Never have I been gladder to live in Namibia that right now because it’s that time of year again; you’ve spent the last month enjoying the holiday season, ignoring the scales and the fact that you no longer fit into your favourite pants and relishing in the abundance of food and alcohol. Life is comfortable and pleasant and then all of a sudden the first of January rolls around and across the rest of the world, like a whisper on the wind, you hear it; a word so seeped in connotation and mental pain that its enough to make anyone go back to bed and cram their faces with the last of the Christmas Cake.

I refer of course to the word detox, a health freaks holy grail and everyone else’s personal guilt trip. Ok so it’s easy to get caught up in the hype (‘it’s a brand new year, it’s a brand new you’ and all that) and granted the theory behind it, the idea of getting healthy and cleaning up your body a little bit, isn’t actually that bizarre but seriously when it comes down to it the detox period isn’t just about cutting back on beer and ciggs it’s a golden opportunity for the smug healthy types out there to lord it over the rest of us who have maybe eaten a little bit too much and perhaps shouldn’t have taken that last glass of Shiraz. Suddenly a small percentage of the population begins jogging and eating miniscule salads and talking about their carb intake at every available opportunity, making everyone else feel guilty about their wobbly bits and weakness for milk tart (not that we’re getting personal here) and why? Because January is the month of detox, the only time of year when a whole country can justifiably be guilt tripped into drinking hot water with lemon (dis-GUS-ting) instead of regular tea.

But while the rest of the world is frantically trying to lower their calorie count and spending an hour sweating away on the treadmill life in Africa goes on as normal, things are relaxed, food is thankfully still abundant and no one is interested in the benefits of going on a celery based diet thank you very much. Thank goodness for that!

Held in a cosy hall lit with candles and decorated not only with artwork but also with an impressive display of food (whoever conceived the idea of making chocolate covered strawberries is a genius) the exhibition was a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing affair. The group has been running for four years now under the careful guidance of Liesel Oelofsen who created both a fine art class and an amateur pottery group. ‘I started the whole thing for myself originally,’ said Oelofsen, ‘I studied A level art and architecture before I got pregnant and I missed having time to be creative. Then I realised that I could use this idea as an opportunity for other people in town to express themselves when they’ve never had the chance before’.

For the most part I love art exhibitions, there’s something very calming about being able to wander around a gallery and become absorbed in someone else’s masterpieces, so I wandered around the room happily enough, enjoying the paintings of Namibian landscapes, views around Lüderitz, Bogenfels Archway, the ocean and so on (‘we paint what we know’ said one artist), and the rather eclectic collection of pottery creations. Displayed around the room were an array of beautiful clay pots, both glazed and raw, and I spied candle holders, oil burners, egg cups, wine goblets, plant pots, sculpture and, most impressively, a high heeled shoe! But some of the most fascinating ‘masterpieces’ were a slightly disturbing display of ashtrays with designs ranging from an outstretched tongue (very Rolling Stones-esque) to a skull and crossbones. Just as I was examining a particularly bizarre specimen designed to look like a pair of buttocks I overheard someone behind me say ‘it’s amazing how many talented people there are in Lüderitz’ and realised that this statement aptly described the whole array of weird and wonderful artworks before me. This town continues to surprise me.

The day was designed as a celebration of different Namibian cultural groups, from Caprivians to Damara to Herero to Ovambo and so on, through a mixture of traditional music, dancing, dress and food. However the festival not only served as a time to relish your heritage as an individual but also gave the chance for each and every member of the Lüderitz community to feel proud of the incredible ability that their country has to work in unity despite its differences. ‘This is modern Namibia’, said an official spokesperson for the event, ‘being proud of where you come from and where you’re going.’ And as brightly colour dresses whirled around in a Kavango dance to the strains of a four part brass band and the smell of freshly cooked meat, fish and other treats filled the air it was easy to see what she meant. ‘It’s important to stand up with your culture and be able to say “here I am.” Be part of this diversity.’

Cultural tit-bits: At this years Cultural Day I treated myself to a traditional Oshiwambo feast of spinach, fried chicken, porridge, dried meat and (perhaps most worryingly) fried worms that had come all the way from Ovamboland! Whilst worms are not normally in my culinary repertoire I felt honoured that I’d been able to try such a delicacy.

Unfortunately Küstennebel has a relatively weak taste. If I would have to compare it to Ricard, this aniseed drink just doesn’t make the cut. Very watery of taste, where Ricard is mixed to taste. I would describe it as a dull drink, with as only pro that it’s drinkable for people who don’t like aniseed.

Located in the centre of Bismarck Street the Café is a lively little place serving breakfasts and light lunches along with a range of cakes throughout the day and it is here that we decided to stop by for a little breakfast and a review.

The interior of the Coffee shop is comfortable; the walls are painted in earthy reds, oranges and browns which contrast well with the animal print curtains and green topped tables. There are various ethnic sculptures on the walls and several pot plants dotted around the room, giving the whole place a very African feel. But it is the display of revolving cakes by the counter that always grabs the customers attention; Diaz Coffee Shop sells a variety of freshly made pastries and cakes, ranging from lemon meringue pie to chocolate cake, from apple cake to milk tart (it is my personal opinion that Diaz’s milk tart is one of the best in Namibia) and you cannot help but gaze with joy at such a sight.

On this particular morning however, we are not here to sample the array of cake, we are here for a morning meal. The menu offers a range of breakfasts, including the traditional fry up and a ‘health meal’ consisting of fruit, yoghurt and muesli, all for around the N$40 mark. Every breakfast includes tea, coffee or juice and is served in nononsense portions.

Diaz Breakfast, including sausage, bacon, tomatoes, two fried eggs, mushrooms and a basket of toast- I should mention that I am not a morning person- for many years the idea of breakfast would send me running for the hills and it is only in the last couple of years, what with the increased work load and threats from my doctor that I might get diabetes, that I’ve begun to eat in the morning, so when my plate arrives heaped with fry-up food I am a tad apprehensive. However, I discover that the sausage and eggs are cooked to perfection and the bacon is neither too crispy nor too greasy. Likewise the tomatoes have not become soggy, which is always an unfortunate characteristic of cooked tomato, and it is only the mushrooms, which taste slightly like they’ve come from a can, that are not particularly tasty. Overall the breakfast is on a whole new level from the greasy spoon fry-ups that I’m used to back in the UK and sets me up for the day in a way that would make my doctor proud.

Fullhouse Omelette – The first thing I notice is that the presentation is very well done. The second thing I notice is that the orange juice comes from a can, something I’m slightly apprehensive of. Although I must say the taste is quite good. Over to the actual breakfast, the omelette is well stuffed with a variety of vegetables and the egg is well prepared. No brown crispy edges but a well slow fried omelette, as it’s supposed to be. Unfortunately some of the vegetables got a bit soggy. Overall this is a great valued breakfast. Tastes good, looks good and the portion is right.

So far Nelsons new project to “keep him busy” has been a success, despite fierce competition.

‘IT and using computers is a really good skill to have nowadays’, said one applicant, ‘in almost every job you apply for you’re asked for IT comprehension so I’m hoping that this course will help my job options’. And she wasn’t the only one to think this; the majority of people applying for the course were hoping to improve their job prospects and the number of hopeful would-be IT geniuses queued right around the corner, some of whom had been waiting to register since 5am that morning.

The course runs for three months, costing N$360, and covers various aspects of basic IT skills, from using different applications to surfing the net. Unfortunately due to lack of funding and teachers there were only 40 available places for this course but if you didn’t make it this time around don’t worry as there will be another chance to register for the next 3 month course starting in April.

‘I’m just glad the course is so popular’, said a sheepish Jacob Saur, one of the IT Classes at the YACC already de med a success two IT teachers at the YACC, and given the current unemployment rate in Lüderitz, not to mention the impact the credit crunch is having and the ongoing NovaNam strikes, it is commendable to see so many people trying to improve their job situation constructively.

To Question, To Express, To Accept / Tisens!!geu #uisens,U!oesns

The first relationship you need to balance is the one you have with yourself. Know your HIV status and your own worth and learn to love yourself first.

Many of us have yet to discover how powerful our thoughts are. Being HIV positive should not hold back your realisation that you can still live a normal life. (Which by the way is what?) Realise that until you change your thought of yourself you are one step to becoming a better, more beautiful, intelligent you, who is more valuable to your family and your community, regardless of your HIV status. So for this month BTS what you to be grateful for your life, that is the first step. Are we going to be victims in life or are we going to go out and make the most of everyday. Contracting HIV/ AIDS may feel like the end but let me tell you all it is a new beginning for you and your family. This month I give you a reflection on the way I see the word Victim, because I believe that we all can overcome whatever we face in our life. Victim – a word we hear all too often. In recent years I’ve noticed a shift in healing circles and support groups to a new understanding of what it means to be a victim. Not to what makes you a victim – we still need to be aware of and act to change these situations. No, we are changing our personal response to our experience as victim.

We have all experienced this suffering in our lives – whether emotionally, physically, economically, politically, socially, stigma because of your HIV status and even spiritually. We feel violated, injured and wronged. We feel anger, fear, hurt, even despair. We may even feel shame. We often blame those who abuse us as well as ourselves, our families, our community and our society – those that let the abuse happen to us.

I have learned about the need for more than healing – we also need to forgive and remember. Healing itself is often an individual path – recognizing the stages of grief/ healing: denial, anger, bargaining, despair, acceptance – letting go of pain, anger and blame. Why letting go of blame? Because to blame is to give up some of your power in the situation. If “they” did it and “they” are totally responsible for the situation, then there is nothing we can do to change it, we can ONLY wait on a change of heart in THEM.

Responsible is an interesting word – it means able to respond. We can be responsible FOR a situation – we did it, it’s our fault, it is within our means to change it. Or we can be responsible TO a situation – we recognize it and can, of our own power and will, do something about it. In order to heal when we suffer as a victim, we can choose to become responsible TO the circumstances and change our behaviour to reduce the chances of it happening again. And healing is not only letting go of the pain, but also learning how to receive – the healing treatment, love, energy, and other help we deserve – and return to a healthy engagement with life. Forgiveness is not something to be taken lightly. It requires deep knowledge of yourself and the other person, or people, involved. ‘Physically taking the bullet out of the wound’ is only a first step. I believe it is also important to remove the emotional and spiritual “bullets” we have suffered from. Ironically, all of these “bullets” hurt everyone involved – the “victim”, the “abuser” and the community as a whole. BC’s Truth and Reconciliation process may be stalled by the resignation of one of the panel, but we as a province need a successful reconciliation process to heal from the mistakes of our past.

We need to remember activism against abuses is not merely about blame – although it may appear so at times. It can be about ensuring that the abuse doesn’t happen again. Heal yourself, be part of healing the community, and join with others to change the way we do things so no one else becomes a victim. We will need all the wisdom of healing, forgiveness and remembering that we can muster to live through the coming times of a changing planet. We can all see the dying of the trees and hear about the deaths of wildlife, we all know someone who has died from cancer, someone who is waiting for a life-giving operation, we are all hurting from the growing economic challenges of recent months. We can all feel angry and hurt about “them”, whether it is the government, the stock market, the large corporations, you name it.

I suggest we all learn to heal, forgive and remember. Take personal responsibility where it is possible. Let go of all the baggage about “them” that continues to injure us. And join together to “look back to decide how to do it better the next time” and heal with the planet and each other.

BTS know: It’s thought that up 95 percent of people who have HIV will suffer from anaemia (not having enough red blood cells) at some stage. If you have anaemia you’ll probably feel tired all the time and find it difficult to get out of bed. You could also suffer from headaches and dizziness. It’s essential to see a healthcare professional if you’re experiencing these symptoms so that it can be treated. You should eat more iron-rich foods such as green leafy vegetables, beans, lentils and lean red meat and drink lots of water. If the anaemia is severe you may need to take an iron supplement or medication. Sometimes anaemia is caused byan anti-retroviral medication, which may then have to be changed.

SOME BTS TIPS: Five Pillars to your Victory

1 Health: Understand the factors of good health and commit to lifestyle adjustments. Eat a balanced diet, treat minor illnesses as they arise and if on ARV please take off time daily

2 Excellence: Excel and produce quality in all that you do. Being HIV + does not mean you can not do good .I know you can do well in everything you do.

3 Knowledge: Use awareness as a tool to free yourself from unhappiness because hope is there for you

4 Honesty: Be honest to your partner at all time about your sex life and life in general.

5 Value: Understand that you are valuable, and do not be afraid to make your point or share your opinion.

It was decided that this year’s the theme should be “Prevention” as preventing new HIV infections is Namibia’s best bet in fighting the epidemic. This issue is vital to the community because, while Namibia’s rate of HIV infection was 19.9% in 2006, the rate for Luderitz was actually higher at 22.5%. As unprotected sex accounts for the vast majority of infections, the events of this year’s World AIDS Awareness Week continuously promoted the use of condoms while discouraging the use of alcohol (due to its connection with unsafe sex.)

The Week opened on Monday, November 24th, at the Luderitz State Clinic with remarks from Hon. Cllr. D. Schoombe and a speech on prevention by Dr. D. Nkalamo. After which a group of prisoners, from Lüderitz Prison, gave an enjoyable, thought provoking, and well received drama about how the abuse of alcohol can lead to unsafe sex and contracting HIV. The day ended with the message of condom use being further stressed by a condom demonstration given by the Luderitz HIV/ AIDS Support and Counselling Group.

The next few days included a video screening at the Luderitz Youth Centre, a memorial service attended by the local churches, and a debate between volunteers at the Benguela Hall. This last event was interesting as it focused on which message is the most successful in preventing new HIV infections: abstinence until marriage or consistent condom use. The two opposing groups argued back and forth on the effectiveness of condoms and whether the average person will actually remain abstinent until marriage. In the end both the teams did an excellent job, making the judges’ decision very difficult.

On the Friday a Fun Day was held at the Waterfront, including volleyball matches, a jumping castle, and a performance by local artists, such as Superman. While this event did not attract as large a crowd as was hoped, it was effective in finding a fun way of raising awareness about HIV and AIDS.

The last day of the 2008 World AIDS Awareness Week began on Saturday the 29th as Navy officers led members of CACOC on a march through Luderitz. Proudly displaying a banner with such slogans as “It’s all about respect,” “Safe sex saves lives,” “Living and loving positively,” and “Together we can make it,” the marchers carried on through the town, singing songs of HIV prevention. One by one Buchters came out of their homes and businesses to watch, and hopefully each one of them stopped to reflect upon what they were doing to fight the pandemic. The march ended at Benguela Hall and the day carried on with speeches and condom demonstrations to further cement the message of prevention. As the day ended, it was announced that the latest report on Namibia’s HIV infection rate showed that it dropped to 17.8%, leaving the crowd in high hopes. The Buchters came together to put on this great event, and now one can only hope that the Bucht will heed the advice and protect itself against HIV/ AIDS. It is in our hands.

• Monday, 9am at the ARV clinic: opening day, speech on prevention, demonstration of condom usage, drama by prisoners from Lüderitz Prison

• Tuesday, 3pm, at the Youth, Arts and Cultural Centre: video screening on prevention of HIV/AIDS

• Wednesday, 2pm, at the Benguela Community Centre: debate with support groups on prevention methods

• Thursday, 7pm, at the Benguela Community Centre: memorial service with church groups

• Friday, 11am, at the Waterfront: fun day with volleyball matches, jumping castle, concert featuring local artists

• Saturday, 8am, Hospital -> Benguela Community Centre: Official ending day of the week, march from hospital to Benguela centre, speeches, dramas and performances.

AIDS in Namibia

The events of last November mark a step forward in society’s ability to confront HIV/AIDS and saw different people from different backgrounds and nationalities coming together and standing up against this terrible disease. And yet despite this good work each event throughout the week only saw a few members of the Lüderitz population in attendance. “We had expected so many more people to come” said one event organiser for the Friday Fun Day, the most youth orientated event, “but people just don’t want to hear anything about AIDS.” It is estimated that 21% of Namibia’s population (that’s one in four people) are living with HIV/AIDS. Namibia is ranked as having the 6th highest HIV/AIDS rate in the world so why, when there’s an event designed to raise awareness and show solidarity for carriers of the disease, was there such a low turnout of people? The answer; embarrassment, disinterest and stigma. Never before has a disease received such medical, media and research coverage and yet been so taboo to talk about, not only in Namibia or in Africa but across the entire globe. Is admitting to being HIV positive tantamount to destroying your social life? Your job prospects? Your family? And if so then why?

“Stigma remains the single most important barrier to public action. It is a main reason why too many people are afraid to see a doctor to determine whether they have the disease, or to seek treatment if so. It helps make AIDS the silent killer, because people fear the social disgrace of speaking about it, or taking easily available precautions. Stigma is a chief reason why the AIDS epidemic continues to devastate societies around the world”

Ban Ki Moon, UN General Secretary

Why is there stigma?

When discussing AIDS it’s important to remember that it is a new disease and as a result of that we do not yet know enough about it in order to cure it. This lack of knowledge leads to a fear that can be so irrational that it causes some of us to completely shun those who are infected, as if by touching them or breathing the same air as them we too will become HIV positive. Furthermore the disease is associated with socially undesirable activities, for example prostitution, drug addiction and homosexuality, leading many to believe that HIV carriers are undesirable people who should be avoided. Finally some believe that AIDS is a punishment from God and therefore comes to those who deserve it.

Stigma is a powerful and dangerous thing; it can mean the difference between social solidarity and social rejection, the difference between admitting to having the disease and accepting the drugs that will help and ignoring the illness and refusing any medication. It can mean the difference between being too proud to get tested and spreading the disease and staying safe and wearing a condom. It can even mean the difference between life and death. HIV/ AIDS is a vast and terrible disease and ignoring its existence or refusing to accept those who have been infected is only going to make the problem worse.

What first inspired you to form a band?

We grew up together and wanted to start something by ourselves which was totally unique. Sometimes we think we were born to do music. And how long ago was that? Um…about 5 years ago so we feel pretty established as a group now

Do you all get on well?

(The four boys look at each other grinning) Of course! We love each other very much, it’s like we’re all brothers

What’s the inspiration behind your lyrics?

It’s a mixture of lots of things really, humour, everyday problems, real problems, rape, sugar daddies, girls, we’re inspired by real life issues so our songs are all about spreading a message

And what next for the group?

Every artist’s dream- a record deal, touring Southern Africa, selling CD’s, making money, being loved by millions (the boys laugh again), we’re ready for whatever opportunity we’re given.

Superman and Golden Boys Entertainment have already performed in Keetmanshoop, Windhoek, Ovamboland and of course their hometown of Lüderitz. Watch this space for the next stage in their career!