Friday 11 October 2024

Namibia's drought: Five trapped hippos die

Five trapped hippos die as Namibia grapples with drought

WINDHOEK - Five hippos have died while trapped in a mud pool in northeastern Namibia, where a severe drought has caused a major river to dry up, the environment ministry said.

The dead were among 130 hippos stranded for days in a pool along the Chobe River on the border with Botswana after the water in the pool evaporated, ministry spokesman Romeo Muyunda said.

"Unfortunately five hippos have died from one of the ponds in the Zambezi Region," he said. "We are suspecting that they might have died from starvation but we are not ruling out diseases such as anthrax."

Hippos and other species were also stranded in two more pools in the area, Muyunda said, adding that a borehole was being drilled to help the trapped animals.

The desert country is among several southern African nations weathering what the United Nations estimates to be the region's worst drought in more than 100 years.

"There is no grass and the Chobe River is completely dry," said Muyunda.

The drought led the Namibian government to declare a state of emergency in May.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, a global authority on food security, said in September that 1.15 million people in Namibia - around 38 percent of its population - face high levels of acute food insecurity and require urgent aid.

In August the government announced plans to cull 723 wild animals, including elephants and hippos, to relieve pressure on food and water sources and provide meat for people going hungry.

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Thursday 10 October 2024

Namibia: Gondwana's new Ekipa Sanctuary

THE EKIPA

Discover the hidden gem nestled among the majestic mopane trees – The Ekipa, an exclusive sanctuary tailored for two, exuding an aura of mystery and ancient tradition. Situated just 10 km south of the Andersson Gate to Etosha National Park, this haven beckons guests to immerse themselves in the captivating allure of the African Bush.

The name "Ekipa" pays homage to the handcrafted decorative button, a symbol of wealth and tradition worn by Aawambo women. As part of the esteemed Secret Collection, The Ekipa offers privileged access to a harmonious blend of culture and wildlife. Effortlessly venture into the legendary Etosha National Park, where the earth's surface is adorned with a delicate blanket of white dust, promising unforgettable encounters with Africa's iconic wildlife.

Indulge in a fully inclusive experience where watching the sun dip below the horizon becomes a ritual, accompanied by the mesmerizing symphony of birds nestled among the mopane and camelthorn trees. Let the rhythmic pulse of Africa, echoing like a distant drumbeat, envelope you as your every need is attentively met.

Allow the ancient traditions and enchanting charm of Africa to weave an unforgettable tapestry of sensory delights during your stay at The Ekipa. Surrender to the magic of the bush and embark on a journey that transcends time and space, leaving an indelible mark on your soul.

Opening on 1 December 2024.

GPS Coordinates -19.40528°, 15.9106°

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Wednesday 9 October 2024

Namibia: "Ondjila Eyia Enda" - Hifikepunye Pohamba's autobiography

Hifikepunya Pohamba- "Ondjila Eyia Enda"

The launch of "Ondjila Eyia Enda", the much-anticipated autobiography of His Excellency Dr. Hifikepunye Pohamba, former President of the Republic of Namibia, marks an important moment in our nation's history. This remarkable work is not just the life story of a leader, but a deeply inspiring account of the journey of a nation told through the eyes of one of its most courageous freedom fighters. We encourage all Namibians - young and old, students, and future leaders - to read this important book.

I began my political journey as a member of the Ovamboland People’s Organization (OPO). When OPO was dissolved and replaced by SWAPO in 1960, I became a founding member of the new organization while employed by Tsumeb Copper Limited (TCL). In October 1960, I left TCL and returned to Owamboland to become a full-time SWAPO mobilizer under the regional leadership of Mzee Simon Kaukungwa, Eliaser Tuhadeleni, and Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo.

In June 1961, I was arrested, detained, and kept in chains at the Ohangwena Tribal Headquarters. After several days, I was brought before a tribal court on charges of political agitation. Acting on the instructions of a white South African Bantu Commissioner stationed at Oshikango, the tribal senior headmen sentenced me to be flogged with 24 strokes of a Makalani tree branch.

In August 1961, I left my home village of Okanghudi with comrades France (Mushingiwodila) Daniel and Villioh (Shiayafa) Haitembu, embarking on a journey abroad to Tanganyika (present-day Tanzania) via Bechuanaland (Botswana), South Africa, Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), and Northern Rhodesia (Zambia). We arrived in Dar es Salaam on Tanganyika's Independence Day, December 9, 1961.

In May 1962, the SWAPO leadership in exile sent me and Comrade Eliander Mwatale back to Namibia. However, we were arrested by Southern Rhodesian authorities as we attempted to cross the border into Bechuanaland (Botswana). We were detained in a Southern Rhodesian prison for two months before being deported to South Africa on August 1, 1962. Upon arrival at Jan Smuts Airport, we were again arrested, detained for several hours, and eventually ordered to leave South Africa within 48 hours. We traveled by train to Windhoek, Namibia, arriving on August 8, 1962.

After about a week in Windhoek, we were arrested and charged with leaving the country unlawfully and for politically agitating the people against the South West African government. We were sentenced to six months' imprisonment, but after a successful appeal, we were released in December 1962. Following our release, we were deported to our respective home regions in Oukwanyama and Uukwambi, where I rejoined the regional party leadership and resumed participation in SWAPO activities.

In February 1964, SWAPO leadership under Mzee Simon Kaukungwa disrupted a meeting at Ohangwena that was to be addressed by the South African Minister of Bantu Affairs, Hendrik Verwoerd. The police were called in from nearby towns to arrest or kill Mzee Kaukungwa and other SWAPO leaders. On March 1, 1964, Mzee Kaukungwa, four comrades, and I fled from Okanghudi to Tanganyika via Bechuanaland and Zambia.

In September 1964, I was sent to Lusaka, Zambia, to open the SWAPO office. That same month, CANU (Caprivi African National Union) merged into SWAPO after an agreement between the two parties. I served in the SWAPO office in Zambia until December 1969. In March 1966, I accompanied SWAPO President Sam Nujoma back to Windhoek to challenge South Africa’s illegal regime in Namibia. I participated in the historic SWAPO Congress in Tanga, Tanzania, held from December 27, 1969, to January 1, 1970.

At the Tanga Congress, I was elected to the Central Committee and appointed Deputy Administrative Secretary of SWAPO. In 1970, I was assigned to represent SWAPO in North and West Africa, based in Algiers, Algeria. In 1973, I became SWAPO's Chief Representative in East Africa, based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Four years later, in 1977, I was elected to the Politburo and appointed Secretary of Finance.

In 1979, I was appointed Officer-in-Charge of SWAPO Affairs in Zambia, and in 1981, I was transferred to Angola to serve as Secretary of Finance at SWAPO Headquarters in Luanda. When I returned to Namibia in 1989, I took up the role of Head of Administration at SWAPO’s newly established headquarters in Windhoek.

After Namibia’s 1989 elections, I became a member of the Constituent Assembly. Following the country’s independence on March 21, 1990, I was appointed to the National Assembly and served as the first Minister of Home Affairs in the Republic of Namibia.

Cabinet Positions Held:

1990 – 1995: First Minister of Home Affairs, Republic of Namibia
1996 – 1998: Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Republic of Namibia

1999 – 2000: Minister Without Portfolio in the Office of the President, Republic of Namibia

2001 – 2005: Minister of Lands, Resettlement, and Rehabilitation, Republic of Namibia

2005 – 2015: President of the Republic of Namibia

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Tuesday 8 October 2024

Spar suspends Namibian product following 3 deaths in RSA

Spar suspends Namibian product following 3 deaths in RSA

Spar management in South Africa has taken the precautionary step of removing Namibian-produced vanilla-flavored Top Score porridge from their shelves following the tragic deaths of three children in various locations across South Africa who allegedly consumed the product.

The children, aged between 3 and 5, reportedly fell ill after ingesting the porridge, leading to serious health complications. The specific areas affected include Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Cape Town, where local health authorities are investigating the incidents.

In an internal communiqué dated 28 September, Spar announced that they are currently awaiting forensic results from laboratory tests conducted on the product. As part of their safety protocol, all stock of Top Score porridge at distribution centers has been identified and suspended from further distribution to ensure customer safety.

“We appreciate your understanding and support as we work together to prioritize the health and well-being of our customers. The safety of our community is our top priority, and we will provide updates as soon as the test results are available. We will advise if any further action is necessary,” stated Spar in their communiqué.

Local health officials have urged parents to refrain from purchasing the product until the investigation is complete, emphasizing the importance of monitoring children's health closely and reporting any adverse reactions.

As investigations continue, both Spar and the Ministry of Health are committed to ensuring consumer safety and will take necessary actions based on the findings of the forensic tests.

Amidst these developments, some may speculate about the competitive market for Namibian products in South Africa. With competition already extremely high, particularly among South African local brands like Oats 4 Breakfast and Nutriblast, there is hope that this incident is not an attempt of economic sabotage to undermine Namibian products and negatively impact sales in the RSA.

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Monday 7 October 2024

O&L Leisure Hotels: Namibia Through Our Eyes

Namibia Through Our Eyes

Mokuti Lodge, Etosha National Park

We are thrilled to announce a new chapter at O&L Leisure that invites you to experience Namibia Through Our Eyes. As part of this transformation toward premium tourism, we offer authentic, luxury and unforgettable travel experiences. Whether you’re discovering Namibia’s vibrant culture, its awe-inspiring landscapes or engaging with local communities, our handpicked locations and personalised service ensure that every moment is special and meaningful.

Chobe Water Villas, Namibia

At O&L Leisure, we believe that true fulfillment comes from creating a deep connection with the places you visit. Our commitment to delivering world-class service and comfort, paired with the natural beauty of Namibia, guarantees a journey like no other. From a warm and caring welcome to the rich experiences that unfold during your stay, every detail has been carefully crafted to reflect the heart and soul of Namibia. As part of this exciting new phase, we’re not just elevating travel we are also positioning Namibia as a top destination on the global stage.

Chobe Water Villas, Namibia

Our sustainable tourism practices and partnerships with local communities ensure that we preserve the country’s natural beauty and cultural essence for future generations. We look forward to welcoming you on this remarkable journey, where adventure, relaxation and authentic Namibian experiences await. Let O&L Leisure guide you through unforgettable moments that will leave a lasting impression.

O&L Leisure Hotels
Post Street Mall, Werner List Street, 2190 Windhoek

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Sunday 6 October 2024

South Africa: Felix Vincidor, London, Santos, Caledonian, Fidia de Genoa, Ianthe, Golden Crown & Galaxy shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

Unknown shipwreck in Namibia

July 18:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1841: Felix Vincidor, this wooden-hulled schooner, which had been detained by the HMS Clio, was driven ashore, and wrecked at night on Muizenberg Beach in False Bay in the Western Cape.

1850: London, this sailing vessel wrecked after its cables parted in a north-westerly gale in Table Bay in the Western Cape.

1874: Santos, this wooden-hulled schooner wrecked on a reef after its cables parted in a heavy swell on the eponymous Santos Beach in Mossel Bay in the Western Cape. 

1878: Caledonian, this wooden hulled barque wrecked on Woodstock beach in Table Bay in the Western Cape after its cables parted in a north-westerly gale. It had sprung a leak whilst en route and when it wrecked, the captain and three of the crew drowned. 

1889: No. 18, this sail-propelled lighter foundered in the Outer Anchorage of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal after it had sprung a leak.

1889: Fidia de Genoa, this wooden-hulled barque wrecked north of the Umkhomazi River in KwaZulu-Natal. It encountered heavy seas during its journey, sustaining damage and springing several leaks. Because of the terrible weather and the state of the vessel, the captain had been unable to take regular observations. When they saw a buoy that was on Aliwal Shoal, they thought that they had overshot Durban. As the pumps were choked and all seemed lost at this point, the decision was made to beach the barque. The captain and two of the crew drowned as a result, with the remainder of the crew surviving. 

1890: Ianthe, this wooden sailing barque wrecked off Cliff Point near the Holgat River in the Northern Cape. Some of the crew managed to make it back to Port Nolloth with a lifeboat, leaving five of the crew behind. Rescuers arrived a day later with two of those left behind never being seen again. It was presumed that they had drowned. 

1923: Golden Crown, this iron steam-powered coaster ran aground during thick fog on Robben Island in Table Bay in the Western Cape. The tug Ludwig Wiener rescued the crew the next morning. The wreck site was discovered by Dr. Bruno Werz and identified in 1992 with its boiler and the letters ‘D’ and ‘E’ on the deckhouse of the wreck. 

1942: Galaxy, the British steel-hulled steam-powered trawler wrecked near Cape St. Francis in the Eastern Cape. All hands were lost and of its crew of 15, only five bodies were recovered after they washed ashore at the mouth of the Krom River.

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Saturday 5 October 2024

South Africa: Doddington, Rambler, Usk, Candian, Calpie, Doncaster, William Forster, Johanna Wagner, Laetitia, Emilia & Shoestring shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

July 17:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1755: Doddington, this British East Indiaman wrecked during a storm on a reef off Bird Island in Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape. Of the 270 people on board, only 23 survived. When the storm calmed, the survivors boarded the wreck and salvaged what they could to survive. By August, three men headed for the mainland, only to discover a harsh landscape, and one of the men drowning during this expedition. When the other two returned to the island, the survivors worked together and manufactured a sloop using rudimentary forges and saws.

An engraving depicting the wrecking event of the Doddington (1755)

The sloop was aptly named “Happy Deliverance”. They launched it on the 17th of February 1756 and reached Delagoa Bay (modern day Maputo) two months later. The wreck was only discovered in the late ‘70s, and the home of many great white sharks. Salvage work at the time recovered four bronze cannons, many items of historical interest, as well as silver coins. The promise of coins resulted in much treasure hunting and looting over the following years, which damaged the site. So much so, that in 1997, gold coins supposedly from the wreck, which were never declared by any legal salvors, came up for auction in London through a coin collector in Florida. The resulting court case, which went on for four years, highlighted the various shortcomings of maritime law and the difficulties in protecting underwater heritage. Today, the National Heritage Resources Act, No. 25 of 1999, considers wrecks older than 60 years as archaeological and therefore provides them the same protection as archaeological sites and objects.

One of the cannons that was salvaged off the Doddington (1755) in the 1970's

1831: The north-westerly gale that struck Table Bay in the Western Cape the day before raged on and resulted in the loss of a further four vessels:

• Rambler, a wooden-hulled brig, was driven ashore on Woodstock Beach after its cables parted.

• Usk, a wooden-hulled barque, was also driven ashore on Woodstock Beach after its cables parted.

• Calpie, a wooden-hulled brig, was driven ashore on Woodstock Beach.

• Candian, a wooden-hulled barque that was driven foul by the Vine (which wrecked the day before) struck a reef in Table Bay and wrecked.

1836: Doncaster, this wooden-hulled barque (a troopship) wrecked near the Ratel River mouth in the Western Cape. It was on its way from Mauritius to England. It is assumed that more than 80 people were on board when it wrecked, with the bodies of 38 men and boys, and 19 women washing ashore over the next few weeks. The field cornet and his men buried these bodies in the dunes behind the beach. It is understood that there were no survivors and that the washing up of bodies and body parts along the beach was most gruesome.

1851: William Forster, this wooden-hulled schooner wrecked on Thunderbolt reef off Cape Recife in the Eastern Cape.

1862: Johanna Wagner, this wooden-hulled barque wrecked near Strandfontein in False Bay in the Western Cape.

1871: Laetitia, this iron-hulled German schooner wrecked on Fountain Rocks, near the Kowie River mouth in Port Alfred in the Eastern Cape.

1898: Emilia, this barque struck Thunderbolt Reef on this day and foundered at night after being towed into Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape.

1990: Shoestring, this yacht wrecked near Cape Vidal in KwaZulu-Natal.

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Friday 4 October 2024

South Africa: King George IV, Sir James Saumarez, Vine, Howard, Kate, Jonquille, Petronella & Almira Coombs shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

July 16:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1824: King George IV, this wooden-hulled vessel was abandoned after encountering rough seas, and later in the day it was driven ashore in St. Sebastian Bay in the Western Cape. One report indicates that it wrecked 5 km north-east of Kleinfontein, however, no such farm exists in the vicinity today and it is possible that it rather wrecked near the modern-day Kleinjongesfontein Nature Reserve, but more research is needed to determine this accurately.

A rough line of where the coastline was before the Foreshore of Cape Town was reclaimed in the 1930s-1940s. Several wrecks lie beneath this land many of which have been discovered during developments

1831: A north-westerly gale in Table Bay in the Western Cape claimed two vessels on this day:

• Sir James Saumarez (Sir Thomas Saumarz in one report), this wooden-hulled brig ran ashore on Woodstock Beach. It was condemned thereafter, and its remains now lie beneath reclaimed land.

• Vine, this wooden-hulled brig parted from its 5 anchors and ran ashore on Woodstock Beach. It was also condemned thereafter, with its remains now lying beneath reclaimed land.

1840: Howard, this wooden-hulled barque wrecked in a north-westerly gale near the Castle on Woodstock Beach in Table Bay in the Western Cape. Its remains lie beneath reclaimed land today.  Several wrecks lie beneath this land many of which have been discovered during developments.

1849: Kate, this wooden-hulled schooner wrecked at night in a south-easterly gale in Mossel Bay in the Western Cape.

1868: Jonquille, this wooden-hulled schooner wrecked on the eponymous Jonquille rock in Hondeklip Bay in the Northern Cape.

1878: A south-easterly gale in Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape claimed two wooden-hulled barques on this day:

• Petronella, came into the bay in distress but ultimately wrecked.

• Almira Coombs, wrecked somewhere in the bay.

1953: A SAAF Douglas DC-3 (registration no. 6846) crashed at the Johannesburg-Rand Germiston Airport during a military exercise. Very little is known about it.

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Thursday 3 October 2024

South Africa: Belleisle & Alice shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

July 15: 

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1849: Belleisle/Belle Isle, this wooden-hulled schooner wrecked in a south-easterly gale on rocks in St. Sebastian Bay, near the Breede River mouth in the Western Cape.

A modern day aerial view of the town of Witsand with the Breede River mouth flowing into St. Sebastian Bay

1901: Alice, this vessel wrecked near Woodstock Beach in Table Bay in the Western Cape. Very little is known about it.

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Wednesday 2 October 2024

South Africa: Dorothys, Perekop & Mossel shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

Maridal shipwreck in Namibia

July 14:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1836: Dorothys, this wooden-hulled brig wrecked near Central Beach in Plettenberg Bay in the Western Cape due to heavy swell driving it ashore.

1862: Perekop, this sailing barque wrecked on a reef off Struisbaai in the Western Cape.

1960: Mossel, this fishing vessel was scuttled near the South Jetty in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. As its remains posed a danger at the jetty, it was raised by the SAS Somerset and then scuttled in deeper waters on the 19th of February 1961.

1982: On this day a mid-air collision occurred between a SAAF Swearingen Merlin IV (registration no. ZS-JLZ) and a Bon Air Piper Navajo Chieftain (registration no. ZS-KTX) that resulted in both aircrafts tumbling to the ground and being destroyed, near the Zwartkops raceway, in Pretoria in Gauteng. All eight people on board ZS-JLZ and all five people on board ZS-KTX lost their lives.

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