chain. Bellhaus aims to reunite them in the Namibian

art space, à la Bauhaus. By developing the incredible local weaving, ceramic and jewellery-making skills, Marcii and Andrea hope to guide our craftsmen and -women to create functional pieces of art that stay true to their cultural heritage, yet bring aesthetic design to the forefront. It’s an age-old knowledge and expertise that is threatened by contemporary mass production as well as a shortage in the younger generation honing the skills from elders. Bellhaus will be a working gallery space for these artisans to find their niche and successfully sell hand-made functional art, hopefully inspiring the next generation to follow suit.

Andrea’s curation of The Marks We Leave Behind is nothing short of spectacular. There are two particular threedimensional pieces by co-founder Marcii that catch the light of the space and cast abstract shadows on the wall below. Even the complete artwork itself has left a mark behind in the form of a soft projection that adds incredible dimension to the space and exhibition at large. Marcii’s minimalist works are given room to breathe and exist in juxtaposition to the portraits exhibited from the hands of Marianne Chapman.

Each brush stroke is an inquiry into mark making, the process not only of artistic practice but also of human nature.

Which brings us to Andrea Behnsen. The co-founder of Bellhaus has a master’s degree in business design, an interior design degree obtained in London all rounded off by a deep personal and professional love for the arts. Andrea curated Bellhaus’ inaugural exhibition and furthermore drives the promotion and development of local artists through Omuntu Studios in Windhoek and Omaruru. Andrea has also served on the board of the Namibian Arts Association for five years. Her business background, paired with an incredible eye for design, undoubtedly helps drive Bellhaus’ functional art space agenda.

Marianne Chapman’s vivid oil paintings bounce off the gallery walls

Marianne’s oil-on-canvas pieces explore subjects, be they individuals or still life, that have left a lasting mark on the artist. Each brush stroke is an inquiry into mark making, the process not only of artistic practice but also of human nature. With vivid colour and bold strokes, Marianne’s art seeks to connect with the viewer on the intersection of how the art came to be. Her work is testament to the fact that humans shape our reality by just being in it.

Namibia’s art scene warmly welcomes the addition of this functional gallery space.

With exciting events, engaging experiences and everexpanding endeavours, Bellhaus is bound to leave a mark behind beyond its beautiful opening exhibition.

Charene Labuschagne

Marcii Magson’s moving “Me and Michael” makes a statement

The old hotel piano sits pretty in the gallery foyer under depictions of the historic property

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Discover the very best of Namibia With our selection of fly-in safari packages, enjoy scenic flights combined with wonderful stays in Namibia’s top destinations.

PACKAGE 1

PACKAGE 2 Swakopmund

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DAY 4: Fly back to Cape Town

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Sossusvlei

Sossusvlei

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DAY 1: Sossus Dune Lodge - Sossusvlei

DAY 1: Namib Desert Lodge - Sossusvlei

DAY 2: Sossus Dune Lodge - Sossusvlei

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DAY 4: Strand Hotel - Swakopmund

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Safari www.flynamibia.com.na

THE NAMIBIAN LOGISTICS HUB INITIATIVE Transforming Namibia into an International Logistics Hub for the Southern Africa region.

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63

Frequently asked questions about the

FlyNamibia Safari Circuit How to book:

Bookings can be made online on the FlyNamibia website via the FlyNamibia Safari link.

Website: www.flynamibia.com.na Email: info@flynamibia.com.na

Which runways are used at each destination?

Destination

Runway

Windhoek

Hosea Kutako International Airport

Sossusvlei

Sesriem Airfield

Swakopmund

Swakopmund Airport

Etosha

Ongava Lodge Airfield

What is the check in times and rules?

• • • •

Check in opens 90 minutes before departure Check-in will close 30 minutes prior to departure. Please refer to the scheduled time of departure (STD) indicated on your booking ticket.

Boarding will close 20 minutes prior to departure.

This flight is a non-smoking flight.

Shuttles:

FlyNamibia Safari will partner with charter operators in Swakopmund and Sossusvlei to further connect you to hard to reach destinations in the south and north of Namibia. This will be advertised as an ancillary service on our booking system in the near future.

SCHEDULE

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From

To

Departure

Arrival

Days

Swakopmund

Sossusvlei

9:00

9:40

Mo/Tu/We/Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun

Sossusvlei

Windhoek

10:20

11:10

Mo/Tu/We/Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun

Windhoek

Etosha

12:10

13:10

Mo/Tu/We/Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun

Etosha

Windhoek

13:50

14:50

Mo/Tu/We/Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun

Windhoek

Sossusvlei

15:50

16:40

Mo/Tu/We/Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun

Sossusvlei

Swakopmund

17:20

18:00

Mo/Tu/We/Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun

This is Namibia

What are the baggage allowances?

18kg soft bag luggage allowed (inclusive of hand luggage)

What conditions can I expect while flying to the various destinations?

As with any flight‚ some turbulence can occur on occasion.

Will food and beverages be served in flight?

Snacks and a beverage will be served

Seasons LOW SEASON 1 Nov 2022 – 30 Mar 2023

HIGH SEASON 1 Apr 2022 - 31 Oct 2022 1 April 2023 – 31 Oct 2023

What is the cancellation terms?

LOW SEASON From confirmation to arrival: deposit

20% non-refundable

HIGH SEASON

From confirmation to arrival: 20% non-refundable deposit

Can you accommodate handicapped and special needs guests?

Etosha

Please note that‚ due to the nature of our aircraft‚ there may be a few restrictions. Please contact info@flynamibia.com.na for more information.

Are there any specific rules pertaining to children?

No. FlyNamibia Safari guests must adhere to the same rules and restrictions‚ and everyone enjoys the same benefits.

Swakopmund Windhoek Sossusvlei

Do you offer services specifically tailored for flying corporate groups?

Yes. Contact information.

info@flynamibia.com.na

for

more

What if I would like to travel on my own time?

You can book private charters through our team of charter experts at reservations@westair.com.na

Safari 65

WIN

with FlyNamibia's Easter Egg Hunt

There are four golden easter eggs hidden in our April 2022 copies of the FlyNamibia In-flight Magazine.

Be on the lookout for a golden egg on this page of the April edition and win a free return flight between Windhoek and Cape Town (excluding taxes).

I have a golden egg! What do I do?

Hand in your publication to the FlyNamibia Offices where you will receive your prize.

T's & C's apply.

Happy Hunting!

COVID TESTING Make your trip safe and hassle-free 1.

2.

3.

4.

Antigen test Standard PCR Express PCR Super Express PCR

N$ 425 N$ 700 N$1,085 N$1,360 (3 hrs)

APPOINTMENTS: 061-285 5700 leisure@trip.com.na

www.trip.com.na 66

LEGAL PRACTITIONERS, NOTARIES & CONVEYANCERS +264 83 332 5300 info@ferasmuslaw.com.na No. 5 Conradie Street | Windhoek

6 April 1917

The Beatles fill the first five places in the US singles chart with “Please Please Me”, “I Want to Hold Your Hand”, “She Loves You”, “Twist and Shout” and “Can’t Buy Me Love”.

Following a vote by Congress approving a declaration of war, the U.S. enters World War I.

12 April 1961

Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin becomes the first human in space. He travelled aboard the Soviet spacecraft Vostok I to an altitude of 187 miles

Civil Rights leader Rev. Dr Martin Luther King Jr is shot and killed in Memphis, Tennessee.

In the icy waters off Newfoundland, the luxury liner Titanic with 2,224 persons onboard sinks after striking an iceberg. Over 1,500 persons drowned while 700 were rescued by the liner Carpathia which arrived two hours after the Titanic went down.

Easter Sunday

21 April

Multiracial elections is held for the first time in the history of South Africa. With approximately 18 million blacks voting, Nelson Mandela was elected president and F.W. de Klerk vice president.

Go Fly a Kite Day

26 April National Richter Scale Day

Their birth flower is either a Daisy or a Sweet Pea.

27 April National Sense of Smell Day

HARD 9 5 8 4 1 2 6 7 3

1 3 7 5 6 9 8 4 2

6 2 4 3 7 8 5 1 9

EASY

8 4 5 9 3 7 1 2 6

2 7 9 6 4 1 3 5 8

3 1 6 2 8 5 4 9 7

4 6 2 1 9 3 7 8 5

5 8 1 7 2 6 9 3 4

7 9 3 8 5 4 2 6 1

6

7 9 8 6 3 2 7 2 9 6 4 5 7 2 9 3 1 3 5 5 7 6

4 1 2 7 5 8 3 9 6

8 5

2

4 1

5 9 7 2 6 3 4 8 1

9

3

3 8 6 4 1 9 5 7 2

8

1 7 4 3 8 2 6 5 9

HARD

6 3 8 5 9 1 7 2 4

7

17 April

26 April 1994

Those born in April have a diamond as their birthstone which represents innocence.

EASY

1 2

Holy Saturday

Family Day

SUDUKO

1 9 6 6 7 8 1 5 3 3 7 9 8 5

16 April

15 April 1912

The goal of Sudoku is to fill a 9×9 grid with numbers so that each row, column and 3×3 section contain all of the digits between 1 and 9.

5

Good Friday

18 April

FUN FACTS ABOUT APRIL:

6 2 7 4 3 9 3 9 1 2

15 April

9 2 5 6 4 7 8 1 3

After a break of 1500 years, the first Olympic Games of the modern era is held in Athens, Greece.

April Fools Day

2 5 1 8 3 6 9 4 7

6 April 1896

1 April

7 4 3 9 2 5 1 6 8

4 April 1968

An explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine causes a meltdown of the nuclear fuel and spreads a radioactive cloud into the atmosphere, eventually covering most of Europe. A 300-square-mile area around the plant was evacuated.

Thirty-one persons were reported to have died while an additional thousand cases of cancer from radiation were expected. The plant was then encased in a solid concrete tomb to prevent the release of further radiation.

A week after the assassination of Dr Martin Luther King Jr, the Civil Rights Act of 1968 is signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The law prohibited discrimination in housing, protected civil rights workers and expanded the rights of Native Americans.

4 April 1949 Twelve nations sign a treaty creating the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

The nations united for a common military defence against the threat of expansion by Soviet Russia into Western Europe.

26 April 1986

11 April 1968

OBSERVE & TAKE PART!

4 April 1964

8 6 9 1 7 4 2 3 5

DID YOU KNOW?

This month in history:

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Love Namibia

OF SPACE AND SOLITUDE | The land of endless horizons - that is what Namibia has been referred to for decades.

It’s not just a catchy phrase though, every landscape is visual proof. Our vast and uninterrupted terrains seem never-ending, and undulating landscapes with their highs and lows make for spectacular viewpoints. Like this one, a hillside lookout on the 45,000 acre Solitaire Land Trust. The Solitaire Land Trust in southern Namibia is dedicated to preserving the grassland ecosystem and the wild animals that reside here. The reserve reaches from the base of the Great African Escarpment to the Namib, the oldest desert in the world.

Elzanne McCulloch

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NAKARA SHOP WINDHOEK Gustav Voigts Centre Independence Avenue 131 Tel/Fax 061 224 209 Email: info@nakara.na NAKARA SWAKOPMUND The Arcade, Tel/Fax: +264 64 405 907 NAKARA FACTORY WINDHOEK 3 Solingen Str. Northern Industrial Tel +264 61 429 100

www.nakara-namibia.com

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