Namibia is currently faced with new challenges in developing the next generation of scientists and engineers who can take the country on a new journey of national development, says the Deputy Minister of Education Dr Becky Ndjoze-Ojo at a media conference in Windhoek recently.

Dr Ndjoze-Ojo, who received a donation of a Telecom Educational Model constructed at a cost of N$70 000 by Telecom Namibia on Friday, said her ministry has embarked on a vigorous programme to create public awareness on the importance of science and technology in realising the country`s developmental goals.

"Research, science, technology and innovation are key to Namibia`s future economic growth. We requested the model to help motivate school going children to take up science subjects, and create public understanding and appreciation of the importance of science and how it affects our daily lives," said the deputy Minister.

The portable model represents the complex telecommunication environment in a more simplified way to learners and adults alike to capture the full complexity of a telecommunications network. It will be used by the Ministry at educational fairs countrywide to help learners to know all about the different kinds of telecommunication networks that Telecom Namibia offers to the public.

Managing Director of Telecom Namibia Frans Ndoroma said the donation will go a long way in supporting government in providing learners quality education especially in science and technology in line with Vision 2030.

"We have no doubt that the money spent on this Telecom Educational Model will pay off handsomely for learners who will be exposed to it in future. Telecom sees this as nothing less than an opportunity to enrich our learners" said Ndoroma.

The deputy Minister said the model will further help motivate learners to take up science subjects, and create public understanding of the principles of science and innovation involved in the telecommunications industry and related careers.

"It should be noted that the promotion of science is not a government responsibility alone, but should be a partnership between government and the industry," she said.

Dr Ndjoze-Ojo urged other companies to emulate Telecom Namibia`s example by coming up with initiatives that could contribute to training more Namibians and thereby build relevant skills required by industry.

The first ICT Expo in Namibia closed its doors on Saturday following nine days which saw a good numbers of visitors flocking to the President's Hall at the Windhoek Show Grounds, to be a part of this truly awe-inspiring event.

When opening the exposition, Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Raphael Dinyando, urged the ICT role players to bring digital technologies to Namibia.

And indeed, the digital world in all its excitement pervaded the event, with all the ground-breaking technologies that underpin it. The stands in the exposition hall were full of innovation and advanced technology was abundantly in display. From mobile gaming, email on the move to the world of virtualisation, visitors were treated to a host of colourful displays and high-tech gadgetry.

Managing Director of Telecom Namibia, Frans Ndoroma, when addressing a Customer Appreciation Cocktail on 30 September, said the Expo was the ideal platform for the public to find out about the latest technologies and innovation for telecommunication and ICT industry. Telecom Namibia occupied six of the 60 stalls at the event.

"Despite the difficult economy, Telecom Namibia's stands are as popular as ever. Our visitors range from business customers, the farming community and general consumers. They are coming to our stands in search of new trends and technology solutions, bargains, product information and products to purchase, as well as general queries," Ndoroma said.

Telecom Namibia displayed its new mobile devices, broadband offerings, and other innovative solutions and services for corporate customers. The company's powerful suite of broadband products struck a chord with the Expo visitors. "Our fixed broadband products, commonly known as ADSL and WiMAX, are offered to clients without any usage limit. This is unheard of in southern Africa if not the whole of Africa," Ndoroma said.

General Manager of ICT and Corporate Business Solutions at Telecom Namibia, Coenraad Coetzee observed that the ICT Expo showcased the trends and technologies that define future global lifestyles. "Namibia is forging ahead, both in terms of introducing new technologies and the way the country interacts with these technologies to define new digital lifestyles," Coetzee said.

"If I have one hope as the Expo concludes, it is that these technologies can truly transform the way we live, no matter who we are or where we live in the world. To achieve this transformation we must all commit to making ICTs available and affordable to all Namibians", he said.

"As bags are packed and visitors return to their homes, how will the ICT industry remember this event? As well as the innovation, the lively displays, the busy stalls and the fun, I hope its real legacy is as a milestone in our commitment to bring the best in ICT to Namibia," he concluded.

The ICT Expo ran concurrently with the Windhoek Industrial and Agricultural Show from the 25 September to 3 October 2009.

With the arrival of 160,000 copies of the Telecom Namibia Directory 2009/10 this week, subscribers will have in their hands the printed version of what can also be found online.

The new directory will be distributed free of charge to subscribers at Teleshop countrywide, starting next week. However some subscribers were lucky to get a copy of this latest directory at the recently concluded ICT EXPO which was held alongside the annual Windhoek Agricultural & Industrial Show.

Customers are asked to bring along the front cover of the old directory to exchange it with the newest version. Old directories can be recycled by placing them in a paper recycling bins in offices or where ever such bins are available.

Like the past editions, the new directory is a comprehensive and user-friendly information tool that consists of white and yellow pages, as well as green pages for Government ministries, followed by classified medical listings.

The white pages list in alphabetical order the names of subscribers, together with their towns and telephone numbers. The yellow pages list business subscribers alphabetically by category and feature classified advertisements of various sizes. The directory further enlists information on accommodations facilities, diplomatic mission, and essential services, thus giving complete telephone and fax numbers of key institutions in Namibia.

The Directory is updated on an annual basis. Should you have suggestions to improve this publication or have questions regarding content, please feel free to write to our Directory Section for their necessary attention and action. The contact details are Directory Section, PO Box 297, Windhoek, or by telephone at (061) 201 9211 or by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

We have attached a photo of the new Directory for your usage. [Caption: Proud of their hard work are Telecom Namibia`s Directory Officers (from left) Marilyn Beukes Rosy Gille and Marie Mathys].

I trust that you will find the Telecom Namibia Telephone Directory for 2009/10 a useful and helpful publication