namib independent issue 187

12
Hotel Reservation T +264-64-411-4308 Silver Conference Day Package From Per person sharing Valid until 31.12.15 Terms and conditions apply strandhotelswakopmund.com Plan your next Conference or Meeting at the Strand Hotel Continued on Page 3 Desert Raceway Drama Unfolds over club ovals Man found dead at Swakop railway station We should share our knowledge and leave personal vendettas, jealousy and gossiping behind John Ekongo (Corporate Communications Practitioner MTC) lead sponsors of the NAMAS (Photo Donna Collins) Independent Namib FREE Issue 187 - Thurs, 03 Mar 2016 to Wed, 09 Mar 2016 Like a newspaper, only better! Ms Hilly Shamulele emphasised the fact that women need to empower one another, especially in the rural areas Tel: 064 200497 Diamond Arrow Winner Best Community Newspaper 2014 "Because it is an all Namibian talent show, we want to give back to the music industry across the country, and offer the opportunity to others to host this event, providing they meet the requirements." See Page 3 See Page 5 MUNKELWITZ JUNIOR OFF TO HOTEL SCHOOL IN GERMANY See Page 8 Co-owners of the first class Desert Raceway Oval Track in Walvis Bay, Johnny Doaseb and Johan Roodt of the Desert Raceway Oval Club, are hosting the first club event at the track on Saturday which has caused a ruction with other clubs. (Donna Collins) Donna Collins New club rules implemented at the Desert Raceway Oval Track this year, have left certain competitors from the Walvis Bay Motor Club feeling disgruntled and excluded, after they were not permitted or invited to compete in this Saturday's first oval track club event of the season. With some of the top names in motorsport being omitted from the line-up including amongst others reigning Namibian Oval Track Champion Allan Martin as well as chairperson of the WBMC Jan Everson, the atmosphere between clubs is getting heated. 'We don’t have a venue of our own to compete, and it was with the understanding to all of us that the Desert Raceway track was built to make everyone in motorsport welcome," said a disgruntled WBMC competitor, saying that this year only members of the Desert Raceway Marshallino Beukes The lifeless body of a 38-year-old man, identified as Jacobus Boois, was found at the Swakopmund train station on Tuesday morning and had Swakopmunders in a buzz over what the actual cause of his death was. The deceased apparently boarded the train on Monday night in Windhoek, on his way from Rehoboth to the coast, as he was employed at Swakop Uranium’s Husab Mine. According to a police spokesperson, the train attendant noted that the man did not complain of any discomfort during the ride and appeared to be sleeping. The man supposedly got off the train, on arrival at the Swakopmund railway station, where after his body was later on found on the station’s premises. Bystanders apparently detected the man lying down and, on closer observation, discovered that he was dead. They immediately alerted the police and emergency services. The man’s body was discovered at around 07:30 and police investigations are ongoing. The cause of death is still unknown and his next of kin were informed.

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Page 1: Namib Independent Issue 187

Hotel ReservationT +264-64-411-4308

Silver Conference Day Package From

Per person sharingValid until 31.12.15Terms and conditions apply

strandhotelswakopmund.com

Plan your next Conference or Meeting at the Strand Hotel

Continued on Page 3

Desert Raceway Drama Unfolds over club ovals

Man found dead at Swakop railway station

We should share our knowledge and leave personal vendettas, jealousy and gossiping behind

John Ekongo (Corporate Communications Practitioner MTC) lead sponsors of the NAMAS (Photo Donna Collins)

IndependentNamib

FREE

Issue 187 - Thurs, 03 Mar 2016 to Wed, 09 Mar 2016Like a newspaper, only better!

Ms Hilly Shamulele emphasised the fact that women need to empower one another, especially in the rural areas

Tel: 064 200497

Diamond Arrow WinnerBest Community Newspaper

2014

"Because it is an all Namibian talent show, we want to give back to the music industry across the country, and offer the opportunity to others to host this event, providing they meet the requirements."

See Page 3 See Page 5

Munkelwitz Junior off to Hotel ScHool in GerMany See Page 8

Co-owners of the first class Desert Raceway Oval Track in Walvis Bay, Johnny Doaseb and Johan Roodt of the Desert Raceway Oval Club, are hosting the first club event at the track on Saturday which has caused a ruction with other clubs. (Donna Collins)

Donna Collins

New club rules implemented at the Desert Raceway Oval Track this year, have left certain competitors from the Walvis Bay Motor Club feeling disgruntled and

excluded, after they were not permitted or invited to compete in this Saturday's first oval track club event of the season.

With some of the top names in motorsport being omitted from the line-up including

amongst others reigning Namibian Oval Track Champion Allan Martin as well as chairperson of the WBMC Jan Everson, the atmosphere between clubs is getting heated.

'We don’t have a venue of our own to compete, and it was with the understanding to all of us that the Desert Raceway track was built to make everyone in motorsport welcome," said a disgruntled WBMC competitor, saying that this year only members of the Desert Raceway

Marshallino Beukes

The lifeless body of a 38-year-old man, identified as Jacobus Boois, was found at the Swakopmund train station on Tuesday morning and had Swakopmunders in a buzz over what the actual cause of his death was.

The deceased apparently boarded the train on Monday night in Windhoek, on his way from Rehoboth to the coast, as he was employed at Swakop Uranium’s Husab Mine.

According to a police spokesperson, the train attendant noted that the man did

not complain of any discomfort during the ride and appeared to be sleeping. The man supposedly got off the train, on arrival at the Swakopmund railway station, where after his body was later on found on the station’s premises. Bystanders apparently detected the man lying down and, on closer observation, discovered that he was dead. They immediately alerted the police and emergency services. The man’s body was discovered at around 07:30 and police investigations are ongoing. The cause of death is still unknown and his next of kin were informed.

Page 2: Namib Independent Issue 187

Thursday, 03 March 20162 news

Tel (+264 64) 200 497 Email [email protected]

Sales Gareth Amos 081 129 2157 [email protected]

Rita Potgieter 081 150 5455 [email protected]

Editorial Marshallino Beukes 085 129 2158 [email protected]

Design Maggie’s Attic Graphic Design [email protected] 081 129 2158

Address 127TheoBenGurirabStreet(MVAOfficeComplex), PO Box 5085, Walvis Bay, Namibia

DiSClAiMER:Namib independent is published by Halfround Communications CC. All rights are reserved. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within, no liability can be accepted by the publishers or contributors for any errors, misstatements or omissions which may have occurred. The opinions expressed in the publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Also, the publishers accept no legal liability regarding copyright ownership for material which was supplied directly to the publishers by any of the advertisers or contributors.

Contact Us

Your Logistics Partner in NamibiaYour Logistics Partner in NamibiaProviding you an integrated approach to supply chain management, including vessel agency and husbandry services, international freight forwarding, customs brokerage and warehousing.

Corner of 2nd Street East & John Newman Syncrolift Industrial Area P O Box 4407, Walvis Bay, Republic of Namibia

Telephone: +264 64 276600 | Fax: +264 64 276601 / 602Email: [email protected]

Website: www.Lssnamibia.comMasterminding Innovative Supply Chain Solutions

The return of the ice cream vendor!

Donna Collins

The familiar sound of a bicycle bell tinkling down the street, for some people takes them back to days gone by, when ice cream carts did their rounds ringing in the arrival of your favourite tasty treats.

It's a sound that brings excitement to the neighbourhood during the lull of a weekend, when families rush out of their front doors to flag down a passing ice cream vendor, who has trudged uphill and across town to bring you this one of a kind service.

But the recent revival of the ice cream vendor in Swakopmund, brought back by the Ola range of ice cream products, has brought with it a sense of nostalgia and increased neighbourhood support.

Dressed in bright red uniforms, the Ola team of cycling vendors, set out on their routes each weekend, as they go from street to street - much like it was in the good old days. They have become a welcome addition to suburban life, and a huge hit with the kids.

The Namib Independent met two young vendors last Saturday doing their rounds. They are Mondesa boys Frankie and Oscar who are SSS Grade 12 learners looking to make extra pocket money over weekends and school holidays.

Both of them are being raised by single parents, and the money they earn from sales commission is for their "needs and wants", as they put it, and

to also help put bread on the table.It's a long day in the saddle of a bicycle

for these boys who are part of a team of six that Ola have employed in Swakopmund to do their weekend run. They started last year already, and inspired by ambitions to succeed in life, they tell you that hard work is the key to success.

"You have to stay fit, because the loaded cooler box is quite heavy and we cycle many kilometres in a day," they said, mentioning that one of them wants to join the army when he leaves school, and the other aims to become a lawyer.

"We don't mind giving up our spare time, because we are earning money and gaining experience in the job market, which will stand us in good stead.

"And besides more young learners should take on part time jobs to keep them off the streets and become more responsible."

It is the Taeuber & Corssen group, a leading distributer of consumer goods Namibia that includes the Ola ice cream product range, which has established a small depot in Swakopmund. Here teams of cycling vendors are dispatched each weekend with a full load of favourite ice cream products.

Mondesa boys Frankie and Oscar have become familiar Ola ice cream vendors around town. (Photo Donna Collins)

Walvis Bay Flea Market a winner

Contributed

What an awesome first Flea Market that was held last Sunday in the newly renovated Lagoon Park. Finally we have our very own ‘Art in the Park’ Flea Market right in the heart of Walvis Bay.

With a park the size of the Lagoon

Park needing maintenance and care, the initiative of a quality market was born. With much happening during weekends and the aim of the market being for families to join for a picnic and children to enjoy the playground, what better date than having this on a Sunday late morning for a few hours?

With a mix of fresh goods and food

stalls, arts and crafts, live music (next time we will ensure there is an electricity point) and stunning weather, the market was surely enjoyed by all visitors.

It was indeed a lovely turnout from the community, who came to support this initiative and according to the buzz during the day, the vendors were also very happy with the turnout, having made enormous effort with their stand and goods.

As with any successful event, opportunities are seen and rest assured, the next market will be even bigger and better! Remember to bring along your picnic blanket and umbrella and enjoy the morning with us.

If you weren’t there, you missed out! Make sure to diarise the remaining dates (last Sunday of every 2nd month) from 10am – 2pm on:

24 April (Mother's Day), 26 June (Christmas in June), 28 August (Sunny Spring), 30 October (Walvis Classics) and 27 November (Christmas Market)

Profit of the market is collected to pay off existing structures and implement future planned upgrades for the park. For additional information, please contact the organisers.

Page 3: Namib Independent Issue 187

3 Thursday, 03 March 2016 news

Continued from Page 1

Technology versus Fishermen

Drama Unfolds Swakop will not host The NAMAS this yearMotorsport Club may compete in the club

events leaving everyone else out. "We don't need people to tell us that we

cannot take part on their track, so why build it in the first place," he urged. "I pay to use the facility when I race, it's like a business, we want to support their track, but there are more issues now than ever before and they are closing the doors in our face."

"We feel disappointed as WBMC members, since we have all been there from the start, and now that the facility is built up and going well, we are informed that we may only take part in the three national events this year, " said Everson, adding. "But it is their facility so they can do what they want."

Meanwhile co-owner of the Desert Raceway Oval Track facility Johnny Doeseb threw some light on the matter, saying that whilst the track is owned privately, the Desert Raceway Motorsport Club which is affiliated to the Namibian Motorsport Federation (NMSF), took certain decisions at their annual general

meeting for the 2016 calendar. "We took stock and wanted

to be more innovative and improve ourselves by offering a series of eight competitive club championship events to Desert Raceway Motorsport Club members, and not just host a fun day as in the past," explained Doeseb, saying. "We are accountable to our club members, and want to offer them an incentive for their support.

"The WBMC must not play the blame game, and seem like sour grapes - we did not deny them access to compete on the track, but they did not enter into an agreement with the facility holder, nor did the WBMC submit their dates to host events.

"Nobody is left out, they have left themselves out - provisions are made in the NMSF that you can have duel membership, in order to take part in our club events, so basically if you want to be part of the action join our club.”

Doeseb explained that the

Desert Raceway Motorsport Club is offering certain benefits and incentives to their club members by staging club championships events, which will be nurturing the future generation of motorsport champs.

“Champions must compete somewhere to become a national champion, and we are providing the platform for up and coming young motorsport competitors to elevate themselves to the next level," he said.

He further reiterated that Desert Raceway Club championships are being hosted for its club members to compete regularly against each other for the trophy - while all clubs can take part in the three Namibia National Championship events.

The first club championships on Saturday is expecting a large turnout of club members competing in the different categories, namely Go-karts, Hot Rods, V8's and 8-valves. Gates open at 12h00 with racing starting at 16h00 after the parade.

Two motorsport buddies Frank Borruso (Desert Raceway Motorsport Club) and Jan Everson (Chairperson Walvis Bay Motorsport Club), will be separated from club competition at the Desert Raceway Oval Track.

(Donna Collins)

Donna Collins

The much anticipated multi-million 2016 MTC/NBC NAMAS music extravaganza, will not be hosted in Swakopmund this year, which will impact heavily on the economic injection and business spin-off's the coastal town was again hoping for.

According to John Ekongo (Corporate Communications Practitioner MTC), the NAMAS will instead be staged in one of three towns still vying to host Namibia's most prestigious two-day music awards event.

"After the NAMAS was held in Swakopmund for two years in succession, it was time to take it to another region," said Ekongo. "Because it is an all Namibian talent show, we want to give back to the music industry across the country, and offer the opportunity to others to host this event, providing they meet the requirements."

So far the three major towns are in the running this year include, Rundu, Ongwediva and Windhoek. All three have submitted their master plan to host this event, which will take place 6 & 7 May 2016, but as yet it is still uncertain who will be awarded the honours.

He agreed that Swakopmund ticked all the boxes in being a first class town to host the N$5 million awards event. He made mention to the majestic sports dome facility,

the friendly ambience that the popular seaside resort offered, with its classy hotels, shops, restaurants and infrastructure.

"Swakopmund provided everything and more for the over 1 000 people that converged, and as a town has set the bar high for the NAMAS, adding to the enormous success of this music awards experience.

"A decision will be made within the next three weeks as to which town has met the list of criteria," said Ekongo. "The prerequisite must be a large enough venue, as well as a town which can offer adequate accommodation and facilities for our stars, crew and influx of guests.

Meanwhile, the nominations of the entries are also around the corner, and will be announced through the media on the 9th March, with the top five for each of the 36 categories selected. A total 609 entries were received this year from around the country with 410 qualifying for the processing by the judging panel.

"Organisation is well on track this year, with the nominees announcement is the second last stage of the process, followed by campaigns and ticket sales," continued Ekongo, adding that the category winners will each receive N$30 000 in prize money, with the biggest loot of N$100 000 being awarded to best male or best female artist of the year.

Absalom Shigwedha

The Trade Union Congress of Namibia (TUCNA) has expressed its concern, regarding the introduction of high-tech machines at fishing processing plants, which they say have resulted in the lay-off of employees.

“Some of the main problems that affect the workers in the fishing industry are the high-tech or robot machinery that has started to replace

the workers. Some employees are now forced to work short hours, because of this type of technology, which some companies are using,” said TUCNA President, Paulus Hango.

Hango expressed this concern when he gave remarks at the Annual Fishing Industry Address for this year held at Walvis Bay last Friday. He noted that some workers in the fishing factories no longer work throughout the year, as high-tech machines have taken over their work, finishing the

company quotas early.“This type of arrangement

constitutes unfair labour practice. We request the Ministry of Fisheries to give and allocate quotas based on the number of employees and the period which those employees will work,” said Hango.

He said NaFAU is very frustrated by this development and will be forced to take drastic action, should negotiations not be in favour of employees.

Johnny Doeseb co-owner Desert Raceway Motorsport Club

Page 4: Namib Independent Issue 187

Thursday, 03 March 20164 news

NOTICE

For more information contact Bank Windhoek

Walvis Bay BranchTel: (064) 219 600

As part of our continued commitmentto expand our services, we are proud toannounce that we have installed an ATMin Narraville, Mermaid street, opposite

Woermann & Brock.

This ATM is installed for the convenienceof the community of Narraville.

www.bankwindhoek.com.na

New ATM in Narraville

Export value of fisheries increases

Absalom Shigwedha

Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister, Bernard Esau, said the overall value of fisheries in 2015/2016 is about N$10 billion, compared to N$7 billion in 2014/2015, an increase in 42.6 per cent.

Esau made this revelation when he addressed the Namibian fishing industry at Walvis Bay on Friday.

This, he said, may be attributed to improved catches with regard to sizes, favourable exchange rates, increased value addition and better prices in some markets.

Annually, the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources gives an address to the industry. Esau explained that the Namibian Dollar depreciated against the Euro and the US Dollar from January 2015 to December of the same year and rising exchange rates against these currencies meant that, for every kilogram of Namibian fish and fisheries products exported, the industry earned more in Namibian Dollars compared to 2014.

In terms of investment in the fishing industry, Esau said several investments were made during 2015 and the total fishing industry investment was recorded at about N$174 million. “These investments include, amongst others, acquiring shares in vessels, construction of processing plants, purchasing of freezer containers and establishment of fish shops to help improve on accessibility of fish products to all our citizens,” said Esau.

Esau also touched on the status of various fish stocks, saying that the current annual biomass of hake is currently underway and for the first time, is being conducted by the Ministry's research vessel Mirabilis.

He said the Pilchard stock is still in an unstable condition and the Ministry will continue to take a precautionary approach in managing this fish species to enable a

healthy recovery. The annual biomass survey on the Monk fish was conducted last November and the scientists are still bust analysing the results from the latest survey before advising on the state of the Monk fish.

“However, there appear to be a need for mores studies on the behaviour of Monk fish as very little is known on where it spawns and feeds,” said Esau. He said catches for the highly migratory Snoek fish was good and also in terms of size for the season.

Esau, however, advised that revenues derived from the catches should be managed and maintained judiciously “to sustain your business for the rest of the year and help recover costs when catches are ether low or stock is not available.”

On the seals, Esau said the last aerial survey was conducted for the entire Benguela Current Commission region in December 2014 and the interpretation of the results from this survey will be finalised in the first half of this year and shall be used to recommend the next three-year rolling total allowable catch for seals for the period 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Meanwhile, Esau also told the gathering that fishing companies had contributed about N$48.7 million during 2015 to the nation as part of their social cooperate responsibilities. This was done in the form of providing fish for marketing infrastructure such as fish shops, donation of fish and sponsorship to schools and churches.

At a press conference held after the address, both Minister Esau and the chairperson of the Namibia Federation of Fisheries Association, Matti Amukwa, could not say how much the illegal strike of fisheries workers has cost the industry, saying no investigation has yet been done in this regard.

Rössing Uranium embarks on Breakthrough Cancer research

Donna Collins

In their quest to put safety first, Rössing Uranium announced last week that they are embarking on a breakthrough scientific study to determine if there any health effects on workers exposed to dust, radiation and other substances.

The aim of the study to determine whether there is an excess work related cancer risk at the mine. Research will be conducted by a team from the University of Manchester in England, and will focus on around 550 former and current workers who started work on the mine between 1976 and 2010 and worked up to a full year.

As yet no study on this magnitude has been done on the health effects of open pit minors, and will be led by Namibian based Nuclear Physicist Dr Gunhild Von Oertzen.

However, the first step towards the study was undertaken in 2011, and in 2014 the mine

commissioned and completed the scoping process, to understand the potential impact, if any of occupational radiation exposure at Rossing Uranium on mine workers. The project completion is expected towards April 2018.

According to Werner Duvenhage (MD Rössing Uranium), he said that letters are being sent all former employees to encourage their participation in this research study. In addition adverts will be placed in all newspapers to inform as many of their previous staff members as possible about the study.

"As always safety is the most important matter to us, and the mine's health, safety and environmental practices are recgonised as complying with the best international standards," explained Duvenhage.

"Our goal remains to provide an injury and illness free workplace, where everyone is healthy and goes home safely each day," he added, saying it these objectives prompted Rössing to undertake

such a ground breaking research project.

The project has been submitted for approval by the University of Manchester's Research Ethics Committee, and been approved by the Namibian Ministry of Health & Social Services as well as support from the Namibian Cancer Registry.

It was stated that information retained by Rössing about employees during the study is considered strictly confidential, and will only be disclosed to the research team, while no individual identities will be disclosed to the University.

An external committee will regularly oversee the progress of the research and will consist of: Asser Kapere, Dr Wotan Swiegers, Ismael Kasuto, Willem Van Royen as well as a nominee each from two Ministries. The outcome of the study will be published in peer reviewed scientific literatures, for other mines to use as a bench mark.

Nuclear Physicist Dr Gunhild Von Oertzen will head the cancer research project for Rössing Uranium, and is seen here with the mine's MD Werner Duvenhage. (Photo Donna Collins)

Page 5: Namib Independent Issue 187

5 Thursday, 03 March 2016 news

Face of Namibia “re-branded” No to phosphate mining

Marshallino Beukes

During the Annual Fishing Industry Address by the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Bernhard Esau last week at Walvis Bay, the highly debated phosphate mining issue was strongly protested by various Fisheries stakeholders.

Mr Matti T. Amukwa, Chairman of the Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations (CNFA) noted that the prospect of phosphate mining is “hanging like a dark cloud over the fishing industry.” He made it clear that the industry is not against mining at sea, and does not regard the sea as their own pond in which nobody is allowed to swim. He further remarked that, as long as it is not proven that mining for phosphate does not have a negative impact on the environment, and therefore the fishing industry, phosphate mining should not be allowed to take place. “Namibia needs investment and job creation, and the fishing industry provides that. Phosphate mining at sea is an unknown undertaking, and many countries around the world are not allowing it to take place!” Amukwa fumed. He argued that to start mining for phosphate

in Namibia, without having done thorough, robust research, is taking a very risky gamble. “If it pays off, Namibia may be better off but if it goes wrong, and the fishing industry is harmed, the country will be the loser,” he went on saying. He also claimed that far more Namibians are employed in the fishing industry, than will ever be employed in the marine phosphate industry.

He urged that government must carry on with the SINTEF initiative and ensure that research is done by eminent, international scientists in their field, not associated with the mining industry and asked for the moratorium on phosphate mining to remain in place until the required research has been concluded.

Mr Amukwa also applauded the strong position taken on this matter by the Minister and his staff. “We are in full support of the sterling work done to ensure that the industry is not put at risk by phosphate mining,” he concluded.

Trade Union Congress of Namibia (TUCNA) President, Paulus Hango stated that they are against phosphate mining off the Namibian coast and that this poses a major threat to our oceans and this type of mining will kill whatever cannot escape the mineral extraction operations.

Lister Tawana, the National Coordinator for Namibian Food and Allied Workers Union (Nafau) called phosphate mining 'an evil' that will destroy the marine ecosystem. He warned that, should Cabinet allow phosphate mining, Nafau will petition the Namibian Government.

Marshallino Beukes

Since its humble beginnings, Face of Namibia was characterised as a beauty pageant, but this year, founding member Mary Ankonga is planning to give a twist to the tail by transferring it into an Expo, featuring women (and men) from all works of life, displaying their goods and services.

According to Ankonga about seventy exhibitors already expressed their interest in attaining a stall for the minimum fee of N$500 per stall. All the Regions will be represented at the Expo and following the exhibition, an upliftment workshop for women will be conducted. Mary remarked that this workshop will enable women to interact and share their knowledge and skills with each other. The main aim of this years’ Face of Namibia is the social and economic upliftment of women, also tackling social evils such as baby dumping and gender based violence.

In her motivational speech at the official launch of Face of Namibia 2016, Ms Hilly Shamulele emphasised the fact that women need to empower one another, especially in the rural areas. “We should share our knowledge and leave personal vendettas, jealousy and gossiping behind,” she remarked. She also urged men to take good care of their women and not kill them, should they (women) decide to end the relationship. “If she does not want you anymore, move on and find yourself another woman – there are lots of them out there,” was her message to the men.

The Face of Namibia Expo will be preceded with a gala dinner at Protea Hotel on 29 March. The Expo will take place in Kuisebmond (30 March – 02 April) outside the Kuisebmond stadium. For further details contact Mary at +264 810400750. Motivational speaker, Miss Hilly Shamulele

Founder of Face of Namibia, Mary Ankonga

Page 6: Namib Independent Issue 187

Thursday, 03 March 20166 news Rössing Uranium Health Study – Uranium Mineworkers Participant Information Sheet

Rössing Uranium proposes to provide independent researchers with data for a health study relating to past and current Rössing employees. We are contacting you as we would like to include routinely collected data from your past or current employment records, including occupational health data, in this study. This information sheet is to explain the purpose of the health study and what it will involve. Please take time to read it carefully.

What is the purpose of the health study?

The health study focuses on the effect of exposure to dust, radiation and other substances on workers at the Rössing Uranium Mine. Specifically, it aims to determine whether there have been work-related cancer risks at the Rössing Uranium Mine from 1976 onwards.

Who will conduct the research?

An experienced research team from The University of Manchester in England will conduct the health study.

Why have I been chosen?

The health study proposes to include all workers employed by Rössing Uranium at the Rössing Uranium Mine between 1976 and 2010, with at least one year’s continual employment at the mine during this period. The study will focus on the exposures of workers known to have developed certain cancers as well as those of a sample of others who did not.

What will I be asked to do if I participate?

If you decide to participate, you will not be asked to do anything at all. You will not be asked to provide any additional data. No medical examinations are required.

What will the research involve?

A team from Rössing Uranium will collate your relevant data from its records and will set up an anonymised database for use by The University of Manchester research team. In the database, your name and other identifying information will be replaced with a unique ‘Medical Research Number’ that cannot be linked back to you by the researchers. This is intended to ensure your anonymity. Data in the database will be limited to information such as your age and working area (kept as part of the records of your past or current employer, Rössing Uranium), occupational exposure data (about radiation, dust, etc.), also collected by Rössing Uranium, as well as some of your existing occupational health data collected on behalf of Rössing Uranium by Medixx Occupational Health Services. However, as explained above, in the database this information will be linked to a ‘Medical Research Number’, not your name.

Rössing Uranium will also ask the Namibian Cancer Registry to advise the University’s research team if you have been registered with a cancer under investigation. If you have been, the Namibian Cancer Registry will provide your unique ‘Medical Research Number’ (not your name) to the University so that the information is provided on an anonymous basis. Rössing Uranium will not be informed about who is and isn’t registered with the Namibian Cancer Registry.

Once the database is established, statistical analyses will be carried out by the University of Manchester research team, using the aggregated and anonymised data. The research team’s analysis of the data will take place exclusively at The University of Manchester in England and will be independent of Rössing Uranium.

If the data is sufficient, the results of these analyses will be published by the University research team in international medical and other scientific journals, conferences and research reports. Any such publications will be based on the anonymised data. No names of workers will be included, and the data that is published will not identify you (as the University team will not have access to such personal data, as explained above). You will be able to obtain copies of the publications if you wish.

The University of Manchester will retain the anonymous study data for a period of five years after completion of the health study, to respond to any queries that may be raised.

How is confidentiality and privacy maintained?

Information retained by Rössing Uranium about employees is confidential and will only be disclosed to the research team on the basis that such confidentiality is protected, and personal data is anonymised. The same applies to any data that may be disclosed by the Namibian Cancer Registry to the University research team.

Anonymised employee information required for the purposes of the health study will be collated by

Rössing Uranium and uploaded and stored in a secure ‘E-Room’ (a type of database). It will be downloaded from there to be analysed in Manchester (England) by The University of Manchester’s research team.

The University of Manchester’s strict policy for data security and data custody will be applied to the handling of this data. As described above, data in any resulting records or documents will be anonymised and no individual workers will be identified. This is consistent with Rio Tinto’s global Data Privacy Standard and The University of Manchester values.

When will the project be completed?

If there is sufficient data for the health study, it is proposed to be undertaken in the period up to April 2018.

Will the outcomes of the research be published?

As stated above, the outcomes of the research will be published in peer-reviewed academic journals. A summary of the outcomes will also be discussed with the union representatives of the Rössing Uranium Mine before the study results are published and made public, and this summary will be made available for current and former workers.

The research team is based in the Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, Institute of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom. The team has made a presentation of the study and publication proposals to union representatives at the Rössing Uranium Mine.

If there are any issues regarding this research you should contact, in the first instance Prof Raymond Agius, Professor of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at The University of Manchester Tel: +44(0)161 275 5524, [email protected]. You are also welcome to contact Rössing Uranium directly at [email protected], or by phone, 064-5202608.

If you wish to make a formal complaint about the conduct of the research you can contact a Research Governance and Integrity Manager, Research Office, Christie Building, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, by emailing: [email protected] or by telephoning +44 161 275 2674 or +44 161 275 8093. You can also complain to the Rössing Uranium data privacy co-ordinator (Zeka Alberto, by emailing [email protected] or by telephoning +264 61 280 9025).

This Project has been submitted for approval by the University of Manchester’s Research Ethics Committee. It has been approved by the Namibian Ministry of Health, and the Namibian Cancer Registry has agreed to participate on the basis outlined in this letter.

What if I have any questions or want to complain?

If there is anything that is not clear, or if you would like more information, please use the contact details at the beginning of this information sheet.

Should you decide that you DO NOT wish to take part in the health study, please do one of the following by 30 March 2016:

Return the Appendix A form in this advertisement to Rössing Uranium by placing the form in the drop box at the:

• Environmental Management building at Rössing mine, or

• Rössing Foundation in Ondangwa, or

• Rössing Uranium Corporate Office in Windhoek, or

• Rössing Uranium Corporate Office in Swakopmund,

or

• send by email to [email protected], or

• send by post to Rössing Uranium, Private Bag 5005, Swakopmund

If we do not hear from you by 30 March 2016, we will understand that you agree to:

• the processing of your personal data (including your health information) by Rössing Uranium, and

• the processing of your anonymised data by the research team at The University of Manchester, and

• the provision of your anonymised data (if any and if relevant to the study) held by the Namibian Cancer Registry to the University of Manchester, for the purposes and in the manner described in this information sheet.

This Project has been approved by the University of Manchester’s Research Ethics Committee. It has also been approved by the Namibian Ministry of Health, and the Namibian Cancer Registry has agreed to participate on the basis outlined in this letter.

APPENDIX A

Project Title

Rössing Health Study – Uranium Mineworkers

An Epidemiological Study of Uranium Mineworkers

WITHDRAWAL OF CONSENT FORM

Note: If you are happy to participate in the health study and for your personal data to be processed by Rössing Uranium, and de-identified for analysis by the research team, you do not need to complete or return the form below.

However, if you DO NOT want to participate in the study and DO NOT want your personal data to be processed for the purposes of the study by Rössing Uranium, or for your anonymised data to be processed by the research team from the University of Manchester, you should complete the form below and return it to Rössing using the details on this page. You do not need to give a reason for the withdrawal of your consent.

Withdrawal of Consent

I do not agree to take part in the Rössing Health Study of Uranium Mineworkers, and do not want my anonymised data shared with the research team.

Name & surname of participant (print)

Date Signature

Your company number(s) (provide all numbers if you had more than one)

Rössing Uranium Working for Namibia

Dome’s Packed First Frühschoppen exceeds all Expectations

Cancer Association’s Sprayathons huge success

Maria Davel-Wallis

Thousands of Namibian dollars were collected for cancer through sprayathons held at the coast over the past week. The coastal sprayathons were part of a countrywide campaign.

One of the Swakopmund volunteers for the Cancer Association, Anita Korf, told Namib Independent that many schools had participated in the events, and that they had already collected more than N$26 000 by Friday, while still awaiting donations.

FLTR: Cancer Sprayathon Volunteers, Cobus van der Walt, Anita Korf, Janeen Klein, Marie Booysen and Irene van der Walt

In Swakopmund, many turned up to show solidarity and support, by having their hair sprayed for a small donation. Students of the Royal Chess Minds Academy, under the leadership of their coach, Immanuel Gariseb (third from left, back row), took some time out on Saturday, to show their support

for the fight against cancer.

Maria Davel-Wallis

Delight and excitement – that was the reaction of the managing team of the Dome Indoor Sport Centre at Swakopund on Saturday, at the first Frühschoppen on the roof terrace of the centre – and it will definitely not be the last!

Conferencing and Events Manager, Alta Bredenkamp, Finance and Corporate Manager, EB van Zyl, and Operations Manager Buttons Heyns were having a light moment with patrons, and expressed their sheer delight in the way in which the coastal community, and specifically, the German community, embraced the event.

Bredenkamp told Namib Independent they had expected to call the Frühschoppen a success if the target of 200 people attended, “but by 2 o’ clock,

far more than 300 people had already turned up, to be part of the Gemütlichkeit.

We are delighted that the event has been welcomed in such a positive manner by the German community – and isn’t it good to see how the people, and especially young people, participate in the traditional Frühschoppen activities, like Nagel (hitting a nail into a log).

Some have even turned up in their traditional Lederhosen. We’ve tried to offer the right mix – German music, typical Frühschoppen food (Bratwurst and Weisswurst and Brötchen), beer on tap and other beverages.

The people, the most important ingredient for a successful get-together, have not disappointed us! We are definitely doing this on a monthly basis, at the end of each month, the last Saturday.”

Alta Bredenkamp (Manager: Conferencing and Events - The Dome), with one of the many party goers Wynand Theron who turned up for the first Dome

Frühschoppen on the Dome roof terrace. (Photo Donna Collins)

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. 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 the criteria will not be considered.

Enquiries can be made directly to the Recruitment Team at 064 410 9000Only 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. Previously

disadvantaged Namibians meeting the above criteria are encouraged to apply.

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

MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB To manage and co-ordinate all emergency work as an “On-Shift Team Leader,” with a view to make all decisions regarding emergency repair work to be done in the correct manner first time right, in order to ensure effective and efficient maintenance technical aspects towards maximum plant/equipment availability and optimum cost including adherence to job safety and good housekeeping standards.

Key Performance Areas:• Leads a team / work group of artisans and helpers/assistants to ensure that emergency repair work

and maintenance work is done in the correct manner.• Performs advanced technical fault finding application and/or tasks on plant/equipment.• Manages all shift artisans by rotating those to be on shift, including overtime hours worked.• Performs risk assessments to ensure safe completion of emergency repair work.• Carries out emergency and unplanned repair work and maintenance duties.• Ensures compliance to all rules and regulation after hours on maintenance work, taking into account

safety, plant availability and cost involved.• Contributes to the ongoing plant/equipment reliability, to ensure maximum plant/equipment

availability

Requirements and experience:• Grade 12 with 4 technical theoretical subjects.• Recognized Trade Diploma in relevant field with 4 technical theoretical subjects (N6 Level).• Post-apprenticeship experience: 7 years.• Experience in cost control, maintenance and Analytical fault finding.• Code B Drivers License

Swakop Uranium, a Namibian world class uranium mining company, invites people who are self-motivated, energetic and wish to work in a High Performance Culture environment, to apply for the following role.

TEchNIcIAN PlANT MAINTENANcELocation: Husab Site – 67 Kilometers from Swakopmund

Reports to: Superintendent Plant Maintenance

Send your cv’s and other relevant documents to [email protected] by 14 March 2016

VAcANcY

Page 7: Namib Independent Issue 187

Rössing Uranium Health Study – Uranium Mineworkers Participant Information Sheet

Rössing Uranium proposes to provide independent researchers with data for a health study relating to past and current Rössing employees. We are contacting you as we would like to include routinely collected data from your past or current employment records, including occupational health data, in this study. This information sheet is to explain the purpose of the health study and what it will involve. Please take time to read it carefully.

What is the purpose of the health study?

The health study focuses on the effect of exposure to dust, radiation and other substances on workers at the Rössing Uranium Mine. Specifically, it aims to determine whether there have been work-related cancer risks at the Rössing Uranium Mine from 1976 onwards.

Who will conduct the research?

An experienced research team from The University of Manchester in England will conduct the health study.

Why have I been chosen?

The health study proposes to include all workers employed by Rössing Uranium at the Rössing Uranium Mine between 1976 and 2010, with at least one year’s continual employment at the mine during this period. The study will focus on the exposures of workers known to have developed certain cancers as well as those of a sample of others who did not.

What will I be asked to do if I participate?

If you decide to participate, you will not be asked to do anything at all. You will not be asked to provide any additional data. No medical examinations are required.

What will the research involve?

A team from Rössing Uranium will collate your relevant data from its records and will set up an anonymised database for use by The University of Manchester research team. In the database, your name and other identifying information will be replaced with a unique ‘Medical Research Number’ that cannot be linked back to you by the researchers. This is intended to ensure your anonymity. Data in the database will be limited to information such as your age and working area (kept as part of the records of your past or current employer, Rössing Uranium), occupational exposure data (about radiation, dust, etc.), also collected by Rössing Uranium, as well as some of your existing occupational health data collected on behalf of Rössing Uranium by Medixx Occupational Health Services. However, as explained above, in the database this information will be linked to a ‘Medical Research Number’, not your name.

Rössing Uranium will also ask the Namibian Cancer Registry to advise the University’s research team if you have been registered with a cancer under investigation. If you have been, the Namibian Cancer Registry will provide your unique ‘Medical Research Number’ (not your name) to the University so that the information is provided on an anonymous basis. Rössing Uranium will not be informed about who is and isn’t registered with the Namibian Cancer Registry.

Once the database is established, statistical analyses will be carried out by the University of Manchester research team, using the aggregated and anonymised data. The research team’s analysis of the data will take place exclusively at The University of Manchester in England and will be independent of Rössing Uranium.

If the data is sufficient, the results of these analyses will be published by the University research team in international medical and other scientific journals, conferences and research reports. Any such publications will be based on the anonymised data. No names of workers will be included, and the data that is published will not identify you (as the University team will not have access to such personal data, as explained above). You will be able to obtain copies of the publications if you wish.

The University of Manchester will retain the anonymous study data for a period of five years after completion of the health study, to respond to any queries that may be raised.

How is confidentiality and privacy maintained?

Information retained by Rössing Uranium about employees is confidential and will only be disclosed to the research team on the basis that such confidentiality is protected, and personal data is anonymised. The same applies to any data that may be disclosed by the Namibian Cancer Registry to the University research team.

Anonymised employee information required for the purposes of the health study will be collated by

Rössing Uranium and uploaded and stored in a secure ‘E-Room’ (a type of database). It will be downloaded from there to be analysed in Manchester (England) by The University of Manchester’s research team.

The University of Manchester’s strict policy for data security and data custody will be applied to the handling of this data. As described above, data in any resulting records or documents will be anonymised and no individual workers will be identified. This is consistent with Rio Tinto’s global Data Privacy Standard and The University of Manchester values.

When will the project be completed?

If there is sufficient data for the health study, it is proposed to be undertaken in the period up to April 2018.

Will the outcomes of the research be published?

As stated above, the outcomes of the research will be published in peer-reviewed academic journals. A summary of the outcomes will also be discussed with the union representatives of the Rössing Uranium Mine before the study results are published and made public, and this summary will be made available for current and former workers.

The research team is based in the Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, Institute of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom. The team has made a presentation of the study and publication proposals to union representatives at the Rössing Uranium Mine.

If there are any issues regarding this research you should contact, in the first instance Prof Raymond Agius, Professor of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at The University of Manchester Tel: +44(0)161 275 5524, [email protected]. You are also welcome to contact Rössing Uranium directly at [email protected], or by phone, 064-5202608.

If you wish to make a formal complaint about the conduct of the research you can contact a Research Governance and Integrity Manager, Research Office, Christie Building, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, by emailing: [email protected] or by telephoning +44 161 275 2674 or +44 161 275 8093. You can also complain to the Rössing Uranium data privacy co-ordinator (Zeka Alberto, by emailing [email protected] or by telephoning +264 61 280 9025).

This Project has been submitted for approval by the University of Manchester’s Research Ethics Committee. It has been approved by the Namibian Ministry of Health, and the Namibian Cancer Registry has agreed to participate on the basis outlined in this letter.

What if I have any questions or want to complain?

If there is anything that is not clear, or if you would like more information, please use the contact details at the beginning of this information sheet.

Should you decide that you DO NOT wish to take part in the health study, please do one of the following by 30 March 2016:

Return the Appendix A form in this advertisement to Rössing Uranium by placing the form in the drop box at the:

• Environmental Management building at Rössing mine, or

• Rössing Foundation in Ondangwa, or

• Rössing Uranium Corporate Office in Windhoek, or

• Rössing Uranium Corporate Office in Swakopmund,

or

• send by email to [email protected], or

• send by post to Rössing Uranium, Private Bag 5005, Swakopmund

If we do not hear from you by 30 March 2016, we will understand that you agree to:

• the processing of your personal data (including your health information) by Rössing Uranium, and

• the processing of your anonymised data by the research team at The University of Manchester, and

• the provision of your anonymised data (if any and if relevant to the study) held by the Namibian Cancer Registry to the University of Manchester, for the purposes and in the manner described in this information sheet.

This Project has been approved by the University of Manchester’s Research Ethics Committee. It has also been approved by the Namibian Ministry of Health, and the Namibian Cancer Registry has agreed to participate on the basis outlined in this letter.

APPENDIX A

Project Title

Rössing Health Study – Uranium Mineworkers

An Epidemiological Study of Uranium Mineworkers

WITHDRAWAL OF CONSENT FORM

Note: If you are happy to participate in the health study and for your personal data to be processed by Rössing Uranium, and de-identified for analysis by the research team, you do not need to complete or return the form below.

However, if you DO NOT want to participate in the study and DO NOT want your personal data to be processed for the purposes of the study by Rössing Uranium, or for your anonymised data to be processed by the research team from the University of Manchester, you should complete the form below and return it to Rössing using the details on this page. You do not need to give a reason for the withdrawal of your consent.

Withdrawal of Consent

I do not agree to take part in the Rössing Health Study of Uranium Mineworkers, and do not want my anonymised data shared with the research team.

Name & surname of participant (print)

Date Signature

Your company number(s) (provide all numbers if you had more than one)

Rössing Uranium Working for Namibia

Page 8: Namib Independent Issue 187

Thursday, 03 March 20168

Maria Davel-Wallis

Fritz Munkelwitz (16), son of well-known hotelier-chef Andreas Munkelwitz and his wife, Cynthia, is off to Germany this week, where he will attend the hotel school at the Boutique Hotel Jagdhof Glashütte near Bad Laasphe, in North Rhine-Westphalia. Fritz told Namib Independent this week that he’ll be following in his father’s footsteps, by attending the same hotel school his father attended in the 1970’s.

Fritz is passionate about the industry, and is looking forward to his studies. “I grew up in this industry. Since the age of 10-11, I’ve been helping my mom and dad – and I just realised one day, that it was what I wanted to do. I am going now, so that I can finish Grade 11 and 12 there – focussing on the specific curriculum for the industry. I then want to come back and work side by side with my mom and dad. I have already learnt

so much from them – but they insisted that I get the formal training and the qualifications.”

Munkelwitz junior realises that it’s not all going to be moonlight and roses, so far from home, but he’ll have the pleasure of the company of other Namibians, like Windhoeker Mark Halwachs, who’s also pursuing the same career. Fritz will start with his classes on Monday – “and I hope to visit home the first time around Christmas.”

Somebody once said: The best thing we can do, is to give our children roots and wings – young Fritz Munkelwitz is spreading his wings for the first time.

Andreas and Cynthia Munkelwitz last year sold Hotel Deutsches Haus in Swakopmund, and moved to Walvis Bay. Munkelwitz is still acting as consultant for the hotel for a few months, after which he’ll be pursuing a new venture - one he’s been working on the last two years.

news

Council Meetings 2016

All members of the public are hereby welcome to attend all council meetings. Council meetings take place every last Tuesday of the month at 18h00.

Below is a list containing the date and venue for each meeting.

Public Relations & Customer Service DivisionTel: +264 64 201 3111 / Fax: +264 64 205 590 / Email: [email protected]

Municipality of Walvis Bay

MONTH DATE VENUE

MARCH 29/03/2016 Walvis Bay Council Chamber

APRIL 26/04/2016 Kuisebmond Council Chamber

MAY 31/05/2016 Walvis Bay Council Chamber

JUNE 28/06/2016 Kuisebmond Council Chamber

JULY 26/07/2016 Walvis Bay Council Chamber

AUGUST 30/08/2016 Kuisebmond Council Chamber

SEPTEMBER 27/09/2016 Walvis Bay Council Chamber

OCTOBER 25/10/2016 Kuisebmond Council Chamber

NOVEMBER 29/11/2016 Walvis Bay Council Chamber

DECEMBER 13/12/2016 Kuisebmond Council Chamber

Munkelwitz Junior off to Hotel School in Germany

Namib Marimbas share Harmony

Cynthia, Fritz and Andreas Munkelwitz

Maria Davel-Wallis

The marimba band of the Kuisebmond Secondary school, Walvis Bay, visited Swakopmund over the weekend, to collect money for their next endeavour. They recently had a very successful tour to Germany and Switzerland. The band is led by Greta Holst and Janine Strauss, and consists of 9 students of

the KSS.According to Strauss, who kept a

watchful eye while the band performed, they are focussing on their tour to South Africa and Malawi, next year. The group has already produced five CD’s. Strauss says not one of the members have had formal music lessons – everything they play is based in their love of music and their natural talent.

The members of the Namib Marimbas are: Abraham,Nadine, Aina,Rosalia, Hendriko, Malaika Kombalala, Justin and Ulrich.

Page 9: Namib Independent Issue 187

9 Thursday, 03 March 2016

WALVIS BAY: 064-203318SWAKOPMUND: 064-403418

Decoder + Dish +

Installation

Explora Decoder

N$ 2999*

N$ 1299*

FOR ALL YOURDSTV REQUIREMENTS,

PAYMENTS ANDINSTALLATIONS

news

Mr. Rudolf OusebChief Engineer: Planning & DesignNetwork Operations & Maintenance

Mr. Buruxa //HoabebEngineer:Network Operations & Maintenance

Mr. Claude TjizoExecutive Manager: Network Operations & Maintenance

Congratulations

The Erongo RED Board of Directors, Management and staff members wishes to congratulate Mr. Tjizo, Mr. //Hoabeb and Mr. Ouseb for being awarded professional registration as Incorporated Engineers with the Engineering Council of Namibia.

redpower to the people

Inline Hockey National Team Training for World Championships

Celtic Pool Club triumphant

Marshallino Beukes

Last weekend saw three of the top coastal pool clubs, Celtic, Swakopmund Pool Club and Rössing Pool Club competing in an open tournament at Mile 4 bar in Swakopmund and the tournament organisers, Celtic, scooped gold.

Although only three clubs pitched, great skills and sportsmanship were displayed. Rössing unfortunately had to bow out first and it was up to the sharpshooters of Celtic

and Swakopmund Pool Club to deliver the goods. The tournament was played on a scoring system and with the scoreboard on 4-3 in Celtic’s favour, with only one game left in the frame, the tension was high, with the pressure on Swakopmund Pool Club’s player, Marcelino. His opponent, James McClune, however kept his composure and focus to clinch the deal for his team. The winning team was rewarded with N$2000 price money, while the runner up received N$1000.

Uncle Hottie (Swakopmund Pool Club) receives his team’s reward from Anton (Celtic)Sports reporter

With only a few months to go before the FIRS Inline Hockey 2016 World Championships, training for Namibia’s inline hockey team intensifies. This weekend, the training camp was held at the Swakopmund Indoor Sport Centre.

The national players train during the week with their respective clubs in Windhoek, Otjiwarongo and Swakopmund, and attend regular weekend training camps to train as a team. Two Namibian teams will participate at the Fédération

Internationale de Roller Sports World Championships to be held in Italy in June. Representing Namibia will be a Senior Ladies Team and a Junior Men’s Team. They are being coached by Brian Sobel and Matt Wojcik. A number of young players will experience their first world championship tournament. They join older players in the Junior Men’s Team who participated in France in 2014. The ladies team, with many of the same players, will be striving to match, or better, their 6th place achievement from the FIRS 2014 World Championships.

Page 10: Namib Independent Issue 187

Thursday, 03 March 201610 worldwide

Worldwide

Aunty Yvonne

You were our Precious Angel! We will always love you! Miss you

so much! Frauke, Autumn-Rain, Rainer and Günther

Oscars 2016: Leonardo DiCaprio winsAs sure as the Sun, the Moon, and most basic laws of modern physics, Leonardo DiCaprio has won the Academy Award for best actor for his work in The Revenant. Presenter Julianne Moore, who won best actress at last year's awards, waited a respectable amount of time before announcing DiCaprio's name, as if to see if she could make time itself pause briefly in anticipation.

Born in 1974 without a statuette, Leonardo Willhelm DiCaprio has starred in over two dozen films, including Gangs of New York and The Basketball Diaries. He once had an uncredited role

as Darlene's classmate in a 1991 episode of Roseanne. To date, DiCaprio has won over 40 awards and has been nominated six times for an Oscar. This is his first win. The curse is broken.

Following an extended applause, DiCaprio thanked fellow nominees, the cast and crew of The Revenant (including best director winner Alejandro Iñárritu), and even past collaborators like Martin Scorsese. DiCaprio ended with a big note on the environment:

"Climate change is real, it is happening right now, it is the most urgent threat facing our entire species and we need to work collectively and

stop procrastinating. We need to support leaders around the world who speak for all of humanity."

Other nominees in the category, who may or may not have even bothered to write acceptance speeches, include Bryan Cranston for Trumbo, Matt Damon for The Martian, Michael Fassbender for Steve Jobs, and Eddie Redmayne for The Danish Girl. Now, with Leo's quest at an end, it is time to start looking for the next perpetually snubbed performer to memeify.

Source: www.theverge.com

Olm eggs: Tense wait for baby Slovenian 'dragons'In a Slovenian cave visited by a million tourists every year, a bizarre and rare amphibian is guarding a significant clutch of eggs.

The olm, a blind salamander found in cave rivers of the Balkans, is thought to live for more than 100 years but reproduces just once or twice a decade.

A female in an aquarium at the Postojna Cave has laid 50-60 eggs - and three of them are now showing signs of growth.

Nobody knows how many will hatch, or even precisely how long it will take.

"Right now it looks like three are good candidates," Saso Weldt, a biologist working at the cave, told the BBC.

He and his colleagues have taken very long-exposure photographs in the darkened cave, in order to glimpse evidence of the tiny embryos developing.

"She started laying eggs on 30 January. She is still laying one or two eggs per day, and they need something like 120 days till they hatch."

That is an uncertain estimate, he explained, based on a colony of olms that was established in the 1950s in an underground lab in the French Pyrenees. There, they live in slightly warmer water, at 11C.

"In our cave, it is slightly cooler, 9C, so everything will be prolonged."

It is a unique opportunity to observe the enigmatic olm - also known as the proteus - reproducing in the same caves where it has lived for millions of years.

"It is very significant because there is not a lot of data about anything, relating to the reproduction of this group of animals," commented Dusan Jelic, a Zoological Society of London Edge Fellow who studies wild olms by diving underwater through cave systems in Croatia.

If the baby olms hatch and develop healthily, Dr Jelic said, it would be "something amazing".

"In the wild, we never find eggs or

larvae. They are probably hidden within some very specific localities within the cave systems."

There is just such a labyrinthine cave system in Postojna, with its own population of wild olms - but remarkably, this particular clutch of eggs has been laid in an aquarium in the cave's heavily trafficked visitor area.

As the only cave vertebrate in Europe, the olm is very well adapted to its sheltered, subterranean realm: karst caves, created as water eats its way through soluble rocks.

"For 200 million years they were in an environment that did not change," said Dr Jelic.

As a consequence, the animals - and

especially their eggs - are very vulnerable to changes in water quality and temperature. Even the seasons barely reach underground.

Back in 2013, another of Postojna's captive olms laid eggs - but none of them hatched and many were eaten by the other olms in the tank.

This time, precautions have been taken. All except the mother olm have been removed and the aquarium is boarded up, to protect the eggs from light. Extra oxygen is being added.

An infrared camera feeds live video to a nearby screen so that the cave staff, as well as tourists, can see what happens.

There is almost no movement, but occasionally the female olm stirs to check the eggs, to lay another, or to fend off amphipods - small, hungry crustaceans which she cannot see, but detects using electro-sensitive organs in her snout.

The animal also has a powerful sense of smell, which helps monitor the eggs.

"The eggs have a smell, so she can recognise which are alive and which are dead," explained Mr Weldt. "And because food is so scarce in the cave system, she eats the ones that are not fertilised."

The proteus is something of an icon in Slovenia, even appearing on coins before the arrival of the euro. Hundreds of years ago, when floods occasionally washed the creatures from the region's caves, they were regarded suspiciously as baby dragons.

In the last few weeks, the Postojna "dragon mum" has become quite a celebrity and carries a weight of expectation on her slimy shoulders.

The cave biologists feel it too."It is a challenge and a responsibility," said Mr

Weldt. "I'm excited."

Source: www.bbc.com

Page 11: Namib Independent Issue 187

11 Thursday, 03 March 2016 Motoring

Motoring

McClune`s Shuttle Started in 2009 and we have grown to be one of the most reputable, safe, reliable and economical means of passenger transport offering a shuttle service between Windhoek, Swakopmund and Walvisbay

McClune`s offer a Reliable Shuttle service between Whk, Swakop and Wbay that guarantees satisfaction on a local and international scale. This is a true alternative that offers a high level of practical experience and knowledge with regards to passenger transportation services. Clients must know that by making use of McClune`s, is a professional and hassle-free way to reach their destinations safely. Our vehicles are branded and easy to identify, which expresses ownership, legality as well as professionalism. For the convenience of the constant growing population at the coastal towns, Windhoek itself and also with the positive economic development at the coast and the town’s along this route, McClunes have decided to amend its current travel time schedules to accommodate the demand for Save Public Transportation on this route. Our schedules are now ideally created in the sense that it connects well with other departing or arriving connecting transfers in Windhoek. These schedules also provide customers with opportunity to plan their trips, flights and personal appointments for whatever reasons and still return to their respective destinations on the same day. All clients are treated equally with dignity and respect, also no smoking and alcoholic drinks are allowed on the shuttles whilst travelling.

McClunes’s Shuttle Services

We operate 7 days a week: Departure Schedules:

Windhoek / Swakopmund / Walvis Bay Shuttle

Visit our new office in Walvis Bay

Tel: +264 64 22 1713 | Fax: +264 64 22 1712Cell: +264 81 128 7916 (Walvis Bookings)

Cell: +264 81 628 5010 (Swakop Bookings)Email: [email protected]

Website: www.mcclunes.com

Bookings are Essential!

Windhoek

Departure 1: at 07h30 - door pickups start at 06h00

Departure 2 *Express: at 10h00 from Bus stop/boarding starts 09h30* Bus stop to Bus stop Express

Departure 3: at 14h00 from Wika/boarding starts at 13h30

Departure 4 *Express: at 17h00 from Wika Service Station/boarding starts 16h30*Bus stop to Bus stop Express

Windhoek-Swakopmund: N$220.00(one way for door drop offs) * Express: N$200.00(one way) bus stops only

Windhoek-Walvis Bay: N$230.00(one way for door drop offs) * Express: N$210.00(one way) bus stops only

Swakopmund

Departure 1: at 08h00 - door pickups starts at 07h00

Departure 2 *Express: at 11h00 from bus stop/boarding starts 10h30*Bus stop to Bus stop Express

Departure 3: at 15h00 - door pickups starts at 14h00

Departure 4 *Express: at 18h00 from Bus stop/boarding starts 17h30Bustop to Bus stop Express

Walvis Bay

Departure 1: at 07h00 - door pickups start at 06h00

Departure 2 *Express: at 10h00 - Bus stop/boarding starts 09h30*Bus stop to Bus stop Express

Departure 3: at 14h00 - door pickups starts at 13h00

Departure 4 *Express: at 17h00 - Bus stop/boarding starts 16h30* Bus stop to Bus stop Express

Bus stops at spur Restaurant in Walvis Bay

2016 Chevrolet Captiva

The Captiva compact SUV/crossover has been a steady performer for Chevrolet since its introduction in 2007. This latest facelift brings more in-car technology and safety systems to the Captiva while maintaining a practical seven-seater layout.

In order to attract more buyers to the Captiva, the standard specification has also been improved. It now offers the following features across the range:• Eight-way electronically adjustable

driver’s seat

• Dual-zone climate control• MyLink 2.0 with large touchscreen• Rear park assist• Cruise Control• Keyless Entry and Keyless Start

(PEPS)• Hill Descent Control and Hill Start

Assist• Power-folding mirrors

Enhancements to the 2016 model range include a revised front-end design (including a redesigned grille), which brings the exterior appearance of the

Captiva in line with the Chevrolet-family look. The headlamps have LED daytime running lights that are automatically activated when required.

The Captiva offers a spacious environment for its occupants and their luggage. Even in full seven-seater mode, the Chevrolet still offers 477 litres of loading space. If you fold the third row of seats down and use it purely as a five-seater it is said to offer 942-litres of utility space.

The 2016-specification Captiva models ride on 18-inch alloy wheels and the new look is finished off with integrated side steps.InteriorThe major upgrade for the interior is the introduction of Chev’s MyLink infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen. It is the second generation of MyLink that builds on the innovations of the previous system. The new system introduces phone projection technology. In other words, it allows users with compatible smartphones to project some of their phone’s apps and functions onto the screen of the car’s infotainment system.

Further changes to the interior include a new leather steering wheel and an all-new dashboard and instrument cluster.Unchanged engines

Buyers of the 2016 Chevrolet Captiva have a choice of either the 2.4-litre petrol engine or a 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine. The 2.4-litre naturally aspirated engine produces 123 kW and has a torque output of 230 Nm. Combined cycle fuel consumption is a claimed 8.8L/100 km. The 2.4 is only available in front-wheel drive configuration, but you have the option of a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic.

The 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine produces 135 kW and 400 Nm of torque. The 2.2 D LT FWD model is only available with a six-speed

automatic transmission and is said to achieve a combined fuel consumption figure of 7.8 L/100 km.Standard safety featuresThe Chevrolet Captiva has a 5-Star Euro NCAP safety rating thanks to a suite of electronic aids such as 3-point seatbelts on all 7 seats, Isofix child seat anchorages, ABS with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), electronic stability control (ESC), traction control systems (TCS), braking assist system (BAS), hill start assist (HAS) and hill descent control (HDC).

Source: www.cars.co.za

Page 12: Namib Independent Issue 187

Council 2016

VisionWalvis Bay, Namibia’s

industrial and logistics hub of choice for integrated

investment opportunities

Mission StatementTo maintain a tradition of excellence in service delivery to ensure diversified social, economic

and environmental opportunities to our residents, investors and visitors for improved

growth and prosperity

Core Values [‘RAP IT’]The core values are the non-negotiable style

in which the Municipality of Walvis Bay and its partners will perform its services, the style in

which the Municipality will travel on its journey to realise its vision. We cherish good governance through Respect, Accountability, Professionalism,

Integrity and Teamwork

His Worship, Immanuel Wilfried (Alderman)Mayor

Cllr. Hilka ErastusDeputy Mayor

Cllr. Tobias NambalaChairperson of MC

Cllr. Ndishoshili NghilumbwaMember of MC

Cllr. Saara ShailemoAlternate Member of MC

Cllr. Manuel Ngaringombe Cllr. Gibson R. Goseb Cllr. Penelope MartinCllr. Lilo NiilengeMember of MC

Cllr. Paulus KauhondamwaMember of MC

Public Relations & Customer Service DivisionTel: +264 64 201 3111 / Fax: +264 64 205 590 / Email: [email protected]

Municipality of Walvis Bay