Celebs on Namibia

Ilke Platt-Akwenye: Television personality What do you love most about Namibia? I love the fact that we have so many indigenous languages and even more so, the passion we as Namibians have about our identity. It’s very admirable. What is your favourite Namibian holiday destination? There are quite a few but I would have to highlight Etosha, specifically Emanya Lodge What’s the one thing about Namibia that you didn’t know and only learned recently? I just googled it now, did you know that, averaging at 2 500, the free-roaming cheetah population of Namibia is the largest in the world. If you could describe Namibia in one sentence to people who have never been here, what would you say? Namibians are warm at heart and are very friendly. We are interested in how you are doing in this busy day and age. It still remains a priority and we will even ask you how your cattle and sheep are doing. What proud Namibian moment has brought you close to tears? The recent announcement of His Excellency President Hifikepunye Pohamba’s wonderful and well-deserved recognition of getting the Mo Ibrahim leadership award. Namibia is celebrating its 25th Independence anniversary. What message do you have for its citizens? It’s important to research Namibian history. We may not have experienced first-hand the effort it took to gain Independence; therefore, let’s take part in celebrating to say thank you to those that have fought for our independence. We should never take our peaceful and clean country for granted; there are still countries that experience ongoing war on a daily basis. Let’s appreciate what we have and remember our past. Roux-Ché Locke: Media personality What do you love most about Namibia? Her majestic landscape, natural splendour and diverse people, and of course: the most beautiful sunsets! What is your favourite Namibian holiday destination? The coast, in particular the strip between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, where land meets ocean. I am in awe every time I find myself there. The Namibian night sky is the most beautiful; perfect for stargazing and romantic kisses under the moonlight whilst the brilliant view of the Milky Way is breathtaking! What’s the one thing about Namibia that you didn’t know and only learned recently? On your way to Walvis Bay just outside Swakopmund, there is a place where more than 1 650 mules and horses were shot dead by the South African army in the year 1915. The horse graves are clearly visible. If you could describe Namibia in one sentence to people who have never been here, what would you say? Namibia – Africa’s hidden gem, the most unique and serene destination - a tourist’s dream! What proud Namibian moment has brought you close to tears? When our outgoing-President Hifikepunye Pohamba won the world’s most valuable individual award, the Mo Ibrahim prize for African leadership. The immense feeling of pride and gratitude brought tears to my eyes. Namibia is celebrating its 25th Independence anniversary. What message do you have for its citizens? I am humbled to be part of our proudly Namibian nation. Let us join hands, embrace each other and continue the journey of creating a prosperous future together - for us, our children and the generations to come. Hazel Hinda: Actress What do you love most about Namibia? What I love most about Namibia is our people and our different cultures, we need to celebrate that more often, it’s our unique identity. What is your favourite Namibian holiday destination? My favourite holiday destination is my grandfather’s farm in the South. There’s no place like home and just 10 km from our farm is the Mesosaurus Fossil Site, and about 15 km from our farm is the Quiver Tree rest camp - the quiver trees are regarded as living fossils having survived the ages. Nearby you can also go to the Giant’s Playground, named this because of the huge black rocks have interesting formations as if a playground for giants. Lastly my favourite, the night sky is my guilty pleasure, it’s so breathtaking and I stare at the stars for hours What’s the one thing about Namibia that you didn’t know and only learned recently? There is nothing new, I’m very patriotic so I always try and stay informed about my country, and the only thing I don’t know is the future. If you could describe Namibia in one sentence to people who have never been here, what would you say? I always say it’s a small country with a small population, majestic landscapes with amazing contrast, nowhere in the world does the whole yin-yang concept come together in nature as it does in Namibia, and I think our people embody that subconsciously. Our beautiful environment is a mirror of who Namibians are. What proud Namibian moment has brought you close to tears? The other day when I drove in Independence Avenue and saw all the Namibian flags, and I remembered what all the colours mean, I got goose bumps and I was filled with pride to be a Namibian. The privileges we enjoy are beyond measure, I have travelled a bit and I am telling you we have heaven on earth. Namibia is celebrating its 25th Independence anniversary. What message do you have for its citizens? I say to her, I was born when the men and women of this country promised freedom; I was there even as a small child not understanding the freedom that was fought for at the time, the price was high but the men and women thought us worthy to die for. The blood that waters our freedom also runs in our veins, and we will fight for her at any given time to protect her. Happy is the day our freedom was born; 25 years of freedom, a lifetime free from fear. I salute you, great Namibia Uejaa Kazondunge: Radio personality What do you love most about Namibia? The people, the beer and limitless opportunities - I am living my Namibian dream. What is your favourite Namibian holiday destination? Le Mirage Desert Lodge & Spa, it is situated 21 km from the Sesriem Gate to Sossusvlei. It is a piece of heaven, you need to experience it. What’s the one thing about Namibia that you didn’t know and only learned recently? I cannot think of something now - you write something, mbuae. If you could describe Namibia in one sentence to people who have never been here, what would you say? Namibia: A place filled with wonderful people and a mixture of a lot of cultures and history, where the sea meets the desert. What proud Namibian moment has brought you close to tears? Johanna Benson winning a gold medal at the 2012 Paralympics Women’s in the 200m T37 race. Now that was a moment one will never forget, she showed every single Namibian that passion, determination, commitment and hard work pay off. Namibia is celebrating its 25th Independence anniversary. What message do you have for its citizens? Namibia you are only 25, let us continue to be united in diversity. Let us rededicate ourselves and work together on the big challenges facing our country like poverty and underdevelopment, so that today is better than yesterday, tomorrow must be better than today for all the people of our country. Hem Matsi: Fashion Designer What do you love most about Namibia? I love that it is so clean, the beautiful landscape, and of course the lovely people although I wish the people who work at the airport could give us a brighter welcoming smile. What is your favourite Namibian holiday destination? Sossusvlei and Erindi. What’s the one thing about Namibia that you didn’t know and only learned recently? I did not know a until recently that tourmalines are mined in Namibia. If you could describe Namibia in one sentence to people who have never been here, what would you say? Always say it is a lovely place, with a very good environment for investors. What proud Namibian moment has brought you close to tears? The president winning the Mo Ibrahim award this year had all my international friends congratulating us, and it made me emotional. Namibia is celebrating its 25th Independence anniversary. What message do you have for its citizens? I wish Namibia our motherland peace and prosperity and I wish our people good health mentally and physically so that one day we can live in an HIV-free and GBV-free society. We are proud of you Namibia. Ees: Musician What do you love most about Namibia? This is such an easy and difficult question at the same time, as I don’t just have one thing: I love the landscape, the vibe that just pulls you in when you are in Namibia, I love the sun, I love the people and the cultures and music. What is your favourite Namibian holiday destination? The desert, I really LOVE the desert, every time I am at home I try to go to the Namib Desert at least once. My favourite spot there is in the dunes of the Namib Desert Lodge. What’s the one thing about Namibia that you didn’t know and only learned recently? I didn’t know that Namibia has the highest price ratio of property and housing in the whole world. That is seriously something we should work on to sort it out. If you could describe Namibia in one sentence to people who have never been here, what would you say? I warn them and tell them, if they visit Namibia once, they must just know it’s so beautiful and the whole vibe will make them feel so struck that they will come back again and again and again! What proud Namibian moment has brought you close to tears? I get a very proud moment every time I am outside of Namibia waving the flag on stage. It’s such a moving and proud feeling, difficult to explain in words. Namibia is celebrating its 25th Independence anniversary. What message do you have for its citizens? Let’s not just talk, let’s DO! We have come so far, now it’s time to set the standards even higher, because we can do it if we work together. Let’s not chase money and power, let’s chase unity and a vision forward for us all.