I understood some people wanted to post some comments but cannot get into my blog's comment section. I am working on that. meanwhile please feel free to comment directly to francois218@yahoo.com or get me on my Face book page francois lottering. Your comments negative, positive or ideas are welcome.

The body of a young women that took her own life was discovered in the capitol this morning. No one walking the earth is exempted from problems be it financial, relationships or work related. We all face one way or the other challenges in our daily lives. It in some instances become such a burden that suicide seems to be the last resort. Those that suffer from depression will opt for psycological treatment others will seek a solution in substances and a few will take the last resort,,,suicide.

Five people among them a baby died when a long distance bus veered of the road barely 15 kilometers from Windhoek en route to the north. When we arrived at the scene shortly after nine this morning 3 bodies were covered under blankets, while another two including the baby were found close to the wreck. The cause is still unclear, but according to preliminary investigations one of the rear tires had a blown out.

Rehoboth's water supply at risk by the national water supplier after failing to settle their bills with Namwater. No pay No water and the deadline is FRIDAY, another town that of Gibeon in the south is also at risk. Namwater has no choice as town councils are not deliver what they promise during elections for those who are suppose to look after the town. Instead most of the councilors opt to look after themselves.

The local agricultural sector is as old as the country itself, and even long before Namibia endured German colonialism, then later South African administration, communal and commercial farmers made a living from the land. As the need for meat increased more famers started to focus on commercial farming and as the industry grew it phased out so called traditional farmers.

First National Bank and money are synonymous but adding sport to it's portfolio makes it even a bigger contributor to the national interest of nation building. The Classic Clashes campaign that kicked of four years ago grew bigger as more children started to participate in either rugby, soccer and netball. But this year apart from being broadcasted on One Africa television you can use your Face Book to follow your team on their performances.

Namibia health remains the backbone of the nation's well being. And lately the unprofessionalism of some nurses have caught the attention of the media. This is evident by the many complaints reported in the various news paper's SMS pages, whilst earlier this month a mother and a baby died during birth at a state hospital due to apparent negligence.

The Country Pilot Partnership, which is a developing partner of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, investigates several avenues to make farming more environment friendly while at the same time ensuring that upcoming farmers are supported in terms of training. Apart from becoming crucial food producers, these farmers also learn holistic approach to the farming environment.

Kavango Jam and Juices in Rundu is an initiative under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment that assists people to become self sufficient in their food producing endeavors. The project is run mostly by women and with little or no source of funding, they still manage to keep the project going.

The just ended long week end claimed so far 11 lives on our roads and not the initially 7 than reported by the authorities. More to follow.

A country's people is it's biggest asset. And if they are not healthy it affects the economy. Namibia's health Ministry is one of the few on the African Continent that showed improvement in the reduction of HIV AIDS. This could be attributed to various reasons like health campaigns, and more projects by various health and developing partners on sensitizing its people on the dangers of HIV/AIDS.

COPPS 94.1 is a Police reality show every Friday night from 20h00 till midnight on Kosmos 94.1. The program focusses on crime prevention rather than on fines and or arrests. However in most cases where the last resort of arresting a citizen was at the hands of the perpetrator himself by NOT abiding by the laws, or where a person mocks a police officer. It is unfortunately true that most of the cases attended by either the Namibian Police or the City Police alcohol are involved.

An Old man collecting wood on the outskirts of the capitol got more than his bundle of firewood when he came across a light pick up ( bakkie ) in the field. He alerted the City Police and upon investigation found several "suspicious" leads at the scene. A man was arrested and detained late yesterday afternoon.

City police comb the scene for leads. 

the whole scene seems to be full of riddles, as why the
vehicle was left or parked here at a dam. What makes the
story more interesting is that the cab
was not locked, and all the valuables
were still in the cab.

The bakkie with a Windhoek registration plates
left many open questions. 

documents found at the scene
lead to a speedy arrest of a male suspect.

City Police looking for more evidence
that could help solving this scene.

all pictures taken with
SAMSUNG Galaxy 2 

              This past week end several people took part in a goodwill campaign to clean and raise funds for the children of the "Ephesians Kindergarten" in Windhoek's Katutura suburb. The Kindergarten is a non profit centre, and caters for children mostly in the Damara Location. The dwelling became old, and dilapidated, thus need some money to restore and give it a new look. Andre Gariseb organizer of the event said he was more than pleasantly surprised with the efforts....This is his words.

• "Oh, what a Joyful & Blessed day yesterday was! The support we got for the EPHESIANS CLEAN UP CAMPAIGN was massive and really exceeded our expectations! This is so humbling and I believe that wth the help of our HEAVENLY FATHER we were able to have reach such a HUGE Success! So a BIG THANK U to everyone who came and lend a much needed helping hand. May GOD continue to bless u and your loved ones abundantly. Andre Gariseb"

Pictures from FB

Suicide on wheels?

Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision on the B2 route [Karibib / Okahandja road] +- 40 kms from Karibib claimed the lives of ???? 6 people [unconfirmed] yesterday. A fully laden taxi [Toyota mini-bus with 16 occupants – Swakop reg. plates] travelling towards Windhoek apparently overtook a vehicle on a solid line striking a sedan vehicle [Volvo with two occupants – Windhoek reg. plates] travelling in the opposite direction.

Two fatalities were reported at the scene. The scene were described as chaotic as pieces of the two wrecks were scattered all over the scene inclusive the injured. Ambulances were despatched from Usakos [3], Omaruru [1], Okahandja [1], NDF [1] and International SOS Navachab [1]. Some of the injured had to be extricated form the wreckage by means of hydraulic rescue tools. Injuries sustained were mostly described as “critical” and all the injured were transported to Windhoek directly for specialist intervention and care.

UNCONFIRMED reports indicate that another 4 people died later due to the nature of the injuries sustained. The road had to be closed off and traffic rerouted to enable emergency services personnel to attend to the injured and for the scene to be cleared.

A word of appreciation to those who assisted at the scene prior to the arrival of emergency service at the scene.

Thank you to all emergency personnel who attended and assisted at the scene: Nampol, Nampol Traffic, MVA Fund of Namibia, Usakos State Ambulance, Omaruru State Ambulance, Okahandja State Ambulance, MVA Fund of Namibia Ambulances, International SOS Navachab Paramedic and Ambulance, Okahandja Fire and Rescue Services, Impala Security Services and Pitbull Towin [to mention a few ….]

the wreck of the VOLVO 

the coffin on wheels 

looking at the wreck it is miracle
that not all passengers died. 

I cannot see anything wrong with the road condition.
I can only condition I can see that contributed
to the massacre is human error. Many long distance drivers
are just plain "murderers" in the sense of ferrying
passengers between destinations for the sake of
money. 

The names of the deceased will be published
on this blog once the names are released by the
police. 

                                   Credits Aubrey Oosthuizen; West Coast safety Initiative. 

At least eight people died on Namibian roads this long week end. According to the Windhoek City Police two people died Friday Morning around 05h00 after their vehicle was involved in an accident on the intersection of Sam Nujoma drive and Otjimuise road. In a separate incident in a collision between a minibus and a sedan 6 people died while 10 were transported to Windhoek's Katutura hospital for treatment. This fatalities bring the total to 15 for this month alone, while road fatalities since beginning January tallied to 174.

The wreck of the minibus accident between
Okahandja and Karibib which claimed the
lives of six people.
The names will be released once their
families are informed. Police investigation
into the accident continues.

an undated picture of an accident scene
on our national roads. Accidents cost the authorities
millions per annum. Most of all MV accidents
 can be prevented, but human factors
play a big role due to drink and drive, speed, overtaking
on blind spots, unroadworthy vehicles to mention a few.

Millions of Africans celebrate Africa Day on this day, we are free from colonialism but enslaved to poverty. Millions of Africans never tasted the fruits of their liberation, that dish wash only earmarked for a few in comparison with the rest. Africa's abundant natural and mineral resources should leave no one single African out in the cold.

Some random shots of our very own nature being destroyed by non else than ourselves,,,,sewerage running into our water system,,,and rubbish became a breeding place for flies and diseases,,,,looking at this images,,does it make you feel comfortable presenting a dirty Namibia to our tourists and visitors.

Namibian subsistence farmers contribute more employment opportunities in rural areas than one can imagine. Many of these farmers are women as their husbands mostly work in cities for an additional income. Their farming/agricultural knowledge may not always be up to scratch, but their willingness to learn and earn an income by just doing what they do best, small scale farming is a sure drive among many of them. The Namibian Government through it Environments Ministry's Country Pilot Partnership ( CPP ) assist these farmers in various ways. Be it means of training, advice or financial assistance it mean a lot to them as they start to earn an income. This money means more than a coin in the purse, it gives their children education, provides them with a roof, cloth them and above all ,,,,gives them dignity making them part of the mainstream community.

The proposed Phosphate mining operations along the west coast of Namibia seem to head for a long and bitter struggle as environmentalists and the mining company are in loggerheads over the operations. Captains of various industries like the fishing, tourism and environmental sectors are of the opinion that the mining of phosphate from the ocean floor will disrupt the ecological system.

Africa Day will be celebrated across the continent this Friday. Is Africa really better of than when we were still under colonial rule? This Friday I will bring you an exclusive on this topic with the Executive Director of NamRights. Attached a short teaser...

the Kavango region offers more than the eye can see. But most of us are unaware of the gravel road next to the river that not only offers spectacular views, it offers you a new dimension on the daily lives and activities of the Kavango's living in traditional huts next to the river.

Stories lined up for 23/05, an interview with Mark Paxton on Kavango Open Africa Route ( KOAR ) and waiting for confirmation on illegal Fire Arms in Namibia.

Who would ever thought that a small hot tasting pod called "chili" would deter a jumbo. Even more the will to deter elephants to protect crop farmers in Namibia's North eastern Caprivi region forced subsistence farmers to look for alternative crops to protect their farming projects, and secondly generate an income without disturb the ecological system in the region.

Too many animals are neglected or rejected at the hands of their human caretakers. This is evident by the amount of animals that ended up in the kennels of the SPCA. The Cat Protection Society called on members of the public to assist in either funding by means of money or items to eas the burden on the cats, or if you ready to adopt a cat and can provide a safe loving home to the animals to contact them.

EUFA 2012 Namibian or is that Heineken style?

NO place for drug users, drug sellers or any form of druggies will be tolerated in Namibia. This stern warning came from the Khomas regional police commander himself. He even extended his hand to those who are in the drug web to come forth and be assisted in rehabilitation. Too many young Namibians fell prey to drugs, and by this they not only destroy their own life and future, but also that of their families. Please feel free to comment on this..all info will be treated with confidentiality.

Teaching people to fish has many advantages, it ensure food security, curb illegal fishing and sensitize people on the importance of sustaining the environment. The Ministry of Environment and Tourism with it's development partner CPP embarked on various projects to assist people in communal areas on preserving their natural environment whilst make a living from the land they live on.

news tomorrow? I worked with the Dog Squad today searching for drugs at roadblocks, and believe it or not one guy had a close encounter after some traces of Dagga ( cannabis ) was found on him...,,,and the Windhoek Cat Protection society held a jumble sale ,,will bring you that,,and CPP will be back as I will bring you more on sustainable land management in the Caprivi. stay tuned.

Namibia's Founding Father and First President Dr. Sam Nujoma in an exclusive interview with Die Republikein, made it clear that Economic Empowerment should include all Namibians.

This morning the Afrikaans Daily "die Republikein"
published a stunning interview with our Founding Father
and First President of the Republic of Namibia.
What struck me most was his view on the
so called Black Economic Empowerment ( BEE )
The story by Ronelle Rademeyer Dr Nujoma is of
believe that BEE must be done away with as ALL Namibians
must be empowered. " Every one must be empowered
not only black people" It should rather be called  "EE"
This I believe is a step into the right direction, as
many BEE entities did not made the grade. As a matter of fact
I doubt if there are any BEE's out there  that really made an
impact when it comes to employment creation, honest
transactions or even just be a entity with integrity.

Credits Die Republikein
Picture from Internet. 

The deceased's names of The Simon de Witt Bridge accident this morning released.

The wreck of the VW with a Windhoek registration plate
in which Abel Shinana and Colin Goaseb
died in the early hours of this morning.
The two were passengers in the vehicle.
According to sources the driver and her
co driver only sustained slight injuries, and were
treated at the state hospital.
Further enquiries indicated the group was
seen at a local night club renowned for
it's late night parties. 

I will post the names of the two men who died in this morning car accident at the Simon de Witt Bridge in Windhoek as soon as their names are released from the police. I expect the confirmation within the next hour.

Former SADF and SWATF soldiers who fought on SA side during the liberation struggle feels excluded from both governments as former liberation fighters were compensated as veterans, while their SA counterparts are also in line for money. Those who stayed behind in Namibia after the struggle are now excluded from both governments, Namibia said they fought against the liberation, and the Zuma administration say "you are not South Africans' Please feel free to comment on this delicate issue.

Two people died a horrible death after their vehicle crashed through the safety barriers of the Simon de Witt Bridge during the early morning hours today. According to a witness the two were passengers in the vehicle. Speed and reckless driving played a role as the vehicle landed about 80 meters from where it burst through the rails. The Names will be made known once their relatives are informed.

As much as people love their pets, there are those who give up, and the animals land up in the cold cages from the SPCA. Although all kinds of pets are at the receiving end the Cat Protection Society of Windhoek took it upon them to take care of the felines, but they need food, medication, love and a decent place to stay till their new owners eventually decide to adopt them.

Two people died early this morning in the capitol in what is believed to be a speed related motor vehicle accident while allegedly under the influence.

the bloodstained inside of the white vehicle
according to sources 4 people were in the
vehicle, The two passengers believed to be in their
early twenties died while the two in front sustained
slight injuries. 

Members of the Namibian Police
remove the bodies from the wreck. Their names will
me announced once their families are informed. 

The vehicle "flew" through the air for about 70 to 80
meters before it landed next to a Transnamib
building in the vicinity of the Simon
de Witt Bridge. The impact
caused several thousands worth
of damage to the building. 

Namibian Marine Phosphate was since it's beginning under fire for their proposed Phosphate mining operations along the West Coast. The Project manager in an exclusive spoke to the News On One regarding it's operations and the impact it will have on the environment, while job creation was also addressed. Share your views on the operations and what are your concerns re the proposed operations taking place in our waters.

Beekeeping in Namibia has the potential to become a viable industry according to a spokesman from the Agriculture Ministry. During my fact finding trip through the Caprivi sponsored by the Ministry of Environment and it's CPP partner it is evident the potential is untapped as the vastness of the area, and the enthusiasm among those working with the bees are tangible.

Will the new Namibian Marine Phosphate operations along our coast pose a danger to our marine life? David Wellbeloved General Project Manager spoke to me about the development of the controversial issue. Will post the story later on the blog.

Multi purpose oil from a tree? The story of the people of the Caprivi who optimize the chestnut like fruits from the Mangetti tree.

Agriculture in Namibia is the backbone of the economy, yet many are excluded as it is unaffordable. Implements are expensive, and if imported from outside our borders, the manufacturers do not always take our farming conditions into consideration. A local business man saw the need and with our local farmers in mind designed a planter ideally for Mahango farmers. The planter is not only multi functional as it could be operated with a tractor, or an ox, it was also designed to protect the environment, while increase yields.

Namibia's tourism sector represented at the 2012 Indaba in Durban South Africa.

Namibia can be a country that feeds its own nation if managed well. The Ministry of Environment embarked on various projects with their development partner "CPP" to ensure Namibia can sustain herself, but only if those with land can be motivated to produce more, and get their produce into the local market.

Namibia can be self sufficient when it comes to food security. During a trip through the Caprivi, Kavango and Kunene regions i stumbled across several CPP sponsored projects whereby many Namibians embarked on projects to ensure self sustainability. For the next ten days I invite you to stay tuned to this blog as I share the stories with the world.

Namibia is known for her wildlife, a herd of elephants
welcomed our crew to the Caprivi.

many Caprivians and Kavangos still practice the age
old tradition of setting old forage
on fire, This destroys thousands of hectares
of grazing and other valuable land.
The smoke ca b seen for miles, while it pollutes the air. 

a Traditional meeting place in the Caprivi. 

One of the hundreds of beehives
in their natural environment. Beekeeping
can be a potential big income generator
as the environment is ideal for
beekeeping. 

a Group of young people harvesting fish
in a natural pond. This create a natural food source.

Family members gathered on the banks
while the more experienced catch
the fish with nets. The process is monitored
by inspectors from the fisheries,  to ensure
fingerlings are not taken from the water. 

Oil made from the "Mangetti" tree.
the oil is used for many things varying
from cooking, salad dressing while it even serves as
cosmetics. While extracting the
oil the byproducts are also used. 

Thousands of trees at the Ngoma forest. The trees
are close to a river, and creates the perfect environment
for beekeepers to collect their bees. 

jam made from Wild Prickly Pears. 

A group of young women from Kavango Jam and Juice
preparing their fruits for processing either
to jam, or fresh juice.

all pictures taken with a
SAMSUNG Galaxy S2

Thousands of Namibia make their living from nature itself,,,I will travel this week to the bio diversity rich Kavango and Caprivi regions to see how it works.

Namibia is described as the country with many faces, country of vast open spaces, and I rightfully agree to this. I will bring you as from May 13 a whole series of how rural people in the Kavango and Caprivi regions sustain themselves from mother nature. The inserts are in collaboration with the Namibian Ministry of Environment ( MET) and Country Pilot Partnership Namibia ( CPP ) For me to bring you the inserts I need to travel a distance of about 1800 miles, visit various projects, villages and speak to several project leaders. Feel free to follow my journey on my Face Book profile. 

5 may 2012 saw the biggest and brightest moon according to NASA this year. This how it looked in Windhoek when it showed up over the Auas mountains south-east of the capitol

According to the American space agency NASA the moon was at it's brightest when it rose tonight. I set up my camera to witness and record this once a year phenomena, but  could hardly see any difference with the naked eye in comparison with other moons when it made it's appearance over the same horizon. NASA's website claimed the moon would be at least 14% bigger, and thirty percent brighter. The brightness I could concur. But be it as it may, it was a spectacular scene as the moon showed up over the Auas mountains from my home. I included a short video clip of the rising moon.      

Africa is home to one of the 7 Natural Wonders.

Cape Town, Table Mountain is confirmed as a Natural Wonder. The Mountain is now one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Nature. This news came after confirmed by the New7Wonders Foundation based in Switzerland. Table Mountain is a sandstone plateau and rises at it's highest point to a 1085 meters. The flat top, similar to a table's surface gave name to the mountain, therefor "Table Mountain" It is home to about 1470 plant species. 

Table mountain from V&A waterfront 

Cape town offers many tourist attractions.

The Mountain with the harbor in the front. 

table Mountain taken from the Westin
hotel.

Pictures: francois lottering
Camera: SAMSUNG galaxy 2

Alcohol related crime remains a big issue for our government, as most cases of murder, rape and assaults are committed by people who are under the influence of a substance.

The contents of a shack ( kambashu) strewn all over the place
after a taxi rammed into it. A woman in her
early 20's escaped unscathed as she
was already in bed. Saved by grace as
her bedroom was adjacent
to her living room. 

The driver was tested for alcohol
by the Windhoek City Police. He was arrested
after exceeding the limits. His excuse?
he was tired and fell asleep behind the wheel.

The woman lost everything, and must start all over again.
all at the hands of a person who was not capable
of driving a vehicle. 

The Windhoek City Police had their hands full
with an angry crowd.  Mainly women and
children are at the receiving end of men, who
is normally under the influence of substances
 They claimed a man living in the same
street as them regularly attack them
without any reason.  The suspect in his early
20's was arrested after
been pointed out by the community. 

City Police
addressed the residents and gave them a few tips on
how to safeguard their neighborhood.

Pictures taken with a
SAMSUNG galaxy S 2