FlyNamibia March 2023

Fyodor Dostoevsky

MAKING

Aina Imalwa is not scared to get her hands dirty.

Get to know Namibia’s hottest DJ.

The Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia attracted and mobilised more than N$3 billion in the past decade.

Trevor Nott’s sculptures celebrates his love for nature.

BOOK

My journey to the Top of the world by Saray Khumalo. ECONOMIC

Eric van Zyl takes a closer look at what an AI future holds.

Godenfang: A gastronomical experience in the heart of Walvis Bay.

WELLNESS 49

What would you tell your younger self?

COME

With so much to do and see, make sure you plan to take enough time when exploring this coastal gem.

A holistic approach that engages and supports teachers and learners.

David Bishop shares his thoughts and feelings on popular news events.

Fun facts, important dates and Sudoku. LOVE

Thank you again and again. And again.

FNB is named Namibia’s Bank of the Year for the 11th time

FNB proudly received the accolade for the 10th time which speaks to our commitment to helping build a globally competitive Namibia and creating a great support base for our customers.

No award is possible without the support of our customers, and for that we thank you, again.

Need To Knows. with

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Cash payment at: Eros Airport, Ondangwa Airport, Oranjemund Airport

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FlyNamibia

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Luggage restrictions

Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure of the flight on Fly Namibia

Check-in opens 1h 30min before domestic flight and 2 hours before international flight.

Check-in CLOSES 30 min prior to domestic flight and 50 min prior to international flight.

Items NOT allowed in hand luggage:

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MAX 20kg Per person

Ondangwa - Toivo ya Toivo

Eros Airport

Cape Town

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.

It’s March, which means we’re celebrating! Celebrating Namibia’s 33rd year of independence and celebrating Namibians - the wonderful people from the Land of the Brave. The pages of our Independence issue are dedicated to innovation and inspiration. To creative Namibians making things happen. Those who grind and hustle and never give up on their dreams. We celebrate Namibian places and landscapes. In February, our Valentine’s competition allowed our readers and social media followers to share what they LOVE about Namibia. The entries blew us away, and we were so glad that the winner was selected through a random draw, because there were all too many entries that bowled us over with their creativity and passion. We loved how genuine people were and how heartfelt their feelings toward their home is.

On the cover

When we started this airline in 2019, our hope was for a next generation of aviation. A generation dedicated to authenticity, service delivery and safety. A generation that is genuine and proud. Our dream is to build a privately-owned business that a nation can be proud of. So, to celebrate Namibia’s independence month, we curated a cover that represents the next generation of Namibians.

Via our social media platforms the public shared pictures of their unique interpretation of Namibian dress, from which our magazine team chose four individuals who showcased modern Namibia with class, edge and authenticity. Oshiwambo’s bright Ondelela fabric was fashioned into a men’s trouser and included as an accent on a stylish dress, while another flaunted an original design featuring leather elements and a funky take on animal print.

In celebrating Namibia’s independence this year, the cover of our March issue exhibits our country’s diversity, liberation, history and freedom of expression. Alina Kadhila, Donovan Majiedt, Founa Kazongominja and Charene Labuschagne, these four Namibians embody the spirit of our country - from all walks of life, creed and culture, and uncanny pride in their heritage and hopes for the future of the Land of the Brave.

Welcome on board

Win with FlyNamibia this Independence Day

On 1 March we launched our ‘Voices of Unity’ competition. By entering you stand a chance to win two return tickets to any of our destinations! To enter, all you need to do is post a video of you singing the Namibian national anthem, any way, anywhere, as loud and proud as you possibly can.

Tag us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, and nominate two friends to do the same by tagging them in the comments section of our post. You will then be entered into the draw! Winners will be announced on Independence Day.

While we encourage creativity, please remain respectful of our anthem in your performance. It's about celebrating Namibia!

Hitching a Safari lift

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.

In March, our team will be attending the ITB in Berlin, Germany to showcase this offering to the world and attract more foreign visitors to help boost our tourism sector.

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

NAMIBIA DISCOVER

1. Popa Falls Resort

2. Onkoshi Resort

3. Namutoni Resort

4. Halali Resort

5. Okaukuejo Resort

6. Olifantsrus Camp

7. Dolomite Resort

8. Terrace Bay

9. Torra Bay

10. Khorixas Camp

11. Waterberg Resort

12. Gross-Barmen Resort

13. Mile 4 Campsite

14. Sun Karros Daan Viljoen

15. Sossus Dune Lodge

16. Sesriem Campsite

17. Naukluft Camp

18. Hardap Resort

19. Duwisib Castle

20. Shark Island Resort

21. Fish River Canyon & Hobas Camp

22. /Ai-/Ais Hotsprings Spa

23. Mile 72

24. Mile 108

25. Jakkalsputz

A beacon of hope for Africa

Celebrating 33 years of Independence

Today, Namibians live in a country known for its peace and stability. With much room for improvement on many fronts, as with all developing nations, Namibia has set a good track record despite its small size. A nation filled with hard-working people and with a government that has seen the peaceful transition of power from one head of state to the next for more than three decades. But what led us to this moment where we can celebrate 33 years of Namibia? Let’s take a walk through history from our corner of Southwestern Africa…

Before independence, Namibia was under the rule of South Africa for over seven decades. The journey to independence was long and arduous, marked by years of struggle against apartheid and colonial rule with the country finally gaining independence on March 21, 1990, becoming the 160th member of the United Nations.

The road to independence for Namibia began with the formation of the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) in 1960. SWAPO was formed with the intention of fighting for the independence of Namibia and ending apartheid rule in the country. The organisation quickly became the leading voice for independence in Namibia. It had credibility in the eyes of the globe. SWAPO would go on to become the ruling party of Namibia and continue to lead the country to this day.

In 1966, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution calling for the immediate withdrawal of South African forces from Namibia and the granting of independence to the country. The resolution was not immediately implemented, however, and South Africa continued to occupy and control Namibia for another two decades.

During this time, Namibians fought against apartheid rule through various means, including peaceful protests, strikes, and acts of resistance. The most notable of these was the Cassinga massacre in 1978, in which South African forces

killed hundreds of Namibian refugees who were seeking asylum in Angola. This massacre sparked outrage around the world and brought international attention to the struggle for independence in Namibia.

In 1988, the United Nations and South Africa finally agreed to a peace plan that would lead to the independence of Namibia. Under the plan, a transitional government was established and elections were held in 1989. SWAPO emerged as the clear winner of the elections, and on March 21, 1990, Namibia finally became an independent country.

Over the past 33 years since independence, Namibia has made significant progress in several areas. One of the most notable achievements has been the peaceful transition of power between heads of state. This peaceful transfer has been critical in maintaining stability and democracy in the country, and it has helped to create a culture of political tolerance and respect for the rule of law.

Another area of success for Namibia has been its economy. Despite facing numerous challenges, including a high level of poverty, inequality, and unemployment, Namibia has managed to grow its economy at a steady pace over the past few decades. The country has attracted investment from both local and foreign businesses, which has helped to create jobs and spur economic growth. In addition, the government has made significant investments in infrastructure, including roads, ports, and airports, which has helped to improve connectivity and facilitate economic activity.

As with any developing nation though, there is much scope for improvement. With its strong track record of peace and stability, its rich endowment of natural resources and its willing and able workforce, Namibia has vast potential if resources are managed correctly and sustainably. Despite facing numerous challenges, Namibia has continued to make strides in addressing key issues and it remains a beacon of hope and progress in Africa.

EXPERIENCE NAMIBIA’S MOST LOVED DESTINATIONS

Wanting to break away with family and friends for a fun-filled or relaxed weekend? Midgard is the place to be.

Wish to experience Africa Re-imagined with unexpected, memorable and unique experiences – Mokuti Etosha is calling you!

Wishing to fall asleep with the sounds and smells of the Atlantic ocean? It will happen if you book in at Strand Hotel Swakopmund.

Are you a passionate nature and wildlife lover? Book now at Chobe Water Villas where the Zambezi and Chobe Rivers meet.

CONTACT US TODAY:

STRAND HOTEL SWAKOPMUND 064 411 4000 | strand.res@ol.na www.strandhotelswakopmund.com

MOKUTI ETOSHA 067 229 084 | mokuti.res@ol.na www.mokutietosha.com

MIDGARD

062 503 888 | midgard.res@ol.na www.midgardnamibia.com

CHOBE WATER VILLAS 081 396 0551 | chobe.res@ol.na www.chobewatervillas.com

SHOP LOCAL -ish

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

The name says it all. Elevation Studio is an event planning and design company whose magical touch elevates any wedding, bridal or baby shower, birthday, corporate function and styled photoshoot to Pinterestlevel pretty. You can tell an Elevation event from a mile away – flawless floral arrangements, timeless tablescapes and sensational stationery designs are just a few of the things that rank Elevation Studio a cut above the rest. Founder and events fairy godmother, Maurechen Mouton, is a perfectionist who will guide you through the lead-up and big event with grace and attention to detail. Let Elevation Studio alleviate the stress that comes with planning an event, while curating the day of your dreams.

Long gone are the days of envying international girls for their make-up kits. Thanks to Hott Off The Heels, you can get your hands onto some of the most sought-after cosmetics brands and products, and have it delivered to your doorstep in Windhoek. Founder Kristine Luis is a master make-up artist herself, and curates Hott Off The Heels with the likes of Morphe, e.l.f., Anastasia Beverly Hills, ColourPop and NARS, to name a few. Eyeshadow palettes that dreams are made of, liquid foundations unlike anything on our shelves, and expert consultation by Kristine herself make Hott Off The Heels the makeup- and skincare-loving gal’s one-stop destination.

LIDELIGHT

A good leather bag is forever. They can handle just about any weather and daily wear, yet they become more charismatic (maybe even better looking) as the years go by. Lidelight are local purveyors of the art of a forever leather bag, with brilliantly simplistic styles all lovingly handcrafted. Their mission is to create classic and quality handbags, wallets, totes and duffel bags – lasting pieces that can be enjoyed for generations. Our favourite is the Celui bag, an effortlessly chic, structured leather handbag that features an adjustable strap to be worn over the shoulder, cross body or nonchalantly draped over a forearm.

@lidelight_designs www.lidelight.com

BERRY DECADENT

Telling your nearest and dearest you care is made much simpler with chocolates, especially when the chocolates spell out their name! Berry Decadent are specialists in chocolate-dipped strawberries, but their magnum opus is a breakable chocolate heart, fit with a small wooden hammer to crack open and reveal even more decadent treats inside. These treats will melt just about anyone’s heart, jazz up your party’s dessert selection and leave you craving more Berry Decadent delights.

Are you a Nam or SA-based small business lifestyle brand? List your label with us for only N$400 per month. fly@venture.com.na

HOTT OFF THE HEELS

Gussy Photo & Film

SHORT-TERM

RETURNS

AND LONG-TERM PROFIT

Talent is how we do both for our clients.

As we help our clients navigate the ever-changing business landscape, we welcome the challenge of maximising profits or minimising impact. With our diverse talent, we can achieve both.

Last Piece of the Puzzle

When Namibia gained its independence in 1990 there was still something missing on the map. South of the Swakop River there was an 1124 km2 hole where Walvis Bay should be. Why did South Africa cling to this enclave and why did Namibia want it unified with the rest of the country?

Walvis Bay was claimed by the Cape Colony back in 1795 but was only formally annexed by Britain in 1878 to prevent Germany from claiming this strategic natural deep-water harbour. In 1910 it became part of the Union of South Africa on its formation. After the Great War, the rest of South West Africa was added onto Walvis Bay to be administered by South Africa as a mandated territory. Realising the political tides were changing and preempting possible formal sanctions, South Africa decided in 1977 to return the harbour to the Cape Province. Slick move… Only the UN didn’t think so and demanded that Walvis Bay’s annexation be revoked, stating in its General Assembly resolution 32/9 D that the area is an integral part of Namibia. But at independence, South Africa still would not let go.

Calling it the enclave, South Africa held onto Walvis Bay for another four years, administering it from Cape Town as a part of South Africa, even though the harbour is situated in the centre of Namibia’s Atlantic coastline. The ridiculousness of this situation was manifested by a border post and a large sign welcoming visitors to South Africa when entering the enclave.

Walvis Bay’s great strategic importance on a long stretch of arid and dangerous coastline that has no natural deepwater harbours had been recognised by the British 200 years prior. For the same reason they denied the harbour to Germany. During the Cold War, Walvis Bay was seen as a valuable

forward base not only because of the deepsea harbour but also because it would place Soviet naval bombers and reconnaissance planes within range to control most of the Southern Atlantic and its critical sea routes. For this reason, South Africa could not immediately jettison Walvis Bay in 1990.

The Namibian government felt, and rightly so, that Walvis Bay and its people belonged to Namibia. At the same time, the country was being denied a valuable economic asset. This was proven when the Trans-Caprivi and Trans-Kalahari highways opened in 1999 and 1998 respectively. These roads link landlocked African countries to Walvis Bay, giving its port vital economic importance.

By 1992, however, the Cold War had ended and maintaining a far away base had become a financial headache to the South African government. The writing was also on the wall that white rule in the country was going to end soon and holding on to a piece of land that’s more than 600 km north of your border is aimless.

During negotiations between the two governments in August 1993, South Africa finally agreed to relinquish sovereignty over Walvis Bay to Namibia. “Rarely in the history of mankind does a time come when all the parties to a conflict can truly claim to be victorious. The return of Walvis Bay and offshore islands by South Africa to Namibia is one such moment in history,” said then Prime Minister Hage Geingob on the eve of the handover.

In front of a packed Kuisebmond Stadium, dignitaries from all over Africa, Founding President Sam Nujoma, and South African Justice and Defence Minister Kobie Coetzee representing his president, FW de Klerk, the South African flag was lowered at midnight on 28 February 1994. In the morning residents for the first time woke up under the Namibian flag, knowing that the last puzzle piece that made up Namibia was firmly in its rightful place.

Charene Labuschagne

Photography: The Project Room

Bukalo Stories

by Lynette Musukubili

It represents memories of tales. Of days spent under a big tree where young and old would gather daily in the shade of its branches to share the news of the day. Intricately weaved fables, myths and traditions that bind generations. A reminder of a time past and a longing for things lost.

Many of her most magical memories of childhood can be linked back to certain traditions she shared with her family, says Lynette Musukubili, whose first solo exhibition aptly titled Bukalo Stories is debuting at The Project Room.

Bukalo is a Subiya word, and the name of the village she is from. Her artworks depict the memories and moments spent in this place that she holds dear.

According to Lynette, her inspiration is mostly rooted in family traditions.

“It is about how we used to live and grow up in the village. For me these traditions created lifelong memories. My most magical memories of childhood can be linked back to certain traditions I shared with my family.”

The culture of the village Bukalo shaped her identity and, to a certain extent, still influences her behaviour to this day. She explains, “There are certain things I don’t do because of what I’ve been told. Values and traditions are important. It helps us appreciate diversity, our differences and similarities and understanding more about ourselves and each other.”

Lynette was a visual art student at the University of Namibia when Covid-19 struck and life literally came to a standstill. First to go was human connection and contact, as Lynette and her fellow students were forced to resort to remote learning. This reality proved difficult, as students were suddenly left to their own devices to practise their art.

Lynette drew on the techniques that were passed on to her by the mothers and grandmothers in her village, and suddenly her art took shape. It was during this time that she explored the technique of crocheting plastic.

“Plastic bags are easy to find and not very expensive. It is an easy medium for me to work with and it is very flexible,” says Lynette. As a practice, crocheting also brings her a great sense of relaxation.

Reflecting on her past, the choice to become an artist was always an easy one. “I first started off doing drawings. When I was studying art, I started working with plastics and now it’s my signature style and the only medium I currently work with.

”From the conception of an idea, through the creation phase and the final product, Lynette is guided by the work and the materiality of the plastic she works with. “Sometimes I would

have an idea and I would just crochet and see how it turns out. But most of the time I make rough sketches and then I crochet.”

In terms of colour choice and visual direction, the artist is very much guided by the plastic she has available at that specific moment. “I do buy plastic bags, but because I also mix it with recycled plastic bags, I use whatever bags are available.”

Lynette’s plastic tapestries aim to create a space for reflection. A space of personal reflection for the viewer but also on the traditions, values and stories from Bukalo that she aims to capture.

“It is a piece that seeks to engage with the viewer on an intellectual, emotional and aesthetic level.”

One of the art pieces which forms part of the exhibition symbolises the life of a Subiya woman and the important role played by a chitenge

A chitenge cloth is very important for women in her culture, explains Lynette, and is used for different things.

“Wearing a chitenge is a sign of respect when visiting your in-laws or elders, going to the traditional courts or attending funerals. It is also used as an apron, to carry water, babies and more! I used it in different ways in the art piece I created to show its versatility.”

Although this is the artist’s first solo exhibition, her participation in a number of group exhibitions over the last couple of years has prepared her for this moment. In 2022, she was part of a group of Namibian artists who showcased at the Cape Town Art Fair. And in March this year she will be participating in the group exhibition Unmourned Bodies, curated by Jo Rogge in collaboration with The Project Room, at the Association for Visual Arts in Cape Town. Her first group exhibition was while still a student, when she was invited to be part of the graduation show even though she only graduated a year later.

Musukubili’s crocheted tapestries of life in Bukalo village are on view at The Project Room from 31 March – 22 April.

Henriette Lamprecht

Voices of Unity

COMPETITION

Post a video of you singing the Namibian national anthem, any way, anywhere, as loud and proud as you possibly can. Tag us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Nominate two friends to do the same. You will be entered into the draw to win 2 return tickets to any FlyNamibia destination. Winners announced on Independence Day. While we encourage creativity, please remain respectful of our anthem in your performance. It’s about celebrating Namibia!

What is a Country Without a National Anthem?

Together with a national flag and other symbols, every country has a national anthem. It serves as an expression of national identity and reflects the history, struggles and rich heritage of the country. Played at any festive occasion, from international sporting events to national holidays, anthems unify citizens as they rise as one to honour their country with its national song.

At independence, Namibia did not have a national anthem. Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika was provisionally adopted as an interim solution. Namibia was not alone in using the popular hymn, originally from South Africa, which had become a symbol of the liberation struggles against colonialism. Different versions were adopted by South Africa, and by Zambia, Tanzania and Zimbabwe at independence. After a nationwide competition to compose a new national anthem, Zimbabwe parted with Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika and introduced a new national anthem: Simudzai Mureza wedu WeZimbabwe.

As in Zimbabwe, a national competition was organised to find a uniquely Namibian national anthem. The competition in Namibia was won by Axali Doëseb, a composer and established musician. He had co-founded a popular political band of the 1970s, the Ugly Creatures. Doëseb said he travelled all over the country and spoke to Namibians from different backgrounds, asking each what they would like to hear in a national anthem and drawing inspiration from their answers when penning the song. As the winner of the competition Doëseb received a diplomatic passport and a monetary reward.

In 2014 Doëseb was honoured for his contribution to music with a lifetime achievement award at the Namibia Annual Music Awards. Apart from writing and composing the national anthem, he was also the first post-independence black conductor of the Namibian National Symphony Orchestra and he produced tracks for Namibian greats like Ras Sheehama, the late Jackson Kaujeua and Sharon Van Rooi. Furthermore, he chaired the committee that was tasked with composing the African Union anthem, and he served on the panel that composed the SADC Anthem.

Controversy

In 2006 the late Hidipo Hamutenya created a stir when he claimed to have authored the lyrics to the national anthem on a plane to Cuba. At independence, Hamutenya was sworn in as Minister of Information and Broadcasting and his office was responsible for choosing a national anthem. As chairman of the National Symbols subcommittee, the process was supervised by him. Despite allegedly having penned the lyrics, he claimed to have voluntarily relinquished the writing credits as he did not want to arouse debate. Doëseb vigorously refuted the untimely claim and nothing further ever came from it.

The national anthem – Namibia, Land of the Brave – was first heard in public at the first independence anniversary on 21 March 1991. A fitting way to celebrate the first year of freedom, the bravery of those who stood up to oppression and the bright new future in the hands of each Namibian.

A day in the life of a berry picker A

t dawn, when a blanket of mist hangs above the Kavango and nearby villages, the Mashare berry picker’s day begins. She puts on protective, comfortable clothing and hitch hikes or walks to the farm. On a clearing around the fertigation station, office and rest area, she joins her co-workers in the hundreds, forming a big circle. Before the berries can be picked, or any operations begun, a scripture and prayer is shared between everybody at Mashare.

She clock’s in, receiving a bib with a belt, two white 0.5 litre tubs, and a clocking card. After washing their hands, the group of women set out under the shade nets, between the berries, like red polka-dots between parallel lines of green. In groups of two, Mashare berry pickers tackle a single ridge from both sides. Her supervisor is nearby, should she be unsure if the fruit is ripe or not. With great care and attention, she turns each berry around to view the stem. If this area of the fruit around the stem is completely dark, the blueberry is ready to be plucked softly and placed in one of the containers hanging from her waist. Good berries go in one tub, great berries go in the other.

It takes about a whole ridge of harvested berries to fill both tubs. The Mashare berry picker then walks a short distance to the weighing station, this is where her clocking card is used. With a sophisticated scanning, weighing, labelling and information capturing system, the picker’s card later determines the total weight of berries she gathered. In a single day, these harvesters can pick around 60 kilograms of blueberries each, adding up to about 3 tonnes a day in total.

As the picking progresses, the weighing station moves along with the ladies. A tractor and trailer soon arrives, bringing more crates, and taking the filled ones to the packing house in an already cool, insulated trailer box. Time is of the essence to ensure the berries remain plump and are processed shortly after picking.

The Mashare picker spends her day alongside fellow community members, sharing chit-chat between the leaves, blossoms and blueberries. Many of them hail from different tribes, creeds and backgrounds, yet somehow, mutual respect is tangible in the warm Kavango air.

Charene Labuschagne

WINDHOEK W

on every budget

indhoek has long been overlooked by visitors and been seen merely as the departure point of a splendid Namibian holiday. Regional flights depart from the city’s airports, the majority of vehicle hire companies are based here, and tour operators decamp from Windhoek onwards to the far corners of this vast country. While our natural splendour is surely the greatest magnet for international guests, there is a lot more to be said about this comparatively small capital city than simply a stopover.

The capital is a concentration of our eleven ethnic groups, of arts and crafts from our fourteen regions and a healthy mix of culture, creativity and cuisine. Because Windhoek is the playground of people from all walks of life, there are plenty of options for every kind of pocket.

THE BUDGET TRAVELLER

STAY: Urban Camp

For fuss-free accommodation I cannot recommend Urban Camp enough. They have camping options for the equipped traveller, as well as glamping for those in search of an authentic experience, but without setting up a tent themselves. Nowhere else can you get a true camping experience in the centre of a capital city. Urban Camp is cost-effective, neat as a pin and has a beer-garden and pool on the premises.

EAT:

Kapana – Namibian street food

Eating local gives you way more bang for your buck, plus no visit to Windhoek is complete without a taste of kapana. Imagine slivers of beef, flame grilled and topped with or dipped into a burnt orange-coloured spice mix – the perfect blend of sweet, spicy and umami. Kapana goes down best with fat cakes (deep fried bread balls) and tomato and onion relish prepared on site. Locals say the hub for the best kapana in town is the Single Quarters market in Windhoek’s Katutura suburb.

EXPERIENCE:

Self-guided walking tour

Windhoek’s high street, Independence Avenue, and surrounds are lined by historic buildings, art galleries, informal and curio shops, plus plenty of places to sit down for a refuel. Obviously the iconic Christuskirche is a must-visit. Just down the road you will find the National Art Gallery and the Namibia Arts Association. Buying art may be expensive, but looking is free.

Walking down Independence Avenue allows you to take it all in and photograph at your leisure. The idiosyncratic juxtaposition of large bank buildings and the old German-style architecture is characteristic of Windhoek. Curio shops and the Namibia Craft Centre are great places to get a sense of the abundant art and craft practices in the country. I would gesture to the informal sellers, whose prices are somewhat negotiable, and the interaction with these female stall owners is priceless.

Photography: Charene Labuschagne

FEELING SPLASHY

STAY:

Arebbusch Travel Lodge

The Arebbusch complex gives visitors to Windhoek a glimpse into the lodge lifestyle that defines a trip through the country. Their rooms are neat and spacious, but the surrounding space makes Arebbusch special. Surrounded by nature, with a large pool and à la carte menu restaurant, this lodge is a welcoming home away from home after a day of exploring the capital.

EAT:

Goodfellas

Tucked away under lofty tree canopies in Windhoek’s lively Liliencron street, this pizza-pub-combo harbours crowds craving an al fresco dining experience. The Goodfellas menu goes uncontested as utterly versatile. It will please just about every palate in the group and can be summarised as “American-style indulgence”. From their carpaccio to the generous salads, burgers and the much loved pizzas, the grub is delicious and the atmosphere is always pleasant, especially on weekends with live music. Goodfellas is part of the backbone of the capital’s social scene, and unsurprisingly doubles well as a family lunch spot.

EXPERIENCE:

City and township tour

There are many different city and township tours on offer judging by entries on TripAdvisor. Chameleon Safaris operates a tour starting at the landmarks in central Windhoek, continuing to Katutura for kapana, and ending at the Penduka women’s project. For an authentic experience, I would recommend trying a local guide. Anchor Adventures is a small-scale tour operator that does a Katutura Classic Township tour, guided by Lubowski, a passionate local resident who shares first-hand insight into the eclectic township.

FOR THE UPPITY

STAY:

Ti Melen Boutique Guesthouse

Situated on a hilltop in one of Windhoek’s quiet suburbs, only a 10-minute drive from the centre of town, Ti Melen makes a massive impression as soon as you arrive. The guesthouse’s castle-like architecture is reminiscent of the German colonial era. Rooms are classically decorated, there are wooden decks, lots of greenery and a brilliant observation deck for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Avis Dam. Ti Melen is the perfect mix of old-world charm and understated luxury.

EAT:

Leo’s Garden Restaurant

You will soon notice that the best dining in Windhoek is outdoors. With our great weather in mind, Leo’s Garden Restaurant is the perfect pozzie for lunch or dinner. The surrounding courtyard is tranquil, with the babbling of a water feature nearby. Daily specials mean there is always something different and exciting to try, like stuffed lamb shoulder, saltimbocca, game steaks served with croquettes or pan-seared kabeljou. We love sustainable seasonal menus, plus Leo’s Garden Restaurant has one of the best wine selections in Windhoek.

EXPERIENCE:

Namibian Gemstones

One of Namibia’s greatest riches are our beautiful precious and semi-precious gemstones. If you have read up a little before your trip, you will surely know about our diamond mining industry, which is noteworthy. However, Namibia’s coloured gemstones are even more alluring than the white rock. Tourmaline, topaz, aquamarine, garnet, jasper, pietersite, quartz crystal, and amethyst make for the most beautiful high-end jewellery pieces. Goldsmiths and jewellers specialising in championing Namibian gemstones are dotted across town. Luxury, fashionable pieces like pendants and rings featuring a brilliant green tourmaline mined near Usakos will make for a great gift to a loved one, or your own forever memory of the multifaceted beauty of Namibia.

Before embarking on the journey of a lifetime through Namibia, I encourage you to give Windhoek more than 24 hours to wow you. Sleep, shop, eat and socialise like a local, and perhaps spend some more time in the city before returning home.

Charene Labuschagne

First published in the Summer 2022/23 issue of Travel News Namibia magazine. Subscribe to Travel News Namibia here: www.zinio.com/za/travel-news-namibia-m38306

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OMAJOVA PASTA

Any kind of mushroom and any sort of pasta will do for this feast. I used Cape Hutton Sauvignon Blanc in this recipe, but any dry white wine will do the trick, especially if the cook enjoys a glass herself.

500 g green tagliatelli

SAUCE

1 omajova or 6 big black mushrooms, diced

2 cloves garlic, crushed

30 ml butter

1 onion, diced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Pinch of sugar

1 red chilli, seeded and finely sliced

60 ml dry white wine

15 ml fresh thyme

60 ml cream (optional)

30 ml fresh parsley for garnish

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• Heat butter in pan, add onions and fry until golden.

• Add omajova, chilli and garlic, sauté until soft.

• Add the wine, thyme, salt, pepper and sugar; simmer until reduced.

• Add the cream if used.

• Ladle on top of green tagliatelli and garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan.

From Antoinette's delicious recipes in My Hungry Heart

Photography: Hentie Burger

Discovering Kavango & Zambezi

The lure of the area is its wild and untamed quality, which gives visitors a peek into authentic African lifestyles. Perennial rivers and expansive floodplains, lush subtropical vegetation, an abundance of game and birds, and scattered settlements provide a complete change of scenery from the rest of the Namibian landscape. The 575-kilometre tarred Trans-Caprivi Highway provides easy access to the region.

THE KAVANGO EAST AND KAVANGO WEST REGIONS

The Okavango River and its broad floodplains make the Kavango East and Kavango West regions considerably greener than the rest of Namibia. The river forms a natural boundary between Namibia and Angola for more than 400 km and is the lifeline for the Kavango people, who make a living from fishing, tending cattle and cultivating sorghum, millet and maize.

THE ZAMBEZI REGION

Formerly referred to as the Caprivi, the Zambezi Region is a fertile wilderness of riverine forests, flood plains, swamps and open woodland created by a complex network of rivers and relatively high summer rainfall. For freshwater angling enthusiasts, canoeists and white-river rafters, Zambezi offers much excitement and challenge.

Well over 400 of Namibia’s bird species occur in this part of the country, and the region is steadily gaining a reputation as a retreat for bird-watchers, nature lovers and specialist travellers. It is also of growing interest to scientists studying the wetlands system and its flora and fauna.

Zambezi, once known as Itenga, was ruled by the Lozi kings until it became part of the British Protectorate of Bechuanaland, today’s Botswana. In 1890, at the Berlin Conference, Germany acquired the territory, named it after the Chancellor, Count Georg Leo von Caprivi, and added it to German South West Africa. The capital of Caprivi was Schuckmannsburg (renamed Luhonono in 2013) until 1935, when it was moved to Katima Mulilo, a name that means ‘put out the fire’. Katima Mulilo has since become a busy tourist centre and gateway to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Chobe National Park in Botswana.

Travelling from Katima Mulilo on the B8, you cross into Botswana at the Ngoma border post. The road then traverses Chobe National Park to Kasane, the springboard to Impalila Island where Namibia borders on Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The link to these attractions is the 575-kilometre long Trans-Caprivi Highway, a wide tarred road that has replaced the dusty gravel tracks of the past. The route runs through a region of which one third is a floodplain, and where the population is small and the human impact limited. Providing access to three state- protected game reserves, it lies in the geographic heart of the Kavango-Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Area.

PARKS OF THE NORTHEAST

These national parks are well-worth a visit on your journey through north-eastern Namibia. They play host to an abundance of wildlife and beautiful natural scenery:

MANGETTI NATIONAL PARK:

Situated some 100 km southwest of Rundu in the Kavango Region, the park extends over some 420 km2 and is managed jointly by the Ukwangali Traditional Authority and the MEFT. Animals seen there include eland, blue wildebeest, African wild dog, leopard and hyaena.

KHAUDUM NATIONAL PARK:

a densely wooded wilderness reserve that borders Botswana in the east and can be explored only in 4x4 vehicles. It is the only conservation area in Namibia where the northern Kalahari sandveld biome is protected. The wilderness harbours several big game species and a multitude of birds. Large animals found throughout the park are elephant and giraffe, while predators are lion, leopard, spotted hyaena, and side-striped and black-backed jackal.

MUDUMU NATIONAL PARK:

Centred on the Mudumu Mulapo fossil river course, this vast 1 010 km2 expanse of dense savannah and mopane woodlands bordered in the west by the Kwando River, was proclaimed a national park in 1990. The mopane woodlands are at the core of Mudumu, the combination of forest and water sustaining a wealth of wildlife.

BWABWATA NATIONAL PARK:

In 2007 the former Caprivi Game Park, proclaimed in 1968, was incorporated into the 6 100 km2 Bwabwata National Park, including the Kwando or Golden Triangle, and the Buffalo and Mahango (the former Mahango Game Park) core areas. This heralded a new generation of parks in terms of an integrated approach towards park management. Bwabwata was designed not only to protect the environment, but also to accommodate the people living in the park.

NKASA RUPARA NATIONAL PARK:

The 320 km2 Nkasa Rupara National Park, proclaimed in 1990, has the distinction of being Namibia’s largest wetland area with conservation status. The park is characterised by a complex network of channels, reed beds, oxbow lakes and islands, with the focal point on Nkasa and Lupala, two large elevated areas that punctuate the floodplains.

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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.

TO RUNDU AND KATIMA MULILO AND BEYOND

RIDE FOR RHINOS

TOUR 2: 29 MAY - 2 JUNE with Dan Craven & Jan Braai

Join us for Tour 2 of the RMB Wilderness Ride for Rhinos cycling safari, co-hosted by Namibian Olympic cyclist Dan Craven and celebrated South African chef Jan Braai. Only 18 mountain bikers across Namibia’s most incredible landscape for 4 days, in aid of black rhino conservation.

All inclusive luxury camping. N$ 22,000 pp sharing. More info: www.venture.com.na/ride-for-rhinos | To book: elzanne@venture.com.na

Here are some of our FlyNamibia Valentine’s competition entries of what we LOVE about Namibia.

Congratulations to Tina Haulyondjaba for winning the draw.

OUR WINNER!

A monthly wrap-up of News Worth Knowing

The first phase of drilling on EPL 8535 according to the company, aims to test several high-grade lithium targets identified by the due diligence work completed by the company.

A second RC drill rig according to Askari, will commence the Phase II drilling program on EPL 7345 in the next few weeks, and after the completion of the mapping program on EPL 7345.

The mining industry experts are closely monitoring the progress of the drilling program, as the Uis Lithium Project has the potential to become one of the leading lithium producers globally.

Askari Metals begins phase I drilling at Uis lithium project in Namibia

Askari Metals Limited has started its Phase I RC drilling program on Exclusive Prospecting Licence 8535, which forms a part of the Uis Lithium Project located in Namibia.

The project comprises EPL 7345 and EPL 8535 and covers an area of 308.12km2 in a highly mineralised, spodumene rich pegmatite belt with a history of prior production and exploration success.

According to the latest announcement, the drilling program commenced on 12 February 2023, with the company having completed six holes already. EPL 8535 is situated less than 17km from the town of Uis and adjacent to the operating Uis Mine, owned by London-listed Andrada Mining Limited. The project holds exceptional potential, as identified by the due diligence sample results and the very high number of pegmatites exposed at the surface, ranging from a few meters in width to more than 50m wide.

Askari's VP-Exploration & Geology, Johan Lambrechts said, “This inaugural phase of drilling on EPL 8535 will culminate in the Company completing more than 100 drill holes on our Namibian projects in less than five months, and this statistic will be compounded when the second phase of drilling starts on EPL 7345 in a few weeks’ time. We aim to continue with this methodology for the foreseeable future, with the mapping programs leading to new and additional drill targets to be tested.”

According to the latest figures, the price of lithium is steadily increasing, currently trading at US$8,200 per tonne, up from US$6,100 per tonne in January 2022. The demand for lithium is expected to grow further due to the rising demand for electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and other emerging technologies.

BoN hikes repo rate by 25bps, drives up debt servicing costs

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of Namibia (BoN) at its first meeting for the year resolved to hike the repo rate by 25 basis points, inline with analyst forecasts.

According BoN Governor, Johannes !Gawaxab, two members of the MPC recommended that the rate remain unchanged, with the other opting for a 25bps hike, while none recommended a 50bps hike.

"The MPC decided to increase the Repo rate by 25 basis points to 7%. The increase in the Repo rate effectively brings the prime lending rate to 10.75%. The decision was taken to contain inflationary pressure and its second-round effects and anchor inflation expectations. The decision is also deemed appropriate to safeguard the one-to-one link between the Namibia Dollar and the South African Rand. Moreover, this monetary policy stance will take the current negative real policy interest rate to a neutral rate," he said.

The Governor noted that the Bank will continue to monitor these developments and their potential effects on the domestic economy and will act appropriately, in line with its mandate to ensure price stability in the interest of sustainable economic growth and development of the country.

Cirrus Capital Securities and Simonis Storm had forecasted a 25bps hike, while PSG Namibia forecasted a 50bps hike.

“We maintain our view that the interest rate hiking cycle could have come to an end in Namibia. Further, we see interest rates remaining at current levels at least until end of 2024,” Simonis Storm Economist, Theo Klein said.

This comes after the SARB Monetary Policy Committee last month voted to hike interest rates by 25bps, taking the country’s repurchase rate to 7.25%, increasing the prime lending rate to 10.75%.

The next meeting of the MPC will be held on the 17th and 18th of April 2023.

Namibia's 2023 Economic Outlook: What to Expect

Namibia's economy is expected to see a slowdown in 2023 and RMB Namibia predicts a moderation of GDP growth from 4.1% in 2022 to 3% in 2023, driven by the performance of the primary industries, including the mining and exploration sector.

However, FirstRand Namibia Economist Ruusa Nandago warns that this growth may not necessarily result in significant employment and consumption improvements.

Inflation is also expected to decline in 2023, averaging 5.2% compared to 6.1% in 2022, but the consumer environment may face challenges due to pressure on disposable income from rising inflation and interest rates, limited job opportunities, poor real wage growth, and high levels of debt.

“The effects of these were already evident in the poor growth observed in household private sector credit extension and the residential property market in 2022,” she said.

RMB Namibia CEO Philip Chapman suggests that Namibia could explore opportunities to improve its economic outlook through structural reforms aimed at improving the business climate, investing in skills development, and boosting agricultural productivity, as well as investments in clean technologies and energy efficiency.

Cirrus Capital predicts growth in 2022 at 3.8% and a slight slowdown to 3.5% in 2023, with the mining sector expected to continue its recovery, and the construction and agriculture sectors remaining a concern.

PSG Namibia forecasts a moderation in real GDP growth from 3.9% in 2022 to 2.6% in 2023 due to a global slowdown and weaker domestic demand.

“The brisk real GDP growth of 5.6% y/y in the first three quarters of last year has prompted us to increase our 2022 growth estimate to 3.9% from 3.2%, previously. We forecast that real GDP growth will slow to 2.6% (up from 2.1% previously) in 2023 amid global headwinds which will put a break on exports.”

The country's budget deficit is expected to narrow from 5.4% in the preceding fiscal year to 4.9% in the 2023/24 fiscal year.

Simonis Storm predicts growth of 5.1% in 2022 and 3.7% in 2023, with inflation reducing from 6.1% in 2022 to 5.3% in 2023, and the central bank expected to gradually normalize interest rates as the inflation outlook improves.

“Risks to our growth outlook include elevated interest rates, weak external demand, softer commodity prices and political uncertainty as we approach the presidential elections in 2024.”

FirstRand Namibia Economist Ruusa Nandago

TECHNOLOGY AND HUMAN TOUCH

Talent is how we do both for our clients.

When economies of the future are being defined by technology, we embrace the power of real relationships. The diversity of our people allows us to embrace both.

Making something of the Soil

now partners. “I started working with my younger brother. He is very hard working but it was not easy to make him understand what farming is and make him fall in love with something he does not know. Now he is at the stage where I am. I made him my manager. My other brother is now also with us”. The siblings produce tomatoes, cabbages, onions, mangoes, apples, spinach and a number of other crop varieties. They sell the produce at the Oshakati open market on Mondays and Fridays.

Aina aspires to become a commercial farmer and to see local youth treat farming as a lucrative business. She also said “the Namibian youth have a misconception that farming is only for the illiterate, for men or the elderly, which is why the country underproduces sufficient food to feed the nation.”

“Anyone can be a farmer,” Aina said, challenging the youth to “let go of the fear of being seen working in the dirt and chasing office life because farming creates employment and makes you your own boss”.

“I am grateful,” she said, of working with family and being her own boss. Aina wants to be an encouragement to other Namibians that farming is a profitable and joy-filled

Ellen Shihepo

10 minutes with local taste makers

Shafa

You might not know it just yet, but if you happen to fall within the Millennial or Gen Z brackets, odds are you’ve attended an event organised by Shafa. The mastermind behind some of the country’s most iconic music festivals and parties, Shafa Shaimemanya needs no introduction.

Evolving from his career-catalysing stage presence as Ace Da Bass, he now simply goes by the name Shafa – a change he considers essential in communicating his proud Namibian heritage from the get-go. The DJ, events connoisseur and upand-coming producer finds his greatest source of inspiration from his home continent. While he’s had stints in the dubstep, trap, house and techno genres, Shafa says he is increasingly gravitating towards Afro-centric sounds. It’s this itch to venture deeper into indigenous melodies that bred Shafa’s newest brainwave and love child, Casa De Afro.

In one way or another, Shafa has been running the circuit ever since matriculating. Starting out as a bartender at the legendary Zanzibar, his manager allowed Shafa a few hours of practice before and after shifts. With little experience, these brief moments behind the decks before bartending laid the foundation for the DJ he would become. A stroke of luck, paired with relentless dedication, brought Shafa a golden opportunity, the stuff musicians can only dream of – a bursary to study sound engineering in none other than Malaysia.

Returning to home soil after four years and with a swanky qualification under his belt, Shafa stepped onto the local music scene with full force. However determined he was to make DJing a career, the scope for full-time musicians was, and still is, a fable of struggling artists. Rather serendipitously, Shafa landed a day-time gig in marketing and events coordination for big-name liquor brands, and so his knack for planning the country’s hottest parties manifested. He is also an effortless and authentic networker, paired with some kind of magical predisposition to land in the right room at the right time. It is this skill that has landed him gigs in Cape Town at Pangea Festival, at Artheater in Cologne and Ganz am Wasser in Munich and brought us unforgettable events like The Social Club, a regular migrating music event in the capital playing hip-hop, R&B, deep house and anything your heart desires.

You won’t find him frequenting the Windhoek social scene, spinning disks in every club on any given weekend. Not anymore. Shafa is rather particular about where and when he gets behind the decks, adding that endless Fridays spent DJing for the same crowd is not the reason he became a disk jockey. Shafa plays when and if he is ready to share his deep-seated passion for beats, to get heart rates pumping and feet moving authentically on a dance floor, all through the chemistry that is music. Oftentimes when we do what we love every day, and it becomes our bread and butter, the novelty wears off, the passion fades and – in the case of DJs – they become crowd pleasers. For Shafa there is nothing quite as magical as planning the event, getting people excited and finally stepping on stage to entrance you in a mix he’s been fine-tuning for months.

Shafa’s proudest product to date is BAR-HP – short for between a rock and a hard place. This two-day music festival, which saw its first official event rake in 600 guests in May of 2022, originally started as a camping trip. Between Shafa, Melkies Ausiku and Eloise Sitler, the group chat quickly grew to 50, subsequently a ludicrous sound setup was organised and voilà: at the foot of the Spitzkoppe, amongst close friends and lovers of techno, the concept was born.

After a couple more trial runs, the festival went public, and this author had the privilege of covering it. Having attended quite a few of his events myself, and experiencing a handful of Shafa’s sets, BAR-HP was particularly special. But he did not only play a massive role in stringing the fairy lights, selling the tickets, getting sponsors and booking international guest DJs… On a dusty Saturday in the desert, in an avocado floppy hat and surrounded by what he has created alongside his friends, Shafa played from his heart – testament to the fact that passion cultivates genius.

Charene Labuschagne

This photoshoot was created for FlyNamibia Magazine by Venture Media, in collaboration with MYNT nightclub and lounge. MYNT hosts regular themed events and international artists. Check out their pages for upcoming events: @mynt_nightclub_windhoek

Photographer: Le Roux van Schalkwyk

Art direction & styling: Charene Labuschagne

Location: MYNT nightclub and lounge

Personality & wardrobe: Shafa

The Walvis Bay International Airport is the second major gateway that is developed and managed by NAC. The Airport is strategically from the harbor town of Walvis Bay. The Airport will give you easy and timely access to the mesmerizing Namibian coastline which also hosts the historic town of Swakopmund as well as the famous dunes in Boasting a revamped state of the art terminal building opened in 2016, the Airport handles daily flights to Windhoek, Johannesburg and Walvis Bay International Airport is a prime leader in cargo handling for marine, coastal and mining activities in the area.

OMAKE MOMENTS

with the Namibia Trade Network

EIF Mobilises N$3 billion

The Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia says it has attracted and mobilised more than N$3 billion in the past 11 years.

The EIF was officially launched on 13 February 2012 by the then President, Hifikepunye Pohamba.

Since then, the Fund, which primarily source funding from multilateral and developmental funding institutions and partners, has disbursed grants totaling more than N$583 million - one of its most visible impacts.

Furthermore, more than 240,256 hectares of land have been conserved, 71 grants have been approved for various environmental projects, and more than 950 job opportunities, mostly rural and seasonal, have been created.

EIF retrofitted 169 boreholes, benefiting over 77,000 people who now have access to potable drinking water, and received N$820 million from Agence Française de Développement (AFD) for a concessional Green Credit Line with a participating commercial bank under the SUNREF project in Namibia.

The EIF plays a critical role in ensuring the sustainable use of all of the country's natural resources, as well as the fair and equitable distribution of benefits that result.

The mission of the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia (EIF) is to "provide a sustainable source of funding to support environmentally sound development in Namibia and do so in a manner that complements programmes and actions of both the public and private sectors.

"The EIF is grateful to our stakeholders and the Board of Directors who play a significant role in its growth as the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia. We are proud to share that eleven (11) years since its establishment, the EIF is today one of the fastest-growing green and climate financing institutions in Africa," said the Fund's Spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata.

He further noted that their multi-stakeholder approach enables them to create and sustain value in their work.

Last year the EIF celebrated its 10th anniversary under the theme of 10 years of ensuring inclusivity and the fund will continue to build on existing achievements as it looks forward to another ten years of sustainable growth.

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has financially supported the EIF of Namibia with an amount of more than N$640 million in grants for climate-change adaptation interventions in Namibia.

In most cases, Ndamanomhata says these activities happen in rural communities, and their directives to the EIF, which is a state organ, has been for the entity to target rural communities for developmental initiatives.

The year 2022 also saw the EIF attaining its re-accreditation from the GCF.

The re-accreditation for a further five-year period came after the initial five-year period lapsed in June 2021.

"This re-accreditation is an indication that the EIF remains committed to its mandate, which is serving our clients with distinction and upholding our mission of securing environmental sustainability of Namibia," he asserted.

The EIF's first strategy (2012-2016) was aimed at positioning the Fund as a key player in the environmental and climate change financing to the amount of N$1 billion and the second strategy (2018-2022) aimed at consolidating the gains and capitalise on mobilising resources, growing financial services of the Fund, and striving for sustainability has led to the EIF mobilising N$ 3 billion since inception and up to date.

Ndamanomhata highlighted that collaboration with key stakeholders continues to be a major activity and has brought in new potential business opportunities to the EIF.

"As we celebrate 11 years of the Environmental Investment Fund's existence and its relentless pursuit for excellence, one cannot help but look ahead with optimism to what the future holds and invite the rest of Namibia's population to be a formidable partner towards sustainable development of the resources of Namibia for the benefit of all Namibians. We say, cheers to another 11 years of commitment and excellence."

Powered by

Lot Ndamanomhata

Charene Labuschagne

Photography: Charene Labuschagne

Bellhaus Atelier & Galerie

Homage to Earth by

Trevor Nott

Trevor Nott is a nature lover and conservationist, a self-taught architect and designer, a visionary and, last but not least, an artist – which he bizarrely doesn’t aspire to be. But he has no choice in the matter; he is an artist by nature!

During the 1980s, Trevor worked as a plant ecologist for Etosha and northern Namibia. This is where his love affair with Kaokoland and Damaraland began. After 10 years of working in science, this proud Namibian moved to Omaruru where he still lives today. It is here where his “creative career” took a significant turn – he started making furniture from railway sleepers and scrap wood which in the 1980s was not done by anyone else in Namibia. The artist is without doubt a visionary with a clear focus on creating anything novel. “I get an idea, and I think about how I am going to depict it. I create a concept and then I make it,” he says. Sometimes he also just makes something because it works. The process is never the same.

In his sculptures, Trevor artfully combines metal, wood and stone – all of which are collected with precision, forethought and respect. Circle of Life, by far the most significant and mind-blowing piece of the exhibition, is made from found basalt stone and metal and is a force to be reckoned with. This 2.20-metre-tall outdoor sculpture (in fact, most of the exhibition’s sculptures are outdoor sculptures) has a circular shape and within this shape there are six single rings that can each be rotated. The sculpture is three-dimensional in such a way that visitors can position the single rings in any way they want to. It is interactive creativity at the highest level. With this piece the artist wants to show how the circle of life is unpredictable and forever changing, and what repercussions life can have on everything around us.

The artist never takes wood from a living tree; it is always wood that nature has decided to lay bare. “I believe that when using a natural resource to create a piece, the result should be more meaningful than it is in its natural state. Wood that lies out there in the desert is exquisite where it is – in fact, there couldn’t be a better gallery.”

The stones which the artist uses add texture to the sculptures, and even they are chosen with precision. “When you go and collect stones you have to be very mindful because everything you remove leaves a gap and has consequences.” One of the stone sculptures at the exhibition is held upright only with metal. It has an exemplary shape in which single stones spiral around a centre piece which is also made up exclusively of stones. It looks like the stones are floating, held by a barely visible metal structure.

Trevor’s work is simple, abstract and inspired by art from Africa, especially Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania and Kenya. Looking back at the works he has done, he can see that the objects often mirror what is going on in his life or reflect an issue he is faced with.

Diagnosed with a possible life-threatening illness, Trevor took stock of his life and decided to exhibit in a gallery for the first time ever. It was important for him to keep his mind positive and the only way he could do that was to be in his workshop and create. The works in this exhibition therefore sometimes reflect his illness but are also ideas that have been in his mind for a long time but were never executed. Through his work he was able to forget everything, and this was his way of dealing with his health challenges.

Trevor Nott’s artworks are humbling. They reflect respect for the natural environment and his passion for making things with his own hands. The time taken to admire an art piece seems trivial in comparison to the time that it takes to make it. With this exhibition the artist gives tribute and expresses gratitude to nature and its gifts that were millions of years in the making. Trevor describes his experiences in the desert: “When you travel around the desert it does something to you – it humbles you.”

Homage to Earth, an exhibition of sculptures by Trevor Nott, will be showcased at the BELLHAUS Atelier and Galerie at 18 Bell Street in Windhoek from Thursday, 9 February until Saturday, 25 March 2023.

Charene Labuschagne

What earth manages to make sustainably available in a raw form can be transformed into something quite different. Human beings can relate to this transformation on many levels.

My Journey to the Top of the World – Saray Khumalo

Saray Khumalo’s life, as documented in her memoir My Journey to the Top of the World, “starts much like the typical life of most African children being raised by their grandparents in a village, sharing a home with many cousins, aunts and uncles." What makes Saray’s story different is that she consistently chooses to take the road less travelled, no matter how challenging that path may be. This is evident when in 2019 she becomes the first black African woman to successfully summit Mount Everest.

Saray was born Sarah, but when her mother, a resilient businesswoman, sent her to live with her grandparents in Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of Congo, her grandfather changed her name to Saray. Mobutu Sese Seko, the President of Zaire, had signed a decree stating that African children should have African names. Saray’s grandfather chose a ‘y’ at the end of her name to leave the pronunciation the same. After her school years it was in Zimbabwe that Saray met her South African husband and made South Africa her home.

Saray’s mountaineering journey was motivated by meeting an American who had summited Kilimanjaro. She thought to herself: Why is a foreigner telling me as an African about my own land. Several years later Saray was indeed on her way to Uhuru. Saray’s journey to the top of the world, however, was fraught with so many obstacles that they would have discouraged most of us ordinary mortals. She only successfully summited Everest on her fourth attempt. The previous three attempts were filled with the horror of avalanches, Sherpas who tragically lost their lives, Saray losing consciousness just hours away from the summit and even falling prey to frostbite on her third attempt. Describing Saray as resilient would be a most ridiculous understatement.

There are many life lessons and takeaways for everyone in Saray’s memoir. Most prominent is the underlying theme of representation and inclusion. And it is easy to

understand why Saray now spends her life advocating the pursuit of ideals and inspiring others who come from the same background as her. For young African girls and women, Saray Khumalo personifies an example of what is achievable. Her book is a story of persistence, and Saray insists that when we attempt anything in life and fail, it is important to take stock, assess what went wrong and then go back to try again.

This book will have you analysing the Everest in your own life. Saray says this is true for all of us, no matter the race, gender or our level of ability. Her book is a reminder of the dreams we may have given up on because we consider them too challenging, or perhaps people in our lives have told us that they are impossible to attain. Maybe we have made attempts and like Saray lost consciousness 99 metres from the summit. But be like Saray, and in her words, “Go back and make it happen.”

Laimi Elago

Technology, AI and Job Displacement

The advent of new technologies has often raised concerns that new, often more efficient ways of doing things, will lead to job displacement. This fear has not been limited to blue-collar jobs, as white-collar jobs have been equally “threatened” by the introduction of technologies such as calculators and computers.

In very simple terms, anything that improves the way we do things can be thought of as new technology. At points in human history many new technologies emerged at roughly the same time. These points in time are what we often refer to as “technological revolutions”.

Various technological revolutions have changed the way humans produce what they need to survive and thrive, and by extension threatened the jobs of those employed in activities that previously served these needs. The Industrial Revolution saw the introduction of new technologies and production processes that enabled the mass production of goods, leading to the displacement of some jobs and the emergence of others. The Digital Revolution followed, which saw the introduction of computers and the development of the internet and digital communication, with a huge impact on the workplace and productivity per labour hour.

We are on the cusp of a new technological revolution with artificial intelligence, or AI, becoming ever more mainstream, bringing with it the potential to cause significant disruption to the modern workplace. AI is able to automate certain tasks and processes that were previously done by humans, and as with previous technological revolutions, much animosity exists about what AI means for the future of work. Will AI replace humans in the production of goods and services? Certainly. Will AI lead to large-scale unemployment and an increase in some of today’s primary global challenges such as poverty and inequality? Let’s very briefly explore what has happened during the past two technological revolutions as a guide for future expectations.

The series of technological advances that took place during the Industrial Revolution, including improvements in medical technology, led to the largest global population boom in history up to that point. The global population was roughly 600 million people in 1700, rising to around 1.65 billion by 1900 as a result of technological advances. The Industrial Revolution had drastically improved the means of production, enabling a much larger population with higher standards of living.

The Digital Revolution, for our purposes, started with Claude Shannon’s foundational work on digitalisation as expressed in his

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1948 article titled “A Mathematical Theory of Communication”. And as with the Industrial Revolution, the emergence of new technologies such as calculators and computers were viewed with scepticism by a large portion of the workforce at the time. Job displacement was a very real concern.

Fortunately, more relevant data exists for more recent periods, which can assist us in looking directly at the impact of digitalisation on labour markets and whether largescale job losses were persistent or not. The short answer is no. Yes, of course some job losses were attributable to the Digital Revolution. But, using the United States as a proxy, we can observe that despite the US labour force growing from about 62 million people in 1950 to about 165 million people today, long-term unemployment was relatively stable from 5.2% in 1950 to 3.4% today. Sure, these numbers are still relatively broad indicators, and factors such as labour force participation have not been accounted for, but I believe they still illustrate the point that technological progress has been a major net positive in terms of labour output and the number of people engaged in work of all kinds.

Now back to AI and the potential threat this new technology poses to work as we know it. AI has shown to be able to produce incredibly detailed and accurate responses to prompts. ChatGPT, the current frontrunner in terms of large language model AI, has already disrupted our perception of what is possible for a non-sentient technology. ChatGPT has enabled an 11-year-old to write a computer game, passed graduate level exams at the University of Minnesota Law School, and allowed a business owner to insource the generation of marketing material. Used correctly, AI is stacking up to be an incredibly useful tool!

And that is just it. AI, in its current iteration, is just a new tool. Sure, it will displace many jobs initially. But the past has taught us that new technology, or new tools, are far more relevant as instruments to unlocking further human creativity and productivity. New technology has in the past led to more work because it improved access to products and services that fulfilled human needs, which improved standards of living, and in the process changed our most pressing wants and needs. New jobs emerged to fill these needs. Previous technological revolutions improved the living standards of billions of people, and the AI revolution is an extension of those advances. On an individual level, it is each person’s own responsibility to assess how this new tool will change the way we currently work, and to make the most of the opportunity that such a tool presents.

Eric van Zyl

In very simple terms, anything that improves the way we do things can be thought of as new technology.

Godenfang

Surf meets turf at Godenfang, arguably the best restaurant in Walvis Bay. In a restored 1930s home – fitted with original wooden floors and dimmed lights – a menu of fresh fish, seasonal veggies and prime meat cuts cooked to perfection awaits. Not only is this a must-taste experience on the Namibian coast, but the cosy atmosphere also goes uncontested and so is their on-site vegetable and herb garden.

I would be hard pressed to name another local restaurant that does seasonal menus quite like Godenfang (or at all, as a matter of fact). The kitchen crew, headed by Lindi Dreyer, are miles ahead of the curve when it comes to wholesome, sustainable dishes. And you can bet your bottom dollar that as soon as a fresh catch is posted on their social media, it will sell out in a flash. That is because, unlike the rest, almost everything on their menu – save a couple of pizzas and schnitzel – is subject to availability. Now that’s what I call a sustainable menu!

Contemporary casual dining just about sums it up. Think elevated staple dishes like roasted lamb with tzatziki on couscous, fresh kob served with a bacon sauce and a tartare rainbow trout salad. Their fan-favourite (and mouthwatering) overnight pot includes the kitchen’s current meat cuts, slow roasted in Godenfang’s wood-fired pizza oven. It is always a little different, meaning you can order it time and time again and still be pleasantly surprised.

One of my most memorable dining experiences has been at Godenfang – many moons ago for a Mother’s Day buffet lunch. Unlike the mass-produced, bain-marie-heated buffet

that nightmares are made of, Godenfang served each table their own generous selection of fresh salads and sides, slowroasted lamb and succulent chicken in large bowls. This way guests pass the dishes around the table, recreating an uncanny homely feeling, and allowing the cuisine to be savoured at the intended temperature without compromising the taste.

The drinks menu does not disappoint either. Cocktail connoisseurs will find an impressive selection including classic espresso martini and negroni, as well as Godenfang originals like a Kahlúa martini tonic and seasonal dragon fruit margarita. The bar is every bit as innovative as the kitchen when it comes to using fresh ingredients to add interesting twists to old favourites.

For those craving a little Godenfang at home, their deli fridge boasts a rotating selection including home-made biltong, in-house smoked bacon and fresh pestos from their urban veggie garden. If you are looking at recreating one of their mouth-watering dishes for your loved ones, your best bet is to buy one of the available deli items, or order take-aways and call it a day!

Godenfang’s name goes back to that of the original family home and means “good catch”, referring to the bountiful fish caught from the front porch of the house before the harbour was built. But they have borrowed more than just the name. With uncanny hospitality, brilliant atmosphere and a menu filled with refreshingly unique meals, the Godenfang that locals have fallen in love with and that travellers rave about, is indeed a good catch.

Charene Labuschagne

There are many articles out there sharing sage advice and insights from generations of wisdom. However, have you ever stopped to ask yourself what advice you would offer to your younger self? If you could have a brief chat with yourself five, ten or even twenty years ago, what do you think you would be able to offer in terms of knowledge?

So often people talk about telling their younger self to not sweat the small stuff. This is because we often worry about things that are out of our control and that never actually come to pass.

Another common anecdote of wise advice is to care less about what people think about you, because you cannot please everyone, especially when you follow your own path in life.

Other times people speak about telling their younger self to walk away from the job or relationship, especially when either of these are proving toxic or bound to come to a dead end. This raises the question, “How does one know when it is time to walk away?”

Constant emotional stress takes a toll on our health and happiness. It is a well-known fact that people who deal with elevated states of emotional stress consistently suffer from more health issues. These include muscle fatigue, irritability, constant tiredness, headaches, and more. If left unchecked, your emotional stress will leave you physically ill as well as emotionally tired. That is why many experts say that if you are emotionally drained more often than you are not, it is an indicator that enough is enough.

This is not to say that every difficult situation warrants walking away from. Sometimes situations come about as an opportunity to become better and wiser people. All situations teach us something: sometimes the lesson is to leave, and other times it is to repair. To know the difference, we need to be in a calm and centred place and we need to have confidence in ourselves.

Sometimes our stress makes situations seem worse than they actually are. Research shows that when we have higher stress levels, we misinterpret neutral comments from others as criticism, or see their behaviours in a more threatening,

negative light. A huge part of our emotional well-being depends on tending to our nervous systems regularly to keep our stress levels moderated. When we regularly de-stress ourselves, it helps us to see things around us for what they are.

It is important to remember that our human brains are wired to see things negatively. This is known as the negativity bias of the brain. Our brains tend to put a negative spin on things. This is why it is so important to remember that just because our brains think something does not mean it is true.

The other key component to being able to effectively analyse the situation we find ourselves in, is our confidence levels. Confidence is self-trust in your skills, choices and values. It comes from within yourself and feels like an inner knowing of your strengths and weaknesses. We all generally have a strong sense of confidence as a child, but as life throws curve balls our confidence can diminish. Low self-confidence can feel like being unable to handle people’s criticism of you, or having difficulty trusting yourself.

Luckily, every day we are given multiple opportunities to build towards a strong sense of self. It takes small steps. Something as simple as the daily practice of placing your hand over your heart area in a gesture of love and care towards yourself can help. This will bring you into a place of truth and understanding towards yourself.

What is often observed is that when a person gains confidence in themselves, red flags are no longer red flags – they become deal breakers.

Another tool for being able to see the truth of whether you are in a toxic environment or simply in the midst of a tough lesson, is the creation of solid boundaries. These are the ground rules for yourself and your relationships. Confidence and knowing your own worth play a huge role in one’s ability to create and stick to your boundaries.

Perhaps you have your own personal truths to offer yourself when you were younger. Perhaps a review of what you have already learnt on the path of your life will show you that you know more than you think, and these wisdoms can very likely be helpful for your future self.

Kirsty Watermeyer

What would you tell your younger self?

TO WALVIS BAY 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

Catamaran Dolphin Cruises

de Baken Self-Catering

To the south lies a bird sanctuary of international importance, in the east are the elongated fingertips of the oldest desert in the world, to the north are beautiful sandy beaches and in the west flows the brilliant Benguela Current, one of the most intricate oceanic ecosystems on the planet. With so many wonderful features around it, Walvis Bay is the epicentre of adventure on our coast. Be it an ocean-faring activity, curiously wandering through a bird paradise or staying in a quirky self-catering spot right by the lagoon, there is fun to be had in Namibia’s harbour town.

After a scenic flight on FlyNamibia’s Windhoek to Walvis Bay route, a drive into town reveals picturesque pockets of flamingos wading in marsh-like greenery, strikingly juxtaposed by the dunes nearby. A beautiful introduction to Walvis Bay, the town where flocks of flamingos fly overhead by the dozens while you are sipping a morning coffee.

Where to stay and have that morning coffee is the next question. On prime real estate within walking distance of any and every activity in Walvis Bay is de Baken. This wabi-sabi, weird and wonderful self-catering accommodation was built and decorated largely with reclaimed materials. Even the property’s original structure on the corner of Richard Dyer and JJ Cleverly streets was repurposed sustainably. The complex’s six units each have a unique spin on nautical themes, paired with quirky names like Sandy Bottoms and Flirty Flamingo. For architect Conrad Schaffer, de Baken is a passion project inspired largely by Wlotzka’s Baken, the holiday settlement north of Swakopmund that embodies the quintessential, rustic beach cabin. Conrad is both the mastermind behind the design and the operational owner of the accommodation facility.

From de Baken you can stroll to your dinner reservation on the waterfront or even have your own braai at your fully kitted accommodation unit. Not only is this place absolutely aesthetically pleasing, they have truly thought about everything you might need for a comfortable stay, including crisp white linen bedding, Netflix and Slowtown coffee.

In Walvis Bay, the early bird gets the better weather. Since a strong southwesterly wind tends to pick up in the afternoon, most guided activities take place in the early morning, like the catamaran charters favoured by visitors. On misty mornings at the Walvis Bay waterfront, Catamaran Dolphin Cruises conducts three-hour guided tours to the Pelican Point peninsula. Step onto the sleek white cat and a group of pelicans are already on board, joining the voyage out to sea. With plenty of delicious snacks and Namibian oysters, sherry or bubbly and a few overzealous marine animals, the cruise is every bit as relaxing as it is informative.

Catamaran Dolphin Cruises’ guide Cathy is incredibly knowledgeable and tangibly passionate about the ocean. Sharing insight into wild animal behaviours, the complexities of oyster farming and even a little maritime law, this particular cruise allows you to laze on a boat bobbing on the Benguela Current, while learning invaluable facts about our ocean. Seals, pelicans and elusive dusky dolphins make entertaining appearances, be it playfully parading in the water or, in the case of pelicans, ceremoniously landing on the boat’s hulls, making for brilliant photos. Sufficiently spoiled, educated and relaxed, after disembarking Catamaran Dolphin Cruises it is easy to understand why the sea-faring lifestyle is considered the ultimate luxury.

Rojo at the Yacht Club

Kuiseb Bird Sanctuary

Walvis Bay is best savoured close to the water, and the ideal place to embrace the maritime attitude is the Yacht Club among sailors and water babies of every kind who congregate for frosty Hansa Draughts and wholesome pub grub from the on-site restaurant, Rojo.

Whether you sit outside by the jetty on a sunny day, in the light-filled domed dining room facing the beach, or under a big umbrella by the kiddies playground, Rojo dishes up a vibe completely unique to Walvis Bay. The menu covers light lunches as much as generous dinner meals, all inspired, in one way or another, by the fresh ocean air. Choose between a wide selection of burgers, wraps, steaks, fresh seafood or sushi, either way you cannot go wrong. Every item on the menu is thoughtfully prepared and paired with the ideal setting at the Yacht Club. Dining at Rojo is essential to the Walvis Bay experience.

Once you have refuelled at Rojo, another activity awaits. On the outskirts southeast of Walvis Bay lies a birding paradise of international importance. Flamingo, cormorant, pelican, oystercatcher, tern and plover are just some of the avian species to see and photograph in their natural habitat. Referred to on maps as the Bird Sanctuary or Bird Paradise, the area is accessible by 4x4 from the C14 road to the airport. Juxtaposed by small sand dunes, the environment is characterised by low-lying water pans, fields of wetland reeds and succulent creeper plants. Flocks of feathered bodies wade through the water, occasionally fluttering up to the sky in a hurry, just to circle back and feed some more. It is truly a sight to behold, and it makes for a special kind of adventure to patiently move through the bird sanctuary.

Joyce on what’s to love about Walvis Bay

Since flying from Windhoek to Walvis Bay with FlyNamibia, I have proclaimed myself an honorary resident of this coastal town. I would have loved to grow up there! With the dunes of the Namib just a short drive away and the calm waters of the lagoon on the town’s doorstep, I can only imagine how much fun it is to be a kid in Walvis Bay. Even for an adult, there is so much to explore.

We stayed at the picture-perfect de Baken selfcatering accommodation, and boy, did I have fun taking photos between the interesting architecture, bright colours and beautifully decorated apartments. They are within easy walking distance from the lagoon to take a close look at the stately pink flocks of Flamingos that migrate there in thousands, feeding while looking gorgeous.

Because of the peninsula that shelters Walvis Bay, our journey with Catamaran Dolphin Cruises was smooth and calm. I learnt so much about pelicans, seals and the whole Walvis Bay area. And I tried a fresh Namibian oyster for the first time – how delicious!

Charene Labuschagne

Brighter Day Initiative

The Brighter Day Hope Foundation is a psychosocial support and holistic education development organisation that has been operating in partnership with Standard Bank. It was endorsed by the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture in November 2021.

As part of the Brighter Day Initiative, psychosocial support services were rolled out in collaboration with Standard Bank to the following regions: Karas, Hardap, Erongo, Kunene, Otjozondjupa, Kavango East, Kavango West and Zambezi. More than 50 schools were visited and engaged with, addressing roughly 20,000 students and around 300 teaching and support staff.

The initiative to address the post-COVID implications in schools, and involving students and teachers, is a well-timed engagement in communities that are still reeling from the devastating impact of COVID-19. The program’s objectives established that there is an acute need for interventions to address psychosocial well-being among a myriad of issues affecting both teachers and students. Psychosocial support builds internal and external resources for children and their families to cope with adversity.

The aim was to initiate conversations with students as well as teachers in a safe environment to talk about topics and issues that most people are not comfortable talking about or do not know how to talk about. Engagement with the target audience is done with the intent of creating an understanding where behaviour seeking help and health is to be normalised. Engagement takes the form of various facilitation sessions and presentations, focusing on:

• The process of bereavement and counselling

• Coping strategies: managing anxiety and stress

• Holistic well-being in dealing with academic pressure –strategies to manage workload and time

• Workplace adjustments for teachers and support staff

• Substance use and mental health awareness

• Teenage pregnancy

• Suicide prevention

CAREER COUNSELLING AND GUIDANCE

Parallel to the initial focus of the Brighter Day initiative the aim was to engage on a paired platform. Career Avenue is designed to assist students in making informed educational and occupational choices and implementing them. We

have developed a framework for guidance services that will develop student’s competencies in:

• Career related fields

• Self-knowledge and aptitude assessment

• Educational and occupational exploration

• Career guidance and university applications

• Career planning

THE APPROACH

The underlying idea is that exposure to and awareness of the different education and career paths will help students make informed decisions about their future. The working definition for career guidance refers to the advice and information about careers that help individuals, in particular young people, to decide on a career and teach them how to pursue their chosen career.

THE INTERVIEWS

Currently interviews are conducted with professionals in several occupational fields, with an emphasis on diversity. The focus is on career prospects and on aiming to explain the various professions from the perspective of those active in those fields. Faculty members in tertiary institutions and vocational centres will be interviewed to outline the realities of studying and the necessary transition from high school methods of learning to tertiary tuition and instruction.

The power of visual exposure is acknowledged and thus a series of videos will be made available:

• Interviews with professionals in their areas of work and at work; answering key or frequently asked questions

• Interviews with students enrolled at universities colleges, and vocational centres

• Interviews with lecturers, professors and instructors

• Virtual tours of selected institutions

• Information on bursary schemes, sponsorships and grants

The focus is not only on academic qualification, but career options in sports and entertainment are strongly featured as well.

Reflections: A News Editor’s View

Welcome to the first of what I hope will be many months spent sharing the airways with you in this column. I hope to reflect on many topics during this time, share some of my thoughts and feelings on popular news events, shape local as well as global opinions and, hopefully, stop navel-gazing for long enough to elicit a chuckle or two as I cover less serious topics from time to time.

As we celebrate 33 years of independence this month – a period marked by peaceful handovers of power and no president wanting to overstay his welcome – I am reminded of an incident that happened earlier this year that seemed to set the world reeling. I am speaking about New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern’s decision to step down before completing her term in office. The announcement attracted various opinions, but for many social media users in Africa there seemed to be one main reaction: “People in power actually step down voluntarily!”

While I understand the reaction – after all, Equatorial Guinea’s president Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo is currently the world’s longest serving head of state, having been in power for 43 years, and Paul Biya, the world’s oldest head of state at 89, has ruled Cameroon for 40 years – it is not necessarily fair. Cambodia’s Hun Sen has been prime minister for 37 years, Tajikistan’s Emomali Rakhmon has led the country for 30 years, and Vladmir Putin has been the President of Russia for 19 years, and actually in charge for 23 if you count the years Dmitry Medvedev was (many say in name only) the head of state. Sure, the situation is different, but even Angela Merkel served as German chancellor for 16 years and 16 days – a mere 10 days less than Helmut Kohl’s record run.

Speaking of double standards, many also chose to use Ardern’s decision to (once again) take a dig at women in power, saying it was proof that they do not have what it takes. Even the BBC published an article that was originally titled “Jacinda Ardern resigns: Can women really have it all?” before they changed it following a backlash and accusations of “staggering sexism”.

Of course the argument has also been made that it was those double standards that contributed to her decision to leave in the first place, ranging from comments in the media about her looks and fashion sense, to criticism of her living arrangements and the fact that she took her then threemonth-old daughter with her to the United Nations General Assembly. She also had to face many questions which male prime ministers would never be expected to answer, such as whether she and Finnish prime minister Sanna Marin had met because they were “similar in age” and had a lot in common,

or whether or not she dyed her hair, as well as, of course, what her “real reason” for resigning was.

New Zealand’s third female prime minister’s decision to leave before completing her tenure also attracted praise, though, with many highlighting “her strength, compassion and empathy”, the fact that she had shown that “a new style of leadership” was possible, and had “made kindness cool again”. She was also applauded by some for her honesty in admitting to the “toll of overwork that comes with the responsibility of running a country” and for potentially making “burnout ‘high-profile’ enough for leaders to act” –whether or not they, and we, will is of course up for debate.

Reshma Saujani, the founder and CEO of Moms First and the founder of Girls Who Code, said she hoped that Ardern’s resignation and honesty about the reasons for it would inspire women to stop seeing “their own empty tanks as flaws”. “Like Ardern,” Saujani says, “we must recognise the moments when we personally need support, while continuing to advocate for larger, structural support for families across the globe.”

This is what I hope the world can take away from Jacinda Ardern’s resignation: the realisation that in order to be of service and assistance to others we all need to “fill our own cups first”, the ability to admit when we need help and the bravery to ask for it, as well as the understanding that we too need to step away sometimes, even if it is only for a little while and not forever.

Until next month; enjoy your journey.

David Bishop

DID YOU KNOW?

This month in history:

3 March 1923

The first issue of TIME Magazine appears on newsstands. Henry Luce and Briton Hadden, who worked together on the Yale Daily News, originally thought about calling the magazine Facts

10 March 1876

Inventor of the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell places the world's first telephone call to his assistant in the next room.

19 March 2003

Celebrate,

27 March 1909

Fingerprints are used as evidence in a murder trial for the first time.

7 March 1933

The Monopoly board game was invented.

8 March 1910

Raymonde de Laroche became the first woman to earn a pilot license. Women of Aviation Worldwide Week is observed each year during the week of 8 March, calling attention to gender imbalance in the aviation industry.

The U.S. launched its first attack on Iraq in an attempt to remove the dictator Saddam Hussein from power. Starting with aerial strikes in Baghdad, followed by a full-on invasion by troops, Baghdad was conquered just over 20 days later, and Saddam Hussein’s rule was over.

20 March 1930

Kentucky Fried Chicken is founded by "Colonel" Harlan Sanders in North Corbin, Kentucky.

31 March 1958

The Eiffel Tower opens in Paris, France. The iconic landmark took 2 years, 2 months and 5 days to build, an unparalleled achievement at that time.

06-12 March

Women of Aviation Worldwide Week

8 March

International Women’s Day

The month of March gets its name from Mars, the Roman god of war, and was called Martius in the earliest Roman calendar. Martius marked the beginning of the season for warfare, which concluded in October.

In the U.S. March is considered the least productive month of the year. Some companies have lost up to $1.9 billion in wages to staff who didn’t attend work in favour of watching NBA games, coining the term “March Madness.”

Every year, March and June finish on the same day of the week.

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.

31 March

International Transgender Day of Visibility

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

NAMIBIANS’ FAVOURITE SIGHT | the white cap of a much-loved fungi on the side of an anthill after summer rains. Every Namibian has their own favourite recipe for cooking this delicious and flavour-rich mushroom - the Omajova. Whether you make Antoinette’s famous pasta (see page 25) or simple fry it in garlic and butter in a pan like we do at my home, an Omajova is the ultimate Namibian summer-time delicacy.

Elzanne McCulloch