The struggle for Namibia's independence is something from the past. Battles were fought, soldiers died, and after all the smoke and dust has settled another front opened. The battle to be acknowledged as a war veteran for compensation. Former soldiers from the SADF. SWATF and the police's para military wing "Koevoet" are all ignored by the Government of Namibia, rightfully understandable as they fought against the Liberation fighters or PLAN, but being rejected by South Africa is not understandable. It was the SA government who "forced" soldiers to take up arms in the struggle against Namibia's fight for freedom.

Every Friday night Kosmos 94.1 is hosting 

the first ever Police reality show in Namibia. 

The idea?  To sensitize Namibians, specially 

Windhoekers on the real life out there after dark.

  

We take for granted that the City Police and their 

Nampol counterparts are just sit idle, 

while thugs and unruly people 

just do as they wish. 

Friday night members of the 

City police had their hands full as one person 

was stabbed to death during a 

an alcohol related quarrel with a sharp object. 

A suspect was arrested at the scene of crime. 

while a women was arrested in a 

separate incident for public 

violence while under the influence. 

Again alcohol is the main 

contributing factor in most crimes in the 

informal settlements. 

shying away for the camera,,, 

crowd staring at an injured person after being attacked
by a woman who was under the influence.

The COPPS 94.1 Jeep 

a regular sight every Friday night 

from 8 till late in and around the city of Windhoek.

The 18th International Agricultural Exhibition and Conference takes place next month in Israel. Myself will attend and do several stories on Agriculture and the similarities between Israel and Namibia.

Since Israel’s early days the country’s agriculture sector has been forced to provide its citizenry with advanced solutions. Situated in one of the world’s most arid regions, Israel pioneered the concepts of drip irrigation, recycling, purifying and reuse of wastewater for agriculture purposes.

Based on its accumulated experience, Israel is poised to play a major role in supplying the world with cutting-edge agriculture solutions and is the ideal location for a world-renowned agricultural exhibition and conference.

For the past three decades Agritech Israel has served as a platform for bringing together more than 7,000 foreign visitors from 115 countries to interact with the leading international agriculture technology companies.

Business Mogul Harold Pupkewitz -well known for his various business entities in Namibia passed away age 96.

WHO Chief commended Namibia on their achievement in providing high standard health services.

Matt McGrath from BBC says Africa sits on huge underground water masses.

Poverty, unemployment, costly housing are some of the factors that force people to erect shacks where ever they see an open space.

According to BBC's Matt McGrath Africa has a huge water resource under it. More to follow soon

Environment Investment Fund of Namibia approved 11 grants to the value of 3.1 million N$. The approved projects will create and sustain at least 32 full time jobs, and will generate combined revenue amounting to N$ 650 thousand in their first year.

Alaric Britz Namibia's own on the Cairo to Cape Town tour. The group of about 50 cyclists made a turn through Namibia, and stopped outside Windhoek to greet friends, family and loved ones. Alaric made time to share his experience with his supporters....

Thousands of Windhoek residents depend on taxis as their mode of transport, and often the owners/drivers of these vehicles are money driven without taking their passengers safety into consideration.

This is what my country Namibia is known for,,,,good quality home-brewed-international-acclaimed-award-winning-cold-beer.

Thousands of Namibians stay in shacks commonly known as "kambashus". This informal shelters provide limited protection from the elements like wind or water, but when it comes to isolation, there is none. A group of young researchers from the USA came up with a brilliant innovative way of looking into ways to overcome the problem.

UNAM Law student accused of killing a fellow student appeared before court in Windhoek,,,,next appearance 23 May.

Paper Block Project aims producing alternative energy sources saving trees ....saving the environment.

UN Health Chief arrives in Namibia to observe World Malaria day in Oshakati

UN agency for health's Director General, Dr. Margaret Chan, will arrive in Windhoek on 23 April for a four-day visit to Namibia. Dr Chan will meet President Hifikepunye Pohamba, Prime Minister Nahas Angula, Health Minister Richard Kamwi and donor agencies. 

Dr. Chan from the United Nations Healthcare Organisation (UNHCO) will observe World Malaria Day commemorations on 25 April in Oshakati, one of the main malaria endemic areas in Namibia. According to statistics malaria deaths in the country reduced from 1,080 in 2005 to less than 185 two years later.  

The aim of the day is to raise awareness about malaria, which is still considered the number one killer disease on the African continent. The commemorations call on policy makers, the health sector, donors and the wider public to sustain progress in malaria prevention and control.

Although global malaria related deaths dropped by a third over the last decade, malaria transmission still occurs in about 100 countries, killing an estimated 665,000 people every year, mainly children under the age of five years.

UNHCO works worldwide to provide humanitarian help for people affected by poverty and lack of medical care.

Edit: Ralph Hofelein.

Pictures: Internet.

Farmer got shot in Windhoek at one of the busiest shopping centers in Windhoek,,,,circumstances very vague, rumors have it that suspects were arrested, the victim Piet Berg is according to close family still in ICU in a hospital in Windhoek, more details to follow soon

COPPS 94.1 a joint venture between Kosmos 94.1 and the Windhoek City Police to bring you every Friday from 20h00 till midnight the action as it happens,,,join me tonight from 8 till late to experience the real life of being a member of the City Police...

Johannes Shapange's life was cut short by a knife wielding fellow law student at the campus of the University of Namibia.

manufacturing school uniforms on local soil could mean more employment, affordable school uniforms, and ensure money stays in the country...Do you think it can work if schools start to place their orders locally instead of ordering it from South Africa,,,,what is your take? can it work, if so suggestions,,if not,,,why do you think so?

Namibian minister of education calls on local production of school uniforms,,,,,name of stabbed UNAM student made known,,,and COPPS 94.1,,,,,stay logged in,,,,more details to follow soon.

The body of an 74 year old woman discovered in her apartment at holiday resort.

Police in the Erongo region earlier today faced a difficult task when a 74 year-old woman was found dead in her apartment in Langstrand between the coastal towns of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.. The dog of the diceased was sitting next to the body and protected her mistress. Officers had their hands full to get to the body. No foul play is suspected but an autopsy will be carried out to determine the cause of death. The woman's name will only be released once her relatives are informed.  Aerial shots of the popular holiday resort between the Namib desert and the Atlantic Ocean. Edit: Ralp Hofelein Pictures: Francois Lottering

 

University of Namibia - UNAM - student murdered at campus this morning by a fellow student.

Namibia is host to the first ever Preparatory Meeting for the Africa Group Negotiators on Climate Change. The Namibian Deputy Minister of Environment once again called to act now. This meeting takes place at a time when Germany Donated 500 Million N$ for the construction of a regional CC science center.

Germany donates 500 Million N$ for climate change research in the region.....

Namibia's defense Force in the process to upgrade it's training facilities , while at the same time improve it's air and sea inventory....

One Taxi owner proofed every one wrong after he proofed that there are still people out their with integrity, honestly and a sense of value for other people's property.

Climate Change is affecting each and every one,,,and we in Namibia and Africa at large are paying for the sins of the Industrialized world.

Namibia Port Authorities NAMPORT will sign several MoU's to the value of almost 4 point 5 Million dollar benefitting various institutions across the country.

Namibian Mining is so important to the country's economy that one mining fatality resulted in the Chamber of commerce to invest in an international consultant to investigate the current health and safety standards at all mines, and make recommendations to the ministry of Mines.

Splendid beauty, it is only in Namibia where one could find scenes like this,,,,

Members of Parliament blast state media.

Members of parliament blasted the state media for alleged pathetic service, and poor or limited coverage for government functions. Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Utoni Nujoma said the New Era, a government funded daily, is pathetic, and said Southern Times is a newspaper in terms of content and Pan-Africanism. New Era he said covers negative aspects of government. The media referred to by the MP's are the New Era and the national state broadcaster. The insert above was at a recent function when the deputy Minister of Works and Transport, Chief Ankama lambasted the state broadcaster ( NBC) about their poor service and their tendency to be late for most media functions.

Namibia among top three in bid for Adventure Travel World Summit 2013

Namibia has been shortlisted as one of the top three bidders to host the 2013 Adventure Travel World Summit. The summit is one of the most renowned events in the international tourism arena, which is held annually by more than 650 tour operators from all over the globe.   Namibia outshined 70 other countries in their quest to host next year's Adventure Travel World Summit. Should Namibia be awarded, it would be the first time ever that the event is held on African soil. The Ministry of Tourism is convinced that this would significantly promote the country as an international travel destination and boost the local tourism as well as hospitality sector. The delegates would visit all the locations in Namibia that they intend to market abroad.   Apart from her unspoiled beauty and abundant wildlife, it is Namibia's potential for adventure activities that attract tourists from overseas. Exploring the desert on quad-bikes, skiing down the sand dunes, mountain-biking, fishing, parachuting and balloning are only a few examples of what the country can offer. It is the Ministry's intent to present Namibia as a fun and safe destination for any holiday-maker.   Namibia's success to be shortlisted comes despite ongoing criticism from animal rights groups with regard to the country's annual seal harvest. The Namibian government argues that the culling of seals forms part of its sustainable wildlife management to keep a healthy balance of the eco system and to protect the local fishing industry.   The tourism sector ranks second after mining in Namibia's economy.

Namibia is a country where,,,
the sun greets you every morning
with a smile, be it in the Kalahari desert, or
in the salty water pans of the Etosha National
Park, where the sun is the "painter" of the
morning clouds....

                                                                ..where Children can bath in the 

                                                       shade of an age old Acacia tree with, domestic 

                                                         and wild animals sharing the same 

                                                                                  land,...

  ...where thousands of people 

          gathered at the world famous Swakopmund,

                flanked by the Atlantic ocean on the one side, 

             and the oldest desert in the world,

 The Namib on the other...

                                                                         

...where the mighty Kavango still plays
a major role in the ecological system of our
Namibia. Is home to many wildlife species, a place where
wild animals like crocodiles and
hippos share the common ground
with the Kavango tribe and
guests alike. ...

...a place where you can find
ancient rock paintings and engravings
dated back thousands of years. ...

...where elephants roam, and mankind
can be part of their domain.,,, 

..where the dunes of the Namib
is home to many species like
lizards, spiders, scorpions ...some of them
endemic to our Namib desert

...where the adventurous can dive in
bottomless lakes, make discoveries, and
perhaps find the safe with a few million pieces
of Gold coins dumped by the Germans
almost a century ago...

where the clean water of the lakes
offers any diver or photographer
a venue for that kodak moment...
( diving in some lakes are dangerous
and need special equipment and
permission from landlords, as
many diving spots are on private land)

where the roads can take you anywhere,

where you can get to any destination with a chartered
aircraft,,,and see the mountainous areas
while at the same time experience valuable
rain falling to earth...

,...where history of a pre independence
Namibia is still preserved...

and where lodges, guest houses and B&B's
awaits you after a long day traveling through
this vast country with only
2 point one million friendly people.

Subbed: Ralph Hofelein
Pictures: Francois Lottering
Camera: Samsung Galaxy S2

A rainstorm accompanied by gust winds in the early morning hours in Windhoek surprised many, yet this is not uncommon according to Namibia Weather Network.

Many Residents in Windhoek this morning
were caught off guard when a quick thunder storm
broke out shortly after four this morning. According
to Namibiaweather.info
winds of up to 35 kph were measured, while 4mm
of rain fell, bringing the total rainfall for this season
in Windhoek to 424 mm.

Sources: Namibia Weather Network
Pictures: francois lottering 

COPPS 94.1 as from tonight,,,join me in the COPPS 94.1 Jeep to find out what is really brewing after hours in the city,,,

Time arrived for the big one,,,Kosmos 94.1 and the Windhoek City Police will as from tonight on every Friday evening from eight till midnight bring you the action from the streets in the capitol, the work , dedication and commitment of the City Police to ensure your City is a better place to live, work, invest and above all promote as a safe city. I invite you to join me in the COPPS 94.1 Jeep from eight. . 

                                     

The Namibian Rainmaker of the Century Award was bestowed to Harold Pupkewitz by SAFLAND Property Group Namibia. The award is to acknowledge Mr. Pupkewitz for his passion, dedication, integrity and vision for Namibia.

I had the privilege to travel 2007 to the USA, I worked with a Senior producer Allan Botto on a very interesting topic, but what I brought back to Namibia was an audio cassette with interviews of a few survivors from the Titanic. One person struck me, Eva Hart who was only seven when she survived the tragedy, this is a clip of her voice, explaining the fear when lowered in a lifeboat....

The Easter Road fatalities still fresh in our minds, and another three people died on the roads...seemingly negligence.

Is that the greed for money to ferry as much as possible passengers between destinations, could it be plain ignorance and no respect for other's lives, could it be that most motorists know the authorities despite all the warnings about reckless driving do not act? Barely 12 hours after the Deputy Inspector General warned motorists about reckless driving, three people died a horrible death at the hands of a driver who did not adhere to the road regulations.

barely 12 hours after the Deputy Inspector General warned motorists about safe overtaking, three people died whilst overtaking at a dangerous spot, Safland award their VIP's and a pre recorded interview with Eva Hart, one of the survivors of the Titanic.

A town's tourism industry is held hostage between town council, the lessee and the Directorate of Civil Aviation. The airport sustains more than the tourism industry, it provides employment to aircraft mechanics, fuel attendants and security staff among others. The real issue on why the airport was closed is not clear, but indications are that an agreement between town council and the airport "owner" is in dispute due to the fact that the lessee did not maintain the infrastructure.

heavy motor transport vehicles are considered by many other motorists as one of the reasons why there are so many deaths on our roads. Trucks are by law forced not to exceed the maximum speed of 80 kph, but some do not adhere to the law, and often they are driving in excess of more than a 100 kph, posing grave dangers to other road users. But again it is the slower moving trucks that is also a death trap..as motorists become frustrated when driving behind them.

What stands in the way of an amicable solution between all parties in Swakopmund airport standoff. an African proverb states it very clear,,when two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffer,,and in this case it is the tourists, aviators and the residents of the town.

What ever the reasons are for the closure of the Swakopmund airport will remain a riddle, as none of the parties want to speak to the media. The CEO Eckart Demasius of the coastal town can't comment as the case between the Municipality and Swakopmund Airfield CC is still sub judice. Brian Roos who is still leasing the airfield from the town council said recently to a local daily that he do not trust the media, ( I wonder why? )  and they should rather report on the animals, the sea and nice things like that (sic). According to reliable information the asphalt runway is in a terrible state, while the perimeter fence cannot even be called a fence.  Meanwhile the airport was closed by the Namibian Authorities as from te 5th of April, till the 31st of July, resulting in owners to seek other places for their aircraft to be stored. The only two places are Arandis and Walvis Bay, and both airports with no hangar facilities are about 45 minutes drive from Swakopmund,. This will lead to extra costs to both operators, and tourists.  Lotteringnews learned that some owners opt to fly and rather park their aircraft as far as Windhoek's Eros Airport, as to ensure that the weather elements like sand, wind and fog do not damage their expensive machines.

The preliminary 2011 Census results were made known this morning in the capitol,,,,on how accurate the whole system was, is debatable, as many households, inclusive of myself were never counted. But according to the statistics we are still less than 2 point two million inhabitants,

The Namibian preliminary 2011 census results were made known this morning to the media in Windhoek. Namibia has 13 regions, and according to the census the Khomas region which is home to the capitol Windhoek counted almost 341-thousand people, while the Omaheke region in the east recorded the least with less than 71-thousand people. During the 2011 Census 465 400 households were counted. From the 2 104 900  people counted 1083 600 (51% percent)  are female and 1021 300 are male. .

Just for the record and celebrations ,,this was my 100th story since i started lotteringnews 24 february.....kind of excited about this,,but will bring you much more,,,,,

Namibia will commemorate World health day tomorrow with the theme "Ageing and Health" Namibia boast with a reasonable good public health system, and most towns, villages regardless their remoteness. In cases where farmworkers cannot go to a nearby clinic, the department of health send medical personal on a regular base to the farms.

News today on lotteringnews....world health day will be commemorated in Namibia tomorrow,,,and not so healthy the closure of the Swakopmund airport has a much bigger effect on the town that just a lock and chain at the gate...will post this story as it develops...

keep an eye on the blog as the story of Swakopmund
airport unfolds... 

Are the stories true that Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe is sick,,or should we believe his Minister of media Webster Shamu. Shamu claims he is in Singapore with his family for the easter. What ever the real story might be,,,Shamu have to face the media rectifying the statements he made to the media about the Easter outing.

COPPS 94.1 a new dimension in radio,,,where the listeners will be glued to their radios, as from this Friday,,,only on Kosmos 94.1

Is Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe really fighting for his life in a hospital in Singapore, or is that a media stunt?

Zimbabweam Minister of Information spoke to us One Africa Television from Harare on the latest of 

Pres. Mugabe. Will bring you the story in a few hours time.

If it is all about the labour of love or passion for your believes, then no task is to heavy.

This past Easter Week was not all about accidents and death on the
roads. It was also remembering the Crucifixion of Jesus.
The Cross is a symbol of the way Jesus died for our sins.
On the route between the coastal towns of
Swakopmund and Walvis Bay are two crosses with the
words "Jesus". The beacon is well known among thousands
of motorists traveling the route, but the symbol is more
than a reminder of the death of Jesus, the crosses were
erected several years ago in collaboration with other Christians
to come together and pray for the safety off all
motorists traveling on that route. thus safe lives.  

A Group of "Bikers" from both towns on Friday 6 April gathered
at the site close to Dolphin beach to clean and maintain
the crosses and tires that spell the word "Jesus"   

even small children assisted in the "Big" task

The crosses are exposed to the elements of the Namib desert
and sandstorms, fog, wind and extreme heat
contribute to the wear and tear, and members of the
West Coast Biker Church did not hesitate to
take time and restore the site.

some stand in the sand,,other work ,,and some took the
pictures,,,but at the end of the day it was all about the
love of doing what they do best,,,work for Jesus.
Pictures courtesy of West Coast
Biker Church.

This Friday evening live action on Kosmos 94.1 in your car, living room,office doesn't matter where you are,,you will get the story from the scene,,,,20h00 till Midnight every Friday.

Come Friday 13th April Kosmos 94.1 and The Windhoek City Police will bring you 

a new dimension in broadcasting. As from 20h00 till

midnight you will not go to bed. You want to be with us at the 

scene in and around te city. Hot from the crime scene, and it will feel if you are 

at the scene with Kosmos 94.1 and the men and women in Blue,,,the City Police

Seems Namibian roads are calmer for now,,,but could that be the silence before the storm.

According to the West Safety Initiative all seems 

quite and under control in the Erongo region, specially 

at the coastal areas itself. With 13 confirmed fatalities and scores 

injured in several motor accidents across the country, one 

can expect the toll to rise even higher as many will take 

on the roads today returning home. Aubrey Oosthuizen 

told lotteringnews last week Friday the traffic inflow

to the coast counted at 468 vehicles per hour, and 

less than 200 vehicles travelled back to the inland. 

Most of the holiday makers will most likely start 

to take on their journeys back home, making roads 

specially between Swakopmund and the central

northern parts very busy. 

13 dead on Namibian roads this Easter.

13 fatalities for this week end reported by the 

Motor Vehicle Accident Fund. 

Although this is only preliminary as per MVA FB 

posting earlier today. The Namibian Police reported nine 

deaths for the 2011 easter Holiday. 

It is expected that most of the main routes will 

see an increase of traffic as many 

will start their journeys back home.

The Namibian Police warned the public last week
to adhere to all road safety regulations.
DONT speed, drink and drive,
keep follow distances, don't
drive when fatigued, ensure vehicles
are in a road worthy condition. DONT
overtake at high risk areas.
Stay of the cellphone, DONT overload to
mention only but a few. 

pictures archive material

9 fatalities, 68 injured in 23 accidents according to the MVA FB page.

According to residents at the
Langstrand resort, they are once again
experiencing problems with Quads.
One person reported that youngsters
without safety helmets are
racing between the houses. 

an Aerial shot of the famous Langstrand
residential and holiday resort.

an archive pic of a quad rider that sustained injures
after failing to adhere to safety rules when riding in the
dunes. This kind of accidents comes at a price for the
MVA fund. The public is requested to
report any negligent/reckless or dangerous
driving to 061 222 888 or 081 9682. Remember to
give as much as possible info , like registration
 number,kind of vehicle, witnesses, place and time of transgressionto the operator. 

any one who experience problems
with unruly quad operators are welcome
to call the Walvisbay traffic department
@ 0811 272662
or 0811243 423.