FlyNamibia February 2023

Fyodor Dostoevsky

OLDEST ELEPHANT IN KAVANGO 34

Drift on a floating tent down on one of the longest river systems on the continent.

PHOTOGRAPHY FEATURE

A look at the Rehoboth Baster community through the lens of award-winning photographer, Karel Prinsloo.

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N$400M RAISED IN GREEN BOND ISSUANCE DEBUT 47

Standard Bank Namibia underlines its commitment to playing a key role in sustainable funding solutions in Namibia.

THE BRIEF

A monthly wrap-up of News Worth Knowing.

ECONOMIC PULSE

Taking a closer look at Namibia’s new digital nomad visas.

WHY ASTRONOMY?

Victoria Nakafingo explains why looking up at the stars is important.

OMAKE MOMENTS

Celebrating exceptional Namibian businesses and their people.

10 MINUTES WITH LOCAL TASTE MAKERS

A chat with Edith Wasserfall, one of Namibia’s most exciting young artists.

ROYAL HUSTLERS

Pauline Thomas Kahupi: A woman standing tall in the male dominated mining sector.

FOODIES

Bad day? Seoul Food. Great day? Seoul Food.

WELLNESS

Kirsty Watermeyer explores the wellness trends for 2023.

DID YOU KNOW?

Fun facts, important dates and Sudoku.

LOVE

NAMIBIA

Showcasing the beauty of our country.

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Need To Knows. with

How to buy a ticket online

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MAX 20kg Per person

Ondangwa - Toivo ya Toivo

Eros Airport

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

CONNECTING YOU TO

Windhoek, Ondangwa, Rundu, Katima Mulilo, Oranjemund, Walvis bay, Cape Town, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund and Etosha

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS

REGIONAL FLIGHTS

SAFARI FLIGHTS

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.

So many things to LOVE about Namibia Welcome on board

Happy February to all our travellers! This month we’re celebrating everything there is to love about this wonderful country we call home. From its kind, energetic, helpful and hardworking people, to its beautiful landscapes and wildlife. Namibia is iconic, special and deserving of our devotion. If you’re reading this before the 14th of February there’s still time for you to enter our Valentine’s giveaway! There are so many things to LOVE about Namibia this month of love. The people, the places, the wide and wild spaces. Tell us what you LOVE about Namibia on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Tag us and you will be entered into the draw to win a weekend for two to Cape Town, including flights and accommodation. Winners will be announced on Valentine’s Day on our social media channels. T&Cs apply.

NEW DIGS

As of 1 February we will have a new administrative home at Southport on the corner of Hosea Kutako Drive and Mandume Ndemufayo Avenue. Our airline management team will be operating from here, but our ticketing office will remain at Eros Airport for your convenience.

In other news, and in case you missed it…

MORE MZANSI

In 2023, we’re looking towards our neighbours in South Africa and will be expanding our connection offerings between Namibia and Mzansi. The addition of a Cape Town to Walvis Bay, as well as a Johannesburg and Windhoek connection is in our near future, and we’re incredibly excited

to get started. Keep an eye on our social media channels for start date announcements.

SAFARI SKIES

Our safari route schedule will be shaking things up from April this year with the addition of direct flights between Windhoek and Swakopmund as well as Swakopmund and Etosha. This will create even more options for travellers wishing to discover as much of Namibia as possible, with less time spent on the road and more time to explore.

FOLLOWING THE FACE OF FLYNAMIBIA

Joyce still has some destinations left to visit, so follow her adventures over the next few months as she uncovers some more Namibian wonders and ventures further afield. Her bubbly personality and zest for life are a wonderful representation of our company and we are so honoured to have her as part of the team. Though her tenure as Face of FlyNamibia comes to an end this year, there is so much more left for her to explore and share with us before that sad day comes.

FlyNamibia currently operates domestic routes from Eros Airport in Windhoek to Ondangwa, Rundu, Katima Mulilo, Walvis Bay and Oranjemund, as well as a regional route between Hosea Kutako International Airport and Cape Town International. Flights can be booked through all major travel agencies, or directly via FlyNamibia’s 24/7 contact centre at +264 83 339 0011. Customers can also visit www.flynamibia.com.na for online bookings.

Happy flying!

The FlyNamibia Team

P E C A N S T R E A M

Romanticise your wardrobe

this Valentine’s season and beyond!

It is the month of love, and as most of us take in the magic of romance, I implore you to take it a step further by extending this to all areas of your life.

First stop: your wardrobe!

There’s nothing quite like embodying romance in your day-to-day life, and what better way than to curate your wardrobe accordingly? According to the Midliferambler.com lifestyle blog, romanticising your life is the act of “taking the time to appreciate your day-to-day life, no matter how mundane some parts might be”.

In the spirit of romanticising our lives, here are a few ways to do it right, starting with your capsule wardrobe …

PRIORITISE

Anyone who knows me well knows that I am a sucker for Namibian designer pieces and La Mode Fashions, House of Poulton and Proud by Pewa are just some of my go-to fashion houses for flirty, feminine fashion.

I’m currently loving La Mode Fashions’ latest capsule collection, Sleah 9/30, which features florals, feminine colours like the 2023 Pantone trending hue and a very flowy silhouette. According to fashion designer and founder Leah Misika, “Sleah aims to bring out the light every woman possesses through its feminine aesthetic.”

The collection is a celebration of women and all about how they brighten up the world. If that description is not convincing enough, this poetic piece from the collection catalogue just about sums up why La Mode is the go-to for the romanticised wardrobe:

“Sleah 9/30 is inspired by wild women living their lives out in true feminine form. She aspires to live a life that is soft, slow and steady. She moves to the beat of her own drum and her mind is a minefield of poetry ...”

ACCESSORISE

No wardrobe is complete without the right (amount of) accessories.

Look out for statement jewellery, pearls and just the right dose of bedazzled pieces from local vendors like Elements by Akirina or the more customised pieces from MJ Creations.

While their main focus is bridal accessories, Elements by Akirina also caters to a wide selection of jewellery and headpieces fit for any occasion.

On madewithlemons.co’s 30 Ways to Romanticise Your Life blog post, writer Livia Boerger recommends investing in a signature jewellery piece that reminds you of “the life you want to live”. Whether it is a bracelet with your loved one’s initials, a necklace gifted to you by someone special, or a fancy watch that you treated yourself to for a special occasion, signature jewellery is a cool way to stand out without making too much noise.

MINIMISE

For Misika, it is never about the quantity of clothes but rather about each piece’s intrinsic quality and value to a woman’s wardrobe. So as you put together the perfect capsule for the month of love and beyond, remember to invest in quality, one-of-a-kind pieces. “We do not wish to fill up women’s closets with clothes that don’t matter to them. We want to make a limited amount of clothes and sell them to women who are going to love wearing these garments for years to come,” says Misika.

Before you set out to organise or revamp your wardrobe, though, make sure to have a clear idea of what your style is and add/remove pieces accordingly. For some help, check out any personal style quiz online to hone in on your style aesthetic. This will help guide you on which direction to go – be it Parisian chic, the American laid-back style, cosmopolitan or maybe even grunge…

Whatever you go for should speak to who you are and what you love.

Statement jewellery LaMode Fashions Elements by Akirina LaMode Fashions

Disney Andreas Disney Andreas

Vintage denim dreams do come true, and friends of surf, skate and music culture will be delighted to know they hail from our coastline. Mopane Apparel is a small-scale vintage upcycled clothing brand founded in Swakopmund and inspired by the restless Skeleton Coast. Their ethos is simple: quality, expressive, sustainable. And their bespoke line of jean jackets, denim trousers and corduroy tote bags all have a flair of slow living. Upcycled with interesting tapestry inserts, or handmade in the case of their tote bags, Mopane Apparel was made with the cool kids in mind. The only way to do their denim justice is wearing it on road trips, early morning surf missions, to the weekend market and heck, even to the office!

@mopane_apparel

www.mopaneapparel.com

SHOP LOCAL -ish

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

EMSSENCE

Namibian skincare for Namibian skin. It’s a no-brainer! Emssence is a local self-care brand with product ranges including bespoke amenities, a baby and new-mum line, and their trailblazing natural skincare range aptly dubbed PURE. Fans of gentle skin products made in small batches will find everything they need for a multi-step skincare routine, including cleanser, toner, serum, moisturiser and decadent body and massage oils. Subtle fragrances like calming chamomile and energising jasmine, to name a few, are attributed to the natural ingredients and essential oils that make up Emssence PURE formulas. Founder Marianne Labuschagne formulated and tested multiple batches before finetuning what is now the only skincare brand you’ll need on your vanity.

Shop Emssence at Maeura Superspar, Droombos or Blumen Margot.

@ems.sence

MOPANE APPAREL

This isn’t regular jewellery, it’s cool jewellery! From the Christina Fraser Studio you’ll find divinely detailed accessories, fit for the bohemian, minimalist, flower child and everyone else with a taste for cute earrings and trinket trays. While you might still know (and love) the Christina Clay brand, Christina Fraser Studio has shifted gears and diversified their offering since the name change. Air-dry clay is complemented by new Perspex styles, including delicate botanical details and gold and silver hardware. An extra special addition to the selection includes painstakingly handpainted dangling drops, like mini artworks for your ears.

@christinafraser_studio

CHEEKY

Cute swimwear? Check! Kind to the planet and women? Check and check! Cheeky is a local sustainable swimwear line made from recycled plastic ocean waste, such as singleuse bottles and commercial fishing waste. Bold colours like violet and cobalt blue make for a striking ensemble, and some more shades including an essential black two-piece and red full bodysuit means there’s something for every kind of woman. Whether you’re catching a tan, attending a pool party or going for a dip in the ocean, rest assured there’s a Cheeky swimsuit for the occasion. And what’s better than knowing your bikini is helping remove plastic waste from our seven seas.

@ch33ky

ch33ky.shop

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

Shop Christina Fraser Studio at the Red Shelf.

CHRISTINA FRASER STUDIO

Did you know our logo is based on an The

African Basket?

Let’s FlyNamibia

www.flynamibia.com.na

Jo Rogge has remade traditional pots and baskets using discarded waste materials.

Artist: Ndako Nghipandulwa

Artist: Lynette Musukubili

Artist: Jo Rogge

Artist: Jo Rogge

Rudolf Seibeb

Stephane Conradie

Tuli Mekondjo

Unmourned Bodies

These are the words chosen by Olga Levinson to start the chapter “A New Life in Africa” in her exhaustive book on the life and work of the German-born Namibian painter Adolph Jentsch (1888 – 1977). She could as well have been describing any one of Jentsch’s many landscape paintings created in the country that was to be “home” for the rest of his life, some of which now form part of the Arts Association Heritage Trust collection archive of the Namibian Arts Association (NAA).

Archives are important. Not least because they tell stories. They also increase our sense of identity and understanding of cultures. They can even ensure justice. The archive of historical and contemporary Namibian artworks and artefacts, held by the NAA in trust, is the focal point for an exciting exhibition of new artworks being exhibited in Cape Town by a group of emerging and established Namibian artists. Conceptualised and curated by artist Jo Rogge, and facilitated by The Project Room Namibia, the exhibition at the Association for Visual Arts (AVA) opens in March, coinciding with the month in which Namibia celebrates its independence.

The exhibition Unmourned Bodies takes a multifaceted approach to showcase the work and talent of Namibian artists to a new audience in South Africa.

Historically, the venue of this exhibition has close ties to the development of art in Namibia. With the concerted efforts of some individuals, the Arts Association of South West Africa (AASWA), based in the capital city Windhoek, was established as a branch of the South African Arts Association (SAAA) in 1948. In the Namibia of the time, considered a remote “5th province of South Africa”, almost all of the important local artists were of German extraction, notably men like Adolph Jentsch and Fritz Krampe. One year later, the first official exhibition at the Cape Town premises of the SAAA included 61 paintings and 500 objects from Namibia, divided into what was called the “White” section – including painters Axel Eriksson, Adolph Jentsch, Otto Schröder and Joachim Voigts, among others – and the “Native” section, described as being mostly “handcrafts”.

It is in this regard that the current exhibition, while paying homage to the historical links between the two associations, seeks to redress the colonial presentation of Namibian cultural production through inclusion, and to highlight the contemporary blurring of art and crafts, by

selecting artists that work with non-traditional materials. These artists were invited to visit the archive of the NAA, to select a work from the collection that personally resonated with them, and to recreate a unique artwork of their own in response, with some interesting and surprising results.

For some, this was their first visit. Until fairly recently considered a “Whites Only” place, the archive is a contentious space, further thrown into sharp relief with the current debate on the repatriation of looted and stolen artefacts during Germany’s colonial rule of the country. The stated aim of the permanent return of these objects to Namibia is to “support our Namibian partners in reconstructing the history of their country”.

Established artists Tuli Mekondjo and Stephané Conradie, each with their accomplished research-based creative practices firmly rooted in their respective cultural and traditional backgrounds, have chosen objects from the collection on which to base their new work for this exhibition.

Talented designers Tangeni Kambudu and Maria Caley are also included in the exhibition, as well as artists Rudolf Seibeb, Actofel Ilovu, Maria Mbereshu and Jo Rogge.

Interestingly, young emerging artists Ndako Nghipandulwa and Lynette Musukubili were inspired by the paintings of Themba Masala and Adolph Jentsch respectively. Musukubili, a Caprivian artist who works with recycled plastic waste, says that she was struck by the quietude and calm of Jentsch’s paintings, and his ability to capture the endless vistas, unique light, and ambiance of Namibia’s expansive landscapes.

Unmourned Bodies is on view at the AVA, 35 Church Street, Cape Town, from 9 March to 20 April 2023. For more information, contact Jo Rogge at jo.rogge@gmail.com or Frieda Lühl at The Project Room Namibia at +264 81 751 3026.

Marita van Rooyen

Archives are important. Not least because they tell stories. They also increase our sense of identity and understanding of cultures.

“Southwest Africa (Namibia) is a vast, sun-bleached land. The dry riverbeds, freckled with small bushes, wander wistfully through plains of tall yellow grass, thorn trees and scrub. The huge domed sky changes mood from tired blues to resentful yellows.”

Shikalepo

appointed as new Head of RMB’s Investment Banking division

RMB in Namibia recently announced the promotion of Jason Shikalepo to Head of Investment Banking Division (IBD)replacing Borg Sauber.

Shikalepo is a longserving member of the RMB management team with a wealth of investment banking, finance and finance related experience. This spans across various sectors, including financial services, Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), mining, infrastructure, energy and transport logistics - where he originated, structured, and executed a host of landmark transactions.

“I have assumed this leadership role to help deliver RMB’s vision of developing Namibia’s capital markets, which is part of the FirstRand Group’s purpose to create a globally competitive Namibia. My role entails developing and executing strategy, resourcing the division, and ensuring that we have globally competitive talent that is liberated to deliver world-leading solutions for our clients. I will also continue to partner with clients in our quest to proactively exceed their expectations,” Shikalepo explains.

He further revealed that success in the investment banking space is centred around collaborations that produce innovative solutions. “Looking back, originating, structuring, and executing some of our new-to-market solutions in the resources and energy sectors certainly gives me a sense of

meaningful impact. RMB has a longstanding track-record in solving some of the most complex, yet impactful commercial cases on the continent. We are able to leverage our FirstRand network across our presence markets, as well as crowdin global players to find solutions for our Namibian clients, wherever they operate. Our talent depth is how we achieve client and community success,” Shikalepo said.

Shikalepo is passionate about capital and social value creation and has over the years implemented business strategies and solutions to support local economic development.

“We have the responsibility to deepen and broaden the Namibian capital market as part of our vision. I would like to see the IBD scale its current activity portfolios, lead green andtransition finance, broaden debt and equity capital markets, and collaborate effectively with government and the broader society,” he concluded.

Speaking on the promotion, RMB Namibia CEO Philip Chapman noted Shikalepo’ s successes as part of the RMB team adding: “Jason is a seasoned corporate strategist and investment banker. After joining RMB in 2017 to, initially, spearhead the bank’s strategy towards unlocking potential growth opportunities in the trade & working capital space and sponsor new-to-market structured solutions, he has executed a host of landmark transactions and contributed to the bank’s strategic initiatives. I wish him much success in his new role.”

I have assumed this leadership role to help deliver RMB’s vision of developing Namibia’s capital markets, which is part of the FirstRand Group’s purpose to create a globally competitive Namibia.

AND RAISING COMMUNITIES RAISING CAPITAL

Talent is how we do both for our clients.

A better world requires thriving communities and growing corporations. We see a world where one can’t exist without the other, our diverse thinkers deliver both.

Funding conservation

We all know the age-old adage, “If it pays, it stays.” And though it may seem a generalisation and simplification of an intricate and tricky dilemma, at its core is a sense of truth we are hard pressed to dispute. Fundamentally, as the human race, we know that if something has value it has greater import. If something has value, whether that value is big or small, there will always be a greater incentive to protect it. To safeguard it. To appreciate it. And even to try and replicate it or produce more of it. The value placed on elements of the natural world is no different. Wildlife is no different. And so, even though we would theoretically like for something as important as wildlife and nature to be protected on the mere basis of ideological, moral and emotional merits, when push comes to shove, the truth boils back down to that ageold simplified adage… “If it pays, it stays.”

In southern Africa this is no different, and in countries like Namibia we have seen tremendous success in applying this value addition to conservation practices. Our CBNRM (community-based natural resource management) programme is one very good example of how nature and wildlife conservation can thrive by placing value on natural resources so that those who are entrusted to protect it can benefit from the labours of their work. Another very important and easily measurable example of how conservation is made possible through a value-driven approach is hunting. And in Namibia, it is one of the most important factors that contribute to the economic viability and support of conservation of natural resources.

I sat down with Frans Kamenye, the fund manager of the Game Products Trust Fund of Namibia to discuss why hunting matters to the funding of conservation in Namibia. The Game Products Trust Fund (GPTF) was established by an Act of Parliament that was signed in September 1997 and published in terms of Article 56 of the Namibian constitution. The GPTF was formed to ensure that revenue raised from the use of wildlife and wildlife products recovered from state land is reinvested into wildlife management, conservation, rural development and activities aimed at promoting the coexistence of humans and wildlife. Today the GPTF also works extensively in the field of human-wildlife conflict.

WHAT DOES IT PAY FOR?

The GPTF is one of Namibia’s largest financial contributors to conservation and facilitates funding for infrastructure and management projects such as:

• Borehole drilling and maintenance in national parks and communal areas

• Construction and upkeep of game fencing

• Wildlife population management and anti-poaching activities (including everything from employee wages, food, housing, vehicles etc.)

• Human-wildlife conflict mitigation and management projects, including funding of funeral costs, livestock loss and crop damage reimbursements for communities living with wildlife and often suffering as a result

WHERE DOES THE MONEY COME FROM?

The initial capital with which the fund was started was received from revenue of a large-scale ivory stockpile auction. Today, however, the GPTF’s funding comes from various sources, including:

• Trophy hunting concessions in communal conservancies (N$10 000 000 - N$13 000 000 per annum)

• Special game quota auctions by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (for example the auction of a small select number of high-value game such as rhino or elephant for hunting or live sale)

• Donations from foreign bodies

• A levy on export fees of huntable game trophies

• Funds derived from problem animal hunts

• Conservation fees from national parks (a new mechanism introduced by government in 2021).

If you look at the above breakdown, four out of six of the GPTF’s funding mechanisms revolve around hunting. That is two thirds. And the ratio percentage when the actual monetary value of each income stream is calculated is even more than that. As the GPTF is the main source of funding for our country’s largest and most important conservation initiatives, it does not get much clearer than this… If you have been unable to wrap your mind around the tangible benefits to date, there it is in basic maths. That is why hunting matters.

A PARTNERSHIP FOR SUCCESS

Unlike most other conservation-oriented bodies in Namibia and most parts of Africa, the GPTF was able to continue funding all its activities throughout the pandemic. Tried and tested, the partnership between sustainable use and conservation in Namibia works. The proof is in the GPTF pudding. “Hunting adds value to conservation,” says Frans during our discussion. “When wildlife has value and the system can be legally and ethically controlled, hunting is a powerful tool for conservation support.” He goes on to unpack the extended value chain which hunting supports, a value chain that goes far beyond the value of the animal being hunted. From air travel to accommodation, food and fuel – hunters have buying power and make a tremendous economic contribution during their visit. Beyond that, when compared to photographic tourism, the average hunter’s footprint is far less than that of the average tourist. Frans also notes that the economic benefits to communities are often seen far more quickly within the hunting system than with photographic tourism. Not that there isn’t value in both, but they each play their role in the system.

Frans uses the example of two elephants that were put up for hunting auction a while ago. He explains that US$2 million were paid for the hunt of those two elephants. The government, communities and private partners shared in the benefit. How many tourists, at what environmental impact, would we have to source and service to equal that? Especially in the travelweary current climate. “If hunting is banned, we won’t have the same protection power,” Frans says. If we can find no other reason to defend our nation’s right to utilise its natural resources sustainably, and for the good of the environment and people of the country, then the role that hunting plays in funding conservation should be more than enough.

Elzanne

First published in the 2022/23 issue of Huntinamibia magazine. Read the Huntinamibia online: www.issuu.com/travelnewsnamibia/docs/ huntin_2022_zinio

McCulloch

If we can find no other reason to defend our nation’s right to utilise its natural resources sustainably, and for the good of the environment and people of the country, then the role that hunting plays in funding conservation should be more than enough.

Pangolins are the most trafficked mammal worldwide yet remain one of the most under-researched species. Trafficking within Africa has been on the rise. In Namibia there have been 491 pangolins confiscated (152 live and 339 carcasses or skins) and 640 perpetrators arrested over the last seven years.

The Nyae Nyae Conservancy is one of the few conservancies in Namibia with pangolin strongholds. This is thanks to the indigenous Ju/’hoansi people who believe that pangolins call the rains and therefore do not wish to harm them. Job opportunities and sustainable livelihoods in the area are very limited. True to their culture, the Ju/’hoansi are mainly hunter-gatherers living from the land but, with farming activities encroaching, the land available to them is limited. Therefore, the employment of pangolin rangers across the communities is a great opportunity to benefit the people as well as the conservation of the species.

The Nyae Nyae Pangolin Project (NNPP) started in 2020 with an idea of supporting communities to save a species through the employment of pangolin rangers and applied research. At a San village with makeshift huts covered by blankets and plastic I met a man in tattered clothing who said he was looking for work and could find pangolins for the project and help protect them. It is actually an amusing story because I later found out that he was in fact employed at that time, but this was the seed that planted the idea to assist these communities. The first pangolins were tagged in 2021 which led to community engagement and the employment of pangolin rangers.

PCRF employs eleven pangolin rangers in five villages on full or parttime salaries and helps the communities with rations and clothing. We support additional villages by purchasing their artisan crafts including hand-made jewelry and carved wooden animals.

To date the project has identified many resident pangolins (we cannot share numbers for security reasons) in the Nyae Nyae conservancy. Currently, these individuals are monitored by the pangolin rangers, camera traps and transmitters. Four individuals have been tagged with GPS/SAT transmitters, which represent the first for their species in an open communal conservancy system and semi-wetland

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

and technology

ecosystem. They are also the first individuals tagged in this type of vegetation which shows varied prey preference. The transmitters not only collect data but protect the species from poaching. Since movements are monitored, any interference will be investigated. The spatial movements of a male pangolin with the tag NN02 were collected from January 2022 until September 2022. His home range is the largest recorded for a free-roaming resident pangolin. Scorpio, or Tsqusi in San, (NN01) has a home range comparable to that of other female pangolins in Namibia.

NNPP OBJECTIVES:

• Further protect and understand the pangolin species through monitoring and research

• Provide sustainable livelihoods for the communities through the employment of rangers and helping with rations for the villages

• Raise awareness and educate the communities on the importance of the species

• Generate further income through visitors to our project

• Support local artisans through the sale of pangolin inspired crafts around the world

• Establish the first research centre for pangolins and partner with international academic institutions supporting local students

• Develop an education centre for local children and tourists on all aspects of the area, with a special focus on pangolins

• Raise awareness and pride for pangolins through community outreach and talks

• Conduct long term research to further understand the ecology and survival of pangolins

OUTCOMES

• Communities benefit through income generation by protecting pangolins.

• Data contributes to our understanding of pangolin ecology and helps develop guidelines and resources. Further awareness is raised for preserving the species.

• Local students are supported through internship and field-work opportunities.

Kelsey Prediger

Consider donating directly to the PCRF project. You can also donate food or clothing for the communities of the Nyae Nyae Conservancy at our World Pangolin Day Event. All proceeds support pangolin conservation in communal conservancies and national parks across Namibia.

When: 18 February 2023

Where: Avis Dam & Eagles Beer Garden

What: Trail & fun run, live music, market, and raffle!

How: Run registration & tickets on webtickets.com.na. Get discounted entry by bringing clothing or food items to donate for our community drive!

@pangolincrf pangolincrf.org

Raffle tickets will be sold in the two weeks leading up to the event and at the event itself, and winners will be drawn at the event!

We will protect pangolin strongholds together with indigenous communities through the utilization of Community-based conservation to save an endangered species local knowledge

Hollywood’s new favourite playground Part 3

When your country is as beautiful as Namibia, you know the whole world would want to experience it.

Namibia offers a lot to tourists, but they are not the only ones attracted to the Land of the Brave. Filmmakers and scouts from across the globe are starting to recognise the diversity the country has to offer. Everything from the dunes of the Namib Desert to the rivers in the north makes for beautiful cinematic shots.

Producers choosing Namibia as a shooting location turned the beautiful country into an even bigger tourist destination. There is still a long way to go, but the number of projects shot in Namibia every year keeps growing. The landscapes not only attract feature filmmakers, but also documentary film crews.

Game shows like The Amazing Race have been filmed in Namibia. Channels like National Geographic, Discovery Channel and Animal Planet also took note of the diverse wildlife and plant life on offer. These programmes gave locals a whole new perspective of the country they grew up in. Join us as we take a look at some more amazing locations that attracted filmmakers.

ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK

One of the biggest national parks in the country serves as the perfect location for shows trying to journal wildlife. The park features four of Africa’s big five along with hundreds of other mammal, reptile and bird species.

One of the first documentaries shot at Etosha was by David and Carol Hughes for National Geographic and it aired in January 1981. The documentary, called Etosha: Place of Dry Water, staked out some of the park’s waterholes and introduced audiences to the drinking, mating and feeding patterns of cheetahs, lions, springboks, bullfrogs and many other animals.

The documentary opened the door for filmmakers and soon many other productions made their way to Namibia. In 1997, actress Holly Hunter also made her way to the Etosha National Park to shoot In the Wild: Cheetahs with Holly Hunter. Hunter wanted to come face to face with her favourite animal, the cheetah.

In the show, Hunter was led through the park by biologists who explained the causes of the declining cheetah populations at the time. She also took part in the rehabilitation of a cheetah and its release back into the wild. These are just a couple of documentaries shot in the park – there are dozens more.

NATURE RESERVES

Etosha is not the only park that attracts film crews. A few private nature reserves have also served as shooting locations. Erindi Private Game Reserve is one of the most prominent filming destinations. The reserve served as the setting for an episode of The Amazing Race . Contestants then went on to explore more parts of the country.

The N/a’an ku sê Lodge and Wildlife Sanctuary attracted producers and actors alike. Actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt partnered with N/a’an ku sê to start the Shiloh Jolie-Pitt Foundation. The sanctuary has also served as a shooting location for various documentaries, including the Afrikaans docuseries, Groen: Namibië . Even the sanctuary’s three-legged cheetah, Lucky, became famous after being featured in a Volkswagen Golf advert alongside N/a’an ku sê owner, Marlice van Vuuren.

Next month we continue to explore the beauty of Namibia and how it attracts big budget film and television productions from across the globe.

Barry de Klerk

Discovering Windhoek

Namibia’s capital is a bustling city with an estimated population of ± 400 000 (according to the City of WIndhoek). Windhoek lies in an airy basin in the central highlands, surrounded by the Auas Mountains in the southeast, the Eros Mountains in the northeast and the Khomas Hochland in the west.

Windhoek is often described as a city with a ‘continental’ atmosphere. This can be ascribed to its architecture – historical buildings dating back to German colonial rule – as well as its cuisine, culture, dress codes and educational institutions. At the same time Windhoek has the colours, sounds and pace of a modern African city. Pavement displays of African drums and wood carvings from the north contrast with elegant shops offering sophisticated Swakara garments and Namibian gemstones set in individually designed jewellery. While some shops display clothing, silver and glassware imported from Europe, others stock casual and colourful garments from West Africa. Because of the many hot springs in the area, Windhoek was initially known as Ai-gams (correctly spelt /Ai //Gams to indicate the click sound), a Nama word meaning ‘firewater’, ‘steam’ or ‘smoke’, and Otjomuise, a Herero word meaning the ‘place of steam’. The Nama captain, Jan Jonker Afrikaner, gave the town the name it carries today. In the early 1840s Afrikaner settled where the most powerful spring reached the surface. It is thought that in a moment of nostalgia he named the place after Winterhoek, the farm in the Cape where he was born. During the German colonial administration the town was called Windhuk, which was subsequently changed back to Windhoek. Public transport in the city consists mainly of taxis, while a bus service transports passengers from Katutura and Khomasdal to Windhoek and its various suburbs.

SOME LANDMARKS AND PLACES WORTH A VISIT WHEN IN WINDHOEK:

• Christuskirche, an Evangelical Lutheran Church, is one of the city’s most striking landmarks, built from local sandstone and completed in 1910. Its design was influenced by the Romanesque, neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau styles, and its stained-glass windows were donated by Kaiser Wilhelm II.

• Tintenpalast, meaning Ink Palace. This is Namibia’s original Government Building, completed in 1914 in time for the first session of the Landesrat. Since then it has housed a series of successive administrations and governments. After independence it was renovated to accommodate the Namibian Parliament. In front of Tintenpalast are the Parliament Gardens.

• Independence Museum, dedicated to the Namibian liberation struggle.

• The Supreme Court, the only postindependence building that reflects an African, albeit northern African, style of architecture.

• Namibia Craft Centre in the Old Brewery premises

• Zoo Park, named after the zoo that once existed there. The curious two-metrehigh stone column was sculpted by wellknown Namibian artist, Dörte Berner. The monument marks the place where the bones of prehistoric elephants were excavated in the fifties, now on display at the Earth Science Museum near Eros Airport. Also in the park is the Witbooi Memorial, unveiled in 1997 to commemorate the soldiers lost in battles fought between the Schutztruppe and the legendary Nama chief, Hendrik Witbooi.

• Gibeon Meteorite Fountain, where 31 of the original 77 Gibeon meteorites are displayed. The Gibeon meteorite shower, which occurred in southern Namibia southeast of Gibeon, is the largest known shower of its kind in the world.

• Windhoek Railway Station, built in 1912/1913. In front of the building is a narrow-gauge locomotive, and on the first floor is the TransNamib Railway Museum, well worth a visit.

Find more Namibian travel inspiration at www.thisisnamibia.com

Follow @thisis_namibia on Facebook and Instagram for extraordinary Namibia travel stories.

TO WINDHOEK AND

BEYOND

FlyNamibia between Eros Airport in Windhoek and Ondangwa, Rundu, Katima Mulilo, Walvis Bay and Oranjemund, as well as between Hosea Kutako International Airport and Cape Town.

www.flynamibia.com.na

Elzanne McCulloch

TO KAZA

N$600 per room at our

Popa Falls Resort is a gateway to the north-eastern corner of Namibia and home to perennial rivers, magnificent indigenous woodlands, riverine forests, floodplains and reed-lined channels. The resort is located on the Kavango River, and the falls are accessible by foot from here.

Wildlife Wonders on the Banks of Chobe

Heavy clouds hang above the boat like an umbrella. Dark blue as far as the eye can see, promises to break at any instant. This is the place where African rainstorms found their thunder. This is Chobe, in the furthest north-eastern corner of Namibia, and arguably the wildest wonderland in the country.

The waterway leads us to Serondela, a classic safari lodge accessible only by boat. En route to our luxury destination from Kasane the river is buzzing with houseboats, tourists on cruises, fishermen and service vessels. Around every bend, the further we glide over the water, boats and people become increasingly scarce, replaced by numerous African Fish Eagles and hippos. The densely lodge-dotted banks near Kasane are now a distant memory as we slack the boat’s speed. Serondela comes into view. Silence falls. Across the stream is a resident lion pride of six stunning specimens, lazing in the drizzle from the clouds above, welcoming our arrival. It’s going to be one magnificent sunset, as can be expected from the awe-inspiring scenery and rain clouds withering on the horizon.

Serondela’s story starts with the quest to test a new houseboat. Co-founder Simone Micheletti set up camp here, and fell in love with the view, sheer silence and secluded nature of the island. A houseboat simply wouldn’t do it justice. Instead, seven luxury chalets, one family bungalow and an open-plan communal area were built with unobstructed and exclusive views of this bend in the Chobe River.

When the mighty Chobe is in flood, Sedondela’s spaces are a stone-throw from the water. In the dryer season, it’s a short stroll. Either way, the wilderness is at arm's length, the city sounds are unheard, and guests can truly immerse themselves in the environment rich with plants, mammals, reptiles and birdlife.

A morning boat cruise takes us upstream. Peering attentively into the trees for a highly anticipated leopard encounter we find a Giant Kingfisher instead, no less exciting as this is my first sighting of the beautiful orange-breasted bird. More wildlife wonder unfolds. Young crocodiles bask in the sun, unbothered by our presence. A Cape Cormorant, perched atop the skeleton of a fallen tree, gulps down a sizable fish breakfast. Upon returning to Serondela’s boat bay, a large herd of elephants come to drink, little ones clumsily weave between the older females, who stop drinking only to form a huddle guarding their precious offspring. Caught up in

the manoeuvres of the largest land mammal, we almost missed the full-grown water monitor at the hull of our boat, surveying the bank. With a split tongue slithering through its dinosaur-like snout, and a tail the length of its body swaying through the low grass, the water monitor is sensing its surroundings, searching ceaselessly for an avian egg to munch on.

Returning to the lodge for a scrumptious breakfast overlooking the Chobe River, the guests eat and sip coffee in silence, taking in the ever-increasing herds of elephants moving through the panoramic view. When we retreat to our suite to escape the heat, a large group of impalas graze on the floodplain visible from the fairytale bed and mosquito canopy. Serondela’s rooms are classically decorated and utterly comfortable. The bathroom features double-basins, a circular shower and traditionally woven laundry basket.

After spending a warm day by the splash pool, dozing off with a book and returning to the main area for an afternoon gin and tonic, we embark on another cruise, this time venturing downstream. The dense rain clouds drive a big group of hippo out of the water – a rare treat to see them on the banks, as they usually only emerge at nighttime to graze. With Oxpecker birds on their back, the curvy creatures wade slowly through the bits of green at their fat feet. More elephants, waterbuck, a Marabou, a Yellowbilled Stork and Fish Eagles show off by the water, making for brilliant pictures and a proximity unheard of on a game viewer vehicle.

Serondela is special, not only because of its unique lodge design, superb staff and delicious food, but also because of the wildlife wonderland that surrounds it. The best part being: it’s almost all yours, away from the humdrum of the massive hotels and car parking competition to get the best view of an animal. Serondela and its surroundings are the wildlife wonderland worthy of long-haul flights, boat rides and border controls. It is Chobe at its very finest!

Charene Labuschagne

BOOK YOUR STAY:

Caprivi Adventures offers transfers from Katima Mulilo across the border to Kasane in Botswana, from where Serondela Lodge picks up guests by boat. Caprivi Adventures is a one-stop adventure and activities hub in Katima Mulilo. They offer vehicle rentals, boat cruises, fishing trips, birding excursions, game drives and cultural tours as well as day trips to the Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park and the Sioma Falls as well as safaris in the greater KAZA region.

Contact them at info@capriviadventures.com www.serondelalodge.com

TO

KATIMA MULILO AND BEYOND

BEV’S DIVINE SPARE RIBS

12 pieces of pork rib (± 2 kg) STOCK

Water, salt, pepper, sweet basil, oregano, bay leaves, garlic and ginger

SAUCE / MARINADE

125 ml honey

90 ml soya sauce

90 ml tomato sauce

125 ml white vinegar

A few drops of Tabasco sauce

6 cloves of garlic, crushed

Juice of one orange

10 ml mustard powder

5 ml paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

• Bring all the ingredients for the stock to the boil.

• Pre-cook spare ribs in the stock for about 15 minutes.

• For the marinade put all the ingredients for the sauce into a big pot and bring to the boil.

• Add the pre-cooked, warm ribs to the marinade and boil for another 15 minutes.

• Cool down and refrigerate overnight.

• Braai on medium coals until browned and tender, or grill in the oven or freeze for later use.

To order your copy contact Bonn Nortjé at Venture Publications: bonn@venture.com.na

Hentie Burger

TO RUNDU AND BEYOND

www.flynamibia.com.na

FlyNamibia between Eros Airport in Windhoek and Ondangwa, Rundu, Katima Mulilo, Walvis Bay and Oranjemund, as well as between Hosea Kutako International Airport and Cape Town.

Between heaven and the waterways,

with the oldest elephant in Kavango

Above us, only sky… and beneath, the wild waters of the Okavango in all its glory, complete with an abundance of crocodile, hippo and over ninety species of fish that subsist within its depths. The only thing separating you from being swallowed into the hues of blue, whether overhead or underwater, is a thin canvas sheet or layer of wooden planks.

And no, this is not a local take on John and Yoko’s Imagine This is the reality of living in a floating tent on one of the longest river systems on the African continent. Here, nature makes a constant effort to keep its viewer spellbound with a continuously impressive performance. As a start, and within arm’s reach of your front porch, a family of hippo goes about their daily routine of snorting, yawning (while showing off sets of monstrous teeth), twitching ears and bobbing their heavy bodies in and out of the water. Across the waters is the Buffalo Core Area of Bwabwata National Park, and expect to be entertained by the bulk of the Big Five – as a matter of fact, all except for the rhino – plus all their furry and feathered friends. “It’s a constant ballet of game parading along the banks”, as one guest aptly described the animal party. And if you are one of those who need some form of human interaction in order to feel alive, fear not, you’ll most probably have a show of locals bravely taking a bath in the shallower pools, or transporting themselves up and down the river in a mokoro.

This rare piece of paradise is found at Ndhovu Safari Lodge. Ndhovu, which translates into elephant from the local Mbukushu language, saw its doors, or tent flaps, open in 1989, right in time to witness the dawn of a new era in Namibian history, and officially making it the oldest private lodge on the western banks of the Okavango. It boasts two

floating tents as the latest addition to its unique portfolio, an initiative by its third and current owner, Ralf Speh, who had the idea of bringing his guests even closer to the river, or literally, on top of it. Ralf, who originally hails from Germany, first set foot in Namibia as a visitor in 1993. Some seven years later he returned, this time as a tour guide, and during his very first visit to Ndhovu, concluded that he wanted to settle there – and preferably own it – “because of its spectacular view over the park”. In 2018, his dream finally became reality and Ralf has since made it his mission to not only improve and expand the facilities, but also offer exclusive activities to his lodgers.

In 2023, the lodge became the first in Namibia to offer day trips to the World Heritage Site of Tsodilo Hills in Botswana, with the added option of scenic flights over the surrounding area. Other bookable adventures include fishing and birding excursions, boat safaris, day trips to Popa Falls (yes, also by boat), a personalised walkabout through the local village of Kamutjonga, and game drives into the Buffalo and Mahango Core Areas. Both park trips offer unique access routes: the first is by sending guests across the river by boat, where they are met by their guide and taken into the depths of the wilderness with a history and remnants of war (Buffalo Battalion ring a bell?), while the latter is the easy way by road, a distance of just four kilometres from the lodge.

As the final cherry on top and after an exciting day exploring the area and all it has to offer, look forward to a familystyle three-course dinner. Creatively cooked up by chef Abisai Hango, and presented in both English and Mbukushu, it is the ideal opportunity to learn some local lingo while basking in the satisfaction of another unforgettable adventure.

Marita van Rooyen

Jonathan, 38. Business meeting in Ondangwa at 09:00.

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

Millions of people are pushing through what often feels like a struggle against themselves, and millions are trying to understand what mental health disorders entail. Awareness is the first step to closing that gap. Mental health disorders affect everybody regardless of race, colour, gender, age, or nationality. Some mental illnesses can be treated, while other conditions can be rehabilitated to improve quality of life.

Visit our page https://www.rmanam.com/healthmatters/ or scan the QR code for an introduction to Mental Health Awareness. Join Our Namibian specialists in video seminars on unique topics surrounding mental well-being and gain access to an expanding library of mental health articles.

MENTAL HEALTH FACTS

One in ten people lives with a mental health disorder.

According to research, up to 26% of the Namibian population suffers from mental health disorders.

A Higher percentage of females report suffering from mental health disorders compared to males.

More than 792 Million people live with mental health disorders worldwide.

Poor Mental Health can increase the risk for long-lasting, chronic conditions like heart disease.

If you do not experience mental health issues, you likely know at least one person who does; if you struggle with any mental health disorders, you are not alone.

Caught between cultures

Born and raised in Windhoek, Karel Prinsloo is an award-winning photographer who has extensively covered conflicts and humanitarian work in Africa and the Middle East over the last 30 years.

A few years ago Karel spent a couple of weeks in Rehoboth with the aim of creating a series of images showcasing the Baster community and its individuals going about their daily lives. As descendants of European colonists and indigenous Khoi people, the Basters have an interesting history in both pre- and post-independent Namibia. Caught between cultures, neither belonging to the

majority of black nor the minority of white Namibians, this community has traditionally been very close-knit in order to preserve its culture and heritage.

During German colonial times, the Basters set up their own political system, which guaranteed them the right to selfdetermination. While their rights were suppressed after World War I by the South African government, the Rehoboth Self-Government Act was passed in 1976 granting them autonomy, and allowing them to grow and develop. After Namibia’s independence in 1990, the Baster self-rule was abolished and Baster communal land was seized by the newly formed Namibian government.

In his project, which includes audio of individuals explaining what it means to them to be a Baster, Karel gives an insight into a community struggling to preserve their unique identity and culture. He examines the difference between a new generation growing up in an independent Namibia and an older generation who lived during the times of apartheid but also had a degree of self-determination.

Unlike most photographers, Karel became one through pure coincidence. Fresh from high school in 1991, he had set his sights on becoming a reporter at the Windhoek-based Afrikaans newspaper, Republikein. Enquiring about a post, he was told there was none, but they were looking for a photographer. With no experience in photography, and not realising at the time that this might be a fortunate stroke of serendipity, he grabbed the opportunity with both hands and started honing his skills in this new craft. Bear in mind that those were the days of film which required a lot more than simply clicking a button to produce hundreds of digital images.

Inspired by the exploits of the renowned Bang Bang Club during the tumultuous early 1990s, Karel moved to South Africa where, working for Beeld, he was assigned to cover the unrest and escalating violence in townships ahead of the country’s first general elections in 1994.

Wanting more, Karel moved base again in 2001 when he took a job with Associated Press as chief photographer for East Africa. From Nairobi, Kenya, he covered multiple conflicts across the continent and further afield.

These days he freelances for various international organisations such as UNICEF, WFP, GAVI and IFAW focusing more on humanitarian issues than war. He lives in Paris, France, with his wife Beatrice.

Karel has won numerous awards including the South African Photographer of the Year as well as the second prize for news stories at the World Press Photo Awards in 2000 for his coverage of the devastating Mozambique floods. He has also been a CNN African Journalist of the year photography runner-up. Karel’s photos have appeared in all the world's major publications including the New York Times, Time magazine, Newsweek and Paris Match.

@karelprinsloo

www.karelprinsloo.com

He examines the difference between a new generation growing up in an independent Namibia and an older generation who lived during the times of apartheid but also had a degree of self-determination.

N$400m raised in green bond issuance debut

First issued in 2007, green bonds were created to exclusively finance projects, assets or business activities that have positive environmental and/or climate benefits.

Standard Bank Namibia has emphasised its commitment to playing a key role in sustainable funding solutions in Namibia by successfully raising N$400 million of funding in the debt capital markets through green bond issuance, with Standard Bank of South Africa acting as joint arranger.

The inaugural green senior unsecured bond auction was held on 30 June 2022. According to Standard Bank Namibia Head of Treasury and Capital Management, Danie Rourke, the auction was well received, achieving a 2.41x oversubscription on issuance size, with the bulk of the bids within guidance and the spreads clearing at the lower end of price guidance. The proceeds of the green bond issuance will be used to finance and refinance, in whole or in part, eligible renewable energy projects in Namibia in accordance with the Standard Bank Group Sustainable Bond Framework. The use of proceeds aligns with Standard Bank Namibia’s SEE impact areas, namely Infrastructure, Climate Change and Sustainable Finance, and maps to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG7), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG11) and Climate Action (SDG13).

Standard Bank Namibia already disbursed funding for the first beneficiary focusing on renewable energy in June 2022. Qualifying projects must primarily focus on solar PV and wind farms, with or without battery storage. Projects that have a fossil fuel element of any kind are excluded.

The bank is committed to sustainability finance as it aligns with Standard Bank Namibia’s purpose of driving Namibia’s growth and is a strategic value driver for maximising positive social, economic and environmental (SEE) impacts of their business activities. This ground-breaking green bond issuance speaks to the bank’s commitment to address climate change and to support renewable energy projects in the Namibian economy.

Standard Bank Namibia also recently issued the country’s first green loan after entering into a multi-million-dollar funding agreement with an undisclosed company.

With the world drastically feeling the impacts of climate change – ranging from extreme weather, droughts and flooding to heat waves – the green angle enables a growing number of people and institutions, both locally and internationally, to help influence change and act to support climate change initiatives through investing. In a Namibian context, by investing in this bond, investors participate in renewable energy initiatives which are key pillars to growing the country’s economy and reaching its sustainable development goals by 2030.

This groundbreaking green bond issuance speaks to the bank’s commitment to address climate change and to support renewable energy projects in the Namibian economy.

A monthly wrap-up of News Worth Knowing

Namibia passport ranks 67th best globally

Namibia’s passport has been ranked 67 out of 199 countries including 227 travel destinations rated globally in the latest Henley Passport Index.

The ranking gives Namibia a score of 79 and visa-free or visaon-arrival access to 79 destinations around the world for Namibian travellers.

Neighbouring South Africa is ranked 53rd with a score of 106, while Botswana is ranked 63rd with access to 87 countries, on par with Bahrain and Jamaica.

Zambia is ranked 75th with access to 71 destinations, along with Indonesia, and Zimbabwe is ranked 79th with access to 66 countries, alongside Armenia and the Cape Verde Islands. Angola and Cameroon are ranked 92nd with a score of 51.

The ranking, published by London-based immigration consultancy Henley & Partners, uses data from the International Air Transport Association to rank 199 passports' access to 227 travel destinations without a prior visa.

The top-ranking Japanese passport offers visa-free access to 193 destinations (85% of world) that collectively account for 98% of the global economy.

Singapore and South Korea are in second place with a score of 192, followed by Germany and Spain at 190.

Finland, Italy, and Luxembourg are in fourth place with a score of 189, and Austria, Denmark, Netherlands, and Sweden are in fifth place with a score of 188.

Meanwhile, the five countries with the weakest visa scores are Yemen ranked 105th with a score of 30, Pakistan 106th (32), Syria 107th (30), Iraq at 108th and a score of 29.

Afghanistan passport is at the bottom of the ranking, providing visa-free access to only 12% of the world and less than 1% of global economic output, at 109th position and a score of 27.

Currently, citizens of more than 50 countries can enter Namibia for up to 90 days without a tourist visa or for almost any other purpose except employment.

The cost of private education in Namibia: A hefty price for quality results

The decision to enroll a child in a private school can be a difficult one, especially when considering the cost. With reports of a decline in the performance of Grade 11 and 12 learners in public schools during the 2022 academic year, many parents are considering private education as an alternative.

The Brief conducted research to determine the current cost of private education in Namibia. Our findings reveal that while private schools promise a high-quality education and excellent results, they come with a high price tag.

On average, the lowest priced private schools in the country cost parents N$42,000 per annum per child, with some schools charging as much as N$145,000 per year. For non-Namibian parents or those who do not pay taxes in the country, the cost is even higher, with a minimum of N$66,000 per annum, and some schools charging over N$300,000 per year.

According to our survey of school fees for 2023, Windhoek International School emerged as the highest priced private school in the country. A child enrolled in Early Level 1-3 can expect to pay N$66,700 per year, while the standard rate for Levels 1 and 2 is N$79,800 and N$181,100 for Early Level 3. The fees continue to escalate as the child progresses through the grades, with parents paying N$81,000 for Grades 1 to 5, N$87,000 for Grade 6 and 7, N$98,000 for Grade 8, and so on.

The school's Grade 9-10 is levied at N$265,000 for its standard rate, and N$305,000 for Grade 11-12.

St Paul’s College also emerged with a high school fee structure, with Namibian taxpayers paying N$70,368 per annum for pre to Grade 6, N$76,968 for Grade 7 and N$83,568 for Grades 8-9. The fees increase for learners in Grades 10 and 11, with the highest being for Grade 12 at N$90,684 per annum.

Non-Namibian students at St Paul's College are expected to pay N$122,328 for Grade 1-6, N$151,476 for Grade 10-11, and N$157,908 for Grade 12.

For parents not paying taxes in Namibia or who do not provide their Namibian Tax Identification Number on the fee form, the costs are even higher. For example, a total of N$122,238

will be paid for learners in pre-grade to 6, and N$133,884 for pupils in Grade 7. The tuition continues to increase as the grades progress, with parents paying N$145,428 for Grades 8-9 and N$157,908 for Grade 12.

St George’s Diocesan School fees range from N$43,260 to N$128,544 per annum, with Grade 1-4 expected to fork out N$62,800 per year, N$80,340 for Grade 10-12, and N$128,544 for non-Namibians.

Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed Curro-owned Windhoek Gymnasium emerged as the least expensive private school in the country, charging an annual school fee of N$44,400 for Pre-primary, N$66,420 for Primary School and N$81,600 per annum for high school, with no variation between Namibian and non-Namibian learners.

However, it is worth noting that private education in South Africa is also costly, with some schools charging as much as R300,000 per year for boarding and tuition. Hilton College in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands is currently the most expensive school in South Africa, with annual fees at R369,920 for 2023.

While the cost of private education in Namibia and South Africa remains high, parents whose children attend public schools and benefit from free universal education in Namibia have raised concerns about shortages and shortcomings in the system, with some claiming they are required to purchase stationeries that can cost over N$2,000 per child. In addition, they also criticised the new curriculum, stating that it was rushed and not properly consulted and resourced.

The Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) has secured the majority of the 2023 Norway quota, according to allocations made by the Meat Board of Namibia.

Meatco secures bulk of 2023 Norway beef quota

Meatco has been allotted 1200 tonnes, while BeefCor has been allocated 400 tonnes of the total 1600 tonnes available. "I can confirm the allocation of 1200 tonnes for Meatco and 400 tonnes for BeefCo," Goliath Tujendapi, Executive for Trade and Marketing at the Meat Board of Namibia told The Brief.

Insiders say that the allocations stem from Meatco's application for 1200 tonnes and BeefCo's application for 1000 tonnes. In the previous year, the companies had secured the same allocation, which was part of a joint quota of 3200 tonnes allocated by Norway to Namibia and Botswana.

Meatco has been a consistent supplier of the quota over the years, delivering over 10,400 tonnes of beef as part of the Norway quota between 2013 and 2020. In some cases, Meatco has even taken up quota initially allocated to other parties, after they failed to fulfill their allocation.

In addition to exporting beef to Norway, Namibia also exports to the United States and China, making it the first African country to do so. For the US market, Meatco will be exporting boneless raw beef products such as primal cuts and beef trimmings, as well as chuck and blades.

The company expects the market to have a potential of approximately 5,700 tonnes per year when fully operational. Research firm Simonis Storm expects increased livestock marketing activities to support growth in the country's agriculture industry. The Bank of Namibia forecasts a 3.8% growth rate for the agricultural sector, with a 4.5% growth rate forecasted for livestock farming in 2022.

Namibia Trade Network is the country’s leading multi-media platform providing a network for business professionals and potential investors to access relevant and accurate trade-related information.

With 31 years of experience, Namibia Trade Network promotes and encourages local and foreign investment in Namibia, aligning with Namibia’s Vision 2030 of growing the country into a prosperous and industrialised nation.

NTN is endorsed by the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade and is in proud partnership with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB).

The age of the digital nomad visa: Namibia joins the club

Digital nomad visas have been rising in popularity as the number of people working remotely has increased in recent years. Remote working became a necessity during the pandemic-induced lockdowns and most of us have had to adapt to getting the job done outside of the customary office environment. This shift presented an opportunity: to work remotely while travelling and staying abroad as “digital nomads” if you will.

A growing number of countries have taken advantage of the digital nomad movement by offering visas to individuals searching for destinations to visit and work from while travelling. According to Travelinglifestyle.net, around 45 countries currently offer digital nomad visas (including residency programmes), and the number is expected to grow further in 2023. Not all digital nomad visas are equal, and the requirements and restrictions for obtaining one can vary greatly depending on the country. Some countries may require a certain level of income or proof of income, while others may require a specific type of work or business. Additionally, many digital nomad visas are typically only valid for a certain period of time.

In October last year the Land of the Brave joined the growing club of countries luring digital nomads to its shores, and as such Namibia became one of the first countries on the African continent to offer the visa. The visa is issued for a total period of six months, subject to an application process, which has been streamlined to make it easy to participate in the programme. To qualify, applicants will need to show proof of income of at least US$2,000 (~N$34,000) per month plus US$1,000 for an accompanying spouse and US$500 for each accompanying child. Applicants must also complete the required application forms and provide certain supporting documentation, including certified travel documents, medical certificates, and medical or comprehensive travel insurance among others. The visa fee is US$124 (~N$2,100) and is payable upon arrival, making it one of the most financially accessible options currently available.

Nomads will however have to consider the tax implications of working in Namibia since they may be subject to Namibian income tax on the income from the services rendered whilst in the country.

Namibia is a source-based tax country, meaning income tax is levied on the basis of its source, regardless of the nationality of the person earning the income. It is a well-established tax

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

principle in Namibia that the source of income from services rendered is the place where the service was rendered. This means that the income earned by a nomad in respect of services rendered whilst in Namibia will be regarded as from a Namibian source, and the income will accordingly be subject to tax in Namibia unless a Double Tax Agreement (DTA) provides relief from the tax. Namibia has DTAs in place with Botswana, France, Germany, India, Malaysia, Mauritius, Romania, Russia, South Africa, Sweden, and the UK. Most of these DTAs (if not all) should provide a nomad who is a resident of one of these countries relief from tax in Namibia. But each case will need to be assessed on its own merits.

Nomads who are residents of non-DTA countries will not qualify for the relief, but instead be subject to income tax in Namibia on the income earned from the services rendered whilst in Namibia. Based on a strict interpretation of the tax rules, they will also be required to register for tax and file a tax return in Namibia. The fact that the remuneration was paid or the employment contract was entered outside Namibia would be irrelevant. While it is arguably not the intention to tax nomads working in Namibia, such a notion is unlikely to hold as defence in a case where the Namibian tax authorities decide to apply the tax rules on digital nomad visa holders as they do in the case of other foreigners working in the country. After all, the country aims to economically benefit from the activities of nomads whilst in the country and for it to pursue the taxes lawfully due by nomads working in the country is not beyond imagination. The best will be for nomads to clarify their tax position before visiting the country.

While the birth of Namibia’s digital nomad visa programme is an exciting development, it is by no means expected to ignite the country’s foreign traveller numbers, and by extension the tourism industry. Recent data from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism showed that foreign arrival numbers remain far below pre-pandemic levels with foreign arrivals for 2022 estimated to register only around a third of the number recorded in 2019.

That said, the digital nomad visa is expected to provide at least some relief to Namibia’s battered tourism industry as more overseas travellers can now visit the country on a work basis and extend their stay.

Be sure to visit the Namibia Investment, Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) website for all the information on becoming a Namibian digital nomad and enjoy the stay.

Hugo van den Heever – Research Analyst NETWORK

AFRICA IS RE-IMAGINED AT MOKUTI ETOSHA.

Mokuti Etosha is a magical adventure, just a stone’s throw from the Etosha Gate. Its wild wonder, peaceful atmosphere and stunning architecture is a sublime experience of luxury and relaxation.

Mokuti Etosha has undergone a complete reconstruction to present you with an extraordinary natural world of new ’under the skin’ and up close, intimate, knowledgeable and unique experiences. It is Africa re-imagined, immersing you into an environment that feels familiar, yet different, where the imperfections of the natural world meet the knowledge and care of all those that are intimately connected to Mokuti Etosha.

The O&L purpose of creating a future, enhancing life is evident in everything at Mokuti Etosha – trickling down from the employee service to the customer experience and community involvement. As you discover Africa re-imagined, your world will open to new happenings designed to heighten your senses, rejuvenate your soul and ultimately enrich your life.

The food is a true culinary masterpiece, with live cooking stations, a charcoal oven, a barista station, and a Josper oven – presenting you with carefully crafted quality food, pure and organic.

You can also take a thrilling game drive in Etosha, go on a bushwalk with our indigenous Hai//om bushmen, or watch the sunset on a sundowner trip.

For the ultimate indulgence, visit the Omulilo Spa centre, or challenge yourself on our self-guided walking trails and tennis courts. Our attentive and caring colleagues will go above and beyond to make your stay one to remember.

The gates to our paradise of wild wonders officially open on the 5th of March 2023, and we cannot wait to welcome you to Mokuti Etosha - an experience of a lifetime where Africa has been re-imagined.

Contact us on +264 67 229 084 or email on

WHY ASTRONOMY?

Ilove astronomy! I always have and always will. Maybe, because I grew up in Namibia, with its low light pollution and clear, brilliant skies, I found myself looking up more often than those living in large cities. Roughly 60% of people live in urban areas, and they are unable to see what I see. Others live under cloudy skies. I’m blessed. My environment shaped me in ways that I didn’t understand as a child, and I’m just wrapping my head around now. I’m pretty sure I would have loved astronomy no matter where I popped out – perhaps via a more circuitous path than the one that I followed. In this essay, I want to share my love and knowledge of the stars with you. I think most of you will find a nugget or two here that you can take away. I hope more of you will spend your time looking up, travelling to destinations where stargazing is possible, or find yourself visiting and supporting your local planetarium or observatory. If you do, then I’ll have succeeded.

In the course of history humans have continually utilised their knowledge of celestial bodies to define time, to navigate, to calculate tides and as a guide to the timing of certain activities such as planting and harvesting – but most of all to appreciate their place in the universe. “Who are we?”, “Where do we come from?” and “Where are we going?” are a few of

the prevalent and burning questions we tend to ask about ourselves, and part of the answer lies in astronomy, whose ultimate goal it is to study and understand the universe and its fundamental laws.

The pursuit of astronomical studies stems from the natural human awe of a world larger than what the mind can readily envisage... the concept of the universe and questions relating to it simply boggle our intellects. Nearly each one of us harbours a more or less hazy idea of what the science of astronomy encompasses. In fact, it is all around us! From the observation of twinkling stars to the allure of meteor showers (shooting stars) and the different phases of the moon, the seasons, lunar and solar eclipses, or simply day succeeding night. Everything is a function of celestial mechanics; that is, how celestial bodies like the moon, planets and stars behave in relation to each other. Over the last centuries the science of astronomy has put these problems into context for us and changed our perception of the universe and all that exists within it.

As with all the sciences, boundaries are constantly being pushed. New technologies keep improving our understanding of the universe and how it affects life on Earth. Astronomers for instance monitor harmful radiation,

as well as meteorites and asteroids wandering out of the asteroid belt between Jupiter and Mars towards Earth by tracking the orbital paths of these bodies, one of which led to the extinction of dinosaurs some 65 million years ago. Also, technologies developed to study planetary bodies and the stars nowadays play an essential part in our daily lives. Satellites are indispensable in communication (e.g. cell phones, television, banking), navigation and reconnaissance (GPS), and weather forecasts, among other things. In the same way, astronomy has also made major contributions to medicine, optics and electronics. X-ray detectors, magnetic resonance imaging scanners, mirrors and amplifiers are just a few examples where medical diagnostics has profited from astronomical research.

Understanding our surroundings in space and the environment in general continues to help in predicting the destiny of our planet. A notable example is long- and short-term climate change. While short-term climate change (hundreds to thousands or even millions of years) is related to fluctuations of solar radiation – which in turn influence Earth’s magnetic field and incoming sunlight by causing significant rises or drops in temperature depending on prevalent conditions – the long-term climate on Earth (billions of years) will be decided by the life cycle of our

central star, the sun. Therefore, it is imperative to study the sun’s role in climate change and other environmental factors as well as man’s contributions to this phenomenon in order to assess its implications for mankind.

Policy makers worldwide have been criticised for allocating billions of dollars to astronomical studies rather than the alleviation of poverty and other pressing issues facing our world. However, apart from forming the foundation of human civilization, astronomical research benefits humankind in many indirect and direct ways, as the above examples show. Astronomy is constantly advancing our intellect and human capabilities, thus also contributing to the development of technologies and methods which –among other areas – are also employed in the alleviation of poverty (e.g. food production).

Astronomy continues to inspire us daily through beautiful scenes of the sky and images while keeping our minds agile. As Marissa Rosenberg et al. wrote: “Astronomy acts as a window into the immense size and complexity of space, putting Earth into perspective and promoting global citizenship and pride in our home planet.”

Victoria Ndayambekwa Nakafingo

Omake Moments

with the Namibia Trade Network

Namibian First Lady, MVA Fund CEO, Dr Ndume among 100 most reputable Africans

First Lady Monica Geingos, MVA Fund Chief Executive Officer Rosalia Martins-Hausiku, and Dr. Helena Ndume, Head of Opthalmology at Windhoek Central Hospital, have been named among 100 Most Reputable Africans of 2023 by Reputation Poll International (RPI).

The list, compiled by the global reputation firm, features individuals from diverse sectors including governance, entertainment, human rights, education, and business, who have been selected based on criteria including integrity, visibility, and impact.

Dr Ndume is the highest ranked Namibian on the list at number 33, followed by the First Lady at number 63 and MartinsHausiku at number 79. The list recognises people and businesses that are making a positive impact in Africa and around the world.

Co-Chairperson of the Review and Audit Committee and Chair Emeritus of the World Bank Group-IMF African Society Beldina Auma said the list also celebrates those who are contributing to social impact and social entrepreneurship, helping to transform businesses in Africa and positively impacting lives without causing controversy.

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MVA Fund Chief Executive Officer, Rosalia Martins-Hausiku

Head of Opthalmology at Windhoek Central Hospital, Dr. Helena Ndume

NAMPA

First Lady, Monica Geingos

One Economy Foundation

The Executive

10 minutes with local taste makers

Designer, illustrator and reigning Namibian typography queen, Edith Wasserfall is an artist to watch. She is not your regular artist, the likes of which grace gallery spaces. Edith is the people’s artist and her creative vision can be seen on larger-than-life walls as murals, in brilliantly designed brand identities for an impressive portfolio of clients and with the odd doodle on her page @edithdidthat.

A career in visual communications design has long been on the cards for this Windhoek native. Growing up in the household of two architects, good design has followed Edith around most of her life. She reminisces about her childhood home and the attention to design and detail that inevitably shaped the artist in her. That, and family gatherings including prolific Namibian fine artists like Hilda Wasserfall. The artist existed long before the artwork did.

With a gentle nudge from her creative elders, Edith chose a graphic design job-shadowing opportunity in her midhigh school career. Just a day of attentively peering over a designer’s shoulder, and she was hooked, instantly filling her toolbox with design programs and proceeding to create unthinkable amounts of sweet 16 birthday party invites and profile pictures for her friends.

After obtaining a BA degree from Stellenbosch University, Edith garnered a handful of freelance clients while working full-time in the advertising industry. While Edith always knew that she would pave her own way as a graphic designer, understanding the Namibian creative space was an essential part of building her own business. After three years in the industry and increasing demand from her freelance clients, Edith finally made the move to working for herself full-time in April of 2022, a career shift she found to be rather effortless. She says of the ad industry, “Your creative vision goes through many channels; by the end it’s not really yours anymore.” For Edith, freelancing was initially a much-needed creative outlet and she considers

herself lucky to now be designing for brands and individuals that embrace her uncanny creativity.

Edith emulates an aura of Gandhi’s mantra, “In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” The designer has channelled her kindhearted nature – tangible over the cup of coffee we’re drinking at Livega in Windhoek – into good-doing efforts. Centred around the principle of community, the designer developed Do Good Namibia, an Instagram page and adjacent database of charitable organisations in the Land of the Brave. The founding of Do Good Namibia sprouted from her friends and clients asking where they could donate or volunteer. Edith saw the gap for a one-stop destination for corporates and individuals to find organisations to support, while creating a platform for all the good done by charities. With this project, Edith hopes to spread good vibes by highlighting positive news stories in the increasingly negative social media space and facilitating support for the unsung charities and foundations of Namibia.

Her favourite project to date is a technicoloured mural design for the paediatric oncology ward of the Windhoek Central Hospital, an artwork she thoughtfully created to stimulate curiosity, play and hope for the tiny humans that call the space home. Proving once again that design can do good, especially when the designer is committed to stimulating positivity and hope in their environment and the communities that shape them.

One of Edith’s electrifying murals can be seen in the Post Street Mall in Windhoek, with the words “nothing is impossible” in bold letters. Whether intentional or not, the placement of this mural is across from a community of informal stalls – men and women selling hand-made crafts. If a large-scale public art piece can invigorate the people hustling in its vicinity, there is no doubt that Edith’s more formal design jobs inspire, encourage curiosity and play its part in making Namibian design ever more good-doing.

Charene Labuschagne

Edith Wasserfall

ROYAL HUSTLERS

Pauline Thomas Kahupi is the big sister all of us wish we had. It is impossible to ignore her beaming smile and vibrant energy, she is a lighthouse showing a path toward a better future for all women.

An Oranjemund childhood – which she now sees as idyllic and privileged – taught her that she could do anything. But born without a silver spoon in her mouth, she set her sights on diamonds instead. We caught up with her at the 99FM studio to learn more about her philosophies and advice for women finding themselves when feeling lost in a man’s world.

OSHIWAMBO GIRL IN ORANJEMUND

Let’s start at the beginning. Pauline’s parents were part of the first cohort of Oshiwambo families who reallocated to Oranjemund in the 80s. In this mining town the outside world had little influence. She experienced, in her words, “a privileged childhood” with a high quality education, safe municipal parks open to all, and integration of all races even before independence. “Everyone had a bicycle and everyone was taught to swim,” she says.

From a young age Pauline was intent on being the best version of herself. In grade 6 she won the Bilingualism Award for English and Afrikaans, beating other students for whom these were mother tongues. And here we find the birth of one of Pauline’s fundamental philosophies in life: “to live a creative life we must lose our fear of being wrong”.

GROWING A CAREER IN DIAMONDS

fail, I’ll stand up and try again,” she says, “because life is a journey, not a destination.”

People like Melissa and other female mentors she encountered along the way have shaped Pauline’s focus in her career. “I have a lot of time for young women,” she says. “Early on in my career there were several women who did that for me. There aren’t enough of us creating platforms for others. Helping others grow, yoh! It’s like you’re growing the nation.”

UNDER PRESSURE

Pauline Thomas Kahupi

Even though the mining sector is notoriously male dominated, Pauline is undaunted. “It is a man’s world but there is nothing we as women cannot achieve or do,” she states as a matter of fact. She has encouraged women not to lose themselves in such a world. “Women make the difference. It’s who we are that creates that balance in the boardroom, in whatever sector or industry you’re in. We carry a different type of emotional wellbeing which complements any industry.”

Pauline believes that having a balance of men and women in the workplace will bring more synergies, inclusion and diversity, and that is good for business.

In 2019, she was seconded for two years to De Beers UK as the Building Forever Programme Manager (sustainability framework). This was an extremely difficult time for her and she had to lean heavily on her philosophies to get through the baptism of fire. She returned to Namibia in August 2021 as Namdeb’s Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainable Impact and says she sees the effects of that secondment in her way of approaching her job everyday.

Pauline shares the story of how, as a graduate, she applied for a managerial role at Namdeb. She believed she was the right person for the job and that she was ready for that level of responsibility. Perhaps it was her self-confidence that opened doors for her. She was offered a graduate trainee position and her career in the mining sector began.

At the start she was tutored by Melissa Shanjengange, in charge of Training and Development at Namdeb, who would say “Life is like an oyster in your hand. If you keep your hand shut, you could miss out on the beautiful pearl hiding inside”. Thus Pauline found another philosophy to guide her. “If I

“Being in London was tough, I had to remind myself that life is a journey, not a destination. Everything that I think I’m failing at and doing wrong is part of that journey. And months later, I see the value of those experiences.”

SHINE YOUR LIGHT

Pauline is an exquisite blend of hardworking commitment and selfless kindness. She is a beacon for women and a precious diamond in Namibia’s crown.

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

Proudly Sponsored by

Laschandré Coetzee

Seoul

Food

Raise your hand if you have been mispronouncing the capital city of South Korea. I know I have. That is, until the opening of Seoul Food in the seaside town of Swakopmund. Not only do they dish up authentic Korean cuisine – but the mouthwatering meals, generous portions and quality ingredients make this local take-out spot the place where soul-food dreams come true. Yes, Seoul is pronounced soul, and with good reason. It’s truly food to feed your soul.

Bad day? Seoul Food. Great day? Seoul Food.

Foodies in their fifties might remember the long-standing Korean restaurant, Seoul House, which served flavourpacked dishes to loyal customers in Ausspannplatz between 1986 and 1996. Long-awaited comes the wokfried return of Seong Yu’s tantalising Korean cuisine, this time around served over the counter to take home and enjoy in your pyjamas, the way soul food is intended. Another sesame seed sprinkling of soul can be attributed to the family team cooking alongside Seong, his son Jearin and wife Yolanda. With heart and soul, Seoul Food is passionately sharing Korean flavours with foodies, claiming their stake in the Swakopmund food scene.

Seoul Food opened its doors in August of 2021, and this humble post-stamp-sized shop on Otavi Street in Swakopmund has since been raking in roaring reviews and returning customers. Real-deal Kimchi is made from scratch, depending on the availability of napa cabbage, which to Kimchi snobs, like myself, is the

only way to savour the fermented, smoked chilli pickle. Crispy fried vegetable pancakes, served with a light soy sauce or our own condiments at home. Pot-sticker style Mandu, handmade and loaded with umami flavour. And these are just the entrées.

My idea of a good time is standing in a take-out shop, in a small town, troubled by a menu where every item sounds better than the one before, while a family bustles about, their passion tangible in the fragrant air. While many Namibians can order Chinese with their eyes closed, Seoul Food, if you have yet to visit, is a completely new world of staple Korean dishes. Your best bet, if you’re unfamiliar with names like Japchae and Bulgogi, is to ask the team for recommendations. Having grown up with his father’s Korean cooking, Jearin’s favourites, and what we inevitably ended up devouring at home, are the Ja-Chae Jeon (fried veggie pancake) and beef Japchae (glass noodles and tender, generously seasoned beef strips). And Mandu dumplings and Kimchi, for good measure.

Word on Otavi Street, from the Seoul Food team themselves, is that a branch in the capital is envisioned in the foreseeable future. Windhoek locals, who have undoubtedly been envying Swakopmunders for the asset in their midst, might finally get their fix of Seoul Food on a regular basis.

In the meantime, run, don’t walk, to Seoul Food. Takeaways made with so much soul that it’s palatable, are a rare privilege!

Charene Labuschagne

My idea of a good time is standing in a take-out shop, in a small town, troubled by a menu where every item sounds better than the one before.

Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo Airport gives you access to northern Namibia

Namibia’s northern airport, Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo, was renamed from Ondangwa Airport in 2019 and on 7 October 2022, a statue was unveiled in honour of Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo at the airport. Ya Toivo was a founding member of the South West African People’s Organisation (SWAPO) and its predecessor, the Ovamboland People’s Organisation (OPO).

Following his release from Robben Island in 1984, Ya Toivo committed himself to building a democratic Namibia, serving as secretary general of SWAPO and in various ministerial portfolios in government. Ya Toivo retired from politics in 2006 and died in 2017.

The airport is about 85 km north of the world-famous Etosha National Park and in close proximity to Oshana, Oshikoto, Ohangwena, Omusati and the Kunene regions of Namibia. A restaurant and car rental services are available at the Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo for your convenience.

For travel schedules and more, contact the airport information office on

Tel: +264 65 240 515

Email: communications@airports.com.na

Find us at and www.airports.com.na

Wellness trends for 2023

Wellness has become big business, especially since the pandemic which saw people prioritise health, leading to supercharged growth in the wellness industry. We have irreversibly shifted how we view and respond to wellness. We have realised that wellbeing is fundamental to our health and overall happiness and that taking good care of yourself is paramount to your success in life.

Wellness trends look a little different year after year. What’s trending in 2023 looks very different to the trends of 2022 that included things like opening up about mental health struggles on social media and eating our greens in powdered form.

This year there are a myriad new trends on the horizon, some with staying power and others that are likely to fade away before the year is out.

Personally I hope that in 2023 we will learn to be more mindful of our own needs. Be those needs physical, mental or spiritually. I also hope that we develop a healthy relationship with our mind and body.

Here are five wellness trends that are being shared by the trend forecasters for this year:

This trend is all over the radar when it comes to wellness. This is because one really big study came out showing that all of us are becoming more sleep deprived. This is bad because a lack of sleep is said to make you ‘metabolically groggy’. This means it is harder for your body to process insulin and this contributes to weight gain.

Sleep syncing means we adjust our sleep cycle to the rhythms of nature, sleeping when the sun sets. It also means setting up a regular sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. Some studies have shown that sleep syncing can help people fall asleep quicker, as well as reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, which are often associated with poor sleep patterns.

What’s more, destinations that are off the grid are becoming more popular. Namibia’s remote corners with no cell phone coverage have the opportunity to become popular for their isolation. Unplugged, a company in the UK that provides completely off grid getaways to people, says they are signing up more and more companies wanting digital detox for their staff.

3.

WELLNESS TRAVEL

In addition to the popularity of travel to remote and digitally desolate corners, wellness travel has also become more popular than ever. This is the kind of travel that recharges the body while relaxing the mind. This is set to be a massive trend in 2023 and many people have already booked their trips to venues that focus on mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing.

4. GOING BACK TO OUR ROOTS

This trend is all about reconnecting with nature, and it is seeing people embracing a more natural lifestyle. It is also about wanting to grow your own food, choose holistic remedies and supplements, and aim to become more selfreliant in general.

To improve their mental health in 2023, people are opting for rest and the great outdoors. Going for walks and forest baths (a Japanese practice of intentionally taking in nature through all five senses) are all the rage.

5. EXCHANGING THE BAD FOR THE GOOD

Another trend that has especially taken root among younger generations (Gen Z and Millennials) is choosing to consume healthier – replacing unhealthy choices with healthier options. This means we are seeing the much loved cuppa coffee on its way out this year and the lesser loved cuppa matcha being on trend.

Matcha is a Japanese superfood green tea that is set to be the morning energiser of 2023. It gives you a caffeinated buzz while boosting your health. In contrast, coffee can be damaging to your hormone health as it causes a spike in cortisol.

It is said that on average people spend about 11 hours a day in front of a screen. A number that soared during the pandemic. Now even more people are starting to reconsider their relationship with their electronic devices, and this will give rise to the digital detox in 2023.

As studies come out showing the dangers of prolonged screen time we are seeing new developments such as our phones now sending us notifications to help us monitor our weekly screen time, and big-name celebrities quitting social media to reduce their time on devices.

This trend is also seen in the rise of trendy non-alcoholic drink options to meet the demand of people wanting to ditch the alcohol in 2023. Especially with the World Health Organisation publishing findings that link alcohol consumption and cancer.

Whether the new trends work for you or not is your personal choice. Let’s just hope that we continue to prioritise our health and wellbeing this year, recognising that poor health habits add stress to your life, and that looking after yourself is one of the most valuable things you can do for yourself.

Kirsty Watermeyer

1. SLEEP SYNCING

2. DIGITAL DETOXING

DID YOU KNOW?

This month in history:

11 February 1990

Nelson Mandela is released after 27 years of imprisonment.

2 February 1949

The first 45 RPM vinyl record is released.

3 February 1959

Referred to as “the day the music died”, rock ‘n roll musicians Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and J. P. Richardson (aka The Big Bopper) are killed in an aeroplane crash in Iowa, United States.

4 February 2004

Mark Zuckerberg creates the Facebook social media platform.

6 February 1935

The board game Monopoly first goes on sale.

13 February 2000

The last original Peanuts comic strip appears in newspapers one day after the death of Charles M. Schulz, its creator.

15 February 399 B.C.

Philosopher Socrates is sentenced to death in Athens for corrupting the minds of the youth in the city.

16 February 1959

Fidel Castro is sworn in as Prime Minister of Cuba after overthrowing Fulgencio Batista.

16 February 1990

The Constituent Assembly unanimously elects Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma as the first President of the soon-to-be independent state of Namibia.

20 February 1944

The Batman and Robin comic strip premieres in newspapers.

23 February 1940

24 February 2022

Russian President Vladimir Putin announces the start of a “special military operation” in Ukraine to "demilitarize" the country moments before Russia launches a full-scale invasion amid international condemnation.

25 February 1964

FUN FACTS ABOUT FEBRUARY:

February is the shortest month. It is the month that causes a leap year by having 29 instead of 28 days every four years.

February is associated with the Amethyst gemstone, which is believed to bring courage and inner strength to the wearer. The Ancient Greeks believed it could prevent drunkenness.

04 February

February is named after the Latin word februum, which means purification.

14 February

Valentine’s Day

19 February

World Pangolin Day

20 February

World Day of Social Justice

International Mother Language Day

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.

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

EASY HARD

Walt Disney releases Pinocchio in movie theatres.

Muhammad Ali wins his first World Heavyweight Title, defeating Sonny Liston.

Love Namibia

Arguably Namibia’s most photographed destination, seeing Deadvlei from the air gives a whole new perspective to this pan with its ghostly camel thorn trees that attract tens of thousands of tourists annually.