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WV*4Z8505 06:30 Eros - Windhoek Ondangwa - Toivo Ya Toivo 07:30 Mon, Tue, Fri
WV*4Z8506 08:00 Ondangwa - Toivo Ya Toivo Eros - Windhoek 09:00 Mon, Tue, Fri
WV*4Z8595 16:20 Eros - Windhoek Ondangwa - Toivo Ya Toivo 17:20 Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
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From 1 January - 31 March 2026 (Please refer to our flight consolidations)
WV*4Z8135 10:15 HKIA - Windhoek Victoria Falls 11:40 Tue, Thu, Sat
WV*4Z8136 12:55 Victoria Falls HKIA - Windhoek 14:15 Tue, Thu, Sat
From 1 April - 30 November 2026
WV*4Z8135 10:15 HKIA - Windhoek Victoria Falls 11:40 Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
WV*4Z8136 12:55 Victoria Falls HKIA - Windhoek 14:15 Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
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4Z341 11:40 Cape Town Walvis Bay 13:55 Mon-Sun
4Z342 14:40 Walvis Bay Cape Town 16:45 Mon-Sun
4Z320 07:00
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4Z326 10:40 Cape Town HKIA - Windhoek 12:50 Mon-Sun
4Z328 18:15 Cape Town HKIA - Windhoek 20:25 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
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The seasonal FlyNamibia Safari schedule will resume on 1 May 2025 and run until 30 November 2025. Our daily shuttle flight operates in a clockwise circuit seven days a week. The exact departure and arrival times are determined the day before the flight and will be communicated directly to lodges, tour operators, and transfer companies. A minimum of two passengers is required per sector. All destinations remain available on a private charter basis.
Our main routes
ETA FROM TO 09:00 Windhoek Sossusvlei
10:10 Sossusvlei Swakopmund
11:25 Swakopmund Twyfelfontein
12:30 Twyfelfontein Ongava
13:20 Mokuti Ongava
Additional route options
15:00 Mokuti Windhoek FROM TO Swakopmund Ongava Swakopmund Mokuti
For more information, contact: Email: safari@flynamibia.com.na
Twyfelfontein Mokuti Ongava Windhoek
Sossusvlei Twyfelfontein
Sossusvlei Ongava
Sossusvlei Mokuti
Twyfelfontein Windhoek
Swakopmund Windhoek
WELCOME ON BOARD
Dear Passenger,
Welcome on board – and thank you for choosing to fly with us.
At FlyNamibia, every journey is about more than simply getting from A to B. It is about connection – between people, places, cultures, and the shared sense of pride we feel in being part of this remarkable region.
As we move into the next chapter of 2026, I am pleased to share some exciting news about our growing network. From 1 April, FlyNamibia expands its regional services to Victoria Falls and Maun, strengthening two of Southern Africa’s most iconic gateways and further positioning Windhoek as a natural hub for regional travel. Flights between Windhoek Hosea Kutako International and Maun will be operated every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, with onward links from Maun to Katima Mulilo continuing. Flights between Windhoek Hosea Kutako International and Victoria Falls will increase to six frequencies per week, with services every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Victoria Falls remains one of the world’s great natural wonders – a place of awe, adventure, and timeless beauty. With increased frequencies, we are making it easier than ever for travellers to experience this extraordinary destination, whether as a once-in-a-lifetime visit or as part of a wider Southern African journey.
Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta, continues to play a vital role in regional tourism and conservation travel. Our expanded services offer improved access to one of Africa’s most unique wilderness areas, supporting both leisure travellers and the tourism partners who rely on seamless regional connectivity.
These route expansions reflect FlyNamibia’s ongoing commitment to building smart, sustainable air links that serve our country and our region – links that support tourism, trade, and the movement of people, while remaining grounded in Namibian hospitality and reliability.
Closer to home, our domestic network continues to connect key destinations across Namibia, ensuring that whether you are travelling for business, leisure, or family, FlyNamibia remains a trusted partner in your journey.
As you relax on board today, I invite you to enjoy the stories, destinations, and people featured in this edition of our inflight magazine – a celebration of Namibia and the region we are proud to call home.
From our entire FlyNamibia team, thank you for flying with us. We look forward to welcoming you on board again soon.
Warm regards,
Nerine Uys CEO - FlyNamibia
Read our previous issues
CIRCLES OF CONNECTION
An intimate reflection on empathy and belonging through cultural tourism in Namibia
There’s a stillness in Namibia’s far north that feels almost sacred – a silence so vast it hums in your ears. Out here, the land is stripped down to its essence: mountains and sand, wind and sky, a river threading through the desert like a green whisper of life.
I’ve come to this place on the banks of the Kunene River to visit Wilderness’ Serra Cafema, a lodge perched at the edge of nowhere. It’s a journey to one of the most remote corners of the country, where Angola lies just across the water and the rest of the world feels very far away.
Flying in with Wilderness Air, the landscape stretches endlessly beneath the little Cessna 210. The desert shifts from gold to bronze to deep ochre, textured like the skin of an elephant. With every ripple of dune and every dry riverbed, my anticipation builds. It’s been years since I’ve travelled this far into the northwestern hinterlands, and as I watch the endless wilderness pass beneath me, I am once again struck by awe – that there are people who live here, and have lived here for millennia.
From above, I start to notice them – the circles. Dark outlines against pale sand. Animal kraals built by the nomadic Himba who still call this land home. Each circle a signature of human existence. Proof of life in the loneliest of landscapes.
When we land, the heat presses close. From the airstrip, I’m whisked off to my first activity – a cultural visit to a Himba village.
This is not a staged performance, nor a constructed show for tourists. It’s real life. Messy, beautiful, challenging, joyful. The people who live here laugh, struggle, love, and die here. Entire lifetimes unfold against the ochre mountains of Hartmann’s Valley – to me, the most beautiful place on earth. For a fleeting second, I catch myself wondering why I don’t live here too.
Then I remember my purpose – to learn, to connect, to understand what makes cultural tourism meaningful, sustainable, and human.
CIRCLES OF LEARNING
My guide, Stephanus, helps me bridge the language gap as we sit with the villagers in a wide circle. I ask whether they like having tourists visit. The answer comes quickly – laughter and a chorus of “yes, yes!” They tell me they love meeting interesting people from faraway places. “Especially those who come to laugh with us,” says Kowego.
Stephanus has me introduce myself, and they repeat my name, rolling it around on their tongues, smiling as they test the sounds. Then it’s my turn. Nine names spoken one after the other, and I repeat each, stumbling here and there, earning claps and laughter for my efforts. Being Namibian gives me a slight advantage, I know the rhythm of the sounds, the warmth behind the smiles.
Children tumble through the sand around us – curious, mischievous, just like my two boys at home. They wrestle, build imaginary worlds, and carry babies smaller than themselves on their backs with a competence that startles me. It takes a village, they say. And here, it truly does.
A circle forms again – this time for singing and dancing. It isn’t a show for me. It’s simply life, unfolding on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Their hands clap in rhythm, the songs build, the children’s laughter rises. The sound seeps under my skin until I feel it in my bones. Joy. Pure and unfiltered.
They tell me that the only thing they dislike is when visitors look unhappy to be there. “We are so happy when people come,” they explain through Stephanus. “We want them to laugh with us, not to look uncomfortable or sad.”
That, I realise, is what cultural tourism is at its best – not performance, but exchange. It’s about being present, about meeting halfway.
BEAUTY IN THE EVERYDAY
The women are radiant in their ochre skin and traditional adornments – animal skin headdresses, beads, skirts which were once made from goat or cattle skin but are now colourful shweshwe cloth probably purchased on a visit to Opuwo. Little trickles of modernity sneaking in. I tell them how beautiful they are, and they laugh, saying they think I’m more beautiful. I laugh too – isn’t that the essence of human nature? We’re all fascinated by what is different, drawn to what feels unfamiliar.
I ask to photograph them, and they agree eagerly, but their excitement peaks when they see the images afterwards. Their laughter fills the air as they crowd around the camera. I immediately decide that once I am back in Windhoek, I will print the photographs and bind them into a small album, sending it back on the next Wilderness Air flight to Serra Cafema – a circle completed.
CIRCLES OF HOME
Everything here seems to move in circles. The huts are circular, the kraals are circular, and when they sit together to talk or share a meal, they form a circle. It’s the simplest, most perfect shape – inclusive, unbroken, eternal.
Inside one of the huts, I’m shown their traditional perfuming ritual – a fragrant mixture of herbs, including Commiphora wildii, smouldering in a small wooden vessel. The aromatic smoke drifts through the air, perfuming skin, garments, and blankets. It’s both cleansing and comforting – a ritual of identity and belonging.
The children’s curiosity is boundless. They tug at my wideleg pants, lift the hem of my T-shirt to peek underneath, giggle and scatter. Human nature again – curiosity, unfiltered and free.
I ask why they choose to live here, on this barren stretch of sand hemmed by mountains. The answer is simple: this is home. “Many years ago, there was good grass,” one woman tells Stephanus. “Now it’s harder, but this is still our home.”
THE VALUE OF CULTURAL TOURISM
Many of the men from this community work at Wilderness’ Serra Cafema lodge nearby. The partnership provides access to clean water, support, and a reliable income. It’s a model of cultural tourism done right – one rooted in respect, collaboration, and shared benefit.
Because when tourism is done with care, it can be a lifeline. It celebrates identity instead of eroding it. It builds bridges between worlds that might never otherwise touch. It ensures that the value of a place – and its people – extends beyond the postcard image, into the realm of genuine human connection.
Cultural tourism, I’ve come to believe, is a kind of homecoming. Not only for the traveller seeking meaning, but for the hosts who see their own culture reflected back through new eyes. It reminds us that despite the divides of language, geography, and privilege, we all exist within the same circle – the human one.
It’s easy, in the modern world, to forget that. To let cynicism and constant noise drown out our sense of wonder. But sitting cross-legged in a Himba village, clapping along to a rhythm that has likely echoed across this valley for hundreds of years, I feel something old and true stirring in me.
Elzanne McCulloch
First published in the Summer 2025/26 issue of Travel Namibia magazine. Subscribe to Travel Namibia here: www.travelnam.com
As a Himba person, I believe that cultural tourism is a process in which individuals from different tribes or countries plan visits to the Himba community. This interest often stems from a desire to understand why we have maintained our traditions despite the rapidly changing dynamics of the world. People want to learn about our culture, our way of life, and our methods of survival. They are particularly curious about how we sustain our livelihoods through livestock in harsh environments and how we interact with nature.
When it comes to our culture, visitors often seek insights into our cultural artifacts, such as household items, calabashes, perfumes, and wooden pillows. Additionally, they may be interested in our marriage practices, the use of Holy Fire, and the various cultural hierarchies present within our families.
Overall, the Himba community is generally open to sharing our way of life with others. A key component of this exchange is the respect and appreciation from visitors, who are granted access to the private aspects of Ovahimba life. Ultimately, what we desire most is to be recognised and valued in our own unique ways.
It is essential to recognise the rights and dignity of minority groups, such as the Himba, whose culture is often exploited and misrepresented by visitors and dominant groups. The production of misleading and, in many cases, inappropriate documentaries about the Himba people needs to be investigated and halted. We believe that our culture must be preserved, and this can only be achieved through proper regulation.
CULTURAL TOURISM FROM JOHN KASAONA’S PERSPECTIVE
TOP ADVENTURES IN DAMARALAND
HIKING
Experience the untouched beauty of Damaraland wilderness on foot with the Etendeka Hiking Trails. This unique offering from the Etendeka Lodge Company takes you through the northwest’s remote landscape, where you traverse the terrain on foot. Be prepared to be awed by ancient rock formations or marvel at the desert-adapted plants and wildlife. Sleep under the stars and enjoy the rustic campsites while immersing yourself in the natural wonders of the area.
CYCLING
Embark on a truly transformative journey with the RMB & Wilderness Ride for Rangers, a cycling tour that winds its way through the rugged terrain of Namibia’s Damaraland. The tour raises funds and awareness for the Save the Rhino Trust and Children in the Wilderness, where riders can contribute to the fight against poaching and safeguard the region’s black rhino population. Throughout Namibia, lodges stand ready to cater to cycling enthusiasts, offering a myriad of mountain-bike trails that wind through breathtaking landscapes. For those seeking an adrenalinefuelled adventure, some lodges provide e-bikes and fat bikes with wide tyres, ideal for exploring the vast desert expanses with ease. In the picturesque Erongo Region, Ai Aiba Lodge beckons adventurers to explore its stunning landscapes at their own pace with a network of mountain biking trails. You can rent an e-bike or bring your own mountain bike. For the ultimate fun, you can join the annual 3-day mountain biking event, Ride the Erongos, held every February at Ai Aiba Lodge. Find out more at www.aiaiba-namibia.com
ZIP LINING
The 15th longest zip line in the world is found at Ugab Terrace Lodge, offering an exciting adrenaline-filled adventure for all ages. From an aerial vantage point you can take in the panoramic views and scenery of this region.
ROCK CLIMBING
Spitzkoppe is considered the pinnacle rock climbing destination in Namibia, captivating adventurers with its rugged beauty and unparalleled challenges. Boasting a diverse array of over 100 routes etched into sculpted rock faces, climbers are treated to a playground of adrenalinepumping ascents against the backdrop of blazing red sunsets and sweeping vistas that stretch into the vast expanse of the Namib Desert. Even the most accessible routes present formidable challenges, requiring skill, determination, and a keen eye for route finding. This magical area attracts climbers from all over the world and yet you will still find uncrowded climbing routes and pure wilderness.
Find more Namibia travel inspiration at www.thisisnamibia.com
Follow @thisis_namibia on Facebook and instagram for extraordinary Namibia travel stories.
Elzanne McCulloch
Travelling to Namibia
A Safe, Welcoming, and Effortless Travel Experience
Namibia consistently ranks among Africa’s safest and most peaceful nations, according to international safety and peace indices. The country enjoys strong political stability, has no internal conflict, and is widely recognised as a secure destination for both international and regional travellers. Each year, hundreds of thousands of visitors explore Namibia’s striking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage safely and without incident.
Namibia remains a top choice for self-drive holidays, guided safaris, adventure travel, and eco-tourism. Most trips proceed smoothly, with serious incidents involving tourists being uncommon. The majority of reported issues involve petty, opportunistic crime such as vehicle breakins, pickpocketing, and bag snatching mainly in busy urban centres.
By following simple safety measures, travellers can significantly reduce their risk and enjoy a safe and memorable stay:
• Use Namibia Tourism Board (NTB)–registered accommodation, tour operators, guides, and transport services. Verify NTB-registered businesses at +264 61 290 6003
• Travellers have the right to ask and verify NTB registration before booking any tourism service.
• Avoid displaying valuables such as jewellery, cameras, and mobile phones in public areas.
• Do not leave bags or electronics visible in parked vehicles.
• Keep vehicle doors locked, and windows closed in towns and at traffic lights.
• Use registered taxis or pre-arranged transport, especially at night.
• Do not make friends on streets.
• Avoid walking alone after dark in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas.
• Withdraw cash during the day at banks or shopping centres.
• Follow safety advice provided by hotels, lodges, and tour guides.
NTB-registered businesses meet national standards and work closely with authorities to ensure visitor safety, quality service, and accountability. Booking with registered operators significantly reduces risk and enhances the overall travel experience.
With its wide-open spaces, world-class wildlife, and welcoming communities, Namibia continues to offer a safe and rewarding journey for international and regional travellers. By choosing registered tourism providers and following basic travel awareness, visitors can enjoy Namibia with confidence and peace of mind.
Flora Quest Manager: Public Relations
Ongava’s Rhinos: Proof of Purpose
In Namibia, tourism and conservation are often two sides of the same coin – both rooted in a profound respect for land. Across the country, private landowners shoulder an immense responsibility: transforming once-degraded farmlands into thriving ecosystems that sustain wildlife, livelihoods, and hope. Their investment of time, resources, and heart creates safe havens where tourism becomes a force for preservation rather than pressure. Ongava Game Reserve stands as a shining example of this vision. What was once a cluster of exhausted cattle farms has become one of Namibia’s most successful private conservation stories – a living landscape where rhinos roam freely, science drives stewardship, and visitors witness firsthand why tourism, when rooted in purpose, truly matters.
ONGAVA’S RHINOS: THE HEARTBEAT OF THE RESERVE
The sun rises over the golden savanna, casting a warm glow across the vast plains of Ongava Game Reserve. Here, in the heart of Namibia, life moves at a rhythm that has endured for centuries. This is rhino country, a place where survival and hope walk side by side. Once four unproductive cattle farms, Ongava is now a thriving sanctuary for countless species, with rhinos at its very core. Their presence is both a gift and a responsibility. One carried with deep dedication by everyone who calls Ongava home.
A SPECIES ON THE BRINK
Across Africa, rhino populations have been decimated. Poaching for rhino horn remains one of the greatest threats to these magnificent animals. Criminal syndicates fuel the illegal trade, putting rhinos at risk every single day. Inside Ongava’s Discovery Center, a map reveals the rhino’s once-vast range now reduced to a handful of pinpoints.
Black and white rhinos, once abundant across the continent, now exist only in small, fragmented populations. Numbers in the thousands may sound encouraging, until one understands they represent an 83–85% decline. Sobering though it is, this story is not one of despair, but of resilience.
WHITE AND BLACK, SIDE BY SIDE
Ongava is one of the rare places where both white and black rhinos roam freely. While closely related, their differences are striking. White rhinos are larger, with a broad, square-shaped mouth suited to grazing on grasses, while black rhinos are slightly smaller, with a pointed upper lip designed to grasp leaves and branches from shrubs and trees. Understanding these adaptations deepens appreciation for their unique roles in the ecosystem and the distinct challenges each species faces.
Every rhino at Ongava is known and carefully monitored from birth. A dedicated rhino monitoring program tracks each individual, documenting family lines to maintain a healthy, genetically diverse population. After years of drought that had made supplemental feeding a costly necessity, the rains returned to Ongava. The plains blossomed with fresh grass and new shoots, filling the air with the scent of wet earth. For the first time in years, food is abundant and natural, a gift from the land that reminds everyone at Ongava that resilience and renewal are always possible.
GUARDIANS ON THE GROUND
Keeping these animals safe is no small task. Ongava is proud to maintain a record of zero poaching incidents to date, a remarkable achievement in a world where
Photography: Suné van Wyk
the threat is ever-present. The success of the reserve’s conservation efforts relies on a layered, round-the-clock protection and anti-poaching system including foot patrols, trained canine teams, aerial support, advanced monitoring technologies and so much more. A multifaceted approach designed to deter threats.
A remarkable unit in these protection efforts are the Ongava anti-poaching K9’s. Skilled in detecting intruders, tracking human scent and responding rapidly when their handlers need them. These four-legged guardians are more than security tools, they are trusted partners whose intelligence, loyalty, and skill play a vital role in keeping the rhinos safe. Guests who meet them while out on a drive through the reserve leave inspired, witnessing firsthand how teamwork across species can help save a precious animal.
SCIENCE WITH PURPOSE
Ongava is not only a haven but also a living laboratory. With almost 20 years at Ongava, Abigail Guerier brings both scientific expertise and a deep passion for wildlife conservation. She began her journey as a researcher in 2005 and has led Ongava’s Rhino Programme since 2012. Under her guidance, the groundbreaking work conducted on the reserve, including genetics studies and research on population health, ensures that every intervention is carefully informed and every rhino has the best chance at thriving in the wild. At the heart of this, the genetic research ensures healthy bloodlines and reduces the risk of inbreeding, safeguarding the resilience of future generations.
The team also manages a notching program that contributes to both protection and research through the identification and careful monitoring of each individual. Discreet tracking technology is deployed across the reserve, allowing the team to monitor movement, behaviour, and overall wellbeing, while also supporting security and research programs that guide conservation decisions.
Beyond daily protection, Ongava contributes to broader scientific understanding. From feeding preference studies to climate-change population modelling, these research initiatives help predict the pressures rhinos may face in years to come. Each insight brings us closer to ensuring that rhinos not only survive, but prosper in their natural habitats.
WHY IT MATTERS
Rhinos are more than icons of Africa’s wilderness. They are an umbrella species, whose survival helps preserve entire ecosystems and countless other creatures that share their habitat. When calves run alongside their mothers and the plains teem with life once again, it is a reminder of why this work matters.
Every birth is a victory.
Every day without incident is a triumph.
And every guest who leaves Ongava with a deeper understanding of the effort required to protect these animals becomes a partner in the ongoing story of their survival.
Conservation is a responsibility that cannot be carried alone. By visiting Ongava, learning its stories, and sharing them with the world, guests become part of the solution. Here, in this corner of Namibia, hope endures.
As long as rhinos roam the Ongava plains, the team will continue to stand guard with people, with science, and with K9’s at their side. Protecting the land and the generations yet to come.
“Rhinos are extraordinary creatures - prehistoric, yet still powerfully present and awe inspiring in this modern world. To roam this small piece of dusty land with them is a privilege. The threats facing our planet’s wildlife today are too vast to fully comprehend. And while human activity is at the root of many of these challenges, people are also key to the solution..” – Abigail Guerier, Rhino Programme Manager.
Elzanne McCulloch
Ongava maintains a record of zero poaching incidents to date, a remarkable achievement in a world where the threat is ever-present.
Read more about Ongava at www.ongava.com/whispers
First published in the Summer 2025/26 issue of Travel Namibia magazine. Subscribe to Travel Namibia here: www.travelnam.com
Discover unparalleled conference facilities amidst breathtaking natural landscapes with Namibia Wildlife Resorts. Gross Barmen Resort offers a rejuvenating retreat, blending wellness with state-of-the-art conference amenities.
SMART BUDGETING TIPS FOR NAMIBIAN TRAVELLERS
Cost-savvy ways to experience Namibia
Travelling is one of life’s greatest joys, but for many Namibians, the thought of planning a trip often comes with financial stress. Whether you’re exploring the dunes of Sossusvlei, enjoying a weekend in Swakopmund, or venturing abroad, smart budgeting can make the difference between a dream holiday and a financial headache.
Here are practical strategies to help you travel affordably and confidently.
PLAN AHEAD AND SET A TRAVEL BUDGET
• Define your trip goals early: Decide where you want to go, how long you’ll stay, and what experiences matter most.
• Create a dedicated travel budget: Break down expected costs into categories: transport, accommodation, food, activities, and extras.
• Use a savings timeline: If your trip is six months away, divide your total budget by six to know how much to save monthly.
SAVE SMART BEFORE YOU TRAVEL
• Open a travel savings account: Keeping funds separate prevents accidental spending.
• Automate savings: Set up a monthly transfer so you don’t rely on willpower alone.
• Cut small expenses: Swapping one takeaway meal a week for home cooking can add up to hundreds saved over time.
TRAVEL WITHIN NAMIBIA ON A BUDGET
• Self-drive adventures: Namibia’s roads are wellsuited for road trips. Travelling with friends or family and sharing fuel costs makes it affordable.
• Affordable stays: Guesthouses, community lodges, and camping sites often cost less than hotels while offering authentic experiences.
• Local food: Skip imported meals and enjoy Namibian cuisine. It`s cheaper, fresher, and part of the adventure!
BUDGETING FOR INTERNATIONAL TRIPS
• Book flights early: Prices rise closer to departure. Use flight comparison tools to find deals.
• Travel off-season: Avoid peak holiday months when accommodation and flights are most expensive.
• Currency planning: Exchange money gradually before your trip to avoid last-minute unfavourable rates.
TRACK SPENDING WHILE TRAVELING
• Use budgeting apps: Simple apps can help you monitor daily expenses.
• Carry cash for small purchases: It’s easier to stick to limits when you see money leaving your wallet.
• Keep receipts: They help you track where your money goes and adjust if needed.
Smart budgeting doesn’t mean cutting out fun! It means making choices that allow you to enjoy your travels without financial anxiety. With a clear plan, disciplined saving, and mindful spending, Namibian travellers can explore both local gems and international destinations while staying financially secure.
Martha Hagemann
Martha Hagemann is a Finance Assistant Accountant based in Namibia. She writes practical and insightful articles on personal finance, budgeting, and career growth, drawing from her professional experience in accounting and financial management. Her mission is to help readers make confident financial decisions and achieve stability in both work and life.
PRIME
Whether you're on business or exploring Namibia, CYMOT Hilltop has everything you need under one roof!
Conveniently located next to Grove Mall in Windhoek, we make shopping easy, hassle-free, and enjoyable.
Start your journey with the perfect cup! Fuel up with the rich aroma and bold avours of Slow Town Coffee, available in-store. From a quick espresso to a smooth latte, every cup is crafted to perfection.
Namibia named Africa’s most authentic tourism destination
According to the African Tourism Board (ATB), Namibia’s rising popularity is driven by increased interest from markets such as Germany and the United States, where travellers are prioritising responsible, experience-led travel over mass tourism.
The ATB highlighted Namibia’s “space as the new luxury,” pointing to its expansive, low-density landscapes, strong infrastructure, and reputation for safety. “Travellers in 2025 are no longer looking for crowded experiences; they are seeking space, silence and scale,” the board noted.
This demand aligns closely with Namibia’s sustainable tourism model, which prioritises environmental conservation, community benefit, and high-value, lowimpact travel experiences.
Among Namibia’s most compelling highlights is the Namib to the world’s oldest desert. Within it lies the iconic Deadvlei, an eerie white clay pan punctuated by centuriesold camelthorn trees and framed by some of the tallest red dunes on Earth.
Equally impressive is Etosha National Park, Namibia’s premier wildlife sanctuary. Its vast salt pan stretches over 4,800 square kilometres and serves as the centrepiece of the park, drawing visitors from around the world to witness abundant wildlife against a backdrop of striking, open landscapes.
Further north, Damaraland offers dramatic landscapes, rugged mountains, and ancient cultural heritage. The region is renowned for its desert-adapted wildlife, including elephants, black rhinos, and giraffes, all of which have evolved to survive in this arid environment, making it a haven for adventurous travellers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
On the coast, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, Namibia’s key coastal hubs, provide a striking contrast to the desert interiors. With vibrant seaside atmospheres, adventurefocused activities, and access to the Atlantic Ocean, these towns are ideal for travellers seeking both relaxation and adrenaline-fuelled experiences.
A destination like no other
From the towering red dunes of the Namib Desert to the wildlife-rich plains of Etosha, the rugged mountains of Damaraland, and the windswept coastlines of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, Namibia offers a remarkable diversity of landscapes and experiences. Its commitment to sustainable, high-value travel ensures that every journey leaves a positive impact on both the environment and local communities.
For travellers seeking space, authenticity, and adventure, Namibia is more than a destination; it is a place where the extraordinary becomes reality, and where every visit tells a story worth remembering.
Rudolf Seibeb
Portraits of the Common
The ARAK Collection and The Project Room is proud to announce the launch of Rudolf Seibeb: Portraits of the Common, a significant new publication celebrating the life and work of Namibian artist Rudolf Seibeb. The book was launched in Windhoek at The Project Room on 20 January 2026, followed by an international launch in Cape Town during the Investec Cape Town Art Fair on 18 February 2026. Together, these moments mark both a homecoming and a global positioning of an artist whose work quietly but powerfully insists on the dignity, complexity and shared humanity of everyday life.
Rudolf Seibeb, born in 1964 and based in the town of Okahandja, is a self-taught artist whose practice has developed outside formal academic frameworks, yet displays remarkable clarity and conviction. His paintings, often described as naïve or outsider art, resist easy categorisation. They are grounded in lived experience, community and observation, and they document what ARAK Collection founder Abdul Rahman Saleh AlKhelaif describes as “the vibrant tapestry of life in Namibia”. AlKhelaif’s foreword traces his first encounter with Seibeb’s work in 2020 and the deepening relationship that followed, culminating in visits to the artist’s studio, Tadami Khu Arts – a Damara phrase meaning “Do not talk bad about your people.” This ethos resonates throughout Seibeb’s practice, underscoring an unwavering commitment to place, people and ethical representation.
Portraits of the Common brings together an important group of writers whose contributions frame Seibeb’s work from multiple perspectives. Among them is acclaimed art writer and critic Ashraf Jamal, whose essay offers a rigorous and poetic reading of Seibeb’s faces – faces that are at once generic and deeply familiar. Jamal asks whether Seibeb paints the same face repeatedly, and if so, whose face it might be. His conclusion is compelling: Seibeb’s figures are not portraits in the Western sense, nor
are they concerned with individual ego, power or status. Instead, they function as sites of mutual recognition, allowing viewers to see themselves and others reflected in simplified yet profoundly resonant forms.
Jamal’s text challenges the often-romanticised notion of innocence or purity frequently projected onto self-taught artists. Rather than reading Seibeb’s visual language as unrefined, he proposes that the artist consciously stylises a perceived crudity, using flatness, repetition and bold lines to explore complex questions of identity, collectivity and inner life. Faces appear within faces, bodies within bodies, suggesting not ancestry or hierarchy but multiplicity – the many selves that constitute a shared human condition. These works, Jamal argues, are not shallow surfaces but “fathomless inquiries into the heart, mind and soul”.
Additional contributions by Marcos Jinguba, Jamil Osmar Parasol, Elize van Huyssteen and Frieda Lühl further contextualise Seibeb’s practice within Namibian art histories, contemporary discourse and lived social realities. Together, these voices reinforce the significance of Seibeb’s position as an artist who operates at the periphery of the global art world while steadily gaining recognition as a collectable and increasingly iconic figure.
Seibeb’s journey into art began in earnest during the 1990s when he encountered the John Muafangejo Art Centre, a formative moment that anchored him within Namibia’s creative community. Working primarily in acrylic on canvas, and occasionally incorporating found objects, his techniques have evolved through decades of experimentation rather than formal instruction. What remains constant is the sense of optimism and hope that permeates his work – a utopic worldview that reflects resilience rather than escapism.
The launch of Rudolf Seibeb: Portraits of the Common is both a celebration and an invitation to look closely at the
ordinary, to recognise ourselves in the unfamiliar and to acknowledge the quiet power of an artist who speaks not from the centre, but from a place of deep sincerity and shared humanity.
Beyond his studio practice, Seibeb’s work has steadily entered important private and institutional collections, both locally and internationally, signalling a growing recognition of his unique visual language. While he remains rooted in Okahandja, his paintings have travelled widely, appearing in exhibitions and art fairs that place Namibian stories into broader global conversations. This balance – between remaining grounded in community and engaging with international audiences – is central to Seibeb’s significance. His work does not seek spectacle or provocation; instead, it offers a quiet insistence on presence, on seeing and being seen.
The publication itself is conceived as more than a monograph. Rudolf Seibeb: Portraits of the Common functions as an archive, a critical reader and a tribute. Through carefully curated essays and reproductions, it
traces the evolution of an artist who has consistently returned to the human figure as a vessel for shared experience. In doing so, the book affirms Seibeb’s place within contemporary Namibian art history while also positioning his work within a wider global discourse on figuration, selftaught practices and the politics of representation.
Launching first in Windhoek at The Project Room – a longstanding advocate for Namibian artists – the book’s debut honours the local networks that have supported Seibeb’s practice over decades. Its subsequent launch at the Investec Cape Town Art Fair extends this conversation beyond national borders, introducing Portraits of the Common to collectors, curators and audiences from across the continent and beyond. Together, these launches underscore the book’s central proposition: that the socalled “common” is not marginal, but universal, and that within Seibeb’s flattened faces and steady gazes lies an enduring, collective humanity.
Laschandre Coetzee
The Project Room - Namibia www.theprojectroom.com.na
The book is available for purchase at The Project Room in Windhoek.
FOUR PILLARS for building an exciting 2026
As a new year begins, many of us look for ways to feel more energised, hopeful and excited about what lies ahead. Over the past year, I have learnt that excitement is not something we wait for; it is something we build. An energy-filled life rests on a few foundational strategies that are widely supported in the health and wellness space. These four pillars – sleep, mindset, exercise and food – form a practical framework for creating excitement.
Pillar One: Sleep
Sleep is the silent pillar that supports everything else. I have learnt a great deal from Dr Matthew Walker, author of Why We Sleep, and Shawn Stevenson of Sleep Smarter. Both emphasise that quality sleep is non-negotiable for learning, mood, physical health and longevity. Walker highlights the importance of regular sleep schedules and limiting caffeine and alcohol, while Stevenson focuses on optimising daily routines – from morning light exposure to evening wind-down habits. Together, they remind us that consistent schedules, cool and dark bedrooms as well as reduced screen time are essential for deep, restorative sleep.
Pillar Two: Mindset
muscle at any age helps us to wake up feeling capable and motivated. Dr Gabrielle Lyon describes skeletal muscle as the “organ of longevity” – a key regulator of metabolism and long-term health, not just strength. Her muscle-centric approach emphasises resistance training and sufficient protein intake to support energy, protect against chronic disease and create a strong physical foundation for life.
Pillar Four: Food
Movement is far more than just a way to stay fit; it is a powerful driver of daily energy.
Secondly, excitement is shaped by how we frame our days. Dr Daniel Amen offers a simple but powerful practice: begin each morning by telling yourself, “Today will be a great day.” This intentional mindset helps to shift the brain out of fight-or-flight mode and into a state of safety, optimism and engagement. When we feel mentally prepared, we are better equipped to meet challenges with confidence and joy.
Pillar Three: Exercise
Movement is far more than just a way to stay fit; it is a powerful driver of daily energy. Building and maintaining
Lastly, what we eat fuels both the body and the brain. According to psychiatrist and nutritional expert Dr Georgia Ede, certain dietary approaches – particularly low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diets – can reduce inflammation and calm excessive neural activity. By prioritising complete nutrition and minimising inflammatory ingredients, the brain receives a stable energy supply. The result is often improved focus, emotional balance and mental resilience – key ingredients for sustained enthusiasm and clarity.
These four attainable pillars offer a realistic roadmap for fuelling 2026 with energy, optimism and excitement.
Dr. Marelise Calitz Educational Psychologist
The quiet power of everyday rituals
In the rush of modern life, we often imagine that transformation comes from the big moments: the breakthroughs, the bold decisions, the grand turning points. Yet the brain, it turns out, is shaped far more by the subtle, repeated patterns of what we do every day. And few forces are as quietly influential as the rituals we weave into our routines.
Most people picture rituals as ancient ceremonies or cultural performances, something ornate, collective, and rare. But the real rituals that shape our minds are usually the ones that happen without fanfare. Waiting for everyone to sit before eating. A familiar greeting with a colleague. A brief pause before stepping into a meeting. Lighting a candle in the evening. Clapping at the end of a show. These small, repeated actions form the psychological scaffolding of daily life.
Why rituals matter more than we realise
From a psychological and neurological standpoint, rituals are not decorative. They serve deeply functional purposes, especially during periods of stress or uncertainty.
When the world feels unpredictable, the brain looks for patterns and anchors that signal safety, order, and continuity. A simple, repeated act gives the nervous system something firm to hold onto. It reduces anxiety by quieting the brain’s threat detection centres and offering a sense of agency when circumstances feel overwhelming.
Rituals also play a crucial social role. Shared routines, whether in families, classrooms, offices, or sports teams, build connection and trust. Moving or speaking in sync releases bonding chemicals that make cooperation easier and relationships warmer. This is why teams huddle before a game and why milestones are marked with ceremonies; rituals help us belong, transition, and make sense of change.
And on an even broader scale, rituals are how culture preserves itself. Values like gratitude, respect, and togetherness are not taught through lectures; they are absorbed through repeated, shared actions.
A NEUROLOGICAL “SOFTWARE UPGRADE”
Researchers increasingly describe rituals as a kind of behavioural software for the brain. They influence us in three powerful ways:
• Calm Repetition steadies the nervous system. A predictable sequence, no matter how simple, helps shift the brain out of threat mode and into a calmer, more grounded state.
• Clarity
Rituals reduce cognitive load. When your brain knows exactly what comes next, it frees up mental energy for bigger decisions and complex tasks.
• Connection
Shared rituals strengthen social bonds. Whether you are singing together, high fiving a colleague, or following a familiar family tradition, the brain responds with neurochemicals that deepen trust and connection.
In other words, rituals are far more than habits. They are stabilisers, organisers, and connectors.
DESIGNING RITUALS THAT WORK FOR YOU
Although many rituals are inherited from our families, cultures, or workplaces, some of the most powerful are the ones we create ourselves, intentionally and thoughtfully.
• Observe the moments that feel unsteady
Transitions are often the most chaotic parts of the day, such as waking up, starting work, returning home, or stepping into a meeting. These are prime opportunities for a grounding ritual.
• Experiment with something small and specific
Choose one moment and add a simple, repeatable action. A deep breath before opening your laptop. Arranging your workspace each morning. A short walk after lunch. A deliberate pause before responding to messages.
• Reflect and refine
After a few days, ask whether the ritual is helping. Does it bring ease? Focus? A sense of intention? If not, adjust it. Rituals are meant to support you, not become another task on your list.
The best rituals are short, meaningful, and flexible, strong enough to anchor you yet adaptable to the shifting rhythm of real life.
THE SMALL THINGS THAT CHANGE THE BIG THINGS
When we talk about self improvement or resilience, we often look to grand strategies. But the brain does not wait for grand strategies. It responds to what we do again and again.
By consciously shaping a handful of daily rituals, you are not just adding structure to your day; you are programming your brain for steadiness, clarity, and connection. These small acts can help you navigate exams, deadlines, difficult conversations, creative blocks, and seasons of change.
Your brain is already primed to respond to predictable patterns. The question is simply: which ones will you choose to give it?
Elzanne McCulloch
We’re for Namibians
By Namibians. For Namibia.
Gerhard Erasmus
Leading with Pride, Playing with Purpose
If you ask Gerhard Erasmus what it means to be proudly Namibian, he’ll tell you it’s more than the badge on his jersey. It’s the feeling he gets when the national anthem plays, the grit that gets him through hard-fought matches, and the pride of walking onto the world stage as a product of Namibia’s soil and sunshine.
Born and raised in Windhoek, Gerhard is a cricket captain with his feet firmly planted in local ground. “Windhoek is home. It’s where my values were formed, where I learned what hard work looks like,” he says. Those values would one day propel him from schoolboy cricketer to national captain.
As the leader of Namibia’s national men’s cricket team – The Eagles – Gerhard has guided the side to unprecedented victories, including wins against full member nations like Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. But it was the team’s historic win over South Africa’s Proteas on 11 October 2025 that truly
captured the nation's imagination. In front of a roaring home crowd at the newly inaugurated Namibia Cricket Grounds, Gerhard led his squad to a dramatic victory – a game now etched into Namibian sporting history.
“That day was a dream,” he reflects. “It wasn’t just a win – it was a message. Namibia belongs on the world stage.”
For Gerhard, cricket is more than sport – it’s a platform for purpose. He speaks passionately about the people who built Cricket Namibia into a national force: “It’s a real family. A lot of people gave their time and belief long before we saw results, and that culture still drives us.” He’s especially proud that cricket is growing in reach and reputation: “There are more school leagues, more club players, more excitement. It’s a brand all Namibians can be proud of.”
As captain, he’s committed to shaping not only a successful team, but a sustainable future. “Exposure is everything,” he says. “We have to keep giving our youth
That day was a dream," he reflects. "It wasn't just a win - it was a message. Namibia belongs on the world stage."
opportunities to play and compete. That’s how we grow the next generation of national players.”
Off the pitch, Gerhard is close to qualifying as an attorney – a parallel career shaped by the same values of discipline and leadership. “Sport taught me how to work hard and stay focused. That’s the message I share with young Namibians: back yourself. Namibia is enough.”
In February, he’ll lead the Eagles to India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with the hopes of an entire nation behind them. “Namibia is unique,” he says. “We may be small, but we’re resilient. And we know how to compete.”
As Gerhard steps onto the world stage once more, he does so not just as a cricketer, but as a leader – showing what’s possible when a country dares to believe in itself.
Connecting dreams to a decade of knowledge and experience
The leading aviation training organisation in Africa.
Inspiring Finale: Debmarine Namibia STEAM final showdown
The Debmarine Namibia STEAM Final Showdown 2025 was a celebration of innovation, creativity, and the limitless potential of young minds. Hosted at Suiderhof Primary School Hall in Windhoek, the grand finale brought together learners who proudly showcased their talents in Robotics, Mathematics, Art, and Science. It was a vivid reminder that curiosity and creativity remain the true engines of progress.
Every school that participated walked away a winner. Each received a N$20,000 voucher to strengthen their laboratory equipment, ensuring that the spark of innovation continues to grow in classrooms across the city. We applaud the dedication and achievements of Delta Primary, Namutoni Primary, Olof Palme Primary, St Paul’s College, Martti Ahtisaari Primary, and Keystone Elementary.
Since its inception in 2023, the Debmarine Namibia “I Love STEAM” School Competition, powered in partnership with Mindsinaction, has ignited the imaginations of learners across Windhoek. By nurturing problemsolving skills and encouraging exploration, the programme is opening doors to 21stcentury careers and equipping learners with the tools to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
The finale was not only a showcase of talent but also a testament to the collective effort of educators, learners, and partners who believe in the transformative power of STEAM education. Together, we are shaping a generation of thinkers, creators, and leaders who will drive Namibia’s future in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
Strength in every step
With over 70 years of experience, we stand as a trusted partner in Namibia’s legal landscape. From litigation to conveyancing and corporate law, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
February is considered the month of love and, while we all have different “love languages”, I would like to use this month’s column to argue that time is the most precious gift you can ever give someone else or yourself.
My son turned twelve near the end of last year, and I came across a post recently that terrified me. I know that I am very fortunate in that I probably get to spend a lot more time with my son than many other fathers, but it said that when your children turn 12, you will have already spent 75% of your total time with them, and by the time they turn 18, 90% of your time together will be behind you. When you think of the number of years you, and they, will live for it is sad to realise just how little of that you’ll actually get to spend together.
The same could be said about the amount of time we get to spend with our romantic partners. While they will hopefully be a physical presence in our daily lives for longer than our children will, it still seems we have less and less time, or at least quality time, with them than we would like.
We are also spending less on leisure time and activities than ever before, with the United Kingdom’s National Longevity Centre noting that “increasingly only those on the highest incomes are able to spend time on enjoyable pursuits”. Cost is certainly a factor, but so, in a large part, is the fact that more traditional hobbies and activities like woodworking, knitting or even reading are being replaced by quick checks of social media.
The good news, I suppose, is that we seem to be adapting the way we look at quality time, with one in three respondents to a recent survey revealing that they felt that sharing social media posts or texting each other counts as quality time, one in four saying that napping together qualifies as quality time, and one in three that being in the same room while you and/or your partner work from home is quality time. Maybe it is all about lowering our expectations.
It doesn’t matter how much money, power or influence you have, nor does it matter who you know, death comes for us all and there is no way of knowing when.
Experts say it is not true that we have less leisure time than previous generations – in fact, they claim we have more. It is just that we do not seem to be able to switch off and appreciate the time in the way those generations did. Philosopher Jaime Cuenca says that the problem is that we do not understand what leisure means, so we “subordinate it to the world of work”, and time that is not spent working gets seen as a wasted time. Meanwhile, screen-based devices (phones, tablets, laptops and even TVs) eat into the amount of time we should spend on other things – or other people. Whether it is actually working during your non-work hours, doomscrolling or playing games, NYU psychologist Adam Alter says that where people used to spend the smallest amount of time on devices, they now spend the smallest amount of time off their devices.
This is all assuming, of course, that you get the “average” number of years together with your children or partner, which in itself is never guaranteed. As someone commented following the tragic crash that claimed the lives of two of boxer Anthony Joshua’s friends in Nigeria late last year: “It doesn’t matter how much money, power or influence you have, nor does it matter who you know, death comes for us all and there is no way of knowing when.”
So this Valentine’s month, maybe put down your phone or switch off the TV. Go out to eat (even if it is takeaway in the mall’s food court), go for a walk around the block or just sit and talk. But whatever you do, make a point of spending some real quality time with the ones that you love.
Until next time, enjoy your journey.
David Bishop
While the global fashion scene remains obsessed with speed and fast fashion, Africans remain rooted in a slower, more meaningful articulation of fashion. In Namibia, the same is true.
Meet Annastasia Aindongo, a talented Namibian woman who handcrafts crochet fashion through her brand, Crochets by Annah. A Katutura Fashion Week alumnus and award-winning creative, Annah (as she is affectionately known) is proving that crochet outfits may be the future of intentional, handmade fashion.
Her vision goes beyond her Crochets by Annah studio as she is slowly building a beautiful movement through a youth skills development programme. The programme, which saw her train 20 youths at a three-day training
VISIONARY THREADS
Photography: Dipphotos & contributed
Why Annastasia Aindongo is
the
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workshop in Outapi, ensures that Annah is preparing the next generation of Namibian creatives with crucial skills that will empower their futures.
I sat down with Annah to talk to her about fashion, texture and brand building for a sustainable future…
How did you discover crocheting, and when did you realise it could be a medium for a fashion line rather than just a hobby?
I discovered crocheting out of curiosity at first. It started very casually, just me learning stitches and making small pieces, but the more I created, the more I realised I wasn’t just following patterns, I was imagining outfits. I would look at yarn and already see a top, a fit, a whole look. That’s when it clicked for me that crochet didn’t have to stay a hobby. It could be fashion. It could be wearable, expressive and bold. That’s really where Crochets by Annah was born.
When you start a new design, does it begin with a specific type of wool, a sketch or a particular mood you want to capture?
Most of the time, it starts with a mood. A feeling I want the piece to give. Sometimes it’s confidence, sometimes softness, sometimes something a little daring. From there, I choose the yarn that matches that feeling, the texture, the weight, even the colour. I don’t always sketch; I like letting the piece grow in my hands. I adjust as I go, shaping it stitch by stitch until it feels right.
What inspires and influences your work?
A lot of my inspiration comes from women, bodies and movement. I love texture that hugs, shapes and flows with the body. I’m also inspired by everyday life, how people
dress, how they carry themselves and even how light falls on fabric. Sometimes I will see an outfit or a detail and think, “I can translate that into crochet.”
How are you using your designs to redefine what handmade knitwear looks like for the modern Namibian wardrobe?
I’m very intentional about making crochet feel current and wearable, not something you only bring out on special occasions. My pieces are designed to be styled with shorts, skirts, denim and things people already own. I want crochet to feel confident, sexy and effortless for the modern Namibian woman. Not traditional in a limiting way, but expressive and bold.
How does the “slow” nature of your craft change your relationship with the clothes you create?
Crochet forces you to slow down and be present. Every piece takes time, patience and intention, so I naturally form a deeper connection with what I make. I know every stitch, every adjustment, every moment that went into it. It makes the clothes feel personal, almost alive in a way, because they are made with care, not speed.
What is the most complex piece you’ve ever made, and what did it teach you about the limits of wool?
Some of my fitted tops have been the most challenging, especially when shaping the body without losing comfort. Those pieces taught me that yarn is more flexible than people think; you just need to understand tension, structure and balance. It pushed me to trust my instincts and experiment more instead of playing it safe.
When someone puts on one of your pieces, how do you want them to feel? I want them to feel confident and seen. Like they do not need to explain themselves. You don’t need a specific body type or personality, just confidence and openness. Crochet already speaks, so the person wearing it just needs to own it.
Looking at the evolving fashion scene in Namibia, where do you see your brand in five years?
In five years, I see Crochets by Annah being a recognised handmade fashion brand, not just locally but beyond Namibia. I want my work to represent creativity, quality and individuality. I also see the brand growing in terms of who it caters to. I’m currently working on introducing more pieces for men, which is something I’m really excited about. My goal is to accommodate both genders and create crochet pieces that anyone can feel confident wearing. I see growth, more collaborations, and a stronger presence in the fashion space, while still staying true to handmade craft.
What boundaries are you excited to push next in the world of wearable crochet art?
I want to push structure and detail, experimenting more with shapes, textures and even embellishments. I’m excited to explore how far crochet can go in fashion, especially in creating pieces that feel like art but are still wearable and practical.
Rukee Kaakunga
Annastasia Aindongo
Carmién Wellness and Collagen Blends
Carmién blends capture the essence of South Africa’s natural bounty: vibrant, nourishing and full of character. From the antioxidant-rich rooibos of the Cederberg to carefully selected superfoods and herbal ingredients, every product is crafted to delight the senses, support wellness and transform everyday rituals into moments of pleasure.
Rooibos Collagen Smoothie Blend
This blend combines the earthy warmth of rooibos with hydrolysed collagen and immune-boosting superfoods. Rich cacao and subtle cinnamon notes make it a delicious addition to shakes, smoothies, cereals or even baked treats. High in antioxidants, it nourishes from the inside out while delighting the palate.
Green Rooibos Collagen Smoothie Blend
Fresh, nutty and lightly coconutty, this blend harnesses the extra-high antioxidant content of green rooibos. Hydrolysed collagen teams up with baobab, moringa, echinacea, coconut and flaxseed to support immunity and vitality. Perfect in smoothies, sprinkled over cereals or incorporated into baking, it epitomises wellness with every scoop.
Crafted for vitality
Each smoothie blend is approachable yet functional, combining flavour with nutrition. From morning shakes to afternoon snacks, they are designed to fit seamlessly into a busy lifestyle while delivering a nourishing boost.
Focus Blend: Herbal balance in a cup
Focus is a flavoursome mix of rooibos, masala chai and turmeric. Ancient chai spices are celebrated for heart health and anti-inflammatory benefits, while turmeric adds antioxidant power. Aromatic and slightly spicy, it supports mental clarity and vitality, making it the perfect companion for mindful mornings or afternoon rituals.
Rescue Blend
A diuretic infusion of rooibos and buchu, this blend has been treasured by indigenous communities for centuries. Traditionally used for urinary tract
health, PMS, water retention and arthritis, it combines functional benefits with smooth, earthy flavours for a refreshing cup that comes to the rescue every time.
Restore Blend
A gentle, digestive tonic combining rooibos, lemongrass, ginger, ginseng and moringa. Lemongrass and ginger ease nausea and stomach cramps, ginseng enhances alertness and moringa provides antioxidants and nutrients. Perfect as a detox tea or mindful pause, Restore nurtures body and mind.
Aromas of the Cape
From the spicy warmth of Focus and the earthy depth of Rescue to the refreshing brightness of Restore and the rich rooibos notes of the smoothie blends, every product offers a sensory journey that evokes South Africa’s landscapes and natural heritage.
Perfect pairing for your lifestyle
Whether blended into smoothies, sipped as tea or incorporated into recipes, Carmién products fit seamlessly into everyday life. They turn daily rituals into mindful moments, supporting wellness, immunity, digestion and vitality; all while celebrating the flavours and aromas of the Cape.
More than a music video
They say a song arrives when the artist’s soul is ready and when our hearts finally slow down enough to listen.
“Call On Me”, created by Namibian icon Lize Ehlers with the incomparable Shafa The GOAT, came to life exactly that way. It grew from a deeply passionate studio session with producer Solani Glo, where rhythm, vulnerability and truth found each other. The song was then refined like a diamond in a polisher by Save Sir of Broken TV Studios, capturing the spirit of the music in visuals that honour both Lize and Shafa’s unique but deeply intertwined styles, almost like land and lineage.
After months of conceptualising and then spearheaded by a team of avid Namibian creatives, “Call On Me” was shot on the Daan Viljoen Road and at a few other intricate local locations during a single, rainy weekend.
Today, “Call On Me” is travelling through Namibia and across oceans. It lives on radio waves, in shared links, in repeat plays and in quiet personal moments, shared by many local and international fans with the project’s creators. Recently named 2026 Entry Song of the Year by Touch 91.7FM and winner of the Battle of the Beats during Lunch Zone with Brenda on IUM Radio, this genre-bending piece is soaring while waving Namibia’s flag high.
“‘Call On Me’ has become a gathering place and a homecoming for me. I am overwhelmed with the positive feedback because it reminds us that the strength we search for has always lived within us and that we never truly walk alone. We rest on the shoulders of giants. We honour the ones who came before us. We rise not alone but carried by memory, spirit and love.” - Lize Ehlers
Launched on the same weekend Lize dropped her seventh album with the same title, the music video has been praised by creative collaborators for truly celebrating Namibian sound, fashion, make-up and hair artistry, creative direction, photography and a blend of high-end techniques that pivot into a new season of visual and audio art.
“Some fans said the video is so good it looks like AI. And that is to be celebrated, because not one frame was created by a machine but all by deeply patriotic Namibians who know that telling our own stories will never go out of style. If you want to work with any of the incredible team members, just check out the video credits on YouTube.” - Shafa The GOAT
Lize and Shafa are both deeply excited to continue creating their debut EP and to shape the Namibian narrative through their music. The duo officially only met in 2025 but have already hit the ground running with collaborative projects that include DJ sessions, award performances and various initiatives focusing on economic freedom for all the Namibians they work with.
Watch this space as more projects drop in 2026.
Scan the QR code to watch the music video
Welcome to relaxation and comfort
Welcome to the FNB Lounges
The FNB Lounges at Eros and Walvis Bay Airports can be accessed free of charge between 2 and 6 times per month, depending on the card type, by the following FNB Namibia credit card holders:
• FNB Platinum credit card
• FNB Private Clients credit card
• FNB Private Wealth credit card
• FNB Business credit card
A special interim arrangement has also been made for FNB debit card holders:
You can enter the FNB Lounge for a fee, provided that:
• You are an FNB Namibia Platinum, Private Clients or Private Wealth debit card holder
• You do not have an FNB Namibia credit card as listed above
This offer is valid until 28 February 2026.
Access for FNB Africa credit card holders
If you are an FNB South Africa or Botswana Private Wealth or Private Clients credit card holder, you are also welcome to access the FNB Lounges for a fee.
To enter the FNB Lounges, simply present your qualifying card, boarding pass and passport.
Terms & Conditions apply.
The Future of Namibia’s Youth Economy: Why Our Young People Are Our Greatest Investment
What if Namibia’s greatest economic engine isn’t oil, diamonds, or tourism — but the dreams and potential of its young people?
Namibia stands at a demographic crossroads — one that carries immense promise and profound responsibility. Over 70% of Namibians are under 35, and more than a third are under 15. This is not just a statistic; it is a structural advantage in a world where many nations are grappling with ageing populations. But this advantage will only translate into economic strength if we act decisively to unlock the potential embedded in today’s youth.
Global research shows that countries experiencing a “youth bulge” can achieve accelerated economic growth — known as the demographic dividend — when young people are healthy, educated, and productively employed. Namibia is deep within this window. Yet, the urgency is clear: youth unemployment hovers around 44–46%, among the highest in the region, and more than half of young Namibians are either unemployed or seeking work. Without intervention, this demographic advantage could become a liability.
Financial inclusion is one of the most powerful levers to change this trajectory. It is not just about access to banking; it is about building capability and resilience. Studies across Sub-Saharan Africa show that early financial education and account ownership correlate strongly with improved financial behaviours and long-term economic outcomes. The habits formed between childhood and early adulthood (saving, budgeting, managing risk) persist into later life. For Namibia, where young people are tomorrow’s workforce and innovators, this is critical.
Digital financial services amplify this opportunity. Across Africa, mobile money adoption has surged, with over 800 million accounts continent-wide, and Namibia is part of this transformation. FNB’s own innovations (such as eWallet, CashPlus agents, and the Future and Student Account) are designed to meet young people where they are: on their devices, in their communities, and within their families. These tools do more than facilitate transactions; they create teachable moments and build confidence in managing money.
The urgency is reinforced by global and local trends. SubSaharan Africa’s youth are tech-savvy and mobile-first, and in Namibia, smartphone penetration among young adults exceeds 70%, making digital banking the most scalable inclusion strategy. FNB Namibia is leading the charge in building a financially inclusive future, where every young Namibian has the tools and confidence to thrive in a digital economy.
Research shows that households with formal accounts and saving habits recover faster from shocks, a critical advantage in a country vulnerable to climate and
commodity cycles. Entrepreneurship is another engine of growth: SMEs already account for 30% of Namibia’s registered businesses and employ 36.5% of the labour force. Youth entrepreneurship can be a catalyst for job creation, but access to finance remains a barrier.
Parents and guardians play a pivotal role as the first teachers of financial behaviour. Yet, many lack practical tools to introduce financial literacy at home. Creating simple, trustworthy resources aligned with real-life scenarios is essential. Conversations about money should start early: with the first pocket money, the first savings goal, or the first digital payment observed. FNB Namibia is committed to turning financial inclusion into a catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurship, ensuring that young Namibians have the confidence and resources to lead the country’s economic transformation.
At FNB Namibia, youth banking is not an early acquisition; it is a long-term partnership. Through products like the Future and Student Account, we help families formalise the journey toward financial confidence. Our digital platforms enable parents to monitor activity and turn everyday transactions into learning opportunities. This aligns with Namibia’s broader goals: financial inclusion, human capital development, and economic resilience.
Unlocking Namibia’s youth economy requires collective action. Policymakers must prioritise youth-centric policies that integrate financial literacy into education and incentivise entrepreneurship. Families should start financial conversations early; saving, budgeting, and responsible spending are lifelong skills. Institutions must commit to inclusive products and partnerships that empower young people to participate fully in the economy.
Namibia’s youth economy is not tomorrow’s challenge, it’s today’s opportunity. The choices we make now, how we include, equip, and trust our youth, will shape Namibia’s economic story for decades. Investing in our youth is not just a social imperative; it is one of the smartest economic strategies we have.
Dr. Hans Edward Karon Segment Head: Consumer Banking FNB Retail
Light for the Children
How a small act of vision grew into a far-reaching community movement
Researching how micro-organisms can improve nutrient absorption in aquaponic systems is the groundbreaking work of emerging microbiologist Paul Hamutenya. He is the son of one of the founders of Light for the Children Foundation and one of many lives deeply shaped by the organisation’s reach and vision.
In the carpentry workshop, wood shavings curl onto the floor as apprentices learn carpentry and, with it, new possibilities for their future. Outside, water drawn from deep beneath the Kalahari soil gurgles into irrigation channels, offering hope to hands that plant as they learn and learn as they plant. Visitors and volunteers stay in a tented camp beside the Black Nossob River, sometimes joining classes held in the lecture rooms of Lech Acharai (“Come, Follow Me”), one of the newer projects of the Light for the Children Foundation.
Light for the Children began 27 years ago, in the first decade of Namibian independence. It was a time when many Namibians moved hopefully across the country in search of work or resettlement, often encountering hardship instead. Informal settlements in towns such as Gobabis grew rapidly, while employment opportunities did not. Despair was common, and resources were scarce.
In moments like these, a choice presents itself: curse the gloom, or shine the light.
For people living under daunting circumstances, shining the light can feel almost impossible. Yet history repeatedly reveals individuals who carry vision into unlikely places, even when the journey is lonely. The real challenge lies in uniting
with others, overcoming fear in favour of collaboration, finding like-minded partners and transforming shared dreams into sustained action.
This is how Light for the Children was born. In a settlement tellingly named “Disorder”, where children were often hungry, uncertain and absent from school, a small group of friends began an initiative of hope. “Let’s call it Light for the Children,” suggested Gerhard Hamutenya, a resident of the settlement. Though he had little formal education, he possessed vision. “And let’s see with whom we can take hands to be strong.” Pastor Henk Olwage, together with church members, helped to build networks and strengthen the growing movement. Since then, the organisation has continued to grow organically, forming new partnerships and developing new projects as needs arose.
What began as a single kindergarten has expanded into a Foundation, a Namibian registered Welfare Organisation with a centre where 35 staff members provide food, care and education for 350 babies and children up to Grade 1. Older children and youth are supported through the ABBA Group, which focuses on life skills, spiritual guidance and afternoon study. In partnership with Steps for Children,
additional programmes extend care to even more young people. Together with Mrs Nakale’s Rise and Shine initiative, children recovering from malnutrition in hospital receive nourishment and ongoing support.
The organisation’s reach extends well beyond its original setting. The nearby On the Way Centre provides a home and development for San people of all ages from across the Omaheke Region. Nearly a thousand kilometres away, in the Kavango East Region, Bright Future Children’s Ministries was established. To support this expanding work, Light for the Children was later also registered as a Foundation in the Netherlands.
And the work continues to grow.
At the Lighthouse, the Van Rooyen family opens their home to orphans and babies placed in their care by government social workers. The IDA Centre (which stands for Îxa Daoams, meaning “Beautiful Gate”) integrates children with disabilities, supported by partners in the Netherlands and in collaboration with the Side by Side Centre, which specialises in this field. Established more recently, the Rehoboth Centre focuses on youth development.
Volunteers from near and far are welcomed, often staying in the community at the Rakutuka Guest Room, which boasts its own flourishing food garden. Visitors gain life experience as they give their time and skills.
Light for the Children continues to expand by living a model that can be replicated elsewhere: take hands and make friends, direct resources where they matter most and honour what is local, simple and deeply rooted.
Don`t just curse the gloom. Be the light.
Henk Olwage Facebook/Instagram
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Through smart partnerships, the Walvis Bay Corridor Group collaborates with various stakeholders within the public and private industry to contribute to the global, regional as well as national health and wellness sustainable and effective outcomes.
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OUR MOBILE WELLNESS CLINICS: Our workplace and corridor based health interventions targets mobile and vulnerable populations along the Walvis Bay Corridors.
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Native Leaves:
AFRICAN SPIDER FLOWER
Scientific name: Cleome gynandra
Common name: African Spider Flower
Aunique trait about plants is the fact that their impact cannot be limited to their size. Cultural dynamics dictate that, sometimes, the smallest of plants happen to have more significance than a huge tree. In the same way, the African spider flower is considered as culturally significant due to it being an important source of food and medicine. What is seen as a beautiful “weed” by some is regarded a healthy vegetable by others, growing naturally in areas where its seeds have been exposed prior to rainfall. It grows effortlessly and matures in a short period of time.
Considered a delicacy to many locals, the African spider flower is cultivated instead of being weeded from crop fields. It produces slim green pods that turn light brown when they dry, while the tiny seeds turn black. The pods usually pop open over time, allowing the seeds to be dispersed by the wind. The edible leaves differ in size during growth and have tiny hairs. Its flowers have light-weight petals with yellowish stamens. While most refer to it as a vegetable, the African spider flower is also considered a herb, known to have some medicinal properties that can treat various ailments due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
The growth rate of this vegetable is very rapid given enough water and good soil fertility, but it also thrives well in areas that are not tended. The leaves of the African spider flower are the most important part, although the stem and branches are also harvested to prepare a savoury relish which is easy to cook. Just add water and a reasonable amount of cooking oil and onions according to taste, then boil it for a while before adding salt. Do not stir until it is deemed ready for consumption and keep the lid closed. While the taste will vary, the common taste is neutral – it
can be compared to cabbage but with a more savoury taste. The young leaves are often sweet while older ones have a more bitter taste.
While many eat it with pap, others prefer mixing it with a tin of fish (the preferred local brand being Lucky Star). In addition, this versatile vegetable is served as a side dish with a plate of pap and meat of the Zambezi bream – a mouthwatering experience if ever there was one! Another benefit of the African spider flower is that it can be harvested and left to sun-dry for later consumption. It can also be cooked with or without salt and no oil, after which it is strained and moulded into circular flat shapes and left to sun-dry. Those with salt often dry faster due to salt’s natural hygroscopic properties. Other methods of storage include the leaves being dried without making any shapes after straining the water.
The dried African spider flower has a longer shelf life, although most consumers tend to store the fresh harvest in the fridge after cooking. This means that even during the off-season the savoury vegetable can be served. This leafy vegetable, often referred to as a spinach, is of great cultural importance and a home without it in the Aawambo people’s homestead is deemed incomplete. This is the vegetable served to the important guests at events such as weddings and a must-eat for the bride and groom eating occurs before leaving the homestead to take vows at church. It is served to guests entering your home for the first time and a pinch of it just before travelling is considered to be a cultural norm for travel mercies and good luck for the endeavours planned at your destination.
Agnes
Shekupe Shivute
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Detoxification and toxic load
Why your body feels overwhelmed
In recent years, “detox” has become a popular health buzzword, often linked to juice cleanses, supplements or short-term programmes. In functional medicine, however, detoxification means something far more grounded and relevant to daily life. Detox is not something you switch on and off; it is a continuous process your body performs every day. The real issue for many people today is not a lack of detoxification but an overload of what the body is asked to process.
Your body is naturally equipped with detox systems. The liver, gut, kidneys, lungs, skin and lymphatic system work together to neutralise and eliminate waste, from metabolic by-products to environmental toxins. When these systems are supported, detoxification happens quietly and efficiently in the background. Problems arise when the amount of input exceeds the body’s capacity to cope.
This concept is known as toxic load. Toxic load refers to the total burden placed on the body over time – not just from pollution or chemicals but from everyday factors such as processed foods, excess sugar, alcohol, chronic stress, poor sleep, medication and inflammation driven by gut imbalance. Each factor on its own may seem small, but together they place constant pressure on the body’s detox pathways.
One of the most overlooked contributors to toxic load is plastic exposure. Many plastics contain chemicals such as BPA, phthalates and PFAS – substances known as endocrine disruptors. These chemicals can mimic or interfere with the body’s natural hormones, including oestrogen, testosterone and thyroid hormones. From a functional medicine perspective, this is significant, because hormones act as messengers, regulating metabolism, mood, growth, fertility, immune function and energy levels.
What makes endocrine disruptors particularly concerning is that they do not need to be present in large amounts to have an effect. Low-level, repeated exposure to plastic food containers, water bottles, packaging, receipts or personal care products can quietly disrupt hormonal signalling over
time. This hormonal disruption is not a gendered issue; it is a human one, affecting men, women and children alike. Functional medicine approaches detoxification differently from conventional “cleanses”. Rather than forcing the body to detox faster, the focus is on reducing the incoming load and supporting natural elimination pathways. The question is no longer “How do we detox harder?” but “What is overwhelming the system, and how can we ease that burden?”
Often, the most effective support comes from simple, sustainable changes. Eating whole, minimally processed foods reduces inflammatory stress. Supporting gut health improves toxin elimination. Staying hydrated, moving daily, sweating and prioritising sleep all assist the body’s natural detox systems. Reducing exposure to plastics where possible – especially avoiding heating food in plastic and choosing glass or stainless steel – can also meaningfully lower hormonal disruption over time.
Detoxification, in this sense, is not a programme or punishment. It is a return to balance, adapting to a demanding environment.
Symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, hormonal shifts or digestive discomfort are not random; they are signals asking for relief. In a world that constantly adds more, the better option is often to consciously choose to lighten the load.
Cerina Bezuidenhout Haasbroek
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified health provider before making changes to your health routine.
Living Well is a monthly wellness column exploring functional health, natural rituals and conscious living in Namibia. Follow @cerinabzd on Instagram for tips, workshops and holistic health guidance.
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Indileni Ndeshipanda Daniel, lawmaker and Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, expressed “deep concern” over rising illegal sand and gravel mining in Namibia. She said the activities occur “without the required Environmental Clearance Certificates” under the Environmental Management Act of 2007. Daniel reminded individuals, businesses and authorities that mining requires an environmental impact assessment, management plan and clearance certificate. She warned that illegal mining causes land degradation, riverbank erosion, destruction of wetlands, unsafe water-filled pits and threats to food, water security and biodiversity. She urged Namibians to stop illegal mining and to join upcoming regional consultations on draft mining regulations.
Ian Coffee, Chief Operations Officer at IBN Immigration Solutions Namibia and a legal immigration expert, warns that securing a Schengen Visa is “not a mere formality but a compliance-driven process,” noting that 14.5% of applications were rejected in 2024. Common reasons include “false or forged documents,” unclear travel purpose, insufficient funds, invalid insurance, and weak ties to one’s home country. Coffee stresses that these are “structural weaknesses,” not clerical errors. With rising costs, strict scrutiny, and new systems like ETIAS and EES, he urges individuals and organisations to use professional assistance to avoid costly refusals.
Schengen visa rejections for Namibians
Govt loan guarantees fall by more than N$2bn over five years
Bank of Namibia (BoN) data shows central government loan guarantees have fallen by over N$2 billion in five years, signalling reduced exposure to contingent liabilities. Guarantees stood at about N$11.4 billion in 2020/21, rose slightly to N$11.9 billion in 2021/22, then declined to N$10.4 billion in 2022/23 and N$9.1 billion in 2023/24. By 2024/25, they fell to just under N$9 billion. Foreign guarantees made up the larger share, while domestic guarantees declined steadily. As a percentage of GDP, total guarantees dropped from above 6% in the early years to around 3% or less by 2024/25.
Windhoek approves building plans worth N$2.29 billion in 2025
The City of Windhoek approved 1,968 building plans worth N$2.29 billion in 2025, a slight rise from 2024. In December, 149 plans valued at N$121.3 million were approved, with approval values down 2.1% month-on-month and 58.1% year-on-year. IJG Securities reported 32 building completions in December worth N$26.3 million. Property additions totalled 1,564 for the year, valued at N$661.1 million. Residential approvals reached 330 units worth N$692.4 million in 2025, while completions fell to 135 units. No commercial buildings were completed in December, though 74 commercial and industrial approvals worth N$937.7 million were recorded for the year.
Office of the Judiciary appoints MTC as cloud hosting partner
The Office of the Judiciary (OOJ) has chosen Mobile Telecommunications Ltd (MTC) as its digital partner for cloud hosting services after a competitive procurement process. The agreement forms part of the Judiciary’s plan to modernise and strengthen its digital infrastructure. Deputy Executive Director Innocent Kandandu said the partnership will “ensure reliable access to justice and efficient case management,” supporting public trust and local empowerment. MTC General Manager Elton Katangolo said the company will provide a secure, scalable cloud solution to protect critical data. He praised the Judiciary for its “forward-looking stance” and encouraged other institutions to adopt similar digital upgrades.
YYeni AI, PatientCare and GovRecruit win CRAN Tech Challenge out of 110 entries
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) received 110 submissions for its first-ever CRAN Tech Challenge, selecting YYeni AI, PatientCare and GovRecruit Namibia as winners. The challenge, launched in October, supports youth-led innovations in AgriTech, HealthTech and the gig economy. CRAN’s Jairus Kapenda said the strong response showcases “the innovative spirit of Namibia’s youth,” while ICT Executive Elton Witbooi called it “an investment in ideas that can transform our economy.” YYeni AI won N$50,000, PatientCare earned N$30,000 and GovRecruit Namibia N$20,000. CRAN will showcase the winning solutions to boost visibility and attract partnerships, said Mufaro Nesongano.
Power Progress through Partnerships
inspired BEFORE THE GAME, THERE WAS THE GROUND
Every sporting nation has moments that define it. Some happen under floodlights and in front of roaring crowds. Others happen quietly, long before the first ball is bowled. ON HOME GROUND, a new three-part documentary series, tells one of those quieter stories – the kind that shapes everything that follows.
At its heart, ON HOME GROUND traces the story of Cricket Namibia. Across three episodes, the series moves from vision to victory, and then to the future: from the bold decision to build the Namibia Cricket Grounds, to a historic game day on home soil, and finally to the pathways, people and planning that will shape the next generation of Namibian cricket.
Episode 1, The Rise of the NCG, lays the foundation.
This opening chapter is not about scorecards or silverware. It is about belief. It begins at a time when Namibia had no national cricket stadium, no land ownership, and no guarantees. What existed instead was an idea – that cricket in Namibia needed a permanent home, built not just for international matches, but for sustainability, development and longterm growth.
Through intimate, candid interviews, Episode 1 follows the long and often uncertain journey of turning that idea into reality. Viewers are taken behind the scenes of boardroom decisions, halted construction, delayed approvals and bold financial commitments. The film reveals what it takes to build world-class infrastructure in a small sporting nation – and what it means to do so responsibly, with local capacitybuilding, strong governance and a clear sense of purpose.
What makes The Rise of the NCG compelling is that it never treats the stadium as just a building. The Namibia Cricket Grounds are
presented as a living, working space – one designed to function on match day, but to work even harder the rest of the year. Offices, training facilities, gyms, development programmes and community access are all part of the story. This is infrastructure as nation-building, where bricks and grass become platforms for opportunity.
The episode also sets the emotional tone for the series. There is pride here, but also humility. Ambition, tempered by responsibility. The voices guiding the story are not outside commentators, but the people who carried the project forward – administrators, partners and players who understood that building a home for cricket meant building something that would outlast them.
By the time Episode 1 ends, viewers understand that the ground itself is only the beginning. The stage is set for Episode 2, Game Day, which shifts focus to the players and coaches who took the field on 11 October 2025 at the NCG’s inaugural match against the Proteas, and Episode 3, The Future of Cricket Namibia, which looks ahead to youth development, leadership and major tournaments still to come.
ON HOME GROUND is an intimate, immersive portrait of a sport – and a country – stepping confidently onto the world stage. Episode 1 invites viewers to witness where it all began. Before the crowds. Before the wins. Before history was made.
Tourist arrivals to Namibia have continued their upward trajectory, signalling a robust recovery in the country’s tourism sector after the sharp downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to recent tourist statistical reports, Namibia recorded 863,872 tourist arrivals in 2023, a 54.1% increase from the previous year. While this figure remains below the pre-pandemic peak of 1,595,973 arrivals in 2019, the steady growth highlights the industry’s resilience and its ongoing rebound towards full recovery.
The increase in tourist numbers is attributed to several factors, including the global tourism sector’s strong revival. As international travel resumes, Namibia continues to benefit from its appeal as a destination for unique landscapes, wildlife experiences and cultural diversity.
“Additionally, the Namibia Tourism Board’s marketing efforts have positioned the country as a safe and politically stable holiday destination, renowned for its surreal landscapes, abundant wildlife and unique experiences such as stargazing,” remarked the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism. “The introduction of the e-visa system and the visa-on-arrival initiative by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has also played a key role in facilitating and encouraging more tourist visits.”
BIGGEST SOURCES OF VISITORS
South Africa remains Namibia’s largest source of tourist arrivals, maintaining its long-standing position as the country’s top contributor. The other neighbouring countries – Angola, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe –also featured prominently amongst Africa’s leading source markets in 2023.
From overseas markets, Germany continued to dominate as the primary source of international visitors. The United States of America, United Kingdom, France and the Netherlands also ranked among Namibia’s major tourism contributors.
Tourism data for 2023 shows that nearly half of all visitors (49.1%) travelled to Namibia for holiday and leisure, reaffirming the country’s appeal for safaris and naturebased experiences. In comparison, business and conference travellers accounted for 15.8% of arrivals.
POPULAR DESTINATIONS
Namibia’s top destinations remain those celebrated for their dramatic landscapes, rich wildlife and adventure offerings. Etosha National Park continues to draw visitors with its exceptional wildlife-viewing opportunities and expansive salt pan. Home to elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras and many other species, the park is a leading choice for both local and international tourists.
TOURISM SECTOR SHOWS STRONG RECOVERY AMID CHALLENGE S
Sossusvlei, known for its towering red dunes, white salt pans, vibrant blue skies and the iconic Deadvlei, continues to be popular with holidaymakers and photographers. Meanwhile, the Fish River Canyon, Africa’s largest and the world’s second-largest canyon, attracts travellers seeking dramatic views and challenging hiking routes.
Along the coast, the Erongo Region is a hub for adventure tourism. Swakopmund and Walvis Bay attract visitors eager to try quad biking, sandboarding, skydiving, boat cruises and scenic flights over the Skeleton Coast. Swakopmund’s German-influenced architecture adds cultural charm, while the Walvis Bay Lagoon, with its flamingos, Pink Lake and Dune 7 nearby, remains a top attraction for coastal tourists.
TOURISM CHALLENGES
Despite the sector’s recovery, Namibia’s tourism industry faces ongoing challenges. The ministry highlighted the sector’s heavy reliance on international inbound travel, particularly from European markets, as a key vulnerability. This dependence was exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when global travel restrictions brought tourism to a halt, resulting in business closures and significant job losses, while economic slowdowns in key source markets continue to affect the industry.
Seasonality also presents challenges, contributing to uneven occupancy rates and underutilised facilities during off-peak periods, with such fluctuations complicating stable employment and efficient capital allocation. “Strengthening the domestic tourism market could help mitigate these challenges by reducing dependence on international arrivals and promoting a more stable, yearround flow of tourism revenue,” the ministry said.
COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS
To maintain Namibia’s competitiveness, the ministry works closely with public and private stakeholders. This partnership-driven approach is reflected in strategic frameworks such as the National Sustainable Tourism Growth and Development Strategy, which promotes a whole-of-government approach alongside privatesector-led implementation, emphasising that tourism is everybody’s business.
Initiatives such as the Namibia Tourism Sector Recovery Plan 2022–2024 and the National Spatial Tourism Masterplan 2025–2035, currently under development, were crafted through extensive stakeholder consultations to ensure that policies and plans are realistic, effective and sustainable, supporting the long-term growth and resilience of Namibia’s tourism industry.
Maggie Forcelledo Paz
Macro Pulse
GOLD AND SILVER OUTLOOK 2026 From Momentum to Structure
The precious metals complex enters 2026 from a position of extraordinary strength. The magnitude of the 2025 move was historically rare, but more important than the price action itself was the change in market structure underneath it. Gold appreciated by roughly 70 percent during 2025, moving from the low USD 2,700 per ounce area at the start of the year to levels above USD 4,500 by year end. Silver delivered an even more pronounced response, advancing approximately 128 percent over the same period and briefly trading above USD 80 per ounce before consolidating. In the first week of 2026 alone, silver added a further 13 percent, underlining the intensity of late-cycle momentum.
The central question for investors is no longer whether the rally was justified, but whether these levels represent an exhaustion point or the establishment of a new equilibrium. Our assessment is that the latter is far more likely. The drivers that lifted gold and silver in 2025 were not transitory, cyclical impulses alone, but structural shifts in demand, ownership and macro regime. As a result, the metals enter 2026 with a fundamentally higher base and a different return profile than in previous cycles.
Our Price Framework
We set our 2026 gold price framework in a range of USD 4,700 to USD 4,900 per ounce, with a central year-end objective of approximately USD 4,800. This implies modest upside of around 5 to 8 percent from current elevated levels, but more importantly, it reflects our conviction that the market has re-priced gold into a higher long-term trading corridor. From a multi-year perspective, this represents a step change rather than a stretched cyclical peak.
For silver, the expected path is wider and more volatile. We work with an average 2026 price range of USD 65 to USD 70 per ounce, with upside scenarios that could temporarily push prices toward the USD 80 to USD 90 area during periods of acute supply tightness or investor inflows. Even at the midpoint of our range, silver would
still outperform gold on a percentage basis in 2026, but with materially higher volatility and drawdown risk.
Gold: From Hedge to Reserve Asset Gold’s behaviour over the past twelve months marks a clear departure from traditional models. Historically, gold has exhibited a strong inverse correlation to real yields, with rising real rates acting as a headwind. In 2025, this relationship weakened materially. Gold advanced by more than 60 percent during periods when real yields remained positive and, at times, elevated by historical standards. This divergence signals a change in the composition and motivation of the marginal buyer.
Official sector demand has become the defining structural force in the gold market. Central banks accumulated approximately 137 tonnes of gold in the final quarter of 2025 alone. That figure is notable not only in absolute terms, but in context. It represents nearly the same volume of net purchases as seen during the first eight months of the year combined, compressed into a single quarter. Annualised, this pace implies demand comfortably above 500 tonnes, a level that absorbs a substantial share of net mine supply.
These flows are fundamentally different from ETF or speculative demand. Central bank purchases are strategic, balance-sheet driven and largely insensitive to short-term price fluctuations. Once acquired, gold is rarely recycled back into the market. This materially reduces effective float and increases the stability of the demand base.
At the same time, the macro backdrop is incrementally improving for gold. Monetary policy is transitioning from restrictive to easing, with expectations of at least 50 basis points of cumulative rate cuts as growth moderates. While nominal yields may remain elevated, the direction of travel matters for gold, particularly when combined with persistent fiscal expansion. US federal debt continues to rise faster than nominal GDP, while
deficits remain entrenched well above historical averages. In such an environment, gold increasingly functions less as a tactical inflation hedge and more as a long-duration store of value and monetary alternative.
Crucially, this has implications for downside risk. Gold is now supported by buyers with multi-year horizons, reducing the likelihood of deep cyclical drawdowns. Even in scenarios of temporary dollar strength or higher real yields, the probability of sustained moves back below the USD 3,500 to USD 4,000 range appears low. Those levels now represent structural support rather than upside targets.
Silver: Structural Deficit Meets Financial Demand
Silver’s market dynamics are more complex and more unstable, but also more asymmetric. Unlike gold, silver is facing a persistent physical imbalance. The market has recorded consecutive annual deficits, with industrial demand exceeding total mine supply for multiple years. This deficit is not marginal. It reflects structural characteristics of silver production, where the majority of output is generated as a by- product of base metal mining. As a result, supply growth is relatively inelastic to silver prices.
On the demand side, industrial consumption continues to expand, driven primarily by photovoltaics, electrification and broader energy transition applications. These uses are not discretionary and tend to be price inelastic at current levels, particularly when silver represents a small fraction of total system costs. As inventories have been drawn down year after year, the market has become increasingly sensitive to marginal changes in demand or supply disruptions.
Financial demand amplifies this sensitivity. Silver historically lags gold in the early stages of precious metals bull markets, but once momentum takes hold, it tends to outperform with significantly higher velocity. That pattern re-emerged clearly in 2025. Gold established the initial breakout, while silver responded later but with substantially greater percentage gains.
This creates an inherently more volatile return profile. While silver offers higher upside potential, it also exhibits sharper corrections. From a portfolio construction perspective, this reinforces the need for disciplined sizing rather than outright avoidance.
The Gold–Silver Relationship
The gold-to-silver ratio has been one of the clearest indicators of shifting market dynamics. During 2025, the ratio moved from extremes above 100 to levels below
60, a range rarely observed outside periods of significant structural change. Such volatility reflects the staggered nature of the rally and the distinct drivers of each metal.
Looking ahead, we do not expect a smooth reversion to historical averages. Instead, continued volatility is likely as gold’s reserve-asset role and silver’s industrial scarcity play out in parallel. From a strategic perspective, gold offers lower volatility, deeper liquidity and stronger downside protection. Silver offers higher beta and greater sensitivity to both macro sentiment and physical constraints.
Risks and Sensitivities
Downside risks remain present. A sustained recovery in the US dollar, a renewed rise in real yields or a material easing of geopolitical tensions could all trigger shortterm corrections in gold. For silver, the primary risk lies in a sharper-than-expected slowdown in global industrial activity, which could temporarily weaken demand and prompt profit-taking given elevated valuations.
However, these risks are cyclical in nature. They may affect timing and volatility, but they do not undermine the structural foundations now underpinning the precious metals complex.
Investment Implications
For 2026, we maintain a clear strategic preference for gold as a core portfolio allocation. Its role has evolved beyond a simple hedge into that of a reserve-like asset with improving structural support. Even at elevated price levels, gold continues to offer diversification benefits, protection against fiscal and geopolitical risk and reduced sensitivity to traditional rate models.
Silver remains attractive but requires more active risk management. It offers superior upside potential, but with materially higher drawdown risk. Allocations should reflect its dual nature as both a monetary asset and an industrial input.
In conclusion, the precious metals market has moved decisively into a new phase. Gold has established itself as a structural asset in an increasingly fragmented and fiscally strained global system. Silver sits at the intersection of financial demand and physical scarcity. While returns are unlikely to replicate the extremes of 2025, the foundations for sustained support and selective further upside into 2026 remain firmly in place.
Simonis Storm is known for financial products and services that match individual client needs with specific financial goals. For more information, visit: www.sss.com.na NETWORK
Namibia targets 70% renewable energy in electricity mix by 2030
Namibia has set a national target to achieve 70% renewable energy in the national electricity mix by 2030. This was according to Industries, Mines and Energy Minister Modestus Amutse at the 16th session of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). This, the minister said, is supported by deliberate policy and regulatory reforms to unlock investment.
The gathering, held under the theme “Powering Humanity: Renewable Energy for Shared Prosperity”, addressed emerging global trends and pressing issues which included, amongst others, advancing geothermal energy, energy security and cost-effective energy transition and policy measures relating to critical materials. “These include the introduction of the modified single buyer model, which has opened the electricity market to greater private sector participation while maintaining system stability and oversight,” said Amutse.
The reforms have led to growing investment by independent power producers, increased renewable energy capacity and reduced reliance on electricity imports, while also enabling power exports to neighbouring countries.
The minister further noted that Namibia views green hydrogen as a strategic opportunity to advance industrialisation and participate in emerging global lowcarbon value chains. He said the country has developed a green hydrogen strategy and roadmap outlining priority projects, infrastructure needs, regulatory measures and skills development, with a focus on ensuring local value creation, job opportunities and inclusive economic growth.
Amutse also announced a major milestone, revealing that Namibia has successfully produced commercially viable green hydrogen-based steel. “This achievement demonstrates our country’s capacity to integrate renewable energy with advanced green hydrogen technologies to support industrialisation, create quality jobs and generate high-value products for domestic use and future export markets,” he noted.
The assembly brought together more than 1,500 participants, including global leaders and energy decisionmakers. Participants reviewed progress and outlined actions to accelerate the global renewable energy transition. The discussions were aligned with the UAE Consensus, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement. The outgoing president of the 15th IRENA Assembly, Slovenia’s Minister of the Environment, Climate and Energy, Bojan Kumer, reaffirmed that IRENA’s core mandate is to facilitate multilateral cooperation in advancing the global clean energy transition. He said that the agency remains the leading international institution for promoting renewable energy worldwide. Incoming president of the 16th Assembly and Minister of Energy and Mines of the Dominican Republic, Joel Santos Echeverría, echoed the assembly’s theme by reaffirming commitments to tripling global renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030. He stressed that shared prosperity can only be achieved through solidarity, cooperation and shared responsibility amongst nations.
Maggie Forcelledo Paz
Photography:
The name of our cargo box, ‘Epakete’, means package in Oshiwamb o
LOCAL
ARTS
V O E
MORRIS BABA
Morris`s work spans from striking statement pieces to delicate beaded designs, each crafted with remarkable skill.
INSPIRED CREATIONS
KOBO
Explore the delicate beauty of Kalahari sand art with Kobo at the Namibia Craft Centre. Each plate tells a story through its intricate designs.
It is the little things that make a space feel magical. Inspired Creations brings charm through hand painted vases, key chains and tiny keepsakes
KUDJO INVESTMENTS
OASA TARADI TRUST
Discover the art and heart of Oasa Taradi: 'Busy Women' crafting beauty through needlework and embroidery. Come support these talented women and their community initiative!
Bright, bold, and full of character! Explore fabrics, shoewear, and caps that celebrate Africa’s playful spirit.
The Namibia Craft Centre is located in the heart of the city and has become known as the leading retail space for handmade crafts, gifts, and curios in Namibia. It provides a platform for Namibian handicrafts ranging from jewellery to carved tree roots.
Find us at 40 Tal Street, Windhoek +264 61 242 2222
NAMIBIA’S MINING RENAISSANCE:
Building financial architecture for sustainable growth
As delegates gather for Mining Indaba 2026, Namibia stands at an inflection point. The recent oil discoveries off our coast have captured global imagination, but our mining story is far more nuanced – marked by uranium’s resurgence, gold’s steady ascent and diamonds’ uncertain future. The question is not whether we have resources, but whether we can build the financial architecture to navigate this complexity.
At RMB Namibia, we have been financing the mining sector through cycles of boom and uncertainty. We understand that mining excellence is not just about what lies beneath the ground; it is about the capital structures, risk frameworks and strategic partnerships that turn geological potential into economic reality.
NAVIGATING SECTORAL DIVERGENCE
Namibia’s mining landscape today reflects broader global shifts. Our diamond sector – long the cornerstone of our mining economy – faces headwinds that demand candid assessment. Synthetic diamonds, changing consumer preferences and market oversupply have compressed prices and margins. Debmarine Namibia and Namdeb’s operations that once guaranteed stable returns now require careful portfolio management and operational optimisation.
This uncertainty makes robust financial planning essential. Companies must stress-test assumptions, maintain liquidity buffers and potentially pivot business models. For financiers, it means more sophisticated risk assessment and flexible covenant structures that acknowledge market realities while protecting stakeholder interests.
Conversely, uranium presents extraordinary opportunity. Global recognition that nuclear power is essential for energy transition has transformed market dynamics. Namibia’s position as Africa’s largest uranium producer gains strategic significance as countries worldwide recommit to nuclear energy. This is exemplified by developments at Swakop Uranium and Rössing Uranium. New projects are advancing and existing operations are expanding, all requiring substantial capital deployment. We eagerly look forward to the developments at Bannerman, Langer Heinrich and Deep Yellow.
Meanwhile, our gold sector demonstrates consistent momentum in growth. Rising gold prices, coupled with successful exploration programmes like WIA Gold and mine expansions like B2Gold and QKR Navachab, position this sector as an increasingly important contributor to our mining economy. Projects that seemed marginal years ago now attract serious investment interest.
THE FINANCING CHALLENGE
This sectoral divergence creates unique financing challenges. Traditional mining finance models assumed relative homogeneity within commodity classes. Today, we are structuring facilities that account for diamond price volatility
while capitalising on uranium’s multi-decade demand visibility. We are also supporting gold operators that balance expansion ambitions against operational discipline.
Blended finance structures, ESG-linked facilities, and innovative partnerships between development finance institutions and commercial banks become crucial tools. Our role extends beyond providing capital – we architect solutions by aligning investor requirements with project realities, understanding that every deposit and every commodity cycle has unique characteristics requiring bespoke financial engineering.
SUSTAINABILITY AS COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
The global transition to renewable energy has elevated Namibia’s strategic importance. Our uranium fuels the baseload power essential for reliable grids. Our emerging critical minerals such as lithium, rare earths and copper support renewable infrastructure. But this opportunity comes with heightened scrutiny around ESG credentials, transparent governance and measurable community impact.
Companies demonstrating genuine commitment to sustainability can access cheaper capital and build social licence to protect long-term operations. RMB Namibia has integrated ESG considerations into credit assessment, not as obstacles but as indicators of operational excellence and long-term viability.
INFRASTRUCTURE AS ENABLER
Namibia’s mining potential remains constrained by infrastructure gaps, port capacity, rail networks, water security and energy reliability. These are not insurmountable barriers; they are opportunities for creative public-private collaboration that shares risks and rewards appropriately. Every tonne of additional port capacity or megawatt of reliable power multiplies the value of our mineral endowments.
LOOKING FORWARD
The next decade will define whether Namibia translates resources into broad-based development. Success requires stronger policies to build genuine capability, transparent revenue management to ensure mining proceeds benefit all Namibians and skills development to create lasting careers.
As financial intermediaries, we bear the responsibility for directing capital towards projects exemplifying these principles. Mining Indaba 2026 offers an opportunity for honest conversations about the challenges ahead. Namibia’s mining renaissance will not happen by accident. It will be built deal by deal, project by project, partnership by partnership and RMB Namibia will be there with you to make this happen.
RMB Namibia remains committed to the following vision: a diversified mining sector that creates wealth, protects environments, empowers communities and positions Namibia as Africa’s mining destination of choice.
Kegan Strydom
Relationship Manager: Mining
RMB Namibia
PRESIDENT NANDI-NDAITWAH PRIORITISES ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY
Officiating the commissioning of the newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners, President Netumbo NandiNdaitwah urged them to uphold Namibia’s foreign policy principles, strengthen bilateral ties and champion economic diplomacy as they take up duty in their respective host countries.
The ceremony, attended by International Relations and Trade Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials and families of the appointees, marked the official deployment of the diplomats as follows:
• Algeria - Amb. Samuel Mbambo
• Angola - Amb. Leonard Iipumbu
• Belgium - Amb. Dr Alfredo Tjiurimo Hengari
• China - Amb. Tonata Itenge-Emvula
• Congo Republic - Amb. Hopelong Iipinge
• Cuba - Amb. Lebbius Tobias
• DRC - Amb. Sipapele C. Sipapele
• Egypt - Amb. Weich M.U. Mupya
• Finland - Amb. Benjamin Kandanga
• France - Amb. Sabine Böhlke-Möller
• Germany - Amb. Jerobeam Shaanika
• Ghana - Amb. Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata
• Japan - Amb. Rosina //Hoabes
• Nigeria - Amb. Walde N. Ndevasiya
• Russia - Amb. Monica N. Nashandi
• South Africa - HC Frieda Ithete
• Switzerland - Amb. Elvis T. Shiweda
• Sweden - Amb. Sophia K.K. Nangula
• Tanzania - HC Gabriel Pandureni Sinimbo
• UK - Amb. Veiccoh Nghiwete
• UN (New York) - Amb. Penda Naanda
• USA (Washington) - Amb. Wilbard S.M. Hellao
• Zambia - Amb.Goms Menette
• Zimbabwe - Amb. David Thomas
Speaking at State House, President Nandi-Ndaitwah said the appointments, made in line with Article 32 of the Constitution, reflect confidence in the integrity and competence of the new heads of mission. She reminded them that their foremost duty is to safeguard Namibia’s national interests, sovereignty and unity.
“As you carry out your duties, always remember that our international relations and conduct of diplomacy remain anchored in safeguarding our national interests and protecting our sovereignty and national unity. It is also rooted in advancing sustainable development through sustained economic growth for shared prosperity, building a strong and positive image of Namibia abroad, and protecting our citizens wherever they find themselves,” said Nandi-Ndaitwah. The president emphasised that diplomats must strengthen long-standing friendships, advance cooperation through joint commissions and actively drive economic diplomacy. She further called for regular, analytical reporting from missions abroad. “Whatever you send home will shape the future cooperation between our country and your host country,” she said.
The new diplomats assume office at a critical time as Namibia advances toward its Vision 2030 goals. NandiNdaitwah highlighted national priorities outlined in NDP6, the SWAPO Party Manifesto and its implementation plan, including agriculture, sports, youth empowerment, education, creative industries, health and housing. She instructed the envoys to seek meaningful partnerships, investment opportunities and market access aligned with these priorities.
The president urged the new diplomats to lead with integrity, financial prudence and professionalism, while maintaining strong connections with the Namibian diaspora.
Maggie Forcelledo Paz
Photography: Namibian Presidency
FEBRUARY IN NUMBERS
3 2 2
FEBRUARY
FEBRUARY
29
World Wetlands Day: a reminder that southern Africa’s wetlands (from the Okavango region to coastal estuaries) are critical in February for breeding birds, fish and seasonal waterbirds.
Leap Day appears every four years (February 29) to keep our calendar aligned with Earth’s orbit — except on century years not divisible by 400 (that’s the solarsystem math).
MAIN SEASONS
Namibia has two dominant seasons: the rainy (summer) and the dry (winter). February sits squarely in the life-giving rainy season when pans fill and landscapes green.
MEETING ECOSYSTEMS — In one long road trip you can pass a coastal marine zone, sweeping desert dunes, and savanna wildlife country, February’s rains make those transitions especially vivid.
3
Celebration, Nature and Stories
VALENTINE’S DAY: across Namibia small craft markets, cafés and guesthouses lean into local gifts (leather, beads, rooibos blends). Perfect for a low-key, locally made celebration.
14
1
FEBRUARY
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
English is Namibia’s official language, used for government and media, while many other languages and dialects continue to flourish in homes and markets across February gatherings.
60 SECONDS
CULINARY INFLUENCES
Namibian food culture blends three clear strands: indigenous staples, German influences, and wider southern African flavours, making February feasts a tasty fusion!
the average pause many people take after the first big February thunderclap in Namibia before stepping outside to smell hot sand and wet earth: simple, sensory trivia you can visualise.
12 HOURS
of daylight around midFebruary give photographers long, soft-light afternoons and dramatic late sunsets; a boon for landscape and heritage-site shots.
10WAYS
to celebrate a February afternoon in Windhoek: café catch-up, heritage walk, gallery visit, market browse, craft-shop stop, rooftop sundowner, museum hour, live music, farmers’ market, or a riverside picnic. Pick any, or all!
Celebrate, observe
part!
CROSSWORD
ACROSS
2. Artistic perspective describing Seibeb’s paintings, grounded in everyday life (from Rudolf Seibeb: Portraits of the Common)
4. Unlawful sand and gravel activity damaging the environment (from The Brief: News Worth Knowing).
6. Time spent not working, increasingly undervalued despite more availability (from Reflections: The gift we forget to give)
8. Officials commissioned to represent Namibia and advance economic diplomacy (from President Nandi-Ndaitwah prioritises economic diplomacy)
9. One of the benefits of repeated daily actions, helping focus and decision-making (from Big ideas: The quiet power of everyday rituals)
10. Ongava transformed exhausted farmland into this safe haven for wildlife (from Ongava’s Rhinos: Proof of Purpose)
12. Young learners gaining skills at Light for the Children workshops (from Light for the Children)
13. Connecting with communities to experience local heritage (from Circles of Connection).
14. National cricket governing body. (from Inspired: On Home Ground).
16. Strategic renewable energy opportunity for Namibia’s industrialisation (from Namibia targets 70% renewable energy by 2030).
18. Foundational pillar supporting energy, focus, and health (from BE Wellness: Four pillars for building an exciting 2026).
19. Foot-based wilderness adventure in Damaraland (from This is Namibia: Top Adventures in Damaraland).
DOWN
1. Method to set aside money before traveling, helping control expenses (from Smart Budgeting Tips for Namibian Travellers)
3. Namibian singer and co-creator of “Call On Me” (from “Call On Me”: more than a music video).
5. A stable state in the precious metals market expected for 2026 (from Macro Pulse: Gold and Silver Outlook 2026)
11. Characteristic describing Gerhard Erasmus and Namibia’s cricket culture (from We’re for Namibians: Gerhard Erasmus)
15. Scientific genus name of the culturally significant African spider flower (from Native Leaves: African Spider Flower)
17. Chemicals that can be disrupted by plastics, affecting metabolism and mood (from Living Well: Detoxification and toxic load)
Gravity and grace
Half hidden in the lush green of the northern bush, the hippo stands still, unblinking. Just four metres between us, the air feels heavier, the moment thicker with quiet power. In that locked gaze, there is no movement, no sound, only the reminder that here, the wild is not a backdrop. It is present, aware, and always watching.
