N$156bn lost to diseases

April 2, 2019, 3:00 pm

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N$156bn lost to diseasesSTDs among responsible illnesses Infectious and parasitic diseases such as tuberculosis and STDs were responsible for the most loss of healthy life years, followed by HIV/Aids and neonatal conditions. Diseases afflicting Namibia's population resulted in a N$156 billion loss to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2015 alone.

They were also responsible for a substantial loss in health, estimated at nearly 1.1 million years.

This is according to a new World Health Organisation (WHO) report that examines the disease burden on African countries.

The study quantifies the GDP losses associated with Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). This is the summary measure used to give an indication of the overall burden of disease.

According to the 'A Heavy Burden: The Productivity Cost of Illness in Africa' report, diseases cost the continent US$2.4 trillion a year.

The report indicated that diseases affecting Namibia resulted in a total of 1.13 million DALYs of which 619 300 were from communicable, maternal, perinatal and nutritional conditions.

Infectious and parasitic diseases such as tuberculosis and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) were responsible for the most loss of healthy life years, followed by HIV/Aids and neonatal conditions.

Furthermore, non-communicable diseases in Namibia accounted for 388 100 DALYs.

Under this category, injuries such as road injuries and self-harm, cardiovascular disorders and mental and substance abuse contributed the most.

According to the report in the WHO African Region, total losses amounted to more than 629.6 million DALYs. Out of this total, more than 416.6 million (59.1 %) were from communicable, maternal, perinatal and nutritional diseases, 30.7% from non-communicable diseases and 10.2% from injuries.

Five countries - the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Africa and the United Republic of Tanzania - accounted for almost 50% of the total DALYs accrued in the region.

The report added that around 47% or US$796 billion of this lost productivity value could be avoided in 2030 if the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to these health conditions are achieved.

SGD 3 on universal health coverage requires countries in the WHO African Region to spend, on average, at least US$271 (N$3 850) per capita, per year on health or 7.5% of the region's GDP.

According to United Nations Conference on Trade and Development estimates, attaining the 17 SDGs will require spending ranging from US$1.5 trillion to US$2.5 trillion per year until 2030, or up to US$37.5 trillion. Low-income countries will need an additional US$671 billion (US$76 per capita on average) until 2030 to attain the health-related SDGs.

The report says to achieve the targets, countries must invest adequately in the development of resilient national and local health systems to effectively, affordably and efficiently deliver the integrated packages of proven cost-effective interventions contained in the relevant programmatic global strategies and plans to target populations in need.

Achieving the SDGs by 2030, including the target on universal health coverage, will require political will and greater focus on government-led planning and financing for health. It will also necessitate greater outlays from public revenue, reforms to raise additional revenue and strategic purchasing mechanisms.

It will also require that people who are usually left behind are put at the centre of health financing reform.

“This report illustrates how the achievement of the critical health SDG targets, including universal health coverage, would contribute to poverty eradication efforts on a large scale, reduce disparities in lifespan, tackle social exclusion and promote political stability and economic development in the WHO African Region,” explained Grace Kabaniha, a health economist in the WHO regional office for Africa.

“It also provides much-needed evidence that ministries of health can use in dialogue on resource allocation with ministries of finance. It adds to the body of evidence showing that health is a strategic investment for development.”



ELLANIE SMIT

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A culture of impunity

April 2, 2019, 3:00 pm

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A culture of impunity Revelations on Monday that the Public Service Medical Aid Scheme (Psemas) has been overspending by hundreds of millions since 2015/16 raises immediate questions about why this rot was allowed to continue for so long.

The proverbial emptying of the cookie jar has dragged the medical aid all but into the abyss. Finance minister Calle Schlettwein said the persistent fraud at Psemas has rendered it unsustainable.

As a result, government will now look to private experts to assist it in transforming the fund without hurting civil servants.

It was also announced the fund will no longer be giving contracts to service providers using work permits in Namibia.

During his budget speech last week, Schlettwein announced that Psemas member contributions will be doubled from N$410 million to N$820 million a year, effective from this month.

Investigations found that some pharmacies take cash payments from private members and then charge medicines to random Psemas members.

The scheme was also literally being milked by service providers who subject patients to unnecessary services.

Some private hospitals have also abused the scheme by admitting standard option clients without a recommendation from the Public Service Commission.

In some cases dependents over the age of 40 were still on the medical aid.

The finance ministry terminated 17 000 dependents over the age of 21 years in June last year and has roped in 34 interns, who will do a desktop audit review that compares Psemas data with payroll reports.

It goes without saying that this state of affairs is shocking, even more so when one considers that the hundreds of millions used to cover annual Psemas deficits were diverted from other government spending.

So bad are the shenanigans at Psemas that the International Monetary Fund released a report late last year that said the fund has been losing on average more than N$900 million per year to fraud, abuse, waste and collusion. Impunity is becoming more of a threat in Namibia every day and the Psemas debacle is living proof.

Agribank subsidy doubles

April 2, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Agribank subsidy doublesNeeded for desired land reform impact Agribank will be able to make a bigger change in land ownership in Namibia with a larger budget allocation. Government has more than doubled its budget allocation to Agribank for the 2019/20 financial year.

According to the Estimates of Revenue, Income and Expenditure report for April 2019 to March 2022 it is projected that government will subsidise Agribank with more than N$73.4 million during the new financial year.

In the previous two financial years the bank received a subsidy of N$30 million per year.

It is further estimated that by the 2021/22 financial year the amount will increase to more than N$98.4 million.

Agribank board chairperson Michael Iyambo said at the end of last year that according to their assessment, the bank requires a minimum of N$500 million annually over the next five years to make the desired land reform impact.

After that, funding levels can be reduced to N$300 million annually, to be supplemented by the bank's own cash flows.

Meanwhile, the budget allocation to the agriculture ministry for 2019/20 is N$1.9 billion.

Finance minister Calle Schlettwein said last week during budget speech that N$290 million had been allocated to the crop and horticulture programme under the ministry, of which N$96 million is targeted for the country's green scheme programme.

An amount of N$469 million was allocated for the water-generation and infrastructure refurbishment programme.

“This is for the purpose of increased productive capacity, increased efficiency and job-creation, in partnership with the private sector, and to enhance water security in the country.”

Noting the severe effects of climate change and the ensuing drought, he said a total of N$100 million will be allocated to the Emergency Fund.

He said the recurring El Niño conditions that manifest themselves in bouts of severe drought, affects agricultural output and industrial activities, which are highly dependent on water.

“The growth outlook for primary industries is significantly discounted by the expected contraction of the agricultural sector by 5.2% this year, as the severe drought takes its toll on the crop and livestock subsectors, as well as the continued contraction in the fisheries subsector.”





ELLANIE SMIT

Peeping tom sent to jail

April 2, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Peeping tom sent to jail A South African tourist, while on holiday in Namibia, was recently sentenced to a one-year prison term by the Swakopmund Magistrate's Court without the option of paying a fine, after he was caught taking photos of a 24-year-old female tourist who was showering at a well-known hotel in town.

The bizarre matter was finalised within a few days after Gavin Booth (51) was convicted of housebreaking with the intent of violating another person's privacy, as well as crimen injuria.

Booth initially denied the allegations. Only after he was presented with footage recorded by a CCTV camera, did he plead guilty to the charge. Booth, who is regarded as a peeping tom, as well as the 24-year-old victim and her boyfriend, were all guests at the same hotel. All three tourists are South African nationals.

The video footage, which was recorded on 14 March, shows Booth leaving his hotel room at about 08:00 that morning. He walks down a corridor past several rooms when he suddenly stops in front of one of the rooms, listens briefly and then looks around several times. He then steps onto a bench and opens a small bathroom window and peeps inside. Then he takes out his cellphone from his pocket and starts taking pictures.

Shortly thereafter he descends from the bench and analyses the footage on his phone and is, seemingly, not satisfied. He climbs back up. This time he turns on the camera's flash and takes more photos.

This alerted the victim, as Booth suddenly gets off the bench and hurries down the hallway. Shortly thereafter, the visibly shocked victim appears with a towel wrapped around her body together with her fully-clothed boyfriend, who search for the culprit - in vain. Booth was identified on the basis of the video recording and was arrested a few hours later.

Namibian Sun understands that Booth initially denied the allegations. According to a reliable source he said that he was on holiday in Namibia and attended a certain, exclusive nudist shower event where he had ample opportunity to take photos, but did not do so. Only after he was presented with the video footage, did he admit the incident.



During his trial, Booth's third lawyer Marinus Scholtz, asked the court to impose a fine and listed mitigating circumstances. He said Booth takes care of his two children and will seek psychological help.



“He earns a good salary (in Johannesburg) and has apologised to the victim and deleted the photos,” he said, adding, “A proper sentence would not be imprisonment.”



State prosecutor Latoya Katjitundu, however, called in the victim as a witness, who was visibly upset in court. “I feel very violated,” the 24-year old said.



“I feel ashamed. I feel dirty; and I feel I have done something wrong while I did not.” She added that since the incident she and her boyfriend feel “insecure” and cannot “go to sleep with an open window”. “I feel cheap because somebody saw me naked who has no right to,” she said, adding: “I don't want anyone to go through what I went through.”



While passing sentence Magistrate Nelao Brown described Booth's act as “serious” and “heinous”. “Those who intend to embark on this apparently self-pleasing journey, if not for extortion purposes, must know that if they should be caught, they are not going to be let off lightly,” she said.



Brown continued: “The element of deterrence is particularly important.”



“The accused himself indicated that he did so accidentally (take photos), but his blameworthiness is undoubtedly disputed.”



Brown subsequently sentenced Booth to twelve months imprisonment without the option of paying a fine.











Erwin Leuschner

Katrina shows her claws

April 2, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Katrina shows her clawsDescribes corruption allegations as 'infamous lies' The gloves came off yesterday, as education minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa took the stand in her corruption trial. After being endlessly bombarded with the State's case against her since the start of her graft trial, education minister and former Hardap governor Katrina Hanse-Himarwa finally took the stand yesterday.

An immaculately dressed Hanse-Himarwa unequivocally denied that she had committed any corruption linked the Mass Housing beneficiary list in Mariental during her time as governor.

She also describes the allegations against her, repeated by several witnesses since the start of her trial towards the end of last year, as “infamous lies”.

It was prayer time before she took the stand in the Windhoek High Court.

Her political allies, including National Council chairperson Margaret Mensah-Williams and Swapo National Assembly chief whip Eveline Nawases-Tayele, prayed for strength for the beleaguered minister. The group embraced each other and emotions overflowed before they prayed.

Hanse-Himarwa, who stands accused of corruptly using her position as Hardap governor for gratification, was implicated by State witnesses of having giving a directive to remove two Mass Housing beneficiaries -Regina Kuhlman and Piet Fransman - from the beneficiary list because of their political affiliations. They were replaced by Hanse-Himarwa's relatives.

She admitted that Justine Gowases and Lorraine Hanse were her relatives, but pointed out that Gowases was in fact a distant relative with whom she had no intimate relationship.





She said she only knew Gowases by her maiden surname, Roily.

Deputy prosecutor general Ed Marondedze pointed out that Gowases was in fact Hanse-Himarwa's second cousin and is certainly not a distant relative.

Hanse-Himarwa testified further that Hanse was married to her younger brother, but insisted that she never gave a directive that her family members should be put on the beneficiary list.

According to her she also knew nothing about Kuhlman, whom she has only “seen around”, and certainly had no knowledge of her political affiliation.

This is despite Kuhlman's testimony in court last month that at some point she had spent a night in Hanse-Himarwa's house.

Hanse-Himarwa, who served as the Hardap governor between 2005 and 2015, before she was appointed as education minister, also denied she had met local government ministry officials at the Mariental municipality to discuss a list of mass housing beneficiaries.

She also told the court that Mariental CEO Paul Nghiwilepo had called her sometime in 2015 to enquire whether she was aware that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) was investigating her.

According to her this was a long time before the ACC officially informed her of their investigation against her.

“He called me to ask if I knew about the ACC case and told me that the ACC was pressurising him to say that I unilaterally inserted names on the beneficiary list,” Hanse-Himarwa told the court.

In November last year Nghiwilepo told Judge Christi Liebenberg Hanse-Himarwa had instructed him to remove two names and replace them with names she gave him.

According to Hanse-Himarwa, the ACC eventually summoned her to their offices some time in 2016, where she was informed of the charges against her.

“I was called to ACC and the official put a recorder and a questionnaire in front of me. He also told me that I would be on camera, but I rejected to be on camera until I have spoken to my lawyer,” she said.



Media advisory

Hanse-Himarwa repeatedly said her role as governor was to serve as a link between the region and the central government.

She emphasised she was merely the political head and had no business getting involved with administration in the region, such as the allocation of houses under the mass housing project.

According to her she had only become aware of the actual charges against her during October 2018, but was informed by the ACC which laws she had contravened already in 2016.

Marondedze put it to her that when she issued a media advisory to defend herself last year, she was in actual fact referring to the allegation that she had inserted her relatives on the housing beneficiary list.

In her statement, Hanse-Himarwa said it was sad that the execution of her duties as governor had resulted in a case being pursued against her.

She said yesterday the statement had only referred to her role as governor.

Marondedze emphasised that she knew by then that she was not indicted because of her role as governor, but because of the allegations that she had inserted two of her relatives on the list.

She denied this, saying she feels the State is trying to corner her into admitting it.









Erwin Leuschner

Namibia ready for Senegal

April 3, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Namibia ready for Senegal Namibia will kick off their 2019 Barthés Trophy campaign against Senegal at 14:00 today.

The Rugby Africa tournament, which doubles as an Under-20 World Rugby Trophy qualifier, is being hosted in Nairobi, Kenya.

Namibia, Tunisia, Kenya and Senegal are taking part and will all be hoping to book a spot at the World Rugby Trophy, which takes place in Brazil in July.

Namibia were the overall Barthés Trophy champions in the 2018, based on a superior aggregate.

Tunisia, the northern region champions, were second, while Kenya and Senegal finished third and fourth, respectively.

Before leaving for Kenya on Tuesday, Namibian captain Gilab Plaatjies said the team has prepared well for the tournament. He said they will retain the trophy they have won since 2013.

He added the tournament will give them much-needed experience.

Head coach Johan Diergaardt said they will do their best.

“Something less than our best will not be satisfying for us, because we have challenged ourselves to go out and qualify for Brazil,” Diergaardt said.

Kenya will cross swords with Tunisia at 16:00.

The losers of the two matches will face each other in the third/fourth playoff on Sunday at 14:00, before the final commences at 16:00.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

Chiefs back Vries

April 3, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Chiefs back Vries'He is still our player' Kaizer Chiefs have poured cold water on rumours that they intend to sell their Namibian goalkeeper. Kaizer Chiefs spokesperson Vina Maphosa has denied that the Amakhosi are planning to sell Virgil Vries.

The goalkeeper's future has remained in doubt at the Soweto giants, as he has not featured recently for the club.

It has become increasingly evident that the Brave Warriors' keeper has fallen down the pecking order and out of favour with coach Ernst Middendorp.

Speculation has been rife that Chiefs could consider selling the goalkeeper at the end of the season.

Maphosa, however, moved to smother these rumours during a telephonic interview.

“Vries is still a Kaizer Chiefs player and that it is all that matters now.

“The keeper was injured over the weekend and that is why he did not appear on the bench for the team.

“We are not here to speak about the future, but we speak of the present.

“I can tell you now that we have six goalkeepers and Virgil is one of them,” Maphosa.

Vries has come under fire from Chiefs fans after making some schoolboy errors that cost the glamour club points during February.

The goalkeeper has made eight appearances for the club in all competitions during the 2018/19 season so far and has conceded six goals, while keeping four clean sheets. Vries was brought in as the second choice to the club's long-serving captain Itumeleng Khune and got the chance of his life to play regular first team football following an injury to the Chiefs legend.

Vries, however, did not make the best of the opportunity after conceding preventable goals.

The Kaizer Chiefs fans did not help matters by booing Vries as he warmed up on the sidelines of a Nedbank Cup match about two months ago.

The club also brought in Nigerian national Daniel Akpeyi after Vries' blunders. Young goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma has also been preferred over the Namibian.

Bvuma has conceded just one goal in his last four matches for the Glamour Boys.

Vries was also dropped to the bench for Namibia's Afcon qualifier against Zambia, which saw Maximilian Mbaeva between the posts, as the Brave Warriors slumped to a 1-4 defeat. Former Kaizer Chiefs player Robert Nauseb and many others have backed Vries to bounce back.

“He is a strong boy and I believe he will be able to bounce back. Kaizer Chiefs is a big team and Vries is a big player, but he must not just lose himself because of what is happening at the club,” Nauseb said.

Brave Warriors coach Ricardo Mannetti has also backed the Chiefs keeper. Mannetti believes the player will eventually find his feet, despite enduring a difficult period.

“Look, every player always has such a time in their lives and it is unfortunate that the fans and the club have not done him any favours.

“The national team, and I as a coach, still believe in his abilities and we will continue supporting him during this difficult time,” Mannetti said.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Fulle to restore trust

April 3, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Fulle to restore trustNew NPL CEO has cold plans Newly appointed NPL CEO Harald Fulle says he wants to bring back much-needed trust to the league. Harald Fulle, the new NPL CEO who assumed his duties on Monday, says he aims to transform the league and create a platform that encourages sponsors to come on board.

Fulle, who has been appointed on a one-year contract, has been actively involved in the HopSol Football League.

He said he is in agreement with his new bosses and will continue to be involved in the development league, as it is his baby.

“It's something in my heart. I cannot walk away from it as well as all the kids involved,” he said.

Fulle said it will be difficult to build a foundation in a few months and that he would be working hard so his contract could be extended.

The premier league has been without a CEO since April 2011, when Mathew Haikali was sacked by the NPL board of governors.

Tovey //Hoëbeb, who was the NPL's human resources and finance manager, was appointed as the league administrator after acting in the CEO position.

In addition to Fulle's appointment, the NPL has also hired Andre Gariseb as its marketing and public relations officer, also on a one-year contract. Gariseb said he is ready to take on the task. “There are a lot of expectations on the table, but I'm willing to take the stress that comes with the job. We are here to promote and elevate football on a national and domestic level and to ensure that we pull supporters to the stadium,” he said. League chairperson Patrick Kauta said football means so much to so many people and domestic supporters deserve the best experiences possible.

“We are therefore confident that the administrative team is ideally suited and capable to take the NPL to new heights,” he said.

Kauta said the two individuals were hired because of their experience, skills and track record of handling complex issues.

Fulle brings to the role a wealth of marketing and senior management expertise. He also has a strong background in sport administration.

He worked as group brand manager at Namibia Breweries Limited, was the CEO of one of the biggest outdoor advertising companies in the country and acted as chief administrator at the Namibqia Sports Commission. He also played football and represented Namibia at five fistball championships and is a golfer in his spare time.

Gariseb, on the other hand, has an extensive media background working as a broadcaster at commercial and public radio stations and in the television industry. His experience in football administration is equally broad, as he served in the marketing and branding managing department at Orlando Pirates for close to five years.

In addition he also has strategic communication and stakeholder engagement experience as private and state institutions.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

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No margin for error - Solskjaer

April 3, 2019, 3:00 pm

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No margin for error - Solskjaer Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted that Manchester United have no further margin for error in their bid to secure a top-four finish after a damaging 1-2 defeat against Wolves on Tuesday.

Ashley Young's needless dismissal and Chris Smalling's farcical own goal were the low points of a disappointing evening for Solskjaer's side at Molineux.

United had been set a target of 15 points from their remaining seven games by their manager before their visit to Molineux.

That total is now 15 points from six matches, with games to come against both Manchester City and Chelsea at Old Trafford, a target which Solskjaer admits leaves no room for mistakes.

“I'm as confident as I was three hours ago,” joked Solskjaer after the defeat. “I said we need 15 points from our last seven games and now we need 15 from our last six.

“It's difficult but then again we're a very good team and it's going to be difficult for anybody who plays against us. This was a tough game but a performance that deserved a win.”

Scott McTominay's first goal for United was equalised by Diogo Jota before the interval, but the game's turning point proved to be a second yellow card collected by Young with just 57 minutes gone.

Young was booked twice in the space of five minutes for fouls on Jota, the second a particularly unpleasant high challenge.

“When you're on a yellow you're always in danger of it being a yellow card again,” said Solskjaer.

“Probably it was a bad decision by Ashley but in the heat of the moment he reached for the ball and was a little bit too high, it made it more difficult.

“We didn't get the pressure built that we expected, so we kept possession well but then they scored with the first chance they put the ball in the box.”

United finally caved to Wolves' numerical superiority 20 minutes later, when Raul Jimenez rose above Phil Jones and headed a Joao Moutinho cross goal-wards. The awkward attempt saw Smalling and goalkeeper David de Gea become entangled, with the former making the final touch as the ball rolled over the line.

McTominay's memorable first-ever goal in professional football had come after just 13 minutes.

A patient left-wing build-up ended with Jesse Lingard playing the ball centrally to Fred, with the Brazilian quickly moving it sideways to Scotland international McTominay.

The 22-year-old unleashed a brilliant, right-foot finish from 25 yards that beat the diving Rui Patricio and nestled in the far left-hand corner.

It might have been an even healthier position with Romelu Lukaku having already headed a good chance directly at Patricio and Lingard doing likewise from Lukaku's chip forward.

But, as Wolves finally began to take control of midfield, United struggled to cope; first when an unfortunate rebound off Diogo Dalot allowed Willy Boly to play through Jimenez, who hurried a 24th-minute shot wide.

Just seconds later, United were not so lucky after a poor clearance from De Gea, and even worse control by Fred, saw him lose the ball to Moutinho with Jimenez pouncing on it and playing in Jota.

The Portuguese forward did not need a second invitation to advance and calmly beat De Gea for the equaliser. As Wolves fans, warming up for Sunday's FA Cup semi-final with Watford celebrated, De Gea had to save to prevent Smalling scoring a second own goal.

NAMPA/AFP

Ondangwa otayi gandja ooplota kondando yopevi kaakalimo yomOnguta

April 3, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Ondangwa otayi gandja ooplota kondando yopevi kaakalimo yomOngutaMuni gwaNdangwa ta yambulapo olukanda lwaNguta Aakalimo yomolukanda olukulu mondoolopa yaNdangwa, oya taambako oshiyetwapo shelelo lyondoolopa ndjoka, okuyambulapo olukanda lwawo ihe inaya pandula ethimbo ndyoka ya pewa opo ya kale ya landa ko ooplota dhawo okuza kelelo lyondoolopa. Elelo lyondoolopa ndjoka olya gandja oomwedhi omu 12 kaakalimo opo ya kale ya landa ko ooplota dhawo kondando ya tulwa pevi yooN$40 mosquare meter kooplota dhomagumbo oshowo kondando yooN$60 mosquare meter kooplota dhongeshefa.Momutumba gwakwaashigwana ngoka ga ningwa kelelo lyondoolopa mEtiyali naakalimo yomOnguta, Omunambelewa Omukuluntu gwondoolopa ndjoka, Ismael Namgongo, okwa tseyithile aakalimo kutya elelo olya manitha etendo lyolukanda ndyoka naakalimo oya manguluka okuya koombelewa opo ya ka lande ko ooplota dhawo. “Onguta oya kala olukanda uule wethimbo ele. Otwa manitha omathaneko noompangela na ethimbo olya thikama tu tameke nokuyambulapo olukanda ndoka nokuli tula pomuthika gwomahala omakwawo mondoolopa. Omwa manguluka ngashiingeyi okuya koombelewa dhelelo nokulanda ko ooplota dheni opo mu mone uunzapo wuumwene wevi. Omwa pumbwa woo okugandja oompangela dhomatungo geni opo mu tameke okutunga,” Namgongo a tseyithile aakalimo. “Omatompelo okukutha po oombashu. Otwa mana nale nomathaneko gevi tashi ti ngashiingeyi otamu vulu okumona omayakulo gamuni.” Moshigongi sha faathana shoka sha ningilwe momvula yo 2017, elelo lyondoolopa yaNdangwa olya tseyitha kutya olya wapaleka ooplota dhi li po 367, moka 154 dha tulwa nale pamuthika moshitopolwa shotango shelundululo lyolukanda ndyoka, sha tameke momwedhi Aguste mo 2016.

Elelo olya popi kutya olya tunga omunino gwiiyekelwahi molukanda ndoka, kongushu yoshimaliwa shoomiliyona 4. Omunambelewa omukomeho guutekinika mondoolopa ndjoka, Petrus Shipanga, okwa lombwele aakalimo kutya shito ohaya futitha oshimaliwa shooN$80 mosquare meter koplota yegumbo oshowo oshimaliwa shooN$270 mosquare meter koplota yongeshefa. Ohaya gandja woo uule woomwedhi hamano opo mwene gwoplota a kale a landako oplota ye okuza kelelo lyondoolopa.

Shipanga naye okwa popi kutya elelo lyondoolopa ndjoka olya tokola okulanditha ooplota molukanda ndoka kaakalimo kondando yi li pevi, na okwa pula ya talele po oombelewa dhamuni opo ya vule okulanda ko ooplota dhawo. Okwa popi kutya mboka itaya vulu okulanda ooplota ndhoka naye dhi gandje po kumuni yo ya vule okukongelwa omahala gamwe kondando yi li pevi, pamwe naamboka taya tulululwa okuza molukanda ndoka, molwaashoka oya gumwa komayambulepo.

Nonando ongaaka aakalimo yomOnguta oya popi kutya oyendji yomuyo aantu mboka haya mono iiyemo yi li pevi onkene uule womvula yimwe ndjoka ya pewa onshona noonkondo na otaya pula opo ethimbo li gwedhelwe.

Aakalimo oya popi kutya oya hala shili okulanda ooplota dhawo ihe uupyakadhi woshimaliwa owo tawu ya shunitha monima, taya popi kutya onkalo ndjoka otayi ka thiminika aantu yamwe ya landithepo ooplota dhawo kaakengeli omolwa uuthigona. Namgongo okwa yamukula kutya ota fala ekemo ndyoka kelelo lyondoolopa opo li vule okuninga etokolo.

Shipanga okwa popi kutya mboka taya ka shunitha ooplota kumuni oyo owala taya ka tulululwa ihe mboka taye ke dhi landitha po otaya ka tulwa momusholondondo gwaategeleli.



ILENI NANDJATO

SADC tackles gender equality

April 3, 2019, 3:00 pm

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SADC tackles gender equality The ministry of defence yesterday launched a two-week Southern African Development Community (SADC) training programme to train trainers on gender mainstreaming and dealing with sexual- and gender-based violence.

Deputy minister of defence Billy Mwaningange said the course shows the region's commitment to join the international community in integrating gender policy, women empowerment, and the protection of human rights into national and regional policy frameworks which will contribute positively to global and regional peace, and security.

Mwaningange highlighted that the programme, which is aimed at training trainers, will promote in-depth discussions on key issues concerning gender-based violence and gender mainstreaming in relation to peacekeeping operations, which the respective SADC armed forces are expected to deal with from time to time.

The training programme is geared towards equipping trainers and providing them with the necessary skills to enhance the implementation of regional and national plans of action on women, peace and the security agenda.

He noted that recently, Namibia deployed a “fully fledged female police contingent in the Darfur region”, where they performed well and contributed to regional peacekeeping efforts.

He highlighted that the landmark UN Resolution 1325 calls for gender mainstreaming into peace and security efforts and requires the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in peacekeeping, post-conflict resolutions and in development programmes.

The resolution also calls on all parties to conflict to take special measures to protect women and girls from gender-based violence, particularly rape and other forms of sexual abuse, in situations of armed conflict.

The resolution provides a number of important operational mandates, with implications for member states and the entities of the United Nations system.

JANA-MARI SMITH

NamPost, Telecom unbundling imminent

April 3, 2019, 3:00 pm

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NamPost, Telecom unbundling imminent A bill providing for the unbundling of Namibia Post and Telecommunications Holdings (NPTH), the holding company of NamPost, Telecom and 66% of MTC, is expected to be tabled in the National Assembly this year, information executive director Mbeuta Ua-Ndjarakana has indicated.

The follows a 2014 cabinet decision to do away with the holding company.

The decision followed Telecom Namibia's acquisition of mobile operator Leo, which subsequently became TN Mobile.

That deal gave Telecom a near monopoly in the mobile telephony sector, and the Namibia Competition Commission instructed that the ownership structure of MTC and Telecom be separate and independent.

Consequently, cabinet resolved to dissolve NPTH and redistribute its properties and liabilities.

The then information and communication technology minister, Tjekero Tweya, appointed a five-member board in 2015 to spearhead that process.

The board, which was led by the current deputy executive director in the ministry of finance, Ally Angula, was asked to dismantle the holding company over the period 2015 to 2017.

According to Ua-Ndjarakana, the drafting of the necessary legal amendments is at an advanced stage.

“Preparations for the dismantling of NPTH are under way. The amendments of the NPTH Act to provide for the dismantling of NPTH are at an advanced stage. The amendments will be tabled in parliament soon,” Ua-Ndjarakana said recently.

According to an annual report for the period ended 30 September 2014, NPTH's assets were valued at about N$10 billion. NPTH also owns buildings that are used by Telecom Namibia and NamPost.

NPTH was registered in 1992 in terms of the Post and Telecommunications Companies Establishment Act.

OGONE TLHAGE

Unhappiness brews over plots

April 3, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Unhappiness brews over plotsPayment terms too short While Onguta's residents are happy with the formalisation of their area, they say they cannot pay the plots off in a year. Residents of one of Ondangwa's oldest locations have welcomed the town council's initiative to standardise their location, but they are not happy with the time period given to pay off their plots.

They said the majority of Onguta residents are low-income earners who will not be able to pay off their land in a year.

The town council has given Onguta residents 12 months to pay off their plots at a discounted price of N$40 per square metre for residential and N$60 per square metre for business plots. During a community meeting this week, council CEO Ismael Namgongo informed the residents that formalisation plans had been completed and they are welcome to come to the town council offices to pay off their plots.

“For a very long time Onguta has been a location, but now we are done with its formalisation plans and it's time we start developing it, so that it can get to the standard of other townships,” Namgongo said.

“You are now welcome to approach the town council to pay off your plots and get title deeds to your land. You must also submit your house plans so that you can start building.”

Namgongo said the reason behind this was do away with shacks in the location.

“We have already formalised the land, meaning that you can now have access to all municipal services.”

But residents hit back, saying they needed more time to pay off their land.

“Saying that we are only given a year to pay our plots off is discrimination against poor people. The majority of the people here are low-income earners and we cannot afford to acquire loans to pay our plots off. If you are serious about your people, then give us enough time to get the money,” a resident said.

“We seriously want our plots but the problem is the money. We are already struggling to make ends meet and now you are here making the situation tough for us. This will force many people to sell their plots to rich people, something that we do not want.”

During a similar meeting in 2017, the council announced the establishment of 367 residential plots, of which 154 were already standardised during the first phase of the formalisation process, which started in August 2016.

The council said it had constructed a sewerage system in the area at a cost of N$4 million.

The town's technical manager Petrus Shipanga told residents the council normally charges N$80 per square metre for residential plots, N$270 per square metre for business plots and gives buyers six months to pay off their land. However, Onguta residents are being given special treatment because of their unique situation.

“Onguta is one of the oldest locations in Ondangwa, but has not been standardised to a formal suburb. We would like residents to pay their plots off and start developing them,” Shipanga said.

“You can start coming to our offices so that you can make arrangements and also submit your house plans or if you want to sell them (the plots), you are also welcome to come to our offices as well.”

Shipanga said those who cannot afford their plots can surrender them, as the council will find them affordable plots elsewhere in town, together with those who will be resettled because of development.

Namgongo told the residents he will take their complaints to the council, so a decision can be made.

Shipanga informed the residents that only those who surrender their plots to the council will be allocated other plots. He said those that sell their plots will be placed on a waiting list.

ILENI NANDJATO

Clean-up day set for September

April 3, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Clean-up day set for SeptemberWhole country to be involved With the great successes achieved last year, as well as a strong focus on waste during the course of the year, Namibia will clean up on 21 September. Following the success of the nationwide campaign last year, in which more than 250 000 Namibians were involved, the 2019 national clean-up day will take place on 21 September.

This was announced by environment minister Pohamba Shifeta.

During last year's clean-up day in May, 255 416 people were involved in formal events across the country and 489 clean-up operations were recorded.

A total of 245 211 bags of waste were collected, while 134 institutions and individuals contributed cash and in-kind sponsorships.

The clean-up campaign is President Hage Geingob's brainchild.

Speaking on Tuesday evening at the launch of the 2019 event, Shifeta said the 2018 campaign had put in place a firm foundation to begin a new chapter to keep cities, towns, villages and even homes clean.

“We plan to build on this foundation going forward and have taken close note of the recommendations and experiences from last year. These will guide us as we move forward both this year and in the future,” Shifeta said.

He said this year a two-pronged approach is planned.

“We will continue to observe a day in the year when we all come together to rid the country of litter and trash.”

The second part of the campaign will be a sustained awareness and information campaign to change the behaviour and mindset of the entire population, Shifeta said.

“This year, the anti-littering campaign will be spearheaded by the environment and information ministries and we will also be reaching out to a number of partners active in the area of waste management.”

He said the campaign will target all sectors of the population through various communication, education and public awareness initiatives.

“However, we will especially be targeting our young people as the future leaders and as the inheritors of our environment.”

Shifeta said the campaign goes hand-in-hand with broader efforts to improve waste management across the country.

“I am confident the campaign will build on existing initiatives and also generate new ones to further the implementation of the 'reduce, reuse and recycle' principle as outlined in the national waste management strategy.”

Shifeta added he feels the ministry is on the right track towards improving the standard of waste management at disposal sites and said they will continue to intensify efforts to ensure that waste disposal sites are properly located and managed in line with the Environmental Management Act.

He called on all interested partners and sponsors to support the campaign.

“Any contribution, from small to big, from in-kind to cash, is highly appreciated and it will be for a cause that is noble, positive and unifying.”

He said interested sponsors and partners should contact the offices of the respective governors or regional councils. Those interested to be involved or associated with the anti-littering awareness campaign can contact the environment ministry.



ELLANIE SMIT

Education ministry will not retrench

April 3, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Education ministry will not retrench The education ministry's executive director, Sanet Steenkamp, on Tuesday clarified that the ministry will not retrench any of its 40 974 staff at any level as it is not its mandate.

In an interview with Nampa, Steenkamp explained that the ministry is looking at its central and regional structures to see which positions can be abolished, especially when they become vacant.

This, she said, will increase the ministry's efficiency without increasing its wage bill of N$11.7 billion, which accounts for 85% of its annual budget allocation of N$13.7 billion.

She added that Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila introduced a compensatory reduction strategy, which would allow the education ministry to assess vacant positions within its central and regional office structures and fill only the core posts, which it deems essential.

“The moment a position becomes vacant, that is when we make the tough decisions. So instead of filling a senior management position, the ministry would rather fill a position on implementation,” stressed Steenkamp.

The executive director pointed out that teachers at overstaffed schools should expect to be voluntarily transferred to understaffed schools, saying the ministry had successfully reassigned 119 teachers in the Omusati Region during 2018/19.

Once the exercise has been completed at regional level, the ministry will then approach the ministry of finance for additional funding.

“The only positions we envisage that may require additional funding, would be teaching positions,” said Steenkamp.



NAMPA

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Geingob won’t mind ballot papers

April 3, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Geingob won’t mind ballot papers STAFF REPORTER



President Hage Geingob says he will back whatever voting system the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) decides to use, even if that means regressing to using paper ballots.

After a meeting with the ECN commissioners at State House yesterday, Geingob declined to comment about the lack of a verifiable paper trail when using electronic voting machines (EVMs). He said the issue had not been on the agenda.

Critics have said the lack of voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) functionality will compromise the integrity of the elections scheduled for November this year.

“We don’t want people to cry later on that it’s because of these machines [that they lost]. So, if the people are going to decide they want to go back to the Stone Age, we go back.

“In Africa, defeated candidates always cry foul, always looking for excuses. So if they are going to use that as an excuse, and they want to count for 10 days, we can go [back] to the paper ballot. We will just defeat them.”

He said that was his personal view, but the decision was not his to make.

ECN chairperson Notemba Tjipueja confirmed that no final decision had been reached, but said the ECN was preparing to go ahead with the current EVMs.

She added that the ECN continued to consult with political parties on the matter, and was keeping a close eye on a motion before parliament on the issue of EVMs.

She said the machines would definitely be used for the upcoming by-election at Ondangwa.

Money trouble

About the budget shortfall facing the ECN, Geingob said he assured them that the government would do its utmost to find a solution by the time of the mid-term budget review.

He emphasised that he could make no promises.

“Peace is expensive; democracy is expensive,” he said.

“Any elections should not be in trouble because of lack of money.”

Tjipueja said the recent additional funding of N$220 million, which brought to N$288 million the total available to the ECN for the 2019/20 financial year, was sufficient to cover the upcoming by-elections and ongoing programmes.

She said the ECN had initially requested N$301 million.

Before the mid-term budget review, the ECN would reassess its budgetary situation and make additional requests, she said.

She confirmed that the ECN was preparing for supplementary voter registration in July. The dates would be announced once approved by the president.

The ECN was finalising the recruitment of about 15 000 temporary employees for the supplementary voter registration, Tjipueja confirmed.

On the issue of independent candidates, Tjipueja pointed out that Namibian law does allow independent candidates to put themselves on the ballot.

Soldier killed by poachers

April 3, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Soldier killed by poachers ILENI NANDJATO



A member of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) has been killed by poachers in the Bwabwata National Park.

A helicopter on patrol in the Etosha National Park was also shot at by poachers on the same day.

Confirming the incidents, which happened on 16 March, defence minister Penda Ya Ndakolo said this week poachers had declared war on the police, NDF and the anti-poaching unit.

Ya Ndakolo said poachers have become more aggressive and violent.

“On 16 March this year an NDF helicopter conducting an air patrol in pursuit of poachers was shot at in the Etosha National Park; fortunately it was missed and there were no casualties. Again on the same day, we sadly lost a member who was shot and killed by poachers in the Bwabwata National Park,” Ya Ndakolo said.

“The ministry of defence wants to make it categorically clear that these hostile actions targeting NDF members will not be tolerated under whatever circumstances.”

Ya Ndakolo added in December last year there was also an exchange of fire between NDF members and poachers in Bwabwata, but there were no fatalities.

“Since December last year poachers appear to have adopted new tactics and operating methods that escalated poaching activities in national parks. Situations in the national parks have now deteriorated, as we have noted with sadness the increasing incidents of exchange of fire with poachers.

“All these incidents, coupled with sophisticated methods and tactics currently adopted by poachers to destroy our wildlife, are sending clear messages to our government that poachers are serious.

“In this regard the ministry of defence wants to warn poachers and individuals with the intention to attack soldiers that the NDF will respond appropriately, with the necessary action against any act of hostility, especially from poachers and their masters,” Ya Ndakolo said.

He urged members of the public to cooperate with anti-poaching forces, in order to protect the country’s wildlife, which is important for the economy.

He said since the defence force started supporting the anti-poaching unit in 2017, NDF members have made considerable efforts, and have positively contributed to the reduction of poaching activities in national parks, private farms and conservancies.

He said a number of rhino horns and elephant tusks were seized and more than 100 suspected poachers were arrested, while dozens of weapons and ammunition were confiscated.

‘I didn’t panic’

April 3, 2019, 3:00 pm

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‘I didn’t panic’Hanse-Himarwa faces cross-examination Education minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa was cross-examined by the State in her corruption trial yesterday. JEMIMA BEUKES

Education minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa has testified under cross-examination in the Windhoek High Court that there was no need for her to panic and “jump around” when she was alerted of an Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), as the graft allegations against her are unfounded.

The former Hardap governor stood with arms folded as she was questioned by State advocate Ed Marondedze.

He wanted to why she took no action when she learned of the allegations levelled against her.

Hanse-Himarwa struggled in court to point out the “striking” similarities in witness statements, which convinced her the ACC was hell-bent on incriminating her. The similarities in the State’s witness statements is the crux of her defence.

Yesterday afternoon she pointed out similarities in the statements while testifying. Going under cross-examination, the State poked holes in her defence.

“By your own admission you said it was the ‘talk of the town’ and now you say it was incriminating. How can it be incriminating when everyone was talking about it?” Marondedze enquired, adding that there was nothing extraordinary about what the witnesses said, as it was the ‘talk of the town’.

Hanse-Himarwa stands accused of corruptly using her position to favour her relatives.

She is alleged to have given a directive that two Mass Housing beneficiaries - Regina Kuhlman and Piet Fransman - be removed from the beneficiary list because of their political affiliations in 2014.

On Tuesday she admitted that the two beneficiaries who replaced them - Justine Gowases and Lorraine Hanse - were her relatives, but pointed out that Gowases was in fact a distant relative with whom she had no intimate relationship.

Hanse-Himarwa has profusely denied the allegations against her, rejecting them as “infamous lies”.

Marondedze put it to her yesterday that she had, as governor, asked to see the list of beneficiaries to see whether her relatives were indeed on the list.

“Naturally, you would have wanted to see if they were there,” he said.

A visibly defensive Hanse-Himarwa said there had been no need for her to panic when she was alerted that the ACC was investigating her.

“My lordship I did not see the need to revisit documents. I did not have any panic… My conscience was clear and I knew the rumour was not true,” she said.

She emphasised that as governor her role was not to scrutinise and study names on the list.

Marondedze then put it to her that “it is so because deep down in your heart you knew you are the one who did that”.

“You took a conscious decision not to look into the allegations.”

Hanse-Himarwa then responded: “I took a conscious decision not to waste my time on allegations.”

Marondedze said he found it strange that she did not revisit the allegations, especially given the fact that they had now resulted in her being arrested and arraigned in court.

To a question from Marondedze on whether she had spoken to Hanse about the allegations, Hanse-Himarwa responded “no”.

Marondedze argued her and her legal representative’s silence when State witnesses delivered their testimonies indicated they agree with their versions.

“I understood I was not allowed to speak up,” said Hanse-Himarwa,

But Marondedze pointed out to her that her lawyer was supposed to speak on her behalf.

Hanse-Himarwa, who served as the Hardap governor between 2005 and 2015, before she was appointed as education minister, had earlier denied she had met local government ministry officials at the Mariental municipality to discuss the list of mass housing beneficiaries.

She also told the court that Mariental CEO Paul Nghiwilepo had called her sometime in 2015 to enquire whether she was aware that the ACC was investigating her.

Youth must be engaged

April 3, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Youth must be engaged The youth vote will be among the key deciding factors in the 2019 Presidential and National Assembly Elections, there is no doubt about that.

More and more young people are becoming eligible voters and this is a key group likely to have a significant influence on the outcome of the elections. For years the youth, who constitute over 60% of the national vote, have persistently complained about being left out, especially when it involves decision-making roles. Most of these eligible voters are at the moment without jobs and are languishing in abject poverty.

Despite a booming youth generation, our political environment is still dominated by the old guard, all of whom are long in the tooth. Young people are disengaged from various democratic processes, including elections.

Apart from McHenry Venaani of the Popular Democratic Movement, all the other presidential candidates are likely to be over the age of 50 when general elections are held in November. There are also few young candidates being fielded by political parties to contest seats in the National Assembly.

The status quo really begs the question whether the youth are merely voting cows or credible political game-changers? It is evidently clear that critical stakeholders like the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) and the various political parties are not doing enough to promote youth participation in electoral processes through creative initiatives for youth inclusion and engagement.

There is surely an assortment of challenges that the nation is grappling with, including bread and butter issues that are close to the hearts of young people. But where are the constructive engagements with young people in this country? There must be concerted efforts aimed at listening to the growing concerns and plight of the youth who represent the only chance of a future for Namibia. Without the participation of the youth in the current political dispensation, this future is at threat.

Two more days of rain

April 3, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Two more days of rainDry weekend forecast Some parts of the country can look forward to two more days of welcome rains before dry weather sets in over the weekend. The good rainfall experienced in many parts of the country this week is likely to continue today and tomorrow.

Chief forecaster Odillo Kgobetsi of the Namibia Meteorological Service (NMS) says the rain is expected to continue in the extreme north-western part of the Kunene region, as well as Otjozondjupa, Khomas and the eastern part of Hardap today.

The same areas are expected to receive continued rainfall on Friday, extending to the Kavango and Zambezi regions later that day.

In the extreme western and south-western parts of the country the weather will remain dry, he added.

On Saturday and Sunday dry weather is expected to return over the southern half of Namibia, with a few clouds in the eastern, western and central areas.

A few thundershowers are expected in the north-eastern areas over the weekend.

Namibians have been sharing rainfall figures and photos on several online platforms.

About 60 mm was recorded at Osona near Okahandja on Wednesday evening, while the same area received 27 mm of rain over the weekend.

A Khomas Hochland resident shared that 30 mm of rain was recorded on Wednesday.

At Gobabis, a resident recorded 24 mm of rain on Wednesday.

Several people reported that the Omaruru, Okahandja and Swakop rivers were in flood. The Avis Dam on the outskirts of Windhoek received inflow for the first time this season.

Over the weekend, a farmer recorded 70 mm south-east of the Auas mountains near Dordabis.

Rainfall figures released by the NMS show that the highest rainfall was experienced at Sesfontein and Gobabis.

On Sunday, Sesfontein recorded 19.5 mm while Gobabis recorded 25.8 mm on Monday.

Just over 20 mm was recorded at the NMS Windhoek head office over the weekend - 12.6 mm on Saturday and 7.4 mm on Sunday. On Wednesday morning, 1 mm was recorded there.

Elsewhere, Otjiwarongo recorded 15 mm of rain on Wednesday.

JANA-MARI SMITH