Government Information
Bulletin
Republic of Namibia
here is our 20th independence
anniversary logo!
N amibia’s 20th independence
anniversary logo represents our
national unity in diversity, a vibrant
nation forging ahead to achieving our
national goals as contained in our five
year National Development Plan 3 as well
as in our Vision 2030.
These were the words of Prime Minister Nahas
Angula when he launched Namibia’s 20th
independence anniversary logo at the UN Plaza
in Katutura on 17 February 2010.
At the launch of the logo, the Prime Minister
said that is was very important for Namibia
to celebrate the strides we have made in the
last twenty years. “We make deep reflections
and continue to take stock of where we come
from, where we are now and where we are
going and how. We must always express our
very sincere and heartfelt appreciation to those
IN ThIs Issue
Trust and confidence
grew over 20 years:
Angula
Page 4
Government Information Bulletin March 2010
who stood with us through thick and thin. We
must endeavour to always remind ourselves of
these serious sacrifices and make that our pillar
of nurturing real internal peace and peace with
our neighbours and the world at large,” Angula
said.
According to Angula the long and glorious
journey of Namibia’s nationhood will continue
to be told to generation upon generation. This
year, Namibia will turn twenty years since our
birth as a nation on 21st March 1990, when
the flag of an independent Namibian nation
was hoisted for the first time and the flag that
represented the illegal authority of apartheid
South African regime over our country was
brought down forever.
On 21st March 2010, the nation will gather
at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek
for the twentieth anniversary of our freedom
The pace of land
reform in
Namibia
Page 11
March 2010
FREE
and independence from the yoke of apartheid
colonialism.
Namibia’s 20th independence anniversary logo
consists of an oval shape depicting the Namibia
flag with the figure and words 20 years inserted
on the flag, pointing towards our 20 years as an
independent nation. The jubilant figures on top
of the oval symbolises our people, our stability
and our unity in diversity as a nation. With their
1
hands raised above their heads, the figures
imply our bravery and victory as a nation. The
figures also symbolises a crown that is pointing
to our success as a nation, while the heads of
the figurines depict our diamonds.
The slogan for our 20th anniversary as a nation
is – a visionary nation on the move towards 2030
– implying that we are working as a nation to
realise our dream of becoming an industrialised
and knowledge-based society by 2030.
stanley, the unsung
hero of Namibia’s
independence
Page 14
 Government Information Bulletin March 2010

From the Desk of the Minister Contents

On 21 March this year it will
Here is our 20th independence logo………............................ 1
be 20 years since Namibia rid
itself from the yoke of racism
and colonialist apartheid 2010: Year of success and progress – Pohamba................. 3
oppression to become a
sovereign and independent
republic with our own flag, Trust and confidence grew over 20 years:
coat of arms and national
anthem.
Namibians have a pre- Prime Minister....................................................................... 4
independence history of having
been denied the basic human
rights of inherent dignity, Democracy needs wisdom to flourish: Speaker.................... 5
equality and self-determination.
Hon. Joël Kaapanda, Minister of A protracted liberation struggle
Information and Communication was waged against the colonial Justice remains a pillar of Namibian democracy:
Technology forces to attain freedom, dignity
and self-determination. In the
process many sons and daughters of Namibia paid the highest price. Chief Justice……………………….......................................…... 7
Indeed the blood of those heroes and heroines of the liberation struggle
waters our freedom.
As we are preparing to celebration 20 years of freedom and independence, Agriculture – backbone of the Namibian economy............... 9
we are obliged to remember the sacrifices of those who suffered or paid
the highest price to allow us to enjoy the fruits of independence.
The 20th anniversary of our independence on 21 March 2010 is indeed Large country, little land – land reform 20 years on............ 11
an achievement to be proud of, especially since Namibia is in the position
to boast that our first 20 years of independence was characterised by
peace, stability and progress – unlike many other African countries Stanley whisked Nujoma away to freedom.......................... 14
that experienced different forms of upheaval after having attained
independence. Thanks to the prevailing peace and security we can look
back after 20 years to the progress that we have made as a nation Education for a new Namibia................................................ 16
– progress which is only possible in a stable and peaceful democratic
dispensation. All Namibians have to be applauded for contributing to
this conducive environment. Fisheries sector made great strides in 20 years................... 18
In this edition of the Government Information Bulletin we are bringing you
news on the progress that we have made in the past two decades. We
have the Prime Minister talking about the value of the policy of national Infrastructure to boost economic growth............................ 20
reconciliation that contributed to our stability. From the legislative arm of
the government the Speaker shares his views of the progress we made,
but he is cautioning that we are lacking tolerance and that we must start Tourists are flocking to Namibia since independence.......... 22
listening to each other since democracy needs wisdom and tolerance to
flourish. Our representative judiciary, in which the population has great
faith, serves as a role model in Africa according to our Chief Justice. Mining – Namibia’s economic backbone............................... 25
In this edition you will also find an overview of the contribution of different
sectors of the economy towards Namibia’s growth. This Bulletin, which
is dedicated to our 20h independence anniversary, brings you news on 20 Years on – fertile ground for Namibian media................. 27
agriculture, education, land reform, fisheries, infrastructure, tourism,
2 mining and many more.
On the centre spread you will find information on the flight of our Namibia telecoms infrastructure impressive........................ 28
Founding Father, Dr. Sam Nujoma, to freedom and the unsung hero who
took him over the border.
Happy reading and a happy 20th independence anniversary
Art development calls for decentralisation........................... 30
commemoration!

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2010: Year of success and progress -
Pohamba
W hen addressing the first Cabinet
meeting for 2010, President
Hifikepunye Pohamba urged his Cabinet
Ministers to make 2010 a year of success
and progress in the development of the
country.
The Head of State also emphasised on
consistent continuation in alleviating poverty
and improvement of sanitation in rural areas
and informal settlements in all towns and
cities.
“Let this be a year for the creation of more jobs
for our people; for the further strengthening
of our health and education sectors; for the
continued expansion of the communication
and physical infrastructure in our country, for
improving sanitation in rural areas and informal
settlements; for the expanded provision of
portable water in rural areas; for addressing the
socio-economic needs of the workers, peasants,
senior citizens, orphans and vulnerable children,
women, youth and vulnerable members of our
nation,” Pohamba pleaded.
Pohamba further stressed that it is the duty
of the executive branch of the state to ensure
that all policies that have been adopted are
implemented and that the resources allocated
to various institutions through the budget are
utilised timely and for the purposes they have
been allocated. “The onus is on us, as the
President Hifikepunye Pohamba opening the first Cabinet session of 2010 with Secretary to Cabinet, Frans
Kapofi by his side.
Government Information Bulletin March 2010
By Julia Hamhata
executive branch of the state, to implement
policies and programmes that will create
a conducive environment for our country
to prosper and to free our people from the
degrading chains of poverty,” he said.
President Pohamba regarded the year 2010
as a significant milestone in the lives of the
Namibian nation, as the nation will celebrate
20 years of nationhood, democracy, freedom
and self-determination. The year will also mark
the inauguration of the newly elected members
of National Assembly and the formation of the
new Government, following the November 2009
Presidential and National Assembly Elections.
“It demands deliberate actions and steps
to be taken by all those charged with the
implementation of Government policies so that
progress continues to be made and momentum
can be maintained towards the achievement
of our national development plans and Vision
2030,” Pohamba said.
Pohamba emphasised the importance of hard
work, dedication and proper planning at all
levels, adding that ministers and their deputies
as political principals of different public
institutions, must at all times keep their hands
on the wheel to ensure timely implementation
of policies and Cabinet decisions by permanent
secretaries and their staff.
The Head of State acknowledged the fact that
citizens in different parts of the country are
demanding service delivery and public amenities
hence, the Government must continue to
answer their legitimate calls and their pleas
by expanding the availability of potable water,
access to quality health care and education by
strengthening its responses to the challenges
of HIV/AIDS, crime and unemployment. He
also emphasised the need to expand the Green
Scheme, urging that it should be intensified
and sustained for the improvement of local
food production. “This is a duty in which we
cannot afford to fail because the well-being of
our people is at stake and the prosperity of our
country is on the line,” Pohamba declared.
Pohamba pointed out that the education sector
needs more attention, making specific reference
to the 2009 grade 10 examination results. He
added that the Government must work hard
to ensure that substantial financial resources
allocated to the sector are effectively leveraged
to yield the desired results. While appreciating
the good rains that have been received so far,
the President cautioned the emergency and
disaster management institutions to be on the
alert as more rain can still be expected as per
the weather forecasts. He warned all relevant
institutions to constantly monitor the levels of
the rivers and the flood plains, to ensure that
appropriate actions are taken timeously to
prevent the destruction of property and the
disruption of people’s livelihoods.
“We still recall the destructive floods of 2008
and 2009 which occurred in the north and 3
north-eastern parts of the country. This past
experience must alert all relevant institutions
in our Government to take timely action to
mitigate the effects of the flood,” Pohamba
emphasised.
The President reminded his Cabinet Ministers
that the massive support that the SWAPO Party
received in the 2009 Presidential and National
Assembly elections are from Namibian voters
living in the rural areas and informal settlements
in towns and cities. Hence, they are obliged to
address their concerns and the challenges that
they [voters] are facing. “We must continue to
harness available resources and the capacities
of our public institutions to give effect to and to
achieve our stated objectives,” he urged.
 Government Information Bulletin March 2010

Trust and confidence grew over 20 years:

Prime Minister
T o appreciate 20 years of nationhood,
Namibians have to retrace their steps
and reflect on how it all started. This is
the view of Prime Minister Nahas Angula.
“We have to go back to 1990. On 21 March
1990 Namibia was born as an independent
and free nation. However, at that point in time,
when political party representatives formed
the Constituent Assembly, where consensus
was reached on the type of Constitution we
would have, the situation among the general
public was one of mistrust, suspicion, not
knowing where things were going, fear and
apprehension.
“Let me illustrate. I was appointed the first
Minister of Education, Culture and Sport. I was
invited by the then director of white schools to
address members of school boards who had
gathered at Windhoek High School. When I
went there I found a community that was shell
shocked. It was as if a bomb shell had been
dropped in their midst. I overheard one official
trying to sooth the people who were saying:
“Dit is nie die einde van die wêreld nie” (This is
not the end of the world).
People were not sure what the future held. That
was the prevailing situation.
We had to start building bridges of mutual
respect and contact. The Swapo government
was wise to adopt the policy of national
reconciliation. Simply put the policy said: ‘let’s
turn a new page. On this new page we can craft
our future. Let bygones be bygones. Let’s reach
out to each other as people with one destiny.’
4 This helped us in dealing with a very difficult
situation, like for instance integrating the 12
different education systems we found here.
of that office, located in a building historically
occupied by the promoters of apartheid. I
had expected resistance from the Herero or
the Coloured administrations, but this time it
came from national education, that were lead
by a white section who regarded themselves as
enlightened. They could not understand that a
Swapo Minister would stoop so low as to sit in
that building. They had forgotten that we had
adopted the policy of national reconciliation, we
had decided to turn a new page.
“There were other instances as well. I once called
a meeting at the Windhoek Teacher’s Training
College, where the University of Namibia is
today where representatives of the education
system of the whole country met. This was early
1991. At the meeting we wanted to announce
the broad education policies we would be
following. However most senior officials were
people from the former white administration,
national education, Coloured, Nama and Herero
administrations. The colleagues who came
from the northern regions were not prepared
to accept that kind of arrangement. They said
Comrade Angula had sold out to Koevoet and
the former Broederbonders. They again forgot
that we were building the nation based on the
policy of national reconciliation and from that
point of view we had to unify all the education
departments and bring all of us together.
“It took time for the people to see my point.
However by 1995, when the Ministry of Education
was split in two, we had laid the foundation for
a unified national education system, thanks to
the policy of national reconciliation.
“Another interesting experience was when we
embarked on the integration of the schools.
There was initial resistance from some formerly
privileged white schools. They claimed it was
a recipe for lowering the standards. I had to
ensure them that with integration the student-
teacher ration would not change and that
we would not withdraw resources from their
schools. After all the Constitution says that
anything that smelled like apartheid would not
be condoned in Namibia, and that they would
have to start admitting black children.
“There were however some teachers who were
doing things to frustrate the efforts. In some
classes black children were forced to sit in the
back of the class in the last row, behind all the
other children. In some cases a black child who
wanted to make a contribution in class, was
ignored.
“We were lucky in those days to have a very
strong student union, Nansu. Nansu agreed
to monitor the implementation of the policy to
integrate schools. They did a good job. When

“It was not easy to bring people of different

cultural backgrounds together and let them
think along the same frame.

“I remember as new Minister I was looking for

office space. Windhoek had three education
authorities, namely Herero, white and national
education. The white education department
informed me that they had space available
on the ground floor of their head office,
situated in the Nictus building, and I was
welcome to use it. The people at the national
education department decided not to be part
Prime Minister Nahas Angula
Continues on page 5

Trust and confidence grew over 20 years: Prime Minister
they noticed something wrong, they went to
the press. We would then pick up on it and
launch an investigation.
“The process of integration went smoothly
with the exception of an incident at the
Windhoek Technical High School, where a
black girl was assaulted. This was the only
major incident in the integration process.
The examples I have given from the
education sector also applies to the whole
public service.
The Constitution required that those people
who were employed in the public service prior
to independence should continue to perform
their duties as per Article 141.
This article was not favoured by those people
who felt excluded and was of the opinion that
those who worked for the colonial civil service
were part of the machinery of oppression.
However in the spirit of national reconciliation
the Constitution states: ‘Subject to the
provisions of this Constitution, any person
holding office under any law in force on the
date of Independence shall continue to hold
such office unless and until he or she resigns
or is retired, transferred or removed from
office in accordance with law.’
Democracy needs wisdom to flourish:
Speaker
N amibia is a Parliamentary democracy.
Parliament consists of two houses,
the National Assembly and the National
Council. Parliament is housed in the
historical Parliament buildings in
Windhoek’s city centre, known in colonial
times as the Tintenpalast (ink palace –
civil servants working there used a lot of
ink to do their work).
The Parliament of the Republic of Namibia is
one of the three institutions of the State, which
are the Legislature (Parliament), the Executive
(Cabinet) and the Judiciary (the Courts).
When Namibia became independent in 1990,
the ruling party nominated dr. Mosé Tjitendero,
as the first Speaker of the National Assembly,
a position he held with aplomb for three
consecutive five year terms.
The reigns of the National Assembly was taken
Government Information Bulletin March 2010
Many believed that the incoming government
would dismiss and replace the old guard. This
did not happen. Those who worked for the
colonial authority still continued to work for
the Government of an independent Namibia.
Some embraced the new policies and the new
government, some left of their own accord.
“Today that story will sound boring or surprising
to some. Gradually we have started reaching out
to one another and the mistrust disappeared,
suspicion faded. It was translated into trust and
confidence. In all of this the guiding principle
was national reconciliation.
“Today I believe Namibia is at a different faze
as far as human relations and development are
concerned. Namibia is a totally different country
than it was in 1990. Surprisingly 20 years is not
a very long time. 1990 seems like yesterday.
“Of the challenges we face the most important
question is how to tackle underdevelopment,
poverty and unemployment. This translates into
unequal distribution of national resources that
is still visible.
“Poverty is the consequence of a lack of
productive assets among the majority of the
people. We have big challenges that must
be addressed. Malnutrition is responsible for
over by the current Speaker, Mr. Theo-Ben
Gurirab in 2005.
“I have to search my mind to think of any
African country that during the first 20 years
of its independence had not experienced any
major upheaval or disruption, be it a coup
d’état or the assassination of the head of state
or what ever. Except for Namibia, I can only
think of Botswana. Botswana and Namibia have
totally different histories. We came from a bitter
military struggle, Botswana on the other hand
were given their independence by the former
colonial power, who just got tired of being
there. That was of course before diamonds
were discovered in that country. In our case
the struggle dragged on, firstly because of
Namibia’s strategic location and secondly due
to the natural resources. Since 1990 till now,
we have not seen any major disruptions,” Mr.
Gurirab said.
Continues from page 4
poverty reproducing itself. The intellectual
development of a child who is malnourished
is influenced, and they can’t benefit from
the education they are offered. In this way
poverty reproduces itself.
“Unemployment further aggravates inequality
in the society. It is therefore imperative that
we develop and implement a comprehensive
programme to fight malnutrition and general
diseases experienced by the population. It
is important to have a healthy population. A
healthy population will be able to be productive
in all spheres of society, be it in schools, in the
economy or any endeavours they undertake.
The key to fight underdevelopment, poverty,
unemployment is to promote a healthy nation.
Food security is important. We must promote
an improved diet among all our communities.
The programme to immunise should be
compulsory.
“Over the next 20 years we must ensure
that we have a healthy, well educated nation
and create conditions for the majority of the
population to own productive assets. If we
implement these three priorities, in another
20 years from now, Namibia will be a totally
different society,” Prime Minister Angula
concluded.
5
Dr. Theo-Ben Gurirab, Speaker of the National
Assembly
Continues on page 6
 Government Information Bulletin March 2010
Democracy needs wisdom to flourish: Speaker
He explained that Namibia’s democracy
is based on the political party list system,
differing from the constituency based system.
The President is also elected directly by the
popular vote, and not by the winning party.
After being elected the President constitutes
his or her Cabinet from the elected members
of the Parliament.
A member of the National Assembly is in
Parliament thanks to the political party he
or she belongs to. In a constituency based
system, a member of Parliament’s main
loyalty would be with his or her constituency
not necessarily to a political party.
“In Namibia the ministers and deputy
ministers run the show in Parliament, not
the backbenchers or the members of the
opposition. The ministers set the agenda for
Government. They translate the manifesto of
the ruling party into policies and legislative
programmes, because it was on the strength
of the manifesto that they convinced the
voters to elect a specific party.
“The leader of government business in the
National Assembly is the Prime Minister.
He is responsible for the government
business as drawn up by Cabinet. It is the
responsibility of ministers and others to assist
the Prime Minister in driving policy choices
and legislative programmes. It is inevitable
that Government policy will correspond with
the manifesto on which a certain party was
elected into office.
“Throughout our 20 years of independence,
Swapo has maintained its dominant role
in Parliament. This is due to the fact that
there is a lack of major complaints for how
6 Government is run, or anything that could
threaten our democracy. The people feel that
this is the best we can do, even though there
are still challenges like our education system,
health, the youth and the aged. Government
has not succeeded fully in addressing these
issues, but there is still a feeling of ‘so far,
so good’.
“Regarding the opposition parties, we have
had quite a mix since independence. In 1990
there were people of great stature and of
greater weight, who understood the role
of the opposition. In theory the opposition
of today is the government of tomorrow.
They played an active role and showed good
leadership. “Unfortunately these days, I
would say we can do better. The opposition
have progressively moved to a point of being
hopeless. “With the beginning of the term of
the fifth Parliament this year, we see a new
situation, which can be compared to when the
Congress of Democrats (CoD) first participated
in the 1999 election, with a new political party
(the Rally for Democracy and Progress – RDP)
entering the fray.
“All in all we can be satisfied with what our
Parliament and Government have achieved in
the last 20 years. However, on the economic
side we could have done better. We have more
mouths to feed, there are more demands from
civil society and we face climate change. The
economy must grow by at least seven or eight
percent if we hope to meet the goals of Vision
2030. We also have a lot to do to empower
our women politically, economically and as
entrepreneurs. The youth are crying because
even with degrees and senior secondary
certificates, they can’t find jobs. We will
have to grow our economy to provide more
opportunities.
“I am not really sure whether our citizens
have reached the stage yet where they are
able to differentiate between history, the
legacy of personalities, historical figures and
issues of safety, security and social well-being.
This requires that they be informed about
Government policies and laws.
“If I look at countries like China and India,
that in the early 1960’s were so poor, and how
they managed to focus on their economies and
transform themselves, be able to feed their
people and train their people, I see valuable
lessons. These days their people are able to
grow their own food, grab opportunities to
gain skills and not look to the government
for everything. They have acquired skills and
know-how to market their skills. They have the
money to spend on medical care, sending the
children to the schools of their choice. They
have developed the means to create their own
wealth and to take care of their own lives.
“The future holds enormous challenges for us
in Namibia. Unemployment is now above 40
percent. This is too high for our country. Namibia
has the dubious record of having the highest
Gini coefficient in the world. This measures
the income disparity in the population. A small
chunk of the population is very rich and the
majority is very poor. This has been the case
for 20 years. We can not continue like this. We
need to grow our economy. “We must also fix
our electoral system, because it has become
Continues from page 5
embarrassing. Referring to India again, in a
country with 1.48 billion people they have
elections of one day and the results are
known hours after the polling stations close.
We have no excuse and reason to hold our
elections over two days.
“On the political front we face the challenge of
intolerance. It comes in different forms from
the governing party, the opposition parties
and even from churches. There is a big need
for tolerance and that we should listen to
each other. Democracy needs wisdom and
tolerance to flourish,” Mr.Gurirab concluded.
By the end of 2009 the National Assembly
passed 510 Bills. 1998 was the busiest
Parliamentary year when 35 Bills were passed
and 2009 the slowest with only seven Bills
being adopted in that year.
Looking back at the early years the Bills adopted
by Parliament tells the story of the birth of
a new nation. The first Act that was made
in Namibia in 1990 was die National Coat of
Arms of the Republic of Namibia Act, followed
by the Public Service Commission Act, the
Territorial Sea and Exclusive Economic Zone
of Namibia Act, the Assignment of Powers
Act and the Pension Matters of Government
Institutions Amendment Act.
Other interesting Acts of 1990 included
the Ombudsman Act, Bank of Namibia Act,
Namibian Citizenship Act, Public Holidays Act
and the Police Act.
In 1991 the Namibian Broadcasting Act, the
Namibian Citizenship Special Conferment Act,
Recognition of Certain Marriages Act, the
National Anthem of the Republic of Namibia
Act and the Racial Discrimination Prohibition
Act were among those adopted.
The Namibian Parliament also boasts
several standing committees dealing with
Constitutional and Legal Affairs; Economics,
Natural Resources and Public Administration;
Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security;
Human Resources, Social and Community
Development; Privileges; Public Accounts and
Standing Rules and Orders. The committees
are comprised of backbenchers from all
political parties represented in Parliament.
They play an important part in the business
of Parliament and contribute to the smooth
running of the state. All in all Namibia’s
Parliament is in institution all Namibians can
be rightly proud of.

Justice remains a pillar of Namibia’s
democracy: Chief Justice
“The judicial power shall be vested in the Courts
in Namibia which shall consist of:
(a) a Supreme Court of Namibia;
(b) a High Court of Namibia;
(c) lower courts of Namibia.
The Courts shall be independent and subject
only to the Constitution and the law.”
Thus begins Chapter 9 of the Namibian
Constitution.
This independence the Namibian judiciary has
practiced since it’s inception at the time of
independence. Lady Justice is indeed blind and
shows to fear nor favour when applying the
laws of the land.
Of this, Chief Justice Peter Shivute
exceptionally proud.
“Men and women on the benches of our
courts work day and night to ensure that our
Constitution is protected. They are all committed
to the rule of law and are strictly nonpartisan.
All our judges live up to the oath of office.
Minister of Justice, Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana looks on while President Hifikepunye Pohamba unveils the plague of the High Court at Oshakati
Government Information Bulletin March 2010
“I often attend conferences and workshops
in the Southern African region and I hear
many issues our colleagues in the region still
grapple with. Issues like the independence of
the judiciary, the relations between the various
organs of state, checks and balances and even
the question whether the judiciary has any role
to play. These are all non-issues in Namibia.
Namibia is indeed a role model as far as these
aspects are concerned,” Chief Justice Shivute
said.
Magistrates Courts
Since independence Namibia has made great
progress as far as the magistrates courts are
concerned.
“At the time of independence we had few
is magistrates and prosecutors and on this level
the demographics of the country were not well
reflected.
“Magistrates were still part of the civil service.
This raised the question about the independence
of the judiciary as the magistrates’ court, high
court and supreme court all form part of the
judiciary. Magistrates fell under the Minister
of Justice and their service conditions and any
transfers were determined by the civil service
and the Minister. In the late 1990’s plans were
put in place to change it,” Chief Justice Shivute
said. One magistrate challenged the Minister’s
authority to transfer him. The Magistrates’
Bill was passed by Parliament and became
the Magistrates’ Act. Magistrates were thus
removed from the civil service and since then
fall under the Magistrates’ Commission, chaired
by a Judge of the High Court. Magistrates
are still appointed by the Minister but now
on the recommendation of the Magistrates’
Commission.
The Magistry is headed by the Chief Magistrate.
This is a positive development, according to
Chief Justice Shivute.
Due to a shortage of magistrates, magistrates
were brought in from Zimbabwe to assist.
This brought stablitiy and the Zimbabwean
magistrates did a good job while steps were
taken to employ Namibians who had graduated.
“We now have a fairly good status. We have a
Continues on page 8
 Government Information Bulletin March 2010
Justice remains a pillar of Namibia’s democracy: Chief Justice
system in place for training recent graduates.
After successfully completing the training
they can replace the expatriate magistrates.
By the time the expatriates return to their
home countries, we trust that sufficient skills
transfer will also have taken place.
High Court
In 1990 at the time of independence Namibia
only had three permanent judges. Today
there are ten permanent judges of which
three are Namibian women. In the past it was
the exclusive domain of men. However the
pool from which to choose judges is small and
therefore Namibia also relies on expatriates
to act as judges in the High Court. This has
its benifits as it improves the judice prudence
in the country and Namibians can benifit from
the best in the Southern African region. They
also make a significant contribution towards
the development of local law. Steps are also
being taken to appoint more Namibians to
the Bench, including women.
“The work of the High Court has increased
tremendously and the number of judges we
have are still not enough. Appeals have been
made to Government to increase the number
of judges and Government is sympathetic
towards our plight. They accept the principle
that this must be done to address crime and
prevent the postponement of cases, Chief
Justice Shivute added.
Supreme Court
Namibians have reason to celebrate the
Supreme Court. In 1990 the Supreme Court
existed but did not have its own courthouse.
“Today a prestigious building, prominent in
8 the city centre of Windhoek, representing
justice as one of the pillars of our democratic
state, houses the Supreme Court,” Chief
Justice Shivute said.
He also gave the assurance that the structural
problems to the outside of the building were
being addressed. Money was made available
and architects are working on a solution.
In 1990 the Supreme Court started its work
with three judges, Judge President Hans
Berker, Judge Ismael Mohammed from
South Africa and Judge Dubetsheana from
Zimbabwe. There was a critical shortage of
personel and Namibia had to rely on judges
from outside the country and serve.
“We heavily depended on them and hope to
have five supreme court judges. We still rely
on judges from outside on a part time basis. It
is a vigorous process to appoint a judge to the
supreme court and judges can’t just be taken
from the High Court as it will in turn leave a
gap there.
“At present the High Court and Supreme
Court are working effectively. Over the
years transformation took place and with
the appointment of the Ombudsman, the
Prosecutor General and Judges, the Judicial
Service Commission made a point to ensure a
balanced structure, reflective of our population,
all inclusive and totally representative.
“I am satisfied that we have a representative
judiciary in which the population have great
faith.
On the Constitutional level the High Court and
Supreme Court had to interpret many ariticles
of the Constitution especially pertaining to
human rights. The right to legal representation;
the differentiation between the powers and
functions of the Attorney General and the
Prosecutor General – in which the courts made
clear the seperation of powers; the issue of
corporal punishment – where the courts ruled
that it was degrading and inhumane and even
the ruling by the Supreme Court that magistrates
should not be part of the public service as it
was not Constitutional, are examples.
“In the case of the Caprivi Seperatists trail, the
court ruled that Govenment should pay for the
legal representation of the accused.
“It is to the credit of Government that they
Chief Justice Peter Shivute
Continues from page 7
have always complied with court orders.
This is an important development and shows
Government’s commitment to the law and the
judiciary.
“If someone is unhappy with what Government
does, he or she can go to court,” Chief Justice
Shivute said.
With all the success and achievements
of the last 20 years, Chief Justice Shivute
admits that the judiciary still faces immense
challenges.
Firstly there is the issue of a shortage of judges
to deal with cases. A lack of administrative
support to do the job, as well as an increased
case load in the High Court and Supreme
Court, are other challenges. The rise in the
number of civil cases to be heard is a positive
indication that more and more Namibians
know their rights and are aware that they can
go to the High Court to get relief.
Not many people approach the Supreme
Court probably because of financial reasons.
“The cost of litigation is a concern. The
Supreme Court is the last court anyone can
approach to get relief, but often the cost is a
hampering factor.
“However the good news is that the Court
does not ask money to hear a case. It is only
the lawyers who must be paid.
“At the supreme court the waiting period for a
case to be heard is also short. Once a case is
registered and the docket is ready, the court
can proceed.
“The challenges we face can be overcome.
I am concerned about judgements taking a
long time to be handed down. The Judicial
Service Commission has, however, now set a
time limit within which judgements must be
handed down.
“Namibians can be very proud of the
achievements over the last 20 years, not
only as far as the judiciary is concerned but
also on other levels of state. Our population
is small and we have made tremendous
progress since independence,” Chief Justice
Shivute concluded.

Agriculture – backbone of the Namibian
economy
A griculture can rightfully be described
as Namibia’s economic and social
heart beat. If measured in terms of Gross
Domestic Product (GDP), agriculture’s
contribution is relatively small compared
to that of mining and tourism. However,
when considered that about 70% of
Namibia’s population is directly or
indirectly dependent on agriculture for
their livelihoods, the real importance of
this sector becomes eminent.
The Namibian Ministry of Agriculture, Water
and Forestry (MAWF) has been tasked over
the past 20 years to implement agricultural,
water and forestry policies, strategies and
programmes which are in line with the country’s
developmental blueprints, namely Vision 2030
and the National Development Plans.
Mr. Andrew Ndishishi, Permanent Secretary (PS)
in the MAWF, says his ministry’s main objective
is to create an enabling environment for the
development, management en sustainable
utilisation of agriculture, water and forestry
resources.
“In doing so the MAWF applies modern
techniques, science and technology to enhance
the agro-industry, livestock production,
horticulture as well as the marketing and the
storage of agricultural products. Furthermore
the Ministry provides veterinary services
to ensure animal and public health and to
comply with the requirements for national and
international trade in agricultural commodities,”
Ndishishi says.
As far as plant production is concerned,
Namibia made huge progress over the past two
The super farm at Mariental
Government Information Bulletin March 2010
decades. “At the moment we produce 50% of
all the cereals consumed locally. Furthermore,
the local production and marketing of fruit and
vegetables and other horticultural produce
increased to about 30% of the local demand.
The ultimate aim is to replace most of the
imported products with local production,” says
the PS.
The Green Scheme is an initiative conducted
by the MAWF to encourage the development of
irrigation-based agronomic production with the
aim of increasing the contribution of agriculture
to the country’s GDP and to simultaneously
uplift and develop communities located within
suitable irrigation areas.
Namibia’s climate is marginally suited to dry-
land crop production, with the exception of
areas in the north and north-eastern regions.
Only 2% of the country’s total surface area
is regarded as arable, whereas about 46% is
seen as suitable for permanent pasture, 22%
is forest and the rest arid. Irrigation is possible
only along the perennial rivers (on the northern
and southern borders) and where dams feed
irrigation schemes. Although substantial
production in staple food takes place, Namibia
is still dependent on food imports to address its
food insecurity.
As mentioned before, the primary significance
of the agricultural sector lies in its contribution
to the livelihoods of rural communities. Namibia
has dual agricultural farming systems. The
communal farming sector comprises 41% of
agricultural arable land, whilst the commercial
farming sector occupies about 44% of the
agriculturally usable land. The 4 000 families
Irrigation farming takes place at Hardap and at Aussenkehr in the south
on these farms employ about 70 000 families
in commercial production. The commercial sub-
sector contributes about 65% of the agricultural
output of Namibia.
Cattle farming are concentrated in central and
northern Namibia, while the southern parts of
the country are used for sheep and goat farming.
Because Namibia’s cattle are bred and reared
extensively in the country and live entirely off
savannah grasses and shrubs, Namibian beef is
entirely free from harmful residues, hormones
and antibiotics. Namibia is widely regarded as
one of the best sources of beef in the world.
About 80% of all livestock, meat and meat
products are exported, mostly to South Africa
and Europe. According to Ndishishi, Namibia
also wants to enter markets in the Middle
East, China en the United States of America.
The livestock sub-sector is the single largest
contributor from agriculture to the GDP
through the export of beef and mutton – more
or less 88% of the 10% that this sector adds
to the national income. With the exception of
cattle weaners, more than 95% of cattle and
sheep are slaughtered at the five local export
abattoirs.
The commercial dairy industry operates in
accordance with a free-market system. The
Namibian Dairy Producers’ Association (DPA)
consists of small groups of farmers located in the
Grootfontein, Gobabis, Mariental and Windhoek
areas. Less than twenty producers supply
fresh milk for Namibia, as well as considerable
quantities of cream and yoghurt. Most butter,
cheese and other dairy products, however, are
still imported from South Africa. With Namibia
9
Continues on page10
 Government Information Bulletin March 2010
Agriculture – backbone of the Namibian economy
Dairies’ new super dairy farm at Mariental
now in production, the country’s dependency
on imports will reduce dramatically.
White maize is produced mainly under dry-
land conditions in the maize triangle situated
between Tsumeb, Otavi, and Grootfontein, in
the Summerdown area and in the Omaheke
and Caprivi regions. The most important
irrigation schemes contributing to domestic
white-maize production are the Hardap
Irrigation Project, the Naute Project near
Keetmanshoop, Etunda in the North Central
Regions, the flood plains in the Caprivi and
irrigation schemes in the Kavango. According
to Ndishishi 9 000 ha of agricultural land is
under irrigation. “The aim is to increase it to
27 000 ha within the next few years.”
A total of over 7 000 ha of white maize is
currently planted in the commercial dry-land
production areas. About 30% of mahangu
(pearl millet) production is officially marketed;
the rest is consumed at household level or
kept for household consumption.
Fruit production has also taken off, especially
in southern Namibia at Aussenkehr on
the northern banks of the Orange River,
primarily for the production of table grapes.
Augmented by exceptionally long hours
of sunshine, Namibia can produce grapes
earlier in the season than South Africa,
which gives significant price advantages
in foreign markets. There are a total of
nine grape-producing companies in the
Aussenkehr valley. The Namibia Grape
Company (Pty) Ltd was established in 1999
by an empowerment group to promote the
production and marketing of table grapes
for export purposes. These are supplied to
10 northern-hemisphere markets such as the
UK, while some are shipped to the Far East.
Namibian cattle
Continues from page 9
A wide selection of vegetables is
grown at irrigation sites at amongst
others Etunda, Olushandja, Lake
Oshikoto and Guinas, Omaruru,
Stampriet, Hardap, Okahandja and
the Orange River. Namibia’s climate
is ideally suited for the production
of olives. Today there are about 20
producers, and a total of about 20
000 trees. The biggest producer
is Heiser’s Oliven, which produces
green as well as the soft Calamata-
style black olives, and also olive oil
and olive paste.
Dates are currently being produced
at three locations: Khorixas in
Kunene South, Aussenkehr on the
Orange River and the Naute Dam
near Keetmanshoop. The dates
produced at Naute are sought-
Slaughtered cattle at one of the country’s abattoirs
after because of their exceptional
quality and because they measure
up to strict international marketing Furthermore, the uncertainty of the outcome
standards. The most popular export varieties of the current trade negotiations with the
are Medjool and Barhee. European Commission for an Economic
Partnership Agreement and the inevitable
When asked about the challenges for the future, affect thereof on agricultural exports,
Ndishishi says: “The rate of reoccurrences of necessitates the development of alternative
floods and prolonged dry spells are adversely markets.
affecting crop production. The MAWF in
collaboration with other Ministries and agencies “The marketing opportunities for horticultural
are therefore developing a disaster management and agronomic crops produced at regional
plan. The Ministry also pays attention to level, is still limited. It is important to
pro-active interventions like promoting the encourage more and more smallholder
technologies that will address climate change.” farmers to produce for the market. To this
end more agricultural extension technicians
The lack of expertise in critical areas such as need to be deployed, more grain silos need
engineering, hydrology, entomology, plant to be erected and marketing strategies for
pathology, rangeland management and controlled crops like fruit, vegetables, millet
horticulture also need to be addressed by and maize need to be intensified,” Ndishishi
encouraging students through bursary schemes concluded.
to qualify themselves in those fields, he says.
Drying mahangu

Large country, little land - land reform 20
years on
O ne of the pillars of a new Namibia
was to rectify post-colonial land
distribution that was extremely skewed
in favour of the former colonial rulers.
The next 20 years would prove to be a
trying time to address these inequities.
Twenty years after independence, the land
question remains at the heart of the post-
colonial processes of State consolidation.
Equally, said the Namibian Government, land
reform is to alleviate poverty and ensure
increased sustained livelihood of resettlement
beneficiaries to contribute meaningfully to
Namibia’s economy.
Land ownership in pre-independent
Namibia
Before the colonial era, customary laws
by various language groups determined
landownership. Land tenure was communal,
but suggested researchers Professor Sydney
L. Harring and Willem Odendaal in the Legal
Assistance Centre (LAC) publication ‘One day
we will all be equal: A socio-legal perspective
on the Namibian land reform and resettlement
process’, the term was much more complex.
Large tracts of land were held by pastoralists
- “some of the largest and most prosperous
herding cultures in southern Africa”. Other
parts were farmed in plots of different sizes
with a variety of crops. The San hunted and
gathered.
Each clan or family had definite rights to use
particular lands. Even the nomadic San, said
Harring and Odendaal, “regaled communal
lands with some possessory interest”.
They suggested that both communal and
customary land rights be viewed as evolutionary
land tenure systems, changing with new
circumstances.
During the German colonial period (from 1884
to 1915) “white beneficiaries” occupied grazing
areas of the Herero and Nama. White settlers
did not penetrate the more fertile areas of the
north (the former Ovamboland) and northeast
(the former Okavangoland and Caprivi Zipfel).
This left most indigenous inhabitants of the
northern regions on their own land, living
Government Information Bulletin March 2010
By Catherine Sasman
under their own laws. After 1900, the German
administration divided Namibia into two sections:
the Police Zone in central and southern Namibia,
and the northern and northeastern ‘reserves’
or ‘homelands’. Movement for indigenous
Namibians was restricted, and whites were
prohibited to enter these areas.
Northern Namibians could only move out of
the reserves if contracted for labour for limited
periods.
Administration in the ‘homelands’ was done
by traditional authorities. Communities in the
northern regions were incorporated into the
colonial administration after 1900: Ovamboland
and the Caprivi Zipfel were incorporated in 1908
and 1910 respectively.
Herero chiefs used customary rights of land
allocation in central parts of Namibia. In 1876,
Chief Samuel Maharero set aside areas as
reserves for pastoralists. Europeans settled
on the rest. German colonial officials acquired
land by providing ‘protection’ to Herero, Nama
and Baster against warring clans. This landed
substantial lands to the Germans between 1893
and 1903.
German expansion of land ownership grew after
the 1897 rinderpest killed thousands of oxen,
rendering indigenous people more vulnerable
and forced into wage labour while the price
of land fell sharply and used as a bartered
commodity.
The 1904 Nama and Herero revolt against
German rule caused further loss of control and
ownership of traditional land. At the end of the
war in 1908, land and livestock of all indigenous
groups in central and southern Namibia were
confiscated. Only the Rehoboth Basters, some
Damaras and Berseba Namas were allowed to
retain land and livestock.
From 1915 to 1920, no legislation existed under
which land settlement could be carried out. In
fact, the incoming South African administration
discouraged settlement. But white South
African stock farmers nonetheless moved into
southern Namibia where they were issued with
grazing or occupation licenses. After 1920, a
land board was introduced to facilitate land
settlement of white South African farmers.
These farmers received substantial financial
and logistical support.
In 1922, the administration introduced the
Native Administration Proclamation 11. This
law provided that blacks who are not in
employment may not be permitted to squat on
land of owners or lessees without permission of
a magistrate. Not more than 10 black families
could be employed by one farmer without
permission. Native reserves were formed,
and the Native Reserves Commission in 1922
recommended that nine percent - or five million
hectares - form these reserves.
This meant that 11 740 indigenous Namibians
were settled on five million hectares, while 7
481 371 hectares were given to 1106 white
farmers.
This proclamation did not affect Ovamboland,
Okavango and a few other areas in the north.
These areas were outside the white settlement
area and under the administration of
commissioners. The South Africans continued
separating Namibia into the Police Zone and
northern regions as the Germans had done.
By the mid-1940’s, there was demand to settle
more ‘landless’ whites. In 1950, the Police Zone
was pushed further north, which made available
an additional 275 white farms. The Sperrgebied
diamond area was also shifted for more farming
units to whites in the Namib Desert.
By 1960, there were 5214 white-owned farms.
The total commercial (or white-owned) farming 11
area was 39 million hectares, with each farm on
average sized about 7500 hectares.
By 1965, there were 8803 commercial farming
units. Harring and Odendaal suggested that
this meant some farmers owned more than one
unit.
For Namibia’s indigenes, the land situation
remained bleak, although the Odendaal Plan
in the 1960’s increased available land to black
Namibians by 50 percent. Ten reserves (or
homelands) were declared in accordance with
the Self-Government for Native Nations in South
West Africa Act of 1968. The Act recognised
Ovamboland, Hereroland, Kaokoland,
Okavangoland, Damaraland, and Eastern
Continues on page 12
 Government Information Bulletin March 2010
Large country, little land - land reform 20 years on
Caprivi as ‘native nations’. But, said Harring
and Odendaal, the agricultural potential of
this added land was limited; it was “the most
marginal of agricultural land”.
In 1980, the South African regime introduced
Proclamation 8 - or AG 8 - that established
second-tier governments over 11 ethnic
groups. Under AG 8, traditional authorities in
the homelands became trustees of land there,
although the land ownership still resided with
the South African Government.
The representative authorities could allocate,
sell or lease communal land to a specific
ethnic group only with a declaration from
Cabinet that such land was not required for
public or official purposes.
AG 8 was in place until independence in 1990
when it was repealed and replaced by the
Namibian Constitution.
The post-independence land reform
attempt
* Legal Reforms
The South West African People’s Organisation
(SWAPO) clinched the first democratic election
held in 1989 that heralded in Namibia’s
independence. It has remained in power since
then.
12
A resettled Ovahimba boasting with his crops while Deputy Prime
Minister Dr. Libertina Amathila looks on
In its pre-independence blueprint outlining
transformation plans for the new nation, the
party declared that the State would become the
absolute owner of all agricultural land. Alongside
this, there would be a “relative accommodation
of a number of other forms of ownership of
the means of agricultural production”, wrote
Kaapama in his paper, ‘Commercial land reforms
in postcolonial Namibia: What happened to
liberation struggle rhetoric?’
The goal of the blueprint was to establish
fully-fledged State farms based on the model
of large-scale socialist farming by the State.
Further, there were to be cooperatives based on
a combination of private ownership of land with
an emphasis of joint cultivation and/or sharing
of farm support services, as well as collective
and communes.
“[These] forms of collective ownership were
described as more favourable to the reversal
of the colonial socioeconomic relations based
on exploitation, as well as for provision of large
resource bases for accumulation from below,”
said Kaapama. An added proposal was for the
provision of individual family farms on land
units leased from local communities.
But, suggested Kaapama, the negotiated
settlement that brought in Independence,
“had major implications for the implementation
of the transformation-oriented
socioeconomic development
agenda” of SWAPO.
The 1989 SWAPO manifesto
hence reaffirmed its commitment
to redress the land inequities, but
also made provision for private
land ownership in addition to the
three forms of land ownership
stipulated in the 1985 United
Nations Institute for Namibia
(UNIN) document.
In 1991, the new Namibian
Government convened the
seminal Land Conference to
iron out the land issue. The
conference was attended by
500 delegates from all over
the country to reach national
consensus. The land conference
adopted 24 recommendations or
‘consensus resolutions‘, although
these were not legally binding.
The resolutions would, however,
Continues from page 11
strongly influenced subsequent legislation of
land.
In broad terms, it adopted the willing-seller/
willing-buyer (WSWB) concept, which means
that those with land retain full discretion to
sell land, or not.
It further proposed the expropriation of
land - against fair and just compensation - if
necessary of un- and underutilised land, from
foreign landlords, from commercial farmers
with excessive land, and from absentee
landlords.
The adoption of the Agricultural (Commercial)
Land Act in 1995 reserved Government’s
preferential rights to buy land that comes to
the market.
This provision, said Kaapama, was often
circumvented by some landowners who
converted the farming entity into a business
- like closed corporations - and later traded
them as a corporate concession to preferred
buyers, including foreigners.
This loophole was addressed in the Second
Commercial Agricultural Land Reform
Amendment Act. The 1995 Act was criticised
as being expensive while it fails to permit
the acquisition of land for more efficient
resettlement.
But, countered Government, the Act is an
attempt to address the unequal distribution
of commercial land on the one hand, while
retaining the confidence of commercial
farmers and potential investors to Namibia.
The Act does, however, make provision for
land expropriation, but only after a ‘willing-
seller/willing-buyer’ process has been
explored. The expropriation mechanism was
introduced in 2004.
Further, the Act makes provision for advise,
surveying and valuation of land offered for
sale. But the process is at the discretion of
the lands minister. Any matter under the
Act can be appealed to the Lands Tribunal.
The minister is bound by a decision of the
Land Tribunal, which has the effect of a High
Court decision, which can be appealed in
the Supreme Court. The 1995 Act was never
challenged until the High Court made a ruling
in favour of Gunther Kessle and two other
foreign nationals versus the Ministry of Lands
and Resettlement (MLR) in 2008.
Continues on page 13

Large country, little land - land reform 20 years on
Government had attempted to expropriate
farms owned by the German nationals. But the
High Court found the minister’s administration
of the expropriation process wanting,
suggesting that this “mismanaging” of the
process has left the land reform programme
in a state of disarray.
Due to the slow pace of commercial land
acquisition, the 1995 Act was amended twice.
The first amendment was in July 2000. This
amendment provides for the establishment
and administration of the Land Acquisition
and Development Fund.
The second amendment, in 2001, was brought
about to regulate the appropriation of moneys
of the Land Acquisition and Development Fund.
It further makes provision for a restriction on
the transfers of agricultural land, and makes
provision for the imposition and collection of
land tax. Land was only taxed since 2005.
The lands ministry also introduced a
resettlement policy to help previously
disadvantaged Namibians have access to land
with secure tenure.
The beneficiaries of this resettlement policy,
according to the ministry are the following:
people without land, income or livestock;
those who have few livestock; and people
with no land but with an income or a livestock
who need land to be resettled on with their
families.
Initially, the main beneficiaries for resettlement
were the San, ex-soldiers, returnees from exile,
disabled people and displaced agricultural
workers. Under this programme, the ministry
allots acquired land to beneficiaries for free,
for a lease period of up to 99 years. There
were suggestions that the lease agreement
be shortened to 50 years, or even as little as
five years.
Another change made to structures influencing
land and land reform, was the disbandment of
the Land Bank, first introduced in 1944. This
body made way for the Agricultural Bank in
1991. At the same time the Agricultural Credit
Act of 1966 was repealed. The aim of the
Agricultural Bank is to provide loans at special
low interest rates to previously disadvantaged
persons in the purchase of farmland, and to
those who occupy communal land irrespective
of ownership.
In 1992, Cabinet introduced the Affirmative
Action Loan Scheme (AALS), managed by the
Government Information Bulletin March 2010
Agricultural Bank, to assist communal farmers
to obtain farmland in commercial areas. This
scheme was amended in 1996.
The AALS does not specifically consider
affirmative action loans to women, but the
Bank considered that women could be reached
through loans given to cooperatives.
According to the Communal Land Reform Act
of 2002, right holders were required to register
their land rights by March 2009, a date extended
from 2006.
The Ministry of Lands and Resettlement (MLR)
is currently consulting with various communities
on a proposed Land Reform Act that aims
to merge existing land laws that deal with
commercial and communal land separately.
* Land acquisitions
The MLR has only been able to acquire 90
commercial farms in the first ten years since
independence.
It anticipated land acquisition and redistribution
of 9.5 million hectares within a five-year period
during the second National Development Plan
period (2000 to 2005). This constitutes 25
percent of the total commercial land.
A recommendation was made that Government
raise its target from 9.5 million hectares to 15
million hectares by 2020. This would translate
into 41 percent of commercial land.
By 2006, the total area of commercial farmland
owned by previously disadvantaged farmers
had risen to 16.1 percent [according to data
provided by the Namibian Agricultural Union
(NAU)].
It was, however, noted that new farmers
received farms with up to 200 percent decrease
in productivity, in other words, the farms hold
three times less stock than before.
In 2006, it was estimated that 240 000 people
are in need of land. What was not made clear
was whether these people need land for
agricultural purposes or for shelter.
By that year, Government has acquired 201
commercial farms, comprising 1 288 238
hectares of land, on which 1 561 families have
been resettled.
The verdict remains out: the process of land
acquisition under the willing-seller/willing-buyer
arrangement is considered as too slow since
sellers decide when to sell, in other words,
when market conditions are favourable. This
has meant that Government did not reach its
Continues from page 12
targets: only 90 000 hectares can be acquired
per year, instead of about 180 000 hectares.
Also in 2006, of the 18 farms that have been
issued with letters of intent for expropriation
purposes, only three have been bought.
In the now infamous Ongombo West saga,
the farm’s legal representatives decided to
have the farm bought through the willing-
seller/willing-buyer arrangement.
This is while the MLR stated that, contrary to
popular believe, it does not appropriate land
without due compensation.
Some commentators held that farms offered
have not been in good condition. These
were reportedly found with dilapidated
infrastructure, on mountainous terrain and
bush encroached landscapes. Or, they said,
many of these farms are in the desert or arid
areas, like farms in the Karas region offered
to potential settlers from northern Namibia.
No farms - or few - were offered in areas
suitable for crop farming.
As far as communal land is concerned,
allocations done by traditional authorities
before the adoption of the Communal Land
Reform Act have not been geographically
described, surveyed, registered or mapped.
This Act requires that all customary rights be
recognised and registered.
A suggestion was made that Government
adopt rural development policies that promote
agrarian reforms to benefit the rural poor.
Deputy Minister of Lands and Resettlement,
Isak Katali, had stated that the ministry has
set a target of freehold land acquisition for 13
the year 2020 to be 4 100 000 hectares at
a price tag of N$1.025 billion. This means a
budget of N$68 333 333 per year.
Katali said the ministry has also targeted for 5
million hectares in non-freehold (communal)
land for development at a cost of N$800
million, or N$53 333 333 per year.
Post-settlement support he set at a total cost
of N$1.402 billion, or N$33 066 667 per year.
All in all, said Katali, the ministry wishes to
see that by the year 2020, a total of 26 727
families have benefited from land reform on
15 300 000 hectares of agricultural land at a
total cost of N$3.723 billion, which translates
into an annual budget of N$248 200 000.
 Government Information Bulletin March 2010

Stanley whisked Nujoma away to freedom

By Rhingo Mutambo

A s Namibia celebrates its 20 years of
independence, Permanent Secretary
Mbeuta Ua-Ndjarakana, Chairperson of the
Information and Publicity Sub-Committee
of the National Inter-Ministerial Organising
Committee for the 20th Independence
Anniversary led a team of public media
to track down the unsung heroes and
heroines who played a pivotal role in the
quest for Namibia’s independence, and
document their stories.
The ground breaking journey was to start with
tracking the footprints of the Founding President
and the Father of the Namibian Nation, Dr. Sam
Nujoma, and patches together the missing links
of the unsympathetic road to Namibia’s freedom
and independence.
The expedition led the discovery to a small but
rich farm called Ohauveve in the Ganzi district
of Botswana, about 40 kilometers from the
Trans-Kalahari Border post, where the man who
transported Sam Nujoma into exile on 1 March
1960 under the instruction of the late Chief
Hosea Kutako, still lives.
A strong and meticulous 82 years old peasant,
businessman and a father of seven, Mr.
Ludwig Kanduketu Stanley, has a very good
recollection of his youth and his contribution to
the Namibian liberation struggle. Stanley was
born to an English father and Herero mother in
Windhoek on 8 January 1928 and grew up in
Ombujomumbonde in the Okakarara district. As
14
a youth, he has witnessed the ill-treatment of
the black people in Namibia.
He said those days were so difficult that two or
more people were not allowed to caucus. “As a
black person you were not allowed to buy white
bread and all your shopping would be done
through the window,” he said. Stanley said his
church, the then Lutheran Evangelical Church
was also very discriminatory against blacks.
The church often collected money which it said
was going to be given to all the elderly people
and vulnerable members of the church, but
the money was only given to the white elderly
people. These and more “cruel activities” of
the then South African colonial regime and
its people, stirred up his hatred against the
“merciless” oppression and apartheid. This
discrimination by the church led to the birth of
the present Oruuano or Protestant Unity Church
of Bishop Asaria Kamburona.
Stanley’s father also supported the Ovaherero
communities by secretly providing them with
rifles to wage war against the Germans. His
great grandfather, the late Chief Kambauruma
fought the Germans at the Ohamakari battle in
August 1904 until his rifle caught fire from the
heat of the ammunition. All these influenced his
participation in the fight against colonialism.
Consequently, he opted to follow his father
at the age of 15, who had left for the British
Bechuanaland protectorate (Botswana) before
returning back to Namibia to
join the Chief Hosea Kutako
Council as a messenger or
transport officer. He later went
back to settle in Botswana in
1964.
people [including Dr. Sam Nujoma] in secret out
of the country,” he said.
The big three: Nujoma, Libertina and
Stanley
Sam Nujoma who used to stay at Swakopmund
then, was being hunted by the apartheid South
African regime for conducting “illegal meetings”
at the time and he escaped to Windhoek.
The late Paramount Chief of the Ovaherero
communities, Mr. Clemens Mutuurunge Kapuuo,
had already sent the message to Chief Kutako
that “an important person was coming” through
the Karuaihe family to Gobabis. Chief Kutako
arrived in Gobabis from Aminius to bless
Nujoma’s way.
At that time the South West Africa Police had an
inkling that Nujoma was spotted in Windhoek and
Gobabis and they were looking for him. Stanley
was also being hunted as one of the suspected
persons who would know the whereabouts of
Nujoma.
Stanley says, Nujoma was received by Mr.
Hijakati Katjiuanjo and others in Gobabis, since
he was still at work. At that time he had never
met Nujoma in person but had heard about his
daring activities and that the police were after
him. To protect him, Nujoma was hidden in a
house for three days, where the wife of Reverend
Assaria Kamburona, delivered a baby boy, a
former Member of Parliament Rudolf Hijonganda
Kamburona. In the OvaHerero tradition no one
is allowed to enter the house where a woman is

While in Namibia, Stanley

contributed to the Namibian
liberation struggle by putting
his Chevrolet at the disposal
of the Chief Council free of
charge. “I met so many people
at night and I dropped them off
at night. Some do remember
me, some don’t, and I was
Mr. Lugwig Kanduketu Stanley flanked by his wife Ms. Claudia Stanley never intercepted in carrying
(Front row: 3rd from left) and their daughter Elizabeth Stanley and
grandchildren, Namibia’s High Commissioner to Botswana. H.E. Hadino out my responsibilities,” he
Hishongwa (3rd from right), Botswana’s High Commissioner to Namibia, recalled while smiling.
H.E. Mr. Duke Lefhoko (center), Information and Communication
“I was a hardworking and
Technology Permanent Secretary, Mbeuta Ua-Ndjarakana (far right),
Charles Hill Traditional Chief, Mr. Mbao Kahiiko (Front row: 2nd from trusted person under the Chief
left), Charles Hill District Commissioner Mr. Leoto Porati (Back row: 2nd and was later assigned with the
from left), standing at the Ounongo river where Stanley alighted Dr. Sam
Nujoma into exile in the early morning hours of 1 March 1960. responsibility of transporting Mr. Lugwig Kanduketu Stanley in his early30s.
Continues on page 15

Stanley whisked Nujoma away to freedom
in accouchement or in childbirth.
Hence, Chief Hosea Kutako has instructed
a young Stanley to whisk Nujoma overnight
into Botswana in the early morning hours of 1
March 1960, which he wholeheartedly did.
They drove up to few kilometres towards the
former Namibia-Botswana border post, and
had to switch off the lights and drive without
them so that the border post personnel would
not see them.
Before they reached the border post they
stopped, hid the car in the bush far from
the road and walked. It was raining and the
Kalahari sands had soaked enough water.
Nujoma was alighted at the Ounongo River
about five kilometres away from the former
Namibia-Botswana border post and had to
find his way through the gloomy dark of the
rain and a thick acacia forest through Charles
Hill town, to the late Mr. Richard Raahua
Kanguaiko’s homestead at Otjomatemba with
a map he has drawn for him.
At some point “Nujoma’s shoe got stuck so
deep in the mud, they had to dig in the mud to
locate it,” before they could proceed, recalled
Stanley. Since going back to Namibia in the day
light would mean risk for Stanley, he chose to
only escort Nujoma into Botswana. Charles Hill
was the first entry for Nujoma into exile. “In
my quiet moments I pat myself on the back
that Namibia is free and the person I have
transported in this country would become the
first president of an independent Namibia,” he
bragged.
The Kanguaiko family then handed him to
the late Loise Opperman Kavezeri and Daniel
Munamava in Maun who then helped him to
cross the borders of the British Bechuanaland
protectorate into the then Southern Rhodesia
(Zimbabwe) in 1960 from where he proceeded
to Tanganyika, Kenya, Sudan, Liberia and
Mr. Stanley next to his 1957 Chevrolet.
Government Information Bulletin March 2010
finally reached the USA. Late Loise Opperman
Kavezeri is the mother to the late PLAN
commander Hanganee Katjipuka Kavezeri.
Stanley also transported the Deputy Prime
Minister Dr. Libertina Amathila, into exile among
others. “Libertina was an attractive little girl with
a mini skirt and very long nice hair when she
came to my house,” he said. He kept her at his
house in Gobabis before transporting her under
a pretext that her parents had just died in Maun
[Botswana].
He, however, had to cut her hair, to avoid the risk
of attracting attention and being interrogated.
Stanley had met Nujoma and Libertina for the
first time after independence in 1994. “It was
a great feeling when we met. He invited all
Ministers to come and see me,” he said. He
is expected to participate in the celebration
of Namibia’s 20th Independence Anniversary
celebration on 21 March 2010 for the first time.
History making Chevy
Stanley’s classic Chevrolet pickup, which is a near
wreck parked under a tree, used to transport the
people who would become high ranking leaders
in Namibia. He bought this vehicle in 1957 at a
cost of 70 Pounds from an English car dealer
called Eschorn in Gobabis.
“Hosea Kutako travelled in this Chevrolet,
Nujoma travelled in this Chevrolet, Libertina
and many others travelled in this Chevrolet,” he
proudly spoke of his historical Chevrolet while
pointing at the worn-out front left seat where
Sam Nujoma sat. “This is Nujoma’s seat”, he
murmured.
The 57 Chevy pickup as it affectionately used to
be called, is not only well kept, painted cream
and stationed on the drums under a big shady
tree, but has now become treasure that the
Namibian government can consider to acquire
and erect between the Namibia-Botswana border
posts as a national memorial shrine for tourists
and future historians to visit in their quest for a
deeper understanding of Namibia’s journey to
independence.
“This is like a memory wall picture for me, and
it was ready all the time” he reluctantly said as
he admired it once more with a walk around it
showing a rusted pump here and spade there,
all affixed to the car, in case of emergencies.
“This vehicle must be recognised for our
history. You are no longer a man of your
own, your vehicle is ours and you owe us
a very important history. Do not deny the
people of Botswana and Namibia your history,”
Continues from page 14
pleaded the Namibian High Commissioner to
Botswana. H.E. Hadino Hishongwa. He was
part of the delegation that undertook to track
down people who through noble gestures
contributed to Namibia’s independence.
Hishongwa further said now was the time to
tell the people of Namibia and the world that
we did not fight alone. “A hearsay history is
not a correct history,” he stressed.
The Botswana High Commissioner to Namibia
H.E. Duke Lefhoko emphasised that the
heroic gift of the Chevrolet to the two nations
must be reciprocated financially or with other
necessities.
Namibia-Botswana relations
The relationship between Namibia and
Botswana dates back beyond the dark days of
German-Ovaheroro upraising and when South
Africa wanted to annex Namibia. It was during
these difficult times when the Botswana Chief
Muremi and Chief Kahimemua Nguvauva
exchanged a dog and a cow between 1700
to 1800. Chiefs Tshekedi Khama and others
also petitioned the United Nations against
Namibia’s annexation to South Africa and later
facilitated Reverend Michael Scott’s contact
with Chief Hosea Kutako.
“There is no difference between Batswana and
Namibians apart from following procedures
and laws in place,” said Hishongwa, who
was part of the expedition that continued to
Sehitwa, Maun, Mahalapye, Francistown and
Gaborone.
“When we wanted to petition the United
Nations, it was the Batswana Chiefs who found
us Reverend Michael Scott to draft our letters.
When Namibia got its independence the first
president to visit Namibia was the former
15
Botswana President H.E. Ketumire Masire,
a signal that Botswana was the first country
to recognise Namibia as an independent
sovereign state,” said Hishongwa. Hundreds
of thousands of Namibians fled the country on
horse back, donkey carts and other modes of
transport through Botswana.
There were no refugees at that time in Charles
Hill but one wonders how the Batswana people
kept the Namibians. Hishongwa further said
Botswana and its people are poor, but they
always shared the little they have, including
their assistance during the devastating efundja
(floods) two years back in the northern part of
Namibia.
 Government Information Bulletin March 2010
Education for a new Namibia
The budget for education has escalated from around N$600 million in the first year after independence to a whopping N$5 billion. But are the dividends
satisfactory?
B y 1990, the new government was
faced with the mammoth task of
transforming Namibia’s ethnically and
socially fragmented education system.
Up until that time, education was characterised
by major disparities in terms of the distribution
of educational opportunities and facilities among
different sections of the Namibian community.
The provision of education and training was
skewed in racial and regional terms.
Importantly also, there was a serious deficit
of professionally trained people to take on
the necessary task to change the country’s
economic structure.
Government’s response was to make educational
reform one of its priority areas in a bid to
improve the quality and output of learners at
all levels.
An initial publication, ‘Towards a unified
education system’ considered resource
distribution, equal learning opportunities, new
teaching methods, a new language policy, and
curriculum changes.
In the first year of independence, the Ministry
of Education set itself five goals: to provide
16
Education is one of Government’s priority areas
By Catherine Sasman
improved and equitable access to education -
with a particular emphasis to increase enrolment
at primary level; to improve the quality in the
education system; to enhance democratic
participation in the system; to improve the
efficiency of the system; and to promote life-
long learning.
The first ministry in charge of education had a
broad mandate - for education, culture, youth
and sport.
Notwithstanding, it brought about organisational
change to education with the ministry at the
apex of the change and the teacher at classroom
level to give effect to the new impetus.
The process was not always smooth sailing,
commented architect of the Namibian education
sector, Prime Minister Nahas Angula, who was
the longest standing minister in this portfolio.
Resistance came primarily from the erstwhile
white education administrators; the setting was
“polluted by apartheid”, according to Angula.
“It was not that people did not want to accept
the new order; people still did not communicate
with each other,” said Angula.
Moreover, the unification of the education
system in some circles meant the lowering of
standards.
“But we argued that the standard of education
was determined by the size of the classroom,
the availability of classrooms and resources,
and so on,” he added.
For the first five years, the matriculation system
was still in place with textbooks remaining the
same. But the new people in charge were
anxious for the transformation to take shape.
This resulted in a demonstration in Ongwediva
by teachers who had been teaching in exile.
Under the newly phased-in dispensation, there
was a radical departure from the old Cape
Education System to the Cambridge system.
The method of instruction changed from a
teacher-centered focus to a learner-centered
one, a move away from rote learning to problem
solving.
According to protagonists of this method of
education, learners become the centre of
the educational enterprise; they are active
participants in education, critical and analytical
thinking is promoted, and learners are
encouraged to take responsibility for their
own learning.
Also, the junior secondary level was
introduced with English as the medium of
instruction.
In 1995, the education ministry split into
two. This ministry has subsequently been
consolidated again, but Angula claimed
that this split has “caused problems and
created its own dynamics” because the
basic education sector was not reformed
but merely administered during that time.
A review of the education system was done
in 2003, a process triggered by research
findings that suggested that Namibia’s
educational outputs compared badly with
its southern African neighbours.
Namibian learners fared badly particularly
in literacy and Mathematics. A subsequent
study by the World Bank on education
in Namibia in relation to the economy,
Continues on page 17

Education for a new Namibia
employment and technology found a myriad
of problem areas: from insufficient time spent
on actual teaching in the classroom, to weak
school management, the unavailability of
school textbooks and still unequal resourcing
of schools.
This was despite the escalation in the
education budget - from N$600 million in
1990 to around the current N$5 billion.
From the start, much emphasis was given to
increase enrolment at primary level. Learner
enrolment did increase dramatically. Access to
both primary and secondary level has grown.
For example, enrolment has increased from
384 445 in 1990 to 497 418 in 1998. This
represents a growth of 2.5 percent annually
and 30 percent growth rate overall.
A worrisome trend emerging, though, was
that enrolment at lower levels of educational
attainment was that about 54 percent of the
population received only primary education
during that period.
Another concern was that primary education
did not closely link up to the world of work.
Furthermore, it was estimated that on an
annual basis about 3000 of the 10 000 or
12 000 fulltime Grade 12 leavers do not find
employment or a place for further study.
An alarming projection was that Namibia this
year - 2010 - would have produced over 200
000 persons who have completed - or partially
completed - secondary education who will not
Primary school learners listening attentively to their teacher
Government Information Bulletin March 2010
find gainful employment.
Another area of concern is the large numbers
of Grade 10s who fail to continue onto the next
levels, Grade 11 and 12.
This remains a political and social conundrum,
with a growing clamour from parents and other
stakeholders that the Grade 10 fallouts are
returned to the formal school system until they
have completed their secondary education.
But a recent survey of the effects of Grade
10 repeaters last year in the Khomas Region
pointed to the fact that these repeaters caused
a weaker overall performance rate at that level.
Also, pundits are at one that repeaters put an
unnecessary strain on already thinly stretched
resources, while there is no guarantee that a
repeat will lead to improved results.
Those who had failed Grade 10 are given the
opportunity to continue their studies through
NAMCOL or to enter vocational training, which
is now strengthened by the Namibian Training
Authority (NTA).
The review process brought in the Education
and Training Sector Improvement Programme
(ETSIP) introduced in 2005.
ETSIP was developed in collaboration
with a number of bilateral and multilateral
governments, donors and partners. It aims
to improve the competency and knowledge
of learners by supporting new and innovative
methods of learning in addition to the more
traditional approaches. It also aims to improve
Continues from page 16
physical infrastructure for learning and
teaching in schools, regional study and
resource centres and community based skills
development centres.
ETSIP represents the education and training
sector’s response to Vision 2030, that is to
substantially enhance the sector’s contribution
to the attainment of strategic national
development goals and to facilitate the
transition to a knowledge based economy.
In the immediate future it is envisaged that it
will improve the quality, range and threshold of
skilled labour required to improve knowledge-
driven productivity growth, and so contribute
to economic growth.
It is reported that ETSIP will contribute
directly to equitable social development by
addressing sector weaknesses like low quality
and effectiveness as evidenced in low student
learning outcomes; low efficiency in the use
of available resources; persisting inequalities
in the distribution of education input and
outcomes; low capacity for knowledge creation
and application; and doubtful development
and market relevance.
The first phase of ETSIP will focus on
strengthening the immediate supply of middle
to high-level skilled labour.
ETSIP was developed into three five-year
cycles, with the first cycle spanning 2006/07
to 2010/11. This has now expanded to 2013.
It is considered a comprehensive programme
that covers early childhood development and
pre-primary education, general education,
vocational training, tertiary education,
knowledge and innovation, and adult and 17
lifelong learning.
Similarly, the education system has been
decentralised with regional offices taking on
more control of what happens at schools
under their jurisdiction.
For Angula, changes in the education system
are evidenced from the changing urban-rural/
northern-southern dichotomy.
Now, for the last consecutive years, northern
schools that have usually performed poorly
are increasingly considered as the better
performing schools in the country. Also,
schools in urban areas are now less the schools
of choice - because of poorer performances.
 Government Information Bulletin March 2010

Fisheries sector made great strides in 20

years
By John Ekongo

I t is a N$4 billion industry, its exports

account for nearly 20% of the
Namibian economy, it employs a 14 000
strong permanent workforce directly
benefiting countless of households. Since
independence N$8 billion have been
invested in the construction of factories
translating into 25 new factories and there
are currently 155 right holders with only
2 being owned by non Namibians. But the
Namibian fisheries and marine resources
landscape has not always been this rosy.
Quite the contrary, the story of success
of this heavily capital reliant industry is a
fairytale worth telling, one that has made
it into a success story world over, thanks
to robust and meticulous planning,
steadfast conservationism and policy
implementation under the custodianship
of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine
Resources.
Background
Twenty years ago, with Namibia’s independence,
its then 12 nautical miles was a haven of over
fishing and plundering with no regulations
to control the outpour of valuable marine
resources, leaving the oceans to pirate and
unscrupulous operators to pillage fish stocks
to its extreme. Namibia’s marine resources was
at an all time low, and drastic measures
needed to be taken to rapidly revitalise the
ailing industry.
of marine use conflicts.
The convention is the supreme international law
of the sea, setting the basic principles that guide
state parties in the development of legislation
of marine related activities, and a number of
laws being administered by the ministries were
crafted based on this principle.
Prior to Independence, Namibia’s jurisdiction
only extend to a territorial 12 nautical miles.
With the enactment of Territorial Sea and
Exclusive Economic Zone, Act no 3 of 1990, this
extend Namibia’s territorial taking to a new 200
nautical miles zone.
Other important documents, which the
ministry designed, based on the basic principle
enunciated in the convention are the Namibian
Marine Resource Policy of 2004, the Marine
Resources Act of 2000, and the Marine
Resources Regulations of 2001. Together with a
Fisheries Policy adopted in 1992, these guiding
documents went on to become the pillar of
regulation of fisheries and marine related
activities in the country.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources
is tasked with the overall protection of the
fisheries resources, while it is also responsible
for the rebuilding of the fisheries stock and
building a totally integrated Namibian fisheries
industry through an indigenous programme
titled by the Ministry “the Namibianisation”
process - in simple terms a deliberate policy
adopted by the ministry to rope in previously
disadvantaged and excluded black Namibians
into the industry.
Human capacity training
But the control and regulation of this industry
meant that Government had to be proactive
and human capacity was needed. A training
programme was to be put in place, meaning
that the Ministry had to embark on a training
and empowerment programme for scientists,
marine biologists and other relevant fields
needed to monitor and control the 200 nautical
miles EEZ.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources
is now the leading ministry with its internal
training capacity paying dividends, with no
less than 30 professional with MA degrees, five
Doctorate degree holders, 11 with Bachelor
of Science degrees, 19 with diplomas and 10
with certificates, making it truly a Government
department committed to excellence.
Namibianisation policy – what is it.
Government’s acknowledgement that the

For this Government had to move fast and

18 cometh the birth of the Ministry of Fisheries

and Marine Resources in 1990. Soon
after that Government, through an act of
Parliament, established its 200 nautical
miles Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

In terms of legislation, Namibia became a

signatory to the United Nations Convention
on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on
March 18, 1983, when the United Nations
Council for Namibia signed and ratified the
Convention on behalf of the country. UNCLOS
provides an international legal framework
that enhances the peaceful use of the seas
and oceans, the sustainable utilisation
of their resources, the conservation and
management of living marine resources,
the protection and preservation of the
marine environment, and the minimisation Fishing boats in the Luderitz harbour
Continues on page 19

Fisheries sector made great strides in 20 years
fisheries industry was an exclusive haven for
mostly foreign owned companies or the few
heavily capital induced individuals, forced
authorities to roping in indigenous Namibians
in the fold. This policy was to become the
Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment
(BBBEE) of the Ministry of Fisheries and
Marine Resources.
This policy was to be phased in stages, as
it should not be to the detriment of the
industry. Although greeted with suspicion and
ridicule by established players in the industry,
the policy was viewed as a recipe for disaster.
Established players had to engage otherwise
non- experienced or tested players all in the
name of Namibianisation.
Criticism were ill conceived, fears were about
personal greed and vanity, as some applicants
argue that Namibians had no experience
to handle the demands of the industry, but
Government was forced to go ahead with the
process.
Namibianisation seeks to pair Namibian
companies with those in the industry for
empowerment purposes. Fourteen years
later, more than ten companies were in the
hands of indigenous Namibians.
Aquaculture and Inland fisheries
Another key innovation of the Ministry was
the establishment of aquaculture driven
projects. Guided by an act, strategic plan
and policy, aquaculture searches to develop
the sector in the country. Today aquaculture
farms are situated in the Kavango, Caprivi,
Hardap and Omaheke regions. Government’s
resolve for this sector is to ensure income for
rural communities, as well as the promotion
of the sector. It is hoped that by popularising
Fish harvesting at Kasovo in the Kavango region
Government Information Bulletin March 2010
the concept, Namibians will resort to eat fish
more often while discarding the expensive meat
eating habits, thus in the end living a healthier
lifestyle.
Also, cooperatives that worked at these fish
farms in 2008 got N$2 million in dividends paid
out amongst the members of the cooperative.
Some of the fish farms in Government
possession are the Onavivi Aquaculture Centre,
Epalela Fish Farm, Kamutjonga Inland Fisheries
Institute, and the Leonardville Fish Farm.
Despite only coming to Namibia at the turn of
the century, the Fisheries Ministry has made
great strides in the aquaculture sector.
The journey so far- twenty years down
the road.
Today in the sub-region Namibia ranks second
in terms of fisheries product export after
South Africa and is ranked among the top
ten fisheries product and marine exports in
the world. Spain continues to be the biggest
importer of Namibian fish products accounting
for nearly 73 percent of the 600 000 metric
tons of fish harvested annually from our ocean.
Italy, Netherlands, Germany, France, United
States, Australia and Japan are also importers
of Namibian fish stocks.
Only commercially exploited since 1994,
Namibian fish species are sought after abroad
with, Namibian hake and horse mackerel being
the biggest export earners. Other species
are orange roughy, angel fish, monk, tuna,
pilchards, john dory, seaweed anchovy, kob,
kabeljou, kingklip, redeye, snoek, sole, jacop
fever and barbell.
But scientist says that Namibia rich Benguela
current system fishing, Marine and Fisheries
scientists say that the Namibian shores have over
A fish farm in the South. Aquaculture has taken Namibia by storm
Continues from page 18
500 species with export potential although
only 20 species are commercially exploited
and out of this eight species are regulated
by means of total allowable catches. For this,
the Ministry says that it is on a regular basis
conducting on-shore research with the intent
to increase commercial exploited species in
the ocean.
Challenges ahead
The fisheries industry in Namibia has
been heavily product oriented since the
commercialisation process started in earnest.
Calls from the Ministry are that they need a
diversification of market to ensure optimal
sales of its product. Namibia relies heavily
on Spain who is the main importer of our
products and this puts Namibia in a precarious
position – as market fluctuations might vary
form time to time.
Another problem identified is the lack of
value addition, fisheries states are moving
towards this trend as value addition provides
stability and this has significant spin-off to
benefit support of sectors such as packaging,
ancillary services and other role players in
the marine industry.
Says Dr Abraham Iyambo, the Minister of
Fisheries and Marine Resources, Namibia
needs to diversify its markets and product
development to achieve more flexibility and
stability as prices of value added products
tend to be less variable compared to
commodity prices.
“There is a need for the industry to be more
involved and more market oriented while
getting more engaged in the value chain by
producing value added products.
19
 Government Information Bulletin March 2010
Infrastructure to boost economic growth
Namibia’s Vision 2030 intends economic growth from a lower income country to a high-income country. This is inextricably linked to the state of the
country’s infrastructure.
F ocused attention was given to
the development of Namibia’s
infrastructure, although at independence,
the country boasted with a relatively
robust system although it manifested
regional imbalances – especially of roads
and railway.
Government’s objective is to increase citizen’s
access to electricity, water and housing.
Similarly, it wants to expand the provision of
electricity to rural and urban areas, to increase
access to telecommunications, and to provide
rural and urban areas with a reliable and highly
developed transport system.
Transport infrastructure
Immediately after 1990 the transport sector was
regulated in terms of the Road Transportation
Act of 1977. This caused a domination by a few
large operators, thus stifling competition.
Similarly, the railway system was suppressed
because it had to carry the cost of its
infrastructure. The market share of rail had
significantly declined.
In 1995, the Ministry of Works and Transport
and Communication launched its MWTC2000
project, designed to restructure the transport
sector. Initially, the project covered road and
civil aviation only, but it was later decided to
include maritime affairs.
20 This project resulted in the establishment of the
Department of Transport, the Namibia Airports
Company (which started its operations in 1999),
Workers busy with the construction of the northern railway extension project
By Catherine Sasman
and the Roads Authority and Roads Contractor
Company that started in 2000.
• Roads
Since independence, substantial developments
took place in this sector. One major development
was the establishment of transport corridors –
the Trans-Caprivi and Trans-Kalahari Highways.
Also, the construction of new roads into
previously neglected areas has been engaged
in. Today, Namibia has a road infrastructure
spanning 44 000 kilometers, of which 6 000
kilometers are tarred. The rest consist of gravel,
salt and earth roads. And 4 000 kilometers
make up urban roads and streets.
“We are doing much better than we had
expected,” commented Audrin Mathe, Manager
of Corporate Communications of the Roads
Authority (RA).
Although the cost of building of new roads
is prohibitive – N$4 million for one kilometer,
Namibia has nonetheless exceeded its targets.
So, for example, during the Namibia Development
Plan 2 period (2001/02 to 2005/6), the target
to complete 240 kilometers of tarred road was
exceeded by 121 percent.
However, a target to rehabilitate 1500
kilometers of paved road was not: only 36%
was completed.
Notwithstanding the development of roads in
areas where there were previously none, or in
This train derailed at Brakwater at the start of January this year. It was established
that the accident occurred due to the antiquated state of much of the country’s rail
insufficient supply, the challenge is the upkeep
of the existing roads.
In 2008, the existing network was in “significant
deterioration” with a huge maintenance
backlog.
This is ascribed to insufficient funding allocated
to maintenance, rehabilitation and upgrading of
the road network.
“There has never been a year that we got the
funding we have requested,” said Mathe.
The RA’s budget last year was N$455 million
instead of the requested N$700 million.
The RA stated that 73% (then consisting of 4
141 kilometers) of the paved roads were older
than 20 years.
And although Namibia is renowned for
maintaining one of the best gravel road
networks in the world, recent assessments
were that almost 30% could be considered as
poor to very poor.
Two years ago, it was estimated that 19% of
the surfaced roads will reach the end of their
remaining life within a five-year period.
It was estimated that around N$13.5 billion
would be required to replace the top layers and
bituminous surfacing of tarred roads.
Mathe said an amount of N$60 million per annum
is required to fix potholes and damages.
network.
Continues on page 21

Infrastructure to boost economic growth
Recent unprecedented heavy rainfall and
flooding have caused considerable damage to
roads especially in the Caprivi, Oshana and
Omusati regions.
But there are notable developments. A governance of the British Islands.
stretch of 160 kilometers of the road between
Rundu and Elundu (of 360 kilometers) has
been completed. A further 200 kilometers will
be done by 2011.
Another project in the pipeline is the road
from Gobabis to Grootfontein, linking the two
road corridors.
Upgrades are done on the Rosh Pinah/Aus
road, on the Okahandja/Karibib road, and
the Keetmanshoop/Walvis Bay road, amongst
others. A future strategy is to increase the
road network by 50 kilometers per year.
• Railway
The first railway in Namibia was built in 1895.
It was a small line at Cape Cross primarily
established for the transport of guano.
Until 1897, ox wagons were used as the main
mode of transport, but thousands of oxen died
with the outbreak of rinderpest that year.
This propelled the first major State rail
development. This was a line between
Swakopmund and Windhoek established in
1897 to 1902.
An estimated N$13.5 billion would be required to replace the top layers and bituminous surfacing of tarred
roads in Namibia
Government Information Bulletin March 2010
According to Konrad Schüllenback, curator
at the TransNamib Museum, this line was a
narrow gauge line of about 600 millimeters
wide. This line was used primarily for transport
of goods from Swakopmund, Namibia’s port at
that time, since Walvis Bay was then under the
From 1903 to 1906 the Otavi Mining and
Railway Company built the Swakopmund-
Tsumeb railway to transport copper.
The line from Lüderitz to Keetmanshoop,
and later Seeheim to Kalkfontein Süd (now
Karasburg) was established in 1905. And in
1910 to 1912, the Windhoek-Keetmanshoop
connection was done.
After World War II, the Union of South Africa
took over the administration of the then South
West Africa. The new administration then built
a rail extension from Prieska in South Africa to
Karasburg, as well as a line along the shoreline
from Walvis Bay to Swakopmund.
From 1920 to 1930, the line between Windhoek
and Walvis Bay was built, and from 1958 to
1960, the line from Usakos to Tsumeb was
rebuilt.
The only major rail development since 1990
was the development of the northern railway
extension project. It links up with the Namib/
Walvis Bay corridor, and is envisaged to provide
a vital link to strategic centers of production
and industry in northern Namibia.
Continues from page 20
Robert Kalomho, Director of Railway Affairs at
the Ministry of Works and Transport, said 60
kilometers of the 246 kilometer-long line has
been completed. This project is estimated at
N$850 million.
Another major development since
independence is the railway line between Aus
and Lüderitz. Here, 70% of the 140 kilometers
have been completed.
This line, said Kalomho, is being rehabilitated
because it was antiquated and often
submerged under desert sand.
The initial costing of this project was N$400
million, but Kalomho said it will likely cost in
the region of N$700 million. This is largely
due to unforeseen difficulties with relatively
shallow underground water levels.
Today, Namibia’s rail system stretches over 2
628 kilometers with Kranzberg near Usakos as
the center.
Only TransNamib operates on the national
railways; it is not charged by the ministry, but
it is held responsible for the management and
maintenance of the rail network.
TransNamib has now embarked on a project
to replace steel sleepers with concrete ones.
A contract is being concluded with an Indian
company to build a factory in Tsumeb to
manufacture the new sleepers.
In 2008/09, TransNamib commissioned
an ultrasonic testing of the railway line to
determine cracks in the steel. Broken rails
were repaired.
Although the rail system is vital to Namibia’s
transport needs, there has been a marked
decrease in passenger rail travel. And 21
passenger services have been stopped at some
sections because of safety considerations.
The passenger train between Windhoek and
Gobabis has been stopped due to economic
considerations.
A feasibility study is underway to consider a
rail connection with Zambia. This planned line
will branch into the direction of Cape Angra in
the Kunene region.
Another study is being done that looks at a
connection with Botswana along the Trans-
Kalahari corridor.
“[The availability of] money will dictate if we
can expand the rail,” commented Kalomho.
 Government Information Bulletin March 2010
Tourists are flocking to Namibia since
independence
D ue to Namibia’s unique landscape,
rich cultural diversity and efficient
service providers, the country is
increasingly becoming the favoured
destination for many regional and
overseas tourists.
Trends in tourism statistics two decades ago
point to a bright future for the tourism industry
in Namibia.
Chief Executive Officer of the Namibia
Tourism Board (NTB) Digu //Naobeb made
these remarks during a recent interview on
the country’s achievements and challenges
experienced during the past two decades.
The tourism industry is one of the major
contributing sectors to Namibia’s Gross
Domestic Product (GDP), the second largest
contributor after mining.
The number of foreign arrivals in Namibia has
quadrupled in the past two decades.
According to the annual report of the Namibia
Tourism Board, in 2007, international tourist
arrivals grew by 11,4 per cent to reach a
new record figure of 928,912, a move that
is described by the Minister of Environment
and Tourism Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as an
astonishing achievement, given that in 1993,
just after independence, total arrivals stood at
only 254 978.
22
A total of 1 244 accommodation
establishments were in operation in 2007,
of which 133 were newly opened for
business, and a further 1 220 regulated
businesses were registered, bringing the
total tourism businesses registered with
the NTB by the end of March 2008 to 2
962.
“It is phenomenal that the tourism industry
achieved this growth without many tax or
investment incentives being offered by the
government, as has been done by other
competitor destinations,” Nandi-Ndaitwah
said, while //Naobeb said proudly: “We
are working hard to be the number one
contributor to the GDP.”
The NTB is the only legal tourism authority
By Maggy Thomas
in Namibia mandated by the government to
regulate the tourism industry.
//Naobeb indicated that since Namibia’s
independence, the tourism industry was not
separated from the National Accounts except
for hotels and restaurants. Therefore, it was
difficult to measure the economic contribution
of the tourism industry to the economy until
2006 when they published the Tourism Satellite
Account (TSA), which is an extension of the
National Accounts, and it showed that the
tourism industry contributed 14, 2 per cent to
the GDP in 2006.
In the harsh economic conditions prevailing
worldwide currently, the industry in 2007
registered an impressive growth of 11 per cent
in tourist arrival statistics.
“It was forecasted that the contribution
will increase by 9,3% in 2008 and 2009
respectively,” //Naobeb indicated further.
He said the increase in tourist arrival statistics
since 1996 to 2007, with exception of 2003,
is a good indication that the sector is indeed
growing.
The priority area to stimulate the influx of
tourists to Namibia is that the industry should
put emphasis on quality and efficient delivery
of service to visitors. That is called “customer
A view of the amazing Fish River Canyon near Ai-Ais
care,” //Noabeb stated further. Tourists who
visited Namibia in 1996 were 461 310, and in
1997, the number amounted to 502 012, while
in 1998, 614 368 tourists entered the country.
In 2001, the number increased to 670 497,
while in 2002, the tourists who visited Namibia
amounted to 757 201, but in 2003, the country
experienced a decrease of 9 per cent compared
to 2002.
Only 695 221 tourists visited Namibia in 2003.
“The decrease was registered due to the then
political instability in the Kavango region, where
three French-speaking tourists were killed by
UNITA bandits,” he added further.
In 2005, the number picked up again up to 777
890, while in 2006, 833 345 foreign tourists
crossed into Namibia.
The number increased in 2007 when 928 912
tourists visited Namibia, and an estimated 1,2
million visitors entered Namibia in 2008.
The statistics for 2008 and 2009 are not yet
released, he said, adding that the number is
also estimated to have decreased between
five per cent and 10 per cent in 2009, due
to the harsh economic conditions prevailing
worldwide.
//Naobeb said the worldwide economic down
Continues on page 23
 Government Information Bulletin March 2010

Tourists are flocking to Namibia since independence Continues from page 22

called a conservancy.

“The conservancy approach has also proven

valuable as a conservation strategy, as can
be seen by the increase in wildlife in many of
the country’s communal areas,” he said.

It has also been effective as a rural

development strategy, generating income for
local communities, bringing new jobs, and
providing new skills and expertise.

By the end of 2008, a total of 53 communal

conservancies had been registered, and
together, these conservancies manage more
than 12,2 million hectares of communal
land and about 224 000 people live in the
conservancies.

Namibia’s lodges are of a high standard An additional 23 emerging conservancies are

in the process of fulfilling requirements to
turn in 2009 was one of the major challenges, kit which differentiates us from the rest of our apply for legal recognition as conservancies.
just like in other sectors, that is why it is competitors, however, naturally we have a blue One of the main lessons from the Namibian
estimated that there is a decrease in the sky, wide open spaces and beautiful scenery on Conservancy Programme is that devolving
arrival of tourists in Namibia in 2009. which we capitalise to position ourselves.” authority over wildlife and tourism to local
communities can work in practice.
“Last year, visitors opted not to go for luxury Meanwhile, the creation of Namibia’s communal
commodities,” he explained. conservancies was also described as one of the The conservancies, ranging from
milestones in the tourism sector. miscellaneous, premium hunting, crafts,
Despite the harsh economic conditions, the shoot and sell, campsites, veld products, own-
number of people employed in the sector, Chief Development
however, increased to 75 000 people this Planner in the Ministry
year, and the industry recorded major capital of Environment and
investments. Tourism, Merrow
Thaniseb said
//Noabeb indicated that Germany still remain since the creation
the country’s tourist market, due to the long of communal
history between the two peoples, the German conservancies, many
historical buildings and architecture in the local communities
coastal towns of the country and the German have used legal

23
community living in Namibia. provision to manage
their own wildlife and
In addition, he said, Benelux and Scandinavian tourism activities,
countries, Canada and the United States of and communal area
America are the emerging markets. conservancies are
now found in nearly
This year, the tourism sector, especially all regions of the
accommodation establishments are set to country.
benefit from the much-awaited 2010 Soccer
World Cup to take place in South Africa this The Ministry of
year,” he stated. Environment and
Tourism introduced
He added: “We anticipate to benefit either legislation in 1996 to
from South Africans who do not want give conditional use
overcrowding, therefore, looking for space in rights over wildlife
Namibia or some teams which may come to to communities in
train in Namibia.” communal areas
that formed a The quiver-tree is one of the indigenous plants found in southern Namibia
“Namibia has already developed a branding management unit Continues on page 24
 Government Information Bulletin March 2010
Tourists are flocking to Namibia since independence
use-game, game meat distribution, trophy
hunting to joint venture tourism generate
more than N$30 million per annum.
Another achievement in the tourism industry
was the formation of Namibia Wildlife Resorts
(NWR), which was established in 1998 with
the aim to allow the tourism arm of the
government to function in a semi-independent
manner, based on sound business principles,
with the aim of becoming competitive within
the tourism sector and becoming profitable.
The NWR manages a total of 23 rest camps
and campsites throughout Namibia.
These include Okaukuejo, Halali, Namutoni,
Onkoshi Camp, Waterberg, Sossus Dune
Lodge, Sesriem, Naukluft, Ai-Ais, Hobas, Daan
Viljoen, Terrace Bay, Torra Bay, Jakkalsputz,
Mile 108, Mile 14, Mile 72, Duwisib, Khorixas,
Gross Barmen, Hardap, Popa Falls, Shark
Island and Von Bach.
Environment Minister Nandi-Ndaitwah said
the NWR has experienced a roller-coaster ride
of failures and successes, ups and downs,
with a number of changes in management
and its board, and numerous challenges.
At the time of its creation, the tourism industry
was crying out for change, as it perceived the
detrimental impact of the rapidly dilapidating
infrastructure and primarily absent customer
service at prime tourist destinations.
Service and infrastructure deteriorated to
such an extent that some of the facilities
failed to meet the minimum standards for
registration with the Namibia Tourism Board,
and the NWR received ultimatums from NTB
24 to avoid closure of the resorts.
The company reached an all time low in
September 2005, when it had reached the
limit of all its credit and overdraft facilities,
and was unable to pay salaries on time.
Following the appointment of the current
Managing Director Tobie Aupindi that took
effect at the end of 2006, Cabinet approved
the business plan and turnaround strategy
for NWR and the capitalisation of the
company that heralded the beginning of a
new phase of rehabilitation, re-engineering
and reconstruction of the NWR.
The government pumped in N$80 million
towards the turnaround strategy of the NWR.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said the capital investment
by the shareholder into the NWR is a clear
testimony of the importance that government
is attaching to the tourism industry.
“The turnaround strategy clearly defined the
vision, mission and goals for the company
over the following three years, providing an
integrated approach to achieve success,” she
said.
“As we stand here today, the NWR has
already brought a number of its facilities to
international tourism standards, both in terms
of infrastructure and service delivery,” she
said, adding that the company has started to
diversify its product range to also offer a more
exclusive and natural product.
Meanwhile, NWR’s Pauline Lindique said
dramatic improvements in the facilities that
received financing through the government
guarantee, such as Okaukuejo, Halali,
Namutoni and Waterberg camps now stand
tall amongst other tourism establishments and
make Namibia proud.
The redeveloped facilities have been well
received in the tourism market.
The development of two entirely new eco-
friendly camps was embarked upon and the
Sossus Dune Lodge in the Namib-Naukluft
Park opened in July 2008, while the Onkoshi
Camp in the Etosha National Park also opened
in 2008.
“Created from scratch in the most
environmentally-sensitive manner, both these
facilities have quickly found their feet and made
their mark in the Namibian tourism arena,” she
emphasised.
In addition, the promulgation of the Casino and
Gambling Act in 1994 is also recorded as one of
the Independence achievements.
Tourism’s Director in the MET, Sam Shikongo
said the income from casinos and gambling
currently contributes N$15 million towards the
country’s annual revenue.
In 2008, the ministry launched the National
Policy on Tourism aimed at providing a
framework for the mobilisation of tourism
resources to realise long term national goals
defined in Vision 2030, and the more specific
Continues from page 23
targets of the Third National Development
Plan, namely sustained economic growth,
employment creation, reduced inequalities
in income, gender as well as between the
various regions, reduced poverty and the
promotion of economic empowerment.
“This is one of the major achievements in
the tourism sector and for the country in
general, because now the government has
a policy to promote domestic as well as
international tourism, which will ensure that
Namibian also enjoy the beauty of their
tourism attractions,” he said.
The formation of the Federation of Namibian
Tourism Associations (FENATA), an umbrella
organisation that represents the interests
of the private sector in the tourism industry
is also among the country’s tourism
achievements in the past 20 years.
FENATA aims at conserving Namibia’s
heritage for its children through for low-
volume tourism, especially in vulnerable
areas; provide a high-standard tourism
product at a reasonable but realistic price
and to work closely with the Namibian
Tourism Board to enhance quality standards
in the industry and to make these applicable
in all sectors.
Member associations of FENATA include the
Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN),
the Tour and Safari Association of Namibia
(TASA), the Namibian Professional Hunter’s
Association (NAPHA), the Tourism Related
Namibian Business Association (TRENABA),
and the Namibian Community Based Tourism
Association (NACOBTA).
Whilst these are laudable achievements,
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said they should
not shy away from acknowledging that
tourism is not representative of Namibia’s
disadvantaged population, in so far as
participation in main stream tourism
economic activities are concerned.
As a nation, she said, we have committed to
poverty alleviation and job creation.
“This commits us to work hard and to set
uncompromising targets, and to smooth
critical obstacles in the path of broad-based
participation and skills development,” she
added.
Therefore, Nandi-Ndaitwah said, the
government of Namibia views tourism as
a sector with great potential for increasing
employment possibilities and, at the same
time, improving equality in enterprise
ownership and participation.

Mining: Namibia’s economic backbone
N amibia’s mining industry is on
course for recovery after suffering
a relatively severe blow from the global
economic crisis, especially the diamond
sector, but news that international
commodity markets are stabilising would
put a smile on Namibia’s face.
Namibia ranks among mining giants in Africa
and, if uranium is singled out, the world.
This is primarily attributed to the country’s
natural mineral riches, but Namibia’s friendly
investment policies are a strong ingredient to
keeping the country’s mining industry intact
and hugely profitable.
Soon after independence, one of government’s
early achievements was initiating talks with
the De Beers Group, which owned the former
Consolidated Diamond Mines (CDM), so that
the people of Namibia, through government,
have a stake in the company. The talks between
government and De Beers came to fruition
in 1994, when Namibia was allowed to own
half of CDM’s equity, ultimately leading to the
renaming of the company to Namdeb, so as to
reposition itself and its new-look image.
The joint venture between government and
De Beers in Namdeb opened floodgates for
economic and social welfare in the country
as the company went on to become on of
the leading generators of export earnings, in
addition to providing employment to a pool of
Namibians.
At the peak of its operations and before
the recent global economic slump, Namdeb
accounted for more than 40 percent of export
Diamond sorters at work
Government Information Bulletin March 2010
revenue, 7 percent of government
revenue and more than 10 percent
of GDP.
Namdeb along with its sister
companies, De Beers Marine
Namibia whose primary focus
is offshore mining, diamond
cutting subsidiary NamGem and
the company’s diamond trading
arm, Namibia Diamond Trading
Company (NDTC), employ over 3
000 people.
The company, however, was not
spared from the bad economic
climate in the country and world
at large and suffered heavily from
such unforeseen downturn in business. Diamond
prices dropped sharply in the international
markets and the company was forced early last
year to go for production holidays.
Namdeb’s decision was fundamentally rooted
in the fact that selling diamonds at the time
did not make any economic sense, partially
because the company is by law not allowed to
stockpile its diamonds and have to sell them
shortly after mining them and therefore, it
stopped production altogether. These are but
some of the challenges that Namdeb and other
players in the local diamond industry had to
endure. Experts in the mining and economic
fields have, however, predicted that an end to
such miseries is in sight.
Uranium rush
The past couple of years have seen Namibia
making strides in the global uranium markets
Namibian diamonds
and leading uranium miners, Rossing Uranium
takes much of the credit in this regard. Rossing
has been in operation since 1977and the
company has grown from strength to strength.
The company, of which 69 percent is owned
by the Rio Tinto Group, has enjoyed relative
monopoly for the better part of its existence
but recent developments in the uranium sector
seem to suggest that more players are coming
on board.
Rossing is by far the biggest uranium mine in
Namibia, employing more than 1300 permanent
employees. The company paid N$786.9 million
in corporate taxes in 2008 and N$319.4 million
in wages but still went on to make profits of
over N$1.2 billion.
The company however faces stiff competition
from Canadian, Australian, French and soon
Russian companies, who have been consistently
knocking on the doors of the Ministry of Mines
and Energy and some of whom have been
granted green lights to operate in the country. 25
The Australians have so far made inroads after
that country’s publicly listed company, Paladin
Energy Ltd, through its Namibian subsidiary
Langer Heinrich Uranium, entered the country.
The company started production in 2007 and,
together with Rossing, has helped Namibia
becoming the world’s fourth biggest uranium
producer surpassing Russia and trailing just
behind leaders Canada and then Australia and
Kazakhstan.
Namibia accounted for 10 percent of global
uranium supply in 2008, according to a 2009
report by the World Nuclear Association (WNA)
and the country targets to become the third
biggest supplier by 2015.
Continues on page 26
 Government Information Bulletin March 2010
Mining: Namibia’s economic backbone
Namibia should not have difficulties reaching
that target or surpassing it by 2015, especially
if other mines that are currently under
construction come into production within the
next five years.
The next big thing on the block could be
French State owned company Areva, which
owns the yet to be commissioned Trekkopje
mine in the Erongo Region. According to
the Chamber of Mines of Namibia (CM), the
Trekkopje mining project is the largest direct
investment ever made in Namibia.
Areva said it would inject a whopping US$750
million (over N$5.8 billion at the current rate)
in its Namibian project, hence its tag of the
country’s biggest direct investment ever.
Skorpion Zinc is currently the biggest foreign
investment in the country, standing at N$3,2
billion.
Apart from Rossing, Areva and Langer
Heinrich, there are also other companies
operating in Namibia’s uranium sector,
signaling a new episode in the country’s
version of ‘uranium rush’.
Such companies include United Kingdom-
based Kalahari Minerals Plc, West Australian
Metals, Deep Yellow Ltd, Extract Resources and
Bannerman Resources all from Australia, and
Canadian firms Xemplar Energy Corporation
and Forsys Metals Corporation, which owns
the Valencia Uranium mine. Several Russian
companies have also shown great interest
in Namibian uranium and could come to
26
The entrance to the Namibian Institute of Mining Technology
the country anytime soon following the State
visit of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to
Namibia last year.
Other mining sectors
Apart from diamond and uranium, Namibia
plays a pivotal role in other mining sectors.
The Navachab mine at Karibib is the country’s
leader in gold production and employs about
360 permanent employees. The company,
which in 2008 paid N$58 million in corporate
taxes and N$14.7 million in royalties, has a
lifespan stretching to 2016.
Skorpion Mining and Rosh Pinah Zinc Corporation
battle it out in the zinc-producing industry and
have a combined workforce of 1213 permanent
employees. With regard to copper, UK-owned
Weatherly Mining Namibia is still owner of the
Tsumeb and Otjihase copper mines, which were
abruptly closed due to bad copper business in
the international market, but these mines are
billed for re-opening as prices continue to
stabilise.
There have been talks of possible sales of
Weatherly’s Namibian assets, with possible new
owners being mooted.
Other small mines in the country include Walvis
Bay-based Salt and Chemicals and Okorusu
Fluorspar outside Otjiwarongo, which is owned
by Belgian pharmaceutical giant, Solvay.
Ownership
While Namibia continues to make strides
in mining, questions continue to be asked
regarding equities in and the ownership of
Continues from page 25
Namibian mines.
The mining industry is predominantly foreign
owned and Namibia’s benefits so far have been
in terms of employment and in corporate and
royalty payments that government receives
from the mining companies.
Namdeb, which is 50 percent Namibian
owned has been the only mining company
with a considerable Namibian stake, but the
rest of the companies are yet to avail equities,
especially in line with the Broad-Based
Economic Empowerment (BBEE) initiative
that government is driving to bring more
Namibians into local companies.
Rossing continues to be predominantly
foreign owned, with 68.58 percent belonging
to Rio Tinto, while the Government of Iran
owns 15 percent of the mine. IDC of South
Africa owns 10.10 percent of the company,
while Namibia’s overall stake amounts to 6.32
percent only. Navachab, the other big mine
in the country, is wholly-owned by AngloGold
Ashanti of South Africa, so is Langer Heinrich
which is 100 percent Australian-owned
through Paladin Energy.
Skorpion Mining is also wholly foreign owned,
with Anglo American the sole owners of the
company and its Namibian assets.
Rosh Pinah Zinc Corporation completed its
Namibianisation transaction in July 2008,
which gave the company a more Namibian
identity and ownership. The Rosh Pinah
Employee Empowerment participation Scheme
Trust, for example owns three percent of the
company.
The only other company where Namibia holds
good stakes is Weatherly Mining Namibia where
local institutions such as Bank Windhoek (3.4
percent), Government Institutions Pension
Fund (GIPF) (3.2 percent) and a couple of
individuals own shares.
Government, through the Ministry of Mines
and Energy, has established a mining
company, christened Epangelo Mining, which
would be actively involved in mining activities.
Mines and Energy Minister Erkki Nghimtina,
upon breaking news of the establishment
of the new company, said “Epangelo Mining
will ensure that Namibians through their own
company acquire a meaningful stake in their
mineral wealth.”

20 Years on -fertile ground for Namibian
media
N amibia has one of the smallest
media industries in the world, but
the country is ranked as one of Africa’s
top countries when it comes to media
freedom.
The Namibian media industry, whether in terms
of freedom or investment, has recorded positive
growth in the past 20 years of the country’s
independence thanks to be media-friendly
environment implemented after 1990.
At independence there were only a few media
outlets in the country, both in print and electronic
media, but just like cauliflower during the rainy
season, the local media has since flourished.
Media freedom
The Namibian constitution provides for press
freedom, and as opposed to theoretical
press freedom, government respects such
constitutional provisions.
Various international media right groups have
always ranked Namibia among the top nations
where media freedom is upheld and respected.
Before independence was attained in 1990,
Namibian media, particularly the electronic
sector, was strictly controlled by the State
through stringent laws that served the
oppressive targets of the colonial government.
Strides have since been made and the latest
international press freedom index, released by
France-based Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
organization in October 2009, Namibia has
continued to do well and is currently ranking
35th in the world, ahead of historical human
rights model France who stands at 43 in world
rankings.
Freedom of expression is enshrined as a
fundamental right in the Namibian constitution,
and the head office of the independent Media
Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), founded
in 1992, is based in Windhoek. The media
landscape has been described by international
media right observers as vibrant and includes
small community radio stations.
“The media operated within a legal environment
deliberately aimed at curtailing and controlling
freedom of expression and free access to
gathering and disseminating information. For
Government Information Bulletin March 2010
its part, the independent press that existed
was subjected to continuous harassment,” said
media specialist and former Director General
of the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation
(NBC), Dr Ben Mulongeni in his acclaimed piece
on National Information and Communication
Infrastructure.
According to Mulongeni, it was not until
independence that this situation was to change.
Under the Constitution of Namibia, hailed as
revolutionary, freedom of expression and the
right to information were guaranteed, he said.
The NBC was created by an Act of Parliament
of 1991 as an autonomous entity with an
independent editorial and programming policy.
Although governed by a Board appointed by
the Minister of Information and Communication
Technology, the Board nor the line Ministry are
directly involved in the day to day operations of
the NBC, their activities, particularly the Board,
are largely limited to policy matters,” Mulongeni
said, in reference to the freedom that his former
employers enjoy.
Unlike in many African and other countries,
media freedom has been the pillar of the
industry in the country such that 20 years
after independence there is still no notable
incidence reports of any journalist arrested
while executing their official duty.
The Namibian media are free and safe to do their work in a conducive environment
Achievements
From a policy and regulatory perspective,
Namibia has managed to create and maintain
one of the most media-friendly regulatory
environments. Even when concerns were raised
about the work of the media, authorities have
never made any practical interventions that
would otherwise compromise press freedom in
the country.
A typical example came in recent years when
government proposed the establishment of a
media council that would oversee and address
complaints against the media. The proposal
sparked bitter emotions across the media
fraternity, while media rights advocates also
criticized the idea.
Government then suggested that the media
industry itself must come together and
brainstorm on the establishment if a media
council with minimal government input.
The Editor’s Forum of Namibia, in reaction to
talks of a government-instituted media council,
moved swiftly to launch the Media Ombudsman
portfolio through which the public will air
concerns about the role and activities of the
media as well as facilitate the process through
which media will keep a finger on their own
pulse.
A major achievement was reached when in
August 2009, the media, through the Editors
27
Continues on page 28
 Government Information Bulletin March 2010
Namibia telecoms infrastructure
impressive
D evelopments in the
telecommunications sector have set
Namibia apart as one of the countries
in the Southern African Development
Community, (SADC) which has a better
developed sector.
While the country stands out as one of the best
in terms of infrastructural development due to
the fact that it is the only country in the region
with a 100 percent fibre optic connection, it
also has the potential to become one of the
best in terms of service delivery.
20 Years on -fertile ground for Namibian media
Forum of Namibia appointed lawyer Clement
Daniels as the country’s first ever Media
Ombudsman. Currently a process is underway
to create a self-regulatory framework for the
media as part of the new developments.
Information and Communication Technology
Minister Joël Kaapanda, upon hearing that the
media has finally established a self-regulatory
body, expressed delight an assured the media
that it is government’s least intent to meddle
into private media affairs.
Also on the regulatory front, Namibia has
made significant strides when the much-
awaited Communications Bill was tabled
in parliament in 2009. Through this Bill,
the Communications Regulatory Authority
28 of Namibia (CRAN) the country’s regulator
was created. CRAN replaces the Namibian
Communications Commission (NCC), which
was established under the NCC Act of 1992.
The Bill is particularly vital in the sense
that it sets out the licensing framework for
both telecommunications and broadcasting,
including class and individual licenses for
telecommunications services, and contains
provisions designed to cover interconnection,
tariffs, the allocation of broadcasting
frequencies, the promotion of competition
and the establishment of a universal service
agency.
On a commercial front, the Namibian media,
both print and electronic, has gone against all
odds to make the industry a profitable one
According to Director of Communications in the
Ministry of Information and Communication
Technology Henri Kassen, this achievement
is attributable to a focused approach to
Information and Communication Technology
that the ministry has adopted.
Apart from the country’s roadmap to
industrialisation - Vision 2030, which has ICT
as one of the most important pillars of the
economy, the National Development Plan 3
also envisions a Namibia that is knowledge
based and technology driven by 2030.
in terms of advertising revenue. There are
however newspapers, magazines and radio and
stations that collapsed as a result of lack of
funds to sustain them.
Namibia’s overall advertising pool on which all
media outlets rely for income is, by international
standards, very small hence the competition
among media houses.
Challenges
While the media in Namibia enjoys the benefits
offered by a liberal market system, there
exists a need for regulations safeguarding fair
competition and guaranteeing commitment to
social responsibility.
To face competition the media also need to
have flexible access to the commercial market
in order to generate resources that would
enable it to invest in the production of quality
content for its target segments.
The majority of the Namibia media carry
their contents in English, the country’s official
language, yet there is a big portion of Namibians
who do not understand English.
This does not only disservice the people in
terms of information access but also bites a big
share of potential income for the media who
could rake in good revenues by reaching such
segments.
Infrastructure development or lack of it thereof,
remains one of the stumbling blocks of media
prosperity in the country. An extended road
In 2008 when the ministry was created, a new
body of ICT policies was developed including
policy direction in Information Technology,
Telecommunications, Postal and Broadcasting.
In addition, the ministry has developed a
new licensing framework that addresses ICT
convergence as well as progressive legislative
reforms. Late last year, the Communications
Act, whose development process started
almost 10 years ago, was also passed while
further laws pertaining to the recognition of
electronic transactions, data protection and
cyber security and access to information are
being developed.
Continues on page 29
Continues from page 27
network, for example, makes the distribution
of newspapers and magazines easier. Currently
some areas have no access to such media as
a result of the fact that road infrastructures
are not conducive to drive to such remote
areas. As for electronic media, some parts of
the country have no frequency receptors that
would allow both radio and TV broadcasts to
reach such areas. Considerable progress is
however, being made in this area. Being a
relatively newly independent country, Namibia
has a small pool of human resources needed
in the media. A lot of expatriates have come
to Namibia to work in various capacities of the
country’s media, although Namibians have
picked up considerably in as far as acquiring
media skills is concerned.
Namibian media at a glance:
Households with television 39.22 percent
Internet access: 113,500 Internet users as of
Jun 09
Radio stations: 20
National dailies newspapers: 4
National weekly newspapers: 5
Commercial radio stations: 9
Community radio stations: 6
Television Sets per 1,000: 33.4
Internet Access per 1,000: 16.7
 Government Information Bulletin March 2010

Namibia telecoms infrastructure impressive Continues from page 28

Recognising that telecommunications
infrastructure continues to be the lead driver
upon which ICT development depends,
Namibia two years ago joined the West
African Submarine Cable System (WACS) to
ensure direct and independent international
connectivity. Namibia has been experiencing
limited bandwidth capacity because the
country does not have direct access to
undersea communication cables. This said
Kassen, has forced Namibia to route it
major portion of out communication through
South African networks, which has made it
expensive.
Although in 1995, Namibia acquired
bandwidth capacity on the Southern African
Communications Cable (SAT-3), there is no
submarine cable landing point on the coast.
With Namibia joining WACS, the country will
not only have adequate bandwidth capacity
but also have its own landing point at the
coastal town of Swakopmund by 2011.
In the past 20 years, the government says it has
also made great strides in ICT development.
“At policy level, government embarked on
liberalising the ICT sector,” he said, citing the
separation of functions of policy development
from operational responsibilities which
were entrusted to Telecom Namibia, Mobile
Telecommunications Corporation (MTC) and
Nampost, while regulatory responsibilities
were given to the Namibia Communications
Commission.
The short term goal of government policy on
telecommunications is faster liberalisation
of the sector to provide telephone access to
between 80 and 90 percent of the population,
to ensure that each community of 100 people
should have one connection. The measurement
of telecommunications penetration is agreed to
be one connection per 100 citizens. In terms
of population coverage, MTC statistics indicate
that 95 percent of the country is covered by
mobile telecommunications services, with a
penetration rate of 50 percent. The country
stands at about seven percent on fixed line
telecommunications and three percent on
internet penetration. The coming on board of
Leo and Switch mobile providers will enable
Namibia reach the goal of up to 90 percent
penetration rate by 2012.
In the telecommunications policy and
regulatory framework adopted in 1999, the
government made commitments to liberalise
the ICT markets, thereby opening it up to
competition.
“The legal framework adopted by Government
in 1992 provided for a liberalised market
structure. As a separate statutory body,
the Namibia Communications Commission
could issue telecommunications licenses
second fixed line operators, internet service
providers, international gateway services,”
he said adding that no second fixed line

29

The Namibian delegation, consisting of Deputy Prime Minister Libertina Amathila and former Information and Broadcasting Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and
officials attended the second leg of the World Summit on the Information Society in Tunis, Tunisia in 2006.
Continues on page 30
 Government Information Bulletin March 2010
Namibia telecoms infrastructure impressive
telecoms service license and gateway license
was issued up until two years ago. The new
law has provided for a new licensing regime,
which has not only seen the granting of
two international gateway licenses but also
the introduction of a third mobile operator,
Switch.
The commercialisation of the telecoms
operator started in 1992 with the establishment
of mobile services in 1995 through MTC. The
coming on board of Cell One, now known
as Leo, “marks a definitive milestone of
introducing competition in mobile telephony”,
said Kassen. He added that the creation of
the NCC, also established the legal basis for
open competition.
However, the government will have to give
policy direction as to how many open licenses
the regulator can give.
This development also introduced competition
on the market and led to the reduction
of telecommunications costs over all the
networks. A welcome development as a result
of the existing competitive environment is the
free calls and sms, as well as free internet
connection from the two main mobile
operators.
“Namibia pioneered a standard reduced
interconnect regime between mobile
operators based on benchmarks within SADC
Art development calls for
30 decentralisation
“Art and music are basic human functions. Humankind and art cannot function without one another. We have the burning desire to create, whatever it
may be and however tiny or grand.” – Gilbert Galindo, composer
W hy if Gilbert Galindo’s words speak
the truth, does it seem as if the
arts enjoy so little attention? What has
happend in the Namibian arts industry in
the last 20 years? And what is the current
state of affairs?
According to Mr. André Strauss, Deputy Director:
Culture Programmes of the Ministry of Youth,
National Service, Sport and Culture, the new
goverment of 1990 had a dream to move away
from an exclusive to an inclusive community.
and beyond to prescribe operators,” the director
added. As a result, last year saw the reduction
of mobile interconnected rates between mobile
operators from N$1.20 to N$0.60, with the aim
of further reducing the rates to N$0.30 by next
year.
The next stage of implementation entails the
operators passing on the lower interconnect
rates to the consumer and end user, thereby
ensuring lower telecommunications service
costs for Namibians.
Namibia is also one of the few African
countries that successfully piloted Digital Video
Broadcasting via Mobile Phones (DVB-H),
technology that enables clients to watch
television on their mobile phones.
Although good developments in the sector
abound, the country’s telecommunications rates
remain high because of lack of an own landing
point and consequently scarce bandwidth.
Namibia has capacity which is dormant until
the 2011 project comes to fruition. With the
direct cable, Namibia will not have to depend
on South Africa anymore, which at present is
the country’s gateway to internet connectivity.
Kassen described the undersea cable as
the “biggest single event that influences
development in the sector. A major constraint
is limited bandwidth to be able to roll out more
and faster e services, such as e government
“They went to the drawing board and identified
priorities on the cultural front, amongst others
theatre, performing arts, visual arts, literature,
and festivals.”
Theatre
“Unfortunately not much has happened in the
last 20 years, and worst still, theatre in schools
has disappeared. The situation is dire,” says
Mr. Strauss. “Theatre is especially essential in
Namibia where literacy levels are low, since it is
a powerful tool to carry messages across.”
Continues from page 29
services.”
This will however be addressed by the
country’s involvement in the WACS project.
Namibia and Botswana are equal partners on
the project on which they feature at second
tier, which gives them a preferential position
among a group of other countries.
Limited public funds and shortage of human
resource capacity within the sector have
also been a problem. Entrepreneurial
development and creating a critical mass of
ICT professionals are two of the ICT policy
objectives that the government will strive to
achieve through the implementation of ICT
policies.
Although Namibia’s industrialisation by the
year 2030, which is 20 years from now,
happens to be a time that many seem
sceptical about, ICT will be the enabler to
achieving the vision’s goals in all the other
sectors, said he.
Namibia has the vision, political will,
development plans and programmes in place
to overcome the challenges such as limited
human resource capacity. After all, the
biggest problem facing the sector, which is
limited bandwidth for the country to be able
to roll out more and faster e services, will be
a thing of the past, when the WACS project
becomes operational next year.
A theatre project that will train 30 Namibians
from 30 towns will start this year. “Our hope lies
in decentralisation so that communities can run
their own theatre.”
Well-known director and board member of
the National Theatre, Ms. Sandy Rudd, says
that everything is not doom and gloom. “With
energy and passion anything can happen!”
She is of the opinion that the previous regime
killed local theatre to a great extent. “We were
Continues on page 31

Art development calls for decentralisation
seen as one of South Africa’s provinces and
only their actors graced our stages. This
created a culture that ‘outside is better’ and
in so doing suppressed local theatre.”
“But we should keep in mind that the Namibian
population is small. According to international
statistics, 0.1 % of any given population are
theatre-goers, which means that there are
essentially about 3 000 theatre-goers in
Windhoek.”
“Of course financing is an issue. The grant we
receive is just enough to cover salaries and
even the smallest play costs about N$250
000 to produce.”
A linocut artwork by acclaimed Namibian artist, John Muafangejo
Government Information Bulletin March 2010
Continues from page 30
Thanks to the National Theatre’s Theatre the best art is created in times of strife, but
Zone Project (aimed at staging community- in Namibia it seems to be the peace that
based theatre productions), the Golden Pen inspires.”
Script Writing Awards and the Youth Theatre
Development Project, there is hope. He says he sometimes has the impression
Performing arts that the older generation relies on the
“In terms of musicians, we’re experiencing a government for support. “However, the
revolution,” says Mr. Strauss. “Especially local younger generation are go-getters that make
languages, like Oviritje, have made great use of every opportunity.”
strides and the rest of Africa and Europe love
our music.” According to the director of the National Art
Gallery and artist, Joseph Madisia, there has
He finds that the younger generation are never been a support structure (medical aid,
creating their own opportunities. “I believe social security, etc.) for visual artists. “You are
that within the next five or ten years, we could basically on your own,” he says.
have international stars. For example, Gazza
has already made One of the things he feels the goverment can
his mark overseas. do, is to become affiliated to the International
Choirs from Unam, Artists Association Federation. For US$7 000
the Polytechnic, the per year, so many more doors would open to
Cantare Audire and artists.
the Mascato Youth
Choir are also He is also of the opinion that there are too few
creating waves.” museums and galleries. “Now everyone must
International tours travel to Windhoek to exhibit and treasures
however are often often remain hidden in rural areas. We need
only made possible to promote the arts in rural areas. The fact is
by the generosity we must aim towards decentralisation. Then
of sponsors and the arts will be on peoples’ doorstep.”
invitations by host
countries, like the A possible solution is cultural villages where
Voices of Namibia the Namibia Tourism Board can come on
that will be board by promoting cultural tourism.
travelling to China
to participate at One support organisation is Visual Artists-
the World Choir Namibia (VA-N) that was launched in 2006
Olympics in July. and currently has more than 100 members.
According to the Through their outreach programme 15 regional
trip organiser, Mr. workshops were held for 216 people in 2007
Rolf Hansen, the and 2008. “As a representative organisation,
40 choir members VA-N would like to ensure that the benefits of
are working hard
to collect enough
being a memer of the art community do not
stop in Windhoek, but also reach Namibians
31
money to cover across all regions,” says chairperson Mr. Peter
expenses. “Not an Kewowo.
easy task, since
we have to rely on Literature
the support of the According to Mr. Strauss, literature kicked
public.” off well with projects like the Children Book
Forum. “But I’m afraid there’s a lack of writers
Visual arts and and if we as a nation don’t read, we won’t
crafts develop and we’ll be worse off.” He says that
“Visual arts and the Namibian Book Development Council had
crafts are perhaps the objective to develop a writer’s culture, but
doing even better unfortunately the council died a silent death.
than performing “While the government failed to a certain
arts,” says Mr. degree in this sector, there is talent. We’ll
Strauss. “Usually have to go back to the drawing board.”
Continues on page 32
 Government Information Bulletin March 2010
Art development calls for decentralisation
Festivals
“A programme of cultural festivals, which
receives a grant of between N$5 and N$6
million per year, was implemented in 1995
and we have enjoyed great success in this
arena,” says Mr. Strauss.
At the moment there are about 1 400
performers from traditional groups from
all regions, of which about 10 % perform
regularly.
“Through the festivals, winners are chosen
to become cultural ambassadors and they
have the opportunity to travel. We’ve made
it possible for groups to travel to and perform
in place like Germany, India, China and Cuba.
Because of the successes, we feel the groups
have enough critical mass to go ahead on
their own steam.”
Planning ahead
“Firstly we want to identify the most
beautiful place in each region. Once found,
we would like to create a platform, a Centre
of Excellence, that showcases everything
that is unique to the region and from where
training can be done. Thirdly, we want to
teach Namibians to become entrepreneurs of
cultural things.”
Through the National Arts Council of Namibia
(NACN) about N$1.3 million was awarded to
artists last year in comparison to the N$760
000 in 2008. In 2009 grants were approved
for performing arts (N$323 000); visual arts
32
Namibia’s Maranatha Singers have toured extensively in Europe and recently performed in Algeria.
Continues from page 31
(N$671 000); theatre (N$93
110); craft (N$63 500); literature
(N$40 000); and media (N$51
600).
The arts rely heavily on the
support of private companies and
one of the biggest contributors
is Bank Windhoek. In the last
five years the Bank Windhoek
Arts Festival (BWAF) has seen
an increase of 400 % in budget
allocations, a lengthening of the
festival from three days in 2005
to four months in 2007 and
since March 2006 monthly mini
festivals were implemented. In
February 2010 the bank hosted
the 44th mini festival with 19
events ranging from exhibitions
to dance, poetry/prose, stand-up
comedy and theatre.
An organisiation creating
opportunities for visual artists,
is p.art.ners berlin-windhoek,
managed by Namibian artist
Namibian singer Gazza is making waves in Europe.
Imke Rust. Through the
initiative, selected artists have
experiences benefiting the local film industry.
the opportunity to participate in
The Namibian Film Awards, held for the third
an exchange programme in Germany.
time last year, have greatly encouraged local
producers to create outstanding work.
Namibia’s blossoming film industry is supported
by the work carried out by the Wild Cinema
Another valuable partner in the capital’s
Film Festival which aims to establish a lively
art scene is the Windhoek municipality that
art cinema culture and to provide cinematic
through the annual /Ae//Gams festival
promotes arts and cultural activities and
provides exposure for local talent to the
Namibian and international community.
The Franco Namibian Cultural Centre,
as well as the Goethe Centre also
provide invaluable opportunites for
the arts. Above and beyond financial
constraints, many of the programmes
mentioned in this article are restricted to
the capital. So the development of the
arts essentially boils down to one thing:
decentralisation.
Because, in the words of Albert Einstien,
“The most beautiful thing we can
experience is the mysterious. It is the
source of all art and science. He to whom
this emotion is a stranger, who can no
longer pause to wonder and stand rapt
in awe, is as good as dead... his eyes
are closed.”