New security measures have been introduced by the SWA Administrator General declaring the entire north of Namibia a restricted area to civilian aircraft. Proclamation AG 66 of 18 July 1979 amends the Aviation Act to enforce stricter control and curb night-flying.
Restrictions listed in the amendment include: * No civilian aircraft may fly in the restricted area between 6 pm and 6 am. * No pilot of a civilian aircraft may enter the restricted area without filing a flight plan and being granted explicit permission. * No civilian aircraft may fly in the restricted area unless two-way radio contact is established and continuously maintained with air traffic control centres at Grootfontein, Ondangwa, Rundu, Mpacha or any other centre decided on by the Air Force. * Unless other directions are given, no civilian aircraft may fly below 3,000 feet above ground level.
Security forces in northern Namibia have introduced a convoy system with armed escorts for motorists travelling the 130 km distance between Ovamboland's administrative capital Ondangwa and Oshivello, a security check-point on the border with the "white" farming areas. A spokesman for the South West Africa Command said that the convoy system had been introduced after "terrorist incidents on the lonely bushlined route". (RDM 19.7.79, 8.9.79; WA 19.7.79; BBC 21.7.79)
