FlyNamibia May 2023

Fyodor Dostoevsky

76 years ago, traveller Helmut Brass undertook his first business trip to South West Africa then with not hing more t han his family, his new Hudson and £600 in debt.

Discover the fascinating story of Cymot spanning 75 years! Get ready to journey through time with us in the next few editions as we delve into the rich history of this iconic brand.

1948

Our stor y begins in 1948 with Helmut Brass selling Autolite car batteries (manufactured by Chloride) from his residence in Promenadenweg in Windhoek. His veranda served as a batter y depot.

1949

Tel: +264 61 295 6000

Email: info@cymot.com

Photo: In the dunes between Eindpaal and Koës.

Three Hudsons in ser vice of CYMOT SWA LTD.

Need To Knows. with

FlyNamibia

How to buy a ticket online

www.flynamibia.com.na

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

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Fill in your payment details in our DPO paygate to make final payment.

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You can also purchase from:

Windhoek Eros Airport Office

Ondangwa airport office

Rundu airport office

Katima Mulilo airport office

Hosea Kutako airport office

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All major travel agents

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:

Lotions and aerosols above 100ml, flammable aerosol, sharp objects, i.e. nail files, nail scissors, Leatherman, matches.

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, Twyfelfontein 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.

Welcome on board

New dreams take flight for future pilots

At an event held at Eros Airport in Windhoek on 5 April, FlyNamibia launched the official start of its pilot bursary programme by welcoming the successful candidates to the FlyNamibia team.

After the announcement of this planned bursary programme in November 2021, FlyNamibia received over 1,400 applications. Extensive due diligence was taken to narrow down the field and ensure that only the very best candidates made the final selection. Extensive application and interview processes lead to the eventual selection of four candidates for the pilot programme. These four candidates, along with their parents and family members, were invited to the Westair Aviation and FlyNamibia facilities to meet their instructors, the programme director as well as members of the FlyNamibia board, including Ambassador Tonata ItengeEmvula. The candidates are all Namibians between the ages of 23 to 24.

The system which will train the candidates will include onthe-job instruction in all aspects of the aviation industry, including pilot training, cabin crew, aircraft engineering as well as finance and management. During their three-year apprenticeship, trainees will get experience in and exposure to all aspects of the industry. Parallel with their primary training each individual will also learn how other aspects of aviation works and operates so that, upon completion of their training and studies, they are familiar with all aspects of the business and have a better rounded understanding of the industry.

Pilot training is a complex process that involves mastering both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. It can take several years and cost tens of thousands of dollars to complete. The bursary programme will cover all costs involved in the training of the candidates to reach the required qualification levels to one-day pilot FlyNamibia’s fleet.

Beyond this extensive financial contribution, the bursary will also include a monthly stipend for the candidates as they will be making a valuable contribution to the company while undergoing their on-the-job training. Through projects such as these, FlyNamibia and Westair Aviation hopes to advance its human capital and support the aviation industry in Namibia through enabling and producing a highly skilled workforce that can further help the industry prosper. This in turn becomes an export for the nation and supports FlyNamibia’s goals of being a positive economic driver and beacon for change and prosperity for the country.

Are you the next Face of FlyNamibia?

We have officially launched this year’s search for the next Face of FlyNamibia. After a successful tenure as our very first brand ambassador, we’re sad to say goodbye to Joyce and will certainly miss her vibrant energy and enthusiasm (read more about her year with us on page 56). The time has come to restart the search! We’re looking for a proudly Namibian individual who is excited about helping us promote and celebrate all things Namibia. This is not a model search. We’re looking for personality! Check out how to enter on page 13 or www.theflynamibiastory.com/the-face-offlynamibia-2023/

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

meets fashion

art

Amulti-disciplinary artist of note, Adriano Visagie is a Namibian creative whose talent knows no bounds.

With titles that include being a multiaward-winning actor, media personality and master of ceremonies, this banker by day puts no limits to what he can achieve.

Of all his all-round abilities, my favourite thing about Adriano is his love for Namibian fashion and how he empowers local designers through his platforms. We recently met at a coffee shop to chat about this love for fashion, collaborating with fashion creatives and what it means to love local and live it!

When did you fall in love with fashion?

It started at KCR (Katutura Community Radio) while I was still in high school. I realised how much I loved community radio and how we used it to share the stories from our communities. When the station rebranded to Base FM, the shows got marketed with promos and a lot of imaging. I realised I needed to start looking a certain way as part of my brand. I then wondered, how do I fuse fashion with what I do?

What did that realisation lead to?

I started working with Ingo Shanyenge and Immanuel Garoeb for the House of Tsatago. I remember being intrigued by their work, and that was when the Namibian fashion scene was very low-key and not as big as it is today.

Being a shy person, I wanted to use the way I dress to get out of my shell, and these two designers helped me to add a fashion flair to my brand.

How else do you incorporate fashion in your work?

As an actor, I obviously don’t have much of a say in my wardrobe, but last year when I did the play Brother, I had in my mind garments that were flowy and basically a “blank canvas”. I didn’t want what we wore to overpower the play, so we had a plain, cream and flowy piece of fabric draped over our bodies. I remember buying the fabric in ChinaTown and going to Mathew (Erastus) of MN Creations, telling him exactly how I wanted the garments to look. I wanted it flowy and easy to move in.

At the end of the day fashion needs to make you feel good. It needs to help you express how you feel.

You went on to have a full-on collaboration with MN Creations. How did that go?

Mathew had always made my blazers. I remember going to Burkina Faso for the first time, and he made the blazer I wore for the awards show which I attended and won. He made it from scratch in two days. From that day, we worked together more, and I eventually asked him if we could create a collaborative collection. That’s how the BOLD capsule collection came about.

The collection sold out fast, and I learned many lessons from that project.

Photography credit: Opas Onucheyo

What were some of those lessons?

If we want to mass produce, we need to look into the longevity of the fabric. We need to tap into the fact that free trade allows us as Africans to buy fabric from wherever we want to in the continent. We need to capitalise on it more. We also need to collaborate more. Mathew and I drew from each other’s strengths to bring the vision to life. That is the power of collaboration.

Any plans to create a second collaborative collection? The problem is that mass production is a problem for us and Namibians don’t want to shop online. To be lucrative, we need to move away from creating single items. We need to have business models that work. For us, a limited-edition collection was exactly that. We did recreate a couple of items from the collection last year, and they also sold out. But as much as people love the items, how is this lucrative in the long term? So I will go back to the drawing board and see what is possible.

Lastly, how does one maintain a good-looking and valuable brand?

Consistency, consistency, consistency! Failing forward. Collaboration.

Adriano has built a beautiful community of creatives with whom he works to help him look good on and off camera. One of his greatest pleasures is finding promising talent to work with and he goes a step further by connecting them with his colleagues in showbiz.

As we wrap up our interview, he mentions that his little sister is a fashion design student due to graduate this year. I cannot help but wonder what kind of red-carpet magic the pair would create together should they collaborate in future. If Adriano’s success is anything to go by, the next generation of creatives from his family will surely make their mark with as much flair as he has.

Follow Adriano on Instagram and on Twitter @AdrianoVisagie

Rukee Kaakunga is a communications specialist, blogger and freelance fashion writer. Contact her via email: rukeekaakunga@gmail.com and follow her on Twitter @rukeeveni and Instagram @rukeekaakunga

SLOW COOKED LAMB SHANKS

You can make this for a family of six or for a crowd of 200+ - it is always a hit. The emphasis is on SLOW!

4 lamb shanks

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

5 ml coriander seeds

1 small dried red chilli

10 ml dried rosemary

5 ml dried marjoram or oregano

45 ml flour

15 ml olive oil

2 cloves garlic

2 large carrots, peeled

6 sticks of celery

2 onions

30 ml balsamic vinegar

250 ml dry white wine

1 x 45 g tin of anchovy fillets (optional)

2 x 410 g tinned plum tomatoes

1 handful of fresh basil, oregano or flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped for garnishing

Serve with Gremolata

60 ml parsley, finely chopped

Rind of 2 lemons, finely grated

2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

45 ml extra virgin olive oil

• Grind the coriander, chilli, rosemary and oregano in a coffee grinder or with a pestle and mortar.

• Season the meat with salt, pepper, the spice mixture and flour and put in a casserole.

• Finely chop all the remaining ingredients (except for the fresh herbs) and pour over the meat.

• Bake in the oven at 180°C for about

• 4 hours or until soft but not falling off the bone.

• Skim off any fat and season to taste.

• Garnish with the roughly chopped fresh basil, oregano or flat-leaf parsley.

• Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and serve with the meat

Discover more of Antoinette's delicious recipes in Life on a Table

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

Hentie Burger

Onlooker, a solo exhibition

by Actofel Ilovu

In Actofel Ilovu’s work the personal meets the political through the confluence of his materials and subject matter. Ilovu’s choice of materials is largely informed by his personal history, while his subject matter responds directly to his observation of contemporary Namibian society. These elements are brought together in his third solo exhibition titled Onlooker and presented at The Project Room.

For the last four years nuts from the Marula tree have featured prominently in Ilovu’s work. These huge trees are indigenous to Southern Africa and people harvest their fruit, bark, roots and leaves for a variety of uses. Once extracted from the fruit the inner kernel of the nut is used to make oil, and the remaining husk is often used for firewood. It is the shape of this husk that appears over and over again in Ilovu’s latest body of work. After the kernels are extracted the husk of the nut is left with two or three holes which are called omesho (eyes) in Oshiwambo. In Ilovu’s work these holes sit in small pensive faces, depicted in linocuts, smoke, charcoal and pigment on paper.

“I work with many different materials but the ones that I keep coming back to are the ones that have played a major role in my life. Specifically materials that relate to fire”, the artist says. When he was a child Ilovu sustained severe burns in a house fire and spent many months recovering in hospital. “Thinking of the marks that were left on my body I was very ashamed, but as I grew older I fell in love with them, which is why I like working with anything that has to do with fire. In a way I feel like I am taking revenge on the memory of the pain I suffered, but I am also making peace with what the fire left behind – the smoke, ashes and charcoal. I draw much of my inspiration for the types of marks I make from my own scars.”

Having initially trained as a printmaker, the meticulously controlled, graphic qualities of his work come into contrast with the very unpredictable results of working with fire and smoke. This duality produces a careful balance of elements: “When I use smoke in my practice I’m opening up a conversation with fire and trying to control the results. Practically speaking it’s hard to achieve this control. A small breeze can change the marks completely and in that way my work also opens up to chance.”

Marula oil has many useful qualities and in the aftermath of the fire the oil was applied to Ilovu’s skin to aid the healing process. “The nuts are part of an important cycle because they produce oil and can be used for firewood which burns particularly well. The burned nuts produce charcoal and a fine white ash which I also use in my work. In this way the motif of the nut naturally started becoming part of my work. The strong resemblance of the nut to eyes and a face gave me a cast of characters to work with. In each artwork the nut stands in for different people: politicians, women striving for change, vulnerable children, protesters beaten by police or flood victims from the north. Like a mask, the nut allows me to tell stories that both are or are not my own to tell.”

While all of the stories that Ilovu tells through his art are different and specific to the people who lived them, the marula nut remains a constant in his iterative reflections on social injustice. Ilovu’s keen observation of the people around him and local news form the basis of his research and in this way he sees himself following in the footsteps of John Muafangejo, observing the world around him and drawing it into his work to make what are often subtle and poignant observations.

Ilovu graduated from the College of the Arts in 2010 and received his higher diploma in visual art and advertising from the University of Namibia in 2016. In 2011 he held his first solo exhibition at the Franco Namibian Cultural Centre, titled Bring in the light , and in 2014 his second solo exhibition Bring in the shade was shown in the same gallery. Ilovu is an integral part of the Namibian art community. He works as a project manager, curator and artist. Onlooker is on show at The Project Room in Windhoek until the 20th of May.

Helen Harris – StArt Art Gallery

The Project Room - Namibia www.theprojectroom.com.na

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

Comrade Editor

On life, journalism, and the birth of Namibia – Gwen Lister

In her captivating memoir Gwen Lister takes readers on a journey through Namibia’s struggle for liberation. As one of the most prominent journalists during that period, she is uniquely positioned to provide a firsthand account. Reading her memoir is an immersive experience, providing a front-row seat to the turmoil that shaped Namibia's history.

Lister's upbringing in South Africa was marked by early exposure to injustice and inequality, which later fuelled her lifelong dedication to fighting for what is right and fair. As a young girl she willingly gave up her seat for an older black lady, a gesture that spoke volumes about her character and which her daughter Liberty calls Gwen’s aha moment. During her studies at UCT Lister's activism took shape. Along with a handful of fellow students who were committed to protesting the exclusion of black players from a rugby game between the British Lions and the Southern Universities team. Without a plan or a leader, the motley group managed to disrupt the game and caused international embarrassment.

In 1976, after one of the most unorthodox interviews with Hannes ‘Smittie” Smith, Gwen moved to Namibia to start her journalism career at the Windhoek Advertiser. Lister was thrown into the deep end, but it wasn’t long before she proved herself to Smittie and he entrusted her with the political sections of the paper. They were a strange combination but a formidable team. When the Windhoek Advertiser changed management, Smittie and Lister continued their journey at the Windhoek Observer, a paper that Smittie founded, with Lister's assistance. In hindsight one would find the relationship between Gwen Lister and Hannes Smith endearing. But she worked under horrific conditions, with a slave-driving boss who no journalist today would have survived. The book brings to life the intense professional relationship that Lister and Smittie had. Scenes of Lister storming off after another of Smittie's verbal outbursts, heading to Café Schneider for a cup of tea, that would eventually lead to Smittie sheepishly running after her begging “Gwenny Penny” to reconsider and stay – and she would, after finishing her tea. Later in his life Smittie paid homage to Lister in the Observer when she went on to start her own newspaper, The Namibian, and made a great success of it.

The establishment of The Namibian deserves its own book. Lister left the Observer after Smittie was placed under duress from a new partner at the Windhoek Observer. This led to a walkout of Lister's fellow colleagues who stood in solidarity with her after a demotion aimed to push her out. She felt responsible for her now unemployed and blacklisted former colleagues. With odd international freelancing jobs to keep her afloat, she set out to find funding to start her own newspaper.

Comrade Editor is an important book. Even though many aspects of the liberation struggle remain shrouded in secrecy, it does manage to shed some light on some decisive events during the struggle. The book touches on the Lubango Dungeons and the mysterious disappearance of certain people. The book will have readers wanting to know if there will ever be any conclusive reports with regards to the fates of Tauno Hautuklipi, Sisingi Hiskia and Anton Lubowski. In reflecting on the struggle, Lister speaks of a collective amnesia and selective memory, which I believe is causing a great injustice in preventing future generations from fully comprehending this crucial period of our history. It reminds me of the quote: "History is not there for you to like or dislike, it is there for you to learn from it." The release of Oiva Angula's Swapo Captive in 2018 is a testament to the fact that there are many stories yet to be told about the liberation struggle.

There is no way to tell the story of Namibia’s liberation struggle without including Gwen Lister’s contribution. Much like Immanuel Shifidi and Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo, I believe that Gwen Lister remains one of the unsung heroes of our liberation struggle. In 2016, at a World Press Freedom Day celebrated in Finland, Martti Ahtisaari’s home country, the seasoned diplomat paid tribute to Lister’s role in Namibia’s independence process. He modestly said that it had been a bigger contribution than his own.

Comrade Editor shows that the Namibian story, especially the part pertaining to the birth of our nation, remains largely untold. May the book inspire more Namibians who were in the thick and at the front of our liberation struggle to tell their stories so that we can attempt to piece together a complete picture, lest we forget.

Laimi Elago

10 minutes with local taste makers Gloria Del Mar

Meet Gloria Del Mar, the newest addition to the local music scene. With her infectious personality and natural talent for songwriting and performing, Gloria is quickly gaining recognition for her raw, acoustic sound.

Her first EP titled This was meant to be brief was recorded in the comfort of her own bedroom and launched in June of 2022 to a select few family and friends at Vinyls Music Cafe in Windhoek. Since then, she has been making waves with her original songs and occasional covers. But the artist has come a long way to become the stage performer we are beginning to fall in love with…

From a young age, Gloria has been in love with music, encouraged by her mother to pick up instruments such as the piano, guitar and violin. Although her love for music manifested early, it wasn’t until seeing her siblings perform in school plays that she realised a career in musical theatre was part of her dream. The songstress studied environmental economics in Los Angeles, where her musical career was put on the back burner as she focused on obtaining her degree. Returning to home soil, Gloria picked up her instruments again and is actively dedicated to promoting her original music, inspired by the likes of Adele and Sam Smith.

While Gloria’s music style is primarily acoustic, she incorporates various genres into her music. She describes her sound as a mix of pop, soul and folk, with a focus on telling stories through her lyrics. Her music is raw, authentic and deeply personal, drawing from her own experiences and emotions.

Gloria also attends acting classes, which helps her with stage presence for musical performances. The little Gloria inside probably still yearns for the likes of Broadway, but she is already creating a buzz with her impressive live performances around Windhoek. Despite once suffering from stage fright, Gloria is now an energetic performer who commands attention with her captivating voice and soulful melodies. She attributes her personal and career growth to her coaches, including Emily Dangwa.

Gloria is bent on not only claiming her stake in the Namibian music scene, but also contributing to its collective growth. She believes that there is immense potential if everyone works together, adding that gatekeeping collaborators do the entire industry a disservice. “There is plenty of pie for everyone to go around,” says Gloria. With a radiant smile, bubbly personality and heaps of talent, she is here to help serve it up!

Charene Labuschagne

ACTIVITIES ARE Re-imagined AT MOKUTI ETOSHA

After 15 months of extensive renovations Mokuti Etosha re-opened its doors in March 2023. Africa re-imagined weaves through every fabric of Mokuti Etosha. From the architecture and aesthetics of the lodge to the earthy colours and aromas, natural materials, rough tactile textures, and rounded shapes, all of which contribute towards the sense of Etosha – but now in a reimagined way.

The true magic of our lodge lies in rewarding, immersive and unique activities you can partake in. Whether you are seeking adventure or relaxation, we present you with a range of opportunities to suit every mood – once again in an Africa re-imagined way.

For those wishing to immerse themselves in Namibia’s abundant nature, the lodge’s adapted game viewers provide a comfortable and contemporary way to view the magnificent wildlife at Etosha National Park, with the highly recommended add-on of a sunrise breakfast or sundowner overlooking one of Etosha’s popular watering holes. Let our expert guides enthral you with their stories and knowledge of Namibia’s fauna and flora.

Sundowner tours are conducted on the property of the lodge and what better way to enjoy the stillness, beauty and raw authenticity of Namibia than with a drink and snack at a waterhole as the sun sets in the West.

Intimate, authentic and immersive are words that come to mind when experiencing the Night drives on the Mokuti Etosha property. With a bit of luck and guidance from our knowledgeable guides, you might spot a leopard, hyena or bushbaby on your night dive.

Bush walks with the indigenous Hai//om (San) are an adventurous and unique way of exploring the surroundings, while they share their ancient wisdom and knowledge of the Namibian bush.

Guests can also visit the Ontouka Conservation & Snake Park, with its daily snake shows, research projects and a huge focus on exchanging knowledge with and supporting the local communities. Talk to Namibia’s snake whisperer, Francois Theart, Conservation Manager at Mokuti Etosha and learn more about snakes and our numerous conservation activities. These play a crucial role in protecting the

environment and preserving biodiversity and our Conservation Centre provides research opportunities that will ultimately have a significant impact on our environment, education, culture, sustainability and social responsibility.

More activities at Mokuti include a range of pampering treatments at Omulilo Spa (which also boasts a jacuzzi and steam room), selfguided walks to appreciate the beautiful fauna and flora up close and personal, or use of the fully equipped gym, tennis courts and multiple swimming pools.

And then there is action for the children. The Mokuti Etosha junior ranger’s programme not only gives parents a bit of a breather but teaches our future generation about the environment and develops a variety of skills such as communication, leadership, problemsolving and teamwork. The junior rangers programme also promises a whole lot of fun in nature and outdoors while being part of positive conservation efforts.

Call us today and book your Africa re-imagined Mokuti Etosha adventure.

Living an authentic life

You’re not lost! But caught in a world where mass media thrives on making you feel like you need to be more or have more (shiner hair, clearer skin, nicer shoes and more external things), which just ends up making you feel inadequate, it is important to take the time to find yourself so that you don’t get lost in the melee or the madness. Finding yourself, as Mary Oliver would put it, is about asking yourself “What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

It goes deeper than the rehearsed answers about your career goals or current hobbies. It is about getting serious with yourself about what really makes you tick. The stuff under the surface and beyond what is cool right now. The things that make your body, mind and soul feel alive. Here we are not talking about the things you enjoy, but rather the things that make you thrive. Which are so unique to you that you could call them the things of your true soul nature. Because do you know that our souls grow weary of engaging in activities that inherently go against their nature? Sometimes we think we enjoy things because we have always done them, but when we get real and painfully truthful with ourselves they don’t actually make us feel truly animate.

The reason why we need to know what makes us feel alive is because the things that make us vibrant make us flourish in life. Finding ourselves, knowing ourselves and living authentically makes all the spaces around us improve. This includes our relationships, work life and more. In this state of being we get to enjoy our lives to the fullest. Considering we only have a limited time on Earth, shouldn’t living to the fullest be a priority?

Often, though, we don’t really take the time to dig into these kinds of questions about ourselves. Maybe we have an idea of who we are, or perhaps we have assessed who we are many years ago when considering our career path and haven’t thought of its value since. In particular we don’t realise that an evaluation of ourselves to find our true north is an important step in freeing ourselves of our own melodrama.

In his beautiful book The Untethered Soul Michael A. Singer writes that to free ourselves we need to find ourselves, but that “unfortunately, most of us are not that wise. We’re really not trying to be free of our stuff; we’re trying to justify keeping it.”

The greatest and most important adventure of our lives is discovering who we really are. It is a pilgrimage to yourself. It is reconnecting with your wildness because it is about learning to really connect with your body – your body being an antenna of your own truth which expresses all the ways in which we deceive ourselves.

There are a host of paths that will bring you to the truth of yourself and uncover the things that make you come alive. If you are looking for some inspiration, here are three ways you could use to navigate finding yourself.

1. Solitude

It is powerful to spend time alone. It is how you learn to enjoy your own company and figure out what you like to do. Being alone affords us space to distance ourselves from the noise around us that clutters our minds. Another quote from The Untethered Soul comes to mind – “Consciousness is always drawn to the most distracting object: the bumped toe, the loud noise, or the hurting heart.”

Meditation is a powerful tool as it is about being with ourselves without distraction. Through this practice we start to draw our attention away from the confusion and towards the call of our soul.

2. Real talk with yourself

Have you ever asked yourself: “What would create purpose or contentment for me?” Or perhaps just asked yourself: “What would I really like to be doing right now and with whom?” With that we aren’t looking for answers about what your partners, parents, children or friends want from you. It is about what you truly want. To be able to answer these questions honestly we need to remove the noise in our minds about who we think we are. As Michael Singer says, “In order to be who you are, you must be willing to let go of who you think you are.”

3. Explore, travel, see and contemplate

In whichever way you tackle this step, it is about reaching beyond your comfort zone and gaining new perspectives. Our perspective on ourselves, others and events ultimately shape our thoughts, actions and reactions.

A children’s story called A Tale of Two Beasts is about a little girl and a small animal. The first part of the story is told from the girl’s perspective. She is walking through the woods and finds a strange little beast. She rescues him, washes him and shows him to her friends. She is surprised when he runs away. The second part of the story is told from the strange little beast’s perspective. He is happily swinging on a branch when he is ambushed by a terrible beast who takes him to her secret lair, makes him horribly clean and surrounds him with other strange beasts.

Perspective is fascinating and it will open your eyes to many new possibilities.

Taking the time to really examine yourself is the beginning of a great adventure as it is the doorway to new territories and uncharted lands inside yourself. When you know these lands you uncover things about yourself you never knew. Sometimes you uncover things you enjoy doing that you never imagined you would. When you know the things that set your soul on fire you can spend more time doing them, and this is a path to creating more joy, abundance and enjoyment in your life.

Kirsty Watermeyer

Berrylicious

For fresh and flavourful cuisine paired with a cosmopolitan atmosphere, look no further than Berrylicious. This contemporary Mediterranean restaurant dishes up unique taste experiences at Freedom Plaza in the heart of Windhoek. While the outdoor area oozes big-city vibes, the advent of winter is welcomed with Berrylicious’ sleek and sophisticated indoor decor with plush lounge seats and long communal tables, perfect for catching up with friends or enjoying a romantic date night.

They say dynamite comes in small packages. One glance at the Berrylicious menu and the saying begins to ring true. Though it may be small, the menu is packed with fusion flavours and a variety of options, which means executive chef Jovanko Greyton and his team in the kitchen pay extra attention to detail, making every dish a standout. For starters, take your pick between beef carpaccio with all the balsamic and rocket bells and whistles or the salmon bruschetta with the secret Berrylicious sauce. Then, move on to the main event, with options ranging from parmesanand pistachio-crusted lamb chops to expertly grilled aged steaks and tantalising seafood options.

A Berrylicious side dish is definitely not an afterthought –think butternut and feta, splendidly spicy, sweet and salty, teriyaki broccoli with toasted almond flakes, or chorizo rice, all perfectly complementing the rich and savoury flavours of the main dishes. Steaks are grilled to perfection and served with lip-smacking and simply lekker sauces, particularly the

Chimichurri. And if you are looking for a truly unique and delicious burger, try the chef’s signature Licious burger – a succulent teriyaki chicken breast, caramelised onions, and creamy avocado. Magnifique!

Alongside their contemporary Mediterranean cuisine, Berrylicious stocks a curated selection of great South African wines. Whether you prefer a rich and robust red or a crisp and refreshing white, their knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect pairing for your meal. And if wine is not your thing, they also offer a variety of expertly crafted cocktails like Espresso Martini and Mango Sunrise. And if you have any room left after all of that, be sure to indulge in the dessert menu. The whiskey crème brûlée on chocolate soil is unlike anything in Windhoek.

Upscale with a groovy twist, Berrylicious is the perfect spot for weeknight after-work drinks, or going all out with a group of friends to wine and dine on the weekend. With its upbeat and lively atmosphere, plus the occasional live DJ event, Berrylicious lends itself well to the foodies and vibe curators of Windhoek.

Charene Labuschagne

Versatility, wearability and femininity are at the core of Hip & Happy. Originating from the early stages of lockdown, this South African brand hailing from Johannesburg has burgeoned into a fully-fledged online clothing destination and recently spread its wings to Namibia. Hip & Happy’s entire range of adjustable skirts, dresses, tops and trousers with funky florals and pretty pastels in flowy and wrap styles is now available in the Land of the Brave. The magnum opus is undoubtedly an adjustable dungaree, which allows you to look darn cute regardless of fluctuating measurements.

www.hipnhappy.co.za

SHOP LOCAL -ish

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

Nature possesses all the ingredients we need for our skin to be at its healthiest and most balanced. That is the vision and philosophy behind Wonderveld Apothecary, a sustainable and ethical skincare line made in small batches with organic ingredients. Perhaps the most groundbreaking item in the range is a broad spectrum SPF30 that creates a physical barrier between your skin and the sun without penetrating and clogging pores. This way you can love the Namibian sun and your skin at the same time.

If the earth laughs in flowers, Blumen Margot is a joyous ruckus! This florist goes beyond just selling fresh bouquets on the way to the hospital – Blumen Margot is your destination for gifting hampers to treat loved ones, for weddings and special events where flowers form an integral part of the aesthetic. Not only does Blumen Margot have a wide range from roses to proteas and lilies, they also stock a remarkable selection of dried flowers, so the laughter of earth lasts even longer. Step into this shop at Eros Shopping Centre for a sensory experience, particularly of colours and intoxicating scents.

@blumen_margot_florist

ZE’RA

Superior craftsmanship and timeless styles set ZE’RA apart from the rest. Their line of leather products ranges from laptop bags and handbags to wallets and luggage tags. Attention to detail and classic styles mean a ZE’RA leather product is forever, and with the added touch of personalising them with laser cut names or designs they make for great gifts too. Our favourite is the messenger bag, with plenty of space for a laptop, notebook and all your other bits and bobs. The finest finishings and sturdy hardware used in ZE’RA products make all the difference.

@zera_leather | www.zeraleather.com

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

BLUMEN MARGOT

INVESTMENT AND ENVIRONMENT

Talent is how we do both for our clients.

W hen it comes to solving for good business or a better world, our teams don’t compromise. We challenge the status quo by asking, why not both?

May, a month of remembrance

May’s public holiday season is upon us, an opportunity for reflection and remembrance. We look back this month and celebrate the hardfought gains achieved by workers and the labour movements on Workers Day, we commemorate the approximately 600 victims of the Cassinga Massacre and, depending on your religious leanings, we remember the ultimate sacrifice God made for us and the eventual ascension to heaven of Jesus Christ. We also mark the 1963 creation of the Organisation of African Unity (now African Union) on Africa Day, when we celebrate the continent and the great potential it offers, while not forgetting the many fierce battles for freedom.

In other matters, though, Namibians are very bad at remembering. Just four years ago Namibia’s dams were running dry, the City of Windhoek was posting a Weekly Water Watch which detailed by how much that week’s water saving targets had been exceeded. People were encouraged to install grey-water irrigation systems and collect shower and basin water to flush their toilets with, and elaborate plans were published for desalination plants at the coast and a pumping system to get that water all the way to the central parts of the country, and even, in some iterations of the plans, as far as Botswana.

But then the rain came. Farmers rejoiced, gardens were replanted, and the dam levels rose rapidly – including that of the newly completed Neckartal Dam in the south of the country, catching everyone by surprise with no plans put in place yet to actually make use of all that water. We forgot!

We forgot all the pleas to replant our lawns with more water-wise options. We forgot all the articles explaining how Namibia has always been and always will be a waterstressed country, and, even though many still don’t like to admit it, that climate change is only going to make this worse in the coming years. We forgot that already in 1995 Windhoek was struggling to meet the water demand of its growing population and that various experts suggested that the city exceeded sustainable water supply in 2012. And we forgot that as Namibians we should never stop saving water.

While we have had a relatively good rainy season in the early part of this year, Namwater CEO Abraham Nehemia has cautioned that that rain water has not made it into the country’s dams. According to the latest Dam Bulletin at the time of writing, the Neckartal Dam is still 93.2% full, but the dams that supply the central region are only at 39.7% of their combined total capacity and the level of Hardap Dam outside Mariental is only 40.3%.

We also forgot that, to paraphrase Merle Haggart, the good times can’t last forever, and that after the ‘little girl’, La Niña, we need to be ready for El Niño. This means we need to brace ourselves for hotter temperatures and lower rainfall, and, in the words of climate change and energy expert Nick Hedley, as a country already prone to drought we “need to have solid drought preparation plans in place”.

May is, overall, a month of remembrance and we are going to need to remember. Remember not to wash our cars with a hosepipe, or better yet, not wash them at all; remember to only water our gardens in the cooler hours of the day, and perhaps replant them with more water-wise options and use our shower and basin water to keep them alive; remember what it feels like to have higher tariffs charged for water use over a certain threshold; remember seeing and hearing daily reminders to save water wherever we can; and remember the adage “if it’s yellow, let it mellow”.

Perhaps most importantly of all, while the Wingoc Water Reclamation Plant has had upgrades to allow greater capacity since the last drought, and we can only hope that the rain we received over the past three years managed to recharge the various aquifers and groundwater sources across the country, we must remember as Namibians that we cannot wait for the government or local authorities to have to force us: we always need to save water.

I might have gone on a bit of a rant this month but my colleagues don’t call me “the friendly neighbourhood prophet of doom” for nothing. And while we are on the topic of water, just be glad I didn’t get started on all the plastic used for the consumption of bottled water...

Until next month, enjoy your journey (in a water-wise way )!

Photography Feature: Chris Botha

The beauty of slow, steady and free

Chris Botha is a Namibian-born photographer whose love for photography has made the world around him come alive. He captures the beauty of his surroundings and makes life seem slow, steady and free. Chris's approach to photography is driven by his love for the creative process and the thrill of the chase. He says, "Anything is interesting if you look close enough. The more mundane, the more exciting the challenge to find that interesting shot."

Chris started out in stock photography. According to him, it taught him all the technical aspects of taking photos, but it took all the fun out of the creative process. He found that the subject and the look and feel were predetermined, and there was no fun in that. For Chris, going out not knowing what he will find is his inspiration.

Anything is interesting, if you look close enough. The more mundane, the more exciting the challenge to find that interesting shot.

His romantic and stylized view of the world through his lens captures the soft beauty of his daily surroundings – whether on the family farm, at one of Namibia's most stunning wilderness destinations, or even just at home. His approach to photography is a form of meditation, fully immersing himself in the experience, and sometimes he is lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time.

Chris Botha is an exceptional photographer who captures the beauty of life in a way that makes us stop and appreciate the world around us. His work inspires us to slow down, take a breath, and find the beauty in the mundane.

Earthquakes

The Pulse of the Planet

Earthquakes are among the most terrifying yet awe-inspiring natural phenomena on our planet. They have captured the public imagination for centuries, and have been the subject of countless stories, legends and myths. From the mythical Titan Atlas holding up the world on his shoulders to the tale of the gigantic Namazu (catfish) of Japan curled up beneath the sea. And it is not just stories and myths – some of our greatest works of art and literature have also been inspired by earthquakes. For instance, the earthquake that struck China in 2008 served as the impetus for Ai Weiwei’s series of “earthquake artworks”. And in Carol Edgarian’s timeless work, Vera, we follow a 15-year-old girl as she navigates the rubble of San Francisco in 1906, going beyond merely seeking shelter. It is therefore safe to say that they have been woven into mankind’s cultural fabric.

While earthquakes have inspired and awed us, they also unleash tremendous power that has the potential to be lethal and disastrous. One key factor in earthquake formation is the inexorable motion of tectonic plates – big chunks of the earth’s crust that float on the uppermost liquid mantle. Major earthquakes that cause the most damage and kill many thousands of people occur along the margins of colliding plates, where – with time – immense pressures build up in the earth’s crust, sometimes also leading to volcanism. Eventually, all this pent-up energy is abruptly released, causing the ground to shake and rupture with disastrous repercussions, as in the case of San Francisco, which was almost completely levelled in 1906. Those who have witnessed earthquakes claim that they begin with a rumbling noise, like thunder at a distance which grows fiercer as the earthquake draws nearer.

Apart from the magnitude and depth of the epicentre (the point within the earth’s crust where the earthquake originates), the extent of damage caused by an earthquake depends on a lot of “outside” factors such as population density in the affected area, time of occurrence, preparedness (you are more likely to be hurt if you are caught napping!) and local geology. Notably, the potential damage is greater in areas underlain by unconsolidated, soft sediments such as that which many coastal cities are built on, rather than hard rock, as the former offer less resistance to seismic waves, and, instead of rupturing, literally turn into mud. In addition, coastal areas may be threatened by tsunamis – giant waves produced by sudden movements of large volumes of water – such as are caused by an undersea quake. These waves can travel for hours across the open ocean at great speed, and only release their destructive power once they make a landfall, thousands of kilometres from where they originated, overrunning everything in their way as they crash ashore, with the eventual backwash of the furious waters causing as much damage again!

However, not all earthquakes are “killers” or happen along plate boundaries. Smaller movements on faults within the earth’s crust occur almost everywhere. It is difficult to imagine that there are hundreds of such minor earthquakes every day, the majority of which are so slight that no one can feel them, and only the most sensitive instruments pick them up.

To better comprehend the dynamics of our planet, seismologists continuously measure and observe movements within the earth’s crust. They are able not only to pinpoint the location, depth and magnitude of an earthquake from the speed, direction and strength of the seismic waves released, but also to some extent forecast a major earthquake by monitoring build-up of stress, increase of small tremors and similar signs. But despite the advances that have been made over the last decades, it is still not possible to predict the exact date and time of its actual occurrence – or to prevent it!

Still, to be forewarned is to be forearmed, and in earthquakeprone areas around the globe, special building standards, emergency response plans and public awareness campaigns help to make communities more resilient and mitigate the damage, at least to human life. Indeed, several countries, such as the USA, Philippines, Israel and Japan hold regular earthquake drills to rehearse procedures before, during and after a quake in order to be prepared and prevent avoidable chaos.

Recent news from Syria and Turkey has also reminded the Namibian public of the threat posed by earthquakes. So, what are the chances of us being hit? Sitting in the centre of a stable continental plate – far away from its hazardous edges – we have relatively little to fear from this natural hazard. However, even here the earth’s crust is riddled with many fault lines and structures – one of the more prominent ones being the Windhoek Graben – along which movements do now and then occur. One such fault line, the Pahl Fault, runs right across Windhoek, and buildings in its vicinity (such as the Bank of Namibia on Robert Mugabe Ave) have in the past been prone to cracked walls or crumbling foundations, necessitating special reinforcements. Hot springs in the Rehoboth/Windhoek/Okahandja area, as well as other parts of the country, where heated groundwater from great depths is brought to the surface – and often used therapeutically – are further evidence of the existence of such crustal faults.

On average, one or two earthquakes have occurred in Namibia per year over the past century, for a total of about 160. The highest intensity ever reached was magnitude 5.6 on the logarithmic Richter Scale, which can wreak significant damage to poorly constructed structures over small regions, but Windhoekers would likely only feel a slight vibration of the ground. To put it into perspective: the most severe earthquake ever recorded – a magnitude of 9.5 measured in Chile in 1960 – released about 10 000 times more energy than the strongest ever to occur in Namibia!

Natural disasters like earthquakes and volcanism stimulate our imagination and terrify it at the same time by the overwhelming force with which they can make short shrift of man’s works, and life! But by exploring their geophysical properties and stripping them of their mythical associations we deepen, rather than diminish, our appreciation – and respect – for the awesome inherent power of Planet Earth!

Victoria N Nakafingo

This is Namibia

Photography: Elzanne McCulloch

Kaokoland extends from the Kunene River southwards across a sparsely populated and harsh environment down to the Hoanib River. The area holds a special allure for lovers of remote and wild places to negotiate its challenging and rugged terrain in fourwheel-drive vehicles. Attractions include the desert-adapted elephants, scattered Himba settlements, the impressive Epupa Falls, off the beaten track destinations such as the expansive Marienfluss and Hartmann valleys, the wild and beautiful Khowarib Schlucht, and Swartbooisdrift, site of a Dorslandtrekker monument.

KAOKOLAND’S FAMOUS ‘DESERT ELEPHANTS’

The African elephant, a strong and majestic giant, is a key feature on the plains, in the forest and across other landscapes in Africa. In remote parts of north-western Namibia these gentle giants have adapted to survive in harsh desert conditions.

In Kaokoland the desert-adapted elephant’s home ranges cover as much as 3 000 km2, with the animals trekking up to 200 km in search of water. It was thought initially that these elephants were a different species to the African elephant, Loxodonta africana, because they have longer legs, are taller and have larger feet. However, because they have less to eat than their Etosha counterparts, they don’t carry the same body mass, and therefore appear to be taller and have longer legs. But they do have larger feet, an environmental adaptation caused by walking primarily on soft sand all their lives.

Kaokoland’s desert-adapted elephants rotate the home ranges that they occupy as the seasons change to where food and water can be found. Herds are led by a matriarch, who is usually the oldest female and has accumulated as much as 30 years’ experience of the climatic conditions in her home range. By definition,desert-dwelling elephants occupy an arid habitat for at least part of the year and have special behavioural characteristics, large annual and seasonal ranges, and a social structure and daily activities suited to an arid environment. When feeding, these denizens of the desert take far greater care than their relatives in Etosha. They hardly ever fell trees, break fewer branches and debark much less than other elephants. Whereas adult elephants on average drink between 100–200 litres of water a day, in Kaokoland they drink only once every three or four days. During droughts they dig deep, narrow holes (gorras) in dry riverbeds with their tusks, trunk and feet to find water.

THE DESERT LIONS’ FIGHT FOR SURVIVAL

Another curiosity of the area is the remarkable desert-adapted lion. With approximately 140 of their kind left, the desert lions are a rare group of carnivores that have adapted to survive in one of the harshest, most unforgiving landscapes on earth. With their numbers dwindling as poaching and human encroachment threaten their future, sightings are few and far between. For more information on the desert lions of the Namib visit www.desertlion.info

EPUPA FALLS

With its scenically beautiful surroundings, Epupa is one of Namibia’s prime tourist destinations. The falls are a series of cascades where the Kunene River drops a total of 60 metres over a distance of about 1.5 km, separating into a multitude of channels and forming a myriad of rock pools. Enhanced by richly coloured rock walls, a variety of trees including wild figs, baobabs and waving makalani palms, spectacular sunsets and perennially flowing waters, the Epupa area offers much to see, do and experience.

Bird-watching is rewarding, especially for the rare Rufous-tailed Palm Thrush. Also seen are Bee-eaters, African Fish Eagles, Kingfishers ranging from the Giant to the tiny Malachite Kingfisher, Rosy-faced Lovebirds, Paradise Flycatchers, Turacos, Bulbuls, Hornbills and Rollers. Scattered settlements of Himba are an especially interesting feature of the area.

OPUWO

Although officially declared as a town only at the end of 2000, Opuwo has long acted as the capital of the Kunene Region, and as the gateway to Epupa Falls and the land of the Himba people. The town itself doesn’t offer much for the tourist, except in the form of hand-made jewellery and other crafts, which can be found at street stalls and at the open market. The Kunene Craft Centre is also a good place to stock up on souvenirs from the area. Opuwo has well-stocked grocery shops, Internet cafés, a post office, banks, fuel stations, a hospital, and everything else a traveller might need. Opuwo is connected to Kamanjab and Windhoek by a tarred road that is in excellent condition. There’s an airfield in town, managed by the Opuwo Country Hotel.

Find more Namibian travel inspiration at www.thisisnamibia.com

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

TO TWYFELFONTEIN AND BEYOND

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

www.flynamibia.com.na

That ‘Hello Hug’

ROYAL HUSTLERS

Alifetime of determination and some divine intervention by a nun named Bethrina have created a man of vision and conviction. Bernard Haufiku, Namibia’s former Minister of Health and Social Services, is on a mission to bring health services to isolated communities and to all of Africa.

Bernard was the last born of three sons. His home village was Onheleiwa, which means nice place, but very little was nice about it. Herding a few cattle and goats along the Angolan border at the start of the war of independence made the brothers’ childhood even more austere and difficult.

At the age of 12 Bernard made his way to Okahandja with the hope of learning Afrikaans, the lingua franca, and motivated, in his words, by “the determination to become someone, to do something extraordinary.” But finding food became a daily struggle and threatened to derail his trajectory.

Bernard has been part of the Catholic church all his life. As he sat in a pew in Okahandja, hungry and wondering about his future, Sister Bethrina found him. “Young boy, you look so thin, you are starving here in Okahandja”, she said. “I think I need to take you to the hostel.” And so he was brought to the school of the Catholic mission station in Döbra, where he was able to thrive and matriculate despite difficult relations with other students as the war for independence continued. He went on to study in South Africa, completing a BSc and then becoming a medical doctor.

During his 20 years of public and private clinical practice, Bernard was pondering the public health issue over and over. How can health services be offered to people across the country and the continent? Public health in Africa, specifically in Namibia, is a formidable task. As the Minister of Health, Bernard used to say: “We are eating an elephant, so we have to eat one bite at a time.” He believes in development from the periphery, improvement from the periphery, more clinics, more outreach by community health workers right where people live, and more capacity-building at the community level.

“I wish I could do something and get things done!”, he exclaimed about the slow progress in public health. “There are clinics around Namibia that need electricity and buildings that must be finished. That is what drives me – the fact that

these folks still need services.” Bernard believes that each of Namibia’s regions should have a strong regional hospital so that patients don’t need to drive to Windhoek for treatment. Oncology treatments, dialysis, even heart surgery could be done at regional hospitals.

However, he points out that “the state alone cannot do it”. Bernard says that the public and private sectors must collaborate. They must be “in partnership in human resources, facility management, the supply system, financing, in everything.”

Bernard is an example of walking the walk. As a doctor he promotes a healthy lifestyle in order to prevent disease. “Health is how you live your life,” he says, choosing lemon water over cappuccinos during his interview. “It’s what we eat or don’t eat, what we drink or don’t drink. So, we need to prevent ailments instead of waiting for them to develop.” His advice is to eat healthy, exercise, don’t abuse alcohol, don’t smoke, and be careful on the roads. These prevention tactics will stop people from developing lifestyle diseases and keep them out of the healthcare system.

After the Ebola outbreak in West Africa in 2013, Bernard was involved in establishing the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and served as a member of the first board. These types of contagious diseases require maximum financial and medical attention. Bernard was invited to be part of founding the African Public Health Foundation: a fund created with the specific intention of moving necessary funds around the continent to serve the medical needs of Africans. As Covid-19 began to spread, the fund was able to mobilise N$ 450 million for Africa, including N$ 22 million which Namibia received for testing and other equipment.

From a “nice place” to improving the health of all Africans, Bernard S. Haufiku is a treasured Namibian and in our opinion “someone extraordinary”. Let’s see where his determination takes him next.

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Bernard Haufiku

The story behind some of Etosha’s species

Etosha National Park ranks among Africa’s top game parks and is renowned for its outstanding game viewing. The fascinating stories behind some of Etosha’s game species have, however, disappeared over time.

BLACK-FACED IMPALA

The first animal you are most likely to encounter if you enter through Von Lindequist or Andersson gates is the black-faced impala, which is endemic to northwestern Namibia and southwestern Angola. It is a subspecies of the closely related common impala which occurs further east in Namibia. Its distinctive purplish-black facial blaze extending from the nostrils to the top of the head, the shiny reddish coat and the bushy tail distinguish it from the common impala.

Fearing that the population in Kaokoland would become extinct as a result of a prolonged drought, competition from livestock, poaching and illegal hunting, conservation authorities decided to launch a major capture operation to translocate some of the antelope to Etosha National Park.

Game capture operations were still rudimentary in those days – it was before the use of chemical immobilisation and capture methods such as bomas, drop nets and the use of helicopters, while the rugged mountainous terrain was another major challenge. Thirty-eight animals were captured during the first operation in 1968, which was carried out by blinding the animals with spotlights on dark-moon nights and catching them by the hind legs – no easy task by any stretch of the imagination. Three more groups were captured by using a helicopter to herd

TO ETOSHA AND BEYOND

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

Black-faced impala

Black rhino

White rhino

Roan antelope

Damara dik-dik

them into drop nets in 1969, 1970 and 1971.The animals were transported by road to a game-breeding camp at Otjovasandu in the southwestern corner of Etosha National Park and were later released at Namutoni, Olifantsbad, Halali, Ombika and a few other locations. Interestingly, they have not ventured far away from their initial release sites.

The logistics for one of these operations are simply mindboggling. Vehicles involved in the operation covered more than 40,000 km during the capture, the transportation of fodder to feed 127 animals while they were quarantined and their translocation to Etosha.

By 1971, a total of 226 black-faced impalas had been translocated to the park. They adapted so well to their new environment that the Nature Conservation Division began selling small groups to game farmers in the 1980s. Despite the sale of the animals and subsequent translocations to communal conservancies, the population in the park currently exceeds 1,500.

BLACK RHINO

Etosha has the largest population of the western subspecies of the black rhino (Diceros bicornis bicornis) in the world. The park’s black rhino population was estimated at 55 in the mid-1960s and although this was probably a gross underestimation, conservation officials were concerned about the survival of the species outside of the park. This motivated the officials to translocate black rhino from Damaraland and Kaokoland to Etosha. Game capture and darting techniques were still rather basic in those days and four of the six rhinos captured in the first operation in 1966 died.

Undeterred by these early setbacks, a total of 43 black rhinos were caught in southern Kaokoland between 1970 and 1972 and only four died as a result of improved drug immobilisation, capture and transportation techniques. A further 21 black rhinos were captured and translocated to Etosha over the next five years, bringing the total number of successful translocations to over 60. The rhinos were released at various locations in the park over the years.

Etosha has played an important role in the re-establishment of the western subspecies of the black rhino population in their former ranges in South Africa. Rhinos from Etosha have been translocated to Augrabies Falls National Park (1985), Vaalbos National Park (1987 – 1990), Karoo National Park (2007) and Addo Elephant National Park (2007).

WHITE RHINO

The white rhino became extinct in Etosha before the end of the 1900s and it was not until 1995 when 10 animals were reintroduced to the park from South Africa’s Kruger National Park in exchange for 30 giraffes. The population was boosted when 12 white rhinos were translocated from Waterberg Plateau Park in the late 1990s, followed by 12 more in 2003.

ROAN ANTELOPE

Although you are not very likely to see roan antelope, except

on the off-chance in western Etosha, the park played an important role in the conservation of this charismatic species.

Fearing that their numbers might decrease in their stronghold in Khaudum in the Kavango Region, 74 animals were caught in Khaudum Omuramba in 1970. Transporting them by gravel road over a distance of over 1,000 km – featuring bush tracks negotiable only by four-wheel drive vehicles – was impossible. After a successful experiment to determine the effects of prolonged immobilisation, it was decided to airlift the animals.

A 1,8-km-long landing strip was built in the omuramba (an Otjiherero word meaning “poorly defined drainage line”) and the animals were flown in three groups to western Etosha in a C130 Lockheed Hercules air freighter and released in a breeding camp in southwestern Etosha. Operation Roan was not only most likely the costliest short-term game catching operation at the time (R40,000), but probably also the firstever translocation of such a large group of sedated large ruminants over such a long distance by air – 430 nautical miles.

The population increased rapidly after some animals were released in the west of the park, but they did not adapt well as Etosha lies west of the minimum annual rainfall of 400 mm for roan antelope to establish viable populations. The park, however, provided the founder population of Waterberg Plateau Park when 34 animals were translocated there in 1975. The population increased so well there that surplus animals could later be sold to private game farms in higher rainfall areas.

DAMARA DIK-DIK

The dainty Damara dik-dik is without doubt one of the species most adored by visitors to Etosha, where it occurs naturally. It is one of four African dik-dik species, but the only one occurring in southern Africa as the other three species (Salt’s, Piacentini’s and Guenther’s dik-dik) have limited distributions in east Africa, southern Somalia and the Horn of Africa.

An intriguing fact about the Damara dik-dik is that thousands of kilometres separate the southern African population from the northern population in East Africa where it occurs in southern Somalia, central and southern Kenya and northern and central Tanzania. There it is known as Kirk’s dik-dik, a name honouring the 19th century Scottish naturalist Sir John Kirk – hence the species name kirkii. The first specimen was described from an animal shot in southern Somalia and its generic name, Madoqua, is derived from the Amharic name, medaqqwa, meaning “small antelope”.

It is endemic to southwestern Angola as well as central and northern Namibia with scattered populations further south in suitable habitat. In Etosha, you are almost guaranteed to see them in the Klein Namutoni area, especially along the appropriately named Dik-dik Drive. Early mornings and late afternoons, when they are most active, are the best times to spot them. They occur singly, in pairs or small family groups and although they are mainly browsers, they also eat grasses and herbs in the rainy season.

Willie Olivier

Baking, sewing and weaving gives hope to female inmates

Female inmates at the Windhoek correctional facility have praised the vocational training programme introduced by the Namibian Correctional Service (NSC) in 2019. Participating in activities such as baking, weaving and needle work, among others, makes time pass by faster, they say.

The programme is aimed at empowering and capacitating female inmates with skills they will need to find employment or start their own small businesses after their release from the facility. While serving their sentences they bake, sew clothes and weave baskets which enables them to buy basic necessities as well as support their children.

Among the inmates who have found meaning in the programme is 58-year-old Esmerelda Majiedt. She was sentenced to 17 years for defrauding her former employer of N$ 56.5 million. Up to now Majiedt has spent eight years at the facility.

She says the programme makes time pass quickly and allows her to escape from thinking about the outside world. When we recently visited the facility, Majiedt and a fellow inmate were busy in the kitchen putting the final touches on their respective cakes. Not far from them were finished products: two boxes of mouth-watering muffins and koeksisters.

Majiedt is passionate about baking. With the small income she earns from selling baked goods she buys basic necessities such as toiletries and sweets.

The 58-year-old said that staying in prison and gaining baking skills made her realise that money is not everything.

“I am very fond of sweet things. I think that is where my baking passion comes from. You won't believe how quick the day passes when you just keep yourself busy. For me it’s like a gift to have this opportunity to gain skills. Money is not everything in life. If you consider the crime I have committed –now I have learnt that money is not everything. So, doing this, my focus is not just on the money, my focus is on something I enjoy to do and to also show what I can do,” Esmerelda Majiedt explained.

Anthea Arnold, who is serving time for murdering her former boyfriend, sees the training programme in a similar way. It keeps her busy and makes her think positively about life, the 37-year-old said. Some of the income she gets from tailoring she sends to daughter. “It keeps me busy most of my time. I just concentrate on the needle-work. I don’t have negative or depressive thoughts. I have two kids. I send the money to my daughter, so she can buy herself something nice or add to her stationery.”

NSC rehabilitation supervisor, Assistant Commissioner Hedwig Markus, said the assessment they conducted indicated that a lot of inmates find it hard to find employment after being released. Thus the vocational training programme mitigates this challenge.

Ketty Tjipepa

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African Basket

A basket is woven by using multiple threads. The basket teaches us about interdependence, as expressed in the African philosophy of Ubuntu, which is the belief that you become human in the midst of others, and also that all of nature (including humans as part of nature) is interconnected. In that sense, it teaches us respect, responsibility, and the need to cultivate peaceful co-existence.

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NAMIBIA LEADS ENERGY TRANSITION IN AFRICA

Namibia is leading on the continent in the transition from fossil-based energy production and consumption to renewable sources, with solar and wind now accounting for 25% of the country’s power source, latest statistics reveal.

According to the latest Global Electricity Review undertaken by Ember, Morocco and Kenya come after Namibia at 17% and 16% respectively, while the rest of the African countries fall below the global benchmark of 12%.

The Review provides the most transparent and up-to-date overview of changes in global electricity generation in 2022 and a realistic summary of how “on track” the electricity transition is for limiting global heating to 1.5 degrees.

The report analyses electricity data from 78 countries representing 93% of global electricity demand and includes estimated changes in the remaining generation. It also dives deeper into the top 10 carbon dioxide (CO2) emitting countries and regions, accounting for over 80% of global CO2 emissions.

Ember says wind power produced 7.6% (2,160 TWh) of global electricity in 2022. China is the biggest generator of wind power at 824 TWh, (9.3% of its electricity mix), while Denmark has the highest wind generation by percentage share at 55% (19 TWh). Germany has both the third highest generation of any country (126 TWh) and the sixth highest share in the mix at 22%.

Namibia's ranking cements the country's efforts toward attaining the national goal of being a self-sufficient power producer and going green.

Such efforts are spearheaded by NamPower through its Integrated Strategy and Business Plan (ISBP) for the 2020–2025 period and in line with the Ministry of Mines and Energy determination on generation capacities towards the fulfilment of national policies’ goals outlined in the National Integrated

Resource Plan (NIRP) for the electricity sector, as well as the fifth National Development Plan.

NamPower is targeting to produce 220MV of power by 2025 through internal solar power generation including Independent Power Producers (IPPs). This comes as Namibia is embarking on Green Hydrogen projects that are also expected to push the country's power generation capacity further into renewable energy.

According to Ember, wind and solar are the new energy superpowers.

"They (wind and solar) are pushing us towards a new era of falling fossil generation, which will mean not only a phasedown of coal power but also of gas power. But we’re not there yet," the report says.

"Keeping global heating to 1.5 degrees means delivering on the huge expectations set for wind and solar, and picking up speed on other clean electricity sources (including nuclear and hydro) that are currently being built too slowly. There remains much work to be done to achieve the rapid falls in power sector emissions needed this decade."

The report indicates that the carbon intensity of global electricity generation fell to a record low of 436 gCO2/kWh in 2022, the cleanest-ever electricity. This was due to record growth in wind and solar, which reached a 12% share in the global electricity mix, up from 10% in 2021.

"Together, all clean electricity sources (renewables and nuclear) reached 39% of global electricity, a new record high. Solar generation rose by 24%, making it the fastestgrowing electricity source for 18 years in a row; wind generation grew by 17%. The increase in global solar generation in 2022 could have met the annual electricity demand of South Africa, and the rise in wind generation could have powered almost all of the UK,” the report reads.

This comes as Envusa Energy, a special-purpose vehicle owned by Anglo-America and EDF-Renewables, is planning to construct a 34-megawatts (MW) wind farm at an estimated investment cost of N$922 million (US$51 million) in Namibia, with Namdeb as the off-taker.

NAMIBIA’S INVESTMENT LEADS AT N$161 BILLION, WITH 122,000 POTENTIAL JOBS

Namibia has attracted potential investment worth N$161 billion as of March 2023, with a potential to create 122,000 new jobs in the country, Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB)‘s Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson Nangula Uaandja has revealed.

About a quarter of the investments, valued at N$38.8 billion, are at implementation stage, while about 60% valued at N$95.3 billion, are still pending.

"Our pipeline is worth N$161 billion as of March 2023, and it is in various stages, the ones that have become operational are worth N$2.8 billion. Where capital has started to flow are valued at N$24.1 billion and investments have started in the country,” she said as part of an update of the trade facilitation organisation’s 500 days of existence, as detailed in their maiden annual report.

She added that the pipeline only represents the value of private projects that were facilitated by the NIPDB.

"All our efforts are contributing to improving the general economic environment were many other investments are talking place without the support of NIPDB and are not included in the pipeline,” NIPDB’s CEO said.

Uaandja mentioned that some of these are new investments, others are business rescues where one project was about to close and then NIPDB worked together with government entities to save the project to protect jobs, and others are mergers and acquisitions.

According to their annual report, based on the multiplier effect, these investments are expected to generate a total of 122,000 new jobs.

Furthermore, "the impact of investment already facilitated towards capital deployment or implemented is N$4.83 billion, and the total GDP impact of potential investment is N$185.51 billion."

Similarly, the treasury impact of potential investments is N$17.50 billion.

"Renewable energy has the highest interest with 39%, closely followed by agriculture and food processing with 24%, meanwhile oil and gas comes in at 19% as there is no total energy and shell exploration but only Kudu is facilitated by NIPDB," she said.

Meanwhile, metals and other sectors all take up less than 18% combined.

Nangula shared that during the board's first year, they have determined five priority sectors in addition to the five proposed by Harvard Growth Lab for a total of 10 priority sectors for Namibia.

"Renewable Energy, Food Industry, Tourism, Transport and Logistics, Metals, Mining, and Adjacent Industries are among the sectors identified. In addition, Machinery and Electronics, FINTECH, Exploration (Mining and Oil and Gas), Chemicals and Basic Materials, and Services (Digital and Global Business)," she said.

Meanwhile, Uaandja also highlighted certain hurdles that investors face such as input cost, low incentives, energy cost and availability amongst others.

"Some of the challenges include legislative gaps such as incentives, administrative gaps and turn around times, the time taken by OMAs and SOEs to respond to requests, issue permits and land complications can slow down the process of starting operations," she said.

She further highlighted funding acquisition and market access as challenges, amongst others.

NIPDB CEO and Chairperson Nangula Uaandja

Hope Village has been a beneficiary of Standard Bank's long-term support for over 14 years. According to the founder of Hope Village, Marietjie de Klerk, Standard Bank committed to the project wholeheartedly from the beginning. As the former MD, Mpumzi Pupuma, said, "We are in it for the long haul. We are building our future and our legacy in these kids." This commitment has been unwavering as the bank has consistently provided support to the children of Hope Village.

Standard Bank's support began in 2007 when the first house was built. Twelve kids moved in the following year, followed by another 12 within a month. As the village grew, the original Standard Bank house became the girl's house. The bank maintained and fixed the house annually, hosted a birthday party for it and conducted pest control measures in the entire village twice a year. The staff and children also received Christmas gifts.

Julius Kamati became the first recipient of Standard Bank's full scholarship, which was promised to the first child of Hope Village to finish grade 12. Kamati studied hospitality and tourism and is currently a Hospitality Manager at B4Gold for Welwitschia Catering and Cleaning Services.

A Vision of Hope

Standard Bank also recognised the need for transportation for the Hope Village children and donated a combi, followed by an 18-seater bus in collaboration with Liberty Life. The bus is still used today to take 42 children to 13 different schools every day.

When the founder of Hope Village, Marietjie de Klerk, was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer that spread to her lung, Standard Bank once again came forward to pay the salary of an operations manager. Sophy Mouton has been the operations manager for the past two years and according to Marietjie has taken Hope Village to new heights.

Last year, Standard Bank agreed to extensive renovations to the girl's house, which has once more become the pride and joy of Hope Village. Marietjie says, "Hope Village, in essence, is actually the birth child of Standard Bank. Standard Bank, through its vision, commitment, support and encouragement over the years, is bettering the lives of orphaned and abandoned children.”

The high standards that the village adheres to have been recognised by other big sponsors such as MTC, who refers to the girls' house as a shining example.

Hope Village, in essence, is actually the birth child of Standard Bank. Standard Bank, through its vision, commitment, support and encouragement over the years, is bettering the lives of orphaned and abandoned children

MYO is shining brighter than the Swakopmund lighthouse

It is rare to come across an organisation that has an impact on its community as strong as Mondesa Youth Opportunities. MYO is a non-profit trust that offers intensive education intervention for students from underprivileged households who show ability and promise. Situated in the township of Mondesa in Swakopmund, MYO is a beacon of hope for students who would otherwise fall through the cracks of Namibia’s struggling public education system.

It is 14:00 on a Tuesday as we enter the grounds of MYO. The children are neatly standing in their class rows, after starting the afternoon at MYO with a nutritious meal. A whole day at school can get long for these learners (they only leave at 17:00) and one can’t think properly on an empty stomach. For some of these students this is their biggest and sometimes only meal for the day.

“Welcome visitors,” they enthusiastically greet us in a chorus. After short announcements, they depart to their respective classes for a 30-minute homework period before lessons begin. MYO offers education subsidies to select Grade 4 - 8 students

who show promise. Each class is grouped according to grade and made up of only 24 learners. MYO students receive extra training in maths, reading, English, life skills, computer science, music (recorder or marimba) and sports. This additional training is invaluable as the overcrowded classrooms of public schools are not conducive to proper learning.

Anke Husemeyer, who has been managing the project since 2019, shows us around the grounds and tells us about MYO’s humble beginnings and what it has grown into. The MYO program was initiated by its founder, Robert Myres, with the aim of getting children off the streets. As a passionate tennis player, he came up with the idea of starting with tennis lessons. The program was conceptualised in 2003 and officially launched in 2004, coinciding with the start of the new school year. Further expansion led to the establishment of the MYO organisation in 2005. The organisation has grown considerably since then and it still offers sport and music programs, but its primary focus is on providing academic support to underprivileged students.

The MYO program provides a strong foundation over the course of five years to prepare students for high school. This

foundation not only focuses on academic subjects but also on the development of the whole young person, including the teaching of life skills. “We want to ensure that our students have the confidence and values necessary to navigate life's challenges. By working in small groups and creating a familial environment, we are better able to achieve this goal. Our students have gone on to excel in their studies. All former MYO learners passed their AS levels last year, a remarkable accomplishment that fills us with pride,” Anke beams.

Also remarkable about MYO is the fact that there is no cost for the student’s family, but attendance is mandatory. MYO maintains discipline in the classroom and encourages its learners to develop leadership skills in addition to academic excellence. They come from the various underprivileged schools from the surrounding townships. MYO selects the learners at the end of their grade 3 year on the criteria of English comprehension, reading and maths ability. Another criterion is that these learners' parents cannot afford to support the quality of schooling their children need. Each class goes on two field trips per year so that the joys and lessons of wider life outside of their immediate environments are experienced.

An exceptional quality in the various classrooms is how energetic the students are. When a question is asked almost everyone raises a hand. It is self-evident that each student not only wants to be here but enjoys being a part of MYO.

Due to the increasing study load at their respective high schools, learners leave MYO when they have completed grade 8. However, MYO encourages its alumni to remain in touch. It offers all MYO alumni free use of its library and

dedicates computers for them to use for their homework and research. In addition, MYO has started a formal alumni program where former MYO students are invited once a month to participate in workshops conducted by a life skills coach. Within this program, guidance and mentoring on selfimprovement, increasing self-assurance and motivation, communication skills, career opportunities, study tips and future planning are provided.

We asked two alumni what MYO meant to them. “MYO was like a home away from home and I didn’t want to leave. The classes helped so much to understand school work better as it was a recap of what we did in class. Now I can come back as an alumnus and use the computers to do my homework and research,” says Maria Mushimba. Selma Sevanyenga adds, “I would put MYO above school. It was such a great opportunity and valuable experience.”

MYO is a non-profit, registered Namibian Trust that operates entirely on donations. Donations are used to fund salaries for the teachers and support staff, pay for utilities and facility upkeep, transport for students, their lunch, textbooks, workbooks, writing utensils, and more.

MYO is a true testament to the power of education and the positive impact it can have on individuals and communities. Its commitment to providing quality education and leadership development to underprivileged students is inspiring. MYO's work is a reminder that with dedication, hard work and community support we can create a better future for ourselves and those around us.

To support MYO visit www.mondesayouth.org or contact Anke Husemeyer at myo.trust.office@gmail.com

Anke Husemeyer Selma Sevanyenga and Maria Mushimba

Omake Moment

with the Namibia Trade Network

Capricorn Foundation launches phase two of its Food Waste Challenge

The Capricorn Foundation launched phase two of their Food Waste Challenge (FWC) on 12 April 2023 in Windhoek following the successful conclusion of the Challenge run in 2022. This year's FWC seeks solutions that can create or expand self-sufficient Social Enterprises (businesses) to address the issue of food waste in Namibia and create employment for Namibians. The title of the Challenge is: How can we use Social Entrepreneurship to reduce Food Waste radically while creating employment opportunities?

In 2022 Namibia was ranked 78th out of 116 countries on the Global Hunger Index. Unfortunately, it has become an all-familiar sight in Namibia to see people scavenge for food at dumpsites across the country or begging for food on street corners. Through their open innovation platform, the Capricorn Foundation launched the first Challenge in 2022 with the aim of seeking solutions to reduce food waste effectively through which disregarded food that is still fit for human consumption can reach vulnerable people. Phase 2 of the Challenge will focus on how Social Entrepreneurship can contribute to not only addressing the challenge of food waste, but also how employment opportunities can be created in the process.

“As Connectors of Positive Change, we aim to uplift communities and form strategic partnerships with organisations to make a sustainable impact. The Capricorn Foundation proudly presents this year's Food Waste Challenge in collaboration with our official media partner Synergy Marketing PTY Ltd, the Gondwana Care Trust and Business Box Windhoek. This year, Social Entrepreneurs can explore business opportunities within the value chain of food production, food processing or food distribution that can positively impact communities and, in doing so, address the problem of food waste whilst being a catalyst for job creation," said Marlize Horn, Executive Officer of the Capricorn Foundation.

By combining Social Entrepreneurship with the social issue of food waste, the Capricorn Foundation seeks to construct a multiplier effect of creating employment and relieving hunger in Namibia. Through the Food Waste Challenge, the Capricorn Foundation aligns with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals and the Harambee Prosperity Plan II (HPPII). The Food Waste Challenge, with the focus on Social Entrepreneurship, addresses SDG 2 – Zero Hunger and SDG 1 – No Poverty.

The FWC is based on an open innovation platform, offering a cash prize of N$100 000 from the Capricorn Foundation plus a branding refresh and a marketing package from Synergi Marketing PTY Ltd worth N$50 000. Other project partners include Business Box Windhoek and the Gondwana Care Trust. Proposals can be submitted on Capricornfoodwastechallenge.skild.com by 22 May 2023. Proposals must address hunger through the reduction of food waste and create sustainable employment opportunities.

“Sharing information to empower our communities, Synergi Marketing believes that through our network, we will connect Namibians and international stakeholders to collaborate and take responsibility for food insecurity solutions and job creation in Namibia. We want to motivate and challenge other media institutions and stakeholders to take up this challenge and be the vehicle for positive change in Namibia. We congratulate the Capricorn Foundation on this remarkable initiative and are committed to telling the stories in whatever form, shape, or size," said Hennie Geldenhuys, Chief Marketing Officer of Synergi Marketing PTY Ltd.

Capricorn Group

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

Farewell to the very first Face of FlyNamibia, Joyce Nghiishiliwa

In May 2022 we set out to find our proudly Namibian airline’s first ambassador. After narrowing over 300 entries down to 10 finalists, Namibia voted for Joyce Nghiishililwa. And what a stroke of luck that was for FlyNamibia! With her tenacity and zest for life, unrelenting enthusiasm for new experiences and tangible patriotism, Joyce embodies the nation we wholeheartedly serve.

Because all good things must eventually come to an end, Joyce’s year of exploration concludes this month. It is with a heavy heart and great appreciation that we bid farewell to the very first Face of FlyNamibia. Joyce reinvigorated our love for travel and showed us how much fun can be had in the often overlooked small towns of Namibia.

Here, Joyce tells us about her unforgettable year celebrating FlyNamibia.

In three words, summarise your experience as the very first Face of FlyNamibia.

New, exhilarating, adventurous

Which of your trips with FlyNamibia would you single out as your favourite?

My trip to Rundu! The north-eastern part of the country has definitely been my place of tranquillity. There is something about the waters of the Okavango River that makes one feel at ease. It’s very soothing, calm and dreamy.

During our amazing stay at Taranga Safari Lodge we were on the river almost all the time. That feeling of drifting on the water just captivated my soul and that scent of nature that filled the air was honestly an experience I didn’t know I needed. The beautifully painted sunset skies in hues of orange and pink that created mesmerising mirrored canvases were sights that will never leave my memory. I loved it there, it absolutely stole my heart.

What are some of the opportunities/experiences that came your way as a result of being the Face of FlyNamibia?

During the voting period, even before I won the competition, I was already recognised almost everywhere I went, and that

increased after I had become the Face of FlyNamibia 2022. People would randomly come up to me and say ‘’Are you the FlyNamibia girl?’’ It was funny to see their faces when I confirmed that I was in fact the ‘FlyNamibia Girl’. It honestly never got old, even until today.

Being the Face of FlyNamibia also brought about a lot of attention or recognition by a lot of brands in all industries. I was approached by travel companies for influencer gigs, photographers approached me for promo shoots, hair and nail brands scouted me out and offered brand ambassadorship. Plenty of opportunities came my way and I am truly grateful for each and every one of them!

Which part of your journey as the Face of FlyNamibia stands out particularly?

From being an ordinary individual who has never ever flown in an aeroplane to becoming the first brand ambassador for a proudly Namibian airline and getting to fly every other month is genuinely a dream come true. It still feels surreal.

Why should Namibians enter the Face of FlyNamibia 2023 ambassador search?

You honestly never know the opportunities that await you, so when you get the chance, go for it! This might just be your luck. It definitely was mine.

Before becoming the Face of FlyNamibia I had only been to a couple of towns in our country. As part of my amazing journey with FlyNamibia, I have travelled to many places in Namibia, explored various towns and gone on so many adventures. Today I can truthfully call myself a well-travelled Namibian.

Give us an essential piece of advice for the next Face of FlyNamibia.

Perhaps a bit cliché, but my advice for the next Face of FlyNamibia is to be authentic, be real, be you. Show Namibia who you are, embrace the Namibian spirit, cherish the memories, represent FlyNamibia with enthusiasm and let your love for Namibia shine through in all that you do. Last but certainly not least: smile! A warm smile is a universal language of kindness.

Charene Labuschagne

KATIMA MULILO AIRPORT RUNWAY REHABILITATION

Strategically located among the Chobe, Zambezi and Cuando rivers, The Katima Mulilo Airport offers you a delightful landing in the heart of the tropical Zambezi Region.

In November 2022, the airport runway was rehabilitated at the cost of N$96 million dollars.

Flights to Katima Mulilo Airport can take you close to about 450 animal species, including the renowned Big Five; making the Zambezi Region a popular game-watching spot through parks such as the Bwabwata, Mamili and Mudumu National Parks.

Katima Mulilo Airport also connects to Victoria Falls as well as the Kavango Delta in Botswana.

Taking stock of 2023 so far

023 was off to a flying start, with the first quarter of the year being a generally positive one for Namibia in terms of economic and financial developments.

On the economic front, preliminary National Accounts data from the Namibia Statistics Agency show that Namibia recorded real GDP growth of 4.6% in 2022, the quickest annual growth rate since 2014. Much of the growth recorded in 2022 was driven by mining, particularly by diamond production. Secondary industries recorded growth for the first time since 2019 on the back of increased manufacturing output, and tertiary industries posted moderate growth of 2.2%.

Forecasts are for the Namibian economy to grow at a slightly more subdued pace in 2023, with the Bank of Namibia projecting growth of 3.0% compared to the IMF’s 2.8% forecast. If either of these growth rates materialises, the Namibian economy should surpass its pre-pandemic size in real terms for the first time since.

In February, Finance Minister Iipumbu Shiimi tabled one of the more positive-sounding national budgets we have seen in the last decade. Revenue growth in 2022/23 exceeded expectations despite reduced SACU receipts, and projections for 2023/24 point to even more rapid growth in revenue. These increases are also being passed on to social and developmental objectives through raised expenditure ceilings. While budget deficits will remain going forward, they are projected to decrease slightly each year. Government is essentially projecting that revenue and economic growth will result in more sustainable debt and deficit metrics going forward.

Another positive announcement came from Shell, which made a barnstorming offshore light oil discovery at the Jonker-1X probe in Namibia’s prolific Orange basin. This recent discovery looks to be far bigger than its two earlier oil finds in probably the world’s top exploration play. TotalEnergies also encouragingly noted in February that it will be ploughing half of its 2023 exploration budget into an imminent exploration and appraisal drilling campaign in Namibia, with the goal of confirming the commercial potential of the multi-billion barrel oil reserve discovered by the Venus-1 wildcat well last year.

Although there have been several positive developments this year, the one drawback is the persistently high inflation rate, which has remained above 7.0% throughout the first quarter, despite 325 bps worth of rate hikes so far (as at end of March) by the Bank of Namibia. This means that the much-anticipated disinflationary cycle has yet to come into effect, setting the stage for a prolonged restrictive monetary policy stance.

Moving on to the Namibian listed equity space, we saw most of the local companies reporting robust earnings for the reporting periods ending December, driven by the steadily improving economic environment. The listed commercial banks (FNB Namibia, Capricorn Group and SBN Holdings)

posted particularly strong financial results due to the interest rate increases that took place in 2022.

Letshego Holdings (Namibia), the financial services firm that offers microlending loans to primarily government employees, similarly reported sturdy financial results. The company doubled their dividends for the financial year, thereby increasing their payout ratio to 100% of the year’s total profit.

At the beginning of March, Heineken N.V. announced that the South African Competition Tribunal gave it the final regulatory approval to acquire control of Distell Group Holdings and Namibia Breweries (NamBrew). The roughly 18-month process was concluded in April, with all conditions precedent to the transactions finally fulfilled. However, NamBrew remains a listed company on the Namibian Stock Exchange in which the public can buy and sell shares.

By combining the export businesses of NamBrew, Heineken South Africa and Distell, the Heineken transaction will establish a platform that possesses significant scale and reach, resulting in a highly competitive entity. NamBrew will be Heineken’s exclusive partner for the production and distribution of a portfolio of alcoholic beverage brands in Namibia.

In other transaction news, Oryx Properties announced at the end of 2022 that it is in the process of acquiring the Dunes Mall in Walvis Bay for a consideration of N$648.8 million. The loan stock company obtained regulatory approval from the Namibian Competition Commission in Q1 but cautioned that the acquisition is subject to a capital raise which we expect to take place in Q2. Should it succeed, the transaction will materially grow the size of Oryx’s property portfolio and diversify the concentration risk in Maerua Mall.

In the fixed income space, Namibian treasury bill yields seem to have ‘topped out’ following 15 consecutive months of yields steadily ticking up. Yields have dropped about half a percentage point on average during Q1 as market participants rushed to ‘lock in’ rates while they were still relatively high. Savers who have capital in money market funds will likely start seeing lower rates of return on their savings if we see this trend continuing over the next quarter or two.

Government bonds have performed admirably during Q1, as strong demand has resulted in market participants pushing up bond prices. Our view is that the sovereign bonds continue to trade at attractive yields given the improving longer-term fiscal outlook.

In conclusion, the first quarter of 2023 has brought about several positive economic and financial developments for Namibia, providing a strong foundation for an exciting and optimistic year ahead.

Danie van Wyk – Head: Research

Photography by: Shawn van Eeden

The two artists of the Cutting the Flame with Curiosity exhibition at the Bellhaus Atelier & Galerie could not be more different. Or that’s what you think at first glance.

Andrea Horsthemke is a graphic designer by trade and Anne Lacheiner-Kuhn is a Namibian farm girl who works as a special effects snow technician for film and TV in Europe. So, first of all, one would expect that in a joint exhibition of ceramics and collages, Andrea would have produced the collages and Anne the ceramics. Not so.

Then there is the interesting fact that Anne, amongst various other international acclaims, was shortlisted for the SASOL New Signatures award and Andrea was announced one of the top three in the New Signature category for her work at Namibia’s 10th National Ceramics Biennale.

What makes the radiant blonde extrovert scissorhands and the delicate, fairy-like introvert potter such a perfect match really is a rich, extremely creative and complex inner life that you might not sense straight away from their work. One gets the idea that they take the raw products of their thoughts and emotions and recycle and rearrange it in expressions that are more the outcome of processing than a deliberate point.

Anne’s art is very much, as she calls it, “a recycling or recontextualising of things to create narratives that explore memory, sexuality and identity”.

Weighty topics as they are, the pictures are a curious combination of social commentary and silly, psychedelic yet thought provoking, such as Obscure Observers – a nude, industrial style, light fixtures of a kind, a tree and you. The viewer…

Andrea in turn diverted from her earlier sculpting work to enjoy the meditative movement and rhythm of the potter's

Cutting The Flame with Curiosity

wheel. Teapots in a variety of fascinating shapes, a flowing white fine porcelain bowl that looks like a coral creation, artistic candle holders in the shape of anthills – the products of this exploration are simply beautiful.

“I feel more in control of what I create with the wheel. It’s frustrating when I have something specific in mind that I struggle to produce. But sometimes I just put the clay on the wheel and see where it wants to go. The black range that I made for this exhibition has very clean lines, which is my way of having a bit of control over what I’m creating. But the process has also taught me to give a situation a bit of space.”

This is where the synergy is most evident. There is an organic unfolding in both of their art but in a way that allows each individual to control the narrative.

“Art keeps us sane, I think. In many ways. The physicality taps into your subconscious in a meditative process. You escape from reality and your thoughts can wander, but it also helps you to come to grips. It’s a cheap form of therapy that takes quite long”, Anne laughs.

The result of the process, specifically for this exhibition, is aesthetically pleasing, without pushing any specific agenda.

“I think we both just wanted to make beautiful things,” Anne says.

“If you eat something out of a beautiful vessel, it just tastes better. The experience is better”, Andrea concludes.

Cutting The Flame with Curiosity by Andrea Horsthemke and Anne Lacheiner-Kuhn is on show at the BELLHAUS Atelier & Galerie at 18 Bell Street in Windhoek until Saturday, 13 May 2023.

Christine Hugo

A delightful exhibition of functional ceramics and offbeat collages to inject some magic into the ordinary of everyday life.

WORRIED ABOUT YOUR TAX DEBTS?

WE HAVE GOT YOUR BACK AGAIN!

TAX AMNESTY PROGRAMME

From 1 April 2023 to 31 October 2024.

How much of a relief is this?

Total tax arrears owed to NamRA is over N$69 billion, with the Revised Tax Amnesty Programme over N$53 billion could be written off.

Capital Debts Interests Penalties

N$15.2 billion N$11.4billion N$42.5 billion

*As at 31 December 2022

How it works:

1. Register as an electronic filler on ITAS portal

2. File all your returns electronically on ITAS portal

3. Pay your capital amount

4. Register to partake in the Tax Amnesty

*Once you successfully register to partake in the Tax Amnesty, all your interest and penalties will be written off.

Visit your nearest NamRA office or visit our media platforms for more information on this programme.

Namibia and Botswana ease movement at shared borders

EXTENDED OPERATIONS

In line with the Namibian government’s policy for Namibia to become a logistics hub in southern Africa, the governments of the Republic of Namibia and the Republic of Botswana have launched the 24/7 operations for a seamless flow of goods and people at the Trans-Kalahari/Mamuno border posts in Namibia’s Omaheke region. This historic agreement, effective from1 April 2023, was signed by the Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security of Namibia, Dr. Albert Kawana, and the Minister of Finance, Peggy Onkullwile Serame of Botswana.

“The strategic location of the Trans-Kalahari/ Mamuno border posts allows the two countries to promote trade relations. At the same time, costs to the business community will be reduced because of sharing facilities”, said Minister Kawana. In addition, the ministry expects that the Port of Walvis Bay, rated by international institutions as one of the most efficient ports on the west coast of Africa, stands to benefit from this development. “I believe that the move will have tremendous economic benefit to both countries”, Kawana added.

IMPORT/EXPORT MARKETS

Namibia

The latest trade statistics from the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) showed a trade surplus with Botswana to the amount of N$1.2 billion. In February 2023 Namibia’s top five export markets accounted for 65 percent of total exports. South Africa maintained first position as Namibia’s export destination with a share of 17.7 percent, Botswana came second with 15.3 percent and China third with 13.3 percent. Belgium and Zambia came in fourth and fifth positions with 10 and 8.7 percent respectively. The NSA statistics also show that precious stones, diamonds in particular, were Namibia’s largest export commodity during February 2023, accounting for 24.7 percent of total exports and predominantly shipped to Botswana, Belgium and the United Arab Emirates.

Botswana

On average, imports to the value of P15 billion are processed annually at the Mamuno border post. On average, 8800 commercial trucks carry cargo across the border per month. “Based on these statistics, the Trans-Kalahari/ Mamuno border posts are critical to facilitate the timely importation of raw materials and machinery necessary to stimulate industrial growth in the economies of our two countries”, said Botswana’s Minister of Finance, Peggy Onkullwile Serame. She underlined that since the trade corridor serves as a gateway to and from international markets, initiatives such as keeping the border posts open 24-hours will give it a competitive advantage and make it a corridor of choice in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

VISA REQUIREMENT TERMINATED

Along with the extended border operations, the two countries further signed an agreement that allows nationals of the two countries to use their respective national identity cards for crossborder travel. A total number of 214 Namibians and 525 Batswana was recorded between 24 February and 27 March 2023. In addition, the agreement allows for foreign nationals to apply for employment permits or work visas for a period of up to six months.

NEW LOOK ID

The only changes on Namibia’s new ID are that the fingerprint and the barcode on the reverse side of the card are replaced by a Quick Response Code (QRC) and a Machine-Readable Zone (MRZ). These features are in line with international best practice recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. The New Look ID Cards can be obtained from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security in all 14 regions.

Maggie Forcelledo Paz

Bucket list moment: a concert at the foot of Table Mountain

Abucket list is a personally curated roster of experiences or achievements someone hopes to realise in their lifetime. Essentially a “do before you die” list. For some, this list might include a journey to the summit of Mount Everest, to see the Mayan ruins, sail the seven seas or skydive over Dubai. These are all very noble and may require lots of preparation, forethought and saving, but what about now? How about ticking something off the list spontaneously, rather easily, and yet equally as memorable?

How about a live music concert at the foot of the mighty Table Mountain?

Blessed are us Namibians to be the humble neighbours of South Africa. Because while our quaint population has drawn the likes of Rodrigues and UB40, the majority of big-name artists skip over Namibia and tour to our downstairs neighbour, offering substantially larger audiences, far more frequently. And how lucky are we that Cape Town is only a hop, skip and a flight away with FlyNamibia.

When news broke that the US alternative band Rainbow Kitten Surprise would include two South African dates on their next tour, a flock of fans (myself included) flurried to purchase tickets. Within two weeks of announcing the Cape Town show, over 6,000 tickets had been sold out. Undoubtedly the best part of the announcement, other than the name of the band who are best known for their platinum song It’s Called: Freefall, was the mention of the venue: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

One of the world’s largest botanical gardens at 528 hectares, Kirstenbosch lies on the eastern slope of Table Mountain.

Meandering footpaths lead through the host of endemic and indigenous plants ranging from medicinal to perfume species, with the odd bench under a Cape Blackwood tree as well as the photogenic tree canopy walkway. Should the outlook of a live music concert be amiss, a lengthy wander through the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is a great (and cost-effective) activity when visiting the Mother City.

Apart from the extensive Afromontane Forest, Kirstenbosch also features a sprawling lawn at the northern end of the gardens. This gradually sloping grassplot descends onto an impressive outdoor stage, where picnic blankets are scattered about, wine and snacks are savoured and the live concerts take place. If you are eager to experience this outdoor musical wonderland for yourself (and you really should), local acts like Jeremy Loops, Mango Groove and Desmond and the Tutus regularly perform at the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts, an annual series of live music shows in the gardens that have been running for 30 years between the months of November and March.

Sure, stadium concerts foster a sense of awe for the magnitude of crowds, and perhaps the sound is more amplified, but nothing compares to the atmosphere of a concert at Kirstenbosch. To your left stands the beguiling Table Mountain in a halo of sunshine and wispy clouds. At the centre is a world class stage imitating the shape of an eye, strobe-lit and peering into a crowd of music lovers. And then, after sunset, the twinkling yellow lights of a cosmopolitan city appear on the right. All this wonder – the air filled with instruments and raspy voices singing along, surrounded by lush gardens and nature, your favourite band playing the songs you love – is reason enough for a concert at Kirstenbosch to be on your bucket list.

Charene Labuschagne

+264 61 245 825/6

aviation@welwitschia.com.na www.welwitschia.com.na

DID YOU KNOW?

This month in history:

1 May 1707

The Kingdom of Great Britain is formed from a union between the rival kingdoms of England and Scotland. The union included Wales which had already been part of England since the 1500s.

2 May 2011

U.S. Special Operations Forces kill Osama bin Laden during a raid on his secret compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. The raid marked the culmination of a decade-long manhunt for the elusive leader of the al-Qaeda terrorist organisation based in the Middle East.

4 May 1978

The South African Defence Force attacks a SWAPO base at Cassinga in southern Angola leaving approximately 600 dead and many wounded.

4 May 1494

During his second journey of exploration in the New World, Christopher Columbus discovers Jamaica.

10 May 1994

Former political prisoner Nelson Mandela is inaugurated as president of South Africa. Mandela had won the first free election in South Africa despite attempts by various political foes to deter the outcome.

12 May 1820

1 May

Workers’ Day

6 May 1527

In the icy waters off Newfoundland, the luxury liner Titanic strikes an iceberg and sinks with 2,224 passengers and crew on board. More than 1,500 people drowned; 700 were rescued by the liner Carpathia which arrived two hours after the Titanic went down.

FUN FACTS ABOUT MAY:

British nurse and public health activist Florence Nightingale (1820-1910) is born in Florence, Italy. She volunteered to aid British troops in Turkey where she improved hospital sanitary conditions and greatly reduced the death rate for wounded and sick soldiers. She received worldwide acclaim for her unselfish devotion to nursing, contributed to the development of modern nursing procedures and emphasized the dignity of nursing as a profession for women.

4 May

Cassinga Day

18 May

Ascension Day

The birthstone of May, the emerald, symbolizes success and love.

May was once considered a bad luck month to get married. There is a poem that says "Marry in May and you'll rue the day."

In Old English, May is called the "month of three milkings" referring to a time when the cows could be milked three times a day.

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

25 May

Africa Day

Sunsets on the Okavango | Silent witness to a stunning sunset, the empty mokoro awaits another day of adventure on the tranquil Okavango River.