2. Best of Namibia | 1International Group Publisher Sven
BoermeesterAfrica Group Publisher Thapelo LetsholoNamibia Partners
Saress Investments Four Wilhencia UirasProject Manager Gia
BischofbergerEditor Rebecca EbProduction GVPedia Communications
ccCreative Direction iMedi8 CreativeWebmaster Liam DobellPrinting
Creda PressDisclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure
theaccuracy of the information in The Best of Namibia Vol.1.Neither
Best of Namibia, GVPedia Communications cc norSaress Investments
Four assume any responsibility for errorsor omissions. The editor
reserves the right to amend and altercopy and visual material as
deemed necessary.All rights reserved: No part of this publication
shall bereproduced, copied, transmitted, adapted or modified in
anyform or by any means. This publication shall not be stored
inwhole or in part in any form in any retrieval system.Contact
details:GVPedia Communications ccTel: +27 11 705 2097Fax: +27 86
586 1999Email:
[email protected]
Partnership with:Saress Investments FourCell: +264 81 124
0247Email: [email protected] team:Vanessa UirasDandago
UirasNdeyapo JasonKahoo KandjozeBest of Namibia Volume 1We are
proud to announce Best of Namibia as the latest in ourcollection of
prestigious books. Namibia has continuously proveditself to be more
than worthy of warranting a compilation such asthis. Not only is it
one of the most peaceful countries in Africa,which enjoyed a smooth
transition into democracy, but its also oneof the most
enchanting.We have tried to capture as much of this enchantment in
the pages that follow. This countryof stark contrasts has produced
some magnificent imagery, which seems to tell the story of
itsage-old mysticism. Namibias land is beautiful and fascinating
and it has also yielded some ofthe most astounding diamonds in the
world. Beneath the surface of her soils, lie many spoilsawaiting
discovery. However, the practicality of the government is such that
there is a currentongoing diversification of the economy.Tourism is
held in high regard for obvious reasons, so are land cultivation,
transport andshipping. The latter makes the most of the ideal
situation of the country being on the traderoute to the Cape of
Good Hope, as well as having a prime linkage to South Africa,
Botswana,Zimbabwe, Zambia and Angola. As a result, Namibia has
always strived to ensure goodrelations with their SADC counterparts
and has many important foreign policies. That said,although the
government highly values the vital relationships they have forged,
there is aconcerted effort to ensure more economic independence
instead of relying heavily on imports.The political and economic
stability, coupled with the peaceful nature of the Namibian
people,has resulted in the creation of a trading climate conducive
to investment. In the Best of Namibiawe showcase not only the
places, but the people, companies and organisations that haveearned
their success. We put Namibia on show here for the world to see as
a celebration for allthat the country has achieved.This ancient
land is home to the worlds oldest tribe the San. Their centuries
old practices ofpreserving nature and unique mutually beneficial
relationship with the flora and fauna aroundthem helped them adapt
and survive in extremely harsh conditions. This relationship has
leftan indelible mark on the Namibian people and all economic
practices are sought in line withthe preservation of Namibias
natural heritage from eco-quad biking to strict regulations
andrestrictions in environmental interaction. There is still work
to be done but the Namibian peopleunderstand that the benefits of
preserving their land will be long-lasting.We look forward to
seeing the current policies and plans come to fruition in the years
to comeand believe that there will be even more to celebrate in the
near future.For now, enjoy the spectacular showcase and remember
that the images here are even betterup close.Thapelo Letsholo Sven
Boermeester Gia Bischofberger Wilhencia UirasProudly
AfricanBoosting inter-trade & culturalrelations across the
continentwww.ProudlyAfrican.info
3. 2 | Best of Namibia
4. Best of Namibia | 3It gives me great pleasureto introduce
this beautifulproduction Best of Namibia,a magnificent
publicationwhich showcases the best intravel, lifestyle and
business inNamibia.Given its geographical location in manyrespects,
especially its transportationinfrastructure and integration with
regionalmarkets, Namibia is undoubtedly a strategicgateway to the
fast developing marketsof southern Africa let alone its
politicalstability, which is the hallmark of its socio-economic
development.All industry in Namibia has been proudlybuilt with
bricks of democracy, and itslaunch-pad is thus, credited to our
policy ofinclusivity in ensuring that the functioningmechanisms of
democracy remained well-oiled a mantra greatly valued and
highlyguarded by Namibians and acknowledgedby many others.This
first edition of Best of Namibia certainlycreates a proud moment
for Namibia tosee its successes profiled in a legacyproject, as
part of the globally renownedBest of series.We continue to earn our
place on this globalplatform as very few others can boast of
thevast natural beauty and resources whichNamibia is endowed with
and is famous for.The visual showcase presented here issecond only
to viewing the real spectacle ofthe country in person. The stable
investmentclimate is highly favourable, owing to ourproud position
as a peaceful country.It is my hope that this publication will give
itsreaders what Namibia and its people haveto offer in order to
better understand thewide range of opportunities that exist in
thisland of wide open spaces and contrast Namibia, the boutique
country.I am therefore, delighted to be associatedwith Best of
Namibia, as this publication isputting our country on show in a way
thathas never been done before, with eachsector being accounted for
and the playersin each industry captured through movingimagery and
their personal story.I am thus, excited to introduce the first
evercompilation of this kind in our country andhope that Best of
Namibia will become agood ambassador of Namibia.Enjoy!Foreword by
HON. DR HAGE G. GEINGOB,Minister of Trade and Industry
5. Investment and Future VisionsTraining and EducationBanking
and InsuranceTravel, Tours and LeisureMedia, Marketing and
FilmFinance and
InvestmentChapter166Chapter396Chapter5120Chapter280Chapter4106Chapter6128CHAPTERS4
| Best of Namibia
6. EnergyTransport and LogisticsEntrepreneurshipOil, Gas,
Mining and MineralsTelecommunications and
IndustryChapter7140Chapter9164Chapter11183Chapter8152Chapter10172
Best of Namibia | 5
7. Over twenty years of Namibian independenceLittle-known
Namibia, one of Africas mostsparsely populated nations, is also one
ofthe continents most stable. In late March2010, Namibias
ambassador, PatrickNandago, held a reception in Washingtonto
celebrate 20 years of independence,freedom, democracy and the rule
of law inour beautiful country.Several hundred people gathered at
theOmni Shoreham to help Nandago mark theoccasion singing both
Namibia, Land ofthe Brave and The Star-Spangled Banneras colour
photos depicting the countrysflora and fauna flashed on large
screens.Among the guests Nandago singled outfor special recognition
were Susan Page,the U.S. deputy assistant secretary of statefor
African affairs at the time, and ChesterCrocker, who served as U.S.
assistantsecretary of state for African affairs from1981 to 1989.In
the heat of the armed liberationstruggle in Namibia, and the civil
war inAngola, said the ambassador, Dr Crockerwas the man who
developed the strategythat produced the treaties signed by
Angola,Cuba and South Africa which culminated inthe ceasefire
between South Africas UNITA(National Union for the Total
Independenceof Angola) rebels and SWAPO (the South-West Africa
Peoples Organisation), leadingto the first democratic elections in
Namibia.South Africas former colony finallyobtained independence on
March 21st1990, after 106 years of foreign occupation.Since then,
Namibia has held free, fairand peaceful elections every five
years,with the most recent one held in November2009, he said. Over
the years, we havewitnessed successful transfers of power,and our
country is known to be one of themost democratic on the African
continent.Our economic and political stability makes itan
attractive location for investors.Turning the evening into a sales
pitch forhis country, Nandago explained that the fourpillars of
Namibias economy are agriculture,mining, fishing and tourism. With
only justover two-million people in a country whoseland covers
825,418 sq km, Namibia shouldbe quite wealthy. And in fact, its
exports ofdiamonds, uranium, copper, gold and zincare
legendary.Namibia is faced with many challenges,including the
availability of portable water,access to quality healthcare,
housingand education, and the challenges ofBy Larry Luxner6 | Best
of Namibia
8. unemployment, HIV-AIDS, tuberculosisand malaria, said
Nandago. Namibia didnot escape the brunt of climate change,and for
the last four years, the country haswitnessed severe drought and
devastatingfloods.Nor, he said, did the global economiccrisis spare
Namibia. But we remainhopeful that things will turn around.As part
of its strategy, the governmenthas set up the Namibia
InvestmentCentre and has signed agreements withneighbouring
Botswana and Zimbabweto acquire dry-port facilities in Walvis
Bay,Namibias deep-water port on the AtlanticOcean. Angola, Zambia
and the DemocraticRepublic of Congo are negotiating for
similararrangements.Page, speaking on behalf of her superiorJohnnie
Carson, assistant secretary of statefor African affairs, said
Namibia had a lot tocelebrate on its 20th anniversary.Since its
separation from apartheid SouthAfrica in 1990, Namibia has pursued
a pathof democracy and free-market economy. Ithas distinguished
itself from other Africanstates by having held 10 national,
regionaland local elections, she said, noting thatNamibia is one of
the 15 focus countriesunder the Presidents Emergency Plan forAIDS
Relief (PEPFAR). That entitles it tomore than US$100-million
annually to helpNamibia mitigate the suffering of
HIV-AIDSpatients.In September 2009, the U.S. governmentsMillennium
Challenge Corp. signed aUS$304.5-million compact with Namibiaaimed,
among other things, at boostingthe quality of education and
rectifying thecountrys unequal distribution of income.Now that
President Hifkepunye Pohambahas been sworn in for a second term,
wehope he will continue to take a strongstand against corruption
and gender-based violence, Page told the assembledguests. The
United States is seeking tobuild mutual trust in addressing the
manychallenges Namibia faces, including the fightagainst HIV-AIDS
and tuberculosis, and theneed to create jobs and reduce
poverty.Updated version as publishedwith permission of Larry Luxner
inDiplomat Africa Volume 1 Best of Namibia | 7
9. Namibia at a GlanceSafe and hospitable, Namibia is a land of
mystery and intrigue which captures theimagination with the beauty
and diversity of its age-old landscape.8 | Best of Namibia
10. A geologists paradise, Namibia is scatteredwith fossils and
unique minerals, givingone the feeling of stepping back in time,to
the moment of creation. Namibia wasfirst inhabited by the ancient
Khoi-Sanhunter-gatherer clan, who are the oldestdescendents of the
first Homo sapiens.Their early lives are forever capturedin Africas
largest collection of rock artpaintings in Twyfelfontein. The
harshlybeautiful terrain has meant that all creationshave had to
adapt and as a result, the floraand fauna are capable of
withstanding harshand varying climates. The surreal landscapeof
endless ochre coloured sand dunes whichtower over scattered trees
and wildlife,contrasted against the crisp blue huesof the South
Atlantic Ocean make thisdreamlike country a must on every
travellerslist; but more recently finding itself on thelists of
international traders and investorsas a result of stringent growth
plans tosustainably utilise its vast resources.Full Name: Republic
of NamibiaCapital: WindhoekMotto: Unity, Liberty,
JusticeNationalAnthem:Namibia, Land of the BravePresident:
Hifikepunye PohambaPrime Minister: Nahas AngulaArea:
825,418km2(318,696 sq mi)Regions: Caprivi, Erongo, Hardap,
Karas,Khomas, Kunene, Ohangwena,Okavango, Omaheke, Omusati,Oshana,
Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa.Population: 2,108,665 (2009 estimate)Main
Languagespoken:EnglishRecognisedNationalLanguages:Herero,
Rukwangali, Silozi,Setswana, Damara/Nama,Afrikaans, German,
OshiwamboMain Religions: Christianity 90%, Indigenous10%Main
exports: Diamonds, uranium, zinc, copper,lead, beef, cattle, fish,
karakulpelts, grapesNaturalResources:Diamonds, uranium, zinc,
gold,copper, lead, tin, fluorspar, salt,fisheries, and
wildlifeMonetary unit: Namibian Dollar (NAD)The Republic of Namibia
is a southernAfrican country on the South Atlantic Oceanwhich
shares borders with Angola, Zambia,Botswana and South Africa. A
formercolony of both Britain and Germany andlater under the control
of South Africa, theNamibian War of Independence welcomedan
Independent Namibia born on 21 March1990. Best of Namibia | 9
11. Namibia has relations with many countriesas part of its
foreign policy as a memberstate of the UN, SADC, the AU and
theCommonwealth of Nations.The ancient lands are some of the
oldestinhabited lands on earth as they were hometo tribes of San
hunter-gatherers.Namibia has a population of 2.1-millionpeople and
a stable multi-partyparliamentary democracy. Agriculture,herding,
tourism and the mining industry including mining for gems,
diamonds,uranium, gold, silver, and base metals formthe backbone of
Namibias economy. It isthe second least densely populated countryin
the world following Mongolia.HISTORYAlthough the written history of
Namibia isrelatively recent, the land itself is steepedin ancient
significance. Considering thatapproximately three-quarters of
globalhuman history is unaccounted for, Namibiaslands have
preserved numerous accounts ofancients times through fossils, the
PetrifiedForest site, and most notably, through itsfamed rock art.
Namibias archaeologicalevidence stretches from about 3-millionyears
ago and is one of the longestsequences recognised. As a result,
themajority of Namibian history is unaccountedfor in written works
considering that humanshave inhabited these lands for hundreds
ofcenturies; leaving archaeologists attempting10 | Best of
Namibia
12. to document as much as possible.Rock art is possibly the
most visible relicof prehistoric times specifically in
southernAfrica. The art of the Apollo 11 cave in theKaras region is
considered as some of theearliest art found in Africa, dated to
between25,500 23,500 BC. Situated in the HunsMountains of
south-western Namibia, thesecaves were home to seven slabs of
rockdepicting animal figures. The spectacularBrandberg mountain,
rising to 1900m abovethe surrounding dunes, houses one of
thelargest collections of rock art in the worldwith over 43,000
paintings at over 1000sites. Rock art is a major tourist attraction
inNamibia, resulting in the famed Twyfelfonteinsite, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site,receiving over 30,000 visitors a year.The name of the
country is derived fromthe Namib Desert, considered to be theoldest
desert in the world. The area wasfirst known as German South-West
Africa(Deutsch-Sdwestafrika), then as South-West Africa, which
highlighted the colonialoccupation of Germany and South Africa the
latter as a dominion state of the BritishEmpire before Namibias
independence in1990.In 1884, the country became a GermanImperial
protectorate and remained aGerman colony until after World War
One.The League of Nations mandated thecountry to South Africa in
1920 and imposedits laws as well as South Africas apartheidpolicy
from 1948. Best of Namibia | 11
13. 12 | Best of Namibia
14. The UN took direct responsibility overSouth-West Africa in
1966 after uprisingsand resistance from African leaders. TheSouth
West Africa Peoples Organisation(SWAPO) was recognised as the
officialrepresentative of the Namibian peoplein 1973 but stayed
under South Africanadministration. After internal
resistanceintensified, South Africa introduced aninterim
administration in Namibia in1985, which lasted until Namibia
gainedindependence from South Africa in 1990.Pre-colonial eraThe
dry lands of Namibia were inhabitedin early times by San
hunter-gatherers,Damara, Nama, and since about the 14thcentury AD,
by immigrating Bantu whocame with the Bantu expansion from
centralAfrica. The San are widely considered tohave been the first
inhabitants of this land.In 1485, the first European disembarkedand
explored the region, namely Portuguesenavigator Diogo Co.
Bartolomeu Diasfollowed in 1486 but yet the Portuguese didnot claim
the region.For centuries the barrier of the NamibDesert had kept
other explorers andcolonisers out, until the late 18th
centuryonwards when Orlam clans from the CapeColony crossed the
Orange River andmoved into the area that today is southernNamibia.
Encounters with the nomadicNama tribes were mostly peaceful and
themissionaries accompanying the Orlams werewell-received. The
right to use waterholesand grazing lands was granted for an
annualpayment. In 1878, the United Kingdomannexed Walvis Bay on
behalf of CapeColony. Further northwards however, theOrlams came
across the more resistantclans of the Herero (Windhoek), Gobabis
andOkahandja. The Nama-Herero War broke outin 1880 and only ended
with the deploymentof troops from Imperial Germany. Whatensued in
the early 1900s after the discoveryof diamonds was an atrocious
genocide,wiping out the majority of the Herero clan pre-emanating
the antics of Nazi Germany.It should be noted that Germany is now
oneof the biggest donors of aid to Namibia, whohave sought to make
amends for their forebearers cruelty.Namibia remained mostly
unexploredby Europeans until the 19th century whentraders and
settlers arrived from Germanyand Sweden. The late 19th century
broughtDorsland trekkers who crossed the area ontheir way from the
Transvaal in South Africato Angola. Some of the trekkers settled
inNamibia instead of continuing their journeywhile more returned to
the South-WestAfrican territory after the Portuguese inAngola tried
to convert them to Catholicism,forbidding their language from being
taught.Adolf Luderitz was a German traderwho claimed the rest of
the coastalregion in 1883 following negotiationswith a local chief.
The southern area wasincorporated into the Cape of Good Hopein
1884. Negotiations between the UnitedKingdom and Germany brought
about the Best of Namibia | 13
15. annexation of Germanys coastal region,excluding Walvis Bay.
In 1885, recognitionof Germanys sphere of influence for theeastern
areas was given by the UnitedKingdom. In 1890, the region that
wouldlater become known as the Caprivi Strip wasmerged into South
West Africa followingan agreement between Germany and theUnited
Kingdom. This strip provided accessto the Zambezi River a crucial
access pointto the East African German colonies. Theexchange was
that the Germans grantedthe British the islands of Zanzibar
andHeligoland.The fight for independenceSouth Africa took over the
colony whenGermany was defeated in 1915 duringWorld War One and
then administered itas a League of Nations mandate territoryin
1919. In the 1960s, during the time ofEuropean powers granting
independenceto colonies and territories across Africa,South Africa
was pressurised to do so withNamibia. In response to the 1966
rulingby the International Court of Justice whichdismissed a
complaint against South Africaspresence in Namibia, SWAPO military
wingand guerrilla group Peoples Liberation Armyof Namibia began
their armed struggle forindependence, but it was not until 1988that
South Africa agreed to withdrawand demobilise its forces thus
ending itsoccupation of Namibia, in accordance with aUN peace plan
for the entire region.The President His Excellency Hifikepunye
Pohamba14 | Best of Namibia
16. With the military withdrawals, came thereturn of SWAPO
exiles and in October1989, the first-ever one-person
one-voteelections were held for a constituentassembly. This was won
by SWAPOalthough it did not gain the two-thirdsmajority it had
hoped for the DemocraticTurnhalle Alliance (DTA) became the
officialopposition.Sam Nujoma was sworn in as the firstPresident
when Namibia became officiallyindependent on 21 March 1990 whichsaw
newly released Nelson Mandela as anobserver, along with
representatives from147 countries including 20 heads of
state.Walvis Bay was ceded to Namibia in 1994upon the end of
Apartheid in South Africa.Post independenceNamibia successfully
transitioned fromthe apartheid rule of a white minority toa
parliamentary democracy. Regionaland National elections are
regularly heldand thus multiparty democracy has beenmaintained.
There are several registeredpolitical parties active and
represented in theNational Assembly. Since independence, theSWAPO
Party has won every election whichhas seen a smooth transition from
SamNujomas 15-year rule to the succession ofPresident Hifikepunye
Pohamba in 2005.Namibian government has endorsednational
reconciliation policy which issuedamnesty to those who fought on
either sideduring the war of liberation. Best of Namibia | 15
17. GOVERNMENTNamibia is a presidential
representativedemocratic republic, with the presidentbeing elected
to a five-year term as both thehead of state and the head of
government.Executive power lies with the Cabinetwhile the
legislative rests with Parliament,which is bicameral, the National
Assemblyand the National Council. The judiciary isindependent.
Constant scrutiny is given toNamibias management of the rule of
lawand the observance of basic human rights.Branches:Executive
President, Prime MinisterLegislative:BicameralParliament:National
Assembly and National CouncilJudicial:Supreme Court, the High
Court, and lower courtsSub-divisions:13 administrative
regionsRegistered political parties:SWAPO, Democratic Turnhalle
Alliance (DTA),United Democratic Front of Namibia (UDF),Congress of
Democrats (COD), Republican Party(RP),National Unity Democratic
Organisation (NUDO),Monitor Action Group (MAG), Rally for
Democracyand Progress (RDP), South West African NationalUnion
(SWANU), All Peoples Party (APP),Democratic Party of Namibia (DPN),
NamibiaDemocratic Movement for Change (NDMC)Suffrage:Universal
adultThe CapitalWindhoek lies in a basin between theKhomas
Highland, Auas and Eros Mountainsat 1,680 metres above sea level,
650kmnorth of the Orange River and 360km fromthe Atlantic seaboard.
The City is perfectlysituated at the epicentre of Namibia,making it
the ideal capital with obvioustrade and administration benefits due
toits accessibility. The effect on tourism isalso notable as it is
the focal point for thebeginning of any journey and the main
entrypoint to exploring the country by air or road.Windhoek has a
population of about300,000 which makes it a very small capitalby
worldwide standards. The city centre isastonishingly clean and
generally safe.Windhoek is home to Namibias brewingindustry, and it
isnt difficult to find a coldbeer. There are also a number of
privatehospitals, a state-run hospital, doctorssurgeries, banks,
(with 24hr ATMs)pharmacies, supermarkets, bakeries, andclothing
stores. Maerua Mall is a largeshopping centre which has a gym
andindoor swimming pool. There is also thesmaller Post Street Mall
at the Town Squareas well as at Wernhill Park. There are alsotwo
industrial areas: Northern and Southern.Namibias progress since
Independence isevident in Windhoek through the presenceof new
offices and expanding building andcommerce industries.Windhoek is
the social, economic, andcultural centre of the country. Most
nationalenterprises have their headquarters inWindhoek, as well as
The University ofNamibia and the Polytechnic of Namibia,the
countrys only theatre, all ministry headoffices, and all major
media and financialentities.THE LANDAt 825,418 km2 (318,696 sq mi),
Namibia isthe worlds thirty-fourth largest country
(afterVenezuela). It lies mostly between latitudes17 and 29S (a
small area is north of 17),and longitudes 11 and 26E.Administrative
divisionNamibia is divided into 13 regions andsub-divided into 107
constituencies. Theadministrative division of Namibia is tabledby
Delimitation Commissions and acceptedor declined by the National
Assembly.Since state foundation three DelimitationCommissions have
been formed, the last16 | Best of Namibia
18. one in 2002 under the chairmanship ofJudge Peter Shivute.
Regional councillorsare directly elected through secret
ballots(regional elections) by the inhabitants of
theirconstituencies.Geographical areasThe Namibian landscape
consists generallyof five geographical areas, each
withcharacteristic abiotic conditions andvegetation with some
variation within andoverlap between them: the Central Plateau,the
Namib Desert, the Great Escarpment,the Bushveld, and the Kalahari
Desert. WithNamibias tiny population, statistically onecould only
come across two people everysquare kilometre. The dramatic
physicalfeatures of this astounding country drawvisitors from all
over the globe. Below aresome of the most notable:Central
PlateauThe wide and flat Central Plateau ishome to Namibias highest
point, theKnigstein elevation at 2,606 metres,which runs from north
to south and isbordered by the Skeleton Coast to thenorthwest, the
Namib Desert and its coastalplains to the southwest, the Orange
Riverto the south, and the Kalahari Desert tothe east. The Central
Plateau holds mostof Namibias population and economy asWindhoek and
the most arable land arelocated here. Best of Namibia | 17
19. 18 | Best of Namibia
20. Namib DesertConsidered to be the oldest desert in theworld,
the Namib Desert consists of anexpanse of hyper-arid gravel plains
anddunes that stretch along the entire coastlineof Namibia. Due to
its constant shapeshiftingnature, the size of the desert varies
between100 to several hundred kilometres in width.Notable areas
include the Skeleton Coastand the Kaokoveld in the north and
theextensive Namib Sand Sea along the centralcoast. The sand sea is
made up fromprocesses of erosion that take place in theOrange River
valley and areas further to thesouth. Masses of sand are carried by
riversto the Atlantic where strong currents depositthem along the
shore. The sands are pickedup by a prevailing south west wind and
re-deposited into massive dunes forming thewidespread sand sea,
which becomes thehighest sand dunes in the world.In other areas,
strong winds pummel theland to form large gravel plains in placeof
the sand. There is little vegetation inmost areas of the Namib
Desert apart fromlichens in places where plants can
reachunderground water such as in the gravelplains and dry river
beds.Known as the living fossil, the Weltwischiaplant is only found
in the Namib desert, withsome individual plants said to be
nearly2000 years old.Coastal DesertThe coastal desert of Namibia is
one of theoldest and highest in the world. As part ofthe sand sea,
its sand dunes are created bythe strong onshore winds. The Namib
Desertand the Namib-Naukluft National Park arelocated here. It is
also one of the richestsources of diamonds in the world and ismade
up of the Skeleton Coast in the northand the Diamond Coast in the
south. Thereis often thick fog, as a result of the situationon the
point where the Atlantics cold waterreaches Africa. Namibia has
rich coastaland marine resources that remain
largelyunexplored.Great EscarpmentThe Great Escarpment rises
swiftly to over2,000 metres and sees temperature rangesincreasing
further inland from the coldAtlantic waters with the prevalence of
thecoastal fogs diminishing slowly inwards. Thearea is rocky and
although it has poor soils,it is greatly more productive than the
NamibDesert.Moisture is extracted from the summerwinds which push
over the Escarpment.This unique precipitation together withthe
varying topography, are responsiblefor the microhabitats of a wide
range ofendemic organisms. The varying vegetationranges from dense
woodland to shrubs andscattered trees.BushveldThe Bushveld lies in
north eastern Namibiaalong the Angolan border and in the
narrowcorridor of the Caprivi Strip which hasaccess to the Zambezi
River, and is part of Best of Namibia | 19
21. the KAZA Transfrontier Conservation area.The area receives
much more precipitationthan the rest of the country, with an
averageof 400mm per year. It is also cooler withapproximate
seasonal variations of between10 and 30 C. The area is mostly flat
withsandy soils, which limits their water retainingability.The
Etosha Pan in north-central Namibialies adjacent to the Bushveld
and is oneof the most spectacular natural features.The Pan
transforms from a dry-wastelandto a shallow lake which covers over
6,000square kilometres in the wet season. It is anecologically
important area as it is vital tolarge numbers of birds and animals
whichgather from the surrounding savannah.The Bushveld area is
demarcated as partof the Angolan Mopane woodlands
eco-region.Kalahari DesertThe Kalahari Desert, shared with
SouthAfrica and Botswana, is widely regarded asNamibias best known
geographical feature.Its environments range from hyper-aridsandy
desert to areas which are outside ofthe definition of a common
desert, such asthe Succulent Karoo which is home to over5,000
species of plants. Almost half of these20 | Best of Namibia
22. succulents are endemic; and one third ofthe succulents in
the world are found in theKaroo.The productivity of this desert is
as aresult of its stable precipitation and thereforedoes not
receive droughts regularly. Thearea is technically a desert but it
receivesregular winter rains which provide sufficientmoisture. Some
of the main features ofthe Kalahari are inselbergs, or
isolatedmountains, which house organisms whicharent adapted to life
in the surroundingdesert system.Weather and climateNamibia has over
300 days of sunshineper year as a result of being situated at
thesouthern edge of the tropics the Tropic ofCapricorn cuts
directly through the middleof the country. Winter is from June to
Augustand is mostly dry while the rainy season isin summer (the
small rains occur betweenSeptember and November, and the big
onebetween February and April). There is lowhumidity and the
average rainfall rangesfrom nearly zero in the coastal desert to
over600mm in the Caprivi Strip, although rainfallis variable with
regular droughts.The coastal area is dominated by the Best of
Namibia | 21
23. cold, north-flowing Benguela current ofthe Atlantic Ocean,
accounting for thelow precipitation of less than 50mm peryear,
frequent thick fog, as well as lowertemperatures than in the rest
of the countryoverall. Sometimes winter brings a conditioncalled
Bergwind or Oosweer (Afrikaans:East weather) which is a hot dry
wind whichblows from inland coastward. These windscan form sand
storms due to the locality ofthe coastal desert. Sand is deposited
intothe Atlantic Ocean and these deposits canbe seen by
satellite.The Central Plateau and Kalahari areashave high
temperature ranges of up to 30C.THE PEOPLECultureNamibia is a rich
and diverse melting pot ofdifferent cultures, which speak of its
varyinghistory. The country has the second-lowestpopulation density
of any sovereign country,after Mongolia, with the majority being
blackAfrican mostly of the Ovambo ethnicity.Ovambo people form
about half of the totalpopulation. Most reside in the north of
thecountry, although many are now movingto towns throughout Namibia
in a periodof urbanisation. The Herero and Himbapeople, who speak a
similar language, andthe Damara, who speak the same clicklanguage
as the Nama, are other ethnicBantu groups of Namibia.There are also
large groups ofKhoisan, including the Nama, who are22 | Best of
Namibia
24. descendants of the original inhabitants ofsouthern Africa.
The country is also home todescendants of refugees from Angola.
Thereare two smaller groups of people with mixedracial origins, who
together make up 6.5%.The population is made up of 7% of
whitepeople of Portuguese, Dutch, German,British and French
ancestry, and most speakAfrikaans.Around 9% of the population is
made upof the Kavango ethnic group. Other ethnicgroups are: Herero
7%, Damara 7%, Nama5%, Caprivian 4%, San 3%, Baster 2%, andTswana
0.5%.LanguagesNamibias official language is English anduntil 1990,
German and Afrikaans were alsoofficial languages. However, SWAPO
haddecided that Namibia should be monolingualbefore independence,
in direct contrast toSouth Africa.Some of the other languages
receivedsemi-official recognition and as a result areallowed as
medium of instruction in primaryschools.Half of all Namibians speak
Oshiwamboas their first language, whereas the mostwidely understood
language is Afrikaans.The transition is evident in the
youngergeneration who understand English morewidely and both
Afrikaans and Englishare used as a second language in
publiccommunication.The majority of the white population
speakGerman or Afrikaans. Best of Namibia | 23
25. ReligionChristianity is practiced by more than90% of the
population in Namibia as aresult of the missionary work of the
1800s.Indigenous beliefs make up the remainder.Most Namibian
Christians are Lutheran,but there are also Roman
Catholic,Methodist, Anglican, African MethodistEpiscopal, Dutch
Reformed Christians andMormon (Latter-Day Saints) represented,
aswell as some Jewish people.EducationThe education system in
Namibia iscommendable. The country has compulsoryfree education for
10 years per childbetween the ages of six and 16. Primarylevel is
from Grades 17 and Secondarylevel is from grades 812.
Increasingnumbers of children are attending schools;however there
has been a shortage ofteachers. The pupil-teacher ratio in 1999was
estimated at 32:1, with about 8% of theGDP being spent on
education. Accordingto UNICEF, Primary school attendance was89%
between the years 2005 and 2009 andthe adult literacy rate was 88%
between theyears 2005 and 2008.Most schools in Namibia are
state-run,but there are also a few private schools onthe countrys
education system (St. PaulsCollege, Windhoek Afrikaanse
Privaatskool,Deutsche Hhere Privatschule, WindhoekInternational
School and WindhoekGymnasium). The National Institute
forEducational Development (NIED) based24 | Best of Namibia
26. in Okahandja, now organises curriculumdevelopment,
educational research, and theprofessional development of
teachers.The problem of teacher shortage isbeing dealt with through
the introductionof four teacher training colleges. There arealso
three agricultural colleges, a policetraining college, Polytechnic,
and a NationalUniversity.ECONOMYThe Namibian economy has a
modernmarket sector (which creates the majority ofthe countrys
wealth) as well as a traditionalsubsistence sector. The economy is
closelylinked to South Africas as a result of theirshared past. The
largest economic sectorsare mining, agriculture, manufacturing,
andtourism.The banking sector is highly developedand boasts modern
infrastructure, includingOnline Banking and Cell phone Banking.
Thecentral bank is The Bank of Namibia(BoN). There are four
commercial banksauthorised by BoN: Bank Windhoek, FirstNational
Bank, Nedbank and StandardBank.There are several legislative
policies inplace to alleviate poverty and the highunemployment
rate. Such as the labouract which protects employees from
jobdiscrimination arising from pregnancyand HIV/AIDS. The
Government tenderboard announced in 2010 that 100% of allunskilled
and semi-skilled labour would besourced locally.Namibias formal
economy issophisticated in that it is highly capital-intensive and
farming focused. It relies onexport profits in sectors such as
minerals,livestock, and fish. The majority of thecountrys imports
come from South Africa.A free-market economy has beenactively
pursued by the government sinceindependence. The hope is that
theseprinciples will aid job creation and commercegrowth and thus
allow Namibians accessto the mainstream economy. This has beendone
through the courting of foreign donorsand investors with a nudge
from the liberalForeign Investment Act of 1990.The economy is
actively integrated inthe region and is supported through anumber
of trade partnerships. As part of theCommon Monetary Area (CMA),
Namibiais partnered with Lesotho, Swaziland, andSouth Africa. As a
result, the South Africanrand and the Namibian dollar are
legaltender in NamibiaConsidering the minimal domesticmarket,
Namibia is located favourably inthe region as a transport base.
Togetherwith the strong communications base,Namibia is at the
forefront of advocatingeconomic regional integration.
Otherpartnerships include membership in theSouthern African
Development Community(SADC), and the Southern African CustomsUnion
(SACU) with South Africa, Botswana,Lesotho, and Swaziland and
allows fortariff free movement of goods. Located inWindhoek, SACU
has a Trade, Investmentand Development Co-operation
Agreement(TIDCA) with the United States, and alsois negotiating
free trade agreements withChina, India, Kenya, and Nigeria.Namibia
aims to move away from itsreliance on South Africa and to
diversifyimports and trade. Namibia supplies a largeportion of fish
and meat to Europe, andhas also purchased mining machines
andequipment in concessions from the UK,Germany, Italy, the US, as
well as Canada.Economic breakdown:- GDP (2009): $9.4-billion (World
Bank); Annual growth rate (2009): 1% (WorldBank); Per capita GNI
(2009): $4,338 (WorldBank); Average annual inflation rate (2010):
4.5%(Namibia Central Bureau of Statistics); Natural resources:
Diamonds, uranium,zinc, gold, copper, lead, tin, fluorspar,
salt,fisheries, and wildlife; Agriculture (2009): 5.1% of GDP
(livestockand meat products, crop farming andforestry Namibia
Central Bureau ofStatistics); Mining (2009): 10% of GDP
(Gem-qualitydiamonds, uranium, zinc, copper, other Namibia Central
Bureau of Statistics); Fishing and fish processing on board(2009):
3.6% of GDP (Hake, horsemackerel, lobster, other Namibia
CentralBureau of Statistics); Trade: Major partners are South
Africa, Best of Namibia | 25
27. Angola, European Union (EU), U.S,Canada, China, and India
(WTO); Exports (2010): $5.71-billion (diamonds,uranium, zinc,
copper, lead, beef, cattle,fish, karakul pelts, and grapes);
Imports (2010): $5.14-billion (foodstuffs,construction material,
manufacturedgoods).MiningMining provides Namibia with 35% of
itsrevenue and is the biggest economicalcontributor. The country is
also the fourthlargest exporter of non-fuel minerals inAfrica.
Namibia is renowned as a primarysource of gem-quality diamonds from
itsrich alluvial deposits, which gave birth toNamdeb (jointly owned
by the Namibiangovernment and De Beers who haverecently sold to
ANGLO American). The dipin Diamond mining pre-2010 has
rebounded,with nearly 1.5-million carats beingrecovered in
2010.Namibia holds around 10% of uraniumoxide production world-wide
and as aresult is the worlds fourth-largest producerof uranium with
two uranium mines inoperation. There are plans to open twoor three
new uranium mines in the nextfive years, which would essentially
doubleproduction, putting it on track to becomethe largest exporter
by 2015.The other main mineral resources arezinc, copper, lead,
gold, fluorspar, salt,manganese, tungsten, tin, granite and26 |
Best of Namibia
28. marble, with semiprecious stones mined ona smaller scale.
Extraction of offshore gasdeposits in the Atlantic Ocean is planned
inthe future.Electricity generation mainly comes fromthermal and
hydroelectric plants, as well asa small mix of non-conventional
methods.The country plans to build the first nuclearpower station
by 2018 as a result of the richuranium deposits with uranium
enrichmentplanned to happen locally.In 1974, natural gas was
discoverednear the mouth of the Orange Riverand is thought to hold
over 1.3trillion cubicfeet in reserves. Known as the Kudu
Fields,the government changed the ownershipstructure in 2009.
Namibia leased largeareas for oil prospecting in the years
afterindependence. These areas includedonshore and offshore. There
are currentlyaround eight companies searching for oiland gas in
Namibia. With a well-developedframework and legislature in place,
Namibiawill be able to continue governing the oilbusiness
accordingly.AgricultureHalf of the Namibian population isdependent
on agriculture for employmentand subsistence for their livelihood,
eventhough only 1% of Namibian land is arable.Some of the food
produced is still imported,such as meat and fish products. The
GDPper capita is five times that of the poorestcountries in Africa
but most Namibianslive in rural areas and live on
subsistencefarming, mostly in the communal landsof the north. This
has resulted in Namibiahaving a very high income inequality rate
asthe urban economy contrasts directly withan almost cash-less
rural economy.Several enterprises are to be privatisedin coming
years in the hope that interestedforeign investment will be
generated.Wildlife conservation is one of the fastestgrowing areas
of economic development inNamibia and is vital for the unemployed
ruralpopulation in particular.Livestock ranching is the
primaryagricultural sector in Namibia includingcattle, karakul
sheep and goat farming.Main crops include millet, sorghum, corn,and
peanuts. Table grapes are a crop ofgrowing importance as they have
becomecommercially viable and provide
seasonallabour.FishingNamibias coastline is met by the
SouthAtlantic Sea and as a result of its cleanand cold waters is
one of the mostabundant fishing grounds in the world.The potential
sustainable yields are up to1.5-million metric tons per year.
Sardines,anchovy, hake, and horse mackerel arethe main species but
there are also smallernumbers of sole, squid, deep-sea crab,rock
lobster, and tuna. The NamibianGovernment is pursuing a
conservativeresource management policy along with an Best of
Namibia | 27
29. aggressive fisheries enforcement campaign,which has seen an
increase in fish stocks.Namibia is a signatory of the Convention
onConservation and Management of FisheriesResources in the
South-East Atlantic (SeafoConvention) and part of the
BenguelaCurrent Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME)program, which
sustainably manages theshared marine resources of Namibia,
Angolaand South Africa.Trade and InvestmentNamibia may seem to be a
remote country,but has seaports, airports, highways, andrailways.
The country aims to become aregional transportation hub as it is
perfectlypositioned with a key seaport and severallandlocked
neighbours. The Central Plateauis a major transportation corridor
to SouthAfrica.TOURISMOne of Namibias major contributors to GDPis
tourism (14.5%) and in turn, it accountsfor 18.2% of all employment
through servingover one-million tourists a year. As oneof Africas
prime destinations, Namibia isrenowned for its ecotourism and
extensivewildlife.There are a number of lodges andreserves which
accommodate eco-tourists;while the sport of hunting is a
growingpart of the economy. Extreme sports havegained popularity,
such as sand boardingand 4x4 trails. The most popular tourist28 |
Best of Namibia
30. destinations include the Caprivi Strip, FishRiver Canyon,
Sossusvlei, the SkeletonCoast Park, Sesriem, Etosha Pan and
thecoastal towns of Swakopmund, Walvis Bayand Lderitz.Wildlife and
ConservationNamibia is at the forefront of conservationand
specifically protects its naturalresources in its constitution,
which is aimedat: maintenance of ecosystems, essentialecological
processes, and biologicaldiversity of Namibia, and utilisation of
livingnatural resources on a sustainable basis forthe benefit of
all Namibians, both presentand future.Directly after independence,
the UnitedStates Agency for International Development(USAID)
granted funds to the newly formedgovernment of Namibia through the
Livingin a Finite Environment (LIFE) Project.The Ministry of
Environment and Tourism,Endangered Wildlife Trust, WWF, andCanadian
Ambassadors Fund, togetherform a Community Based Natural
ResourceManagement (CBNRM) support structure,whose goal is to
promote sustainable naturalresource management through
empoweringlocal communities with wildlife managementand tourism.The
Skeleton CoastEven the name of the Namibian desertcoastline stirs
feelings of adventure its an extremely remote and formidable Best
of Namibia | 29
31. place. The Namib Desert is one of theworlds most arid and
inhospitable places.What makes the Skeleton Coast unique isthe vast
sand dunes which at times engulfthe coastline, wreaking havoc with
theshipping lanes.The shifting dunes advance to the oceanand to the
human eye, they appear tofind their resting place at the edge of
thesea. This however, is not the case, as thedunes continue
underwater. This underseatopography is the cause of the
numerousship wrecks which litter the coastline. Thedunes form
hidden shallow sand-bankswhich prove deadly to ships the
hauntingreminder is seen in their corpses. Thesurrealism of this
vast graveyard is alsonoted in the wrecks of ships that wouldonce
have settled in shallow water, only tonow be surrounded by an ocean
of sandfar from shore. Many more remain unseenindefinitely.There
was very seldom light at the endof the tunnel for wrecked ships, as
evenafter surviving the wreck, crews would bemet with the ominous
image of the endlessdesert. This coastline has been given manynames
over the centuries. Some locals referto it as the land God made in
anger, whilePortuguese sailors called it As Areias doInferno which
means Sands of Hell.The best way for visitors to explore
theSkeleton Coast is by air. Not only is thebirds-eye-view the only
way to get theentire picture of this vast expanse, but there30 |
Best of Namibia
32. are also very few roads. There are smallplanes available to
do the job and a numberof isolated landing strips dotted all the
waydown the coastline.SossusvleiThe sand dunes of Namibia are one
of itsgreatest attractions, and Sossusvlei is theplace to view
them. Their endless colourseems unreal. Namibia is one of the
mostancient and dry ecosystems on the planet.Its remote appeal
gives one the feeling ofbeing the only person on earth the first
andfinal frontier.The bizarre factor is enhanced by themysterious
song of the dunes, which seemto whistle in the wind. When climbing
dunes,the view can be breathtaking a landscapeof curving sand from
horizon-to-horizon. Themesmerising fluidity of the dunes in the
windgives the impression that the desert is alive.Fish River
CanyonThe Fish River carves a magnificent canyonthrough the
Namibian landscape and is inactual fact the second largest canyon
in theworld and the largest in Africa, at 160kmlong, 550m deep and
up to 27km wide. Ithas a lunar-like appearance which cannot
bewitnessed anywhere else in Africa and as aresult, is the second
most visited attractionin Namibia. Formed around 500-millionyears
ago, the canyon lies on a fault linewhich has added to its
formation (along withthe erosion of the winding waters of the
FishRiver) through movements in the earthscrust causing the
collapse of the bottom ofthe valley.LuderitzLuderitz is one of the
main towns in Namibiabut is isolated on the southern coastline with
a vast expanse of the skeleton coaston either side. German colonial
architecturedominates the town creating a curiouscontrast as the
charming and quaint Germanhouses seem as if they have been
misplacedalong the seemingly inhabitable
coastline.KolmanskopKolmanskop is a few kilometres outside
ofLuderitz on the remote coast. This ghosttown was once home to a
small diamond-mining community of Germans. As aresult, it was built
in 1908 to resemble aGerman village. After the diamond bustof the
1950s, the town was abandoned.The town is slowly being swallowed up
bythe encroaching sand and will somedaydisappear altogether for
that reason alone,it is well worth the visit.Etosha National
ParkEtosha National Park is one of the largestand greatest savannah
conservation areas inAfrica. It covers a massive area and
currentlyprotects 114 mammal species and over 340bird species. The
vast majority of Etoshais one large saltpan that forms a
shallowlake during the rainy season. As a result, it Best of
Namibia | 31
33. becomes a haven for animals that travel fromfar and wide to
quench their thirst after thelong dry months.Mesosaurus tenuidens
fossilsThese fossils, discovered at the SpitzkoppeFarm in Namibia
in 1988, cemented thetheory of continental drift and highlightedthe
fact that Namibia was once joined toBrazil as part of the super
continent. Thiscollection of fossils of the shore-dwellingancient
lizards is the most beautifullypreserved in the world. However,
theirshoreline was not that of the South AtlanticOcean as it is
today, but rather an ancientsuper lake known as Lake Gai-As. As
partof Gondwana land, this great lake was aninland lake separating
todays Namibia fromwhat would become Brazil; signifying thatthe sea
of sand of the Namib Desert wasonce a massive body of water
surroundedby sub-tropical climate species. Similarlyfascinating
fossils can be found throughoutNamibia at various locations, and
togetherwith its bounty of gemstones, semi-preciousstones, and
intriguing rock formations Namibia is truly a geologists
paradise.Fast facts Namibia The White Lady is Namibias, andpossibly
Africas, most famous rock artpainting. Found at Brandberg
Mountain,it actually depicts a male hunter-gathererwearing the
white paint of a San Shamanor medicine man. Guided walks areoffered
to visit the site, as well as the32 | Best of Namibia
34. Schlangenhle site which houses theimpressive ancient
painting of a sevenmetre long snake. Keetmanshoop, in the Karas
region ofNamibia, is officially the sunniest townin the world and
is home to the popularQuiver Tree forests. The mysterious Wild
Horses of the easternfringe of the Namib Desert have longbeen the
subject of debate and intrigue.Although it is agreed that these
feralhorses have domesticated ancestors,it is unclear how they
broke free andwhere they came from. Theories includethe wrecking of
a ship of cargo horseson the Skeleton Coast in the late 1800s,horse
studs neglected in the war, horsesabandoned during the depression
orduring the increase of the automobileindustry, and retreating
Germans forced toabandon their cavalry. The large numberof the
horses indicates that it was likely acombination of several
theories. Whateverthe case these fascinating creatures havemanaged
to adapt and survive extremelyharsh terrain and are a beautiful
sight. The unique desert elephants of Namibiaare a conservation
priority. Found in theKunene Region in the north-west
whichencompasses 115,154km of semi-aridsandy desert, rocky
mountains andgravel plains. They have a smaller bodymass, longer
legs and larger feet than thesavannah elephants, which has
helpedthem adapt to their dry environment.These smaller physical
attributes helpthem cross the miles of sand in search ofwater.
There is only one other populationof desert elephants in the world.
The Forbidden Zone along the SkeletonCoast was once blocked to
visitorsas a result of the numerous diamondsscattered across the
sand. The hiddentreasure under the sand has beenrigorously
protected since early 1908,when a railway worker picked up the
firstdiamond. Known as Diamond Zone 1,or Sperrgebiet German for
ForbiddenZone, this 26,000 square kilometre miningzone has only had
around 10% of thearea sufficiently mined and 1.3-millioncarats are
mined annually with the restroped off to any civilian. However in
2008,the Sperrgebiet was declared a nationalpark by the Namibian
government with itsterrain covering 17 offshore islands. Asa result
of the immense preservation, theunique and endemic flora and fauna
hasremained
untouched.Sources:en.wikipedia.orgwww.state.govwww.namibiatourism.com.za
Best of Namibia | 33
35. Namibian InfrastructureNamibias infrastructure is some of
the best on the African continent and is also currentlyseeing a
number of upgrades and expansions to its harbours, airports,
railways androads.34 | Best of Namibia
36. Once complete, the Namibian governmenthopes to make the
country an economichub in Africa with facilitating trade betweenthe
continent and Europe. It is foreseen thatan increased mutual flow
of trade betweenSADC countries and Namibia will take rootin the
years to come. The developmentof Namibian infrastructure is vital
to thecountrys trade status. Namibia also boastshighly developed
energy and water networkinfrastructure as well as advanced
postaland telecommunications systems.ShippingThe main export
outlet, Walvis Bay port,one of two in Namibia and the only
deep-water port, has seen a great increase intrade recently and is
packed to capacity asa result. It handles over five-million
tonnesof cargo per year and over 20 percent ofthat is
containerised. One mitigating factorwas the closure of Luandas port
in Angola,which began repairs. Walvis Bay is one ofthe preferred
entries in the SADC region dueto its accessibility to neighbouring
countriesand lowered transport time. From port entry,containers are
transported by the threearteries, Namibias Trans-Kalahari,
Trans-Caprivi and Trans-Kunene Highways, toBotswana and South
Africa. Walvis Bay alsohas the main concentration of the
countrysfishing infrastructure.Walvis Bay port is currently under
expansionafter Namport announced in 2009 thatthey would be spending
N$3-billion on theupgrade. The plan is to deepen the harbourfrom
12.8m to 14.5m in order to increasecapacity. A new quay is also
under way witha capacity to handle 500,000 containers(TEU), as well
as a waterfront with shoppingmalls and allocation for private
beachfrontproperties. The project is expected to becomplete in
2016.Landlocked SADC countries such asZambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe
and Namibia,have been given the opportunity to leaseland at Walvis
Bay for their own dry-portfacilities, which allows for cargo
transportand increased trade throughout the region.This falls in
line with the ideals of a SADCcommon market and the free trade
area.Zambia and Botswana have seen the valuein trans-shipment from
Namibia as itsfar shorter. Branches of The Walvis BayCorridor Group
(WBCG) have opened inJohannesburg and Lusaka. These marketthe
regional Trans-Kalahari, Trans-Capriviand Trans-Kunene corridors
for transportand logistics.Lderitz is Namibias second port and
hasalso seen increased activity as a result ofthe rise in the
fishing industry. The extensiveupgrade of Lderitz began after an
N$85-million investment from government, aspart of the Namibian
Port Authority four-year modernisation plan for the two portswhich
had a collective budget allocation ofUS$77-million. This included
the addition ofquays for larger ships and cruise ships, aswell as
the modernisation of cargo handlingfacilities. There is a third
harbour planned forMowe Bay, which is north of Walvis Bay, andwould
serve the fishing fleet.This major infrastructure expansion is a
result of a growing economy due to an influx oftrade in the
country. Best of Namibia | 35
37. Air transportAir transport is vital to Namibias economyand
the country boasts world-class civilaviation facilities, with Air
Namibia, a Trans-Namib subsidiary, as the national carrier.There
are over 135 airports and 22 havetarred runways. The international
airportis just outside of Windhoek. Coupled withthe upgrade of
Walvis Bay, is the upgradeof Walvis Bay Airport which included
thelengthening and widening of the runway, aswell as the upgrade of
air traffic systems andinstrumentation. This provides for large
cargoairplanes as well as commercial airplanes upto the B737-200
series. Walvis Bay Airport isone of only a handful of airports in
the regionto have specialised landing instrumentationtechnology
which allow movements inany weather. There are now direct
flightsbetween Johannesburg, Cape Town andWalvis Bay on Air Namibia
and SA Express.Major airports also include Lderitz andKeetmanshoop
which are both equippedfor wide-bodied aircraft. Air Namibia
hasdomestic scheduled flights to Lderitz,Mpacha, Ondangwa,
Oranjemund,Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Windhoek.International
destinations include CapeTown, Frankfurt, Johannesburg, Luanda,Maun
and Victoria Falls. There is now also adirect flight between
Windhoek and LondonGatwick, connecting in Cape Town
andJohannesburg.Road transportNamibia boasts an extensive
roadtransportation network which is wellmaintained. The vast
network reachesover 64,800km. A tarred highway systemof 4,600km
connects the majority of thecountrys economic hubs with the
SADCneighbours. The main arteries are the Trans-Caprivi,
Trans-Kalahari and Trans-KuneneHighways which were long-haul
projectsfinished at the end of the 1990s and runthrough to Botswana
and South Africa.These two roads have elevated Namibiasposition as
a seaport country which is ableto provide sea access to its
landlockedneighbours.Rail transportTrans-Namib operates the
railways inNamibia. There has been a recentextension project of the
northern railwayfrom Tsumeb to the Angolan border. TheGerman
colonial rule established the2,382km rail network which saw an
urgentupgrade from the middle of the 1990s. Railin Namibia
transports millions of tonnesof freight every year and over
100,000passengers and recent years have seenmore investment and
improved services. Thenational railway network links
throughoutNamibia and to South Africa. There is animprovement in a
new link between Aus andLderitz.36 | Best of Namibia
38. EnergyNational energy supplier NamPower isresponsible for
generating, transmittingand supplying a grid network linked toall
major urban areas. Off-grid electricityand renewable energy is
vital to economicgrowth. Namibia has always been a netenergy
importer and obtains half of itselectricity from South Africa. The
largeNamibian mining industry is a major energyconsumer and
commercial energy is createdfrom imported oil and coal. The
nationalelectricity grid is being used to connectmost of the larger
population areas. TheKudu gas field offshore is being drilledby
Shell after exploration found large gasreserves, making Namibia the
next major netexporter of energy.WaterWater is a precious resource
in Namibiaand NamWater oversees bulk supply tolocal authorities.
There are a number oflarge dams in Namibia which supply
surfacewater, as well as the abundant source of theOrange River
which is used to supply largeagricultural
developments.TelecommunicationsThe telecommunications
infrastructure inNamibia is one of the most advanced inAfrica. It
provides digital and direct diallingfacilities in communications
includinginternet, fax, telex, PABX, ISDN and videoconferencing.
The two cellular serviceproviders are MTC and LEO and have anetwork
reach of most urban centres andalong national roadways. There is
onefixed line provider, TELECOM Namibia. TheWACS landing point is
in Swakopmund.PostThe largest physical infrastructure networkin
Namibia is Nampost. Services includeefficient postal services,
savings bankfacilities, money transfers, and
counterautomation.MediaThe Namibian Broadcasting Corporation(NBC)
provides access to media in Namibia,national TV, and radio
coverage. Namibiahas access to DStv satellite network andupholds a
free press. There are a numberof independent newspapers, radio
stationsand a television network. Namibia enjoyswide coverage of
media and wide availabilityof media vehicles, such as televisions
andradios.BankingThere are four major commercial banksoperating in
Namibia, including one centralbank, one development bank and
NampostBank.Source: www.namibia.org.za Best of Namibia | 37
39. Towns of NamibiaThese are distinguished by the status the
Namibian government has given them and areplaces with a
municipality.38 | Best of Namibia
40. Gobabis Gobabis is the regional capital of theOmaheke
Region in eastern Namibia.Gobabis is on the B6 highway, 200kmdown
from Windhoek to Botswana.Because of its relatively close
proximityto the Botswana border at the Buiteposborder post, Gobabis
is a vital linkbetween Namibia and South Africa on
theTrans-Kalahari Highway. When arriving inthe town, visitors are
greeted with a largeBrahman Bull statue an ode to Gobabisposition
in the heart of Cattle Country.This was traditionally the home of
theHerero people and the town is on the edgeof the Kalahari Desert.
Otjiwarongo Otjiwarongo is the capital of theOtjozondjupa Region in
central-northNamibia and has a population of 20,000people. Situated
on the Trans-Namibrailway linking to Windhoek, theGolden Triangle
of Otavi, Tsumeb andGrootfontein, and Etosha National Park
Otjiwarongo is the biggest businesscentre in the region. It is a
neat town witha peaceful environment, yet is also one ofthe fastest
growing towns in the country. Ithas a number of excellent
facilities such assupermarkets, banks, lodges and hotels,and a golf
course. Many of the countrysmost popular game farms and reservescan
be found around Otjiwarongo. Thereis a large population of German
speakingresidents and the influence can be seen inthe Germanic
style of the architecture. Swakopmund Swakopmund is the capital of
Erongoon the coast of north-western Namibiaand is 280km west of
Windhoek on theTrans-Namib Highway. This is a seasideresort town
which is a popular destinationin the cooler summer months
betweenDecember and January. There is apopulation of 42,000
inhabitants covering193 sq km of land. Best of Namibia | 39
41. Swakopmund was established in1892 as German South-West
Africasmain harbour, which is still evident inthe large portion of
German-speakingpeople and abundance of German
colonialarchitecture.It is home to Swakopmund Airport andincludes
attractions such as SwakopmundMuseum, the National Marine Aquarium,
acrystal gallery and the Rossmund DesertGolf Course just outside
the city one ofonly five all-grass desert golf courses inthe world.
The sand dunes nearby are oneof the reasons why Swakopmund is
knownas the adventure capital of Namibia,with its vast array of
extreme sports.Abandoned in the desert lies the 1896steam train
called the Martin Luther. Tsumeb Tsumeb is the biggest town in
Oshikotoin northern Namibia and has a populationof 15,000 people.
It is most known for theTsumeb mine which is world renowned.Tsumeb
serves at the gateway to thenorth of Namibia and is Etosha
NationalParks closest town. Lake Otjikoto andLake Guinas are two
large sinkholesnear the town. The famous sinkholeswere the focus of
a pioneer documentarymade in the early 1970s which
followedexploratory scuba dives. The exact depthsare unknown as the
bottom seems todisappear into underground cave systems.Lake Guinas
has even evolved a uniquefish species, testament to its age
oldexistence. On retreat of the South Africaninvasion, the German
forces discardedall their weapons into Lake Otjikoto in1914. What
could be recovered is now ondisplay in museums.Harasib farm to the
east ofTsumeb has one of the worlds deepestunderground lakes and
can only bereached by abseiling down the sheerdolomite wall. It is
uncertain how deepthe clear water goes as divers have onlymanaged
80 metres. Near Tsumeb is theHoba nickel-iron meteorite the largest
inthe world weighing about 60 tonnes. Walvis Bay Walvis Bay has a
population of 85,000people on 29 sq km of land in the KuisebRiver
Delta. The natural deepwaterharbour has protected numerous
seavessels from the extreme conditions ofthe South Atlantic Ocean
and is the onlynatural harbour in the country, enclosedby the
protective arm of Pelican Point. Thename means Whale Bay named
afterthe large numbers of whales attracted bythe rich marine life.
Since its discoveryas a valuable point en route to theCape of Good
Hope, numerous powershave sought political control,
seeingsuccessive colonisers playing a role in itsdevelopment. The
town is at the end ofthe Trans-Namib Railway to Windhoek.Walvis Bay
is the tourist activity capital ofNamibia, largely as a result of
the beautifulbay, man-made Bird Island, and numerous40 | Best of
Namibia
42. sand dunes. There is a museum andKuisebmund Stadium. An
important armof the local economy is the Walvis BayExport
Processing Zone. Windhoek The Capital City of Namibia Windhoek is
not only the capital, but alsothe largest city in Namibia, as well
as thesocial, economic and cultural centre. It sits1,700m above sea
level on the KhomasHighland Plateau in central Namibia witha
population of around 300,000. Almostall national enterprises are
housed hereas well as the University of Namibia andthe national
theatre. The headquarters ofall ministry offices, media and
financialgroups are in Windhoek.Other towns include:- Grootfontein:
in the Otjozondjupa Region Henties Bay: main holiday destination
Karasburg: sheep farming industry Keetmanshoop: on the
Trans-NamibRailway Mariental: near Hardap Dam (largestreservoir in
Namibia) Okahandja: Garden Town of Namibiafounded by Herero and
Nama Omaruru: annual Herero festival; winery;dinosaur footprints at
Otjihenamaparero. Outjo: Gateway to Etosha National Park Usakos:
longest horizon in the world andclosest town to Spitzkoppe
(Matterhornof Namibia).Source: www.namibiatourism.com.na Best of
Namibia | 41
43. Namibian Arts and CraftsNamibia is a melting pot of various
ancient tribes and as a result, traditional practices ofarts and
crafts have been passed down for generations.42 | Best of
Namibia
44. Namibia has become renowned for its vastarray of
traditional crafts, ranging frombasketry, pottery, textiles,
painting andsculpture to working with wood, leather andbeads.
However, the modern art movementhas had an influence on jewellery
designsand ushered in the graffiti movement. TheNamibia Craft
Centre has the whole rangeof traditional crafts under one roof with
over25 stalls as well as the Omba Art Gallery.However, throughout
Namibia there arestreet markets and curios vendors. Thesecelebrated
crafts make the perfect keepsakefor travellers and visitors to
Namibia.BasketsThe mostly feminine art of basketry ismore typical
of the northern tribes suchas the Caprivi, Himba, Herero,
Kavangoand Owambo. The most common form ofbasketry is from weaving
strips of Makalanipalm leaves. These can be manipulatedinto various
forms for varying utilities. Forexample, winnowing baskets are made
outof flat shapes, carrier baskets are createdfrom large
bowl-shapes, and storagebaskets crafted in small bottle shapeswith
lids. The varying shapes createdin the weaving are achieved by
usingdifferent colours of leaves which can bedyed dark brown,
purple and yellow. Thevarious geometric shapes are
symbolicallysignificant. A more modern addition hasseen strips of
recycled plastic being used.WoodcarvingsWoodcarving is most often
the craft ofmen in Namibia. Their tools are adzes,axes and knives.
Decorative designs arecreated by carving, incising, and
burningtechniques. Wood products includeheadrests, instruments such
as drums andthumb pianos, masks, walking-sticks, toys,figurines,
bows, arrows, quivers, bowls, Best of Namibia | 43
45. utensils, and furniture. The tradition of woodcarving is
seen extensively in the northerntribes of San, Caprivians, Damara,
Himba,Kavango and Owambo.LeatherworksLeatherwork is widely
practised in Namibiaand makes use of hides from cattle, sheepand
game which are tanned and dyed withplant materials, animal fat or
red ochre.Leather products include skins, bags,pouches, and
karosses (mats or blankets).Clothing includes head-dresses,
girdles,aprons, sandals, shoes, boots, handbags,belts and
jackets.BeadworksThe San and Himba people lead the waywhen it comes
to beadwork in Namibia.Beads are created from ostrich
eggshells,porcupine quills, seeds, nuts, branches, iron,shells, as
well as commercial glass. Mengenerally create the actual beads
while thewomen string them into their final pieces.These pieces
include necklaces, bracelets,ankle bracelets and Alice bands.
Beadsare traditionally used by the San on theirleatherwork bags,
pouches and clothing asdecoration, while the Himba traditionally
usethe iron-bead for leather head ornaments forwomen and belts worn
by mothers.JewelleryThe Namibia landscape and natural heritagehas
inspired endless unique jewellerydesigns. Namibian jewellery is
created fromnatural materials sourced locally, includingprecious
stones, gems, diamonds, wood,seed pods and shells. Materials are
alsosometimes sourced from elsewhere on theAfrican continent, such
as gold, silver andother mineral stones. Unique pieces arecrafted
into bracelets, necklaces, headwear,and ankle
bracelets.PotteryTypically a female dominated art, pottery iswidely
from the people of Caprivi, Kavangoand Owambo. The differing shapes
of potterydetermine the utility of the vessels, which
aretraditionally decorated with various coloursof geometric
patterns. A modern movementhas seen potters experimenting with
textualdecoration and varying motifs.TextilesTraditionally, a
patchwork style was adaptedby the women of the Nama tribe in
makingclothing. This has since expanded intoembroidering table and
bed linen, cushioncovers and wall-hangings depicting scenesof
Namibian life. A newer craft is weavingkarakul wool into patterns
or landscape44 | Best of Namibia
46. images. These are used to create wall-hangings and
mats.Paintings, sculptures and printsThe urban areas of Namibia
have a numberof galleries which feature contemporaryNamibian
artwork from painters, sculptorsand printers. The National Art
Gallery ofNamibia is the biggest and exhibits morethan 560 artworks
dating from 1864 totoday. Early paintings depict landscapesand wild
animals as well as the exhibitionof the winning works of the
Standard BankBiennale. High-quality works can be foundat many
roadside markets throughoutNamibia.GraffitiAlthough steeped in
tradition, Namibiasarts and crafts movement has opened up tomodern
forms. One such instance is seen inthe graffiti movement and
culture. It is slowlymoving away from its vandalism tag andbecoming
embraced as an art movementwhich can convey effective
beautifulmessages. Marking a property without theowners consent is
punishable by law inNamibia. However, Namibian graffiti artistsas
well as the communities are findingunique ways to embrace this. One
such wayis with community projects, for examplethe graffiti project
of the Pionierspark playpark jointly commissioned by the
BrazilianEmbassy, Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre,and Studio
77.Source:www.namcrafts.comwww.namibia-travel-guide.com Best of
Namibia | 45
47. Staple foods include corn porridge andmeat or fish stews.
Dishes often includepasta, rice and potatoes; while
vegetablesinclude tomatoes, cabbage, celery andbeans. Fruits which
are found abundantlythroughout Namibia include oranges,bananas,
mandarins, pineapples, kiwis, andavocados; dried fruit is a
particular favourite.Popular meat choices include beef,lamb, pork,
chicken, ostrich, game (kudu,springbok and gemsbok) and cured
orsmoked ham. More adventurous local meatsinclude goat, bush rat,
and fried caterpillarsknown as omanugu or mopane worms andoften
cooked with chilli and onion.Corn occurs most frequently in the
southof Namibia where it is used in the makingof bread, most often
accompanied byfish. As a result of the hot, dry climate anddesert
conditions in most parts, couscoushas become popular, as well as
peanuts.The weather has also ensured that outdoorcooking has become
the norm, and is mostfrequently done in the form of braais
andpotjiekos stews. Spices and herbs areessential to Namibian food
and cookingtechniques have stemmed from German andFrench cooking
styles. Dishes are generallypresented in visually attractive ways
andmake use of extensive colours.Namibian CuisineTypical Namibian
cuisine is heavily influenced by the countrys history, cultures,
climateand environment. This is most evident in the influences of
traditional German and SouthAfrican dishes as well as the use of
meat, game and seafood.46 | Best of Namibia
48. There are a number of festivals and nationalholidays in
Namibia and traditional foodforms an important part of most of
them.Namibias national day is the 21 Marchand the air is usually
filled with the smokeand smell of braai fires and bubbling
potjiepots. Traditional dishes are usually servedon Workers Day,
Cassinga Day, AscensionDay, Africa Day, Heroes Day, WomensDay,
Christmas Day and New Years Day.Frequent dishes include varieties
of stewswith snacks of biltong, brotchen andlandjger, which is a
smoked pork and beefsausage. Rauchfleisch is a beautiful smokedmeat
which is enjoyed throughout Namibia.For those with a sweeter tooth,
the Germaninfluence is seen extensively in the varietyof breads,
cakes and pastries used inNamibian food; and for the thirsty,
Namibiahas a big German brewing tradition and itsnational drink is
Tafel Lager and the everpopular Windhoek Lager.Namibian food
definitely has a uniqueflavour and look and is
predominantlyprepared by the woman of the household.However,
tourists are not often exposedto it as most restaurants favour a
typicallyEuropean style although hints of Namibianinfluence often
crop-up in dishes, which ismost often preferred. One thing that can
beguaranteed is the freshness and abundanceof food
products.Traditional Namibian foods include: eedingu (dried meat,
carrots and greenbeans); kapana (meat); mealie pap (porridge);
omanugu (mopane worms); oshifima (millet); oshifima ne vanda
(millet with meat); oshiwambo (spinach and beef).Source:
en.wikipedia.orgThe direct access to the sea has given rise to an
extensive fishing industry which brings inseafood including vast
arrays of fish, mussels, oysters, squid and shellfish. Best of
Namibia | 47
49. Sport in NamibiaThe Namibian people are passionate about
sport as it is a source of great national prideand recreation.48 |
Best of Namibia
50. This could partly be due to the favourableweather
conditions which make sport amajor pastime all over the country.
Althoughthe population of Namibia is small, there isstill a vast
array of sports that are offeredat differing levels both amateur
andprofessional. Namibian sports spectators arededicated to
following their preferred sportsand teams.The main sports in
Namibia are soccer,rugby, cricket, golf and fishing. Athleticsand
boxing are also very popular. Windhoekis the sports capital and the
home of thenational stadium, Independence Stadium,which is shared
by all arena sports. There isalso the Sam Nujoma Stadium in
Katuturawhich is also often used. There are 46different sports
federations and unionsincluding for: dancing, netball,
archery,badminton, basketball, bowling, canoeing,chess, cycling,
darts, eisstock, enduranceriding, equestrian, fistball,
gymnastics,hockey, judo, karate, motor sports, sailing,shooting,
swimming, softball, squash, tabletennis, triathlon, volleyball, and
wrestling.The National Sports Federation of Namibiaand the Namibian
Sports CommissionMandate are responsible for overseeing
theregulation of sports in the country.SoccerThe most popular team
sport in Namibia isSoccer and the country joined FIFA in 1992,thus
becoming an international player. Thenational soccer team
participates regularlyin the Africa Nations Cup qualifiers
andplayed in the tournament for the first timein 1998 in Burkina
Faso and again in 2008.Soccer is governed by the Namibia
FootballAssociation and the main domestic league is Best of Namibia
| 49
51. The Namibia Premier League. Namibia is yetto qualify for
the FIFA World Cup althoughhas been the runner up in the COSAFA
Cuptwice.Popular local clubs include: Black Africa,Orlando Pirates,
African Stars, Tigers, BlueWaters, Chief Santos and Oshakati City
with many names borrowed from Europeanteams.Rugby UnionSouth Africa
introduced the Rugby Unionto Namibia in 1916 and today the
NamibiaRugby Union is the main governing body.The national rugby
team are known asthe Welwitschia and they participateregularly at
the Rugby World Cup. Up untilindependence, Namibian players
wereeligible to play for the South African Nationalteam and past
Springboks born in Namibiainclude Jan Ellis and Percy
Montgomery.CricketThe beginnings of Namibian cricket arelinked
closely with South African cricket.However, in post independence,
theNamibian Cricket Board was formed and50 | Best of Namibia
52. began to develop the game nationally. Toursfrom England and
the Netherlands werearranged and associate membership to theICC was
granted in 1992. Namibia hostedthe 2007 World Cricket League
Division 2.GolfNamibias most well known golfer is TrevorDodds and
Rossmund Desert Golf Course inSwakopmund is the most popular
course.BoxingNamibia has produced a number ofsuccessful boxers
including Japhet Uutoni(won gold in 2006 Commonwealth Gamesand 2006
African Boxing championships),Paulus Ambunda (participated in
2004Summer Olympics in Athens), PaulusMoses, Harry Simon and Joseph
Jermia(participated in 2004 Summer Olympicsand won bronze in 2003
All-Africa Games).Namibia was host of the final
continentalqualifying round for the 2008 SummerOlympics and three
Namibians qualified,namely Japhet Uutoni, Mujandjae Kasutoand
Julius Indongo. In January 2009, PaulusMoses won the WBA
lightweight title in2009.Highlights of the Namibian sports
calendarhave included the Commonwealth Games of2002 and 2006, the
All Africa Games of 2003and 2007, the Cricket World Cup of 2003,the
Rugby World Cups of 2003, 2007 and2011, the 2004 and 2008 Olympic
Gamesin Athens and Beijing respectively; and the2008 African Cup of
Nations finals in Ghana,and the 2012 Paralympics.National sports
heroes include FrankieFredericks, Agnes Samaria, Eliphas
Shivute,Mohammed Ouseb, Luketz Swartbooi,Elizabeth Mongudhi,
Helalia Johannes,Beata Naigambo, Collin Benjamin, PaulusThe Hitman
Moses, Mannie Heymans andDouw Calitz, and Johanna Benson.Namibia
Sport is Namibias leading sportmagazine which has been in print
since2002, making it Namibias longest runningindependent magazine
to date. Thecoverage of Namibian soccer has helpedto
professionalise the sport over the lastfew years. The magazine
instituted soccerawards for the Player of the Month andPlayer of
the Season.www.namibiasport.org Best of Namibia | 51
53. Namibian ActivitiesNamibia is a country of great natural
beauty, vast expanses and a warm dry climate. As aresult, it is the
perfect country to visit for outdoor adventures as Namibia has so
much tooffer to outdoors enthusiasts.52 | Best of Namibia
54. From exploring the magical desertlandscape and its unique
ecosystem, to theworlds second largest canyon, to the coldspray of
the heaving South Atlantic Ocean there is never a dull moment in
Namibia,and visitors are left with a multitude ofmemories forever
etched into their minds.Unique sightings range from the rare
desertelephants, to the mysterious wild horses,to the discovery of
a gem brought up to theearths surface. There are numerous
outdooractivities and adventure safaris and tourswith some
requiring physical exertion andadrenaline, while others offer
relaxation.Hiking: Fish River Hiking Trail (5 day unguided)
Brandberg Ascent Naukluft Hike (8/4 day unguided) Fish River Canyon
Mule Trail Desert Experience Hike Klipspringer Mule Trail Waterberg
Hike (4 day unguided) Mundulea Walking Trails Tok Tokkie Hiking
Trail (2 day unguided) Sweet Thorn Trail (2 day unguided) Olive
Trail (1 day unguided) Waterkloof Hike (1 day unguided)Riding: Fish
River Horse Riding (6 days) Desert Horse Ride (6 days)Flying:
Classic South Conception Bay Flight Skeleton Coast & Damaraland
Flight Skeleton Coast (Ugab River Flight) Skeleton Coast (Uniab
River Flight) Sossusvlei Scenic Flight Sossusvlei Excursion
Ultimate South (Fish River) Ultimate South (Luderitz)Ballooning:
Sossusvlei (dune fields)Fishing: Boat Fishing Combo Fishing Shore
Fishing Best of Namibia | 53
55. Game viewing: Etosha Game Drives (from Halali,Okaukuejo,
& Namutoni)Luderitz: Kolmanskop Ghost Town Pamona &
Bogenfels Day Tour(Sperrgebiet Forbidden Diamond zone) Schooner
Trips (2 hours from Luderitzharbour)Boating: Caprivi Houseboat
Safaris Nama / Eagle Canoeing Orange River Canoeing Pride of the
Zambezi HouseboatSwakopmund: Bird watching Seal colony at Cape
Cross Messum Crater (Welwitschia Mirabilis) Fishing Living Desert
Tour Minerals Half Day Namib Desert Day Trip Namib Desert Night
Walks Quad Biking Sandboarding Sandwich Harbour Tour Skydiving
Spitzkoppe Day TourWalvis Bay: Catamaran Cruise Dolphin Cruise
Historian Quad Bike Edu-Desert Sea KayakingWindhoek: Township
Cycling Tours Windhoek Township Tours4x4 Trails: Kalahari Bush
Breaks Trail Isabis 4x4 Trail Naukluft 4x4 Trailwww.namibian.org54
| Best of Namibia
56. Best of Namibia | 55
57. Calendar of EventsJANUARYNew Years DayCelebrated in Namibia
with parties and festive meals.FEBRUARYBank Windhoek Arts
FestivalFirst of monthly pre-festival events of theatre, dance,
music andvisual art as part of build-up before main event in
September.MARCHEnjando Street FestivalLive entertainment such as
dancing, live music, and traditionalcostumes.Independence
DayNational holiday celebrated on the 21st each year.Wild
CinemaAnnual international film festival.Good Friday / Easter
Sunday / Easter MondayLate March or early April sees religious
services and gatherings inchurches and cathedrals throughout
Namibia.APRILWindhoek Karneval (WIKA)Weekend in late April, German
festivities include Prinzenball (musicperformances, masked ball,
childrens carnival and a parade).MAYWorkers DayNamibian public
holiday on May 1st.Cassinga DayNamibian public holiday on May 4th
commemorating the 1978 Battleof Cassinga.Africa DayPublic holiday
on May 25th celebrating unity in Africa with a differenttheme
annually.Adventure Race Namibia 24-Hour Ultra MarathonA 126km ultra
race of three marathons in northern Namib Desertfrom Brandberg
Mountain.Ascension DayNational holiday in mid to late May or early
June (39 days afterEaster Sunday).JUNENamibia Tourism ExpoTourism
showcase from beer and wine, to arts and crafts at theWindhoek Show
Grounds; open to trade and general public.JULYOld Mutual Victory
RaceCourse covers the half marathon distance in Swakopmund.Science
and Technology FairHeld by the Windhoek Show Society.AUGUSTCollege
of the Arts Music (COTA) FestivalIncludes solo performances from
talented students in the NationalTheatre of Namibia at Windhoek
with the Windhoek PhilharmonicOrchestra.Kuste KarnevalInvolves a
street parade, numerous parties and childrens activities
inSwakopmund.Heroes Day (Maharero Day)Lively event held in memory
of Namibian war heroes on August 26thin Okahandaja and involves
military processions, poetry and recitals.Ongwediva Trade
FairAttraction hosting international and local
exhibitors.SEPTEMBEROruuano of Namibia Arts FestivalLocal dance and
music event held in Soweto Market in Windhoektwice a year (also in
November).Summer Sound FestivalFeatures music and some dance
performances in the IndependenceArena at Katutura.Namrock FestivalA
showcase of the best local musicians at the Coca ColaEntertainment
Dome at the Windhoek Showgrounds.Namibia has numerous festivals of
art and music as well as trade shows and fairs allthroughout the
year. Many are notably situated around Windhoek.56 | Best of
Namibia
58. OCTOBEROktoberfestA popular internationally attended event
showcasing NamibiasGerman brewing tradition.Soul Desert
FestivalSpiritual healing event with speakers, refreshments
andentertainment.White Flag Herero ProcessionPopular parade held on
weekend closest to the 10th at Ozondesuburb in Omaruru and always
attracts a good turnout.Windhoek Agricultural, Commercial and
Industrial ShowA widely attended industrial and agricultural show
held at theshowgrounds.AE Gams Arts FestivalThe best in Namibian
artwork exhibited at various galleries
aroundWindhoek.NOVEMBEROruuano of Namibia Arts FestivalSecond of
two events organised by the Namibian Artists Union andheld in
Katutura, Windhoek.Annual Charity ConcertOrganised by the National
Theatre of Namibia, Windhoek in aid ofthe elderly and vulnerable
and local bands and choirs entertain theaudience.Christmas
ConcertHeld at the National Theatre of Namibia, Windhoek annually
isChristmas around the World and includes Christmas songs,
carolsand hymns from all over the world as well as the traditional
Africanprogramme.DECEMBERFNB Desert Dash 24-Hour MTB Team
ChallengeCycle race from Windhoek to Swakopmund over the
KhomasHochland.Swakopmunder MusikwocheIncludes a lecture, concert,
an outdoor promenade concert andchurch concertInternational Human
Rights DayPublic holiday on December 10th with much activity in
Windhoek.ChristmasFocused on family celebrations and starting on
December 24th forGerman Namibians. Family Day (Day of Goodwill) on
December 26this used by traditional Namibian tribes and families to
remember theirancestors.Source: www.namibiatourism.com.naNamibians
regard public holidays as important events and highlights
includeIndependence Day in March, Africa Day and Ascension Day in
May, Heroes Day inAugust, and International Human Rights Day in
December. Best of Namibia | 57
59. Sam NujomaNamibias first president and father of the
nation.NamibianIcon58 | Best of Namibia
60. Namibian politician Samuel DanielShafiishuna Nujoma was
born to theOvambo ethnic group on 12 May 1929in northern Namibia at
Etunda village inOngandjera, the Omusati region. He was atthe helm
of the SWAPO for 47 years fromits founding in 1960 throughout its
longstruggle against South African rule andinto independence. He
became the firstPresident of Namibia from 1990 to 2005when Namibia
gained independence on21 March 1990. He was re-elected in 1994and
1999 and remained in office until March2005.SWAPOFrom his humble
beginnings as a railwayworker, Nujoma co-founded the politicalparty
Ovamboland Peoples Organisation inthe late 1950s, which then became
SWAPOin 1960. The role of SWAPO was to bringindependence from South
African apartheidrule to the Namibian people. As presidentof SWAPO,
Nujoma unsuccessfully pleadedwith the United Nations for years to
ensurethe release of South African control. He thentook matters
into his own hands and formedan armed resistance in 1966 which
startedthe Namibian War of Independence, lasting24 years. During
this time, Nujoma becameknown as Shafiishuna which
meanslightning.Namibian PresidentNujoma went into exile for almost
30 yearswhere he continued to organise the struggleuntil 1989 when
he returned to assumepresidency. The United Nations supervisedthe
elections which unanimously heraldedNujoma as Namibias first
president andhe was sworn in by UN Secretary-GeneralJavier Prez de
Cullar on 21 March 1990.During his presidency, the
ever-energeticNujoma skilfully tackled issues of education,housing,
medical care, and internationaleconomic competitiveness. He ran
aliberal-democracy and a largely freeenterprise economy. He focused
on a policyof national reconciliation in an effort tocreate ethnic
harmony within Namibia.As president, Nujoma held no
animositytowards South Africa in his economicdealings with the
country.Hifekepunye Pohamba succeeded Nujomaas President of Namibia
on 21 March 2005and when Nujoma relinquished his role ashead of
SWAPO in 2007, he stated thathe was passing the torch and mantle
ofleadership to comrade Pohamba. He wasgiven the honorary titles of
Leader of theNamibian Revolution as well as FoundingFather of the
Namibian Nation by theSWAPO Congress and the Namibian
people.Nujomas son Utoni became Deputy Ministerof Justice after
having been elected to theCentral Committee and Politburo of
SWAPOin November 2007. Nujomas mother, KukuHelvi-Mpingana
Kondombombolo died inNovember 2008 at a reported age of morethan
100 years old.Even after retiring from his former politicalroles,
Nujoma is still politically active andcampaigns regularly for SWAPO
acrossNamibia.AwardsTogether with his larger-than-life
personality,Nujoma has numerous respectableaccolades, including a
Doctorate honoriscausa in Public Management fromPolytechnic of
Namibia in 2005 andobtained his Masters degree in Geology atthe
University of Namibia in 2009. In 2004he received the Cheetah
ConservationFunds Lifetime Conservation Award. Othernotable awards
include the Lenin PeacePrize in 1968, the November Medal Prize
in1978, the Frederick Joliot Curie Gold Medalin 1980, the Namibia
Freedom Award fromCalifornia State University in 1980, as wellas an
honorary doctorate from AhmaduBello University in Nigeria.Nujoma
married Kovambo TheopoldineKatjimune in 1956 and has five
children.Source: www.namibian.org Best of Namibia | 59
61. Born in Namibia, Marlice van Vuuren grewup surrounded by
animals on her parentsfarm, and spent the first 30 years of her
lifecaring for stray and injured animals.During this time, she also
developed a closerelationship with the local San communityand is
one of a few non-native people in theworld to speak the San
language.In 2004, Marlice and her husband, Dr Rudievan Vuuren,
purchased a farm 13 kms Eastof Windhoek and established their
naturereserve, N/aan ku s, which means Godwill protect