Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Consumer News Namibia Dec/Jan 2011
Consumer News Namibia Dec/Jan 2011
CONSUMER
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2011
Y O U R V O I C E
NEWS
happy holidays
ISSN: 2026-710X w w w.consumernewsnamibia.com
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CONSUMER
The Team NEWS
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Consumer News
Editor’s Note
Printed by
John Meinert Printing
Feature
Legalising prostitution?
By Sylvanie Beukes 28
Sports
festive season!
Be a responsible road user by obeying the rules of the road. Your safety is your responsibility, therefore take
extra caution and be vigilant when using the road this festive season.
The MVA Fund offers the following road safety tips to help keep our roads safe and minimise the loss of lives:
due on the stickers. Touching the apples confirmed expiry dates. As all the other meat was labelled and
their state as they were clearly not fresh anymore. the packages appeared to be fresh, we asked the
Mince in the cooler was being sold five days past management. We spoke to Gunther who explained
the expiry date. When we arrived, this mince was to us that the Super Spar managers check for
still being sold. However, while we were in the expired meat products every morning and remove
store, the counterperson began to pull this mince them from the shelves. We did however find some
out of the refrigeration unit declaring “this is not meat products at Spar in Khomasdal that did not
good”. While we applaud this initiative, it came have any dates printed.
several days too late. Had we shown up twenty
minutes earlier, this spoiled product would have Consumers should pay close attention to those
been available for purchase. dates, as they are not all the same. Some labels
will have expiry dates and others will have the
Woermann Brock Hyper also had their share of date the item was packaged, leaving the consumer
problems; apples and pears well past expiry dates to guess how long the meat will keep. We also
were still being sold. Oranges in the bin, although advise consumers to never buy products that do
not labelled, had clearly seen better days. There not have a best-before date as there is no way to
were also expired Lamb chops still sitting in the know their freshness.
cooler waiting to be sold.
We also found some meat products which were
The problems continue for Woermann Brock even not labelled at the Pick ’n Pay in Eros. We decided
in Klein Windhoek. Tomatoes in the bin looked to speak to the manager, Riann, who was eager
poorly and were out of place in this upmarket to help us. The unlabelled products appeared to
flagship store. Unfortunately we also found past be very fresh and packaged that morning as they
due whole chicken and game. We purchased the sat alongside other packages of fresh meat from
game meat and took it to the offices of the Namibia that morning. Riann explained: “Sometimes
Consumer Protection Group (NCPG) where we the labelling machines erred in printing and I’d
sat with the founder, Milton Louw. From the video removed the packages to be fixed.”
available on our website you can see as we open
the package to recoil from the smell. This product We also found chicken on the shelf which did
is clearly overdue. not have any best-before date at the Pick n’ Pay
on Independence Avenue in Katutura. Expired
Tom Thumb supermarket was also selling past- products have the potential to seriously disrupt
due meat products. We bought mince beef that your holidays as eating past due chicken can cause
was four days past-due when it was purchased. We Salmonella and leave you on the toilet for any
spoke to Paul at Tom Thumb and he was gracious number of days or worse.
enough to refund our money when we returned
the spoiled product. Manny’s in Katutura had Woermann Brock in Damara Location also had
meat that was expiring that day on the shelves but similar problems with expired meat and some
nothing past-due. produce as well. We are certain that it is not the
intent of Woermann Brock to sell consumers
Trè supermarket sold us some mouldy cheese rancid meat or questionable produce but rather
(actually it was ‘cheddar loaf’, and that is not that these constitute crimes of omission rather
really cheese anyway) that had no best-before date than commission, meaning essentially that these
on the package. While we understand that a lack of findings represent a lack of internal controls rather
a package’s date may not allow staff to correctly than a malicious attempt to pass substandard
monitor the shelf life of this product, the mould goods onto the consumer.
should be a hint that it is. There were also several
packages of suspicious meat ready for sale. We did How can the staff know when the meat is expired
not purchase the meat. when there is no best-before date indicated on
the package? If you as a consumer bought an
We visited the Spar supermarket at Maerua expired meat or dairy product, we encourage you
Lifestyle Center, we did not find expired products to return it to the store. It is your right to do so.
but we did find some meat products which lacked Some companies, like Woermann Brock also have
>>
06 CN
cont...
08 CN
editorial
The Credit Blacklist doctors, dentists, and even your pharmacy. It also includes
A credit default is a black mark against your name that information on each account you have: when you opened it,
doesn’t wash away; there are currently three Credit Bureaus, what type of account it is, how much credit you have been
(Transunion ITC, Compuscan and Credit Information given, what your monthly payments are and how well you
Bureau Namibia) that have over 50 000 Namibians branded pay your account.
as credit lepers.
Public records
I have found that, mostly young, Namibians are prone to This includes judgements against you or any other court
having problems with credit because, for one, adverts make interventions. This is easily available from the courts.
it sound so easy to just “Buy Now, Pay Later”. Unfortunately,
when the time comes to paying up, these items are not always Inquiries
first on their list. This then causes problems as they start This section indicates any credit business that has requested
falling in arrears and eventually find themselves blacklisted. to see your information. This section is not always available
Often, a person does not realise that they have a credit black to you as an individual. It should also include any companies
mark on their name until the next time they apply for credit. that have bought your information for marketing purposes.
Not at You
address (current and previous), ID number, telephone and bank. But now the bank does not want to grant me credit
cellular number, your current and previous employers, and for a black mark from a cash loan company. I spoke to the
possibly also your marital status. cash loan company and it turns out they did not cash one
of my cheques for the amount owing. I spoke to my bank
Credit History and explained but they do not accept the explanation.” The
This section includes information on your banking consumer, in tears stated, “I cannot believe it. Through no
history; stores where you have credit cards; and possibly fault of my own, someone is allowed to list me as a bad
also businesses that have granted you credit such as person!”
CN 09
10 CN
12 CN
CN 13
editorial
The Namibian coast and the December holidays have certainly become the
hottest combo since the pairing of fish ‘n chips. This is because and coastal
PREMIER HOLIDAY locals have a long history of entertaining visitors to their shores. This year
is set to be no different, whether your idea of a good time is cruising over
RESORT deep seas, sand-boarding down Dune 7, or flying silently over the Walvis
Bay lagoon in a hot air balloon. This month Consumer News digs out some
of your holiday options if you find yourself in Swakopmund, Walvis Bay
Small in global terms but huge in or Lüderitz.
hospitality Swakopmund
Where desert and ocean meet in The Erongo capital is known for its cool summer air and for being the
country’s number one holiday destination. If you’re looking to find
perfect harmony your way to the museum or the Martin Luther steam locomotive, the
Swakopmund Municipality is a good place to start.
A sparkle for the young, serenity for
the aged Municipal Fair
The municipality can also enlighten you on what to expect at the Annual
Keeper of historic heritage Christmas Fair which is set for the weekend of December 17 and 18.
Expect a lot of hand and home-made products as well as children’s
entertainment. Applications for sites were already finalised in October. For
Oasis for the weary soul more information, contact Ms. B. Bezuidenhout at
bbezuidenhout@swkmun.com.na
People’s place, where people meet
Africa Leisure Travel
Magnificent surroundings If you’re new to the west coast and are in the mood for adventure, you
can go to the guys who regard themselves as the “specialists at the coastal
Ultimate choice for many and more town of Swakopmund”. Whether you’re travelling in a group or just need
someone else to handle the planning logistics for your visit, Africa Leisure
Travel will have you sorted. Their events list ranges from dinner in the
Neighbourly, friendly and helpful desert as well as half-day tours to the Cape Cross Seal Colony and Oyster
people Sundowners experiences.
Destination just for YOU They can also assist you with booking and reserving other activities taking
place at the coast such as quad biking, sand boarding, or Dune Olympics.
You can reach them at
Tel: (064) 463 812, or email: alt@iway.na
Mola-Mola
Take a guided tour with the guys from Mola-Mola and go
dolphin and flamingo scouting, or visiting the Cape Fur
Seals. A trip usually starts as early as 8 am and ends later
in the day with a settling down for a Namibian oyster and
sparkling wine lunch. If that sounds like your cup of tea, Catamaran Charters at (061) 233 922 to book your trip.
call Mola-Mola at (064) 205 511, or visit their website www.
mola-namibia for more information. Dare Devil Adventures
If sleeping late and leisurely strolls on the beach are your
Catamaran Charters idea of the perfect holiday, don’t come to these guys. Dare
Relax in the saloon, on a trampoline or on the deck of the Devils promises the ultimate rush in adventure with quad
45’ Royal Cape Catamaran “Silverwind” as it takes you on a biking and sand-boarding trips through the dunes, with
dolphin and sea cruise. Again, it’s sightings of three types of stunning scenery throughout the experience. Check out their
dolphins, Killer Whales and rarer sightings of Leatherback website, www.daredeviladventures.com or phone Joao at
Turtles and Sun Fish have made this cruise popular. Contact 0811 491261 if you dare.
>>
Passenger Services
CN 15
cont...
16 CN
h a m p i o n CHOOSE
TH E
C ASTE T
S E T H E
CHOO S T E
W I N N I N G T A
AW A R D - C E
A N D A C H A N
AN D S T S
R E A T P R I Z E
T O W I N G
a r t i c i p a t i n g
o u r n e a r e s tp
Visit y kL a b e l o u t l e t
C a r l i n g B l a c
o r e d e t a i l s
for m
Enjoy Responsibly. Not for Sale to Persons Under the Age of 18.
CN 17
or dumped from shore, while 20 per cent comes from Swakopmund, Cape Cross or the camping
recreational boats, fishing vessels and ocean platforms. sites at Mile 14, Jakkalsputz, Mile 72 and
The organisation says that over 265 different species of Mile 108.
marine and coastal wildlife are threatened through being
entangled, smothered or otherwise having their digestive • Quad biking and other motorised bikes
systems interfered with. are prohibited on beaches between
Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, and
Off-road rules on all beaches north of Henties Bay, or in
While quad biking, 4x4ing and beach buggying along the the entire Swakop River.
coast remain popular activities at the coast, recent years
have seen practitioners catch major flack for the damage • Quad and two-way bikes may travel without a
to the conservation areas left by their tracks. So to remain permit in the Omaruru bed, only 5 km inland
on the safe side, adhere to these rules to avoid a run-in with from the beach.
the authorities.
• No quad bikes or two-wheel bikes are
• Off-road drivers may obtain free permits allowed north of the Omaruru River, up to the
to drive in specially demarcated off-road Ugab River.
areas in the dunes between Swakopmund
and Walvis Bay. Permits can be obtained • Driving on any conservation area is strictly
from the Ministry of Environment prohibited.
and Tourism in Swakopmund (064) 404576
and Walvis Bay 064 205971/2; from There you have it folks, the coolest places
Desert Explorers in Swakopmund
(064) 406096; from Dare Devil Adventures at to hangout this festive season.
Langstrand (064) 220158;from Dune 7 Adventures in
Walvis Bay 0812934868 / 0812538484; or from the
Walvis Bay Tourism Centre 0814261200 / 0811286713.
• No driving is allowed on the beaches at
Henties Bay, Wlotzkasbaken,
editorial
It is no secret that organisations and businesses that are encouraged to be part of benefits the greater masses
invest in their workforce tend to perform better. One such as the employer is extending the idea of healthy living to
investment is a well thought-out wellness programme. the employees’ households. Such measures and activities
also help to deter employees from feeling distrustful of
“We were searching for employees but people turned management’s motives.
up instead.” Anita Roddick, in her book, Business As
Unusual, founder of The Body Shop, the late Anita Roddick Healthy workers lead to a financially healthy organisation.
understood that employees are people; they are people who “The benefit of such a program,” says Freddy of Windhoek’s
spend most of their days, months, years and lives working Exclusive Health and Wellness gym, “is that everyone wins.
for the survival of your business. Employees are people The staff enjoys a fitness programme that is tailored to
who have families, hopes and dreams, and personal lives individual needs and the employers gain from having a more
that impact their work and the contribution they make to active workforce that takes less days off due to ill health.”
the growth of any business. Investing in your workforce With their fitness consultants on hand, Exclusive Health and
does not simply mean training programs, bonus packages Wellness can assist with structuring a corporate wellness
and a reward system, it means investing in the physical and programme.
psychological well-being of your staff.
Investing in the health of the workers has the potential to
How’s Your Wellness? reduce the health care costs that an employer would end
When the M.D Anderson Cancer Centre, based in America, up paying while increasing productivity. In the long run,
introduced a wellness programme to its employees, its the company would develop a reputation for caring for
president John Mendelsohn would go around asking staff: its workers. In addition, the employee would benefit from
“How’s your wellness?” to encourage participation. A health education, discount membership, a healthier lifestyle,
corporate wellness programme, at its most basic, is any less workplace stress and increased confidence. Not to
workplace-sponsored effort to promote a healthy lifestyle mention the growth of a more positive relationship between
among employees. For some, this means encouraging management and staff as both parties feel the other’s position
employees to take walks at lunch, reminding them of and contribution is valued.
available vaccinations or providing gym memberships.
A Good Foundation
Making a healthy lifestyle part of an organisation’s day- While the relationship between an employer and their staff
to-day culture is a powerful way of creating a successful will always be tricky to manage, recognising the effort that
wellness programme. In a recent survey for the Harvard staff put in will always be worthwhile. The contribution that
Business Review, it was found that managers who set health different individuals make in a company are the sum parts
goals inspired their colleagues by making them feel less self- that make the whole; without these individuals dedicating
conscious about participating in wellness programmes. their time and effort the whole could not exist, let alone
function. Understanding this, places the company in good
Also, including all employees in the process of creating stead with its employees, and programs like a wellness plan
the programme creates a sense of belonging while uniting only add to the loyalty and trust that all organisations need to
the workforce to work towards a common goal. Having enable them to run smoothly. Invest in people and you reap
company-sponsored annual wellness days where families the rewards. Literally.
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Wiz Tech is offering this amazing device at a reduced rate while supplies last. Order Now.
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street next to Wanaheda Police Station
KETTLE
Why pay for boiling a full
kettle of water if you only
need a cup?
ELECTRIC STOVE
• Use a pressure cooker when preparing
FRIDGE
food that normally takes a long time
to cook. • Don’t open fridge doors unnecessarily
• Consider buying a stove with a • Ensure that door seals are intact
convection oven. • Switch off the fridge when it is
• The size of the pot to match the size empty or when going on holiday
of the stove plate. • Let hot food cool down before
• Use cooking utensils with flat bottoms placing it in the refrigerator
and tight covers • Defrost the fridge regularly
• Do not use grill compartment to make • Leave space between items on
toast shelves, this allows cool air to
• Don’t use a stove to light a cigarette. circulate more easily.
• Never use the stove or hot plate as
heaters.
MICROWAVE DISHWASHER
• Defrost food before cooking in microwave.
• Only use a microwave to cook small to medium quantities of food • Run it only when it
• Compare cooking times on packaging and use the method that is full
takes the least time and power. • Turn it off before
the drying cycle
starts and dry
dishes manually.
• Connect the
machine to the cold
water supply
• Make sure that
all the filters stay
clean.
TV/DVD/STEREO/
COMPUTERS
Why pay for 24
hours usage?
IRON • Standby-button
consumes en-
• Use a thermostastically controlled iron that switches itself ergy.
off when the correct temperature is reached. • Switch off the
• Switch an iron off once it has reached the correct power button.
temperature and complete the ironing on stored energy.
• Use distilled water in steam irons
• Iron low temperature fabrics first to reduce warm-up time
For any queries or further information please contact the Namibian Standards Institution on (061) 386 400 or e-mail: query@nsi.com.na
Abusing
women is
a crim e!
e n ’s
o m
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24 CN
Help arrange safe
`
CN 25
editorial
According to their website, Travel Ventures However, a study of their “back office”, from which
International (TVI) is a dynamic company that is you can order trips, revealed that the reservations
dedicated to bringing today’s lifestyle-conscious were handled by res99.com, which is actually a part of
consumers the most superior travel and hospitality Travelocity. A further search turned up World Choice
products and services, while providing a unique Travel, which offers private-label booking portals,
opportunity to promote TVI Express through through the Travelocity Partner Program. At best, TVI
independent distribution. Express has backing of Travelocity, and no one else,
and it is merely that of an “affiliate” relationship. TVI
The Bank of Namibia, however, felt differently about Express, thus far, have not released any names of their
the model that TVI Express employs and claims that it strategic alliance partners, despite repeated requests.
is a pyramid scheme. We investigated TVI Express and This has lead to speculation that they do not actually
their practices. have any.
After days of investigating, we have found that TVI TVI Express claims to have backings from “strategic
Express is indeed a pyramid scheme. A pyramid partners” in the travel industry. This is seen in the
scheme is an illegal practice characterised by a few PowerPoint presentations they deliver to potential new
individuals at the top of the structure who entice others recruits where they use logos from many of the largest
to participate in the scheme by paying a stipulated fee. airlines, hotels, cruise lines, and more. Hundreds of
In turn, these participants recruit others who all pay members have posted on their blogs, articles, and
a fee to join. The primary distinction of a pyramid websites claiming that TVI Express is in partnerships
scheme is that there are no physical products or real with all the biggest names in travel.
services being made. The only sales are when new
members pay the said fee. Given that the only real TVI Express features Warren Buffet on their website,
sales of TVI are the recruitment fees we found this to claiming that he is one of the powers behind the
be a classic pyramid scheme. programme. This is clearly an attempt at creating the
impression that one of the world’s wealthiest men
TVI Express is vague about what it sells; all they do is somehow is partnered with TVI in defrauding people
sche
give hints on how one can combine travel, the internet off 330.00 US dollars at a time. Buffet is not the only
and network marketing to grow one’s finances while person who TVI Express claims to be an associate;
vacationing on the most exotic locations on the planet. there are actual legitimate businesses like Lufthansa
Some claim that the 7 days 6 nights accommodation and the Marriot, among others, which are suing TVI
which you get by paying the $250 membership fee and Express for claiming partnership with them. TVI
another $150 processing fee is the product. Others say Express has been banned in Australia, China, Hungary
that the “back office” where you access a travel portal and Namibia and is not legal in the United States or
powered by Travelocity is the product. The discounts Canada among others. This is not a legitimate business
supposedly offered by TVI Express are actually as this strongly worded statement, that appeared in
provided by Travelocity and Travelocity.com; these the Republikein, from the Bank of Namibia, warns
show the same price as TVI Express’ “back office”. consumers.
The only thing that TVI Express requires you to sell “After the Bank of Namibia scrutinised the business
is itself as, according to the FAQ’s on its website, models of both H&C and TVI Express against the
“you don’t need to sell any products”. This is a telling relevant provisions of the Act, the Bank of Namibia
remark because the FAQ also states that you would concluded that the business operations of the two
have to recruit two people to get paid. above-noted schemes place substantial emphasis on
recruitment of participants to these schemes. In this
There are several other reasons to suspect that TVI respect, the schemes offer lucrative incentives to the
Express is not all they claim to be. Unlike most participants, calculated primarily on the basis of the
legitimate companies, TVI Express does not seem to number of participants or members they recruited into
have a named owner or an address. The fact that TVI the schemes. It is evident that these recruitment-based
Express chooses to hide who is behind the company, incentives serve as a bait to attract potential participants
their investors and the address is a good indication that into joining the schemes, with the prospect of making
something is not right. easy money by recruiting others.”
26 CN
This is the case with TVI Express’ and other may apply for the winding-up or the sequestration of
recruitment-based programmes’ incentives, they serve the estate of such person as the case maybe.
as bait to attract potential participants into joining the
schemes with the prospect of making easy money. 3.Why did the BoN feel it was necessary to speak out
Many Namibians have fallen into these schemes as it against Holiday Cash and TVI Express?
surely seems to be a short-cut of making money without
sweating for it. As we frequently state at Consumer Based on the investigation, the Bank of Namibia issued
News: “If it sounds too good to be true: It probably is.” the media release with the aim of warning members
of the public on the danger of investing in businesses
We spoke to the Bank of Namibia and here is what of such nature. TVI Express and Holidays & Cash are
they had to say on the matter, we thank them kindly not the only business entities that the Bank of Namibia
for their time has made pronouncements on. The frequent and
voluminous queries from the members of the public on
1. Does the BoN differentiate between MLM and a the operations of these two entities prompted the Bank
pyramid scheme? What is the difference? of Namibia to conduct an investigation/assessment on
their operations, upon which the public warning was
Yes. The Bank of Namibia draws a distinction between based.
Multi-level Marketing companies and illegal pyramid
schemes. “Multi-level Marketing” refers to any 4. Lawyers from TVI Express have met with the
business practices in which products or services are BoN regarding their pronouncement, what was the
marketed and sold directly to consumers by participants outcome of that meeting.
who earn rewards based on their own volumes or value
of products and services they have sold or rendered. The Bank of Namibia did not meet with TVI Express
Sometimes, participants also earn rewards based on the yet. Therefore, we are not in a position to answer this
volumes and value of products and services sold by question.
other participants whom they have recruited into the
business practice. 5. Are there means of preventing such schemes from
entering the market?
On the other hand, a pyramid scheme is any business
practice by which a participant gives consideration in Due to the manner in which these business entities
exchange for the opportunity to receive compensation, operate, it is very difficult to prevent their entry into
which is derived primarily from such participant’s the market. By nature, the schemes are introduced by
emes
introduction of others into the business practice rather word of mouth, referrals and via electronic mail. One
than from the sale of products. Pyramid schemes of the measures to effectively curb the operations of
come in so many forms that they may be difficult to pyramid schemes is to sensitise members of the public
recognise without an in-depth analysis. However, they about the danger of engaging in such schemes. People
all share overriding characteristics. They promise the need to be aware of what red flags to look out for
participants rewards based primarily on recruiting before they can decide to part with their hard-earned
others to join the business practice and not based on money in search for quick riches. As a final note,
sale of goods to the public. pyramid schemes are outlawed in terms of the Banking
Institutions Amendment Act, no.14 of 2010.
2. If one has participated in TVI Express or a similar
scheme, how does one get their money back? I hope that the above addresses your questions
sufficiently.
Getting one’s money back is not guaranteed. However,
in terms Section 7 of the Banking Institutions Act 2 of Ndangi Katoma
1998 (as amended), if the Bank of Namibia is satisfied HEAD: CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
that a person has obtained any monies in contravention
of Section 5, they may direct the person to repay all Sources:
the monies so obtained by him or her including interest 1.http://hubpages.com/hub/TVI-Express-Scam-Tactic-Analysis-
How-and-Why-Do-People-Fall-for-a-Scam
or other amounts which may be owing by the person
to the respective persons from whom he/she obtained 2.BoN warns against tow pyramid schemes, The Namibian,
the monies. Any person who refuses or fails to comply retrieved 11 November 2010 <http://www.namibian.com.na/index.
with directive of the Bank in terms of Section 7 (1) php?id=28&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=73965&no_cache=1 >
shall be deemed to be unable to pay its debts in terms of
3.BoN warns public: Holidays and Cash (H&C) and TVI Express
Section 345 of the Companies Act or be deemed to have in violation of the law, die Republikein, retrieved 11 November
committed an act of insolvency in terms of Section 8 2010, <http://www.republikein.com.na/die-mark/bon-warns-
of the Insolvency Act. Therefore, the Bank of Namibia public.115812.php >
CN 27
international
Legalising prostitution?
Think Again!
By Sylvanie Beukes
Why legalise prostitution? The pro-legalisation Other pro-legalise prostitution advocates claim that
argument is simple: legalise it to regulate it and tax legalised prostitution empowers and professionalises
it. The anti-legalisation argument maintains that it the individual providing the service. Those at
devalues those that provide sex in exchange for money the opposing end however claim that dignifying
and somehow provides a platform to abuse providers prostitution and granting it ‘a profession’ status doesn’t
of such services. empower the service provider; it only accentuates the
negative aspects of the sex industry.
According to proponents for the legalisation of
prostitution, making the profession legal will allow for According to a report compiled by the governmental
it to be managed instead of ignored. When prostitutes Budapest Group, legalised prostitution industries are
operate independently, and in secret, they often become one of the root causes of sex trafficking. The group
abused by their customers and ‘owners’; legalising reported that 80% of the women in the Netherlands’
would therefore mean that pimps and organised crime brothels are trafficked from other countries. Findings
syndicates would no longer control women. The such as these nullify claims that legalisation would
legalisation of prostitution will also assist nations in mitigate the negative aspects, as well as regulate the
mitigating the exploitation of under-aged individuals expansion of the sex industry.
for sex.
Over the last decade, as pimping became legalised and
Contrary to that, child prostitution has risen brothels decriminalised in the Netherlands in 2000, the
dramatically in the Netherlands and Australia’s State sex industry expanded by 25 per cent. Legalisation of
of Victoria where prostitution is legal. An Amsterdam- prostitution in the State of Victoria, Australia, has led
based Children Rights organisation estimates that to massive expansion of the sex industry. While there
the number has gone from 4,000 children in 1996 to were 40 legal brothels in Victoria in 1989, in 1999
15,000 in 2001. The group also estimates that at least there were 94, along with 84 escort services.
5,000 of these children are from countries outside of
where the study was conducted, with a large segment The idea behind legalisation is to get prostitutes and
being Nigerian girls. This should not be a shocking gigolos off the street and into safer settings. However,
result because within the commercialised sex sector, in the Netherlands, women in prostitution point out
virgins and young girls fetch a higher price than their that legalisation of the sex industry will not erase the
older counter parts. stigma of prostitution. Instead, it makes providers
28 CN
more vulnerable to psychological abuse because they The answer in most cases would be no. So if it isn’t
will lose anonymity through registration. good enough for you and your loved ones, what makes
you so sure it’s good enough for others?
It is for reasons such as this that the majority of
women in prostitution choose to operate illegally and Frankly, it is our duty as a civilised society to help
underground. Members of Parliament who originally women get out of prostitution and not to help them
supported the legalisation of brothels on the grounds flourish in it. There’s too much on how to keep women
that this would liberate women are now realising in prostitution but very little on how to help women
that legalisation actually reinforces the oppression of get out of it!
women.
References
It is also argued that legalised brothels and other 1. Coalition Against Trafficking in Women International,
controlled prostitution establishments protect women The Ongoing Tragedy of International Slavery and Human
Trafficking: An Overview, retrieved on 19 November 2010
by enforcing condom use policies. In reality, the < h t t p : / / a c t i o n . w e b . c a / h o m e / c a t w / re a d i n g ro o m .
enforcement of condom policies is left to the individual shtml?x=53794>
women in prostitution and an offer of extra money can
invalidate such policies. So-called “safety policies” 2. New Rights for Dutch Prostitutes, but No Gain, New York
in brothels do not protect women from harm. Even in Times, retrieved 19 November 2010,
<http://www.walnet.org/csis/news/world_2001/nytimes-010812.
brothels where there is constant activity monitoring
html>
and where bouncers are utilised, women stated that
they were injured by buyers and, at times, by brothel 3. 10 Reasons for not legalising prostitution, Prostitution:
owners and their friends. Research and Education, retrieved on 19 November 2010,
<http://www.prostitutionresearch.com/laws/000022.html>
Findings in many studies highlight that most women
4. The Budapest Group, The Relationship Between Organized
in prostitution did not deliberately choose to enter Crime and Trafficking in Aliens, retrieved on 19 November
prostitution. They did not sit down one day and decide 2010, <http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/pubs/ccaps-spcca/traffick-
that they wanted to become prostitutes, such choices eng.htm>
are survival strategies. Ask anyone that promotes the
idea of legalising prostitution if they would allow their 5. The Sex Sector, International Labour Organisation,
retrieved 19 November 2010,
daughter, sister or mother to become a prostitute.
<http://www.ilo.org/>
CN 29
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CN 31
sports
“This was my year because I worked hard for it. I am now Other awards, which also signified great overall performances
aiming very high because I want to become Namibia’s next for the year, were achieved by wrestler Jason Afrikaner who
world champion,” he told Namibia Sport, a local sports took the Junior Sportsman of the Year award after winning
magazine. Ambunda beat cyclist Dan Craven, rugby player a bronze medal at the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore,
Jacques Burger, bowls player Graham Snyman and gymnast while swimmer Christine Briedenhann won the Junior
Robert Honiball to the award. Sportswoman of the Year award.
There were several other Namibian boxers who raised the The 14-year-old Briedenhann competed at the Senior African
bar this season and most are surely destined for world titles Swimming Championships where she reached two finals,
in the not too distant future. These are credible fighters breaking one Namibian Open record and five age group
such as Vikapita ‘The Beast Master’ Meroro, Tyson ‘The records along the way. Swimming this year, like the previous
Unstoppable’ Uushona, Jatoorora ‘The Sting’ Tjingaveta, seasons also produced a dozen Namibian records on the
Immanuel ‘Prince’ Naindjala and several others who are national and international scenes, making them one of the
climbing the ladder to stardom. most progressive and fast developing minority codes in the
country.
Most of these boxers operate under the stable of the
hardworking Nestor ‘Sunshine’ Tobias, who himself was a Each year a new breed of swimmers comes to the fore
fighter and now a seasoned boxing promoter and manager. and the ones that are in the business continue to keep the
32 CN
standards high. This is all due to the commitment of their Among the biggest winners this year on the athletics and
coaches and their administrators who selflessly dedicate road running sphere, were veteran runners Luketz Swartbooi
their time to the sport. and Helalia Johannes, who both netted a N$10 000 each
for winning the 2010 Old Mutual Victory Race Series. Both
On the rugby front, Namibia’s senior team, which has already athletes won two out of the three legs of the series to be
qualified for the International Rugby Board’s (IRB) Rugby crowned the overall series winners. This year the tournament
World Cup billed for New Zealand next year, have also done also served as a qualifier for the World Half Marathon
the nation proud this time around. Despite their fourth straight Championships which were held in Nanning, China in
qualification to the world’s biggest spectacle in world rugby, October.
the Namibians also lifted the IRB Nations Cup after grinding
out an impressive 21-16 win against fellow Rugby World Cup Swartbooi finished 36th out of 68 athletes, completing the
qualifiers Georgia to clinch the title for the first time. 21,1km event in a time of 1:05:27, which was 5:20 behind
the winner, Wilson Kiprop of Kenya. Johannes finished 16th
Namibia Rugby Union president, Bucks Bock, after the in a season’s best time of 1:11:57, which was 3:33 behind the
victory, was quoted saying: “It was a major achievement for winner Florence Jebet Kiplagat of Kenya.
us; it is the result of our participation in the Vodacom Cup
earlier this year that gave us the edge and prepared the Also interesting this season, the Oshana region was the
boys. The gap between our professionals and our amateurs overall winner of the Namibia National Championships for
has narrowed greatly. That is why they were able to gel and the Physically Challenged that took place in Windhoek. The
work together,” he added. Khomas region was second, with the Omusati region third.
The Karas region was awarded with the Best Spirit Award.
Judging from their improved play in the various facets of the
game, and a dynamic new generation of players, Namibia is The athletes were competing in the track and field events
currently competing in test matches in Europe in preparation and the competition was held in order to select athletes
of their world campaign and this time, they are at least that would be eligible to represent the country in different
guaranteed of putting points on the scoreboard, On the international competitions next year. The Namibian cricket
football pitch, Namibia’s Senior National team was possibly team also had its good spell on the crease with spectacular
the biggest losers with poor shows overall and off the field batting and bowling coming off some of the veterans such as
controversies that overshadowed the play on the field. The Sarel Burger, Louis Burger and others.
most recent being the embarrassing exit of the national team
coach, Tom Saintfiet, after Namibia’s 3-0 defeat to Gambia in The cricketers had a busy year this season, but failed to
a 2010 African Nations Cup qualifier. make the grade to their would-be second appearance in the
International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup due early next
That was compounded by aspects such as the lack of money year. Overall, the Namibian sporting year produced mixed
for training camps, lack of interest from players attending results as custom over the past five years and the major
training camps due to the lack of poor professional conduct of achievements were more on an individual level than team
Saintfiet, and the little support to ignite a sense of motivation sport.
in the team from the authorities proved fatal. Chances are
slim that the Brave Warriors will qualify for Africa’s major The rugby team will be at the World Cup next year, Namibian
football show, let alone win any of their international Fifa swimmers excelled as they splashed their way to numerous
friendly matches if there are any scheduled. victories, while the professional boxers, including amateur
boxer Japhet Utoni also did his country proud by bagging a
The Namibia Football Association re-elected John Muinjo to bronze at the Commonwealth Games.Next year should be
the presidency recently but the situation, with regard to the a year of sporting celebration in various ways as some of
performance of the national teams across the board, remains the codes have proven some improvement in their quest for
deplorable. The lack of funds is used as a scapegoat to cover glory.
up all failures.
CN 33
editorial
Boom or Bust
When the recession’s done and the future seems uncertain
By Denver Isaacs
The past few years, with talks of recessions from suppliers and/or start-up grants from business
and hard times, if nothing more, has certainly development agencies.
illustrated the importance of the entrepreneur in
society. The heroes of the free enterprise system, Commission over Salaries
it is they who create wealth, employ others, and One of the easiest ways to keep costs under control,
according to US retailer, Furniture Store, is to adjust
make the most meaningful contributions to
the way you pay salespeople. Reasons surrounding
national development. team building and customer service might prompt you
to scoff at this, but in tough times, salaries are difficult
Considering that the ecomomy is said to have been
to reduce. Commission rates vary with sales levels so
stabilising, and tourists have been returning to the
you want to do everything you can to keep salespeople
land of the brave to set that particular, and important,
motivated and their commissions rising.
industry into recovery, what better time to take stock
of your million-dollar idea and its execution than the
One excellent system you might consider for raising
present?
commissions, sales and overall gross margins is to
vary your commission rate with your gross margin
The most important ingredient to building your empire
percentage achieved on the sale of each item. For
is obviously a great idea. However, without a proper
example, if your average gross margin is 45% and you
framework and strategy, great ideas can fold. According
already pay a straight commission of 6%, you might
to the guys who developed the entrepreneurship
change to a variable rate by setting a high commission
curriculum at the Polytechnic of Namibia, what
rate of 8% that corresponds to a high gross margin of
sets the entrepreneur apart from the dreamer is the
55%.
accumulation of the five M’s of business:
At the opposite end, you might set a low gross margin
The business five
percent of 30% that corresponds to a low commission of
• Money (Start-up and running capital)
3%. Any sales in the middle of this gross margin range
• Manpower (Employees, Consultants, Stakeholders)
are paid at a rate of 3% to 8%. So, if a sales associate
• Materials (Inventory, Parts and Assembled products)
sells a home theatre system at 45% gross margin, she
• Machinery (Equipment)
would receive a 6% commission. However, if she sold
• Man-hours (Basic Salaries, Overtime)
the dining set at 55%, she would get 8%. On the second
item you would give an extra 2% and gain an extra 8%.
Whether you’re about to embark on a new venture, or
getting ready to hit the new year running, Consumer
Treat Lay-offs like the plague
News takes from the lessons taught by the recession to
US financial writer Eric J. Adams quotes employment
help you make sure you survive the tough times. Take
agency Creative Assets CEO Kristin Knight in saying
a look at the above-listed areas and start evaluating and
“avoid lay-offs if you can.”At first glance, the writer
tweaking your plans to see yourself prospering in time
says, layoffs seem a simple equation in bad times.
for the next busy season.
Fewer employees obviously result in lower costs. At
first glance.
The Crucial Element
Money is among the most crucial ingredients for
In the long run however, there are costs associated with
starting a new venture. Your financial resources affect
letting employees go, including the potential cost of
all other aspects of your business – you will need to,
severance packages, as well as intangible costs like
for instance, acquire equipment, human resources,
the loss of continuity and intimacy between staff and
buildings and land. You’ll need financial resources
clients. “It doesn’t help your reputation among clients
in the form of start-up capital (investment from
and customers if your sales reps or designers are
shareholders or co-founders); short-term / long-term
here one day and gone the next. With every walking
loans (banks and venture capitalists); trade credit
employee goes a little bit of company knowledge,”
said Knight. “So if layoffs are inevitable, consolidate must be ‘bled down’ or reduced in price until it has a
back-office positions first and strive to retain customer- buyer,” he says.
facing personnel.”
Local considerations
She also warns that when the recession goes, you’ll be One way of increasing your share is to compete in a
saddled with more costs as you have to rehire and retrain bigger arena. Namibia currently makes more than
workers. “Strive to hold on to your employees now, a third of its revenue from shared trade with South
and when the economy reengages, you’ll be in a prime Africa, Botwana, Swaziland and Lesotho. The current
position to take advantage of new business instead of revenue-sharing agreement between the regional
scrambling for employees to fill key positions,” said authorities is currently awaiting amendment to be
Knight. better in favour in South Africa. This however means
not so lucky for Namibia and the rest of SA’s smaller
Evaluate Inventory neighbours.
Ranging from materials and parts to fully assembled
products, inventory and its reduction is not something The current revenue-sharing agreement was devised
most people would prefer to think of. According to as a way to compensate the smaller economies for
freelance writer and industry analyst William Brandel, SA’s virtual monopoly on attracting investment, and a
it’s crucial for companies to bleed down inventory change in this atmosphere deserves a monitoring eye.
during tough times in order to reflect the downturn in
sales. Inventory optimisation is as important then, he As was earlier stated, the entrepreneur is an important
says, because of its impact on available cash. source for socio-economic growth because he or she
creates wealth, employs others, and makes the most
“In accounting terms, inventory is an asset. So meaningful contributions to national development. So
inventory that is on the books through manufacturing, if you are an entrepreneur and want to build (or extend)
assembly and distribution represents credit-funded your empire, consider the pointers above because
inventory. With credit at a premium, it’s in a company’s without a proper framework and strategy, that great idea
best interest not only to keep inventory levels tight, but will fold. During holiday seasons especially, existing
also to sell goods as soon as possible,” Brandel says. businesses face the risk of loss due to factors like over-
or even under-stocking, understaffing, or even failure
“Nobody wants to run out. If there’s too little, to market oneself. So, for all intents and purposes,
customers won’t get orders in a timely manner and assess and reassess your million-dollar dream in order
market opportunities will be missed. Yet if a company to better approach economic uncertainties caused by
carries too much and demand drops, then the inventory holiday seasons and recessions.
editorial
Public-Private Partnerships
New drivers for economic growth
By Luis Maruwasa
P
PPPs, or Private-public partnerships, are being touted c) Improved Level of Services or maintaining existing
as new drivers for economic growth in many nations, level of services. PPPs can introduce innovation in how
but is this fact or a cleverly marketed falsehood? PPPs service delivery should be organised and carried out. It
occur when public entities such as municipalities and or can also introduce new technologies and economies of
government ministries and entities engage in partnerships scale that often reduce the cost or improve the quality
with privately-owned firms to take advantage of an and level of services.
opportunity, or to provide a good service.
d) Enhancement of Revenues. PPPs may set user fees
Government can engage in these for several reasons. For that reflect the true cost of delivering a particular service.
instance, a lack of resources to exploit an opportunity PPPs also offer the opportunity to introduce more
on its own, a desire for expertise it does not possess, or innovative revenue sources that would not be possible
to perhaps encourage investment in a certain field in the under conventional methods of service delivery.
country. The idea is usually to enhance infrastructure and
service delivery. PPPs potentially bring the efficiency e) Economic Benefits.Increased involvement of regional
of business to public service delivery while avoiding a government in PPPs can help to stimulate the private
need to fully privatise. sector and contribute to increased employment and
economic growth.
The private operator is normally compensated by
government or by the consumer for services/products South Africa ranks as the THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING
rendered. Some case studies suggest that PPPs are nation with the greatest
complex, demanding and time-consuming. However, experience with PPP on TEAM NAMIBIA
317 JOBS
under the right conditions, and in the right sectors, they the African continent. It
can offer significant benefits to government, the private has over 50 such part-
sector and consumers. A recurring theme is that for nerships on the drawing
PPPs to be successful, governments need to undertake board and an estimated CREATED ( THAT KNOW OF ) IN 2010
WE
thorough feasibility studies that address the issues 300 projects with this
Be Namibian - Buy Namibian. Creating Jobs.
of affordability, value for money, risks involved, and type of structure have
environmental impacts. been implemented since Steven Lochner, h roSSoUW,
PrinceSS KaUriKa, r BranD,
1994. PaUL venter, JP LoUW, J.
According to the JSI Research and Training Institute nGUtJinaZo, Gia SimoeS,
The U.S. Trade and Pa DieDericKS, Je hUtchinS,
Incorporated, the main benefits of PPPs are: SoPhia Sheehama, r voiGt, afra
Development Agency SchimminG chaSe, LJe moUton, Z
a) Cost Saving. With PPPs, regional governments may (USTDA) has been pro- BaSSon, eLmarie oDenDaaL, c van
LoGGenBerG, JacqUeS nieman, aW
realise cost savings for the construction of capital projects moting public-private maaSDorP, roB ParKer, rc Smith,
as well as the operation and maintenance of services. Cost partnerships in Na- P naKanDUUnGiLe, victoria
savings can also be realised by regional governments in mibia. The hallmark of KanGomBe, Lc nePenDa, taBeth
nyahaSha, ShaPWa haShaLi,
the operation and maintenance of facilities and service USTDA assistance is es- LS ShatiWa, JameS viLLet, af
systems. Private partners may be able to reduce the tablishing links between hammonD, eLKe BocKmUehL,
cost of operating or maintaining facilities by applying U.S. companies and hanS von LiereS, cJ Greeff, eS
hanSen, mn ShivUte, DeiDre
economies of scale, innovative technologies, more overseas project spon- SchroeDer, aJ cLaaSen, Jaco
cilbuP
flexible procurement and compensation arrangements, sors, bringing proven BinDeman, J WeSterDUin, nt
private sector solutions efraim, WK Greyton, mariSSa
or by reducing overhead. eSterhUiZen, DWn eSterhUiZen,
to development chal- mK PoniSo, JG BocK, BernarDU
b) Risk Sharing. With PPPs, regional governments can lenges. PaULUS, ma GeiGUBanD anD many
otherS emPLoyeD at team
share the risks with a private partner. Risks could include namiBia memBer comPanieS
cost overruns, inability to meet schedules for service WoULD LiKe to WiSh yoU ...
delivery, or the risk that revenues may not be sufficient
to pay operating and capital costs. >> ... HAPPY HOLIDAYS
37 CN Be Namibian - Buy Namibian. Creating Jobs.
www.teamnamibia.com
Part1
editorial
SMMEs are at the forefront of job creation and income Small business in Namibia is not uniformly defined. The
generation; these businesses are responsible for significant government, its agencies and NGOs all apply different
portions of economic growth in developed and developing definitions, each entities focusing on different areas as
economies alike. It is no wonder that some of the world’s key yardsticks (areas such as education level of both employer
development agencies have taken a keen interest in creating and employees, number of employees as well as fixed and
the most conducive environment and support mechanisms to liquid assets among other things).
allow smaller businesses to thrive.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry’s definition that an
This has, as a result, seen a significant increase in the provision SMME has less than 10 employees and capital value below
of Business Development Services (BDS) in recent years. N$250, 000 is not appropriate; a recent survey demonstrated
These services offer a platform to access information and that the enterprises that employ 10 or less people operate
include training, advice, mentorship, coaching and business with an average capital value of almost N$400, 000.
planning packages. These services are ideally provided
alongside access to business finance (but business financing According to the ILO survey, the educational and training
is not the focus of the discussion here). level of informal sector entrepreneurs is rather low.
According to the survey, almost half of the staff in SMMEs
Amongst the proponents that are adopting BDS as an does not have what is considered a formal education: 16.4%
important component of the economic growth strategy are had no schooling, while another 27.5% did not finish primary
the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), school. Perhaps more significantly, ¾ of all employees
the World Bank and the International Labour Organisation surveyed did not receive any job related training and ¾ saw
(ILO). African countries such as Kenya and South Africa the importance of training to improve business.
have included the provision of BDS as key components
to their economic growth and small business promotion At the coast, only a third of the staff complement in the
strategies. SMME sector has primary education (up to grade 7), the
remaining ⅔ enjoyed higher education (grade 11 or higher).
The Namibian experience In the North, both the percentages of primary and secondary
The Namibian small business sector is weakly developed education are lower; the entrepreneurs however do not have
as compared to other African countries; small business a low level of school education. However, their exposure
development has only recently emerged as a policy priority. to formal vocational training is low; less than 20% of
This is because independent economic activities were entrepreneurs received relevant training, even less had any
suppressed under the Apartheid system, and it is for that management-related training. The majority were trained on
reason that one would hardly come across an indigenous the job during tenure with a former employer in larger firms.
culture of production and trading in the country. Furthermore,
Namibia is still largely a part of the South African economy; In this issue, we juxtaposed the SMME situation in Namibia
its business life is dominated by South African firms. to what BDS is and how it can, as an economic development
strategy, assist relevant entities with developing the SMME
The prospects of the small business sector are regarded as sector further. In the next issue, we will examine a solutions-
rather poor. The focus of existing studies and development based approach to developing this sector.
approaches is one of the large problems which obviously
hinder the sector. Local Economic Agency for Development Philemon Kandiwapa Nahum is the founder and owner-
CC (LEAD) would like to show that the development of the manager of Local Economic Agency for Development CC
small and informal enterprise sector in Namibia will mainly (LEAD)
be the outcome of entrepreneurial strengths and improved
market opportunities.
36 CN
below: carried out a study in 2003 and found widespread abuse
Figure 01 : Generic structure for PPPs of workers rights. According to LaRRi these included
forced pregnancy tests for women who applied for jobs;
non-payment for workers on sick leave; very low wages
Government and no benefits; insufficient health and safety measures; no
compensation in case of accidents; abuse by supervisors;
PPP Agreement and open hostility towards trade unions etc.
39 CN
from wherever
North
Coast
East
South
...to wherever
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F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , C o n t a c t : W i l m a r c L e w i e s , N a m P o s t C o u r i e r, V o i g t S t r e e t , S o u t h e r n I n d u s t r i a l A r e a , P. O . B o x 2 8 7 , W i n d h o e k ,
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?
editorial
To conduct customer satisfaction and feedback surveys, customers are Customer research surveys – whether it is through asking customers
normally interviewed straight after they have been using a product or using a mystery shopper – provide a foundation in which a
and/or service from an organisation or when they have visited a store. company can start building upon its customer relationships. They
Customers are often asked about key areas of any business and its can be an important first step towards achieving the ultimate goals of
products and services, and how they have perceived the business. exceptional customer satisfaction, loyalty and retention.
Companies can then use the data to implement and revise policies
and procedures, introduce new products and/or services or change any Now, what does this tell you?
aspects of the current products and services. Companies that are prepared to have some consumer/customer
research conducted are generally those who care for their customers.
In this issue we want to elaborate somewhat on Mystery Shopper They have an interest in how you feel, what they are good at and what
Surveys. These are powerful tools to help businesses understand what they need to change in order to let you feel better and more satisfied
it is like to interact with them from a customer perspective. Unlike using their products and services.
surveys, trained mystery shoppers go into the store looking for certain
things and make detailed observations as the experience unfolds. It is thus strongly recommended that if you have the opportunity to
participate in such a survey, that you do!
Mystery shoppers are researchers, pretending to be normal customers
performing specific tasks such as purchasing and/or enquiring about
products and services or registering complaints and then provide
detailed reports or feedback about their experiences with employees,
the products and services offered and the general perception of the
exterior and interior of the branch. Mystery shoppers are briefed on
the company’s expected standards and measure results prior to the Contact BIA on (061) 254 810
start of a survey. Email: karen@consultburo.com
41 CN
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Namibia’s economic
environment in
By Martin Mwinga
He than pointed to the growth in 2010’s GDP figure (approx. Mwinga projected that “2011 will be a tough year because
4.4%) which he says was slightly misleading because most global food prices will keep going up; the unemployment
figure in Namibia is likely to stay the same, if it doesn’t
increase; we will be experiencing more price increases, and
the oil price is likely to average U$85/ barrel. Government
will not be able to subsidise and so will have to adjust
petrol prices again.
One of NAMFISA’s strategic goals is to ensure that consumers are well-informed and have
confidence in financial services and products. This will be achieved through a continuous
consumer education and awareness campaign.
In the next edition, we will tell you how you can lodge a complaint against any provider
of non-bank financial services and products.
“In a global first, German-born Peter Arndt from the Clay House All in all, it is refreshing and inspiring to see local solutions to local
Project in Otjiwarongo, Namibia, has invented a new dry toilet problems emerging. The more local invention and solutions like
technology which has the potential to drastically improve the lives these are created, the more our country will grow and the better the
of not only Namibians, but millions of people around the world... lives of people in Namibia will get.
CN 44
FREE
CONSUMER
JANUARY 2011
Y O U R V O I C E
NEWS
Business
Martin Mwinga Public-Private today...
on 2011 Partnerships
Business
tomorrow