On this the fifth anniversary of the formal registration of the Gondwana Care Trust I reflect on the past five years, the impact that we have had and most importantly I reflect on why we do this.
Snakes are found in a variety of myths and stories across many different cultures, ranging from Medusa (Greek mythology) to Bai Suzhen (Chinese mythology) and even Kouteign Kooru, a giant serpent, who was hunted and then fled by borrowing, resulting in the Fish River Canyon (San mythology). These slithery creatures are also represented in a variety of symbols, with some identifying them as evil or death, while others regard them as a symbol for healing, fertility, power or medicine.
Something, that many of our loyal (and new) users may not be aware of, is that The Narrative Namibia is a descendant of a somewhat older story. While our focus is the art of telling stories, our predecessor took a few steps back with a focus on telling stories and of course ensuring that we actually have stories to tell.
John Ndevasia Muafangejo was born on the Angolan side of “Ovamboland” in 1943 and grew up in his father’s kraal. His childhood was characterised by the traditions of the Kwanyama people. His father had eight wives and 18 children. John enjoyed a happy childhood tending cattle and goats with his brothers, as was expected of boys at the time.
We probably don’t need to tell you about all the attractions that Namibia has to offer.These range from the majestic high dunes around Sossusvlei to the diverse wildlife in the world renowned Etosha National Park and onto the second largest canyon in the world at the Fish River or visiting the rolling thunder at Epupa Falls.
There once was a waterpoint in the middle of the Namib Desert. To be exact, unsuspiciously tucked away in the 56.540 km2 Gondwana Namib Park, where animals roam freely amongst the famously red dunes and the vast desert.
Penduka is no newbie in the world of emancipation and empowerment in Namibia.
Founded in 1992 by Dutch anthropologist Christien Roos and first board member Martha Muulyau, the two women had a lot in common. Their friendship first began at Ehafo, a former organization that assisted people with disabilities, to acquire skills to assimilate as best as possible in Namibian society.
As previously mentioned, to us, The Narrative is like our baby. And as the legend goes, “it takes a village to raise a child” - so scroll down to meet the ladies raising The Narrative.
The passed twenty months brought with it, many new and unknown encounters. These encounters to most of us - particularly the Millennials and Gen Z’s - were strange and foreign. Suddenly, we needed to follow new rules and take on new habits. And new journeys ensued.
“One should either be a work of art, or wear a work of art” Oscar Wilde
You can decide for yourself. For me, the Carmines are both: a work of art and clothed in one. If you are not an avid birder, once you have seen this spectacle of colour, beauty, and agility by thousands of Carmines at Zambezi Mubala Lodge, you will be converted into a bird watcher, and you will want to do this expedition year after year. Starting on 22 August (usually at around 14hoo) and fortunately not ending with a bang but rather a whimper over a few weeks, in early April.
This is no fairytale story. Actually, it’s a serious cry for help. Because I, the majestic desert giant, commonly known as Quiver Tree, Kokerboom or //ganas, cannot speak for myself.
The compass has been a true to form symbol for globetrotters for as long as the uncovering of our world. While this figure of direction is ideal for travelers, adventurers, and free spirits, there is much more to the compass, than meets the eye.
After selling her restaurant of six years, Canadian-immigrant Alexandra Limmer-Henn started spending more time in the gym, soon discovering her passion for powerlifting. And so, in 2018, she won the title of Namibia’s strongest woman. Her husband, Jacobus Henn, also encompassed in the fitness industry, starting out as an amateur bodybuilder in 2015 and competing in various fitness orientated competitions until 2019.
Although ostrich eggshell jewellery has become synonymous with strikingly distinctive- and carefully curated individual pieces of art, it finds its cradle in some of the most secluded places of Southern Africa. Beyond the uniquely handcrafted designs, and their intrinsic and inimitable beauty we know today, lies plenty more than meets the eye. The origin of this medium offers a glimpse into the deep cultural history of one of Africa’s oldest communities; the San People.
The attractive western Namibian landscapes surrounding the Brandberg, Spitzkoppe and Erongo areas, beholds a field of treasures that is hidden to the naked eye - a renowned variety of high-quality gemstones. Within the lines of their crystalline structure,harshly shaped by the elements, one can trace the story of their tale, as old-as-time. And today, with the kind hands of Mine Stones, they can be an adornment for you too.
In a vibrant corner of the Hilde List Loft at the Namibian Craft Centre, a strong Namibian flavor accumulates the air. Here, the habitat of EKIPA Jewellery and Art pays homage to the delicacy that nature has to offer.
With the afflatus of Namibia’s landscapes, wildlife, and geological extraordinaire, Grit Böttcher takes the art of bijouterie on an all-new marathon. The eccentric and intrepidly designed jewellery is fabricated in such a manner, that the essence of Namibia becomes evident in one's jewellery box.
As dawn arises, the people of Namibia are awakened by the dancing light beaming through the branches of Mopane trees. The song of a Love-bird and Pap cooking on the Aga stove, enriches the ambience as Namibia chants a good morning.
A KOVA handbag is an acquisition based on beauty and pure feeling. It’s simple, classic and clean lines are designed in such a way that the bag, which starts as an accessory, ages with you and soon becomes an extension of yourself. Your movements dictate the lines and creases in the leather and ensures a classic and ever so stylish representation of your personality.
Following the tracks of a windy, dusty road amid a randomly cited cluster of corrugated tin shacks in Windhoek’s Katutura, Okuryangava, along Mount Meru Street, you will regularly find a group of friends gathering on their front stoep. Meriam Haingura, Magda Ndimulene and Drotea Hamunyela have been living here for years.
In 1991, children in the Sossusvlei area in the ancient Namib Desert, would gaze up to the sky and see a huge, colourful balloon rising and floating over the area. In awe they ran and followed this captivating balloon, much bigger than they had ever seen.
As a result of the success of local retail shops at our Gondwana lodges, and the repeated requests from guests wanting to order something they saw and treasured but didn’t buy, setting up an online store was always in the Gondwana pipeline. In 2020, time was on our side, so we flattened our ears, dug in our heels, and started researching the web with hundreds of YouTube and Shopify tutorials.
Once upon a time, in the year 1996, a group of Namibian dreamers celebrated the end of yet another beautiful day on African soil with a sundowner drink at the very edge of the Fish River Canyon.
28 -year-old Pinehas “Zuluboy” Shikulo is probably the most contemporary, artistic, and vibrant entrepreneur Namibia currently has of his generation.
Even whilst studying Visual Arts at NUST, this Kasi Boy did not sit on his laurels waiting to complete his degree to commence his quirky expression of art to unfold in business in 2018.
There is an incredible industrious vibe present upon entering the workshop.
Chiselling and hammering away at what seems precious materials and stones, Goldsmith Attila Giersch and his team of master crafters consisting of Eunice Mauha, Dorkas Hengari and Natasha Siebes look fiercely dangerous and yet totally in their element.
