Euro-African Life in Namibia

Even though many Namibian women marry and have families while relatively young (between ages 21- 28), more and more Namibian women are single and dating, 'in the market', as they say in the West. Historically, in the not-too-distant past (23 years ago only), the movements and personal freedoms of many Namibians were severely restricted and controlled by the Apartheid Regime occupying Namibia until 1989, but fortunately, since Independence from South Africa in 1990 , the status of individuals (men and women), their rights and freedoms, are protected and enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia . For example, inter-cultural relationships and marriage was illegal 23 years ago, punishable with imprisonment. Despite these amazing new changes in the status of all Namibians, our society is still remarkably conservative (especially rural communities) with regards to the relationships and interaction between men and women. Our parents, extended family, siblings and f...

The spicy flavours of Nando's chicken are good yardsticks to measure degrees of 'hotness' , I think. It's relatively simple. All you have to do is choose for your order of chicken to be spiced 'mild', 'lemon & herb' or 'hot ' and you'll always receive 2 - 3 little sachets of peri peri  sauce with that, no matter the content of your order, the sachets of peri peri sauce are always there. You also have the option to purchase a bottle of peri peri sauce to enjoy the thrill of a fiery oesophagus and intense heartburn with every mouthful. The point being, you may choose the level of heat your intestinal tract is expected to manage. 'Hotness' , in my opinion, is that special combination of natural good looks, great physique, 'presence', charm and sex appeal some fortunate individuals of both genders possess (in addition to being remarkably photogenic). These individuals are also very often successful with little effort, and ...

Your wedding could either be your worst nightmare or a day fondly remembered for the rest of your life (without stomach-churning anxiety). It goes without saying that after saying 'yes!', every bride wishes the time between her answer and that special day would simply evaporate before the sun like the fog in Swakopmund every morning. We wish it was that simple. As everyone knows, unless the bride and bridegroom are popping into the Magistrate's Court in Windhoek for a 5-minute official ceremony, in jeans, matching t-shirts and takkies, followed by a celebratory lunch plus Windhoek Lagers at the Spur in Independence Avenue later, ALL society weddings require meticulous planning and careful organisation.  Here are a few important precautionary TIPS to help would-be brides get to that special day in one piece, displaying a stress-free face, perfect hair and with peace of mind: a) The moment you say 'yes', set the DATE for your wedding. Choose your season , your ...

The Social Security Commission (SSC) of Namibia   took part in the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair (OATF) 2013 in northern Namibia and was pleasantly surprised with the response from visitors, both employers and employees. Hundreds of visitors flocked to the SSC stand to either have their cards printed, to find out more about the newly adjusted benefits or simply to participate in competitions to win one of the many exciting prizes up for grabs at the SSC stand. (Photograph: Selma Ndaitwah , customer service officer, SSC Oshakati branch, at the OATF ) As a value add, the SSC held an information session for small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) at the trade fair. The workshop was attended by more than 67 SME owners in and around the towns of Oshakati, Ongwediva and Ondangwa . Participants were given a brief rundown of SSC operations and it was explained what is expected from business owners, more specifically SMEs as well as what is in it for them, how payments can be ma...

Shopping for food is a task I've never enjoyed. Costly sessions during which a patient, long-suffering therapist searched and scratched about in the psychological dustbin of my psyche, delivered nothing substantive for analysis and possible dissection as origin (trigger) related to a curious reluctance to shop for food. Suffice to say, were these the days of hunter-food gathering , I'd have been a starving scavenger in the savannah underbrush. Shopping for clothing, shoes, accessories, perfume, jewellery, books, technology, cars...no problem. Food? I've got to be 'psyched up' for this one. That aside, early in 2011, I once again found myself standing, as per habit and prescribed by necessity, without an ounce of enthusiasm in the aisles of Maerua SuperSpar in Windhoek, required orange wheeled-trolley in attendance. The Health Nut division had recently opened catering for diabetics, vegetarians, vegans and the treatment of allergens. My curiosity was mildly pique...

Before Miley Cyrus walked out on the stage at this year's MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) , despite a trail of paparazzi images littering tabloids throughout the first half of 2013 and the entire 2012 that 'Hannah Montana is Very Much Dead' , despite glaring evidence that she is desperately seeking to change the 'Hannah' perception, despite a clear indication (haircut, clothing, style) that Miley is in rebellion against a preconception of her and a refusal to allow it, despite ALL of the above, ALL the signs, ALL the clear indications she doesn't want to be typecast or 'boxed' into an idea of who she is, EVERYONE is amazingly shocked at Miley Cyrus' performance at the MTV VMAs. I'm just as shocked at everyone who appears to be shocked. I mean...it was clear as daylight, right? Right there, in front of our eyes, Miley Cyrus was out to kill 'Hannah Montana' first opportunity she got! The problem is, no one was listening and no one paid att...

The Omba Gallery at the Namibia Crafts Centre is currently the venue for an amazing exhibition, BAGS BONANZA . This exceptional exhibition of unique leather and cloth bags made in Namibia will run at the Omba Gallery from 20 August until 8 September 2013, and was officially opened on the evening of Tuesday, 20 August 2013.   Namibia Crafts Centre manager and the dynamic brain behind the exhibition, Shareen Thude , welcomed guests to a unique, first of its kind exhibition and also introduced the new coordinator of Omba Gallery, Ms. Mathilde Stegmann . Guest speaker,  Brigitte Davidow of Nakara Namibia, producer of leather garments, gave an account of the development of bags over the course of time: ‘Purses and handbags originated from early pouches, to carry seeds, religious items and medicine. Men and women both carried pouches. ‘From the ancient beaded bags of African priests to the haute couture tote of the modern lady of leisure, handbags have historic...