Nam

ib IndependentGreat news for the coast!

info@namibindependent.com.na Issue 137 - Thursday, 26 February 2015 to Wednesday, 04 March 2015

The Loss of one Brings hopeA heArTfeLT fAreweL swAkopmund urAnium geArs up dirT ovALs BLAsTs off

free!

Tel: 064 200497

02 09 1512

Continued on Page 3

Continued on Page 3

Riot Squads Ready to Control AR Activists

Erongo Red Invests N$265 Million in Coastal Energy Security

Lana Groenewald

Police sources confirmed this week that the riot squad will be out in full force at Walvis Bay municipality on Friday to control what is expected to be a large number of people who are planning to submit land applications en masse.

kevin Adams of the wB municipality said they had been informed of the planned action and were preparing to respond to the group, spearheaded by suspended swapo youth league spokesperson Job Amupanda, that intends to submit thousands of applications for erven on 27 february.

A self-professed admirer of robert mugabe, Amupanda, has tapped into

Harriet Beukes

In an exclusive interview with the Namib Independent, CEO of Erongo Red Robert Kahimise, he outlined key strategic infrastructure undertakings totaling a massive N$ 265 million investment that the energy company is

the frustration of desperate youth, who have rallied in large numbers to support his campaign. Amupanda has denied that his loosely-defined call for ‘affirmative repositioning’ involves land-grabbing, but has also repeatedly threatened to seize urban land if they are not offered land by July 2015.

After submitting around 14,000 applications to the windhoek municipality last year, the Ar group set an ultimatum for the end of June 2015, by which date they expect to be offered urban land, failing which they would grab the land, Amupanda has said.

On Friday he confirmed they

implementing in the immediate, short and medium term to ensure that the rapidly growing coastal town’s energy needs are met.

According to kahimise, outside of direct contributions to nampower for larger national projects which affect the erongo region, the single most critical

investment is a first of its kind in Africa, state of the art substation for walvis Bay worth some m$70 million,that will have an output of 120mw which is double the current output of 60mw.

“since taking over the reins two years ago, i have been guided by two important insights relating to our company and

product. The first of which is the fact that without our product, electricity and everything falls flat resulting in an immediate halt in all economic progress”, said kahimise.

"secondly, erongo red is a monopoly, and that means that the customer does not enjoy the luxury of choice preventing them from seeking alternative suppliers if dissatisfied.

“guided by these principles, my singular strategy in all that we do is based on the premise of how

our decisions effect our customers," he explained. " if you do not meet their expectations or satisfy their needs in any normal business, the customer will simply go next door."

since taking over two years ago kahimise has managed a phenomenal customer-centric turn-around strategy for the company, that has seen the it shifting from the non-communicative entity of the past to an open and transparent one, which customers from all sectors can relate

This week, one of the most watched, spoken about and YouTubed liberal talk shows, “Last Week Tonight” handed a much deserved middle finger salute to Big Tobacco companies on behalf a contingent of developing countries whose governments are being bullied by threats of legal action for wanting to implement legislation. This legislation is designed to curb the national addiction rates and reduce the serious health related diseases caused by smoking. The “groot zap” was specifically targeted to British American Tobacco on behalf of the Namibian government who continually find themselves on the receiving end of the bully tactics.

Jeff We Can

Continued on Page 13

Thursday, 26 February 20152 |

N$749 PER MONTH

Offer valid until 28 February 2015. 24 Month contract. Connection fee N$218. Terms & Conditions apply.

*Visit website for more phone options.

SamsungGalaxy Alpha G850F*FREE

www.mtc.com.na

selectXL

Including:

900 Minutes2400 MB 900 SMSs

News

Tel (+264 64) 200 497 Email info@namibindependent.com.na

Sales Lorna Bock 081 350 0346 lorna@namibindependent.com.na

Gareth Amos 081 128 2157 gareth@namibindependent.com.na

Editorial Gareth Amos 081 128 2157 gareth@namibindependent.com.na

Design Maggie’s Attic Graphic Design sonya4maggiesattic@gmail.com

Address 127TheoBenGurirabStreet(MVAOfficeComplex),POBox5085, WalvisBay,Namibia

DiSClAiMer:NamibindependentispublishedbyHalfroundCommunicationsCC.Allrightsare reserved. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the informationcontainedwithin,no liabilitycanbeacceptedbythepublishersor contributors for any errors,misstatements or omissionswhichmay haveoccurred.Theopinionsexpressedinthepublicationarenotnecessarilythoseof the publishers. Also, the publishers accept no legal liability regardingcopyright ownership for material which was supplied directly to the publishers by any of the advertisers or contributors.

CONTACTUS

Think about this ...

A Heartfelt Farewell to Bradwin

Sharon Brooks

In 2012 the Namib Independent shared the story of Bradwin Visagie, who had been diagnosed with kidney disease and was in desperate need of a kidney transplant. We were informed by his family that, sadly, Bradwin lost his battle with the disease last week and passed away on Friday at the age of 14.

Bradwin never received the kidney transplant he so urgently needed. he had spent the past two years undergoing treatment for a wide range of illnesses, from kidney failure to enlargement of his liver. in addition, his heart became enlarged due to the seriousness of his condition.

Bradwin underwent surgery on his heart three weeks ago due to complications of his kidney disease. he was hospitalised again a few days later when he started to bleed. his was in and out of hospital for the next few weeks. on wednesday, while the boy was undergoing dialysis, his mother received a phone call with the news that his condition was worsening. his heart had stopped. he was immediately admitted into the iCu unit on wednesday, but unfortunately

he passed away on friday. Bradwin would have celebrated his fifteenth birthday on Tuesday.

It has been a long and difficult struggle for Bradwin and his family. we and the community would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the Visagie family during this difficult time.

TODAY, by the time the

AVERAGE CHILD

in a developed country

turns 8 years old, they‘ve

had more SUGAR in their lives

than the average person did in their

ENTIRE LIFETIME just one century ago.

Thursday, 26 February 2015 | 3 News

Continued from Page 1

Continued from Page 1

had informed the swakopmund municipality of their intended action: “Both the swakopmund police and municipality have acknowledged receiving the letters... This means that as far as swakopmund is concerned we are good to go.”

one of the organisers at swakopmund, Jacob sihera said they will submit their applications at Tamariskia hall and were expecting around 1,000 applications.

The coordinator of Ar in walvis Bay, knowledge ipinge, said all they want is land, “any land, even virgin land”. They would make plans to service the land themselves, if needed. he said they were not vexed

Riot Squads Ready to Control AR Activists

by reports that the riot squad would be out on in full force on friday.

“it is not illegal to apply for land,” ipinge said, adding that they had received applications from many people in places around the country who want erven at walvis Bay.

By highlighting the housing crisis and the failure of the government to drive down the costs of land and housing, the Ar group has tapped into a powerful current of public discontent, particularly among the urban poor.

The campaign he leads has however earned Amupanda some notoriety as the enfante terrible of the ruling swapo party, where his antics have widely been viewed as an attempt to undermine the authority

of the incoming administration led by president-elect dr hage geingob.

party insiders have raised concerns that Amupanda may be using the unresolved land question and housing crisis to settle political scores within the swapo party, following the defeat of SPYL’s preferred presidential candidate, Jerry ekandjo.

Amupanda and spYL secretary general, dr elijah ngurare, are now driving the movement of landless youth into a head-on confrontation with the newly elected geingob administration, say party observers. Job however denies it: “we don't have anything against the incoming president. These are lies by those

who want favours and positions from him. All we want is land.”

Although Amupanda has publicly declared his support for geingob, the tactics of the Ar group will no doubt present a challenge to the incoming administration. despite reported warnings from the secretary general of swapo, nangoloh mbumba, that youth league members who participate in the planned action on friday could face expulsion, Amupanda and his followers have vowed

to push ahead.political analysts have noted that if

the Ar movement should render the country ‘ungovernable’, as some have threatened to do, it would open the way for the military to step into the centre of power. if the country were to be made ‘ungovernable’, the authority of parliament and the democracy would be at stake, one analyst explained.

The real danger, he argued, is that if the newly elected administration cannot govern by consent, and if the police cannot maintain public order, the situation could deteriorate to the extent that it may lead to military intervention and at worst, to direct military rule.

deputy Chief of nampol in the erongo John mwatongwe said they were closely following developments around the planned action at the two coastal towns.

“we had a strategic meeting on Tuesday as to how to make sure that should the matter get out of hand, that we are strategically prepared. i can confirm that not only will we be present in both towns, we have also prepared our riot control group to be on hand.”

Photo credit Sacky Ipinge Thimotheus via Facebook

Erongo Red CEO Robert Kahimise

to trust. in stark contrast to only 24 months

ago, scheduled power outs no longer result in a hail storm of complaints, and are instead tolerated without acrimony primarily due to the fact that customer notification and preparedness is handled with aplomb.

Customers are notified via media and even sms well in advance. This coupled with the company’s commitment to meeting its own deadlines (or as close as) for switching power back on, has created a bank of goodwill and understanding from the community that was absent in the past.

faced however, with the reality that currently walvis Bay in particular (the business hub of the region) is woefully underserviced in terms of electricity demand and the company’s ability to generate enough mw to supply the ever-growing market requirement, kahimise is busy implementing significant capacity improvement projects of great proportions.

The upgrade to the town of walvis

Erongo Red Invests N$265 Million in Coastal Energy Security

WALVIS BAY: 064-203318SWAKOPMUND: 064-403418

Decoder + Dish +

Installation

Explora Decoder

N$ 2999*

N$ 1299*

FOR ALL YOURDSTV REQUIREMENTS,

PAYMENTS ANDINSTALLATIONS

Bay mainly consists of three phases.

The initial phase, already in the construction phase, is the new the implemetation of a new network of 132kv power lines from kuiseb substation to walvis Bay.

This first stage is expected to be completed around may/June 2015 which is critical in terms of time, as the winter months are obviously peak electricity consumption months, stressing the network.

The second phase is the finalisation of the ultra-modern, high tech 132/11kv walvis Bay substation to be located near kuisebmund Bridge.

This is followed closely by the final stage, namely the new is the 11kv walvis Bay intake substation.

The new walvis Bay intake substation project has been in development since 2013 and the building which is already completed is visible if one drives in the direction of the old Abattoir. The advanced technology unseen in Africa is currently being manufactured by ABB in Czech republic.

“The contract was awarded to the local subsidiary ABB namibia via Board approval. The design was based on very reliable equipment with a good footprint in sAdC, which is critical for support and maintenance,” he added.

swakopmund is also slotted in for a new substation, which will be based on the technological advances employed in the walvis Bay unit and will be capable of distributing up to 80mw.

kahimise added that it is evident that planned outages are unavoidable during the upgrade process. Customers would have noticed that erongo red is providing more detail in the power notification published in the press such as the namib independent, emails and bulk sms platform.

outages are planned carefully in consultation with nampower to ensure interruptions are minimum and of short duration. for the year 2015, two outages have already occurred and the next significant outages are expected to occur in may.

Kahimise added that the benefits of this project is more secure and reliable supply, with build in redundancy.

“The incredible growth in walvis Bay particularly calls for significant upgrades and a much more elegant and sophisticated systems that will enhance the operation, monitoring and control of the system. By completing our three phased infrastructural roll out, we are confident that we shall be in a position to meet the increased call electricity in our town and region,” concluded kahimise.

Seductively SizzlingSummer SpecialS

SAMSUNG TV SPECIAL AND BUNDLED SPECIALS

SAMSUNG APPLIANCE SPECIALS

UA48H6400 | N$ 13 499

ME9114W | N$ 1 199

RSA1DTMG | N$ 14 999

RL67VCPN | N$ 12 999RB31FWJNDSA | N$ 8 399

WA90H4400SS | N$ 3 499

SM-N900 | N$ 8 499

RB29FWRNDSA | N$ 7 599

WA13F5S2UWW | N$ 4 699

RSA1WTMG | N$ 12 999RH57H9050F | N$ 34 399

DW-FN320W | N$ 4 999

T2UA65H6400 | N$ 24 999 UA65HU9000 | N$ 56 999WAS N$ 14 799

WAS N$ 1 399

AMAZING VALUE!!! AMAZING VALUE!!!

- 48” SMART FHD LED TV, CMR400Hz- Smart Hub- Voice Control, Motion Control Ready - Built-in Wifi- Smart Touch Remote- 4 x HDMI, 3 x USB- 2 x 3D Glasses included

- 32L, 1000W- One Touch and Cook- Ceramic Enamel Electronic Control- LED Display, Child Lock- Healthy Cooking Eco (Power Saving Button)

- Side by Side, Frost Free 660L- Auto Water & Ice Dispenser- Mini Bar Beverage Station- Tempered Glass Shelves

- 710L Combi Bottom Fridge- A+ Energy Rating, Digital Inverter Compressor- Electronic controls, Twin Cooling System- Deli Bin- Frost Free Combi

- 400L Combi Bottom Fridge - NEW Design Water Dispenser- A+ Energy Rating, Digital Inverter Compressor- Frost Free with Multi Flow- Bar Handles, Reversible Doors

- Quad Core 1.9GHz Cortex A15 & 1.3GHz Cortex A7- Qualcom Snapdragon 800, Creative Sylus Pen- 32GB Internal Memory, (Micro SD up to 64GB)- 13MP Camera, Auto LED Flash, 2MP VGA- Android v 4.3 (Jelly Bean)

- 9kg Top Loader- Wobble Technology - Diamond Drum - Eco Drum Clean- Air-Turbo Drying - Less Noise & Vibration

- 360L Combi Bottom Fridge - NEW Design Water Dispenser- A+ Energy Rating, Digital Inverter Compressor- Frost Free with Multi Flow- Recessed Handles, - Reversible Doors

- No Frost- Multi-flow, - Refillable Water Dispenser with Brita Water Filter System - Digital Display- LED Lighting- Wine Rack- Tempered Glass Shelves

- 13kg Top Loader- Diamond Drum- Wobble Technology - Better Fabric Care - Seamless Design with Tempered Glass - LED Display

-12 Place Settings- Half Load (Upper/Lower)- A+ Energy Rating - Digital Display - Delay Start (24H) - Child Lock, Memory Function - One Touch Height Adjustable Top Basket- 3 Spray Arms

- World’s First Showcase Fridge 615L- A+ Energy Rating- Digital Inverter Compressor- Metal Cooling System - Auto Water & Ice Dispenser

- 65” LED Smart TV Series 6, FHD 3D- 3D Blu-Ray Player- 2 x 3D Blu-Ray movies - 2 x 3D Glasses- MX-H630 Mini Component System

- 65” UHD LED TV Series 9, 4K Display- 3D Blu-ray Player- 2 x 3D Blu-ray movies- 2 x 3D Glasses- MX-H630 Mini Component System

WAS N$ 5 099

WAS N$ 4 099WAS N$ 6 599

WW90H5410ES | N$ 7 999

WAS N$ 9 299

- Diamond Drum- Eco-Bubble Technology- 10yr Digital Inverter Motor- Smart Check, Stain Away, LED Display- Last Memory, Quick Wash

WAS N$ 9 399 WAS N$ 15 399WAS N$ 36 999

Only While StOckS laSt*Terms and Conditions Apply. Tel: 064 27 4840 | Fax: 064 27 4841 | Email: info@samsungnamibia.com

WAS N$ 8 999

WAS N$ 16 499

WAS N$ 15 399WAS N$ 4 099

Thursday, 26 February 2015 | 5 News

Used Vehicle Imports Increase at Namport

Donna Collins

A steep increase in the number of second-hand vehicles that are shipped to Walvis Bay has Namport firing on all cylinders to keep up with the motoring frenzy in the SADC region.

some 3 000 imported vehicles have already rolled ashore at the harbour town so far this year, a vast upswing from the 200 units per month recorded in 2011.

“six ro-ro (roll-on/roll-off) vessels have already off-loaded vehicles in the first two months of this year,” said Cliff shikuambi, namport public relations Assistant, in an interview this week. “The figure of used vehicles has nearly doubled that of last year.”

"in April of last year we recorded twelve ro-ro vessels calling on the port of walvis Bay, with off-loading figures of 1 718 used vehicles,” he said.

"The impressive number of pre-owned imports is almost twice that of used vehicles received per month in 2014, resulting in namport becoming a hive of activity for the import of second-hand as well as new vehicles,” said shikuambi.

he ascribed the peak in business to a number of factors such as more efficient off-loading systems at namport coupled with a growing demand for affordable used vehicles.

"These vehicles are making their way to southern Africa from Japan, America and europe. it ranges from sedans, bakkies, trucks and even larger units such as earthmoving equipment," he said, adding that requests from the industry indicate that a more formal

facility at namport is necessary to store these imports.The demand for affordable vehicles in namibia

means local import dealerships such as 'Jan Japan', with its headquarters in walvis Bay and several other branches inland are thriving. however, at least 70% of these second-hand imports head to Zambia, Zimbabwe and the drC, reaching their destinations by road on large vehicle carriers.

According to shikuambi the boost in numbers applies to new vehicles as well. importers of new cars gain more confidence in the services and facilities at Namport. Earlier this month a glistening fleet of thirty brand new renault trucks were in transit via namport, from where they were transported to ondjiva in southern Angola.

This consignment of trucks belonging to Angolan business f.A. Lumbamba general Transport & Construction was among 184 units off-loaded from ro-ro vessel genuine ACe.

The ro-ro system used at namport involves built-in ramps that allow cargo to be efficiently rolled on and off the vessel while portside. It leads to significantly shorter drop-off times especially for huge consignment batches totalling up to 2 000 units. This, coupled with the continual upgrading of systems and infrastructure, result in enhanced capability and capacity at the port.

"Namibia’s role as a gateway to the rest of SADC has become more prominent and has created more interest from both the region and international markets with more direct shipping calls to walvis Bay," shikuambi said.

"According to walvis Bay Corridor group (wBCg),

volumes along the walvis Bay Corridor have grown the past ten years from zero up to more than 700 000 tonnes per annum," he continued.

"it remains a fact that namibia together with the rest of the world faces an era where the relevance of maritime

transport in the efficient working of an economy can no longer be understated. The growing volumes of vehicles handled in the port of walvis Bay is proof that we are well on track to become the best performing world-class port in Africa.”

The volumes of second-hand and new vehicles imported at Namport are on the increase. Earlier this month these 30 brand new Renault trucks destined for

Angola were off-loaded at the port of Walvis Bay. (Photo contributed)

Thursday, 26 February 20156 | News

Pensioners’ Campaign Gains MomentumLana Groenewald

The national campaign to raise the old age pension to N$1 200 this year is gathering pace and the coastal community is leading the way.

The nationwide campaign, spearheaded by the Senior Citizens and Destitute Children’s Association (Ada /gui) aims to persuade the government to double the current pension of n$600 to no less than n$1 200 in the 2015 budget, due before the end of march.

A number of public meetings have been held over the past month at swakopmund, walvis Bay and uis and local communities are setting up their own committees to support the demand.

following a highly successful launch at Tamariskia hall in swakopmund at the end of January, a mass meeting was held at narraville primary school two weeks ago, where hundreds of pensioners and supporters turned up.

several leading organisers formed a pensioners support Committee at walvis Bay on friday 20 february to prepare for mass

action to back their demand. The walvis Bay pensioners committee is currently planning a follow-up meeting that is scheduled to take place at kuisebmond Community hall on 4 march (starting at 11h00).

Local support committees have also been set up at swakopmund and uis, with further meetings planned at omaruru, okahandja and windhoek in the coming weeks.

There seems to be widespread support for the pensioners’ demand. An online petition set up on monday gathered more than 2 300 signatures within the first 18 hours. The Facebook page dedicated to the campaign is called ‘petition to Raise the Pension to N$1 200 in 2015’ and is drawing support from all quarters of the community.

madi van wyk says decision-makers in the country must heed the cries of the elderly: “it is thanks to them that you’re sitting at the top, making decisions. They deserve that n$1 200 and more.”

Alberto van wyk says: “our elders are worth

it. That n$1 200 is nothing if you consider the way money is wasted nowadays. i am in favour of the increase for the pensioners.’

Tk-mc kandjala agrees: “in fact, it would not hurt to raise it to n$2 000,” she says.

“my mom struggles with the current pension. she gave most of her youth and years working towards the economy and raising her daughters to be empowered women, but now the government is not looking after her,” says another campaign supporter, shirley Brooks.

“Yes, they must get [the increase] because what they get now is nothing really,” says Toni Lange. some feel that the pension should be raised to at least n$2 000, given the high cost of living in namibia.

Junias Junia was more scathing in his criticism of government leaders: “it is time for our elders to also get something better, not only these old-minded politicians who pay themselves huge [amounts of] cash for sleeping in parliament.”

several people raised the concern though that an increase in the pension may result in a knock-

on increase in the rate of basic income tax, but the organisers of the campaign said they too are opposed to any increase in the income tax to fund the pension.

There are many areas of wasteful spending, such as unnecessary monuments, palaces, fleets of luxury vehicles for government officials as well as a bloated military budget, which can be trimmed to fund the pension increase, they said.

one of the campaign leaders, mr John isaaks (84) of swakopmund, said they will advise the government to place a 10 cent levy on every litre of alcohol sold, as well as on cigarettes, in order to fund the pension increase.

The organisers are planning a day of national prayer, with the main rally to be held at parliament gardens some time before the 2015 Budget is tabled in the national Assembly.

with around 120 000 pensioners throughout the country (about 5% of the population), the total cost of the pension would amount to n$144 million per month, or n$1.72 billion per year.

Remax Recognises Best RealtorSharon Brooks

Remax Walvis Bay has begun an initiative to award their best achieving realtors in each quarter with a prize. The first recipient of the award is Hasanein Saloom who received his accolade on Tuesday in recognition of his achievement of generating the most sales in the past quarter.

hasanein says that his success is due to

the great help of two people - Claudia Lofty-eaton and Yolanda van der westhuizen. he states that the award is motivation to keep up his hard work and continue to succeed.

remax decided to begin the initiative in order to reward their realtors for their efforts and to motivate them to continue offering the best service possible to remax clients.

hasanein began his career as a real estate agent a year and a half ago when he started working at remax. in the short time he

has been in the industry, he has excelled as an agent. he has already received three bank awards, including an award from standard Bank as the second runner up in the competition for Country real estate Agent of the year.

hasanein says the most rewarding part of his job is helping people find their dream home or investment property. he treats his clients as human beings making a big decision, regardless of the commission involved.

Harriet Beukes

The Namib Independent has recently been privy to a host of official documents that have been provided to local businesses as part of the recruitment process, all of which are not only fraudulent in content, but have been officially certified by NAMPOL on the coast.

one walvis Bay business told the paper that a wide range of fraudulent official documents that have been certified often accompany applications for positions which require specific skills, education and experience.

“This happens all the time,” said the hr manager of a well-known local security company, reaching for a few samples in her in-tray.

while “padding” a Cv is standard practice to make a candidate’s application stand out, it is of great concern that government documents, references and

most alarmingly, university credentials (including unAm), have all been certified by NAMPOL as copies of originals despite that fact that the documents have clearly been altered. in some instances, names have simply been “tipexed” out and handwritten over the blanked out space.

we spoke to the detective Chief inspector, mr. John mwatongwe of the walvis Bay police station and this is what he had to say:

“i do not expect police officers to lie, they undergo 6 months of training and after completion of their training they take an oath of office. We do not certify false documents, in terms of CV’s, we do not have any certainty about the authenticity because this is made by the person him/herself. however, to certify official documents one must be certain before you certify the copies, thus you need to have your original documents

present as well”.however, in regards to the

documents in the possession of the namib independent, it is abundantly clear that the correct procedure for certification was not followed. for example, one of the falsified sets of documents includes written references, an identity document and even a certified degree that all refer to mr., sir or he, when the actual applicant is a woman. no attempt was made to erase the references to a male and to replace these with she or her, which begs the question; how on earth were such documents certified at all?

The implications relating to these incidents could potentially have serious ramifications, especially in terms of the criminal fraternity. false documents including the likes of passports, id documents, firearm and drivers licenses and professional

NAMPOL “Certify” Fraudulent Documents

qualifications open the door to a host of unimaginable consequences. The implications of life giving professionals such as first responders, nurses and even doctors practicing without proper qualifications are self-evident, however this practice stretches as far as the certification of emergency travel documents or even cargo manifests. This opens the door to child smuggling using falsified travel documents and the “safe” importation of drugs and other serious contraband.

When the “certified” documents in question were physically presented to insp. mwatongwe he stated that under no circumstances would he have certified the copies as originals on account of the fact that they looked unprofessional for official documents. it must be noted that despite the obvious fraudulent nature of the copies, the inspector made no mention whatsoever to the fact that one set contained a

woman’s name, while all other references to the gender of the application (including unAm qualifications) all referred to a male.

he has urged the public, and in particular local businesses, to assist police in identifying such

documents as this is a serious matter, which needs to be addressed immediately.

insp. mwatongwe concluded by saying he will look into the case and approach the officer in charge of certifying these documents.

Thursday, 26 February 2015 | 7 News

Walvis Bay Airport Upgrades Taking Off

Lana Groenewald

All efforts are being made to ensure that NAC's airports meet world-class standards and are ICAO compliant, especially with the expansion of the Walvis Bay Airport, which will become a Namibian cargo logistical hub - and is progressing well with its massive milti-million dollar upgrades currently underway.

According to a recent statement released by Courage

silombela (Acting strategic executive: projects, iT & engineering services) the nAC is busy upgrading the airport's infrastructure starting with a n$202 million runway and apron, along with the upgrading of the terminal building costing nearly n$100 million.

"regarding the apron, we are still scrutinising the preliminary designs for comments before an approval is given, but the process is now at an advanced stage and we will soon be going out on tender for construction." said silombela who met with contractors this week.

The company will also work on the installation of a polymer boundary fence at a cost of n$ 48 million, to become the first of its kind in Namibia, and will be able to stand up to the coastal weather conditions.

"furthermore, we are also installing state of the art X-ray scanners and metal detectors at seven airports in the country, including walvis Bay, and that is a separate project from the upgrades," silombela continued, adding that the terminal building project is co-ordinating building and installation activities to prevent unwarranted delays.

one of the major activities is the installation of the fids (flight information display systems), which is envisaged to be completed by July 2015. "we look forward to the completion of these projects," silombela concluded. "our strategic goal is to have secure airports."

Expansions include the first stage of the freight handling facility directly opposite the existing apron. This will largely cater for the growing fish export industry, with warehouse facilities of approximately 1500 m². This is the first of many future phases that are planned to accommodate the expected increase in throughput of cargo.

Additional functions that will form part of this planned expansion are: airport or airline companies, car hire facilities, customs and police and baggage handling to mention a few.

it was said that when considering long-term development, the walvis Bay Airport stands out as a potential gateway. it is currently greatly under-developed, but with the proper expansion it can become a logistical hub, with ample capacity for freight handling and quick throughput. This will add immense economic value to the area.

BOOK YOUR ADVERT

Rita Potgieter081 150 5455Rita@namibindependent.com.na

VACANCIES

Bidvest Namibia is an equal opportunity employer. Remuneration packages are comenserate with qualifications and experience. Apply for this position online at: Register and upload your CV for alerts on future positions.

http://bidvestnamibia.pnet.com.na

Minimum Requirements...Ÿ A recognised Engineering qualification Ÿ 5-8 years relevant management experience within the Fishing IndustryŸ Knowledge of HACCAP standardsŸ Advanced Excel skills

Job Specification...Ÿ Hands on approach to Maintenance ManagementŸ Safety managementŸ Budget ManagementŸ Engineering Improvement Project Management

Manager: Cannery & MaintenanceUnited Fishing Enterprises (Pty) Limited

Location : Walvis Bay

Read more on the WebsiteClosing Date: 2 March 2015

United Fishing Enterprises (Pty) Limited, is active in the inshore small pelagic fishing industry with canning, fishmeal and fish oil processing facilities. Canned pilchards and other canned products, including beans are marketed under the Ocean Fresh and Ekunde labels. The company is looking for a suitably qualified Manager: Cannery & Maintenance to join its ranks as soon as possible.

Minimum Requirements...Ÿ Excellent communication skillsŸ Above average organisational skillsŸ At least 5 years' experience in the fieldŸ Grade 12

Job Specification...The desired person for the position is one who loves working with people, is eager to deliver results, is known for entrepreneurial thinking, and has a persuasive personality and excellent communication skills. Ÿ Managing key accountsŸ Building and maintaining strong customer relationsŸ Research and understand customers' markets, customer issues,

competition and opportunitiesŸ Growing the value of the company's' solutions to the customer

Key Accounts Supervisor Woker Freight Services (Pty) Ltd

Location : Walvis Bay

Read more on the WebsiteClosing Date: 9 March 2015

WFS is an equal opportunity employer with offices based in Walvis Bay. The Group is looking for a suitably qualified Key Accounts Supervisor to join its ranks as soon as possible. If you consistently pursue your goals, show initiative and are professional and pro-active at all times, then please see whether we can meet your expectations.

Etosha Fishing Corporation (Pty) Ltd is a Namibian owned company operating in the small pelagic sector. We specialize in quality value added fish products and take great pride in our use of world class operating practices. Through our employees, fleet of fishing vessels and land based processing facilities; we consistently aim to provide value to our clients, business partners and shareholders by being recognized for “excellence in food processing”. We are an equal opportunity employer and seek to employ an experienced and dynamic individual who can add value to our operations in the role of:

Closing Date: : 6 March 2015

Suitably qualified candidates who wish to apply must submit an application letter, detailed curriculum vitae including contact details of three business references as well as copies of qualifications on or before the closing date via email to sandima@etoshafish.com.na or hand-deliver to 1 Rikumbi Kandanga Road, Walvis Bay or by post to:

Human Resources OfficerP.O. Box 3Walvis BayNamibia

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.Suitably qualified candidates from designated groups as defined in the Affirmative Action

(Employment) Act, No. 29 of 1998 are encouraged to apply.

Duty Station: Walvis Bay, NamibiaReporting to: Logistics Co-ordinator

Key Performance Areas

SEASONAL FORKLIFT DRIVERS

Loading and offloading of productComplete equipment checklist before every shiftPerform ad hoc duties as required

Competencies

Education: Work Experience:

Language:

Communication:

Interpersonal Relations:

Personal Effectiveness:

Working Hours:

Grade 10, valid forklift and drivers licenceA minimum of 3 year experience as a forklift driver will be an advantageMust be literate in English & Afrikaans. Proficiency in Oshiwambo and any other local language will be an advantageThe ability to communicate, listen & understand written and spoken word clearly.Developing and maintaining constructive and supportive relations with colleagues and Supervisors. Must have sober habits and be medical fit.Accountability and dependability, adaptability and flexibility, ethics and integrity, results focus, self management, high self-motivation, work with minimum supervision.Must be able to work weekends and public holidays when required.

ElEctrician Haul truck MaintEnancE

auto ElEctrician Haul truck MaintEnancE

auto ElEctrician ancillary MaintEnancE

One of the world’s foremost emerging uranium companies, Swakop Uranium, is focused on developing and operating the world's third-largest known primary uranium deposit near the town of Swakopmund in Namibia. We need energetic, self-motivated and confident people to apply for our roles and we regard you as our “Employee of Choice”.

VacanciES

Location: Husab Mine, Swakopmund Reports to the Foreman Haul Truck Maintenance

Location: Husab Mine, Swakopmund Reports to the Foreman Haul Truck Maintenance

Location: Husab Mine, Swakopmund Reports to the Foreman Ancillary Maintenance

To perform skilled repair and maintenance work on earthmoving equipment / machinery at Swakop Uranium (SU) by applying practiced detailed technical knowledge and acquired skill of the Auto Electrical/Autotronic trade, according to set standards, procedures and OEM specifications within related SHERQ standards and guideline.

key Performance areas:• Performs planned and unplanned maintenance tasks within set time limits and to OEM/

Owner specifications• Ensure quality workmanship and maintenance improvements• Technical advisory to the supervisor and artisans• Advanced technical fault finding application on auto/electronic circuits • Maintenance compliance and improvement within OEM equipment specifications• Perform standby duties on regular basis• Pre –maintenance risk assessments to ensure safe work completion • Supports the Safety, Health and Environmental systems

requirements and experience:• Recognized Trade Diploma in relevant field with 4 technical theoretical subjects at N3 Level• Grade 12 passed • Post-apprenticeship experience: 5 years • Experience in cost control, maintenance planning and Analytical fault finding • Experience in SAP-PM related modules• Experience in mobile air conditioning, electronics and minor component repairs.• Previous maintenance experience on Komatsu AC/DC driven trucks will be a distinct

advantage • Driver’s License BE

Email: EngJobs@swakopuranium.com.na

To perform skilled repair and maintenance work on earthmoving equipment / machinery at Swakop Uranium (SU) by applying practiced detailed technical knowledge and acquired skill of the Auto Electrical/Autotronic trade, according to set standards, procedures and OEM specifications within related SHERQ standards and guideline.

key Performance areas:• Performs planned and unplanned maintenance tasks within set time limits and to OEM/

Owner specifications• Ensure quality workmanship and maintenance improvements• Technical advisory to the supervisor and artisans• Advanced technical fault finding application on auto/electronic circuits • Maintenance compliance and improvement within OEM equipment specifications• Perform standby duties on regular basis• Pre –maintenance risk assessments to ensure safe work completion

• Supports the Safety, Health and Environmental systems

requirements and experience:• Recognized Trade Diploma in relevant field with 4 technical theoretical subjects at N2 Level• Grade 12 passed • Post-apprenticeship experience: 5 years • Experience in cost control, maintenance planning and Analytical fault finding • Experience in SAP-PM related modules• Experience in mobile air conditioning, electronics and minor component repairs will be an

added advantage• Previous maintenance experience on Komatsu Ancillary equipment will be a distinct

advantage • Driver’s License BE.

tEcHnician MEcHanical Haul truck MaintEnancELocation: Husab Mine, Swakopmund

Reports to the Team Leader Haul Truck Maintenance To provide advanced technical support to the Haul truck mechanical maintenance function, to manage the technical aspects towards maximum equipment availability and optimum cost including adherence to SHERQ, job safety and good housekeeping standards.

key Performance areas:• Support a team of maintenance artisans and assistants to ensure that the technical aspects of

the Haul Truck maintenance function and associated safety procedures are fully and clearly understood and continuously applied and improved.

• Perform technical inspections and reviews of maintenance and repair of Haul trucks, prioritize, schedule, coordinate the technical aspects of the work assigned to staff to accomplish work correctly.

• Ensure quality workmanship and maintenance improvement training to artisans.• Perform advanced technical fault finding application and/or tasks on equipment.• Maintenance effectiveness through fault finding, risk assessments, routine and planned

technical maintenance/support audits and duties.• Performance Management & Coaching• Skill Development & Growth • Safety, Health, Environment & Quality Effectiveness

requirements and experience:• Grade 12 passed and minimum N5 certificate.• Recognized Trade Diploma with 4 technical theoretical subjects• Code C or CE Driver’s License• 7 years post apprenticeship experience• Technician related experience will be an added advantage• Experience on SAP – PM related modules• Experience in OEM electronic monitoring/fault finding systems (VIMS, ET, Mine care)• Previous maintenance experience on Diesel and/or Electrical driven haul trucks will be an

added advantage.

SErVicE Bay attEndantLocation: Swakopmund

Reports to the Team Leader Truck Maintenance

To attend to haul trucks and other equipment at the various service bays with fuel, lubricant and other liquid replenishments during all shifts of day inclusive assisting other personnel as trained to specific equipment requirements and within company SHERQ standards and guidelines.

key Performance areas:• Perform manual checks on trucks and equipment.• Fill up diesel, lubricants and coolants as identified and required.• Select correct oils and other products as required and available.• Select correct tools from the tool range and perform basic hand skills.• Take care of tools by keeping tools in area of responsibility in good condition and checking for

missing or misplacement of tools and equipment.• Team Work and Own Effectiveness• Safety, Health, Environment & Quality Effectiveness

requirements and experience:• SCE Grade 10 pass with proficiency in the English language with at least a E symbol.• Basic support experience as a General assistant in technical environment for at least 3 years.• Experience as a fuel dispenser/attendant will be an added benefit.

Through its commitment to its people, the company offers a competitive remuneration package and the opportunity to work alongside some of the most experienced and dedicated people in the industry. Interested persons should submit their CV and relevant supporting documents to psujobs.eng@cgnpc.com.cn OR on www.jobportunities.net website by 13 March 2015. Previously disadvantaged Namibians meeting the above criteria are encouraged to apply. Clearly indicate the position you are applying for as well as your name and surname in the subject line of your application email. Applications received that do not meet this criteria will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within two weeks of the closing date of this advertisement and no documents will be returned. Short-listed candidates must be willing to undergo pre-employment selection assessments.

For more information on the company, please visit www.swakopuranium.com

Passionately energise our World

To perform skilled repair and maintenance work on earthmoving equipment / machinery at Swakop Uranium (SU) by applying practiced detailed technical knowledge and acquired skill of the electrical trade, according to set standards, procedures and OEM specifications within related SHERQ standards and guidelines.

key Performance areas:• Perform skilled technical work within the parameters of the trade i.e. Electrical machinery,

mining equipment in accordance with set standards, procedures and OEM specifications.• Provides proactive advice and guidance on the effective repair and maintenance of

equipment and machinery• Technical advisory to the supervisor• Maintenance compliance and improvement within OEM equipment specifications• Continuous technical training assessment and recommendations• Pre –maintenance risk assessments to ensure safe work completion • Supports the Safety, Health & Environmental systems

requirements and experience:• Recognized Trade Diploma in relevant field (Electrical, Millwright) with 4 technical

theoretical subjects at N3 Level• Grade 12 passed • Post-apprenticeship experience: 5 years • Experience in cost control, maintenance planning and Analytical fault finding • Experience in SAP-PM related modules• Experience on Three Phase, MV, LV and Single Phase electrical applications will be added

advantage• Previous maintenance experience on Siemens AC/DC wheel motors and large alternators

will be a distinct advantage • Driver’s License code BE

Thursday, 26 February 2015 | 9

Swakopmund Uranium Mine Gears up for Full Production

News

Donna Collins

Juggling the monumental task of initial mining operations whilst constructing the final stages of the N$60-billion Swakop Uranium mine, a media visit to the Husab mine site this week revealed the current status of the mine, which is poised to become one of the biggest uranium mines in the world.

only the best technology, machines and infrastructure is being implemented on site, with cutting edge mining methods, high safety

standards and sprawling operation with all environmental considerations put into place over the 11 000 hectare expanse.

with already 4 600 people employed on site for construction of the mine, there has been a staggering 10 million man hours put in since 2013, as the process of piecing together the full mine infrastructure is going full steam ahead.

Already mining is underway from two open pits, with the first blasting done in March last year, where currently gigantic machines are hard at work removing deep sand beds before they reach rock. some impressive mining

equipment, which has been shipped via the port of walvis Bay, stand like giant structures. some are already put to work and are of the biggest in the world.

of particular interest is the komatsu 960e haul track which can carry up to 330 tonnes of rock, of which 15 have been assembled at the mine with a further eight making up the fleet of 23. They are joined by the monstrous 6060 Caterpillar shovel which has a dipper capacity of 60 ton, and drill rigs. All maintenance and mechanical repairs are done on site by trained technicians and all machines will receive daily

check- ups to keep them in perfect running order. The mine will use an astounding 8-million litres of diesel to run its machines.

everything is on target to complete construction operations by the end of this year, with the first million tonnes of uranium oxide mined for a test run to see if the plant operates efficiently and to process the ore. A date to go into full production is set for the first quarter of 2016, with an expected 150 million tonnes of material moved per annum, producing 15 million pounds of uranium oxide, better known as “Yellow Cake".

Currently 2 500 contractor employees are living in the husab village on site, which was a n$450 million capital and operating outlay to set up and run, comprising accommodation quarters, kitchen restaurants, a recreation hall plus offices. However, once the mine goes into production, the village which has been running for two years will be dismantled with exception to some of the offices. No one will then be living on the mine at all.

"The mine is going to have 1 200 full time employees who will be living in Arandis, walvis Bay and swakopmund, which will have a big impact on the property market as well as disposable income expenditure at coastal towns," said percy mcCallum, vice president human resources and Business swakop uranium.

he said that the company will train about 410 mining and processing operators by providing world class technical training, costing the company over n$150 million over a two year period. About 50 graduates for the 2015 intake with practical technical training from nimT will be employed to become experienced artisans and operators, all of which are namibians.

The construction and building of the mining operations infrastructure is continuing. This includes the erection of the biggest crushing plant in southern Africa together with a tailing storage facility, open pit crusher, water pipes, the leach plant, acid plant, the 2.6 kilometres conveyor belt system, to mention some, which is well on its way to completion by the end of this year.

Before construction activities started on the husab Project site, all protected flora and fauna that had the potential to be affected were relocated. other environmental considerations were also taken into account. some 20 welwitchia plants were re-planted but unfortunately only one survived. mammals and reptiles were taken to places of safety or released into the wild. A huge undertaking that is continually monitored is the dust and water pollution from the mining activities.

"The success of the husab mine rests with the employees and swakopmund uranium has put together a high performance culture programme, through which all employees are encouraged to lift their standards and performance to enable this mine to compete with the best in the world."

One of the world’s foremost emerging uranium companies, Swakop Uranium, is focused on developing and operating the world's third-largest known primary uranium deposit near the town of Swakopmund in Namibia. We need energetic, self-motivated and confident people to apply for our roles and we regard you as our “Employee of Choice”.

VACANCIES

QuAlIty OffICEr AdministrAtor officer (Processing)Location: Husab Mine, Swakopmund

Reports to the Manager: IMS-QLocation: Swakopmund

Reports to the Processing Manager Execute, direct, co-ordination and maintenance of comprehensive and integrated management IMS-Quality system to meet the business strategy of the Company. This is a support function margining IMS and Quality implementation and is assisting in continuous improvement, efficiency and effectiveness of the integrated management systems (IMS) and ensuring that all statutory and regulatory requirements are met.

Key Performance Areas:• Assist in creating, implementing, and managing company

quality control processes• Assist in contacting Quality Audits, Inspections, management

of program effectiveness and initiation of follow-up action • Analyzing business needs and areas for improvement in

Quality• Provide support for internal Quality processes and report on

quality assurance• Initial scrutiny of documentation to ensure that it meets basic

criteria• Liaise with Integrated Management System Representatives

for Quality integration• Own Professional development and growth.• Co-worker effectiveness in terms of professional relations.• Mine Safety, Health, Environmental, Radiation and Quality

effectiveness.

requirements and experience:• Diploma or similar qualification in Quality Management

Systems (QMS).• Solid knowledge in ISO 9001, 14001 and OHSAS 18001

management systems and standards.• Quality certificate• QMS internal auditing course certificate• Valid Code 08 driver’s license coupled.• 3 years’ experience in mining health, safety, environment and

quality.• 3 years’ experience in IMS or Quality preparation and

implementation.

email: recruitment@cgnpc.com.cn closing date: 7 march 2015

To assist in maintaining an efficient integrated data management system for Processing, in order to assist in the smooth running of the office of the Head of Department at Swakop Uranium (SU), by providing administrative, secretarial and clerical support to the Processing Management team.

Key Performance Areas:• Planning & Organizing effectiveness• Secretarial Duties• General Office and Administrative duties• Works effectively with others as part of a team• Safety, Health, Environmental, Radiation & Quality

Effectiveness

requirements and experience:• Grade 12 with Typing and Shorthand• Code B Driver’s License• Office Administrative Diploma or Secretarial Qualification will

be a distinct added advantage• 5 years general office administration experience • 2 years’ experience in drafting of contractual/confidential

documentation.

Through its commitment to its people, the company offers a competitive remuneration package and the opportunity to work alongside some of the most experienced and dedicated people in the industry. Interested persons should submit their CV and relevant supporting documents to psujobs.proc@cgnpc.com.cn OR on www.jobportunities.net website by 13 March 2015. Previously disadvantaged Namibians meeting the above criteria are encouraged to apply. Clearly indicate the position you are applying for as well as your name and surname in the subject line of your application email. Applications received that do not meet this criteria will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within two weeks of the closing date of this advertisement and no documents will be returned. Short-listed candidates must be willing to undergo pre-employment selection assessments.

For more information on the company, please visit www.swakopuranium.com

Passionately energise our World

There is no greater thing you can do with your life and your work than follow your passions in a way that serves the world and you...

Sir Richard Branson

Swakop Uranium is juggling the monumental task of initial mining operations whilst completing the final stages.

Thursday, 26 February 201510 | News

Assistant Laboratory Manager Required For World Class Laboratory In Swakopmund

Laboratory Manager Required For World Class Laboratory In Swakopmund

V A C A n C y

The assistant laboratory manager will be responsible for assisting in all aspects of managing a mine laboratory. Ensuring that quality and production requirements are met, as well as method development and validation. Warrant adherence to all quality and health and safety standards. Assist with shift management, human resource matters and training.

The laboratory manager will be responsible for the management of a team of shift chemists to ensure accurate and on-time delivery of results to production departments. He/she will be responsible to maintain the iso quality and the health and safety system. Method development and validation will be an essential part of the position. Ability to perform in a highly pressured environment is a definite requirement.

All Applicants Must Have At Least The Following:• Years of Experience: 7-10 years• Minimum Education: NQF 7 (Bachelor degree / National Higher Diploma in Chemistry or

equivalent

Skills Required: • Laboratory processing knowledge essential• Good knowledge of chemistry and laboratory practice in a mining environment,

preferably in uranium • Experience running and troubleshooting XRF, ICP and Auto-Titrator and other

Instrumentation• Good report writing and computer skills• Organisation of staff and optimisation of resources to ensure that deadlines are met• Analytical attention to detail and numeracy• Ability to do method development and method validation• Knowledge of health, safety and environmental requirements in the laboratory

Competencies For Success:• Professional, personable and service orientated, persuasive and articulate.• Ability to manage an efficient work force• Communicate clearly and reason logically• Strong problem solving skills • Ability to rapidly establish rapport and interact with others in a professional, patient and

confident manner• Self-Motivated and ability to work independently and be an integral team player• Conscientious – meets deadlines and displays attention to detail to ensure quality• Systematic and organized• Displays integrity and trustworthiness

Please email your curriculum vitae to careers@sethold.com. If you do not receive a response to your email within 7 days, your application has been unsuccessful and no further correspondence will be entered into.

All Applicants Must Have At Least The Following:• Years of Experience: 10 – 15 years• NQF 7 (Bachelor degree / National Higher Diploma in Chemistry or equivalent with a

Business Management Qualification

Skills Required: • Previous Laboratory Management experience essential (minimum 50 staff) • The ability to manage staff in a high pressurised environment is essential • Good knowledge of chemistry in a mining environment preferably in the Uranium Mining

Environment • Ability to perform method validation especially in XRF and ICP is a crucial requirement• Good report writing and computer skills• Analytical attention to detail and numeracy• Knowledge of health, safety and environmental requirements in the laboratory

Competencies For Success:• Professional and service orientated , displays integrity and trustworthiness • Ability to manage an efficient work force• Persuasive and articulate.• Strong problem solving skills • Ability to rapidly establish rapport and interact with others in a professional, patient and

confident manner• Motivates and empowers others to reach goals• Ability to handle stressful environment, meets deadlines • Conscientious, systematic and organized to ensure quality• Demonstrates broad-based view of actions and issues and understands the longer term

or wider implications• Critically evaluates ideas and creates imaginative approaches to work-related issues. • Able to see the “bigger picture” and to make calculated business risks

Please email your curriculum vitae to careers@sethold.com. If you do not receive a response to your email within 7 days, your application has been unsuccessful and no further correspondence will be entered into.

An Hour in Asia’s Largest Flower Market

‘Who could possibly need this many flowers?’ I kept wondering as I strolled through the narrow alleys that diverge at the epicentre of this mammoth and turbulent bazaar. Hindu festivals, wedding celebrations and holy days entail the presence of flowers and Indians are by nature delightfully colourful people - in their dress, their food and their art, yet the sheer size of this place is staggering, while the boiling, colliding force of capitalism mixed with religious tradition truly creates one of the most extraordinary scenes in Kolkata – Asia’s largest flower market will leave you gaping in awe within minutes, and boy, is it intoxicating!

Awestruck tourists find themselves in a world like no other. flowers are big business here, the daily turn-over exceeds n$400 000 with sales tripling during festival season and that means there is no time for courtesy; turtle-slow tourists, who rarely venture deep into the heart of the market, where, to me at least, the madness is irresistible, find themselves, if they lag momentarily, pushed, bumped and urged on, quickly discovering that no one but the locals can keep up with this place.

if long working hours are a source of complaint for you, than admire the flower traders; 2000 sellers open the market each morning at 4 am, when the largest crowds swarm, and close it at midnight, working throughout the year, especially during holidays. The smell of hundreds of different kinds of flowers in innumerable sizes, colours, and designs, the epic background hum of traders and hawkers and the narrow side streets that offer barely space for one, yet are filled with constant, chaotic movement sends your senses into overdrive. Large bright-orange flowers arranged on the dirt ground that turns to thick mud under your feet or pearl white orchids slung over potter’s backs and tiny bells of ocean blue bouncing about in hand-woven baskets or bags upon bags of blood red roses that the

athletic potters carry on their heads over thousands of buyers at startling speeds – the sight is addictive and surreal.

At least 125 years old, this market is filled with history. In 2008 a fire destroyed most of the vast marketplace, yet the resilient traders rebuilt and reopened the bazaar in no time. right above your head the magnificent steel cantilever bridge looms, build across the famous ganges, here known as the hoogly river in 1943 it is, rightfully, one of world’s largest bridges, and daily nearly a hundred thousand cars and one million pedestrians cross and congest this eight lane mega structure.

down below, the main road into the market has been claimed by the vendors and although more spacious than the rest of the market, one must always be alert. “what could possibly make a truck driver choose this insanely packed road?” i wondered as yet another cargo truck pushed its way through the crowd. “perhaps curiosity.” every 5 minutes or so the hooting, barely audible behind the salesmen ambience, would begin and people would scramble to the edges; tiptoeing above pearl white flowers displayed on the ground, i caught myself trying not to ruin the precious and pricey product, avoiding being hit by the truck and blocking late comers from stealing my hard earned spot in the jungle. with people pressed against one another (all laughs and smiles) sometimes three or four trucks follow each other in unison, meaning that you have to stand in your probably poorly-chosen awkward position until you lose all feeling in your legs and thighs.

not to be outdone, i greeted one of the drivers in Bengali - a local and ancient language i have been rapidly picking up - and in seconds i was sitting on top if his truck, above the madness and the petals, catching a breather from what for me was a curious hour’s visit, but for the local tradesmen it was just another day at work.

With Love, Lavrenty

COASTALOutstanding Agents. Outstanding Results.

Walvis Bay Office: Tel: 064 212 440 - Fax: 064 212 450 • Swakopmund Office: Tel: 064 464 033 - Fax: 064 464 116

CLAUDIA: 081 605 1984

• 205 residential units, each selling from N$ 610 000-00. Each with own plot & walking distance from the sea!

• 4 general residential plots, 1730m² – 2840m² from N$ 2 210 000-00 each.

• 4 business plots, 2192m² – 3829m² from N$ 3 195 000-00 each.

Don’t delay – book yours today!!

New sea view development on the road to Swakopmund. 5 minutes from the city centre.

COMING SOON

Thursday, 26 February 201512 | Lifestyle

LIFESTYLE

NQA Accredited Programme and Minimum Entry Requirement

Grade 12 with minimum 20 points, Mature Age Entry of 23 yrs and a pass selection

test, and Grade 10 Courses also available

1. Diploma in Accounting and Finance Management (Level 5)

2. Diploma in Accounting and Finance Management (Level 6)

3. Diploma in Business Management (Level 5)

4. Diploma in Business Management (Level 6)

5. Diploma in Human Resources Management (Level 5)

6. Diploma in Human Resources Management (Level 6)

7. Diploma in Information Technology (Level 5)

8. Diploma in Information Technology (Level 6)

9. Diploma in Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Management (Level 5)

10.Diploma in Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Management (Level 6)

11.Certifi cate in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Level 4)

12.Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Level 5)

13.Certifi cate in Telecommunication Systems (Level 4)

14.Diploma in Telecommunication Systems (Level 5)

15.Certifi cate in Electrical Installation (Level 4) (Grade 10 accepted)

16.Diploma in Electrical Installation (Level 5)

LATE STUDENT REGISTRATION JAN 2015Accredited by Namibia Qualifi cations Authority (NQA) - Ministry of Education

Monitronic Success College is fully accredited by the Namibia qualifi cation Authority (Ministry of Education) with the following

LATE REGISTRATION NOW IN PROGRESS

National Vocational Qualifi cations ( NTA Programmes)

Minimum Entry Requirement: Grade 10 or Mature Age entry of 21 yrs

17. Hospitality and Tourism Level 1 (grade 10)

18. Offi ce Administration Level 1 (grade 10)

APPLY NOW AS PLACES ARE FILLING UP FAST

WINDHOEK BRANCHNo. 4 Sauestrasse Windhoek North, WindhoekP O Box 40792 AusspannplatzWindhoekTe : +264 61 232652Cell: +264 812785053windhoek@monitroniccollege.com

OTJIWARONGO BRANCHErf 2235 Werf StreetTown SquareP O Box 1968OtjiwarongoTel : +264 67 304652otjiwarongo@monitroniccollege.com

WALVIS BAY BRANCHP. O. Box 4810Walvis Bay; No 98Erf 3107w; 6th street;Walvis bayTel: +264 64 220 023Cell: +264 81 671 6418walvisbay@monitroniccollege.com

ONDANGWA BRANCHChicco Building, Main Rd ,Tel: +264 65 240 468Cell: +264 81650 6453ondangwa@monitroniccollege.com

WE ARE OPEN ON SATURDAYS 8h30-13h00

Simply Bring your Highest EducationalQualifications, ID , Passport or Birth Certificate,2 Passport Photos, Late Application Fees N$300 and / OR Late Registration Fees N$1200.

Induction 12-13 February 2015Classes Starts 16 February 2015

Registration Procedure

•Complete Application Form•Submit it together with required documents and proof of payment N$250•Write and pass an easy Aptitude SelectionTest•Pay late Registration Fees N$1200•Get Acceptance Letter•Pay Deposit ( 1st Instalment) N$3500 or CashFees•Get an Admission Letter•Get a list training items required like stationery •Enroll in Class•Ready to start ( Induction)

Apply NOW to avoid disappointment!!!

N OT I C E

CLOSING DATE 28 FEBRUARY 2015

Transforming Careers…..Changing Lives….that is our mission!

The Loss of One Brings Hope to Many

Sharon Brooks

Most of us have experienced the loss of a loved one, but the unimaginable pain of losing a child probably ranks as the most devastating tragedy one can endure. We spoke to Claire Campbell, a former resident of Walvis Bay, who lost her daughter Sofia in a drowning accident in December last year.

Sofia loved animals. She would kiss any dog she encountered, and if she saw a picture of a kitty cat, her mommy had to say meow and rub her cheek against Sofia like a kitty cat does. She loved playing in the sand and getting as dirty as possible. Sofia was a lovable, energetic and independent little girl.

On 20 December last year, Sofia was just 2 years old and had celebrated her birthday a week earlier. Sofia and her father, nacho, were visiting a farm in Tulbagh, south Africa with some friends. On their first day, Nacho and Sofia decided to have an afternoon nap after lunch. While Nacho slept, Sofia woke up and slipped out of the room. she wandered over to a koi pond in the courtyard and fell in. A few minutes later, Janet, a friend of Nacho’s, went outside to feed the fish and discovered

Sofia floating on the water.Janet started screaming and nacho was at

her side in seconds. He pulled Sofia out of the water and began Cpr while his friend called an ambulance. The paramedics arrived and tried to resuscitate Sofia, but it was too late. Sofia was gone. Claire would later be told that it would only have taken 2 minutes for Sofia to lose consciousness and pass away.

Claire was busy cleaning the house when nacho phoned her; he was hysterical and was hardly making any sense. it was a few moments before Claire understood what he was saying “Sofia’s dead! Sofia’s dead!” From that moment, Claire’s world would never be the same. “I remember falling to the floor in shock and disbelief… i did not understand how my little girl could be gone. it felt as if somebody had ripped my heart out. it is so difficult to put that initial feeling into words…; the pain was indescribable.”

Nacho had taken Claire’s car to the farm, so she asked a friend to pick her up and take her to the hospital. They only arrived at the hospital at 10pm and were taken to see Sofia. “Seeing my beautiful little girl lying there, cold and full of tubes, was the worst moment of my life,” Claire says.

The next few days were a blur for her, paperwork and trips to the hospital coupled with the awful task of organising Sofia’s memorial service left her mind in tatters. most of the funeral homes were closed during the festive season and they had to endure rude and insensitive staff at numerous establishments until they finally found a funeral home that

treated them like family and took on many of the arrangements to make the process easier for Claire.

family and friends rallied around Claire, bringing her food, flowers, helping out around the house and just keeping her company. Claire says that she found the strength and motivation to survive the experience thanks to the amazing support she received, as well as the belief that Sofia was in heaven watching over her. She wanted to make Sofia proud of her mommy.

Claire’s advice to families that have lost a child is “let yourself grieve in your own way and do not let anybody dictate to you how you should mourn the loss of your child. Take time for yourself. do not feel that you have to cater to the whims and fancies of others. if you feel like closing the door and having a day to yourself, do just that. only you will know your limitations and boundaries.”

she also has some words of wisdom for anyone trying to help someone cope with the death of a child: “do not offer advice, do not use cliché’s and do NOT compare what that parent is going through to an experience of your own or that of a friend. Another huge no-no is to ask them to explain “exactly what happened” – quite a few people did that to me and i hated it and found it insensitive. my little girl drowned, what more do you need to know? Just be there for them. offer to do something like wash the dishes or take the dogs for a walk; it is far more helpful and comforting to a parent to have some of the responsibilities taken care of rather than to “entertain guests”.

Claire is a final year Speech-Language and Hearing Therapy student at the university of stellenbosch, but has put her studies on hold for now. she is concentrating her efforts on a charity she has founded in south Africa in memory of Sofia and to prevent such a tragedy from befalling another family. The Starfish for Sofia charity aims to teach as many children as possible how to survive when they fall into the water by sponsoring swimming lessons to underprivileged children under the age of three. If you would like to find out more about Starfish for Sofia or would like to give a donation, please visit www.starfishforsofia.co.za

Thursday, 26 February 2015 | 13 News

Namib Independent Joins John Oliver's call

Lavrenty Repin

This week, one of the most watched, spoken about and YouTubed liberal talk shows, “Last Week Tonight” handed a much deserved middle finger salute to Big Tobacco companies on behalf a contingent of developing countries whose governments are being bullied by threats of legal action for wanting to implement legislation. This legislation is designed to curb the national addiction rates and reduce the serious health related diseases caused by smoking. The “groot zap” was specifically targeted to British American Tobacco on behalf of the Namibian government who

continually find themselves on the receiving end of the bully tactics.

show host John oliver opened a can of worms when he attacked Big Tobacco companies on their unethical and unrelenting persecution of developing countries which are simply trying inform the public on the potential dangers of smoking by implementing plain packaging legislation.

indeed, these countries, namibia included, which put their population’s health above the needs of greedy corporations, are now facing the threat of costly battles they are unprepared for. As mentioned in John Oliver’s fantastic 20 minute segment, countries such as uruguay, Togo and namibia face the daunting prospect of expensive legal action from companies like British American Tobacco (kent,

dunhill, pall mall, Lucky strike) and philip morris international (Marlboro, Chesterfield.)

Repercussionswhat these nations all have in common is a small, disadvantaged population, a gdp a fraction of what Big Tobacco makes annually, progressive governments keen on curbing outdated tobacco packaging and advertisement laws and an erroneous letter they received warning governments of the costly repercussions if such laws are to be implemented. According to oliver, one such letter actually cited a transcript from an Australian court decision completely out of context to give the impression that Big Tobacco won the case when actually the judges called their case “delusive,” “synthetic” and “unreal”.

smoking rates in the us, thanks to strict laws and honest information, have dropped from 43% in 1965 to 18% today; despite this tobacco companies have only seen a rise in profits. The primary reason for the continued reduction of smokers in the us due to the implementation of the very same public education advertising campaigns and strict packaging requirements that Namibia’s progressive Minister of health, richard kamwe, is trying to implement for the health of our populous.

ProfitsKey to the increase in the profits of these giants is the soaring demand in Third world countries thanks to aggressive advertising and lobbying – the antithesis of what is permitted and accepted in the us. Today, Big

Tobacco is actively working to protect their grim interests, and have now sued uruguay for $25 million for requiring health warnings on its packaging, and harassed the country of Togo, one of the poorest nations in the world. Togo had put written health warnings on cigarette packets, futile in a country where 40% of the population is illiterate. when Togo took the decision to display photos of the physical damage which are caused by cigarettes, Big Tobacco threatened them to the point that they removed the warnings entirely.

Lawsuitsso namibia needs to tread carefully lest they upset the beast. namibian minister of health, richard kamwi, inundated with “stacks” of lawsuits and letters from tobacco companies, famously said last year “we have decided to put our foot down, if they want to go to court, we will see them there.”

This may be a risky approach considering the size of the pockets of the respective combatants but in a country faced daily with social challenges such as joblessness, poverty, alcohol and drug addiction and diseases such as TB (ironic?) and hiv of epidemic proportions, our already embattled ministry of health is faced with a constitutional and moral obligation to address all health problems, but in particular issues of substance abuse such as alcohol and cigarettes.

The frank truth is that, because we have a common-sense government that wants to set laws for the betterment of our nation, we may now be pulled into costly and lengthy lawsuits against big money tobacco whose moral standing and reputation have long been questioned by right thinking people in every corner of the globe.

When the ‘no smoking in public’ law was passed in namibia last year, after years of bureaucratic setbacks, British American Tobacco issued a warning, (ironically on world no Tobacco day), to namibia and other African countries planning to increase taxes on cigarette sales. The warning highlighted that any increase in tax (for the good of the nation’s health?) may result in “unintended consequences” such as “a dramatic increase in the incidence of illicit trade in countries with higher excise rates on tobacco products, many of which are struggling to curb the problem despite concerted efforts from law enforcement authorities”.

CounterfeitA common Big Tobacco strategy for intimidating developing countries, since cheaper and often sub-standard smuggled, counterfeit or tax-evaded cigarettes pose a legitimate health threat (much like all cigarettes really), economical losses and a direct security threat, British American Tobacco urges developing governments to keep their reliable tobacco cheap and ensure people are not at risk of smoking potentially harmful counterfeit products. what they are not telling us, of course, is that a us court order publicised in 2000 that the same company knowingly supplies cigarettes that are ‘likely to end up on the black market’ and actively works at manipulating and facilitating illegal market trade.

namibia, with just two million people, might account for a stupendously small percentage of Big Tobacco’s profit, but keeping the product cheap here may help black marketers to illegally infiltrate markets elsewhere. It may also possibly provide leverage to tobacco wolves to keep debate alive, to pressure other governments and to prevent a domino effect that may spread to other Third world countries eager to follow in the bold footsteps of namibia.

There is something unsettling, indeed profoundly immoral, when so much global focus, time and money is directed towards multi-billion dollar corporations, who make a living from the trade of what many experts believe to be one the world’s most dangerous legal substances.

Personal FreedomsBig Tobacco makes claims that this issue is about personal freedoms and property rights, but it is an unequivocal fact that the goal of Big Tobacco (as with any corporate entity) is to at all costs increase the shareholder value of the company - at all costs! Taking this into account, the education of the consumer to the proven health risks of the consumption of its products is naturally not in the interest of Big Tobacco.

JeffwecanThankfully, there are those out there who actively work on informing the public, and with all due credit to John oliver, he has created a new icon “Jeff the diseased Lung” – a cartoonish parody of the infamous marlboro Cowboy. John points out that smoking related diseases claimed the lives of at least four marlboro cowboy actors. According to oliver, Jeff is an honest, more apt representation of what the use of tobacco embodies. A lung covered in ugly scabs, dressed in a cowboy outfit, bags of sagging skin under yellow lifeless eyes and a thunderous cough bellowing though rising white smoke is exactly what unscrupulous money-making machines of the Big Tobacco industry really stand for. The namib independent echoes the call made by John oliver as we call on namibians to make Jeff a symbol of a nation’s defiance in the face of corporate bullies and, to share his image, to promote the kind of aware ness that no law-suit can prevent. JeffWeCan! Join us today, find us on facebook JeffweCannamibia.

Wold Renowned Talk Show Host Gives ‘Finger’ to Big Tobacco on behalf of Namibia

POST YOUR news, views & comments on our

FACEBOOK PAGE

Thursday, 26 February 201514 | Worldwide

WorldWIde

In 2014, 1,215 rhinos were killed in South Africa for their horns. An estimated 30,000 African elephants were slaughtered last year. The world loses three rhinos a day and an elephant every 15 minutes. Simply stated, this is an unsustainable situation.

Our team at the University of Maryland’s Institute for Advanced Computer studies has created a multifaceted approach to combat poaching. we devise analytical models of how animals, poachers, and rangers move by combining high resolution satellite imagery with loads of data—everything from moon phases, to weather, to previous poaching locations, to info from rhinos’ satellite trackers—and then applying our own algorithms. we can predict with 90% certainty where the rhinos are likely to be and where poachers are prone to strike, so we can get smart about where to deploy rangers to protect animals and thwart poachers.

The real game changer is our use of unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, which we have been flying in Africa since may 2013. we have found that drones, combined with established technology tools, can greatly reduce poaching in areas where rangers on the ground are ready

to use our data.We do not have to find poachers, we just need to know

where the rhinos are likely to be.On our first UAV flight in South Africa, the UAV

immediately found a female rhino and her calf; they were within 30 meters of a major road. we decided to circle the drone over the rhinos, and within minutes a vehicle stopped at the park’s fence. Three individuals exited the car and began to climb the fence. rangers had been pre-deployed to the area; they arrested the three poachers in less than three minutes. This episode has been repeated dozens of times.

The most important finding is that in areas where our solutions package has been implemented, poaching stops within five to seven days. We are flying in a challenging area in southern Africa, and over the past 90 days, there has not been a single poaching incident. four months ago, this region was losing several rhinos a week.

The bad news is that the poachers are moving to other regions. To really address the challenges of poaching, all the nations in southern Africa should test our system in their critically endangered areas.

http://www.slate.com/

Drones Help Rangers Fight Poachers

World famous physicist Stephen Hawking says humankind should colonise other planets to ensure the future of the species. He claimed armed aggression could end civilization and that space travel would provide somewhere to go.

While taking an American visitor on tour of London’s science museum, the physicist said colonising other planets could be “life insurance” for whatever embattled remnants of the human race still existed following a nuclear apocalypse.

“sending humans to the moon changed the future of the human race in ways that we do not yet understand,” he said.

“it has not solved any of our immediate problems on planet earth, but it has given us new perspectives on them and caused us to look both outward and inward.”

“i believe that the long term future of the human race must be space and that it represents an important life insurance for our future survival, as it could prevent the disappearance of humanity by colonising other planets,” he added.

hawking also said, were it possible, he would eradicate aggression from the list of human shortcomings, saying it had the capacity to end humanity.

“The human failing i would most like to correct is

‘Colonise Planets to Save the Human Race’ – Professor Stephen Hawking

aggression. it may have had survival advantage in caveman days, to get more food, territory or a partner with whom to reproduce, but now it threatens to destroy us all.”

“A major nuclear war would be the end of civilization, and maybe the end of the human race.”

when asked which human facets he valued the most, he said “empathy.”

“The quality i would most like to magnify is empathy. it brings us together in a peaceful, loving state,” hawking said.

http://www.rt.com/

Nepal is improving its weather forecasting, stepping up security and promising swift rescues if needed during the upcoming climbing season on Everest in an attempt to recover from the worst mountaineering disaster on the world's highest peak last year.

fees for individual climbers will also be cut to lure back climbers after last year's season was abandoned due to grief and safety concerns following an avalanche near base camp last April that killed 16 local guides.

for the three-month climbing season that begins in march, the government will ensure safer conditions for both international climbers and Nepalese guides and will set up a camp for officials at base camp, the chief of nepal's mountaineering department puspa raj katuwal said.

"we are working on plans to improve the conditions on the mountain this year. We are setting up a full-time office tent at the base camp which will have our officials throughout the climbing season," Mr Katuwal said.

Bid to Improve Climbing Conditions

Up there in the ranks of dinosaur bones and Renaissance art comes the star of our daily cabinet of curiosities (#AMH). And no, it is not a petrified mummy or a two-headed anomaly, but rather, something more relevant and clever.

in a move that will likely one day see future generations looking back and gasping in horror, iceland has taken its last McDonald’s meal ever sold and placed it on display at a bus hostel in reykjavik.

iceland joined the movement of countries saying ‘farewell‘ to the multi-national fast-food chain back in 2009, after low sales and expensive importing fees caused McD’s to pull out of business for good.

The final day that McDonald’s was open in iceland was october 31, 2009, and on that day a man named hjortur smarason purchased a meal as a souvenir. smarason had no intention of actually eating it, but wanted to hang onto it out of curiosity and because he saw it as a “piece of history.”

Iceland Did Something Epically Clever With the Last McDonald’s Meal They Ever Sold

At its new home at the Bus hostel in reykjavik, the burger and fries sit on display in front of a webcam, where people all over the world can watch in morbid curiosity.

so far, the meal on display has lived up to its “franken-food”

reputation, showing not the slightest sign of decomposition and indubitably further sealing the deal on iceland`s departure from the mega-chain.http://www.collective-evolution.

com/

That would allow the officials to quickly respond to any problem on the 8,850m (29,035ft) mountain. They would also provide security, settle disputes among climbers and monitor the activities of the hundreds of climbers and guides at the base camp.

The nepalese government has been criticised for not having a presence at the base camp and doing too little despite earning millions in permit fees.

The national weather service will provide forecasts for everest for the officials to release at the base camp. The officials will also monitor the amount of garbage taken by climbers down the mountain. Left-behind rubbish has become a problem in recent years.

Mr Katuwal said he was confident that climbers would return to Everest, especially because of the slashed permit fees, which will cost 11,000 us dollars (£7,173) per climber this year for permission to climb everest, down from 25,000 dollars (£16,300).

The moves come after one major expedition company announced that it was ceasing operations on everest's southern side, which is in nepal, and shifting to the northern face, in China.

Adrian Ballinger, of California-based Alpenglow expeditions, said their decision was based on concerns and fear of the dangers on the treacherous khumbu icefall section of the climb, where the avalanche last year hit sherpa guides who were hauling gear between camps.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/

Thursday, 26 February 2015 | 15

MoTorINGMotoring

Donna Collins

The Desert Raceway Oval track in Walvis Bay is the place to be if you want loads of action this coming Saturday, 28 February, when the first round of the National Championships kick starts the 2015 dirt oval track calendar, with new and old faces in the mix pulling out all the stops.

The first ever dirt go-kart racing will also be introduced to the programme, with lots of young talent testing their racing talents. Another highlight will be an old wheelers display, but some not-to-be-missed action is when the swakopmund desert spinners, led by Jody greyton and rudi van der westhuizen, show off their skills.

These fearless guys will be joined by other privateers and their cars to get the adrenalin pumping during the programme, as they perform some super stunts and nail biting antics as never seen before. spinning is a form of motorsport which has recently been introduced and is becoming a huge crowd favourite.

The racers to beat are the reigning champions in the various categories: Joshua Amos (Quad Bikes), frank stein (v8 Class) and michal Behnke (8-valve). newcomer dirkie Baard is expected to turn up the heat in his Lexus v8 Bitzer car. some visitors from otjiwarongo will make their appearance, including frans Cronje, werner Brandt, Johan Botes, Jors scholtz and Leon Bruwer from windhoek.

Another name from the capital is hugo Arangies who is competing in the quad bike category. he will be competing against quad bikers from swakopmund wiehan kohne, max robberts and kein

herbst along with walvis riders fernando Coreia and Joshua Amos.

some of the local guys to watch out for on the day are rudi van der westhuizen with his Lexus v8, Johan roodt and Johnny doeseb with their Chevy v8s in a Bitzer car, dyllan roodt with his rotary engine, durand oosthuizen as well as morne and father Andre oosthuizen from swakopmund.

organisers from the desert raceway say they are excited to kick off the year with this fun filled event and invite the public to come and enjoy the day at the track. "Last year we had some great events and the crowd just keeps growing so we expect a good turnout on saturday," a spokesperson said, adding that motorsport at the coast is growing thanks to everyone who has supported them.

"we have 10 – 12 events planned for the year, with the biggest one being held on 26 and 27thJune, when we have invited south African drivers to join our walvis Bay entries for two days of non-stop action and mega entertainment.

entry fees will be n$40 for adults and n$20 for children. food, drinks and braai facilities will also be available. A beer tent as well as live entertainment will add to the festive atmosphere. The desert raceway Track is situated approximately 7 kilometres outside walvis Bay on the dune 7 road at the turn off to rooibank.

The gates will open at 14h00 when early birds can catch some vigorous practise rounds, a driver’s parade at 17h00, followed by the various classes of oval machines providing spectators with first class action from the racing cars from 18h15 till late. Be there!

Dirt Ovals Ready to Blast Off This Saturday