FlyWestair September 2021

FlyWestair www.flywestair.com

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September 2021

discover rundu | lifestyle |

conservation | economic pulse | looking global | explore the kavango & zambezi

GOOD TODAY. BETTER TOMORROW.

from the publisher

Stories in FlyWestair Magazine.

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June 2021

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A

conservation | royal hustlers | economic pulse | looking global | explore the northeast

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Hennie Stander

See more on pg. 43

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

CONTENT IS

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

and also

by Tribefire Studios

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Table of

contents

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.

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WELCOME ON BOARD

09

Celebrating our new routes.

A RIDE TO REMEMBER

10

A horse, the Namib and a sleep-out to remember.

LIFE ON A TABLE

13

A delicious versatile salad.

FASHION FIERCE

14

Cobus Möller on the transition from designer to retail.

PROTECTING OUR ELEPHANTS

19

Amarula increases support for Elephant Human Relations Aid.

14

ART-IST

20

Martha Mukaiwa explores Oranjemund’s Art Can Transform initiative.

ROYAL HUSTLERS

25

Lithon Project Consultants’ CEO Gert Maritz shares his career journey.

ZINA

26

A lifestyle guide for women.

15 MIN SWEAT SET WITH ENA

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Work on your core strength.

DISCOVERING THE KAOKOLAND 20 2

Namibia’s arid eden.

32

THE TRIBE

37

DJ Spuzza: the man behind Namibia’s biggest house tracks.

JO ROGGE - ON DIFFERENCE AND BELONGING

39

A personal reflection on displacement, family lineage and identity.

ECONOMIC PULSE

40

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Yes, lockdowns are flawed and yes, they work.

THE RIVER GUARDIANS

43

Sikunga Fish Guards protecting the Zambezi’s fish stocks.

LOOKING GLOBAL

45

Namibia’s place at the Expo 2020 Dubai.

RESTORATION OF RANGELAND AND ECOSYSTEMS 46 A company's vision to restore rangeland and ecosystems.

CONSTRUCTIVE SELF-CRITICISM

51

Kirsty Watermeyer on how to deal with the raging critic in your head.

MBOMA, MASILINGI MESMERISE MANY

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37

Celebrating our two track and field superstars.

DISCOVER RUNDU AND BEYOND

54

Explore the wild Kavango Region.

THE 2020 “HYDROGEN OLYMPICS”

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Shifting towards a cleaner energy system.

DID YOU KNOW?

59

Fun facts, important dates and Suduko.

LOVE NAMIBIA

Showcasing the beauty of our country.

60 54 3

It’s about luxurious escapes KATIMA MULILO RUNDU

FlyWestair, in partnership with Gondwana Collection, is delighted to offer you two exclusive Fly-In Packages.

• Okavango Vista from N$7,225 • Zambezi Dream from N$8,275 To book your ticket to luxury, contact info@gondwana-collection.com or call +264 (0)61 427 200.

Ts & Cs apply.

It’s about time.

FlyWestair

NEED TO KNOWS. with www.flywestair.com

How to buy

a ticket online Choose your ticket

Select which tickets you would like to purchase. We offer multiple fare options such as: Saver, Classic or Premium

Passenger details Please enter names as they appear on passport or travel documentation LOGIN to upload passenger details from previous booking.

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

How can you make

a payment?

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)

Eros Airport, Ondangwa Airport, Oranjemund Airport

Online card transaction

Immigration procedure Final Destination OMD

Oranjemund Exit

Transaction confirmation will be sent to passenger email entered.

You can also purchase

from:

• 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

Toilets

Read up on all our additional information reagarding terms and conditions, and tick the selection box once completed to continue.

Check-in

Arrivals Immagration

Arrival Gate

Additional flight information / rules

Luggage

Oranjemund Airport Final Destination CPT / ERS

Baggage policy, sporting equipment, over weight luggage or to add an additional bag(s)

Confirmation Mail

Payment

Cash payment at:

More options for the perfect trip

Office

Check-in CLOSES 30min prior to flight

Departure Gate

5

Ondangwa - Toivo ya Toivo

Eros Airport

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FLIGHT SCHEDULE (EROS - ONDANGWA - EROS) (EROS - ONDANGWA - EROS) FROM FROM

W I ND W I ND OND A OND A W I ND W I ND OND A OND A

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(WINDHOEK - CAPE TOWN - WINDHOEK) (EROS - RUNDU - EROS) FROM FROM

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K A T I MA

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MU

www.flywestair.com

MU

It’s about time.

DAYS

1 2 : 2 5

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fly@westair.com.na

+264 83 339 0011

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

It’s about connecting with our customers.

Get in touch with us 24/7 via our new call centre.

+264 83 339 0011 It’s about time.

AOC: NCAA/010/2013

FW Call Centre ad.indd 1

+263 83 339 0011 www.flywestair.com 21/05/2021 12:37 PM

Welcome on Board

FlyWestair

I

n June, FlyWestair celebrated two years of operations.

And though it has been a rocky ride with the tumult of a global pandemic, and though many airlines globally have not survived the storm, we are incredibly honoured and proud of where we stand today. At FlyWestair, we are passionate about Namibia and its people, and incredibly proud to be the country’s first privately owned scheduled passenger airline.

The bottom line is that we couldn’t have done it without you, our loyal customers, and our incredible staff. Our staff carry that pride through into their everyday lives, and we are fully committed to offering a continued on-time, reliable and safe service to our loyal returning and future customers.

From the start, our mantra has been ‘It’s about time.’ And this month’s introduction of two new routes that reconnect Namibia with the northeastern regions of Kavango and Zambezi is timeous indeed. We’re happy to now be able to connect Namibia and beyond to the wet and wild wonderland of the Kavango and Zambezi regions with our new flights to Rundu and Katima Mulilo.

The Kavango and Zambezi regions are often seen as a mere overnight stop on the way to neighbouring attractions like Victoria Falls or the Okavango Delta. But they are very attractive destinations in their own right. The perennial rivers and expansive floodplains, lush tropical vegetation and absolute abundance of game and birds create a surprising contrast to the rest of the country. The more time one spends here, the more one can really experience all the treasures the regions have to offer.

With two flights a week between Eros Windhoek and Rundu (Tuesdays and Thursdays) and three flights a week between Eros Windhoek and Katima Mulilo (Wednesdays, Fridays

and Sundays) you can now reach Namibia’s northeast and beyond from the capital (and vice versa) with ease.

It’s about connecting with our customers.

FlyWestair’s new call centre, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ensures the very best customer service. Our call centre can be reached at +264 83 339 0011. We know that people are the most important element of our business, both our team and our customers, and we want to focus as much energy as possible on improving your customer experience. We will continue to search for new ways to enhance your journey with us. Keep your eyes peeled for our Whatsapp line, too!

Keep in mind that we also offer COVID testing to the general public, conveniently done at our Eros Airport offices between 08h00 and 10h00 every Monday to Saturday.

Safety is ALWAYS first The FlyWestair team would like to remind you that your safety is our very top priority. We have done everything possible to ensure that the aircraft you boarded today is clean and safe.

We would also like to remind you that the continued safety of all passengers on board is as much your responsibility as ours. Please keep your mask on for the duration of your flight, only lowering it when you eat or drink. Staying safe and following strict health guidelines during this time is our collective responsibility as a nation.

We hope you enjoy your flight with us today. Here’s to hope for a brighter tomorrow, exciting new horizons and staying connected while nevertheless staying safe.

Enjoy your flight.

The FlyWestair Team

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Desert Homestead

A ride to remember

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A

s the sun moves closer to the horizon, the desert landscape is enveloped in a soft diffused light. A distinct change from the harsh light of just an hour earlier. The surrounding world looks incredibly inviting as the shadows of the camel thorn trees reach further and further across the reddish sand. Peaceful and meditative, it is difficult to describe the feeling of trotting along on horseback into the expanses of the Namib.

When staying at Ondili’s Desert Homestead Lodge, the sleep-out ride is an absolute must. There is a special intimacy about exploring a small but incredibly picturesque section of the Namib, the oldest desert in the world, from the back of a horse. Flowing with the rhythm of the sturdy animal beneath and watching the sun change into a scarlet ball as it dips into the dusty haze just above the horizon is really the only way to appreciate this arid Eden.

It is easy to get lost in one’s own thoughts, but for the experienced guide sharing interesting details about the fauna and flora that have adapted to thrive in this environment.

It makes for a pleasant alternative to view wildlife such as gemsbok, springbok, some jackals and even a lone giraffe from the silence of your mount rather than from the back of a noisy game viewer. Somehow one feels more connected to nature. A more honest experience, in a way.

Arrival at the camp is just in time to enjoy a spectacular sunset over the red dunes of the Sossusvlei area. A moment to appreciate the extraordinary setting and reflect on the afternoon’s journey. The tented camp is a simple yet luxurious delight in the desert. Fine bush cuisine and a glass of red wine under a bright starry sky complete an unforgettable day.

Ondili’s Desert Homestead Lodge is situated on a stunning private nature reserve neighbouring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Namib Sand Sea. It is famous for its horse safaris in the desert which are suitable for experienced riders as well as beginners, under the expert guidance of our riding instructors.

Located only 30 km south-east of Sesriem, Desert Homestead is also the perfect base from which to explore Sossusvlei and its natural wonders, or go for an unforgettable balloon ride over the Namib. Other activities include guided hikes and jogging routes, a sundowner on the private nature reserve or simply relaxing by the pool while enjoying the panoramic view from the lodge.

Book now or find out more at ondili.com

11

IT’S TIME FOR THE PERFECT BEER

Not For Persons Under The Age Of 18.

Enjoy Responsibly.

Foodies

BALSAMIC GLAZED PEAR AND BLUE CHEESE SALAD When served as a starter, you can add slivers of smoked venison and arrange the salad in individual plates with crostini (small, thinly sliced pieces of toasted or grilled bread, often baguette, salted and/or spiced).

4 fresh pears, de-pipped and cut into wedges 180 ml balsamic vinegar 1 packet of rocket or mixed salad greens (300 g) 50 g blue or feta cheese (I prefer blue cheese) 50 g pecan nuts 1 red onion, sliced 5 ml olive oil

Hentie Burger

• Combine the pears and balsamic vinegar in a pan.

• Bring to the boil and turn down the heat to simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated.

• The remaining balsamic vinegar must be caramelised.

• Cool down.

• Arrange the salad greens, top with the glazed pears, sprinkle with pecan nuts and blue cheese.

• Drizzle the salad with olive oil.

• If in season, avocado is a great complement to this salad.

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

13

Photography: Haneli Mostert & Urban Lens Photography (Juné Geyser)

Cobus Möller

From couture

to retail

14

F

or a fashion designer there comes a time when one has to consider rebranding in the interest of staying relevant and ahead of changing times or to attract a new clientele and enter new markets.

Namibian designer Cobus Möller was drawn into rebranding by an interest in men’s fashion that meant doing something different and taking on the world of retail – a far cry from the full-time business he ran as a designer of bridal and evening gowns.

I caught up with Cobus to find out what the adjustment to working in retail has been like for him and what the world of fashion has taught him throughout his career.

What have you been up to in the last few years?

In early 2016 I became the Creative Managing Director of Pfohls Men’s Outfitters - an outfitter focussing on men’s clothing and men’s formal attire. It is fantastic to be able to live my passion through a wider range in the fashion industry.

Cobus Möller

How have you kept the light of your passion for fashion burning all these years?

It is very easy! Fashion is my passion. It never feels like I am working. I always feel like I am creating something, the best always is delivering a customer’s order. The final expression of satisfaction on their face is what motivates me and drives me to better myself everyday. It’s priceless.

How do you stay on top of fashion industry developments?

For menswear I mostly follow trends from Mr Porter and keep an eye out on international social media influencers. I have followed the haute couture shows of the top designers around the world for many years. Based on that, together with understanding social economic progress, I make predictions on what will be the next trends in Namibia. Understanding fashion industry developments comes with many years of experience. I am very blessed to have been part of Namibia’s fashion Industry for more than a decade.

You went from running the Cobus Moller couture brand to working in retail – how was that transition, and what do you love about running Pfohls outfitters?

I have always loved men’s fashion, so it was a very easy transition. Being a creative person, I get bored doing the same thing all the time. Retail gives you intensive problem solving events every day and that keeps me on my toes. I strive to give the best possible shopping experience to our customers. I believe that customer service is of utmost importance in retail. I am very honoured to be at the steering wheel of a 70 year old established retailer.

15

The final expression of satisfaction on their face is what motivates me and drives me to better myself everyday. It’s priceless.

16

What are the highs and lows of running a fashion retailer, especially during these times?

Currently, the biggest challenge is acquiring quality stock at affordable prices for the Namibian customer. However, we are lucky to have implemented a massive stock hold a few years ago. This has enabled us to still survive despite stock shortages worldwide. A bad as well as good part of running a retail company at the moment is trying to keep your head above water. It is not easy – but I love the challenge!

Finally, what are your hopes for the future of Namibian fashion?

If everybody in Namibia stands together and keeps up the good fight against all the challenges we face, I believe Namibia will soon recover from economic depression. It will take a combined effort. I try doing the best I can everyday to keep positive and make a difference. One small deed can make a massive difference. One good thing about the current situation is that people start realising that they need to support local production. As a community we need to focus on that, so that we are less dependent on other countries. Many doors have opened for the local industries to expand, we just need to focus on developing our own nation.

I believe a trait of the Namibian spirit is a keen determination to become self-sustainable. We can do this!

While Cobus focuses mainly on menswear as the Creative Managing Director of Pfohls Men’s Outfitters, he still makes wedding dresses and couture gowns for private clients on request. To contact him for your special occasion, follow him on Instagram @cobus_moller_couture.

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

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Not for Persons Under the Age of 18.

18

Elzanne McCulloch

AMARULA (DISTELL NAMIBIA) INCREASES SUPPORT FOR ELEPHANT HUMAN RELATION AID

A

marula has agreed to continue supporting the EHRA (Elephant Human Relations Aid) project in the southern Kunene and northern Erongo regions. This international brand, through the Amarula Trust, continues to support elephant conservation as well as highlighting the importance of activities affecting fauna and flora across southern Africa.

Some of the existing projects which EHRA manages are:

Amarula can be assured that its renewed twelve month commitment to EHRA (Namibia) will be put to good use.

Initially the donation was intended for adopting eleven elephants but the number has since increased to twelve.

Through the Amarula Trust the focus is on elephanthuman migration strategies and this donation has mutual benefits.

Education & Training – The PEACE Project (People and Elephants Amicably Co-Existing) arranges seminars that focus on empowering community members, tour guides, conservancy game guards, school learners and teachers with knowledge of elephant behaviour so that they can stay safe during elephant visits and live without fear.

It is EHRA’s mission to minimize the pressure on rural communities living with desert-dwelling elephants and to ensure the animals’ long-term survival through a communitybased holistic approach, which includes education, research, development and physical protection methods.

Together with the Ministry of Environment, EHRA welcomes volunteer students on working holidays.

Elephant Movement & ID Study – We track and monitor the elephants of the southern Kunene and northern Erongo regions. We believe that accurate data on elephant ID, numbers and movements are paramount to effective and sustainable elephant conservation and conflict management.

Water Point Protection – Teams of volunteers work directly with the local communities to protect vulnerable water storage facilities by building stone walls around them. This allows the elephants to drink but prevents them from damaging tanks, pumps, windmills or pipes. Since 2001 we have made over 250 water storage facilities elephant-proof.

Beverly Jandrell

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art-ist

Oranjemund -

OPEN AND ALIVE

Images: OMDis Town Transform Agency

WITH ART

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Titi Tshilumba

Frans Uunona

Titi Tshilumba

O

Elisia Nghidishange

ranjemund is a place that people who once lived there like to randomly slip into conversation. It’s a point of pride, a badge of honour that Oranjemunders love to shine to a high sheen as they recall a town which most people think they’re making up.

Who would believe that growing up there in the 80s and 90s, we slept with our doors unlocked if not wide open? That the sole local school seemed the centre of the universe.

That telephone calls and utilities were practically free. Santa would disperse presents to the town’s children after flying into the Mule Derby in a helicopter come Christmastime or that we’d wake up to gemsbok on our front lawn, steering clear of the chaser with the bent horn.

It’s hard to believe that in this picture-perfect diamond mining town – closed to everyone but its residents – we’d spend halcyon weekends fishing on the Orange River, braaing at the astounding Atlantic, splashing into an impossibly blue public pool, playing sports at a tidy selection of clubs or sourcing cardboard boxes before careening down dunes.

For many former Oranjemunders, the rose-coloured legend of OJ is guarded fiercely.

So much so that some of us resolutely refuse to return.

“It just wouldn’t be the same” is the explanatory refrain.

And it is understandable that we want to hold tight to our mulberry-sweet memories, guava-picking childhoods and the magical moment of the place we once knew.

But that doesn’t mean Oranjemund, fully open since 2017

and angling for tourists, isn’t thoroughly worth visiting in the present day.

In fact, after all the years of permits and mystique, wondrous Oranjemund is amidst a reimagining and some of it starts with art.

A few months ago the close-knit community was descended upon by artists.

With art supplies and creativity in tow, Nicky Marais, Titi Tshilumba, Petrus Amuthenu, Frans Uunona, Elisia Nghidishange, Saima Iita, Ismael Shivute and Hercules Viljoen joined Oranjemund-based artists Aurelia Sieberhagen, Charne Witbooi and Annis Schlechter to sculpt, install and paint the town any colour they pleased as part of the OMDis Town Transform Agency’s Art Can Transform campaign.

Ronel van der Merwe, who has lived in Oranjemund for 38 years, is an OMDis sustainability specialist and is thrilled by the campaign’s numerous large-scale murals and three sculptures coordinated by Viljoen and Shivute.

The Art Can Transform initiative is part of OMDis’ strategy to diversify Oranjemund’s economy which has been almost entirely rooted in diamond mining for the past 85 years.

“Mining is a finite activity and should it come to an abrupt end, the local community will bear the impact,” van der Merwe says.

“With this in mind, OMDis was established with the purpose of cultivating entrepreneurs, supporting local businesses and, most importantly, to secure the town’s sustainability into the future through establishing other large industries like agriculture and tourism.”

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Art Can Transform Team - Charne Witbooi, Nicky Marais, Aurelia Sieberhagen, Saima Iita, Frans Uunona, Titi Tshilumba, Tony Bessinger, Petrus Amuthenu, Ronel van der Merwe

Mural by Nicky Marais and Charne Witbooi

In terms of sights and attractions, Oranjemund is no shrinking violet and begins to boast from its lush oasis entrance where Elisia Nghidishange’s Welcoming Man will say a hearty hello to visitors.

“This sculpture is meant to remind visitors to the town that they are welcome,” Nghidishange says. “The little doors on the man’s legs, with the symbols of diamonds and gemsbok inside, also symbolize the opening of Oranjemund.”

Nghidishange created the work from scrap metal and objects salvaged from Oranjemund’s rubbish dump, deftly transforming trash into tourist-welcoming treasure.

“The museum, the Jasper House, is undergoing renovation and will be opened by September,” van der Merwe says before expounding the town’s other charms.

“The beach is completely unspoilt and a popular fishing spot. The Orange River hosts a number of activities like kite surfing, kayaking, boating, angling and birding. A beautiful 18-hole golf course is every golfer’s dream.

Exploration in the surrounding area is every naturalist’s dream with rich biodiversity to be found, especially on a unique koppie called Swartkops. 4x4 enthusiasts can visit the dunes where sundowners and dune boarding is very popular. E-bikes are also for rent, which is a whole other way to experience Oranjemund and its surrounds.”

Charne Witbooi

Additional plans for an art walk, exhibitions, theatre renovation and an artist retreat are also on the table, which will only add to Oranjemund’s still somewhat underrated allure.

“The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Children as young as four years old were very interested, often interrupting the artists with questions, comments, and even bringing them beverages,” says van der Merwe who cannot wait to welcome tourists to the transformed town and imagines a Namibia where a complete art route snakes across the country, enticing a whole new type of tourist.

“Wouldn’t it be great if other towns in Namibia followed suit?”

Nicky Marais

22

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

Titi Tshilumba

ART WALK

A quick guide to the featured works which focus on the history, industry, natural heritage, opening and future of the town. Artworks can be viewed and selfies can be taken at the venues below.

Welcoming Man, a sculpture by Elisia Nghidishange, will be installed at the entrance to the town.

Opening Up murals by Nicky Marais and Charne Witbooi are located next to Spar, at the swimming pool and on the wall at Woolworths.

Welcoming Man

The Building Foundation mural by Petrus Amuthenu is situated at the Little Theatre.

The Safety Always mural by Frans Uunona is located at the Night Call club.

The Tourism mural by Titi Tshilumba is at the Snooker and Darts Club.

Biodiversity murals by Aurelia Sieberhagen and Annis Schlechter are on substations at the old boom gate, as well as on the industrial road and at 7th Avenue toward the eastern side of town.

The Gold Coins Found sculpture by Saima Iita will be placed in the museum garden opposite Spar.

An Gemsbok sculpture by Ismael Shivute will be on display in a park across the way from the museum in the CBD.

Petrus Amuthenu mural

Follow @OMDisOranjemund on Facebook for more information.

Gemsbok by Ismael Shivute

Ostrich Mural by Aurelia Sieberhagen

Frans Uunona mural

23

CSI Partnerships

About #LearnOnOne #LearnOnOne is a window of opportunity to

Help us bridge the gap

empower Namibians through supplementary

With your help, more learners will be able to access

education on broadcast television. Children and

#LearnOnOne lessons. Pledge your contribution and

adult learners can tune in to #LearnOnOne and

help us by including the #LearnOnOne initiative in

invite learning in.

your CSI contributions.

Why partner with us?

How to partner

#LearnOnOne is a not for profit division of One Africa TV, funded by sponsorships from partners who believe in the power of education.

By enabling learning for children through #LearnOnOne content, sponsor organisations strengthen their brand stature and awareness as a socially responsible brand that supports national

development

through

education.

Sponsors will be acknowledged on lesson opening and closing billboards.

Be part of the education movement in Namibia!

Sponsor lessons - N$ 150 000 (77 lessons) - N$ 100 000 (51 lessons) - N$ 50 000 (26 lessons) - Other: monthly or once-off amount Contribute to platform evolution costs Joint information distribution campaigns (e.g on product packaging)

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TRIBEFIRESTUDIOS.COM

ROYAL HUSTLERS Gert Maritz on the question of purpose and the power of engineering

“L

iving out my God-given purpose to help individuals and organisations fulfil their purpose and be the change that they want to see, motivates me on a daily basis...”

These are the wise words of Lithon Project Consultants’ CEO Gert Maritz. In this edition of the Royal Hustlers show he shares his career journey and inspiring story of purpose.

As a child, Gert’s “aha” moment happened after he saw a picture of a bridge – the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco to be specific. It was at that moment that his interest in engineering was sparked.

An analytical and logical person by nature, Gert’s favourite subjects in school were mathematics and science. He also developed a keen interest in three-dimensional drawings at a very young age, a hobby which became an early indication of where he’d find himself in the future. With the foundation of his career set by his hard work in high school, Gert ultimately went on to pursue tertiary studies at the University of Stellenbosch where he graduated with an Engineering degree.

After making his official entry into the engineering profession and meeting Lithons’ Founder Adriaan Grobler, Gert joined Lithon in 2005. He was drawn to the Lithon purpose “to make a significant and positive impact in the lives of people”, which aligns with his personal purpose.

Now he is the CEO of Lithon Project Consultants – a group of companies specialising in innovative engineering and sustainable development.

After more than a decade of working at the company, Gert remains passionate about Lithon and the engineering profession as well as what the engineering sector can do for the development of Namibia.

“I don’t think people really understand the importance of engineers in a country. The economy is built through infrastructure, whether it’s roads, railways and so forth. As engineers we are privileged to be at the forefront of the stimulus to economic advancement both on a micro and a macro level,” says Gert. This is why his biggest motivation after all these years still is seeing the impact of his work and its ability to transform the lives of people for the better.

Apart from his profession, Gert finds joy in his family. A proud husband and father, he enjoys his time off with his active family who loves engaging in physical activities as much as possible.

Steadfast in his dreams and hopes for the future of Namibia, Gert is hopeful that with continued intervention of the private sector in partnership with the government, there is hope for a prosperous future for the country.

Tune in to The Royal Hustlers on 99FM every Monday to Friday from 07h35, with Namibian Royal Hustlers featured on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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Lifestyle Guide with

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The ultimate guide to taking better travel photos for Instagram

L

earn how to pose in travel photos for Instagram with Zina’s personal tips and tricks – from photo techniques to posing pointers.

1. PAY ATTENTION TO LIGHT Light is not just about whether or not you can see what you’re trying to photograph. It affects everything – the colours, shadows, details and emphasis of the subjects in your photos.There is a reason why the “golden hour” is called such. In photography this is the hour after sunrise and before sunset where the light is at its picture-perfect best…

Yet you’ll find most people either eating breakfast or dinner at this time. What they should be doing instead is taking photos!

2. CREATE MOVEMENT When I first started posing for Instagram photos, I often looked stiff and uncomfortable. Then, I learnt to add motion into my Instagram photos.

Now, I often twirl, walk or even skip when posing for Instagram photos.

The results are much more lively and dynamic than if I would just stand there. This is why you’ll often see travel Instagrammers wear long dresses or skirts in their photos. A long dress or skirt gives you so many opportunities to add movement to your photos.

3. USE PROPS Let’s get real – hands can become really awkward. I’ve ruined many otherwise good photos by positioning my hands into stiff-looking claws. An easy way to avoid this is by using props when posing for your Instagram photos. Props can breathe life into your photo and also keep your hands busy. A total win-win!

Some of my favourite props are fresh flowers, a glass of wine, a handbag and a hat. But, the options for potential props are endless, so get creative and find props that are consistent with your unique Instagram look and style!

4. LET’S TALK POSING Perfect posture First off, check your posture. As a general rule your back should be as straight as possible, whether you’re standing or sitting.

Longer legs Whether you’re short or tall with legs for days, it always helps to extend your legs. An easy way to do this is by pointing your toes.

Right angle Turning your body slightly sideways at an approximate 45-degree angle pretty much always looks great in photos. This angled pose tends to accentuate the best parts of a woman’s body. It also adds some visual depth and dimension to the photo.

5. CHOOSE THE RIGHT OUTFIT Man oh man! I know it can feel overwhelming to pick what to wear for photos. Here are a few guidelines I’ve put together to help you look great in your Instagram photos.

Before travelling, I do a little research on my location(s). What does the landscape look like, and what natural colours do you find in the landscape?

What does the hotel or lodge look like, and what colours have they incorporated in their interior design?

As far as choosing the right colour to wear, go with the location. I’ll usually try to match the tones and colour of the outfits with elements in the environment to help them blend in and stand out!

You guessed it... This is a colourmatching example!

Blue mountains, blue dress. Green mountains, green shirt.

Simple outfits to compliment the amazing location, so that there is a perfect balance between the focus on them and the environment. This colour matches the environment perfectly while also standing out and creating an eye-catching contrast.

Give your photos the editing edge Learning to edit your photos will not only help you correct photography mistakes but it will allow you to invent your own style and make or even sell your own presets. I typically edit photos on my computer using Adobe Lightroom (my favourite) and Adobe Photoshop (to a lesser degree) but if I need to edit on the go using my phone I just make use of the Adobe Lightroom mobile app.

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The world in a wrap Since travelling has become rather difficult during this pandemic we decided to take your palate on a trip around the world this month!

No more hassle of Covid tests, filling out forms and taking up travel insurance... Whatever the destination of your choice, we have got just the right wrap for you.

First off we are going on a safari through Namibia.

You’ll need: •

1 tortilla wrap (cut from one edge to the middle of the wrap)

•

Cream cheese & biltong bites

•

Chicken breast & cheddar cheese

•

3 slices of smoked game meat

•

Tomato relish

How to assemble:

Spread the toppings onto your wrap in four equal parts. Layer the first with cream cheese and biltong bites, the second with smoked chicken breast and cheddar cheese, the third with smoked game meat slices and the last with tomato relish.

Fold the wrap into quarters, starting with the side which was cut into. Repeat the folding until you have just one triangular sandwich wrap. Toast the wrap in a pan or in a sandwich press until the cheese has melted and the surface is crispy and golden.

After all that dry and dusty weather, you’ll probably feel the need to cool off at a tropical white sand beach in Mexico.

For the Mexican wrap you’ll need: •

1 tortilla wrap (cut from one edge to the middle of the wrap)

•

Guacamole

•

Black beans & cheddar cheese

•

1 tbsp salsa

•

1 tbsp cooked & chives

Assemble, fold and grill as indicated in the recipe above.

Enough of the tropics but still craving some delicious seafood?

Let’s take a quick dive into Japan and make a delicious sushi wrap for the occasion!

For our Japanese wrap you’ll need: •

1 nori sheet (cut into a round shape)

•

1/4 sliced avocado

•

1 tbsp sushi rice

•

3 slices of sashimi salmon

•

1 tbsp fresh sprouts

•

Soy sauce for dipping (optional)

Assemble and fold as indicated in the recipe above. Do not grill!

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Lifestyle with Zina Brrrr, it’s getting quite chilly in Japan, so let’s warm up with a spicy prawn wrap in Vietnam!

For the Vietnamese wrap you’ll need: •

1 rice paper wrapper (soaked and ready to use)

•

Red bell pepper sliced thinly

•

Cooked rice noodles

•

Sprouts

•

Cooked shrimps & chilli sriracha sauce

Assemble and fold as indicated in the recipe above. Do not grill!

But honestly, what is a world tour without a sweet little shopping spree under the Eiffel Tower in Paris?

For our Parisian-style wrap you’ll need: •

1 tortilla wrap

•

Dark chocolate spread

•

Cherries

•

Strawberries

•

Waffle sticks

Assemble, fold and grill as indicated in the recipe above. For this recipe we used a waffle maker to grill the tortilla and give it that extra fun waffle print look.

omnoms

And that concludes our culinary trip around the world of wraps. If we can’t travel with ease we might as well cook our way through all sorts of mouth-watering experiences this year! And what better way to do that than with these unbelievably trendy wrap hack recipes?

If you are unsure about how to fold and assemble your wraps, use your smartphone to scan this QR code and see our full recipe video on Instagram.

How to support small and local businesses for FREE on social media: •

Use word of mouth to support your favourite local businesses.

•

Make a nice comment. It can be a reply to their product, words of encouragement, a friendly “hello” or tagging a friend or two on Instagram.

•

Write a review. Help them show up online as a 5-star business to help them attract new customers.

•

Share a picture and give them a shout-out on social media, especially after you have purchased something.

The more they get their name out there, the better.

zina_namibia | www.prostudio.cc/zina

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Perfectly situated in the heart of Windhoek lies The Sky Cafe at Eros Airport. It’s the ultimate grab and go coffee shop accessible for all transiting domestic passengers.

Sky Cafe is made up of a multi talented team who also provide VIP inflight catering, catering for business meetings and events to hosting product launches and year end functions in the Sky Lounge.

Pop in. Say hi. Enjoy the warm smiles, delicious coffee and yummy snacks.

0811241575/0812914362 annagret@theskylounge.net jamie@thesklounge.net

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15 min sweat set with Ena

Core Development

THE IMPORTANCE OF

You will need: • 15 minutes • Water (always stay hydrated!)

CORE STRENGTH

W

hilst having a well-toned midriff can be very pleasing to the eye, it is more important to have a strong and exercised core to ensure correct posture and performance during overall movement and exercise. Having a strong core is going to benefit you in many areas of your life, and leading an active lifestyle will take you a long way.

Complete the circuit three times (as you become stronger, challenge yourself to a fourth round).

Rest between circuits (after the eighth exercise).

NB: Keep your abdominal muscles engaged (tight) with every exercise!

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Standing elbow-to-knee crunches, slow and controlled. 16 reps.

Good mornings, using a hinge motion in your hips.

Feet shoulder width apart. Can be performed holding a kettlebell. 10 reps.

High knees. 20 seconds.

Glute bridges, squeezing your bum at the top of the bridge. 20 reps.

Heel taps. 20 reps.

Superman lifts. 16 reps.

Mountain climbers. 20 seconds.

Russian twists. 10 reps.

But before jumping into a fire workout, let’s go into some detail…

What exactly is your core?

There is a misconception that our core is the part of the body where we see someone’s six pack or abdominal muscles (abs).

The core is in fact a group of muscles, of which the abs are a part, together with our back paraspinal muscles, glutes, pelvic floor and diaphragm. Now imagine this group of muscles as a band that runs along the front and back of your body’s torso.

Why is it important to strengthen your core?

The core’s job is to stabilise the spine. To do so, it transfers and distributes forces in a proper manner, so that no one part of the body is overloaded. Essentially, strengthening the core prevents any isolated part of the body from being strained, and so a weak core does the opposite. Carrying groceries out of the car? A strong core will make it easier! Picking up a child?

Strong abdominals will allow you to pick up and play with your child for years to come! What I’m trying to say is that exercising and developing the muscles in your core is going to increase your stability and balance while improving posture and reducing lower back pain.

How to tell whether your core needs some work: • Poor posture • Chronic lower back pain

Standing elbow-to-knee crunches

Good mornings

Here is a circuit that is focused more on training and developing the core muscles than it is on breaking a sweat (if you do, that’s great too!). Try to incorporate it into your training, about 2-3 times a week.

Glute bridges

For more content on sustainable health and fitness or training programmes, you can find Ena on Instagram (@enavisagie_8) Ena is a qualified Personal Trainer, assisting individuals through online coaching while sharing her journey and passion for fitness on social media. She has also obtained a degree in Marketing and Business Management.

Superman lifts

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Elzanne McCulloch

This is Namibia

Discovering

Kaokoland

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RIèth van Schalkwyk

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

KAOKOLAND’S FAMOUS ‘DESERT ELEPHANTS’

Gerhard Thirion

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

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

Kaokoland’s desert-adapted elephants rotate the home ranges that they occupy as the seasons change to where food and water can be found. Herds are led by a matriarch, who is usually the oldest female and has accumulated as much as 30 years’ experience of the climatic

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This is Namibia

conditions in her home range. By definition,desert-dwelling elephants occupy an arid habitat for at least part of the year and have special behavioural characteristics, large annual and seasonal ranges, and a social structure and daily activities suited to an arid environment. When feeding, these denizens of the desert take far greater care than their relatives in Etosha. They hardly ever fell trees, break fewer branches and debark much less than other elephants.

Whereas adult elephants on average drink between 100–200 litres of water a day, in Kaokoland they drink only once every three or four days. During droughts they dig deep, narrow holes (gorras) in dry riverbeds with their tusks, trunk and feet to find water.

THE DESERT LIONS’ FIGHT FOR SURVIVAL

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

EPUPA FALLS

With its scenically beautiful surroundings, Epupa is one of Namibia’s prime tourist destinations. The falls are a series of cascades where the Kunene River drops a total of 60 metres over a distance of about 1.5 km, separating into a multitude of channels and forming a myriad of rock pools. Enhanced by richly coloured rock walls, a variety of trees including

wild figs, baobabs and waving makalani palms, spectacular sunsets and perennially flowing waters, the Epupa area offers much to see, do and experience.

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

OPUWO

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

Find more Namibian travel inspiration at www.thisisnamibia.com Follow @thisis_namibia on Facebook and Instagram for extraordinary Namibia travel stories.

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1

Photo: Contributed

THE TRIBE The Tribe Exclusive featuring Spuzza

T

he man behind one of Namibia’s biggest house tracks in recent history, Dj Spuzza, joined us once again on this edition of #TheTribeExclusive to talk music, collaborations and growing the Slaughterhouze label. He also gave us the scoop on what working with South African rapper AKA was like, and what the future looks like for the Slaughterhouze gang.

How do you hope to use your music to inspire young men like yourself to have more compassion for women and through that, spread messages of responsibility and hope?

The thing is, I have a daughter and I think that showing my fans and followers how I am with her, the way I nurture and protect her – this should already say a lot. It shows that women in general are supposed to be protected by us, the men.

How did you get AKA to run around in Wambo Lokasie for the video of ‘Soek Soek’?

RTE actually did that. Our contract with them was signed based on the AKA feature.

When we first met them we were like ‘we don’t really need you guys because we can do so much for ourselves individually and independently’ and I’ve always wanted to build my own thing. So when we got to them, they were like they wanted to take us on an international level, so the contract was signed based on the AKA feature.

COVID-19 has really been killing our vibe, how are you keeping the fire going through it all?

The good thing about the lockdowns is that it actually brings out the creativity. Most of the music that we have out now was made during the first lockdown.

What was it like being in AKA’s presence, what did you learn from him?

It was like being in the presence of a god. I learnt a lot and I was really moved by the fact that he loved my music and he wanted to jump on the song. It was an eye-opening experience and it showed us the power of music. It also made us realise that we had the power to influence someone as big as AKA to want to get onto a song of ours…

The good thing about the lockdowns is that it actually brings out the creativity.

What’s happening at Slaughterhouze, who is still under the label?

Right now it’s me and Txngos Slaughterhouze. Chakie Slaughterhouze is in the process of becoming part of the label as well.

To keep up with the rest of the Slaughterhouze gang, follow them on Instagram: @slaughterhouze_na, @txngos_slaughterhouze, @chakie_na.

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

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

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At this point I don’t wanna talk about our plans but the nation knows that anytime we move… We move!

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38

Jo Rogge

On difference and belonging

“W

here to begin when being an Afrikaner was a shame? Being German of any sort was shameful.

Being a woman was a shame and it became increasingly obvious that being lesbian and, in current terminology, nonbinary was, well, the cherry on top.” – Jo Rogge, Marij van Angola, Paul Kruger and the caretaker of the Stellenbosch Cemetery: territoriality, belonging and loss.

This excerpt from current writing by artist Jo Rogge, on her interrogation of heritage and familial roots, rather than providing answers to their questions, poses more questions.

It is a deep reflection on her position in the constructs of family, community and history.

Rogge’s fascinating narrative of ancestral beginnings is at times rollicking and humorous, but also tinged with pathos and sadness. While researching her matrilineal bloodline, Rogge traces her ties to a quirky line of characters, including two former presidents, and dredging even further back in history, finally divulges the identity of the secret matriarch of her Afrikaner family, the slave woman Marij van Angola.

The German heritage is equally tainted with the shame of the past.

“People like to ask the question ‘Where are you from?’”, Rogge says. “The notion of belonging, of community and identity is a fragile concept and it is weaponised against those who don’t fit in. Shame should not be a weapon because it is way too powerful. But here we are living in cultures where we regularly, habitually ‘soak one child in shame and give permission to another to hate’. Shame is an identity-shredding bullet.”

This has been the basis for much of Rogge’s multidisciplinary creative work over the past few years, expressed in a diverse collection of paintings, drawings, prints and objects that constantly question fundamental beliefs about gender and reflect on emotional experiences. Quoting the artist’s profile on Guns & Rain (a contemporary art space in Johannesburg that has represented the artist since 2015), Rogge seeks to “create a new crucible for queer voices while simultaneously posing uncomfortable questions about difference and belonging."

As a celebrated advocate or artivist for non-binary rights and interrogator of “the ‘othered’ body”, Rogge’s work is a personal reflection on displacement, family lineage

and identity. In an interview on their recent body of work, ‘Unnatural Objects’ exhibited at Guns & Rain in June 2021, the artist states: “To be lost, spurned or discarded invokes anxiety. To be cared for dissauges fear. To have our histories erased, invokes despair. To acknowledge the past restores dignity.”

Working with a series of random objects collected along the Atlantic seashore, embellishing and decorating them with colourful thread and other found objects, the artist provokes the viewer with questions concerning acceptance of “equal rights and loving-kindness extended to the maimed, the disfigured, the other, the queer”, and rhetorically asks, “if they are changed, dressed-up, made ‘pretty’, will they be made normative?”

She says, “We can never know their story, where they came from. Away from their original context, their meaning and purpose has been stripped away, leaving only form, shape and colour. To contemplate these objects is to reflect on history, memory, aging and the viscerality of belonging and loss.”

The ‘Body of Blueprints’, Rogge’s ongoing series of experimental carbon transfer monoprints and ink drawings, together with new paintings, is on show at the Project Room in Windhoek this July. During lockdown, a time of isolation, contemplation of the meaning of life has sharply come into focus, has become paramount for us all. These works are lyrical meditations, a diversion, while the world is on pause, asking us to take stock of the world we live in and the hiatus of normativity that the COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted on our lives.

Rogge has exhibited widely, locally and internationally.

She is the founder of the NJE Collective which facilitates opportunities for artists in southern Africa, through exhibitions, mentorship and providing resources. The collective will feature new works by queer artists from Namibia and South Africa at the Turbine Art Fair in Johannesburg and at the Cape Town Art Fair scheduled for later this year. In addition to her creative practice, Rogge works as a publications designer for organisations active in social development, HIV and human rights and she teaches English online to adult learners in Taiwan. She lives and works between Namibia and South Africa.

‘Normal Not Normal’ can be viewed at The Project Room from 2 – 17 July 2021.

Marita van Rooyen

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THE LOCKDOWN DEAL

I

On June 14th Namibia entered its fourth hard lockdown since the start of the global pandemic last March.

Over the preceding 15 months 1,000 Namibians had lost their lives to COVID-19; three months later and the death toll stands at over 3,200. In Africa only Tunisia has lost a larger share of its population to the disease.

The latest lockdown may have arrived too late, but without it there is every reason to believe that the toll would be higher still.

Blanket lockdowns are an example of a blunt, but effective disease containment measure. Of course there are more stringent types of lockdowns that reduce the number of deaths. Other varieties of lockdown prioritise the health of the economy. Finding the equilibrium between these opposing goals, maximizing the ratio between the number of additional lives saved per unit of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) lost, yields the most potent lockdown. Yet even this approach is not immune to critique. Ask, to what extent should a society bias the lives of its elderly over the futures of its youth? How many, if any, deaths should be deemed tolerable? These are necessary questions with no easy answers. Balancing moral, political, economic and public health considerations to construct a lockdown that is at

40

once potent, enforceable and moral is a task beyond the capabilities of your author.

As we emerge from the latest lockdown, consider instead the more tractable question of what it is a government is asking of, and dictating to, its citizens when it enforces a hard lockdown. In a lockdown such as Namibia’s where schools close, travel is restricted and businesses suffer, citizens willingly cede their personal agency in service of wider community health. This is the citizen’s part of the deal. For as long as such a lockdown lasts a government’s implicit promise is in turn to provide greater support to its citizens. In the rich world governments plunged themselves further into debt, increased spending to war-time levels and slashed interest rates to stimulate demand in the economy.

They ran the gamut of fiscal and monetary policy to protect the lives and livelihoods of their citizens knowing that they possessed the necessary fiscal infrastructure, power and credibility to borrow lavishly and still maintain the ability to service these debts.

The Namibian government’s response was adequate, but as a middle-income country options were limited. During the 2020 lockdowns the government introduced a number

Economic Pulse

of the Delta variant shows that this pandemic is not over yet. Nor can Namibia be sure that this is the last pandemic it will have to endure. The June lockdown caught the country by surprise. If meaningful vaccine coverage is not realized in the coming months, future lockdowns should not come as a surprise.

Fortunately, Namibia’s public sector can take unilateral action to ensure that it is better prepared to protect the Namibian people if, or when, another lockdown is on the cards. Broadening the tax base as well as addressing revenue deployment deficiencies will increase policy options and restore fiscal safety-buffers. While a united global front may one day bring the Covid crisis to an end, carrying out internal economic structural adjustment will remain as one of Namibia’s most pressing bureaucratic problems, one that it must solve alone. of measures to compensate citizens: wage subsidies, easier credit terms for small businesses, relaxed labour laws and others. The latest lockdown saw fewer protective measures of that kind implemented. As obvious as it may sound, Namibia simply does not have the resources of, say, the United States or United Kingdom. There is only so much the Namibian government can do for its citizens because, for all but the most developed nations, a hard lockdown necessarily devastates tax revenue while increasing government expenditures. To make up the shortfall the government must turn to its citizens and institutions, issue debt and borrow.

Should this borrowing not result in a commensurate increase in productivity to restore government funds then the nation is likely to, over time, default on its debt obligations or revert to austerity measures. When a government runs out of money it can no longer uphold its end of the lockdown deal.

It can enforce lockdowns; it cannot protect the livelihoods of its citizens.

Today, record government debts and depressed revenue from company taxes betray a weaker Namibian government less able to sustain future lockdowns. Despite the progress that has been made against the spreading of COVID-19, the surge

The blanket lockdown is a blunt tool that will need to be re-parameterized to best fit the needs of a middle-income developing country like Namibia. All lockdowns come with costs – but yet they have been embraced precisely because they are so singularly effective in the fight to reduce infections and save lives. Yes, lockdowns are flawed and yes, they work.

If the Namibian government were to face a fiscal cliff, finding itself incapable of entering the lockdown deal with the public, then it has done them a disservice. Now more than ever all options need to be kept on the table.

Kimber Brain Kimber Brain is a junior economist at IJG, an established Namibian financial services market leader. 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

41

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The River Guardians

O

ver the past three months, more than 76 km of fishnets have been confiscated from illegal fishermen and burnt by the Sikunga Fish Guards, while 14 arrests have been made in conjunction with these illegal fishing practices.

“Altogether 13 makoros were confiscated along with the nets, and by destroying these illegal nets the fish guards have most certainly conserved more fish stocks in the Zambezi River,” says Amy Blair who runs a tourism operation along the Sikunga Fish Protection Area, and assists in managing the Fish Protection project.

Blair adds that in June and July illegal netting increased as the level of the river began dropping. “Our team did a fantastic job on their patrols. We are also happy to report that the Ministry of Fisheries and the Namibian Police joined the fish guards on their patrols and have been doing a great job. They intend to join the fish guards for more patrols in the future.”

FNB, through the FirstRand Namibia Foundation, donated N$200 000 to the Gondwana Care Trust’s Sikunga Fish protection project in the Zambezi Region at the beginning of the year. This is the third year that the foundation has supported this worthwhile initiative.

Revonia Kahivere, FirstRand Namibia’s Corporate Social Investment Manager, says: “Our planet is one of the focus areas of the Foundation’s CSI strategy and this means that we assist in guarding the natural resources of our country which includes its rivers and our ocean.”

Kahivere said that they were well aware of the numerous challenges faced by the Sikunga Fish Guards such as fear for their safety due to possible exposure to the illegal, armed fishermen. “We are honoured to assist them in their quest of safeguarding and protecting our fish stocks for future generations.”

The Sikunga Fish Guards project was implemented as a voluntary endeavour in 2018 and has since grown to a permanent programme with ten dedicated employees, who patrol 8 km of the river and backwaters where fish are protected and allowed to breed undisturbed. The Sikunga Protection project is run by the Sikunga Conservancy and supported by the Masubia Traditional Authority and various tourism enterprises. The protected area covers a small section of the Zambezi River.

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2021

Last chance to join the adventure of a lifetime!

22 - 26 September Join this life-changing four-day mountain-biking safari in Namibia's enigmatic Damaraland.

Cost: N$ 18 000 pp sharing (excl VAT) Four night stay at a luxury Wilderness Safaris lodge.

All inclusive.

Contact elzanne@venture.com.na to book or visit www.venture.com.na for more info.

44

Looking Global

Namibia and the

World Expo in Dubai

T

he Republic of Namibia will be participating in the Expo 2020 Dubai, which will be taking place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from October 2021 until March 2022. The world exhibition was postponed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.The Expo 2020 Dubai is the first ever to be hosted in the Middle East, under the theme “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”, and it is the first mega event to be hosted since the onset of the pandemic.

“For 170 years, World Expos have provided a platform to showcase the greatest innovations that have shaped the world we live in today. Expo 2020 will continue that tradition with the latest technology from around the globe.”

World Expos are one of the oldest and largest international events on the planet, arranged every five years and lasting six months. It is a festival for all, where everyone can experience, explore, innovate and have fun by sharing ideas and working together.

In the past, World Expos have been the birthplace of phenomenal innovations and the celebration of human ingenuity. According to Expo 2020 Dubai: “Many food innovations have tickled tastebuds and debuted at World Expos, including popcorn and Heinz Ketchup at Philadelphia’s Centennial Exposition in 1876, and ice cream cones at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St Louis in 1904. Alexander Graham Bell demonstrated the world’s first telephone in 1876 at Philadelphia’s Centennial Exposition of Arts, Manufactures and Products of the Soil and Mine. The Japan World Exposition Osaka 1970 gave visitors the first opportunity to discover the connectivity that mobile phone technology offered. The first live TV broadcast was made at the New York World’s Fair in 1939 and Super Hi-Vision Theater – commonly known as Ultra HDTV – debuted at the Expo 2005 Aichi in Japan. Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine, one of the first mechanical computers, was on display at the 1862 London International Exhibition on Industry and Art, and visitors to the Seattle

Century 21 Exposition in 1962 were stunned by IBM’s Shoebox – an early computer that responded to vocal commands.”

In Dubai there will be more than 200 participants including countries, multilateral organisations, businesses and educational institutions. To date, 191 nations from across the world have confirmed their participation at Expo 2020.

Organisers are expecting a total of up to 25 million physical visits between October and March 2022.

Namibia’s theme for Expo 2020 Dubai is Preserving and Utilising Natural Treasures for Future Generations: The Opportunity of a Lifetime. The term Natural Treasures was selected to describe a wide range of treasurable resources that Namibia is blessed with, from energy and ecology to people and culture.

Namibia will place special emphasis on sustainability and attracting foreign investment, highlighting sectors such as renewable energy, marine diamonds and minerals, tourism and conservation and cultural heritage. Other sectors that will be showcased during Namibia’s expo presence include education, trade and finance, agriculture, the blue economy, health, housing development, manufacturing and transport and logistics.

Under the mantra Celebrating Namibia, our country’s pavilion and participation in Expo events will strive to showcase all the natural wonders, enigmatic people and incredible opportunities that await in the Land of the Brave.

Find out more at www.expo2020dubai.com or www.namibiaexpo2020dubai.com

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The Return of functioning

Ecosystems through rehabilitating Land A company’s vision for the future is the restoration of rangeland and ecosystems in central Namibia

Wildebeest spotted on the Pan at the Otjikoto Nature Reserve.

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“W

ith the bush thinning we are trying to get this area back to a functional ecosystem.

The

main reason we want to make it functional is to ensure that wildlife has sufficient space and grazing. We inherited a system that wasn’t functional, so we are trying to clean it up and make sure it works with the visions the company has for the Otjikoto Nature Reserve”, says Miya Kabajani, a Research Coordinator for B2Gold, based at the Otjikoto Mine in central Namibia.

The mine is situated on what was previously cattle farmland, and as Miya points out there was “a lot of overgrazing and bush encroachment”. It affected the mobility of the animals, and what they ate. It also affected the type of plant species found there, as Miya and her research team soon found out.

Education centre adjacent to the gold mine on the Otjikoto Nature Reserve.

Through NUST, one of the partner institutions, the Education centre attracts students enrolled in environmental studies.

“We have been fortunate in that students have come to do their internships with us each year. We give them a project to work on a certain topic, and that information will be used for our management plan”, Miya says.

We inherited a system that wasn’t functional, so we are trying to clean it up and make sure it works with the visions the company has for the Otjikoto Nature Reserve

Using Science and Research After studying Nature Conservation at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), Miya started her career in conservation.

Plants are her passion and she wrote her Master’s thesis on “the recruitment of valuable woody species”. It wasn’t long before Miya joined B2Gold at the company’s Environmental

“This year we looked at grass, and aspects of the grass in areas that have been thinned and areas that have not. It was interesting to see the differences in terms of grass species. There was diversity in grass biomass and in the overall density of woody species. It was different from the area that had not been thinned.”

Miya, herself an avid researcher, says, “that is the beauty of research, not only seeing but also being able to quantify.

We could see the differences when we looked at the areas because they were just opposite each other, but we also looked at the details of how many grass species and how much biomass we had on either side. There were more on the side that was thinned. It goes to show that thinning makes space for the grass. When the areas are overgrown, it’s like putting an umbrella over the grass. Not much happens there because it can’t see the light.”

Miya shows some of the open spaces created around their Environmental Education Centre

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A watering hole in an area where bush control was used on the Otjikoto Nature Reserve.

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“When you clear, you open up space for the grass to come through, and that ultimately translates into more grazing.

In our case we used to have the animals concentrate on the pan,” says Miya, referring to the clay soil of an open plain found on the Otjikoto Reserve. “By this time of the year, it would be one big swirl of dust because almost all the vegetation would be gone. Last year we did a study and found that the animals have started moving through the areas we had cleared to the northern part of the property.

They didn’t do that before, and this reduces their impact on the Pan, because now they have different grazing options.

You think you do one thing, but it translates into something else, the ripple effect of activity.”

Another interesting finding of their research, according to Miya, was the change in grass species, especially after a veld fire moved through one of the camps. “We targeted Black Thorn (Acacia mellifera) and Sickle-bush (Dichrostachys cinerea) and had cleared an area in 2013. In 2018, just after the rains had started, we had a fire as a result of a power line that fell over. Over 18 hectares burnt down, just north of the pan. We used to have tall turpentine grass there, and animals don’t like that grass. But when we studied the area we found different types of grass and less turpentine. The combination of thinning and fire caused that change”, Miya says.

In the meantime, the centre has many exciting research plans and projects, including one that focuses on succulents and could hold possibilities for future biomass projects. According to Miya “together with NUST, and also Oxford University, we will be using succulent plants for animal fodder and fruit production. Possibly also for energy. That research is happening here on our property, with expertise from the two universities. It still is in the early stages, we’ve just done the planting”, Miya says. I think looking at the industry itself, there is still a lot to be explored. We have explored charcoal, Namibia is in the top five charcoal exporters in the world. It will be interesting to see what else we can do.”

Ever the avid botanist, Miya shares her delightful smile as she continues, “One of the other highlights that we are really proud of is our rehabilitation nursery. Within a year we have managed to plant over 5000 trees from seed. We even received a tree award from the Botanical Society.”

Kirsty Watermeyer

“What we have done has worked, we have seen successes, we have learnt from it and we continue to learn. One of the things that we learnt was the importance of aftercare.

It is something that a lot of people overlook and we were no exception.”

Explaining the process of bush thinning, Miya says, “we do it both manually and mechanically. We get contractors to do it for us. We adhere to the forestry regulations, and before we clear we have to adhere to our internal structures, according to which we have to apply for a permit from our Environmental Department. Also, we have different habitats on our property, for example the northern parts are different from the southern corner. It means that we can’t use the same process, because the south has a lot of rocky patches whereas the north has some sandy patches. Therefore we look at all the options and balance them in terms of conditions and habitats.

Seeing an Increase in Wildlife Numbers Miya says that concentrating on the company’s land use and looking into biomass control has not only been a successful endeavour, but also an important one. “We see our wildlife numbers increasing and with that we need to increase the available habitat space for them.”

B2Gold’s vision for the future of this area includes a rewilding project. As Miya explains, “One of our biggest projects is the creation of a Greater Waterberg Park. It is a rewilding project with the goal to merge the B2Gold farms with the neighbouring farms through a corridor that reaches all the way to Waterberg National Park. The result would be a huge park, a people’s park and an open system with wildlife roaming free. We are also looking at commercialising some of the human activities to sustain the reserve going forward, after the mine reaches the end of its lifecycle.”

Miya Kabajani, a Research Coordinator for B2Gold, based at their Otjikoto Mine in Central Namibia.

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Wellness

I

Constructive self-criticism

f you were asked ‘what is the mood in your head like’, what would your answer be? Would you say the central theme in your mind is mostly content or mostly critical?

We all know how easy it is to be self-critical and to see our own efforts as lacking. However, we might not know the dangers that this type of thinking brings.

One popular theory about the origins of our internal critic is that it is the internalised voice we grew up with.

Meaning that if you grew up in an overly critical environment, where you were constantly criticised by others, you may have developed excessive self-criticism as a method of avoiding failure and thereby more external criticism. Wherever you fall on the spectrum of self-criticism, it’s always good to take a look and see if being this way is helpful or harmful.

We all tend to focus more on our flaws and shortcomings than on our virtues and successes. In fact, research tells us that the brain will react more to negative input than positive, which makes negative things seem even more negative. This means we do not dwell on successes but fixate on failures.

When self-criticism is applied reasonably and in the pursuit of learning and growing, it can be beneficial. This type of self-criticism is known as ‘constructive self-criticism,’ and it is closely related to the concept of self-compassion, which is the tactic of dealing with your own shortcomings or flaws in a compassionate manner.

However, most of the time, we get drawn into comparing our blooper reels to everyone else's highlight reels. We think our differences make us less than others and we start playing the ‘I am not good enough’ record. The real danger with these ‘I am not enough – I am not worth it’ messages in your head is that they can rear their ugly heads through self-sabotaging behaviours. Without realising the belief-behaviour linkage, you will under-prepare for your performance reviews, run away from make-or-break work commitments and pass up on opportunities.

Self-criticism is often a downward spiral that can lead to other problems in our relationships, be it at home or at work.

When we become overly self-critical we start to think that everyone else is also judging us and somehow dialling into our tiniest flaws and biggest concerns about ourselves – when usually most people are not focusing on your flaws, in fact they are actually way too preoccupied focusing on their own

struggles and flaws. As Criss Jami once said, “the biggest and only critic lives in your perception of people's perception of you, rather than people's perception of you.”

In the digital world we live in, it is easy to get caught up in the idea that your peers have perfect relationships, sports records, or lives because people tend to post on social media only when things are going well. This can lead to feeling as if your own life, compared to others, is less than perfect. This is dangerous territory that will not build you up but rather break you down.

Consider for a moment how you relay critique to a trusted and dear friend. If you had to call them out on their mistakes, you would probably do so in a kind and compassionate manner. Now consider what happens in your own head when you make a mistake. So often when we do something wrong, we call ourselves names like ‘idiot’ or ‘stupid’. You would not stand for a friend calling you those names when you make a mistake. So why is it we speak to ourselves in this way? In truth we are often more critical of ourselves than we would be of other people. You are not one singular thing that you may think, feel, or do. In other words, no single action or outcome defines who you really are.

If we are to build a solid sense of our own unwavering worth, we are not going to get anywhere if our point of departure is name calling and shaming ourselves.

Here are a few things to consider to help reposition the raging critic to more of a helpful friend: Give yourself permission to suck for a while. Everyone goes through learning curves.

Remember mistakes/failures happen for you, not to you.

Not all criticism is created equal. Decide who gets to criticize you, dismiss the rest. For those that make the cut, think of their criticism as having the same intent as that of movie critics – in the spirit of creating better art, i.e. a better version of you.

Keep your inner dialogue in check and remind yourself that you are, indeed, enough.

Kirsty Watermeyer

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52

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T

Mboma, Masilingi mesmerise many

HE perfect antidote to pandemic fatigue in Namibia came at exactly the right time in the form of two young athletes, Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi (both 18 years old).

By now it is a well-documented fact that the Land of the Brave – like the rest of the world – has been suffering from severe Covid-19 exhaustion.

Mboma made a sensational debut at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, where she scooped a medal for Namibia – the first in many years. She received a silver medal, while Masilingi made the country equally proud with a worthy sixth place in the women’s 200 m event.

In fact, Mboma is the youngest Olympic medalist in a women’s race in close to 50 years.

When the two track and field superstars returned home with their coach, Henk Botha, they were treated to a dinner worthy of international celebrities. They were guests of honour of President Hage Geingob at State House.

For President Geingob it had been a special 80th birthday gift on 3 August when the two girls, despite the overwhelming heat and humidity in Japan, managed to put the country firmly back on the global map – this time for the right reasons.

Reacting to the glorious moment, local fitness instructor Liezel Ndjaronguru posted on Facebook: “Big congratulations to Christine Mboma, official Olympic medalist. It’s been a long time since we have celebrated as a nation together – united for one goal with so much joy, and on our president’s birthday. This day couldn’t be more special. Coach Henk, we salute you for leading and pushing these ladies. It was not easy. Finally, your hard work is paying off. Beatrice and all our other hard working

athletes and their coaches who represented our country at the Olympics, you are all amazing.”

There is consensus that the country needed this moraleboosting achievement: Mboma and Masilingi, who became household names overnight, managed to restore national pride and unity.

Moreover, their sterling performance and the support of their dedicated coach left Namibians with a renewed sense of hope.

Corporate Namibia, including FlyWestair, has come out in large numbers to rally behind the country’s golden girls and make sure that they have all the support they need to keep on pushing their performance to greater heights.

Before the start of the historic 2020 Olympics – hosted one year later because of the global pandemic –Namibian sport hero Frank Fredericks expressed the sentiments of many of his fellow countrymen and countrywomen in a social media post: “In a few days the Olympic Games will start. All the best to all the athletes with their last preparations to achieve their dreams. The Games of 1992 forever changed my life. It was a wonderful feeling to be the flag bearer and also to be the first to win a medal for my beloved Namibia.”

And that is exactly what Mboma, Masilingi and the other Namibian Olympians did. Especially the names of the fast two sprinters will be forever etched in the hearts and minds of Namibians.

Given how young they are, it is believed that a long and bright future awaits them on the track. Cheers to them for Paris in 2024.

Denver Kisting

Getty Images

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Discover Rundu

and beyond

54

Looking to explore Namibia’s northeastern regions? With FlyWestair’s new flights to Rundu and Katima Mulilo, discovering the beauty of Namibia’s wetlands has never been easier. In the issue we get to know the wonders that await in the Kavango Region!

T

he main town in the Kavango Region is Rundu, situated on the banks of the Okavango River.

This is the home of Namibia’s well-known Kavango woodcarvers. Their ancient craft, handed down over generations, is a flourishing industry today. Wood carvings are made and offered for sale at the Mbungura Woodcraft Cooperative, which has its main workshop and office in the town. Another worthwhile stop is the Rundu Open Market to taste some local fare and experience the unique culture of the region. Here you’ll also find the Kavango Basket Project, providing a source of income for local women. Rundu Airport is situated 5 km south-west of the town. FlyWestair offers two flights a week from Windhoek to Rundu. Thirty kilometres east of Rundu is the Sambyu Museum, an art and crafts facility displaying woodcarvings and traditional crafts from the Kavango Region and southern Angola, and stone tools found locally.

Tourism Spots nearby: Mangetti National Park Previously managed as a game camp for breeding rare and endangered species such as black and white rhino, the Mangetti conservation area was proclaimed as the Mangetti National Park in 2008 to protect its wildlife and vegetation and provide tangible socio-economic benefits to local communities through careful tourism development.

Situated some 100 km southwest of Rundu, the park extends over some 420 km2 and is managed jointly by the Ukwangali Traditional Authority and the MEFT. Animals seen here include

eland, blue wildebeest, African wild dog, leopard and hyaena.

Additional species such as common impala, gemsbok, kudu, giraffe and Burchell’s zebra were translocated through the Enhancing Wildlife-based Economy in Rural Areas Project from Etosha National Park and the private sector.

Bwabwata National Park Two hours drive east of Rundu you will find the small town of Divundu, home of many tourism establishments and the well-known Popa Falls. Rushing rapids, melodious birdsong and the rustling leaves of shady, riverine trees are sounds that typify Popa Game Park. Located on the Okavango River opposite Bwabwata National Park, Popa Falls is famous for its lush setting and the sound of the rapids cascading down the rocky descents in the river. Over 400 species of birds have been recorded here. Tigerfish, threespot and greenheaded tilapia are just some of the game fish that occur in the Okavango River, making it a popular destination for anglers. Head into the Mahango Core Area of Bwabwata National Park for excellent wildlife viewing.

In 2007 the former Caprivi Game Park, proclaimed in 1968, was incorporated into the 6 100 km2 Bwabwata National Park, inclusive of the Kwando or Golden Triangle, and the Buffalo and Mahango (the former Mahango Game Park) core areas. The park is sanctuary to 35 large game species – including elephant, buffalo, impala, reedbuck, red lechwe, sitatunga, hippo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, Chobe bushbuck, tsessebe, and sable and roan antelope – and numerous small-game species. Predators such as lion, leopard, cheetah and African wild dog also occur in Bwabwata.

Popa Falls 55

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NOW ON

The 2020 “Hydrogen Olympics”

1

964 was the year when Tokyo previously hosted the Olympic Games. It was also the debut of the Shinkansen high-speed train for the world to see. Nicknamed the Bullet Train, Shinkansen has become a network of high-speed railway lines in Japan. It has been in operation for over half a century now and has carried over 10 billion passengers since the first train’s sensational appearance all those years ago.

Tokyo, Japan’s boisterous and busy capital city, could certainly not allow itself to host the Olympics again without presenting another grandiose feat designated to showcase that Japan is, once again, miles ahead of the rest of the world in terms of technology. Although criticized for the poor post-Covid timing, and with a few scandals and set-backs in the committees, Tokyo has indeed, once again, managed to surprise the world with yet another technical extravaganza: Hydrogen Powered Olympics.

Due to Japan’s demonstration of advanced hydrogen technology and the fuel of the future, the 2020 Olympic Games, which took place in 2021, have been dubbed the Hydrogen Olympics by those interested in energy technology.

Hydrogen fuel is, however, not a new concept and, for the highly intelligent, it is a fairly simple concept. It causes no carbon dioxide emissions (carbon dioxide is one of the main offenders contributing to global warming) and can be produced with renewable electricity. The main potential of hydrogen fuel lies in minimizing and eventually eliminating dangerous emissions. Pollution and man-made greenhouse gasses can be drastically reduced without humanity having to scale down on favourite luxuries such as moving vehicles, or factories that produce clothes and accessories.

When it comes to hydrogen power and research, Japan is miles ahead of the rest of the world. In 2017 the country adopted a national hydrogen strategy. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) established the Research Centre for a Hydrogen Energy-Based Society (ReHES) at the Tokyo Technical University. ReHES has been the driving force behind many of the recent developments in hydrogen technology.

Tokyo is also the site of the Kawasaki King Skyfront Tokyu REI Hotel – the world’s very first hotel powered by hydrogen extracted from plastic waste. The hotel has a hydrogen fuel cell which generates carbon-free electricity and is able to heat all the water needed for all the rooms.

Tokyo announced plans for the entire Olympic Village to run on hydrogen as well as a fleet of hydrogen-powered busses and cars. Even the iconic Olympic torch and cauldrons were to be lit with a hydrogen-powered flame. All these promises were in line with Japan’s hydrogen strategy and the goal to become carbonneutral by 2050.

The Olympic goals, however, were not completely achieved. Only one building in the Olympic Village made use of hydrogen power and the number of busses and cars were significantly less than originally planned. The flame was kept burning with propane.

Reasons as to why Japan did not quite meet its own ambitions are varied and can be used for criticism when the need arises. It is clear, though, that Japan is still set to shift towards this newer energy system and should be seen as exemplary.

In August 2021 the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released an alarming report stating, among other things, that human activity is changing the climate in “unprecedented and sometimes irreversible ways”. The report warns of extreme heat waves, devastating droughts and phenomenal flooding. It is not too late, however. We can fix this, and the Tokyo Olympics (although flawed) have been a fantastic example that the world should be paying attention to.

Daniela Steenkamp

57

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1 Sept 1939

11 Sept 2001

Hitler invaded Poland.

France and Britain declared war on Germany two days later and this was the beginning of World War II.

The worst terrorist attack in U.S. history, often referred to as 9/11. In four coordinated terrorist attacks hijacked planes crashed into The World Trade Centre (the Twin Towers) in New York City.

3 Sept 1783

The signing of the Treaty of Paris ended the American Revolutionary War. The British Crown formally recognized American independence and ceded most of its territory east of the Mississippi River to the United States, doubling the size of the new nation and paving the way for westward expansion.

5&6 Sept 1972 Eleven members of the Israeli Olympic Team were killed when the Black September faction of the Palestinian Liberation Army attacked the Olympic Village in Munich.

5 Sept International Day of Charity

15 Sept

19 Sept 1893

International Day of Democracy

New Zealand became the first country to grant women the right to vote.

16 Sept International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

16 Sept 1810 Mexican Independence Day (end of Spanish rule)

17 Sept 1787 The US Constitution was adopted. If it weren’t for this Constitution the US could be a totally different country today, with far fewer civil liberties!

5 Sept 1997 Death of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and advocate for the poor.

18 Sept

25 Sept 1513

International Equal Pay Day

Spanish explorer Vasco Nuñez de Balboa sighted the Pacific Ocean in 1513 from a mountain in Panama and, since he had crossed the Isthmus from north to south, called it the South Sea.

19 Sept International Talk Like a Pirate Day! Arrrgh

21 Sept International Day of Peace

FUN FACTS ABOUT SEPTEMBER:

22 Sept World Rhino Day

September begins on the same day of the week as just one other month, December.

23 Sept

The first newspaper ever to be put into print in the US was published on September 25, 1690. It was short-lived, however, as the British authorities were displeased with its contents and put a stop to it straight away.

International Day of Sign Languages

On September 30, 1955, famed American movie star James Dean died in a car crash in California at the young age of 24.

World Tourism Day

27 Sept 28 Sept

SUDUKO

International Day for Universal Access to Information

1 4 2 3 7 8 6 9 5

5 8 6 9 2 4 7 3 1

7 9 3 6 1 5 2 4 8

EASY

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HARD

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EASY

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

1 2 8 3 5 9 6 4 7

DID YOU KNOW?

OBSERVE & TAKE PART!

This month in history:

59

Love Namibia KWANDO CROWD | Guests look on as a herd of elephants come to quench their thirst in the Kwando River at the popular Horseshoe Bend in the eastern part of Bwabwata National Park. The park forms part of KAZA, the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, which stretches over five countries, namely Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe, and is home to many thousands of elephants that traverse the region.

Elzanne McCulloch

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