Bewaar die jagluiperdbevolking

December 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

Bewaar die jagluiperdbevolkingInternasionale Jagluiperddag gevier Ter viering van Internasionale Jagluiperddag het die Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) ’n inligtingsessie in Otjiwarongo aangebied om meer bewustheid onder die gemeenskap te skep oor die belangrikheid en bewaring van die jagluiperd.

Ester Kamati op Otjiwarongo

Die afgelope Vrydag (4 Desember) het die CCF ’n geleentheid in Otjiwarongo se Town aangebied om die gemeenskap in te lig oor die noodsaaklikheid van die behoud van die jagluiperdbevolking in Namibië, wat ook die grootste jagluiperdbevolking in die wêreld is.

Die CCF se doelwit is om seker te maak die jagluiperds word beskerm en kan in vrede in die land voortbestaan. Die organisasie se werk sluit onder meer in bewaring, projekte en opvoeding wat skoleprogramme, boerdery-opleiding en gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid insluit.

“Ons probeer met die gemeenskap en boere werk om in vrede met jagluiperds saam te leef, want ons het almal se hulp nodig vir die bewaring van hierdie diere. Ons wil jagluiperds vir die volgende geslagte ook kan bewaar,” sê me. Monique Groenewaldt, een van die vrywilligers by die CCF.

Groenewaldt sê verder die werk met boere is veral belangrik om mens-dier-konflik te vermy, wat algemeen op plase is. Die CCF het op ‘n opwindende manier selfs die jong mense betrek deur hulle op ’n unieke manier meer van jagluiperds te leer.

Hulle kon deelneem aan ‘n vasvra en diegene wat die meeste antwoorde kon regkry het pryse gewen. CCF het die gemeenskap aangemoedig om die kennis wat hulle oor die jagluiperds opgdoen het met ander te deel en hulle deel te doen vir die bewaring van hierdie diere.

Dié dag is ook in ander lande gevier. In Duitsland is ’n virtuele draf kompetisie gehou om fondse in te samel en in Nigerië is ’n geleentheid aangebied vir die bewusmaking van jagluiperdbewaring.

Dr. Laurie Marker, die stigter van CCF, het 4 Desember as Internasionale Jagluiperddag gekies in herinnering van Khayam, ’n jagluiperd wat sy by die Wildlife Safari in Winston in Amerika grootgemaak het.

Sy het Khayam Namibië toe gebring om vas te stel of diere wat in aanhouding gebore is, kan leer om te jag. Dit is later bewys en Marker het na Oregon verhuis.

Sy het later na Namibië teruggekeer na sy besef het Namibiese boere is besig om wild van hulle plase te verwyder omdat hulle hierdie diere as ’n bedreiging beskou.

Marker het in 1990 die CCF begin met die doel om die boer-jagluiperd-konflik verder in die land te bekamp.

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Jong boogskutters beïndruk

December 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

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Jong boogskutters beïndruk Nasionale teikenboogskietkompetisie ‘n groot sukses

Op 28 en 29 November het die Swakopmund Boogskiet-klub (SAC) die Nasionale teikenboogskietkompetisie by die SFC-sportgronde in Swakopmund aangebied. Dit is in samewerking met die Boogskiet Vereniging van Namibië (AAN) gedoen.

Op 28 November het 20 boogskutters in 12 verskillende afdelings deelgeneem tydens die ‘Outdoor Target Nationals’. Die skuts het twee rondes van 72 pyle elk geskiet om die wenners te bepaal.

Recurve Junior mans: Goud – Adriaan Grobler, SKW

Barebow Recurve mans: Goud – Lutz Wahlers, SAC

Compound mans: Goud – Jannie Meuwesen, Lüderitz

Silver – Andries van Niekerk, SAC

Brons – Riaan Vermaak, SKW

Compound Cadet mans: Goud – Paul Jordaan, SKW

Silver – Manuel de Rebeira, SAC

Compound Cub seuns: Goud – Wessel du Plessis, SAC

Compound o.13 seuns: Goud – Marcel Imhof, SKW

Genesis Cadet mans: Goud – Douw van der Walt, WBHPS

Genesis Cub seuns: Goud – Alejandro Gillmer, Pro-Ed Akademie

Compound vroue: Goud – Babette Taljaard, SKW

Silver – Jacqueline Coetzee, SAC

Compound Cub meisies: Goud – Cailin Venter, SAC

Genesis Cadet vroue: Goud – Allysa van Zijl, Pro-Ed Akademie

Genesis Cub meisies: Goud – Monique Laas, Pro-Ed Akademie

Robin-Spot mans: Andries van Niekerk, SAC

Robin-Spot seuns: Manuel de Rebeira, SAC

Robin-Spot vroue: Jacqueline Coetzee, SAC

Robin-Spot meisies: Monique Laas, Pro-Ed Akademie

Op 29 November het 20 boogskutters in 12 verskillende afdelings deelgeneem tydens die ‘Indoor Target Nationals’. Die skuts het twee rondes van 30 pyle elk geskiet om die wenners te bepaal.

Barebow Recurve mans: Goud – Lutz Wahlers, SAC

Compound mans: Goud – Jannie Meuwesen, Lüderitz

Silver – Pieter du Plessis, SAC

Brons – Riaan Vermaak, SKW

Compound Cadet mans: Goud – Paul Jordaan, SKW

Silver – Manuel de Rebeira, SAC

Brons – AJ de Rebeira, SAC

Compound Cub seuns: Goud – Wessel du Plessis, SAC

Compound o.13 seuns: Goud – Marcel Imhof, SKW

Genesis Cadet mans: Goud – Douw Van der Walt, WBHPS

Genesis Cub seuns: Goud – Alejandro Gillmer, Pro-Ed Akademie

Compound vroue: Goud – Babette Taljaard, SKW

Silver – Jacqueline Coetzee, SAC

Compound Cub meisies: Goud – Cailin Venter, SAC

Para – Compound Cub meisies: Goud – Katelynn Venter, SAC

Genesis Cadet vroue: Goud – Allysa van Zijl, Pro-Ed Akademie

Genesis Cub meisies: Goud – Monique Laas, Pro-Ed Akademie

Robin-Spot mans: Hermias Rossouw, SKW

Robin-Spot seuns: Paul Jordaan, SKW

Robin-Spot vroue: Jacqueline Coetzee, SAC

Robin-Spot meisies: Cailin Venter, SAC

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Boois follows late father’s footsteps

December 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

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Boois follows late father’s footsteps|Namgu’s journey with post-traumatic stress disorder |Namgu’s Escape Theory was published earlier this year by Unam Press.

CINDY VAN WYK

WINDHOEK

Before Beauty Boois could even write their name, their father Seth was crafting the kind of tales that make a legacy.

A legacy of telling your own stories, ones that feature people who look and sound and think like you.

And with their debut novel, |Namgu’s Escape Theory, Boois hopes to live up to that legacy.

“I don’t think this book would exist if it hadn't been for his encouragement,” they said of the well-known football stalwart, who passed away in September.

“My father wrote extensively. Seeing him hunched over his laptop with research notes at ungodly hours was something I grew familiar as I was growing up. He always stressed the importance for us, as Khoekhoegowab speakers, to tell and write our own stories. He was my biggest cheerleader throughout my writing process for this story.”

Mental illness and overcoming trauma

Published in July by Unam Press, the novel introduces us to a beautiful and privileged girl from a wealthy family. As |Namgu makes her way through school and university, struggling to find her place in the world, tragedy strikes.

With her life thrown into turmoil, she battles to find an escape from loneliness, anger and depression.

Boois’ debut follows |Namgu’s journey through psychotherapy and social support to deal with the post-traumatic stress disorder that engulfs her.

And with a background in clinical psychology, the author paints a vivid picture of what it’s like to live with mental illness and what it takes to overcome trauma.

This, Boois said, is in the hopes that every reader learns that healing is possible.

“Healing is attainable for all of us, regardless of the traumatic experiences we face,” they said.

“Snippets of my personal story can be found in the pages of |Namgu’s Escape Theory, but ultimately, the novel is a collective experience about the social realities of many Namibians, especially that of Namibian women and gender diverse persons.”

Challenges

“The most challenging aspect of the entire process of getting published was having to do rewrites.

“I love the writing process but the editing process can be quite excruciating! The only thing that got me through that process was working with editors from Unam Press who have a nurturing approach when it comes to their editing styles,” they said.

On what Boois wishes they knew before writing |Namgu’s Escape Theory, the author said: “I wish I’d known more about intersectional feminism, because writing from that perspective is inclusive and empathic.

“I also wish I knew more about spelling and grammar. It would've made things a lot easier for the Unam Press team.”

Hoping to see more queer and intersectional feminist stories about social justice movements on the Namibian literary scene, Boois’ advice to aspiring writers is, quite simply, to write.

‘Silence the hypercritical voice’

“Write as much as you can, as often as you can and as extensively as you can. Silence the hypercritical voice in your head and just write,” they said.

The author added that they want to read more Namibian stories that weave mythology into their pages and that feature people from marginalised groups as the main character.

As for what lies ahead, that’s a bit of a mystery to Boois too.

“I’m not one to plan ahead too far out, I live very spontaneously, so my next move is going to be a surprise to me too!”

Maybe more poetry, maybe another novel, definitely more opinion pieces – but one thing’s for certain: They’re crafting a legacy of their own.

The novel is available from Unam Press as well as at The Book Den, Namibia Book Market and via the African Books Collective.

For more information, follow Unam Press and Boois on social media.

*Boois’ pronouns are they/them.

- cindy@namibiansun.com

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PrEP proven protection against HIV

December 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

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PrEP proven protection against HIV Effective use of PrEP means taking it consistently when engaging in risky behavior

Henriette Lamprecht – Currently between 23 000 and 24 000 Namibians are on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as part of the country’s combination HIV prevention strategy which kicked off in 2017. The target for this year and in collaboration with the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is to give an estimated 46 647 HIV-negative Namibians a way to help protect themselves from getting HIV. Those at high risk include but are not limited to the following, are HIV negative people in serodiscordant relationships with a partner who is not confirmed as virologically suppressed; all HIV negative people in serodiscordant relationships, regardless of viral load (VL) of the partner, who want to conceive; partner(s) of unknown HIV status; recent/ recurrent sexually transmitted infections (STIs); multiple and/ or concurrent sexual partners; history of inconsistent or no condom use; recurrent Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) users and a history of sex whilst under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs.

In Namibia EQUIP Health is working closely with local implementing partners, health care providers and community members in the country to complete a demonstration project that will provide PrEP for up to a 1 000 sex workers and men who have sex with men through the Society of Family Health and the Walvis Bay Coordinator Group.

Another partner in the fight against HIV/Aids in the country is the International Training and Education Center for Health (I-Tech) who since 2017 been instrumental in Namibia’s prevention and treatment strategy. With regard to PrEP, I-TECH’s support in the country focuses on three key areas namely direct service delivery support for PrEP for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW); technical assistance to strengthen facility-based delivery of PrEP for priority populations; and technical assistance at regional- and national-levels.

PrEP involves the use of antiretroviral drugs to reduce the risk of becoming infected with HIV. Although oral PrEP is the only PrEP option currently approved for HIV prevention, other forms of ARV-based primary prevention, including the dapivirine vaginal ring and long-acting injectable cabotegravir are on the horizon as possible additions to the PrEP toolbox.

Two types of PrEP, both oral pills, have been approved by a regulatory body for use as prevention. TDF/FTC was the first oral PrEP method available (brand name Truvada), although in select countries generic options such as TDF/3TC and TDF are also available. To date, only TDF/FTC has been approved for all populations. F/TAF, (brand name Descovy) is a newer addition to the prevention portfolio. In 2019, F/TAF was approved by the US FDA for daily use by cisgender men and transwomen. A trial is planned to investigate efficacy in cisgender women.

According to prepwatch.org a Dapivirine Vaginal Ring may also be available soon. Studies show that the ring, inserted monthly, reduces risk of HIV acquisition through a slow release of an ARV called dapivirine, with no safety concerns. After receiving a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in July 2020, the ring is on track for WHO pre-qualification and will be submitted for licensure review in key African countries as well as by the US FDA.

Cabotegravir is an ARV currently being studied for use as PrEP. It was found to be safe and efficacious in two studies administering the drug, every two months, as a long acting injection. HPTN 083 enrolled cisgender men who have sex with men and transwomen and HPTN 084 enrolled cisgender women. Both trials will continue as open label extension studies, and the product will also undergo regulatory review.

A dual-prevention pill (DPP), an option which combines active ingredients from oral contraceptives and oral PrEP into one daily pill is also being studied. Results are expected in 2022. This kind of combination prevention is referred to as multipurpose prevention technology (MPT).

Other PrEP strategies in earlier phases of development include a monthly oral pill (islatrivir), a quick-dissolving vaginal film containing ARVs that can be inserted right before sex, and a long-acting implant that could offer protection for up to a year.

Although oral PrEP is a terrific HIV prevention tool currently available, it does not reduce the risk of chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis or herpes, and it does not prevent pregnancy

Although studies demonstrate that daily use ofTDF/FTC (Truvada) provides protection for all populations, and for cisgender men who have sex with men, an event-driven approach to dosing is also effective (taking a double dose of TDF/FTC between 2 and 24 hours before having sex and then, if sex occurs, one pill 24 hours after the double dose and another 24 hours later).

In October 2019, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved F/TAF (brand name Descovy) as daily oral PrEP for HIV prevention in men who have sex with men and transgender women. Due to lack of data on safety and efficacy, F/TAF is not approved for use by cisgender women. The drug manufacturer Gilead is designing a new trial to gather data on the efficacy of F/TAF in cisgender women, the results of which are expected in 2022.

There were no major adverse events observed in any of the trials. Some mild side effects were reported, the majority of which went away over time. With respect to F/TAF however, additional safety data still needs to be collected in the upcoming trial in cisgender women, as well as additional studies that will examine the effects of long-term use of the drug.

Effective use of PrEP means taking PrEP consistently when engaging in risky behavior (such as unprotected sex or sharing needles). Periods of risk will vary based on a person’s life circumstances, but as long PrEP is taken as prescribed during these periods, it will offer protection. - henriette@republikein.com.na

Sources: Pepfar; Unaid; I-Health; PrEPWatch

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The battle against keyboard warriors

December 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

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The battle against keyboard warriorsA Namibian cyberbullying perspective Social media and technology have become an integrated part of society, but so has cyberbullying, and the youth is confronted by this daily.

Mariselle Stofberg

With the rise of social media and the continued growth of technology, the issue of cyberbullying has become a very real and very dangerous threat towards the youth.

Legal expert Kai Kleingunther, school psychologist Jessica Ulrich and security experts Andrew Fordred and Rigo Reddig from Cynetio Cyber Security Solutions hosted an important discussion on the dangers of cyberbullying and their attempts to stop it.

“Something we have all seen and experienced is the issue of trolling, which leaves a very permanent mark on the internet and the victim. Trolling is defined as creating discord on the internet by starting quarrels or upsetting people by posting inflammatory or off-topic messages in an online community,” Fordred said.

“During my presentations, I usually ask attendees how long they will be able to sit through the presentation without looking at their phones, and the majority of them say they won’t be able to go without using their phones. That is the problem. We are completely distracted by devices and social media, and we have become so consumed by them that we miss key issues,” he added.

“We don’t realise the dangers of cyberbullying, and we often think that this is only done by children. But they learn bullying from adults, who bully each other, and social media is the most common platform for cyberbullying worldwide,” he said.

Fear, uncertainty and division

“Social media has just exploded with a whole bunch of what we call FUD, which is fear, uncertainty and division. And it has created this problematic environment where social acceptance and social reinforcement for bullying is created and encouraged. Young people crave this acceptance online and thrive on this instant gratification that makes you feel good when you see your followers count or hear the beep of an incoming notification, which again creates a vicious cycle of addiction to social media,” Fordred said.

He added that addictions and abuse go hand in hand. Technology and social media are not evil, the problem is when it becomes unbalanced and then we suffer from the consequences, he said.

Just like alcohol and drugs, technology releases dopamine, which makes us feel good, but the consequences thereof can be detrimental for young minds if it is not controlled.

“We lose the ability to connect beyond our phones and social media, and this will only continue to worsen if something is not done. Children and millennials are suffering from an addiction to social media and technology, and as employers, we need to understand that they are entering the workplace with an addiction which we rarely screen for because cyberbullying is a consequence of social media and technology addiction,” he added.

Characteristics of cyberbullying

Kleingunther touched on some of the characteristics of cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is the use of technology to harass, threaten, embarrass or target another person online. “Cyberbullying is an extension of traditional bullying and is a more willful, aggressive and intentional behaviour,” he said.

Kleingunther added that the platforms where the most cyberbullying takes place are Instagram and Facebook, while Snapchat, WhatsApp, YouTube and Twitter are not far behind.

He said cyberbullying is characterised by anonymity and a lack of accountability, which is sometimes dubbed as cowardly bullying where bullies hide behind a screen.

“Coupled to anonymity is disinhibition where the bully avoids direct contact with the victim. I think the biggest problem with cyberbullying is the accessibility - the bully has access to the victim 24/7 throughout the year,” he said.

Lack of accountability

Ulrich said one of the biggest issues with regards to cyberbullying is how children are faced with a world where they are no longer accountable for what they say. “Not only do we have that physical distance between the victim and those we target, but we have such an array of choices on how we can remain anonymous. Now kids can be as rude and mean as they want to, with no direct consequence for what is done.”

She said she has witnessed and experienced how people get attacked online for having an opinion and then told that the world would be better if they did not exist, and this happens on a school level more and more every day.

Schools need to invest in the proper resources and policies to deal with cyberbullying cases amongst learners because now the threats learners face occur more often than ever before, she said.

“The problem is that many teachers do not have the technological skills that learners have or use the same platforms that they do. It is important to establish that trust relationship with learners, so they feel comfortable opening up and sharing with you as a teacher.”

Kleingunther said Namibia needs to look at international and national instruments to combat cyberbullying to protect children online.

“We are still struggling with the drafting of laws and policies because this a new phenomenon, but this doesn’t mean there are no legal remedies available for cyberbullying.”

Role of parents

Ulrich added that it is important for parents to try and create dialogue and space where their children feel no judgement.

“Children are so afraid of judgement, which is why they tend to be afraid to open up to parents. As a parent, you can listen to them and try to see things from their perspective.”

Ulrich said it is important to work with the victim of cyberbullying, so they can be equipped with the necessary skills to stand up for themselves.

“Children need to learn how to assert themselves and learn that the world is sometimes cruel and harsh, and how they can protect themselves against these things.”

She added that it is important to allow children to set boundaries for themselves where they can switch off their phones and step away from technology.

“We expect them to be reachable 24/7, but how will they be able to switch off from social media if we do not create a space for them to do that?” Ulrich asked.

“We have to teach children to recognise and realise what they find offensive and why because then the power is in their hands, not in the hands of the bully. When they understand why certain statements or things hurt them, we empower them to become more resilient and to diffuse situations. We then help to build their self-esteem and empower them so they can protect themselves online.”

Fact boxes/Infographics

Characteristics

Anonymity and a lack of accountability for actions

Disinhibition where the bully avoids direct contact with the victim, hiding behind their screen

Accessibility to the victim 24/7

Publicity and a wider audience

Permanent damage to the victim and their reputation

Types of cyberbullying

Flaming: The use of angry or vulgar language online

Masquerading or impersonation: Copying the victim’s posts and using their profiles and pages to post or send messages

Doxing or digital vigilantism: The process of researching and collecting private and personal information and posting it online

Exclusion: Intentionally excluding someone from an online group

Online harassment: The repeated sending of rude and insulting messages

Trickery: Tricking someone to reveal secrets or embarrassing information which is then shared online

Cyberstalking: Sending threats or intimidating messages online

Denigration: Online dissing or posting cruel gossip about someone to damage their reputation.

How to identify when someone is a victim of cyberbullying

Sudden or unexpected stop of electronic device use

When someone becomes nervous or jumpy when they receive messages or emails

When a person is uneasy about going to school or their workplace

Avoiding discussions about what happens on their electronic devices

Victims become withdrawn or socially distant

Psychological impact of cyberbullying

Anxiety

Depression

Emotional distress

Low self-esteem leads to poor performance

Avoidance of social engagements

Trust issues

Physical violence

Self-inflicted harm

Suicide

Steps to take to protect yourself online

Never reveal personal information

Do not share your password with anyone

Acquire in-depth knowledge of cyberbullying

Take care when you upload photos online

Think twice before you post online

Always try to log out of your accounts after use

Always try to set up privacy controls your social media accounts

Install monitoring software on your computer

What to do when you are a victim of cyberbullying

Try to save all the evidence of the online bullying

If possible, try and identify the cyberbully

Calmly and strongly tell them to stop

Stop or remove any material

Contact your parents, teachers or your employer

Contact the police.

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NWR overhauls website

December 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

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NWR overhauls website

STAFF REPORTER

WINDHOEK

Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) has revamped its website to keep up with changes in the tourism sector.

If anything, this year has demonstrated the importance of an online presence, NWR said.

According to the company, this presence allows for seamless and faster communication between organisations and clients.

Therefore, it has overhauled its website with the intent of creating a better user experience for its guests.

Over the past few months, NWR - with the assistance of a professional web developer Samuel Kapembe of StalinKay - worked tirelessly to ensure that going forward, guests would be in a position to interact, share and book their accommodation with ease and convenience.

Simple, yet informative

NWR corporate communications, online media and sponsorships manager Mufaro Nesongano said when users now log onto their website, they will see how simple, yet informative it has become.

“Resorts have now been listed under the various national parks they fall under. Guests will be able to easily share their greatest moments with us via #NWRMoments, which will then appear on our website. At the same time, our specials - which we have become known for - are easily accessible.”

He said guests will be able to chat directly with them from the site without the need to call or send an email.

“These changes are aimed at ensuring that anyone from across the world can find all things NWR at a centralised place,” Nesongano said.

Keeping up with the times

The company said since the last revamp of its website, several changes have occurred in the industry. One of the major shifts have been clients planning and booking their accommodation online.

Some establishments also have 360-degree videos that allow guests the opportunity to immerse themselves into these facilities, NWR said.

Visitors to the website will also have the opportunity to subscribe to the company’s newsletter to be the first to find out when it’s launching something.

“Although a lot of time and effort was spent on overhauling the website, I am glad that we took this long time to provide a world-class website to our customers. The disruption caused by the coronavirus once again presented us with the opportunity to ensure we remain digitally relevant through our new website in addition to our other digital platforms such as our mobile application, which is also undergoing subtle touch-ups,” NWR managing director, Dr Matthias Ngwangwama, said.

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Farmers discuss conservation agriculture

December 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

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Farmers discuss conservation agriculture

ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK

Farmers were invited for the first time to share their experiences regarding conservation agriculture at the National Conservation Agriculture Forum (NCAF).

The director of Agricultural Production, Extension and Engineering Services, Mildred Kambinda, opened the sixth forum in Oshakati last week.

The purpose of the NCAF is to share experiences on the status of conservation agriculture in Namibia, the implementation thereof and future planned interventions, thereby enhancing harmonisation and synergy amongst stakeholders.

“This particular forum, the sixth NCAF, is a special one in the sense that this time around and for the first time we have invited farmers to come and share their experiences in conservation agriculture.”

She said those selected are lead farmers who provide technical support in the farmer-to-famer extension approach.

Important stakeholders

“Lead farmers are therefore very important stakeholders in the pursuit to reach more farmers considering the current extension farmer-to-farmer ratio.”

She said the ministry, with support from partners, developed and launched the Comprehensive Conservation Agriculture Programme (CCAP) 2015-2019, a framework for the coordinated implementation of conservation agriculture in Namibia.

At the 2015 National Conservation Agriculture Stakeholders Workshop, the stakeholders endorsed the proposed coordination mechanism, and resolved that a NCAF be operationalised by 30 November 2015.

The CCAP document includes the agreed plan with set outputs and activities for the five-year period. Through the output of setting standards and methods, quarterly and annual planning and monitoring reporting tools were designed and used from 2016/2017 to 2019/2020, Kambinda said.

“It is important to note that the CCAP has ended and plans are underway to evaluate the impact of the programme. This assessment is necessary to inform the future climate resilient intervention or programme.”

13 000 farmers targeted

Kambinda noted that conservation agriculture is highlighted in the fifth National Development Plan for Namibia and the ministry’s Strategic Plan for 2017 to 2022, where 13 000 farmers are targeted to implement at least one of the following conservation agriculture practices: Minimum tillage, crop rotation and organic soil cover.

According to her, the purpose of the NCAF is overseeing the implementation of all conservation agriculture interventions in Namibia.

It also ensures that conservation agriculture mythologies and approaches used by partners are of the highest technical and operational quality.

Furthermore, it assesses the CCAP implementation progress and reports to higher authorities as well as facilitates alignment and the harmonisation of conservation agriculture activities with broader national visions, strategies and development programmes.

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Four die in crashes

December 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

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Four die in crashes First fatalities reported for December Between 1 January and 15 November, Namibia recorded 8 437 crashes, 915 slight injuries, 574 serious injuries and 193 deaths.

ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK

Four people were killed in accidents this weekend, the first road fatalities to be reported for December.

According to the police, the driver of a bakkie lost control of his vehicle between Okahandja and Karibib last Friday.

It is alleged that the bakkie - with three occupants including the driver - was travelling from Karibib towards Okahandja when the driver lost control and the vehicle left the road, hit a culvert and collided with tree.

The 45-year-old driver died at the scene. The two passengers, a 43-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman, sustained moderate to serious injuries and were transported to the Okahandja State Hospital for medical treatment.

All three are members of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF).

Another bakkie overturns

In another accident on Saturday, the driver of a bakkie lost control of the vehicle near the Mix settlement outside of Windhoek.

The bakkie overturned and the driver was seriously injured. The accident was first reported to the emergency services by a passer-by at 05:00 and the driver was taken to Katutura City Hospital, where he died from his injuries. The deceased was identified as 38-year-old Petrus Paulus, a member of NDF, stationed at the Suiderhof base.

Meanwhile, a 30-year-old man was arrested on charges of culpable homicide and reckless and negligent driving on Saturday in Okongo.

He was allegedly driving a vehicle without a licence and driving drunk when he hit a pedestrian. The 20-year-old Angolan citizen, who was trying to cross the road in the Omupembe village, died on the scene.

Woman dies in crash

In a separate accident on Saturday, a 33-year-old driver lost control of his vehicle at Silumbi in the district of Ngoma and it overturned.

A 20-year-old woman died at the scene while the driver and three passengers, aged 27, 31 and 32, were taken to the hospital in Katima Mulilo.

Between 1 January and 15 November, Namibia recorded 8 437 crashes, 915 slight injuries, 574 serious injuries and 193 deaths.

This was announced at the launch of the 2020/2021 festive season road safety campaign in Swakopmund two weeks ago.

The Otjozondjupa Region recorded the highest number of fatalities (35), followed by Oshikoto (23), Ohangwena (19), Kavango East (15) and Kunene (14).

Khomas recorded the highest number of crashes at 4 076, with 13 fatalities reported in the region.

The campaign will end on 15 January.

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Geeks flock to 'paradise for hackers'

December 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

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Geeks flock to 'paradise for hackers'Morocco 1337 campus Some 8 000 computer engineers graduate every year in Morocco. Cybersecurity is constantly evolving, so skills quickly become obsolete. - Youssef Dahbi, Technical chief: 1337

Sophie Pons - With its rows of sleek computers and ultra-modern study methods, Morocco's 1337 campus is a dream come true for budding geeks, in a country where IT skills are in high demand.

Conceived as a paradise for coders, the centre offers project-based training on programming, innovation and building IT systems.

Tuition is free and students largely create their own curricula.

It all happens on a 24-hour campus reminiscent of Silicon Valley, complete with a canteen, graffiti art on the walls and games rooms offering swings and table football.

"It's too beautiful to be true," said Ismail El Mheki, who initially struggled to drag himself away from his screen to answer questions.

On discovering the institute, which ran its first courses in 2018, he thought it was a trick - so his reaction was to hack the system.

But today, the slightly stooping 22-year-old is gushing.

"Everything here is incredible, starting with the teaching," he said.

‘WHITE HAT’

A self-declared "ethical hacker" ("white hat" in geek speak), Mheki taught himself with resources found in dark corners of the internet.

He dropped out of school before his final exams, much to his parents' dismay.

"Everything bored me at school," he said.

But after two years in Norway working for a cybersecurity firm, he took the entry test for 1337 and passed with flying colours.

Before he had even finished his course, he was offered a job as part of the school's IT security team.

"He's very strong, much stronger than an old man like me," said Youssef Dahbi, the school's technical chief - who is in his 30s.

"Cybersecurity is constantly evolving, so skills quickly become obsolete."

Morocco's phosphate giant OCP decided to set up the 1337 campus, converting a disused factory in the central mining town of Khouribga in a bid to address the country's severe need for tech expertise.

ELITE

The name of the centre comes from a system of modified spellings known as Leet Speak or "1337 5P34K", used by hackers and gamers to show their "elite" status in online communities.

The institute works closely with 42, a French programming school created in 2013 by telecoms billionaire Xavier Niel and highly regarded in the tech world.

The idea is to attract "the invisible youth, misunderstood geeks who don't fit into the system and have developed rare skills on their own", said director Larbi El Hilali.

Fatima Zahra Karouach, one of the women who make up just 10% of the students, said the school was like "a big family".

"We have the same state of mind, the same lifestyle," she said.

Karouach quit her first job as an industrial engineer, and now at the age of 29, she is enjoying her freedom.

"No office hours, no constraints, no judgement," she said. "In the city, everyone knows that 1337 people are different."

PASSION

Karouach's Moroccan comrade Mohamed Aymane Farmi, who calls himself a "mathematician passionate about algorithms", has a similar story.

The 24-year-old joined 1337 after quitting preparatory classes for the entry exam for a prestigious "old-fashioned" engineering school. Now he is dreaming of creating an artificial intelligence start-up.

He says he has no regrets.

Among the few foreigners at the school is 23-year-old Robert Bright Foca.

The Cameroonian spent two months as a clandestine migrant, passing through Niger, Nigeria and Algeria before reaching Morocco.

He said he arrived "just in time to take the entry exam".

Having touched a computer for the first time at the age of 11, he dreams of opening his own programming school back home.

Students at 1337 are selected on the basis of performance in logic and memory tests, motivation and progress. No formal qualifications are required.

INCUBATOR

The Maghreb region, also including Algeria and Tunisia, is usually seen as an incubator for traditionally trained engineers.

Some 8 000 computer engineers graduate every year in Morocco, but that is not enough to meet the demands of the country's digital transition, especially when many are attracted by higher salaries in Europe and North America.

While the 42 school has backtracked on plans to set up a campus in Tunis, California's Holberton School has opened a branch there, also offering free training.

Other private institutes offer courses that last several months, with jobs guaranteed at the end.

At 1337, "the idea is to target the people with the greatest potential," said a strategic adviser at OCP, who asked not to be named.

"It's easier to create new courses than to reform the entire higher education system."– Nampa/AFP

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Networking crucial for SME development

December 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

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Networking crucial for SME developmentLinking up with potential investors Namibia can become self-sustainable if SME’s which are the back bone of the economy gets the necessary support.

Founder of the Northern SME Expo, Nangula Nashandi said for Namibia to be self-sustainable it needs to empower the youth and expose them to potential investors.

Nashandi made the remarks at the opening of the Northern SME Expo at Ondangwa last week Friday.

The expo has attracted 250 local exhibitors and is aimed at building an economy that can sustain itself in the long run.

The Chicco Group of Companies, as the main sponsor of the expo, has paid for 150 exhibition stalls of N$ 1 500 each to provide space for some of the participating small entrepreneurs.

According to Nashandi, there is a high need to uplift the local SMEs in order to ensure that Namibia can produce its products without having to depend entirely on export.

"It should be not us depending on international countries, but it should become an option for export to the international countries", she stated.

Networking

Nashandi mentioned that plans are underway to turn the expo into an annual event.

She went on to say foreign SMEs, especially from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), would be invited to participate next time to network and share the experiences with their Namibian counterparts for the purposes of youth entrepreneurship development.

Speaking at the fundraising dinner of the event held at Ongwediva a fortnight ago, renowned Namibian business tycoon, Erastus Shapumba of the Chicco Group of Companies stated that networking with other SMEs should be seen as an opportunity and not a counterintuitive.- Nampa

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The truth about time

December 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

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The truth about time

Grace Burmeister-Nel

“People like us who believe in physics know that the distinction between past, present and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion.” Those are the words of the famous physicist, Albert Einstein.

In a rather less complicated manner, he explains that time is an illusion.

The meaning behind this statement is that the concept of time is merely an illusion made up of human memories. Reality is timeless, according to Einstein.

The harder you think about it, the more it makes sense.

Time is such an important and mysterious concept, that even movies have been based on the idea and worth of it.

In Time is a movie in which Justin Timberlake plays the main character, where wealth is measured in the amount of time written on your forearm. The longer you have to live, the wealthier you are considered. This movie truly highlights time as an important commodity.

Time is also ‘defined’ in different ways by different cultures. Americans believe that time is linear. Their belief is profit-oriented, based solely on the idea of fast-moving time and the economic connection, thus the proverb “time is money”. To many Americans, there is only the future.

Southern Europeans believe in multi-active time, rather than linear-active time. Schedules and punctuality do not interest them, they choose to rather spend their time with human interaction, irrespective of what a clock says, according to exactlywhatistime.com.

The realisation of the importance of time leads me to question: Why do we waste so much time? When remembering a memory, you long for the time it took place. You long for time, which you had more of back then. We waste so much time on things that do not matter like being enslaved by our phones and social media, complaining about not having time and deciding what to wear when it doesn’t even matter.

Time is one of the most precious things that has been given to humanity and often we spend all of that time on unimportant or wasteful ideas. Worrying about the future - or even worse - worrying about the past and the things that we cannot go back and change.

In physics, time is defined as “what a clock reads”. I believe time has much more worth than just being a number. I tend to agree with the premise of In Time, time is a precious commodity.

We have such high expectations of what time is going to bring us and what secrets it holds but spending so much time thinking about it becomes a waste of time.

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Defining discipleship

December 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

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Defining discipleship Grace Burmeister-Nel

Discipleship is a subject that means different things to different people. We interpret the concept in different ways and establish our own understanding, but do we really know the true meaning in our young, day-to-day lives?

I thought having an understanding of discipleship and its challenges would clarify misconceptions we have about it.

The term discipleship has an ambiguous meaning in the English language.

It can mean your own discipleship in the sense of your own pattern of following God or it can be the activity of helping others to be disciples and to grow in Him.

Discipleship can be, when describing your growth as a Christian, growing into healthy habits and falling out of bad ones. Growing in discipleship to walk a road with people. Growing your strength in God. Growing your belief and growing as a human.

“Being a disciple and leading a life of discipleship is hard. Following and being faithful is hard, especially today. The world can be judgmental, difficult to please and hard to be accepted into. This makes it hard to be a disciple and faithful to The Bible and God.

“Being a disciple is never easy. Being obedient to what God expects of us is never easy. I always say to people that it’s the story that Jesus tells of the wide-open road and the small road. Very few people choose the small, difficult road because it’s small and it’s difficult, and so I think if we want to be disciples and if we want to be disciple-makers, we have to make difficult choices and we have to, a lot of the time, do things that the world around us does not do naturally,” Neeltjie Burmeister, a Namibian woman involved in women’s ministry and discipleship, said.

The Bible is a map, a guidebook and compass that can lead us onto the right path. It teaches us some of the most important and valuable life lessons such as: Blessing our time, talents and treasures; to live for God and not to seek approval from our peers; going beyond the requirements; forgiveness, and lastly, that “love is patient and love is kind”(Corinthians 13:4).

When being a disciple, you have the opportunity to be the person you are leading’s compass, map or guidebook. You have the opportunity to teach important lessons and to be the push someone needs to become a follower and believer. You have the opportunity to make a difference.

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Covid-19 druk toerismebedryf se keel toe

December 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

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Covid-19 druk toerismebedryf se keel toe

Zoë Veldsman

Byna ’n jaar nadat die nuwe virus in Wuhan, China, uitgebreek en wêreldwyd versprei het, is die werklikhede van die langtermyn gevolge steeds besig om in te sink.

Nie net het die coronavirus die wêreld se manier van funksioneer en lewensomstandighede drasties verander nie, maar dit het die ekonomie tot stilstand geruk en groot onsekerheid vir die toekoms geskep.

Een bedryf wat drasties hieronder ly, is die toerismesektor. Namibië maak staat op toerisme vir ongeveer 10.2% van die land se bruto binnelandse produk. Te midde van die reisbeperkings met buitelandse lande asook streng voorsorgmaatreëls wat binnelands geld, was daar vir byna die hele jaar feitlik geen toeriste in Namibië nie.

Nie net het hierdie verliese talle mense werkloos gelaat nie, maar het dit ook verskeie gevolge op die natuur en ekonomie gehad.

Julie word beskou as die eerste maand van Namibië se piekseisoen vir toerisme. Sestig persent van Namibië se kamerbesettingskapasiteit was byvoorbeeld laasjaar dié tyd beset, in vergelyking met slegs 7.34% in Julie vanjaar, volgens die hoof uitvoerende beampte van die HAN (Gasvryheidsvereniging van Namibië), me. Gitta Paetzold.

Die eienaar van Ondundu Etosha Lodge, mnr. Johann Veldsman, deel ook die effek van Covid-19 op sy besigheid gehad het.

“Eerstens het ons ’n 100% kansellasiekoers beleef en die besigheid het totaal tot stilstand gekom. Te danke aan ’n noodfonds wat in die besigheid se beginjare gestig is, het ons darem genoeg geld tot ons beskikking gehad om 12 maande lank op die noodbegroting te werk sonder dat ons enige werknemer hoef af te dank.

“Intussen het ons ’n groot bemarkingsveldtog vir die plaaslike mark van stapel gestuur. Alles is aangepas om aan die nuwe regulasies te voldoen.”

Die effek van Covid-19 word nie net direk op akkommodasie en by toeristebestemmings opgemerk nie. Taksidermiste wat op die oorsese mark staatgemaak het, is byvoorbeeld ook sonder werk gelaat.

“Talle kere as ons in die veld is, het ons bewyse van stropery en skelm jag gekry en dit aangemeld. Sonder gereelde beweging in die veld vrees ek dat stropery onbeheersd gaan voortduur,” sê mnr. David Brown, ’n beroepsjagter en gereelde besoeker aan Namibië.

Namibië het altesame 86 gemeenskaplike bewaringsareas wat deur verskeie inheemse volke beheer en bestuur word. Dié bewaringsareas dra ’n belangrike deel tot die land se toerisme by en dien as inkomste vir die inwoners. Sonder inkomende toeriste word hierdie gemeenskappe sonder hul hoofbron van inkomste gelaat.

In gevolgtrekking kan gesê word dat alle mense en besighede betrokke in die toerismebedryf swaar onder Covid-19 ly en derhalwe hoop op beter jare van besigheid in die toekoms.

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Gemeenskap span saam om brand te blus

December 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

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Gemeenskap span saam om brand te blus

Annerine Feierabend

Dinsdag, 20 Oktober 2020 was sowaar ’n dag om te onthou op Outjo!

Heel onverwagse ridders op hul “wit perde” wat eintlik rooi brandblussers en emmers water was, het verstommend vinnig gereageer toe die Privaatskool Moria se stoorkamer aan die brand geslaan het.

Svenia Herholdt, ’n graad 8-skolier en koshuisinwoner, was die eerste om onraad te merk toe sy rook uit die skool die lug sien verkleur het. Sy het kopgehou en blitsvinnig vir mnr. Loutjie Grobler, die skoolhoof, asook Outjo se brandweer gebel het.

Grobler het aanvanklik gedink die koshuiskinders besig is om ’n grap te maak, maar het nogtans soos ’n wafferse Kayalami-renjaer die straat afgejaag en was skaars ’n minuut later by die skool. Hy en Kevin Germishuys, ’n graad 9-leerder wat uit die dorp se kant ook dadelik op die bolle rook gereageer het terwyl hy op pad krieketveld toe was, het spoedig oor die hek geklim.

Die koshuis was ook in rep en roer, soos die groot seuns, elk gewapen met ’n brandblusser, skool toe gestorm het. Emmers water is ook aangedra. Met die inspanning en spanwerk tussen groot en klein is die vlamme geblus en die brandweer se bystand het die brand finaal oorwin.

Privaatskool Moria se toekoms is beskerm te danke aan die dapper Outjo-gemeenskap en sy brandweermanne. Ondersoek is ingestel om te bepaal hoe die brand sy ontstaan gehad het en die bevinding was ’n elektriese kortsluiting. Die skool sal al die nodige maatreëls instel om toekomstige gevaarsituasies te voorkom.

“Kinders moet geleer word hoe om brandsituasies te hanteer. Die ou geboue op die perseel sal vervang word en die skool gaan in meer brandbestrydingstoerusting belê,” het Grobler gesê.

Die mees uitstaande feit was dat die bekende karakter van Outjo en sy mense opnuut sterk na vore gekom het, soos Grobler dit perfek verwoord: “Ons staan saam, veral vir hierdie skool – Privaatskool Moria.”

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Namibia to inject N$ 46 mln on food security, locust control

December 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

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Namibia to inject N$ 46 mln on food security, locust controlIncreasing spending to see positive results Namibia is currently grappling with an outbreak of red migratory locusts which now threaten the current planting season.

Namibia will avail 46 million Namibian dollars to assist marginalized and food-insecure communities as well as to control the African migratory locusts.

In a cabinet resolution statement, Information Minister Peya Mushelenga said lawmakers agreed to inject funds into the National Emergency Disaster Fund (NEDF) to cover funding gaps.

He said 26 million Namibian dollars would go towards food for marginalized communities and food insecurity for the period of February and March 2021 while 20 million Namibian dollars will cater for expenses relating to the control of the African migratory locusts.

Namibia is currently grappling with an outbreak of red migratory locusts which now threaten the current planting season.

According to a vulnerability assessment carried out in August this year, about 425 905 people in Namibia are food insecure.

The bi-annual assessment was aimed at determining the extent of food vulnerability in local households. - Nampa/Xinhua

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5-year-old raped repeatedly by father

December 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

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5-year-old raped repeatedly by father

ELLANIE SMIT/TANJA BAUSE

WINDHOEK

A Swakopmund man (48) has been arrested for allegedly repeatedly raping his five-year-old daughter throughout the year, the latest crime report indicates.

In another case, a 15-year-old girl was shot twice with a firearm that two teenage boys were playing with. According to the police the incident happened on Thursday in the Usakos District.

The two boys, aged 15 and 13, were playing with a firearm that had been left on top of a wardrobe by their uncle. The girl was shot in the abdomen and arm.

She was rushed to the Usakos State Hospital, from where she was transferred to Windhoek. Both boys were released into the care of their parents.

In another incident, two brothers were attacked by two suspects at Amagus Bar at Mondesa on Thursday. One of the brothers (28) was stabbed in the neck and died. Two suspects, both 24 years old, were arrested.

Tragedy

A six-year-old boy drowned at a children's entertainment venue in Windhoek on Saturday.

According to Sean Naude of the Namibian Marshall Rangers, a man arrived at Party Play World in Avis at about 11:45 with the boy, who is believed to be the son of family friends.

“They played together in the water before going to the braai area. The man was talking to friends there and was busy on his phone and then realised that the boy was not with him and started looking for him,” Naude said.

This was around 13:30, he said.

“At that moment, a teenager went down the waterslide and when he stood up, he noticed something at his feet and started screaming.”

Naude said the owners of the venue and other people immediately rushed over to the pool and tried to resuscitate the boy.

They then contacted Naude and he rushed to the scene and took over CPR, but it was in vain.

Attack

Meanwhile, at Ongwediva, a 22-year-old security guard was attacked by four men armed with shotguns on Friday at the Element Bar.

It is alleged that the men jumped into the yard of the bar, held the guard at gunpoint and hit him on the head, causing severe injuries.

Three of the suspects broke into the bar while one remained with the guard.

They stole liquor, a laptop, a backpack and N$300. The total value of the property stolen is N$13 000. They allegedly also took the security guard's mobile phone. The suspects are not known and the items were not recovered.

At Opuwo, alcohol and cash to the value of N$30 481 were stolen on Saturday at the Otuzember Manchester Bar. The suspect allegedly gained entrance through the roof and has not been arrested.

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Police warn against online car sales

December 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

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Police warn against online car sales ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK

The police have warned the public about an online scam targeting vehicle buyers.

According to Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, these scammers provide their victims with falsified documents bearing forged signatures.

“The modus operandi is that the scammers would share pictures of the vehicle which they are selling with the would-be buyer on Facebook and once the buyer expresses interest in buying the car, they would then arrange and complete alleged paperwork, which bears a forged police date stamp as well as a forged signature of one of the police deputy inspector-generals to make it seem authentic.”

Shikwambi said two suspects have been arrested and N$43 000 was recovered.

Run from prison

She said the syndicate appears to be run from prison by convicts who send accomplices on the outside to withdraw the money deposited by their victims.

“A cell search was conducted at the correctional facility by correctional officers and as a result five cellphones were found in the targeted cells.” Shikwambi warned the public that smuggling of contraband into prisons will not be tolerated.

The police further discourage people from engaging in unverified online transactions, said Shikwambi. People are urged to be cautious when buying cars and to always stay alert to the possibility of being scammed when deciding to buy.

The public is also reminded of the risks of buying cars without inspecting them personally, and encouraged not to deposit money into an account for a car that has not been received yet.

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Thunderstorm warning for Zambezi

December 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

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Thunderstorm warning for ZambeziHope of rain in next 4 months Widespread thundershowers are expected in the Zambezi Region this weekend, while an expert says there is still hope for good rainfall from January to March.

ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK

Widespread thundershowers are expected in the Zambezi Region this weekend and the Namibia Meteorological Service warns that precautions should be taken.

Meanwhile, South African climatologist Johan van den Berg says in his latest climate outlook that the La Niña phenomenon has reached moderate to strong levels and will be present until at least March 2021.

He says although rainfall has been disappointing so far this season, the outlook remains positive for the next few months.

“Some rain occurred in November over parts of Namibia, but very dry conditions still prevail in the central and southern parts,” he says in his report.

Optimistic

Van den Berg says the continued presence of La Niña conditions is a good indication of rain in the second part of the rainy season.

According to him there is a risk of heavy rainfall and flooding from January to March, even in the dry southern parts of Namibia.

He says the short-term outlook for the western parts of South Africa and Namibia remains poor because of the overriding effect of the Atlantic Ocean high pressure that is still dominant, resulting in unfavourable rainfall conditions.

“Heavy rainfall is expected over Zambia and Zimbabwe in the first part of December that can start to move west over Namibia, Botswana and South Africa from the second part of December,” he says.

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New ECD centre for Tses

December 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

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New ECD centre for Tses

Elizabeth Joseph- TSES

On 27 November, the //Karas Region governor Aletha Frederick inaugurated a new early childhood development (ECD) centre at Tses.

Developed for N$1.1 million, the centre was funded by the European Union through the 11th European Development Fund towards the education sector.

"As a ministry, we received the support of N$70.4 million, where //Karas was allocated N$4.1 million for the construction, renovation, and upgrading of four ECD centre," the governor said.

The Tses village council donated the land on which the centre was built.

"This ECD centre has been in existence since 2012 in the Tses village. It started home-based at the venue of the late Elsie Jahrs and moved to the Lutheran church hall in 2015, operating for the first two semesters, after which they moved to the Tses community hall at the end of 2015.

“The centre has two educators, Erna Swartz and Petronella Daniels. Currently, there are 36 learners at the centre," Fredericks added.

The culture of learning

The building consists of two classrooms, ablution facilities, a storeroom and a kitchen.

Fredericks urged Tses residents to encourage their children to go to the centre and learn from the educators and each other.

"Let us allow children to explore, and let us instill in them the culture of learning, the culture of investigating, and the culture of curiosity," she said.

She further urged parents to promote a culture of reading among their children and noted that it is very important that learners should be able to read and understand what they are reading or studying.

"I urge the regional, local and traditional authorities, educators, parents and the community at large to take care of this beautiful infrastructure to ensure that it serves today's children and it will continue to serve generations to come.

“We must therefore collectively and jealously guard this building against any form of vandalism and unnecessary destruction," the governor said.

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Coming together as one

December 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

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Coming together as oneBuilding resilience through the One Economy Foundation The second fundraising dinner for the One Economy Foundation created the opportunity for pledges to continue the foundation’s incredible work.

Mariselle Stofberg

On 3 December, the One Economy Foundation (ONE) hosted their second fundraising dinner in support of their work towards building a fair and equitable society under the theme ‘connect, converse and collaborate’.

With pre-pledges and pledges done during both dinners hosted, the funds raised amounted to more than N$4.4 million, exceeding their target.

ONE is a Section 21 non-profit organisation which concerns itself with Namibia’s dual economy wherein a small segment of the population participate and thrive in the ‘first’ profitable, knowledge-based economy and the majority of Namibians barely survive in the ‘second’ economy.

The foundation has five pillars, which include education, health, gender-based violence, entrepreneurship and enterprise development, and institutional and strategic support programmes.

The foundation, under its education pillar, seeks to ensure access to equitable and quality education for beneficiaries and to facilitate a conducive environment for learning.

TIP

The Talented Individual Programme (TIP) is a fellowship which provides 28 talented learners from low-income backgrounds with an all-encompassing educational experience which includes academic and psycho-social support for secondary school.

During this dinner, two TIP beneficiaries shared the impact of the foundation on their education and lives in general. Chante Moses commended the scholarship for providing them with the support to excel both academically and extramurally.

“Your time and money, do you see it in me? This is what you are investing in. We are not going to let you down. You have planted the seeds we need to excel. Ten years later, I might be the next president of our country, and only because you chose to invest in us.

“You are helping to build a new generation and I can’t be prouder. This opportunity has blessed me, and I want to thank the First Lady [Monica Geingos], because she has been an amazing mother to all of us,” Moses added.

Sarafia Ewalistus, another beneficiary, said ONE has provided TIP fellows with access to opportunities and exposure to gain invaluable skills. One of these skills is leadership, which has led to her being elected as part of her school’s learner’s representative council for 2021.

“I can proudly say that this scholarship has not just met my expectations but exceeded them. With the help of incredible individuals like yourselves, I’ve become someone the 13-year-old me would think of as a role model. I came to realise that we as the youth have to take initiative and make the change. With incredible individuals like yourselves as our momentum, I believe we can succeed,” she added.

Creating change

The work done by ONE has made a profound impact on society and the Namibian community at large and continues to strive towards creating lasting change.

“I am humbled by what happens here, but what frightens me is how many other Sarafias or Chantes there are in this country, falling through the cracks as we speak. We need to scale up what we are doing. We are doing great work, but the need is much bigger than what we are doing,” Geingos said.

“The social issues in this country are becoming political and the political issues are becoming economic. We meet the children who do fall through the cracks at 03:00 in the morning in our living rooms with guns. We meet them in the shops when they are scratching through our handbags. We meet them in the riverbeds when they rape our daughters. The social becomes political becomes economic and it’s our problem.

“What we don’t fix becomes unimaginable. We call them monsters and animals, but they are not. They are a reflection of our society. They are a reflection of what we haven’t done,” the First Lady added.

Geingos said a lot of the funding for education is placed at the top to enable tertiary education, with many learners falling through the cracks at primary and secondary school level.

“We need to invest in all our learners and provide them with the platform to succeed. As a country, we need to stand together, and not judge each other based on tribe or status or political party affiliation. We are Namibians and we are stronger together,” Geingos said.

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