FlyWestair
Your free copy
July 2020
www.flywestair.com
Giving you the freedom to bank safely
WEATHERMEN & CO
WEATHERMEN & CO
Manage your finances with ease, whenever and wherever. The FNB App allows for convenient banking, made easily accessible at your fingertips. Our safe and secure App ensures that you have 24/7 access to do all your banking. With no data cost on the MTC network whilst making use of our App, managing your financial life has never been this easy.
For more information, Call us on 061 299 22 22 Visit our website www.fnbnamibia.com.na
from the publisher
Stories in FlyWestair Magazine.
FIRE
FlyWestair
FlyWestair
Read this issue online!
www.flywestair.com
July 2020
www.flywestair.com
A
Your free copy
Your free copy
May 2020
This is us.
is for Awesome... and Ads. To advertise in FlyWestair magazine contact fly@venture.com.na.
“But how could you live and have no story to tell?” - Fyodor Dostoevsky
Venture Publications (Pty) Ltd. PO Box 21593 Windhoek Namibia info@venture.com.na
Cover image:
Martin Amushendje See more on pg. 38
extraordinary Namibian stories. publishing. content generation. content marketing. print. film. digital.
CONTENT IS
are compiled by Venture Media’s content team, in partnership with Tribefire Studios and freelance contributors.
Namibia TRAVEL NEWS
BIRDING:
SNAKE EAGLES
Namibia
Coast GINNING AT THE
ON A STUDENT BUDGET
THE TINY TOWN OF UIS
Iona FEATURED:
VOLUME 28 No 2 AUTUMN 2020
Skeleton Coast TRANSFRONTIER PARK
N$45.00 incl. VAT R45.00 incl. VAT
H O L I D A Y
www.travelnewsnamibia.com
&
T R A V E L
2020/21 THE OFFICIAL NAMIBIAN TOURISM DIRECTORY
w w w. n a m i b i a h o l i d a ya n d t r a ve l . c o m
and also
by Tribefire Studios
1
contents
Table of
CONTENT IS FIRE
01
And collaboration is the future. FlyWestair Magazine is a compilation of Namibian stories sourced by Venture Media that entertain and surprise with interesting topics, introducing you to a new generation of trendsetters and Namibian influencers.
10
WELCOME ON BOARD
04
Read more about travelling with FlyWestair – a scheduled passenger service by Namibian-owned Westair, the first private company to achieve this historic milestone.
ART-IST
10
Annabelle Venter uses her connection to nature as inspiration when creating art.
TO GO FAR, YOU GO TOGETHER
15
Remy The Quill reflects on the wisdom of an old proverb.
THE TRIBE
16
#TheTribeExclusive chats to Namibia’s leading hip hop act: Black Vulcanite.
38
WE ALWAYS RETAIN THE ABILITY TO CHOOSE OUR ATTITUDE
18
Kirsty Watermeyer discusses the power of hope.
ECONOMIC PULSE
22
Economic researchers from IJG discuss emotional markets during times of turmoil in the Namibia Trade Network’s Economic Pulse, a monthly series on finance and the economy.
MASTER YOUR DESTINY
24
The third issue of 99FM Master Your Destiny Journal shares inspirational lessons on the strength of the human spirit and generosity of Namibian people.
ROYAL HUSTLERS
28
Manager of Corporate Communications at NAMFISA, Victoria Muranda, defines her view on success, remaining positive during COVID-19 and her hopes for Namibia beyond the pandemic.
CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE 52 2
A brief look at three extraordinary Namibians and their contribution to science, sport and art respectively.
30
LOOKING GLOBAL
34
The effects of a changing climate on food security. Willie Olivier examines the impact on a Namibian level and strategies to mitigate the looming threat.
SAFETY IN SMALL NUMBERS
37
What makes Namibia the ideal travel destination once international travel restrictions are lifted.
PHOTOGRAPHY FEATURE
58 38
Photographer Jacques van der Smit’s mission to isolate special moments in a busy world.
FOOD TRUCKIN’ IN SWAKOP
46
Looking for something different to eat when in Swakop? How about some delicious street cuisine?
DID YOU KNOW
48
Ruacana: A disputed waterfall on Namibia’s border with Angola.
10 MINUTES WITH LOCAL TASTE MAKERS
52
Typewriters, espressos and Kevin Perestrelo’s unique outlook on life and art.
SCHNITZEL
57
Christie Keulder explores the origins of a global favourite.
FASHION FIERCE
28
58
Jeffrey Hiuii on styling his way to the top.
ABOUT TRENDS AND BUSINESS
63
Debbie Rowles reminds us that business is depended on humans and not vice versa.
NAMIBIA TRADE NETWORK
64
Growing from strength to strength and being the authoritative reference for anyone wanting to do business in the country, Namibia Trade Network is celebrating its 30th year of existence.
GREEN ECONOMY
68
How water scarcity made Windhoek a world leader in recycling household sewage for drinking water and how this process is still as important today as it was 60 years ago.
46 3
Welcome on Board
FlyWestair
Creativelab
Westair aviation and our approach to COVID-19 aviation health and safety
COVID-19 The coronavirus pandemic is the defining global health crisis of our time and the greatest challenge we have faced since World War II. Global travel, according to ICAO, has declined by 62%. In an effort to restore normal conditions, ICAO, IATA and various other industry leaders have published recommendations and guidelines to safely restart global and domestic air travel. For you, our passenger, it is important to know what we are doing to ensure your safety. WHAT WE ARE DOING TO ENSURE YOUR SAFETY Westair Aviation has adopted a number of safety protocols set out and recommended by the WHO, IATA, ICAO and EASA to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This article serves as a mere summary of the standard operating
4
procedures our ground staff and flight crews follow on a daily basis to ensure your safety when travelling with us. To assist with uniform compliance during this pandemic, a strict Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to prevent the Spread of a Communicable Disease based on the WHO, IATA and ICAO recommendations was written and distributed to all staff and crew. This SOP contains instructions for the check-in staff, ground crew and flight crew respectively – from social distancing protocols in the terminal, to sanitisation procedures during daily tasks such as check-in, baggage handling and boarding and disembarking the aircraft. There are also very specific guidelines and checklists that are to be used in the event that a case of infection is
THE TERMINAL Westair check-in counters are cleaned and disinfected before and after the arrival and check-in of passengers for every flight. Social distancing protocol is enforced in all check-in, security and bag drop lines. The staff ensure these protocols are followed at all times.
THE AIRCRAFT Before and after each flight, our aircraft are cleaned. The aircraft are parked and secured when not in use to ensure that only essential cleaning crew and engineers are permitted to board the aircraft and are required to wear PPE and to sterilie beforehand.
GROUND CREW Westair ground staff and crew are screened upon arrival for duty and are required at all times to wear face masks and gloves. Hand sanatiser is available for all ground staff which they apply to their hands before any interaction with a passenger or their baggage.
suspected on one of our flights. These checklists have been obtained directly from the WHO and IATA. How would our crew know when to suspect a case? A detailed list of symptoms can be found in this SOP, which complements the additional training our crew have received as part of our plan to safely restart aviation in Namibia. As a proudly Namibian company, focused on safety, it is our mission to ensure that we can continue to provide uninterrupted service to our clients, while at the same time maintaining our strict safety protocols. Have a look at our COVID card in your seat pocket for more safety information!
FLIGHT CREW All flight crew are screened upon arrival. Both the pilots and cabin attendants are required to wear gloves and a mask at all times during the flight. The pilots are permitted to leave the flight deck in an emergency. This limits unnecessary interaction with the passengers. They are required to brief the passengers on the following: • Mandatory face mask protocol • Mandatory glove protocol • Correct and recommended hand hygiene procedures • Limiting unnecessary movement within the cabin once seated • There will be limited in-flight services and catering for the time being
5
Ondangwa - Toivo ya Toivo
Eros Airport
Oranjemund
W! NE Cape Town 6
NE W
!
now fl yi weekd n g every ay a nd Sund ays
FLIGHT SCHEDULE: Please note that our Cape Town flights are temporarily suspended until the COVID-19 travel restrictions are lifted. Stay informed on our social media platforms. FROM
TO
DAYS
DEPARTURE
ARRIVAL
Eros Windhoek
Ondangwa - Toivo Ya Toivo
Mon-Fri
06:30
07:30
Ondangwa - Toivo Ya Toivo
Eros Windhoek
Mon-Fri
08:00
09:00
Eros Windhoek
Ondangwa - Toivo Ya Toivo
Mon-Fri
17:45
18:45
Ondangwa - Toivo Ya Toivo
Eros Windhoek
Mon-Fri
19:15
20:15
Eros Windhoek
Ondangwa - Toivo Ya Toivo
Sun
17:00
18:00
Ondangwa - Toivo Ya Toivo
Eros Windhoek
Sun
18:30
19:30
Eros Windhoek
Oranjemund
Mon-Fri
09:30
10:40
Oranjemund
Cape Town
Mon-Fri
11:15
12:30
Cape Town
Oranjemund
Mon-Fri
14:20
15:30
Oranjemund
Eros Windhoek
Mon-Fri
16:00
17:10
Eros Windhoek
Oranjemund
Sun
13:00
14:10
Oranjemund
Cape Town
Sun
14:40
15:55
Cape Town
Oranjemund
Sun
16:50
18:00
Oranjemund
Eros Windhoek
Sun
18:30
19:40
Schedule as per date of going to print. Please check the FlyWestair website to stay updated on flight destinations, routes and schedules.
8
READ ALL OUR PREVIOUS ISSUES ONLINE! Simply click on the issue you wish to read
CLIC K HER E to read
FlyWestair www.flywestair.com
FlyWestair
FlyWestair
www.flywestair.com
July 2020
www.flywestair.com
Your free copy
May 2020
Your free copy
December 2019
9
10
art-ist
Living with Nature through Art
A
nnabelle Venter is an award-winning Namibian ceramicist, photographer and writer. Featuring carefully detailed animals and colourful birds, set on the rims of ceramic bowls and cups, Annabelle’s tableware has captured the imagination of buyers locally and internationally. In the last two National Ceramic Biennales she was awarded second and third place respectively in the sculpture category. One of her pieces was added to the Namibia Art Association’s permanent collection.
11
Annabelle’s passion for ceramics started slowly, growing from an introduction to the craft as a child, after which she didn’t touch clay again for many years. “I ordered my first top-loading kiln in 1998 and started teaching myself [again] by trial and error,” she says. “No internet to quickly Google things in those days! I used books and The Potters Association of Namibia to learn my craft.” It was while living in Omaruru that nature came knocking on her door, or rather, her window, to inspire her now signature faunainspired pieces. “I remember red-billed hornbills tapping insistently on my studio window when we lived in Omaruru. And one day I just crafted a bird to sit on top of what I was making. It evolved from there, as we had amazing birdlife in our garden on the riverbank. Each new bird I observed found its way onto a pot.”
“One doesn’t have to travel to the bush to find stunning grasses or flowers on the pavement or in your yard, or a colourful weaver building next door in a tree. We just have to learn to look differently at our environment.” But of course, for Annabelle, the ability to look at things differently is all in a day’s work. “The secret,” she says, “lies not in letting your work define you but being open to new ideas and following them to see where they lead.” Annabelle’s first exhibition in South Africa will be a solo show at the MOK Gallery at Muratie Wine Estate in Stellenbosch in December 2020. For more information: www.annabelleventer.com Nina van Zyl
Her interest, she notes, is capturing fleeting moments in nature through any medium she has access to. “I find the three things I do, pottery, photography and writing about nature, weave together and complement each other so well.” But it’s not only about putting her passion into an artform that brings her joy: it’s bringing that joy to other people, and ceramics are one of the simplest ways to do that. “I want people to live with art and nature every day instead of just in bland concrete boxes with mass-produced objects that everyone else has. Each cup or mundane utility item can be beautiful and should give you a joyful pause in your day when you use it.” And for Annabelle there is something powerful about connecting to nature, something which anyone can do.
12
Annabelle Venter
The secret lies not in letting your work define you but being open to new ideas and following them to see where they lead.
13
A window of
opportunity. A vision within
view.
Free extra classes and edutainment on One Af rica TV
Invite learning in… Into your home, on your couch, on your phone, within reach. For everyone. #LearnOnOne brings quality extra classes and educational programs to supplement school education during daytime on One Africa TV. All children should attend school, but an extra lesson at the right time can unlock a new world for many Namibian children. #LearnOnOne broadcasts weekdays on One Africa TV’s platforms: DStv 284, GOtv 90, Tv2Africa.com (subscription free), DStv Now, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter. Search for #LearnOnOne or visit learnonone.org for our viewing schedule
To Go Far, You Go Together
T
And if you are alone, you wait for reinforcements
his is how it goes: you get shortlisted for the most prestigious literary prize for African short story writing – the Caine Prize. Immediately, you are thrust into the global spotlight. Suddenly you are a somebody in the global literary scene: the first Rwandan-Namibian writer to ever be nominated for this prize. Your work is amplified beyond your country’s borders. You are interviewed by some of the most illustrious magazines around. Famous writers read your work and send their congratulations. Your Twitter feed is a mess of notifications, mentions, and retweets – the Gen-Z dream.
you choose to stand still. You seek refuge in the local – you resist the urge to get caught in the hype because what goes up must come down. You stay still, you look around, and wait to see where the second, third, fourth, and hundredth writer will come from. Why? Because you want to go far, further than you have come. And if you want to go far you go together. The ancestors said and have shown that this is so.
So you wait. You look through Namibian poetry anthologies published by the University of Namibia and scroll through the contributor list of the small literary magazine you cofounded: Doek! The Namibian section of the Windhoek Book Den, the bookshop you patron and haunt for long periods of time, is raided often and periodically. Because you know there are other writers around, you are merely separated by It is why, in geography and chance encounters between this strange the pages. But they are there, this much you know. The absence of evidence is not the moment when evidence of absence. This is another proverbial everything wisdom you have taken to heart.
You do not even have to win the award. The shortlisting feels like a victory in and of itself. Everything else, really, is a bonus – gifts of fate for which you have had no hand in creating. All you can do is receive. A month or so later your debut novel, the one that has been doing the rounds in southern Africa, is picked up by Simon & Schuster, one of the world’s largest publishers. The current is stronger and pulls you from the shore. You are sucked into the undertow of success. Where the flow will take you remains unknown. The cycle repeats itself: recognition and relative fame. You are the so-called “it kid” of regional and international literature. Glorious.
seems to be happening, when the urge to carpe diem is so strong, that you choose to stand still.
Then comes the hard part: you have to be the torch-bearer for a whole country’s literature. A demanding and impossible task. The publishing hardships make consistent literary output difficult, and the pursuit of the creative life is so brutal that many talented artists quit their craft to pursue more stable and lucrative career opportunities. But the torch is there and it has to be carried by someone.
You have two choices: you can push on forward, further, higher, faster – but then you will be alone. This is what it is like for pioneers. Being first is lonely. The second choice is to follow continental wisdom passed on through my proverbs across generations of migration: to go quickly you go alone, but to go far you go together. It is why, in this strange moment when everything seems to be happening, when the urge to carpe diem is so strong, that
You wait. And wait some more. And, then... There! On the shimmering horizon. Another writer. And another. And another.
Reinforcements – if you wait long enough help always arrives. Again, more conventional wisdom saves the day and wins the night. The ancestors were really onto something. And when everyone else has pulled abreast of you, then you turn to the future. Because you are not alone anymore. And if you are not alone then you can go far. Rémy Ngamije is a Rwandan-born Namibian novelist, columnist, essayist, short-story writer, and photographer. His debut novel The Eternal Audience Of One is available from Blackbird Books and Amazon. His short stories have appeared in Litro Magazine, AFREADA, The Johannesburg Review of Books, The Amistad, The Kalahari Review, American Chordata, Doek!, and Azure. More of his writing can be read on his website: remythequill.com
15
Images: Martin Amushendje
THE TRIBE
#TheTribeExclusive featuring Black Vulcanite
T
hey are undoubtedly Namibia’s leading hip hop act. Their lyricism packed with Afrofuturist themes has garnered them throngs of devoted fans and over the years the group has managed to take their sound beyond Namibia’s borders.
Consisting of Mark Mushiva, AliThatDude and Okin, Black Vulcanite has been away from the music scene for some time now with members of the group all focusing on various individual projects. AliThatDude and Okin recently joined TheTribeExclusive to keep their fans in tune with what has been happening with the group and shed light on what the trio has been working on. “There are so many variables that go into creating projects like Black Colonialist and Remember the Future. I think maybe it’s because we have this relatable connection to the youth of Namibia”, says Ali That Dude. Since the release of their debut project the trio has remained a fan favourite because it seems that everything they touch turns to gold. He describes their evolution since their debut project as an interesting one, noting that it inspired him to produce his own solo mixtapes which took him on a journey to Europe where he toured countries like Germany, Finland and the Netherlands. For Okin, time away from the music scene was spent completing his MBA in China and getting involved in other creative projects in the Asian country.
As a group, Okin says that all three members of Black Vulcanite blossomed after Black Colonialists. “We went back to some of the stuff we were doing when we were individual artists before we formed Black Vulcanite and then also kept pushing that flag as much as we could,” he adds.
Their lyricism packed with Afrofuturist themes has garnered them throngs of devoted fans and over the years the group has managed to take their sound beyond Namibia’s borders.
“I’ve been busy. We started the Slam Poetry movement in Beijing which then moved to other parts of China,” he says.
The trio has dropped a song in 2019 and more music is on the way. “We worked with some of the people who worked with us on our first project so it was like almost coming back full circle – we always love to work with the people that we respect. We are working on some stuff but we don’t want to put a date on anything yet. We’d like to keep you guys in suspense just for a bit longer, at least until Mark comes back,” Okin says.
Watch The Tribe on One Africa TV (GoTV 90, DStv 284, DStv Now, TV2Africa.com) every Friday at 21h30 and repeat shows on Wednesdays at 07h00 and on Saturdays at 17h30. Alternatively, listen to The Tribe on 99FM every Friday at 19h00, and follow The Tribe on Instagram @thetribenamibia and on Facebook @TheTribeNamibia.
17
We always retain the ability to
choose our attitude
18
W
hether you are aware of it or not, we are all experiencing some form of emotional or mental whiplash as a result of the last few months. With our collective attention still firmly focused on coronavirus, and our lives changing in front of our eyes, our lack of normality is driving our anxiety. It’s not new for society to be in the midst of fear. However, because this is a new experience it can be difficult to rationalise it within ourselves. Not knowing terrifies most of us. We think that effects must have causes, and so in order to predict what’s going to happen next (and thereby save our skins), we must know why we’re doing what we’re doing. Which would be possible, if we lived in a linear world. Which we don’t. Throughout history, the world has been beset by tragedies that were overwhelming at their time. People who have lived through times of wars, plagues, genocides and other catastrophes stand testimony to the secret truth we all possess: you are not a product of your circumstances, but rather a product of your decisions.
almost curl into ourselves when we are scared, and all we can do is think about the fear or the situation we are in. Conversely, when you feel hopeful, your body relaxes. Hope is the enduring belief that our wishes will be met, and this gives us confidence, positive thinking and excitement about life. It is the essence of moving forward and thriving. We need hope right now. We cannot be very effective in the outer world if our personal energy is tied up in knots inside our own body. Hope is the knowledge that somehow we will endure, adapt, and persevere. Fear is the prompt. Hope is the way. Fear is about trying to survive something. Hope is about knowing why you want to. Doctors know that hope affects our ability to heal. Hopeful patients have higher levels of dopamine, endorphins and other neurochemicals which promote wellbeing and the energy for living.
Fear is the prompt. Hope is the way. Fear is about trying to survive something. Hope is about knowing why you want to.
Victor Frankl survived four concentration camps, which took the lives of his wife,his parents and his brother. In his book, A Man’s Search for Meaning, Frankl writes,“We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts, comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.“
History has taught us that the human spirit is infused with hope, and this is what truly defines our ability to overcome. While both hope and fear are great motivators, and they both have the capacity to promote growth in us, hope is what creates space in the mind and heart. Think for a moment what fear feels like in your own body. When we are afraid, our body tenses up. We
Hope is actually something we create. It’s not something that magically appears from an outside source. We each have within us the capacity to generate hope. Here are four things you can do today to generate the feelings of hope in your life: 1.
Be kind to yourself – Think about what you need most today, and then do that for yourself. 2. Limit your intake of news – Over-saturation with news right now is detrimental to emotional health; if you check the news out in the morning, let that be enough for the day. 3. Take a break – Set yourself a 30 second break every couple of hours to do nothing but breathe, look to the sky, and offer thanks for what you do have. 4. Give – Each time we make a difference in the lives of others, we create hope in ourselves. As Victor Frankl says, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” Kirsty Watermeyer Kirsty is a Yoga and Meditation Coach, a Transformation Facilitator and Writer. Contact her at kirsty@seednamibia.com
19
l e v a r t ocal
L
s l a i c spe
l e v a r t ocal
s l a i c e sp ead R
L
online
Read online
WE'RE A SOCIAL BUNCH
Click below for specials Click below for specials
WWW.TRAVELNEWSNAMIBIA.COM Tnn a4.indd 1
WWW.TRAVELNEWSNAMIBIA.COM
05/05/2020 9:54 AM
advertorial
TWO BEARDS AND A SAINT
T
wo Beards and a Saint Gourmet Coffee Bar and Bistro is a delightful establishment developed as a partnership between Royden and Mark Stanton of Two Beards Coffee Roastery and Radley Wilson-Moore, the Saint.
Royden Stanton has been hugely passionate about coffee since his extremely positive experiences at Wecke & Voigts in Windhoek in the early to mid-1970s. This sparked a passion for coffee that could not always be explained by his family, and as a result there are numerous entertaining family memories. It all culminated in an early retirement project. Royden, the Managing Director of Walvis Bay Salt Mine for many years, started roasting from a small roastery at home. Called Fractured Beans for the fracturing that occurs during the roasting process, the home coffee roastery soon became his ‘happy space’. There was no greater treat than to spend time roasting with Royden, and for a number of years it was ‘joked’ that Fractured Beans would become Fractured Beans and Sons. Fast forward a few years of passionate roasting, and his son Mark did indeed join the business. It was decided to add a fun factor and the Fractured Beans changed to Two Beards Coffee. Both having had beards for many years, the name is certainly safe! Two Beards Coffee is an artisan coffee roastery that focuses on Specialty Grade Arabica coffee only. Specialty Grade is the best 3% of the world’s coffee yield and is only described as such after going through rigorous classification and standards testing. The focus on Arabica is due to the myriad of flavour characteristics available – far exceeding those of even a red wine. Great attention to detail is applied to each roast, producing both exceptional single origin coffees as well as artisan blends designed specifically for particular brewing methods. Two Beards Coffee has a philosophy of partnering with coffee shops, restaurants, lodges and such, throughout Namibia, developing a unique blend in conjunction with each of the commercial clients. This not only adds value to the client but is great fun for Royden and Mark as well. Their passion certainly shines through. Fast forward again, and enter Radley Wilson-Moore. Radley is a distinguished chef and well known throughout Namibia. Radley was the first in for coffee at Two Beards Coffee every morning and soon started getting involved, experimenting with ideas from the chef industry. Always a great chat, Radley proposed the concept of a bistro within the Two Beards Coffee brand as he appreciated the philosophy, brand and ethos. The concept developed quickly and two months later Two Beards and a Saint Gourmet Coffee Bar and Bistro was launched. Two Beards Coffee is responsible for the coffee component, and the Saint (Radley’s nickname since childhood for all the ‘wrong’ reasons!) for the food side of things. The synergy has resulted in a place where you are encouraged to come and relax. Try a wide selection of gourmet coffees, embrace your inner scientist with our alternative brewing options all the while enjoying an exceptional bistro menu that has a new selection of specials each day of the year! Getting bored with flavour and options at Two Beards and a Saint is not an option. The venue itself is nestled in the Habitat Lifestyle Centre. Shrouded in natural luxury and with plenty of open garden space, you can also enjoy the delights of Stillhouse Atlantic Craft Gin Distillery, Namib Dunes Craft Brewery as well as Craft & Cork, browse through Eastern Concepts Furniture and Habitat Home Décor, plan a new kitchen at Nobilia, or pamper yourself at Natura Africa. Come and spend some time with us. We prefer you having time to relax and enjoy your time with us. We like to get to know you too – become a part of the Two Beards Family…
+264 81 777 1956 bistro@2beardscoffee.com.na www.2beardscoffee.com.na
21
We are all in the same boat – or Not…
I
t is probably quite normal to first move into a state of panic when threatening things catch you by surprise. A potential next step, when the dust has settled and we can think more clearly, is to focus on what we can do. Finally, we sometimes find comfort in realising that we are not alone and that others are faced with similar struggles.
Why do I say we must focus on what we have control over? • The only period with sufficient data that is analogous to what we are going through now, is probably the depreciation years of the 1930s /1940s – we all know how painful that was. • Not all governments, not all businesses and not all individuals are equal.
In a previous article for WestAir I provided a template for navigating through these uncertain times that COVID-19 has brought upon us. The template looked at Income Statements and Balance Sheets and focused on the levers that we can pull, in other words, it focused on what we can do. I think it is imperative that we don’t move too quickly to the other stage of finding comfort in the fact that we think others might be in the same boat. We should rather focus on what we have control over and make peace with what we don’t. The wellknown quote “Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference” applies.
COVID-19 has arrived when the world was already highly indebted. Ray Dalio talks about the long-term debt cycle that throughout history typically took 75-100 years to peak. We are close to the peak of such a cycle, and the holes that COVID-19 has made to Income Statements and Balance Sheets have to be filled by taking on more debt.
22
Some countries have more fire power or are perceived to have stronger Balance Sheets to fill these holes through monetary (printing money) and fiscal (spending) policy. The United States, although highly indebted, are in the enviable position where 55% of the world’s reserve
Economic Pulse
currencies is in USD. That means that on a relative to sell assets when you don’t want to. Therefore, focus on basis there should still be demand for USD during what you have control over and cut expenses in advance, the unprecedented stimulus that America be creative in generating income, and diversify is undertaking. Should you live in Emerging your assets wisely. If you can find someone that Markets with a currency that doesn’t have you can trust, test your opinions. This might just reserve status, printing money will exacerbate help you to soften the blow – I don’t believe we We should the weakness many emerging market currencies rather focus are all in the same boat. have seen during this crisis, as it will increase the René Olivier on what we supply of money when there is no particularly high demand (prices are determined by supply have control René Olivier(CFA) is the Managing and demand). History suggests that if you go Director of Wealth Management over and at IJG, an established Namibian through such a time and you don’t have reserve currency status, the pain will be more severe. make peace financial services market leader.
with what we don’t.
Unfortunately, Namibia falls in this category and we would be wise to prepare ourselves for a potential deflationary depression. In other words, a period where we will be forced to go through a deleveraging process in which we have to cut expenses and reduce our debt, and this might mean that you are forced
IJG believes in tailoring their services to a client’s personal and business needs. For more information, visit www.ijg.net.
To sign up for the Economic Pulse newsletter, send an email to: daleen@venture.com.na www.namibiatradedirectory.com
NETWORK
23
Fingerprints of a Nation’s Heart
Creativelab
MYD Journal III
24
T
he production of the third 99FM Master Your Destiny Journal happened parallel to the unfolding of the COVID-19 catastrophe. It was poetically ironic, getting this book of positive, life-affirming Namibian stories published while photo shoots, the printing press, businesses, lives and life in general were drastically disrupted.
Economic turbulence in the country had already threatened the project as budgets got cut and funding the MYD Journal became almost impossible. Thanks to the generous support of B2Gold – who championed the Master Your Destiny movement from the onset – and the handful of sponsors that make magic happen we managed to go ahead. The end product is another extraordinary testimony to the strength of the human spirit and the generous spirit of people in Namibia. This is a very important truth to behold, when corruption, economic failure and poverty cast their dark shadows over our country and a question mark on our national identity.
faced with the same questions: How do we live through this? How do we not just survive, but how do we move through this crisis with our souls intact? For these answers we do not turn to the news, to scientists, forecasters or analysts. For these questions we need wisdom, not data. And so we turn to ancient texts, holy books, history books. The stories of our ancestors, of the people who have been and seen. To the songs, poems and prayers of our people.
In our selfportrait, the people around us make up the canvas, the texture, the colours and the light that illuminates the whole picture.
We will, however, only discover our identity when we begin to understand the context of our individual and collective lives. In our self-portrait, the people around us make up the canvas, the texture, the colours and the light that illuminates the whole picture. In the eye of the COVID-19 pandemic, we, the individuals who are part of families, communities and nations, were
free of charge.
In this Master Your Destiny Journal there are many stories of our people – Ignatius Mwanyekange who tells of surviving the horror of Cassinga Day, Tuhafeni George Dasilva Hishitelwa who tells of rising out of poverty and overcoming the injustice of discrimination, Gina Figueira on the loss of loved ones, Meunajo Tjiroze on bearing the cross of crimes committed by us and against us... If you want to know if and how it is possible to live – through this pandemic and beyond it – and be triumphant, if you want to know who you are and what you are capable of and who we are and are capable of, you will find some of the answers inside this book. Copies of the MYD Journal are distributed
You can collect your copy from TribeFire Studios, 44 Hyper Motor City, Hyper Motor City Path, Windhoek, or call +264 (61) 383 450 to order.
Follow MYD Africa on Instagram @mydafrica. Read more in the MYD Journal at: www.issuu.com/99fm/docs/99fm_myd_book_2018 Catch MYD Heart on 99FM, Mondays to Fridays on ‘The Pulse’ at 17H35.
25
MAKING SAFETY A PRIORITY AND PERSONAL KEEPS US SAFE, TODAY TO ENSURE A BETTER TOMORROW.
26
At Namdeb, we uphold our safety standards with the greatest regard, because through them, every person at Namdeb remains safe today and tomorrow. We therefore put safety at the helm of everything that we do by embedding it in our work culture to ensure zero harm GOOD TODAY. BETTER TOMORROW.
D E L U X E C O F F E E WO R K S WINDHOEK, NA Our espresso bar has become the hub where we roast, blend and serve our famous House Blend. We don’t follow many rules when it comes to our coffee. In fact, there aren’t a lot rules that we follow in general. We are passionate about coffee and that's a good enough reason for us to do what we do: roast, supply and serve coffee in the best way we know. We believe in having a great place where this all comes together and where you can enjoy our coffee. That’s why our coffee roastery is the way it is. You won’t find any fancy food or wifi here. That’s not our vibe. A lot of good music, interesting people and great coffee. We like to give you coffee the way we would like to receive it. That’s what we’re all about. Founded in Church Street, Cape Town by Carl Wessel and Judd Nicolay, doing 400 cups of coffee a day and roasting shifts into the wee hours of the morning, Deluxe has gone from strength to strength. When Carl and his cousin and local partner, Willem Bodenstein, sealed the deal for a fullyfledged Namibian roastery, they created the espresso bar that “explores the global but respects the local”. Deluxe Coffeeworks imports only the finest green beans sourced from around the world. Our coffee bean suppliers
have long established relationships with coffee farms across the globe, guaranteeing consistency in tastes and aromas for every roast. We believe firmly in the fact that coffee should be made with freshly roasted beans. We roast five days a week to ensure that each bag you pick up is as fresh as possible.
@deluxecoffeeworks.na
Since Independence Day 2017 and, coincidently, in Independence Avenue, we do strictly coffee!
Our signature House Blend is specifically blended to create a versatile well-balanced experience using the best characteristics of each of the single origins used therein, hailing respectively from Brazil, Guatemala and Ethiopia. Initial acidity leans to oranges or naartjies, followed by dark chocolate taste and raw cocoa in the finish. And now… Aroma is in the air! We bring you a new and exciting partnership between Westair and Deluxe – it just works! So, sit back, enjoy the flight and ask for it by name, we serve Deluxe!
Deluxe Coffeeworks is situated at Shop 3, Mutual Tower, 223 Independence Avenue. Opening hours are 07h00 to 16h30 from Monday to Friday.
+264 81 871 4434 COFFEE@DELUXECOFFEEWORKS.COM WWW.DELUXECOFFEEWORKS.COM 27
ROYAL HUSTLERS Success according to Victoria Muranda
N
ot many of us can proudly say we speak seven languages. Victoria Muranda, Manager of Corporate Communications at NAMFISA, can proudly say so. She speaks KhoekhoeGowab, English, Afrikaans, Oshiwambo, Otjiherero and Portuguese - a true testament to her growing up in post-colonial integrated Namibia.
Victoria is a Royal Hustler who has worked at some of the most notable organisations in Namibia before she took up her current position which she fills with passion and flair. WHERE IT ALL STARTED… Victoria was born and raised in Windhoek and calls herself a “typical Katutura girl”. Her early childhood began in the Gemeente 17 and Donkerhoek locations in Katutura. She then completed primary school at a Catholic Mission School in Grootfontein and went on to high school at Döbra. “I ended up at UNAM where I became one of the first graduates from the media study group. We started UNAM Radio and used to call ourselves “The Voice of The Future”, she reminisces.
of person who would give to people who need it more. So if I had something to sell, I would sell it and give the money to a friend who needed it more. So I would hustle for other people because that’s how I grew up”, she says. VICTORIA DEFINES SUCCESS AS .. “The ability to better the lives of others.” Even though many would see her current pursuit of an MBA as a mark of success, she is by no means satisfied with academic achievement as the only sign of “success”. She rather considers her positive influence on others as her definition of success. “I always try to find a way to inspire people, to motivate them. I always ask how I can help to make their lives better,” she says. “That’s what keeps me going every day. That’s my purpose.”
She rather considers her positive influence on others as her definition of success.
KEEPING POSITIVE AMIDST THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC... “I’ve seen that Namibians have opened up their hearts to assist those who are less fortunate during this pandemic. People are putting money and resources together for those who are less fortunate. I also did my bit by spending a lot of my free time hustling for those who really need it.”
GETTING INTO THE MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS FIELD... “I always wanted to be in the communications field but more on the entertainment side. Those who went to school with me know that for every talent show I was on stage, I was either dancing, singing or doing both. I would MC at the same time. I was your typical entertainer but I also loved writing and telling stories, so naturally God made provision for my gifts and here I am in communications and PR. No, it wasn’t any easy As, not that I really worked hard either. I was your average B and C student but at every school prize-giving I had to receive something on stage. Usually not for the academic subjects, best mathematics or whatever. My prizes were for ‘best progress in mathematics’ or ’debater of the year’ – you know, things like that.”
HOPES FOR THE FUTURE OF NAMIBIA AND FOR HER LIFE BEYOND COVID-19 An eternal optimist, Victoria is hopeful for the future of Namibia beyond COVID-19. “I’ve been looking at the positives and there have been quite a lot of benefits for me during the lockdown. Being at home, building relationships, a bit of soul searching, finding myself, finding the way for my vision and purpose. It’s been a good time. I’m excited to be Namibian to the extent that when my foreign friends ask me how Namibia is doing, I tell myself I’m Namibian, I’m doing fine and Namibia is doing fine.”
VICTORIA, THE SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR… While most people have side hustles to earn some extra money, Victoria has always looked at them as an opportunity to help others. “Since childhood I have always been that type
This article is based on an interview with Victoria on 99FM. Tune in to The Royal Hustlers on 99 FM every Monday to Friday at 07h35. (Stream us here) https://99fm.com.na/ external-radio-live-stream/
Victoria sees the unity shown during this time as a positive move on the part of Namibians and encourages individuals to continue standing together as a nation.
29
Celebrating 30 Years of Independence
EXTRAORDINARY NAMIBIANS
30
Celebrating 30 Years of Independence
O
ver the years Namibia has produced some exceptional human beings doing exceptional things. We are proud of our country and love to celebrate the achievements of all of our people. Some of them have found international acclaim. Let’s take a brief look at three of these personalities, although they are by no means the only ones who have made a name for themselves on the global stage.
She decided to take athletics further after Tsire Tsauseb, former President of the Namibia Sports Federation for People with Disabilities, spotted her taking part in a school race. She excelled in international competitions and qualified for the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London, where she was the only female athlete from Namibia to participate. She set the fastest time in her heat and then won gold in the final of the women’s 200 m T37, setting a new African record at the same time. Benson also took silver in the Women’s 100 m T37. Coming home to a hero’s welcome she was presented with a diplomatic passport, a house worth N$ 1.5 million and a N$ 170,000 grant from President Dr Hifikepune Pohamba. To commemorate her achievement, a street in Walvis Bay was renamed after her in 2013.
DR. JAPIE VAN ZYL Born in 1957 in the small town of Outjo in the northwest, Japie van Zyl received his honours degree in electrical and electronic engineering at the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa, JOHN NDEVASIA MUAFANGEJO after which he completed his masters and John Muafangejo is considered the most His linocuts doctorate degrees at the California Institute important visual artist of Namibia. Born and etchings of Technology in Pasadena, USA. In 1986 he in 1943 in Etunda lo Nghadi in southern started as a research scientist developing Angola, he grew up herding cattle. In 1956 are powerful models for inferring soil moisture from Muafangejo moved to the Anglican mission spaceborne radar images at NASA’s Jet visual depictions station at Epinga in Namibia where he started of people, Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Dr. van Zyl’s his school education. While residing and hard work, leading research and development attending school at Saint Mary’s Anglican the violent in synthetic-aperture radar systems, and mission in Odibo his talents were noticed by struggle of the years of dedication were rewarded in 2006 missionary C. Shannon Mallory, who in 1967 when he became the JPL’s Director for had him enrolled at the art school in Rorke’s time, intimate Astronomy, Physics and Space Technology. Drift in Natal, South Africa. After 18 months commentaries In 2011 he was appointed Associate Director he was admitted to hospital due to nervous based on his of Project Formulation and Strategy, a role exhaustion. He soon recovered, however, and he held until 2016 when he was asked to be was able to complete his course. Studying at own life and the Director of Solar System Exploration – an Rorke’s Drift John Muafangejo was exposed to impressive position under which he oversaw a experiences, and a range of different artistic techniques. In 1970 the bible. directorate that defines, formulates, acquires he moved back to Odibo where he taught art and implements all missions to the rest of the at the mission school for four years, followed solar system, with the exception of Mars. The by a one-year stint as an artist-in-residence conclusion of his stellar career at JPL was the successful at Rorke’s Drift. Muafangejo returned to Odibo in 1975, landing of the InSight lander on Mars in November 2018. but two years later moved to Katutura in Windhoek where Since 2019 he has been busy as CEO and co-founder of he sadly passed away in 1987. During the span of his career Hydrosat, a data analytics startup company that uses he created quite an impressive body of work. His linocuts spaceborne thermal infrared imagery to create heat maps and etchings are powerful visual depictions of people, of agricultural land. This will give farmers information on the violent struggle of the time, intimate commentaries how to achieve better precision farming at significantly based on his own life and experiences, and the bible. He less cost and, more importantly, use less water. often combined images with text. Muafangejo became internationally known through his work over the years, JOHANNA BENSON with exhibitions in São Paulo, New York, Stockholm and On 5 September 2012 Johanna Benson made history by Canada amongst others. becoming the first Namibian to win a gold medal at either the Olympic or Paralympic Games. Benson was born with cerebral palsy in 1990 and raised in Walvis Bay. Le Roux van Schalkwyk
31
Entertainment at your fingertips
Stay updated with our Instagram and Facebook pages. CLICK HERE
to go to page
Have you seen our other pages? CLICK HERE
to go to page
CLICK HERE to see the video
Namibia is
32
waiting for you
33
FEEDING AN INCREASINGLY
HUNGRY WORLD
F
ew of us, if any, have probably ever experienced the pangs of hunger for days on end with little or no hope of help in sight. For hundreds of millions of people across the world it is, however, part of their daily existence.
According to a projection of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), an estimated 265 million people will be facing ‘acute food insecurity’ by the end of this year globally – an increase by 130 million people compared to the number of those who faced starvation in 2019. Although this increase can largely be attributed to the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, global hunger and food security have long been issues at the top of the agenda of the United Nations, governments and humanitarian organisations. The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) has defined food security as access by all people at all times to enough food for an active and healthy life. Measuring food security also includes criteria such as the nutritional value, affordability and safety.
security. Droughts and famines of Biblical proportions have been on the increase in many parts of the world during the past three decades. Cyclones and typhoons in South and Southeast Asia are taking a huge toll on human lives and displacing hundreds of thousands of people every year. These tropical storms are also devastating crops such as rice, which is very susceptible to extreme temperature changes and extended flooding. Closer to home, Cyclone Idai killed around 1,300 people and displaced hundreds of thousands when it swept through Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi in March 2019. Food insecurity inevitably leads to hunger, undernourishment, malnutrition and higher child mortality when caused by one or more of these factors. There are considerable variations in regional hunger statistics with dramatic higher hunger levels in South Asia and Africa than in other parts of the world.
Food security is affected by numerous factors, among them poor governance, domestic and regional conflicts and instability, economic slowdowns, and hyperinflation and currency collapses such as what happened in Zimbabwe.
Namibia ranks 84th out of 117 countries on the 2019 Global Hunger Index with a score of 24.9 – which places it in the category of countries where hunger is serious. Although the index does not cover some high-income countries where the prevalence of hunger is low, a study by the United Nations Children’s Fund found that 18% of households with children under 15 in 28 European Union countries experience moderate to severe food insecurity.
The impact of climate change as a result of global warming increasingly features as a factor affecting food
Research has shown that the increase in temperature in southern Africa as a result of global warming is higher than
34
the global average. And that is bad news for the region, The development of drought-resistant cultivars such but especially for Namibia. As the most arid country in as the Okashana 1 variety of millet, the staple food of sub-Saharan Africa, Namibia’s fragile environment is people in Owambo, is another priority. This cultivar, which particularly vulnerable to climate change, has a short growth cycle of 85 to 90 days, especially prolonged droughts. The 2018/19 matures between 30 and 50 days earlier than drought, the worst drought in a century, traditional varieties. It has a tolerance for resulted in large-scale crop failures, above all high temperatures and a significantly higher Despite being in the north of the country where subsistence grain yield than traditional millet. an arid country, farming is still practiced. The lack of grazing and depleted water resources caused the In another development, it has been Namibia needs death of over 100,000 head of livestock with announced that five new cowpea varieties will to expand its cattle accounting for around 60% and goats be released as soon as their local names have dryland and for 28% of the fatalities. As a result, 430,000 been finalised. These mutant variants were people (18% of the total population) required developed to produce high-yielding, earlyirrigation food aid, while water stress resulted in strict maturing and drought-tolerant cowpeas which water restrictions in the capital, Windhoek, horticultural and are an important source of food and nutrition cereal production in Namibia’s northern crop-growing regions. as dams began to run empty.
to reduce
There are several strategies to mitigate the imports from threat of food insecurity in Namibia. The country still imports a large percentage of South Africa its vegetables, fruit and cereals – mainly from and to improve neighbouring South Africa which has also experienced devastating droughts. Despite local food supply being an arid country, Namibia needs to chains. expand its dryland and irrigation horticultural and cereal production to reduce imports from South Africa and to improve local food supply chains. Improved agricultural practices are needed especially in the north where subsistence farming is still the norm.
When thinking of hunger, I’m reminded of my mother’s wise words when there was still food left on our dinner plates, “Never waste food. Think of all the hungry people who will go to sleep on an empty stomach.” Namibian freelance journalist and travel writer: Willie Olivier
35
Historic Solitaire, at the edge of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, has something for everyone. Delicious food and wine, fresh pizza, draft beer, and our famous apple pie. A General Dealer, petrol and tyre repair will get you sorted. Stay-overs include popular Solitaire Lodge and secluded Solitaire Desert Farm. Take a guided scenic drive, or relax by the pool. Enjoy our desert vistas and free-roaming wildlife habitat on foot, by fat bike or from a hot air balloon.
Open Space for Wildlife bordering Namib-Naukluft National Park Visit historic Solitaire in the heart of the 18,000ha Solitaire Land Trust - Lodging, Food, Activities & Services Book online at: www. solitairenamibia.com
36
Safety in (Small) Numbers
G
Why Namibia is the ideal post-COVID destination.
one are the days of masses of tourists rubbing shoulders to see the Colosseum in Rome or bumping into each other while exploring La Rambla in Barcelona. The new normal will be destinations where social distancing is easy and where a sense of safety is paramount because let’s face it, no one wants to be on holiday while simultaneously stressed about well-being.
population density is just under three people per square kilometre, second only to Mongolia. To put that in perspective, the earth’s population density is currently 50 people sharing each square kilometre. In comparison, Hong Kong has one of the world’s highest population densities at 7140 people/km2, in Europe a country like Germany has 240 people/km2, while neighbouring South Africa is on par with the world’s average at 49 people/km2.
Having reached the halfway point of 2020, the entire world has its collective fingers crossed that the second half of the year will be considerably better than the first. It seems that each month has brought a new challenge, with the dark cloud of COVID-19 being the only constant. The only certainty in a year brimming with uncertainties. As I’m writing this, Namibia is one of few countries globally with less than 50 COVID cases, mostly thanks to our government’s progressive approach and rapid response to tackling the crisis.
Namibians are also not spread out equally as 40% of the inhabitants can be found in the extreme north-central area along the border with Angola. Furthermore, just over 50% of the country’s total population lives in urban centres. This means that out of a total area of 824,292km2 and a population localised to certain centres, there is ample space for social distancing.
With certain countries slowly opening their borders again and more planning to follow suit later, they are hoping to resuscitate a tourism industry that has been ravaged by the unprecedented state the planet has found itself in. It will be interesting to see how travel and tourism will change in a post-COVID world. Whereas before travellers chose destinations according to affordability etc. tons of additional factors are sure to come into play when people plan their next trip abroad. COVID-safe destinations will definitely be one of the main considerations - this is where Namibia has (and always had) one of the biggest competitive advantages: space. Loads of space!
Couch planning your next trip for when travelling is allowed again? Skip the crowds and rather opt for the ample expanses, endless vistas, clear blue skies and healthy fresh air of Namibia. We can’t wait to welcome you when the time is right to travel again. Le Roux van Schalkwyk
Le Roux van Schalkwyk
With a population of around 2.5 million people (equivalent to 0.03% of the total world population), Namibia is well-known for being one of the least densely populated countries. Its
Space is by no means the only selling card of Namibia. If you are reading this you have without a doubt seen the natural wonders and beautiful scenery the country has to offer. Space has and is one of the most valuable commodities that enhances any visit. What makes travellers venture deep into the Namib, the oldest desert in the world, is that sense of place. The experience of having an unbroken 360-degree view of some of the most picturesque landscapes on this earth has healing power like no other, sorely needed in these times we live in.
37
38
Photography Feature: Jacques van der Smit
Seeing Through the Noise
A
lthough his day to day sees him as the chief Anti Money Laundering, Counter-Terrorist Financing and Sanctions Officer at Nedbank, Jacques van der Smit spends his free time on his passion for photography.
“I got my first exposure to cameras through my father’s Pentax film camera that he would take along on family holidays to places like Etosha or the coast. After teaching me how to change the film and take some photos he eventually bought me my own point-and-shoot film camera that I would take along on camping and school trips. I eventually upgraded to a Ricoh that allowed me to take panoramas which have been a huge love of mine since my youth.
39
Throughout high school, my fondness for photography kept on growing thanks to some of my friends who were also interested in this art form. This allowed us to support each other and grow together as well as creating some healthy competition amongst us. After school I started using a DSLR that allowed for more growth, especially in terms of macro photography. Currently, my main focus is on astrophotography, a skill that I hope to keep on improving.
40
41
42
In photography, every day presents new challenges to see through the noise around us and capture that moment in time that tells a story or inspires.�
Facebook: @Cuba.with.a.Camera Instagram: @cuba_with_a_camera
43
IT’S TIME FOR THE PERFECT BEER
OUR PERFECT BEER IS AVAILABLE IN 16 COUNTRIES WORLD WIDE. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT NBLEXPORT@OL.NA
Not for Persons Under the Age of 18. Enjoy Responsibly. 44
N$600 per room at our resorts.
Enjo y yo ur m and eals drin seat ks while ed in our resta uran ts!
Okaukuejo | Halali | Namutoni | Onkoshi | Dolomite | Olifantsrus | Popa Falls Sossus Dune Lodge | Hobas | Sesriem | Terrace Bay
This offer is valid until 31 August 2020. T's & C's 45 apply.
FOOD TRUCKIN’ in Swakop
W
hen the munchies hit, Swakopmund is one of the best places to be. The quaint coastal town is known for its extensive list of excellent restaurants sure to satisfy any craving. Added to that, the last few years have seen the welcome introduction of food trucks stationed perfectly to serve beachgoers and holidaymakers. Due to their popularity and mouthwatering food, the number of these fast-food eateries has quickly increased. The following three food trucks are definitely worth your time and money.
Braai World
Barnard and Neu-Nique Rittmann of Braai World
As the name suggests, Braai World specialises in all things flame-grilled and fried. Tasty barbequed chops and chicken as well as boerewors gatsby’s can all be found on the menu, but according to owner Barnard Rittmann, the real attraction is the fresh seafood. Especially the mouth-watering calamari. “Everyone tells us we have the best calamari in Swakop, but the reason people come back time after time is Neu-Nique, my wife’s tartar sauce recipe,” he says proudly. As the owner of fishing boats, he ensures that Braai World always has the freshest seafood. Find them in the parking lot of the National Marine Aquarium in Strand Street.
46
Bill and Maggi Ackermann
Fork ‘n Nice
The yellow school bus that started the food truck boom in Swakop. The Fork ‘n Nice bus has become part of the scenery on Strand Street north of the Mole. Bill and Maggi Ackermann’s food truck is a Swakop favourite thanks to their Americanstyle street cuisine like the delicious pulled pork and Cuban sandwiches. Being next to the coast it’s a no-brainer that the seafood is also worth a try, especially the classic English-style beer-battered fish served with chips.
Louchelle’s Seafood
The bright blue food truck with its beautifully crafted fish ornaments made from upcycled tyres can be found next to the yellow school bus of Fork ‘n Nice. A quick glance at the menu confirms that Louchelle’s specialises in seafood. According to Michelle Odendaal the secret to their success is being able to serve the freshest seafood that her husband supplies. Louchelle’s offers a variety of dishes that include calamari wraps, mussel pops, half shell mussels, snoek, hake as well as seafood burgers. The pick of the menu is definitely the kabeljou, deep-fried to crispy perfection. Le Roux van Schalkwyk
Michelle Odendaal
47
Paul van Schalkwyk
THE WATERFALL DISPUTE
AND NAMIBIA’S BOUNDARY WITH ANGOLA
A
cursory glance at the map of Namibia shows that the country is a classic example of colonial boundaries that were drawn by simply using rivers and lines of latitude and longitude to delineate the borders. In Namibia’s case it was easy: six rivers and six straight lines.
Although the first agreement between Germany and Portugal on the border between what was then German South West Africa and Portuguese West Africa (Angola) was signed on 30 December 1886, it would take 40 years before what became known as the ‘Waterfall Dispute’ was finally settled. Germany disputed the exact location of the cataracts from where the parallel of latitude should be drawn from the Kunene River to the Okavango River. The German administration insisted that the cataracts were 38 km upstream of Ruacana, while the Portuguese maintained that the starting point was at Ruacana.
48
After the two governments failed to reach an agreement, it was decided in August 1909 to create a neutral zone which was 13 km wide. The arrangement was to remain in force until the dispute could be resolved. Administration of the zone became the joint responsibility of a Portuguese and a German resident commissioner based at Namacunde. Following the capitulation of the German forces in German South West Africa during World War I, British officials accepted the neutral zone as a provisional arrangement in September 1916. It would, however, take another ten years before the dispute was finally resolved as a result of Britain’s insistence on water rights for South West Africa. In line with international convention, the boundary agreed upon in 1926 was the middle of the Kunene River from its mouth to the Ruacana Waterfall. But it was also agreed that the beacon from where the boundary was to be drawn to the Okavango River would be placed on the left (southern) bank of the Kunene River. As a result, the entire Ruacana Falls were in Portuguese territory.
How well do you know Owambo?
Tens of thousands of Ovakwanyama migrated into Owambo south of the border to escape the harsh Portuguese rule.
Joint South African and Portuguese teams demarcated the boundary with beacons placed at not more than 10 km intervals. They completed their work in September 1928 and the neutral zone ceased to exist when the Portuguese and South African governments confirmed the agreement in April 1929. The boundary divided the Oukwanyama kingdom with two thirds of its territory in Angola and a third in South West Africa. Families were separated and people were denied access to grazing areas and cultivation fields. Tens of thousands of Ovakwanyama migrated into Owambo south of the border to escape the harsh Portuguese rule. Nine South African soldiers who died during the punitive South African expedition against the last ruler of the undivided Oukwanyama kingdom, Mandume yaNdemufayo, in February 1917 were buried at Namacunde in the neutral zone, while a tenth soldier died during the time he was stationed at Namacunde. Following the demise of the neutral zone it was decided to disinter the
bodies and rebury them at the Anglican mission station at Odibo, south of the border, in 1928. By some strange twist of history, the boundary between the Cape of Good Hope (a colony of Great Britain) and German South West Africa was fixed at the high water mark on the northern bank of the Orange River instead of the middle of the river in 1890. This caused a protracted dispute between Germany and Great Britain, as well as successive political dispensations, including an independent Namibia. Although the Namibian constitution states that the country’s southern boundary extends to the middle of the Orange River, several rounds of talks and initiatives since independence have failed to resolve what has been described as “one of the longest disputes in the history of colonial diplomacy.” Willie Olivier
49
This is us. avid campers.
extraordinary Namibian stories. Namibia
photographers. coffee drinkers. social media fundies. publishers. chatters.
TRAVEL NEWS
H O L I D A Y
&
content creators.
T R A V E L
BIRDING:
SNAKE EAGLES
Namibia TRAVEL NEWS
Namibia
ON A STUDENT BUDGET
THE TINY TOWN OF UIS
BIRDING:
SNAKE EAGLES
Namibia
Coast GINNING AT THE
ON A STUDENT BUDGET
THE TINY TOWN OF UIS
CLIC K HER E to
Coast GINNING AT THE
Iona FEATURED:
VOLUME 28 No 2 AUTUMN 2020
N$45.00 incl. VAT R45.00 incl. VAT
Skeleton Coast TRANSFRONTIER PARK
www.travelnewsnamibia.com
read
2020/21 THE OFFICIAL NAMIBIAN TOURISM DIRECTORY
w w w. n a m i b i a h o l i d a ya n d t r a ve l . c o m
FlyWestair
Iona FEATURED:
VOLUME 28 No 2 AUTUMN 2020
N$45.00 incl. VAT R45.00 incl. VAT
Skeleton Coast
July 2020
TRANSFRONTIER PARK
www.flywestair.com
selfie takers. editors. snapchatters. designers. travellers. managers.
apsiring rhino savers. bloggers.
www.travelnewsnamibia.com
film makers. explorers. Your free copy
READ ONLINE
writers. rule breakers.
Health tips brought to you by The Namibian Oncology Centre
Care • Support • Hope Our comprehensive service offerings include Clinical and Radiation Oncologists, a Paediatric Oncologist, Radiation therapy services, Chemotherapy services, a dedicated Oncology Pharmacy, Counselling services and an 11-bed cancer care ward including a specialised isolation unit. Tel: +264 (0)83 330 5015 | info@namoncology.com 3 Heliodoor Street, Eros, Windhoek, Namibia
www.namoncology.com
50
Namibia – where nature really does rule supreme
OFFERING
Q UI N T E S S E N T I A L
Back To Our Roots…..Exploring Namibia as Namibians…. Namibia is worth our time, Namibia is worth our exploration. Journeys Namibia lodges and camp sites have an adventure waiting for everyone; the newly launched Rim to River hiking trail in the Fish River Canyon (Fish River Lodge) is a must or try a fat bike excursion along the edge of the canyon. Drink that glass of chardonnay whilst watching elephant cajoling alongside a waterhole at Hobatere Lodge or set off at sunrise to track the elusive and rare black rhino at Grootberg Lodge. Camp in the middle of Damaraland while enjoying a cold beer on the stunning rock features of Hoada Campsite.
A DV E N T U R E S
For those that are seeking solitude closer to home, Auas Safari Lodge offers an easy getaway from city life, with hiking and cycling trails and game drives only one hour from Windhoek. Not to mention a hearty brunch or quick getaway in the city while staying over at Little Forest Garden Retreat in Windhoek. Contact us to make your booking at +264 61 228 104 | reservations@journeysnamibia.com www.journeysnamibia.com End of May - 31 December 2020
Auas Safari Lodge | Little Forest Garden Retreat Guesthouse | Fish River Lodge Grootberg Lodge | Hoada Campsite | Hobatere Lodge
10 minutes
with local taste makers
52
Kevin Perestrelo
I
met Kevin for the first time at one or another fashion event in Windhoek. He graced the room, dapperly dressed and photographing the plethora of people posing for their five seconds of fame. Then I met him again, daringly dressed on the festival grounds of Rocking the Daisies. So when we meet at the Sicilia on Independence Avenue, I’m surprised to see him just… dressed. But honestly, who gives a shit?
He hops out of his ride, AirPods in, mask on, and sits down at the very table I was initially seated at, before I moved inside due to the bustle of Windhoek’s main street. Obviously, we share an eye for aesthetics, which is the name of Kevin’s game. So much so that he delivered a TEDx talk on its principles. Before you get too excited about his insightful speech – TED has yet to release the footage. I’m also impatiently waiting. Kevin is a freelance videographer, photographer and art director. No, wait, sorry – he is THE freelancing videographer, photographer and art director. Landing jobs often based on a single photo from his portfolio. Go figure - since his still images speak volumes of the kind of creative that Kevin is. Baffled by the blind faith that a lot of his clients have in him, he shows up and not only delivers but exceeds expectations. The reins have to be pulled in a little every now and again,
as Kevin intrinsically directs in the spirit of Wes Anderson with great attention to uniformity and symbolism - and is reminded that not all his clients come with a natural knack for the vehicles of cinematography. He initially studied law (dropping out to pursue a career in the creative industry) and is now versing himself in business in order to bridge the gap between creating for the sake of sanity, and still paying the bills. That, and also the fact that he’s scheming to venture into sustainable and functional fashion. Of all the trendy places on Independence at our disposal, the Sicilia seems like an unlikely choice for this meeting. But as per usual, there’s a method behind Kevin’s madness. It’s his way of travelling, given our current circumstances. The Sicilian ambience (and pizza) of this traditional establishment is why it is his regular spot for double espressos and dining. It’s old-school, just like Kevin. So old-school that he prefers jotting down ideas on his typewriter after he found that an iPad just isn’t intentional enough. His peers give him crap for refusing to own a TV. His prefered means of watching Wes Anderson movies is a projector.
53
54
Intention is one of his biggest guiding principles, a practice essential in the creative field of often scatterbrained artists. When leaving his curated apartment in the morning, Kevin imagines the kind of film he’s starring in (and most definitely directing) for the next 24 hours. Today’s film is along the lines of Basquiat, sipping strong coffee in a cosmopolitan corner of the capital, catching up with an old acquaintance. Very much like the movie I last saw is my favourite, Kevin’s favourite project is always the most recent. The latest in his portfolio just happens to be a high-budget short film for a Canadian musician’s EP. As director of photography it brought him a great amount of pleasure to create for an artist he actually listens to. When your two worlds meet like that, it hits the kind of sweet spot that many creatives can only dream of. And the end product is almost always of an exemplary standard. He speaks six languages and collects coffee table books like it’s his fulltime job. But there’s also a great air of family orientation that grounds everything he does as well as his entire persona. He’s a contemporary man, with old-fashioned charm and an immaculate eye for the symmetry, colour theory and intent that sets his work apart from the rest. It’s people like Kevin, existing fiercely in the creative space, producing world-class standard content and redefining the status-quo, who are the reason I started this series. Don’t you dare call him pretentious – Kevin isn’t pretending to be anything. He simply is. Charene Labuschagne
55
Time to
Dine out
Be amidst the soft gurgle of a trickling fountain and the hum of voices and a mood of wonder. Indulge yourself at The Stellenbosch Wine Bar and Bistro, The Stellenbosch Tasting Room or The Stellenbosch Market, the capital’s most gratifying dining experiences.
With a Bistro-style menu showcasing the fresh and diverse flavours of Namibia, The Stellenbosch Wine Bar places emphasis on Prime Namibian meat cuts, flame grilled to perfection, and complimented by the best wines from our diverse wine list. Tel: 061 309 141
At The Stellenbosch Tasting Room, the menu celebrates the lighter side of life, with focus placed on all-time favourites such as pizza and burgers, enjoyed with a wide selection of the best South African wines. Tel: 061 258 746
The Stellenbosch Market, home to a quaint cafĂŠ that serves everything from the best coffee, to freshly baked pastries and light lunches. It is also the site of the best wine market in town. Tel: 083 330 0008
www.thestellenboschwinebar.com | www.tastingroom.com.na
T
Schnitzel
here must be something special about a dish that is present in cuisines as vastly different as Germany is from Japan or France is from Mexico. Breaded and fried cutlets of meat form a golden culinary thread that follows the pathways of European colonial expansion into Asia, South America and Africa. The schnitzel in the form that we know it today, originated in Vienna, Austria, hence the name “Wiener” schnitzel. The “proper”, authentic Wiener Schnitzel is made from cutlets of veal, pounded thin then dipped in flour, egg wash and breadcrumbs, and fried in butter or oil until golden in colour. Some believe that an Austrian soldier Josef Graf Radetzky commanding Austrian troops in Italy between 1831 and 1857, pinched the idea from a classic Milan dish called “Costoletta Alla Milanese” - a thick, bone-inveal cutlet, coated with breadcrumbs and sautéed in butter. Back in Vienna the dish was modified and tweaked to its current form. The Milanese then appears to have re-imported the Vienna option – thinly pound and without the bone– as “Cotoletta Alla Milanese”. Yet another theory, claimed it was the ancient Romans who first tenderised meat by pounding it, and that they were also the first to apply breading to the meat before frying it. Evidence hereof is found in the oldest existing cookbook written by Apicius and dating back to the 1st century. Among this school of thought was thus the Romans who introduced the dish to the Germanic countries. Be it as it may, the name “Wiener Schnitzel” is now trademarked, and its preparation fixed. The dish must be made from veal – no other kind of meat is allowed for the
dish called Wiener Schnitzel. According to the legislation protecting the trademark, any other non-veal alternatives, cannot use “Wiener Schnitzel” in naming the dish but should be announced as “Wiener Art” – Schnitzel in the style of Wiener. Schnitzel made from alternative meats are quite common: pork (schweine-schnitzel), chicken (hänchen-schnitzel) and even turkey (puten-schnitzel) are all popular alternatives to the classic Wiener schnitzel. Further innovation saw the addition of sauces, toppings and even fillings to the classic version. Namibians are quite familiar with some of these more modern varieties: JägerSchnitzel has mushroom sauce; Zigeuner-Schnitzel is covered in a sauce of red bell peppers, onions, and tomato paste; and Käse-Schnitzel is covered in melted cheese, cheese sauce and maybe mushrooms. Then there are the foreigners: CordonBleu is a Swiss favourite stuffed with ham and cheese; Parisian Schnitzel stems from France and is dipped in flour and egg but contains no crumbs. Given the global popularity of schnitzel, it is not surprising that it became a popular street food too. Our schnitzel brötchen is a good example of such a ‘pick up and go’ dish. Making schnitzel at home is easy. A good quality boneless cutlet of your choice – try using our local venison - that gets well disciplined (pounded until thin) before being breaded – first flour, then egg, then crumbs – and fried until golden. It is common to use fine breadcrumbs but the coarser varieties (e.g. panko breadcrumbs) used for Japanese style Tonkatsu is just as delicious. Christie Keulder
57
A legacy of style Photo credits: Tuva Wolf
Jeffrey Hiuii
58
J
effrey Hiuii grew up around women who displayed creativity and flair in the way they dressed. This alone is probably one of the biggest reasons why he has become a formidable young stylist who is passionate about telling stories through fashion.
His love for storytelling through fashion styling has taken him as far as getting featured in Vogue magazine for a creatively explosive collaboration with other Namibian fashion stars. It was his mother and grandmother who introduced him to the art of styling with their ability to turn their ohorokova and matching otjikaiva into works of art. Their ability to juxtapose patterns, colours and fabric to bring the iconic OvaHerero attire to life was Jeffrey’s informal training. I’ve always wanted to pick his mind about his style influences and as he narrates his story while sprawled on my sleeper couch dressed in vintage garb, I lap up every single word...
A sheltered upbringing
“I knew I was different from an early age. In grade one there was an incident where I was playing and a girl pushed me to the floor and told me to stop playing with her friend. It was then that I realised I was different,” says Jeffrey as he tells me about finding his identity in a society where it’s not always acceptable to be yourself. Luckily for him, though, his mother fiercely protected him and kept him very close to her when he was younger. “My mom sheltered me a lot as a child and even when I grew older I didn’t really go out until I came back from the States when I was 24. I started meeting new friends.” It was during this time that he began experimenting more with fashion and styling and expressing himself through his clothes. “I would use fashion as my shield. When I wore my crazy clothes people never wanted to talk to me. Fashion for me is a shelter and I started to realise that the people who would actually approach me were genuine. I knew they were my tribe.”
Styling his way to the top
As a child he often accompanied his mother to the seamstresses who made her dresses. He was exposed early to the decisions that go into putting garments together from scratch. “My mom always had that eye for detail. Mixing fabric, colours and patterns – she was so good at that. It fascinated me so much and I just wanted to be her”, he says.
The Vogue Challenge shot photographed by Tuva Wolf and styled by Jeffrey with Mhudi Simana as the cover star.
Although he has been passionate about fashion for as long as he can remember, it wasn’t the first career he got into. In fact, it was only until a few years ago that he started taking styling more seriously after he left a full-time job in accounting to pursue his dream. “I resigned and for a year I wasn’t really working but studied fashion. I studied everything about fashion. I wanted to know everything from hair to accessories and how presentation and storytelling go together”, he explains. Today, Jeffrey is putting all that knowledge to work as a stylist for some of the most celebrated Namibians in the creative field. So far he has worked with stars in the film, music, media and fashion sectors. Among the people he has styled are Odile Gertze, Adriano Visagie and Chelsi Shikongo. He has also been part of numerous collaborations, the most noteworthy one being the Vogue Challenge. The creative production, shot with the talented Tuva Wolf, Renate Shikongo and Mhudi Simana, was featured on the iconic Vogue magazine’s website. The cover, shot by Tuva Wolf and impeccably styled by Jeffrey, was featured as one of the most outstanding contributions in the popular social media challenge where black models, photographers and stylists created their own versions of vogue covers.
59
60
His love for storytelling through fashion styling has taken him as far as getting featured in Vogue magazine for a creatively explosive collaboration with other Namibian fashion stars.
Jeffrey describes his style as bold, fearless and avantgarde. “I want to tell a story every time I put clothing items together.” He has a weakness for vintage clothing and most of the pieces in his wardrobe have been sourced from informal markets. While he has been soaring lately, he still wants to continue learning more about fashion so that he can create even better work. He dreams of attending fashion school and aims to do so eventually. Jeffery is proud to be part of a strong movement of creatives who are not only queer but brilliant and proud to be themselves in a society that doesn’t always embrace queerness. “It’s our time. For the longest time we’ve been forced to be behind closed doors, people were ashamed of even being with us but the hurt that comes with that actually ignites a fire in us. We are now using that fire to create and when people react positively to that, it’s the most fulfilling and liberating thing on earth.” To keep up with Jeffrey’s stylish takeover, follow him on social media @jeffreyhiuii. Rukee Kaakunga is a Windhoek-based Concept Engineer, PR Consultant, and fashion writer. Contact her via email: rukeekaakunga@gmail.com and follow her on Twitter @rukeeveni. Another creative collaboration between Jeffrey and Tuva Wolf, this time along with Turipamwe Designs, the National Theatre of Namibia and Kulan Gases, Odile Gertze and Adriano Visagie.
61
62
ABOUT TRENDS AND BUSINESS
T
he business of Being Human is big business these days. Everyone’s talking about it – be humancentred, apply design thinking – but what does that really mean? Let’s try and frame this thought.
Peter Drucker, the father of management, said, “The purpose of a business is to create a customer.” A customer is defined as a person who buys goods or services from a shop or business. Therefore the simplest validation of any good business is that you have a human being that is interested in paying for what you have to offer. If we are a group of humans gathered to provide value to another group of humans it stands to reason that our number one priority should be to understand how humans feel and how that is affecting their behaviour. Here is a quick highlight of two of the fundamental behaviour changes that are affecting your business today. Humans are scared & anxious Everybody is driven by a basic need to feel safe. It does not matter what side of the fence you are on – you need to understand that perception is reality. If I feel afraid the fear is real, whether you believe my fear is valid or not. You should be asking yourself: What does safety mean to everyone in my business ecosystem? How do we make everyone in our business feel as safe as possible? Your first answer will be rational – hand sanitiser, for example. But go a bit deeper on how we can help on an emotional level. I understand that you are running a
business and some decisions will be difficult, but take people with you on the journey –acknowledge them and their fears. Humans want you to make the right decisions for themselves 76% of consumers believe that CEOs should take the lead in change, and only 6% believe the primary responsibility lies with themselves. What does that mean? Well it means that our consumers want to act in sustainable ways, they want to be responsible about spending their money – but they want us to make it easier for them. We need to use the power of business to create a force for good in the world. This does not mean greenwashing (a fancy term for sustainability window dressing), it means starting to incorporate an authentic shift towards generating real value for our human beings and the planet we live on. The question you can ask yourself here, according to Professor Colin Mayer, is how can we “produce profitable solutions to the problems of people and planet, and not to profit from producing problems for people or planet.” At the end of the day the ultimate purpose of a business is that you satisfy a human’s wants, needs or desires. We get so busy strategising and executing amazing plans that we sometimes forget that we’re doing business for human beings. Slow down for today. Check in with the humans around you. What’s good for your humans, is good business. Debbie Rowles, a business and brand strategist, imagines a world where the magic makers can harness the power of purpose to lead human-centred businesses & brands that thrive. She is the Thinker | Solutionist at Think Human Being. www.thinkhumanbeing.com
63
CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE Multi-media platform network promoting trade and investment Vol 24
namibia trade directory 2015
namibia www.namibiatradedirectory.com
Since 1990
2 0 1 5 V o l u m e
2 4
a RevIew Of NamIbIaN TRade aNd INdUSTRy
Special focus: CONSTRUCTION IN NamIbIa
NAMIBIA TRADE DIRECTORY 2019/20
A Manufacturing Basket ďŹ lled with Opportunities...
NETWORK
THE GREEN ECONOMY
2019/20
A review of Namibian Trade and Industry
CLIC K HER E to read
Vo l 2 8
64
N
amibia’s celebration of its 30th year of independence on 21 March was a cause for another celebration – the 30th anniversary of the Namibia Trade Network.
and services to a targeted readership. Over the years, NTN has enjoyed the support of many companies, including such as the FP du Toit Group that has been a loyal advertiser since the very first edition.
Namibia’s independence created numerous opportunities for local and international investments in the country, and Venture Publications Founder (as it was then known), Paul van Schalkwyk, identified the need for an authoritative publication that would provide up-to-date information on the various sectors of the country’s economy. From its very first edition, the Namibia Trade Directory enjoyed the endorsement of the Trade Ministry – a relationship that has continued to this very day. It is also in a partnership with the Namibia Investment Board (previously the Namibia Investment Centre) and it is an associate member of the Namibian Manufacturers Association which represents the country’s manufacturing industry.
NTN WEBSITE In addition to exposure in the printed and ebook versions of the NTN, advertisers also benefit from a customised company profile page on the NTN website. It features information such as the client’s business overview, corporate social responsibility (CSR) profile, contact details and a direct link to the client’s website.
To stay abreast of how readers access, consume and distribute information, the Namibia Trade Directory has evolved over the years into the Namibia Trade Network (NTN) – a multi-media networking platform promoting and encouraging sustainable local and foreign investment in the country. Its objectives are to: • Promote sustainable local and foreign investment • Encourage business relationships • Create business opportunities • Seek potential partners for ventures • Form a network of business professionals and traderelated information • Foster support and cooperation between the public and private sectors NTN provides a one-stop-shop for information on trade and business of all economic sectors and industries in Namibia and serves as a networking platform for businesses, organisations and professionals. NTN continuously strives to build strong relationships with the government ministries and industry associations. The Namibia Trade Network’s annual publication is available in a print version, as well as in ebook format on one of the leading online publishing platforms. https://issuu.com/ travelnewsnamibia/docs/ntd_2020_issuu. Each year, the publication focuses on a specific theme which as far as possible ties in with the editorial. The theme for the 2020/21 edition is Business Ecosystems – a strategic planning concept which is steadily gaining more popularity. It provides in-depth coverage of all industries and sectors of the Namibian economy, public and private, as well as state-owned enterprises: Advertising and Media, Agriculture, Business and Public Services, Group Companies, Education, Finance, Fishing, ICT, Manufacturing, Mining and Energy, Tourism, Transport and Logistics. The publication is used by the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade and the Namibia Investment Board, as well as commercial councillors at high commissions and embassies abroad to promote Namibia as an attractive and safe investment destination. It is also distributed to clients and selected local businesses at local conferences, trade fairs, expos and events hosted by the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade, other government ministries and the Namibian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The publication provides clients an opportunity to promote their products
The NTN website also provides comprehensive coverage of Namibian businesses and trade with up-to-date information on: • Government and government ministries • Private and public service institutions • Business and professional organisations • Diplomatic missions • State-owned enterprises • Investment promotion • Economic articles and trade-related information • The latest business news • Vital contacts NTN clients are also featured on social media platforms such as Facebook and Linkedin – the leading professional business network. Creating, populating and managing clients’ social media platforms are other services that are provided. The network’s Economic Pulse, a bimonthly e-publication for NTN’s online audiences, features the achievements by clients and the public sector and events calendars. Relevant traderelated content is also shared in Economic Pulse. Furthermore, Namibia Trade Network represents clients at local trade fairs and expos, trade and industry-related workshops and as media partners for events. NTN (Venture Media) is a smart partner of Tribefire Studios which include 99FM and One Africa Television. Among the services are multiplatform production, sponsorships and advertising packages for television, radio, digital platforms and print. It also offers, amongst others, content creation and marketing services, and social media campaigns. To celebrate 30 years of uninterrupted publication is no small feat for any locally produced publication. But by embracing new technologies, the Namibia Trade Network has grown from strength to strength and positioned itself as the most authoritative reference for anyone wanting to do business in Namibia. It is also the most target-specific publication in Namibia for advertisers to promote their products and services. Copies are also available at: Tribefire Studios, 44 Huper Motor Centre Maxwell Street, Windhoek Telephone: +264 81 383 450 Email: elmarie@venture.com.na Web: www.namibiatradedirectory.com Willie Olivier
NETWORK 65
NEED TO KNOWS. with www.flywestair.com
How to buy
a ticket online
More options for the perfect trip
Choose your ticket
Select which tickets you would like to purchase. We offer multiple fare options such as: Saver, Classic or Premium
Baggage policy, sporting equipment, over weight luggage or to add an additional bag(s)
Additional flight information / rules
Passenger details Please enter names as they appear on passport or travel documentation
Read up on all our additional information reagarding terms and conditions, and tick the selection box once completed to continue.
LOGIN to upload passenger details from previous booking.
Confirmation Mail
Payment
Transaction confirmation will be sent to passenger email entered.
Fill in your payment details in our DPO paygate to make final payment.
How can you make
a payment?
Cash payment at:
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
Eros Airport, Ondangwa Airport, Oranjemund Airport
Online card transaction
Immigration procedure Final Destination OMD
Oranjemund Exit
Toilets
Windhoek Eros Airport Office SkyLounge Eros Ondangwa airport office Oranjemund airport office All major travel agents
restrictions Items NOT allowed in hand luggage: Lotions and aerosols above 100ml, flammable aerosol, sharp objects, i.e. nail files, nail scissors, Leatherman, matches.
MAX 20kg Per person
prior to flight
Departures Immagration
Online check-in opens 24hours before departure of the flight on www.flywestair.com Check-in opens 1h 30min before domestic flight and 2 hours before international flight.
Coffee Shop
66
• • • • •
Check-in
Arrivals Immagration
Arrival Gate
from:
Luggage
Oranjemund Airport Final Destination CPT / ERS
You can also purchase
Office
Departure Gate
fly@westair.com.na | +264 81 207 6688 | +264 83 937 8247
Check-in CLOSES 30min prior to flight
PPL | CPL | ATPL | Type Ratings | Jet Ratings | DG | SEPT | CRM | Cabin Crew | AMO Training Agent for Sling Aircraft in Namibia
Aviation Road | Eros Airport | Windhoek +264 83 339 0094 | info@signaaviation.com www.signaaviation.com NCAA ATO 000777
In Aviation, We Set The Standard 67
Direct Potable Reuse:
Water Reclamation for a Dry City
68
Namibia’s Green Economy
I
n a city like Windhoek, with a history of water scarcity that dates back almost a century, it should come as no surprise that potable water has been a cause for concern for the authorities for many years.
But, how does it work? Upgraded to the latest technology in 2002, the Goreangab DPR plant operates through a multibarrier approach, which involves a 10-step separation and filtration process, including sending the wastewater through flotation ponds and aeration tanks, ozone treatment, ultra membrane filtration and residual chlorination to ensure elimination of micro-pollutants, pathogens and contaminants. Before it ends up in the taps, it goes through one last safety measure, which entails being blended with natural freshwater to provide an adequate dilution for safe drinking water.
The first challenges were recorded by the mid-1950s, when, thanks to a booming population, the supply from springs and wells that invited the initial settlers started to dry up. To make matters worse, the closest perennial river from which water could be tapped was more than 800 km away; and when rain fell – infrequent, sparse and swiftly soaked up through evaporation – only about 1% of Available it actually reached the groundwater (as is still the case today). Available alternatives alternatives were costly, resources scarce, and not much else was left to do but to recycle what was were costly, already in use – the sewage water. Thus the search for a suitable solution began, and in 1968, after several years of research, development and pilot projects, Windhoek became the first place in the world to repurpose household sewage for drinking water. In the year following its launch, the city’s Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) plant was producing between 15 and 25% of all drinking water, and in the early 80s, when it was officially declassified as a ‘research facility’, DPR water had become a household brand.
resources scarce, and not much else was left to do but to recycle what was already in use – the sewage water.
Over the coming decades, each major drought saw another expansion of the Goreangab Water Reclamation Plant, as it had become publicly known, first in 1982/83, then in 1996/97, and again in 2014-16. Today, while residents largely rely on boreholes and dams (all drying up faster than ever before), about 30-35% of drinking water is supplied through DPR, serving Windhoek with 21,000 cubic metres per day.
While Windhoek is luckily no longer the only place on the planet with DPR (Singapore has since caught on to the trend, so have cities in America, Malaysia and South Africa), head of the water department at the City of Windhoek, Pierre van Rensburg, encourages others to consider this method for preserving resources. “The Goreangab plant has become an international benchmark, an innovative and sustainable water management model… And if in the future the climate becomes even drier, recycling water will be even more important… This exigent example of what is possible through the application of innovative technical solutions certainly warrants a closer look.” For more information about the Goreangab DPR plant, visit www.wingoc.com.na. Marita van Rooyen
69
LEGAL PRACTITIONERS, NOTARIES & CONVEYANCERS +264 61 38 8850 | info@ferasmuslaw.com.na | 5 Conradie street | Windhoek
PRACTICAL WISDOM, TRUSTED ADVICE
Namibia Property Appraisers CC
Accredited at all major Financial Institutions
70
Accredited Assessments Residential properties Commercial properties Industrial properties Agricultural valuations Sworn valuations
Principal Valuer Adri Holz National Diploma: Real Estate (Technicon South Africa) Sworn Appraiser
Windhoek Office +264 81 127 1221 info@namibiaprop.biz Gobabis Office +264 81 128 8655 rural@namibiaprop.biz
NAKARA SHOP WINDHOEK Gustav Voigts Centre Independence Avenue 131 Tel/Fax 061 224 209 Email: info@nakara.na NAKARA SWAKOPMUND The Arcade, Tel/Fax: +264 64 405 907 NAKARA FACTORY WINDHOEK 3 Solingen Str. Northern Industrial Tel +264 61 429 100
www.nakara-namibia.com
1182/07/05/2020
Presenting Our Icon of Brilliance At Debmarine Namibia, our position as a leader in marine diamond recovery requires us to innovate, grow and change with the times. That’s why our new logo represents a renewed vision of shared progress for all. An icon that amplifies our commitment to doing more, moving ahead and evolving into a beacon of mining excellence in Namibia and the world. Most of all, our new logo is the symbol of our promise to make life brilliant. Every day.
