SADC begs for Cyclone Idai victims

April 11, 2019, 4:00 pm

≪ Previous: Namcor to fly solo on fuel storage facility

SADC chair Hage Geingob yesterday declared the situation created by Cyclone Idai a regional disaster.

Geingob launched the SADC Regional Humanitarian Floods Appeal, which aims to raise US$323 million to help about 2.9 million people in need.

Idai left a trail of destruction across Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

According to SADC statistics, 5% of the Malawian population, 6% of the Mozambique population and 2% of the Zimbabwean population were affected.

The floods caused by the cyclone affected three million people. A total of 839 people were killed, 201 476 displaced, 2 347 injured, and over 300 people are still missing in the affected countries.

All three countries declared states of emergency in the wake of the cyclone. Last month SADC allocated US$500 000 to the affected member states to assist victims of the cyclone that hit the three countries on 14 and 15 March.

According to Geingob about three million people require immediate assistance, including food, shelter, clothing, water, sanitation and medical support.

Geingob said the support would also aid in early recovery actions in the affected districts and help survivors to rebuild their lives, livelihoods and economies.

“We must ensure that our people do not only survive the threat posed by the cyclone and the subsequent floods, but bounce back better and stronger,” he said.

Domingos Gove, the SADC secretariat's director of food, agriculture and natural resources, said the appeal calls for provision of basic services to 317 accommodation centres.

The camps are providing shelter to 201 476 people.

According to Gove the cyclone caused extensive damage to infrastructure. More than 3 344 classrooms were destroyed, affecting more than 150 854 schoolchildren.

Gove also said that there was very little access to health facilities.

The SADC Appeal fact sheet states that 778 822 hectares of cropland and crops have been destroyed, which will worsen the already drought-compromised food security situation in the affected areas.

It further states that access to healthcare has been disrupted as more than 54 health facilities were destroyed by the cyclone, while damaged road infrastructure and flooded areas impeded the provision of assistance to the affected communities.

Health and sanitation facilities were also destroyed.

“Epidemics are reportedly on the increase as 1 052 cases of cholera, 535 cases of diarrhoea, and 276 cases of malaria have been confirmed. Most of the affected people have been sheltered in 317 camps where gender-based-violence cases are also on the increase,” the document states.

Interim efforts

According to Gove the Malawian government has developed a US$42.3 million flood response plan. Contributions and pledges made so far total US$11 million, leaving a gap of US$31 million.

The government of Mozambique made a separate appeal for US$282 million on 18 March and has collected only US$60.4 million so far.

Gove added that the government of Zimbabwe made an appeal for USS$60 million on 16 March.

JEMIMA BEUKES

↧

Namibian MPs must step up

April 11, 2019, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Feathers fly in chicken war

≪ Previous: SADC begs for Cyclone Idai victims

Namibian MPs must step up

A number of parliamentarians have been hogging the headlines this week and for all the wrong reasons. Apart from being accused of not taking parliamentary debates seriously, some MPs have also been accused of absconding from the chamber. Reports this week indicated that some National Assembly MPs were leaving halfway through the sessions, leaving too few members to constitute a quorum for voting on motions and other pressing issues brought before the August House. Nampa reported this week that last week Tuesday 76 voting and seven non-voting members showed up for the first half of the session, while 19 members with voting powers were absent. On Wednesday, 61 voting members and five non-voting members were present at the commencement of the assembly, while 34 MPs with decision-making powers were absent. Thursday saw 53 members with voting powers and four non-voting members turning up for the first half of the session. This is surely not a good record to be proud given the important task that parliamentarians ought to fulfill, including reforming the laws of the country. The conduct of MPs is counterproductive and that is not what representative democracy is all about. MPs must also understand their role is to serve their constituencies as well make laws in the best interest of Namibians. There is surely no place for self-serving individuals who have become increasingly isolated from those who pay their salaries and even vote for them. The order of business in parliament can and should not be joked with. It is therefore incumbent on MPs to demonstrate that they take parliament debates seriously and in the best interest of the Namibian people who elected them into power. Parliament must now emerge from the shadows and become a much more dynamic institution that allows greater space for open and frank debate.

↧

Feathers fly in chicken war

April 11, 2019, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Rent-a-darkie must fall – Nekundi

≪ Previous: Namibian MPs must step up

Feathers fly in chicken warConsumers on the losing side A war to stave off bulk imports of frozen chicken cuts from Brazil into the Namibian and South African markets has been brewing for years.

While international poultry players are battling it out over local market share, Namibian consumers are likely left to carry the burden of higher prices.

Of late, the South African Poultry Association (SAPA) has been making headlines in Namibia, expressing its support for the local broiler industry while lashing out at the dumping of Brazilian chicken products in the sub-region.

SAPA's recently appointed general manager of the Broiler Organisation, Izaak Breitenbach, has taken aim at the Brazilians for quite some time, starting with an open letter to the South African media in February this year to warn consumers about the “dangers” of eating Brazilian chicken.

Brazil is the third largest broiler producer in the world after the United States and China but its exports have exponentially increased and it has overtaken the United States as the world's largest chicken meat exporter. The country also exports beef and pork.

Brazil's meat industry has not been without its challenges and in 2017, Operation Carne Fraca, or 'weak meat', showed serious loopholes in the safety mechanisms at beef, poultry and pork processors in that country.

After that, the European Union banned imports from 20 Brazilian meat-processing plants (including beef, pork and poultry) while China banned all imports from Brazil and Saudi Arabia halted imports from five of the 58 companies involved.

But Brazil still exports far and wide and according to local economists, it makes all the profits it requires from high-value chicken breast exports.

The remaining leg quarters can then be sold at any price and that is what it exports to countries like Namibia and South Africa.

This is described as dumping - selling products at prices lower than their production cost.

Namibia's broiler industry is very small and it constitutes roughly 2% of South Africa's production.

What makes Breitenbach's recent statements of support for Namibia so surprising is that SAPA has been locked in a High Court battle since 2014, turning to the Supreme Court in the process, to have Namibian import restrictions set aside.

Experts say it is precisely this court action and the risk of a negative outcome that have restricted investment in the local broiler industry.

The entire industry is currently buoyed by Namib Poultry Industries, which is backed by Namib Mills.

Research performed by Cirrus Capital indicated that under the right conditions, which would include regulatory frameworks, the local chicken industry could grow to account for 2% of the gross domestic product.

Breitenbach told Namibian Sun that he could not comment about the court case “for obvious reasons”, adding that South Africa had a good relationship with the Namibian industry and “it certainly assists greatly in terms of technical matters and input to grow the industry”.

He added that they saw Namibia as an ally, not a threat, and would not dump products in Namibia “as the Brazilians do”.

The Namibian public's response to reports of dumping by Brazilian chicken producers has been one centred on cost.

The most recent Labour Force Survey indicates that the highest mean wage for Namibians is N$12 662 per month, with a low of N$1 113.

Namibian consumers are not exactly spoilt for choice when shopping and have to take that which is cheapest.

“Imports lower GDP, destroy jobs and make a nation poorer. One strategy for an economy that needs to catch up with countries that are ahead in industrialisation would be to create investment incentives to facilitate new expansions and create industries that can compete in export markets, while at the same time ensuring regulations are in place to restrict imports as far as possible,” Pieter van Niekerk, commercial manager at Namib Mills, told Namibian Sun.

“This will facilitate growth and ensure industries are in place when this, and future, generations look for jobs.”

Long-term regulation

Van Niekerk argues that the local industry could only grow and be competitive if there is long-term regulation surety.

“An effective regulation should ensure higher incentives for producing than for importing; otherwise we will just see an increase in imports and decrease in production.

“Very few large investments have been made in the poultry sector, as the current quantitative measure is being challenged in court. SMEs have grown quickly in a short period of time, but are stagnating as they struggle to find sufficient markets for their products, due to low-priced imported poultry,” he said.

“Namibian producers agree with SAPA's statement that Brazilian poultry is dumped into the region, putting much pressure on current jobs, new sector investments and GDP.”

Namibian poultry would become cheaper if production increased, but that would depend on import restrictions to protect the local industry.

According to Breitenbach, SAPA's support for Namibia will be “the increased import duties that it has applied for”.

SAPA last year applied to the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) to increase the general rate of customs duty on bone-in chicken portions from 37% to 82%, and that of boneless chicken portions from 12% to 82%.

SAPA is effectively seeking a substantial hike in import tariffs to protect the South African poultry industry, while at the same time asking Namibian courts to set aside Namibia's “procedurally unfair” import limitations.

It alleges that the Namibian government has violated the Protocol to the SADC Agreement and also the SACU Agreement.

Monopoly claims

Asked whether SAPA was trying to stop Brazilian imports so that SAPA could have the monopoly on chicken products in the sub-region, Breitenbach said: “In the sub-region, and more so South Africa, the industry is very competitive as indicated by weekly price changes.

“At present 33% of poultry meat is imported into South Africa. Brazil, however, does not reciprocate to allow imports from any country in the region.

“Imports from Brazil and other countries have decimated the poultry industries in Mozambique, Angola, Ghana, DRC, Congo Brazzaville and many more. That is why all trade must be on a fair playing field.

“Some 47% of the 370 small farmers that SAPA surveys and assists on a regular basis have gone out of production in the last six months due to imports.”

The Brazilian Association of Animal Protein holds a different view, saying the argument that South Africa, as a “globally efficient producer of chicken”, faces profit challenges and job losses because of imports of frozen chicken “does not sustain itself”.

It says that bird flu outbreaks since 2017 were the main reason why the poultry industry in South Africa is facing challenges.

SAPA reported that the impact of bird flu had resulted in a loss of revenue of N$954 million. The poultry industry in South Africa is worth around N$46 billion.

YANNA SMITH

↧

Rent-a-darkie must fall – Nekundi

April 11, 2019, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Fake doctor probed deadly crash in Namibia

≪ Previous: Feathers fly in chicken war

Rent-a-darkie must fall – Nekundi

Swapo member of parliament Veikko Nekundi says white-owned South African companies do not appreciate the conducive environment the Namibian government provides and still push white privilege, which sees white employees earning more than their black colleagues.

In his contribution to the Bank of Namibia Bill discussed in parliament this week, Nekundi said there appeared to be no willingness from white-owned companies to genuinely embrace black employees.

Instead, he said, they would “rent a darkie” who had no decision-making powers in management while decisions were made in South Africa.

“When we look at our banking institutions, the top management, even the middle management, it is an eyesore. It is at most just one race of our society. Some of them, I call it rent a darkie, a black CEO, a black manager (sic),” he said.

Nekundi said white-owned companies seemingly did not want to bring their part.

“Some people have died for that cause, yet we are not embarking on a genuine course and they are not genuinely appreciative,” he said.

Nekundi also called on the Employment Equity Commissioner to investigate companies' salary structures to ensure equality.

“How is it possible that a white clerk affords to rent in Eros, but a black clerk cannot afford? I just find it difficult to understand how 29 years down the line you will not find a single white-skinned person renting in Katutura.

“Some are also security guards, some are also nurses and teachers but they are living in mansions and they even drive cars. How do they afford? We know the rental is not less than N$15 000 in those areas, but we know the scales for those professions are less than that.

“Is there some kind of magic they have to sustain them like yet a person of my colour under the same scale do not have that kind of magic?”

Nekundi also believes that white-owned companies direct their social responsibility budgets towards activities that are “predominantly white”.

According to him this must be “controlled”.

Attorney-general Albert Kawana also contributed to the debate, saying the salaries of white and black people must be investigated.

“A white woman would go to the butchery and buy meat, she also needs ingredients for the meat. Then she will go and buy rice and she also needs ingredients for the rice, but the non-white only pours water in his meat and eats it. This is how the difference in salary scales were justified,” said Kawana.

He also believes that the central bank must look into the treatment of black versus white clients, adding that often black clients only know about their obligations to these banks.

“Meanwhile land reform minister Utoni Nujoma suggested that local banks consider offer shareholding for Namibians in these banks.

“They really make a good profit and this will enable us to share the wealth with Namibians,” he said.

JEMIMA BEUKES

↧

Fake doctor probed deadly crash in Namibia

April 11, 2019, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Longrich illegal, says BoN

≪ Previous: Rent-a-darkie must fall – Nekundi

Fake doctor probed deadly crash in Namibia

JANA-MARI SMITH

A 58-year-old man who worked with Namibian forensic teams to identify the victims of the Mozambican LAM flight crash five years ago in the Zambezi Region has been sentenced to 21 months behind bars in the Netherlands for admitting to fake medical credentials.

A Dutch court this month sentenced Peter Bon who was convicted for fraud and falsifying medical qualifications and other documents, after working on at least two international flight accident sites globally, including Namibia, as a qualified forensic pathologist.

Bon was in Namibia in early 2014 as a team member of Kenyon International Emergency Services, who were contracted by LAM Mozambique Airlines to assist Namibian forensic teams to identify the victims of the fatal TM470 that crashed in Bwabwata National Park on 29 November 2013.

An April 2014 Kenyon International newsletter said the company’s team members, including the convicted fake pathologist, joined other international experts in Namibia, and “helped identify 31 of the 33 people on board flight TM470”.

Nicknamed ‘Dr Bones’, Bon described his professional motto as “I open corpses to close cases!”

In a 2014 newsletter Kenyon said Bon had begun work as a new team member since November 2013 as “both a Supervisor Disaster Victim Identification forensic pathologist and a Senior Incident Director (SID).”

His work with the TM470 forensic teams in Namibia was his first deployment with the company.

Yesterday, Kenyon spokesperson Donald Steel told Namibian Sun Bon had “provided support services to Kenyon on a brief freelance basis for two short periods in 2014/15. In these instances, he worked as part of a larger and experienced team.”

Steel said Bon’s duties were in a supportive capacity “which did not require a medically licensed person, and were always overseen by government organisations. At no point was he responsible for the formal identification of individuals”.

Following his stint as a team member in Namibia, a senior colleague described Bon in a newsletter, as “the quiet one” who helped colleagues working with him in Namibia to “understand the processes involved more”.

The colleague said with the assistance he showed to the Namibian forensic teams, LAM officials and embassies during his posting in Namibia he had demonstrated “the necessary skill and dedication”.

In 2015, he was part of team deployed to assist the investigation on the Germanwings Flight 9525 airplane crash site in France, according to several international reports during his trial.

In his online biography Bon claimed he had worked with the forensics department in the Netherlands police and was also, “with my medical degree and degrees in forensics”, selected to work with the Ministry of Defence in Special Ops in the Netherlands.

He added that he had trained for “high risk security and safety missions”.

Dutch media this month reported Bon was sentenced to 21 months in jail, of which six months were suspended and a five-year probation period given, after he admitted to his forgeries and fraud.

It emerged during his trial that he was trained as an autopsy assistant and never obtained higher medical qualifications.

Apart from being employed by the international disaster response firm, he also guest-lectured and was an examiner at the Dutch police academy.

International media further reported that his scam was so successful he was appointed as of the National Professional Association of Autopsy Assistants.

Speaking to the media, the association said his substantial knowledge of medical matters obscured his false credentials believably.

It was reported that his deception was uncovered in 2015, when suspicions were raised after colleagues saw he was unable to take a patient’s blood pressure.

Namibian Sun approached local authorities for comment on the story. By the time of going to print no response had been received.

↧

Longrich illegal, says BoN

April 12, 2019, 10:48 am

≫ Next: N$1m elevator installed at govt property housing former VP

≪ Previous: Fake doctor probed deadly crash in Namibia

Longrich illegal, says BoN

The Bank of Namibia has declared the activities of Longrich, a Chinese company that distributes a variety of household cleaning products and personal care products, as an illegal financial scheme.
The central bank announced today that it has investigated the business model and activities of Longrich in Namibia.
People can join Longrich by paying a specified amount into a local business account that starts at a minimum of N$1 000. Members are then encouraged to recruit other people to join Longrich and are paid a weekly “signing fee” for signing up new members.
Members are also promised free trips, car, cellphone and house allowances as well as study opportunities for up to four of their children in China.
Members are further encouraged to buy and sell Longrich products.
“Typically, illegal financial schemes put in place an elaborate recruitment drive where a person is offered a chance to join a group, programme, team or scheme in which he/she needs to recruit new members to make money and not necessarily through the sales of products to consumers,” the bank said in a statement.
“Considering the assessment made into the affairs of the scheme, the bank hereby declares Longrich as an illegal financial scheme exhibiting undesirable practices in terms of the Act…”
The central bank has further advised members of the public not to engage in business activities of Longrich. “Should Longrich and its promoters wish to continue with the sale of Longrich products, then such products should be sold directly to customers. Products for sale should also be the primary source of income, which means the commission should be paid based on the products sold and the business practice should be sustainable without the recruitment of new promoters in the manner described herein.”

STAFF REPORTER

↧

N$1m elevator installed at govt property housing former VP

April 12, 2019, 11:12 am

≫ Next: Longrich Bioscience an ‘illegal financial scheme’

≪ Previous: Longrich illegal, says BoN

N$1m elevator installed at govt property housing former VP

The presidency has revealed that a N$1 million elevator has been illegally installed at a government guesthouse, which is under the care of the Office of the Prime Minister. “The scheme was uncovered after it came to light that certain officials had illegally authorised the installation of the elevator at a cost of N$999 000. No decision had been made to install any elevator at the Guest House. Shockingly, the installation follows the parliamentary statement by the Minister in the Presidency, Honorable Martin Andjaba, in which he informed the National Assembly that former Vice President Dr. Nickey Iyambo was temporarily hosted at the Guest House of the Office of the Prime Minister,” the presidency said in a statement. The Namibian reported earlier that government officials had reportedly discussed a proposal to install a N$2 million elevator at the government property occupied by the frail Iyambo. “Regrettably, unprincipled officials hastily and clandestinely installed the elevator two weeks later, between 1-8 April 2019, without consultation and prior knowledge of senior management in the Presidency. These actions, unauthorized, un-procedural and illegal seek to tarnish the commitment of President Geingob to effective governance. They are bound to fail,” the presidency warned. The presidency further said Geingob has directed an investigation to be constituted by the Secretary to Cabinet George Simataa and other leading officials. “Those implicated, whether in Government or the private sector will be prosecuted accordingly, and made to pay for this illegal expenditure.”

STAFF REPORTER

↧

Longrich Bioscience an ‘illegal financial scheme’

April 13, 2019, 2:23 am

≫ Next: Kingdom in chaos

≪ Previous: N$1m elevator installed at govt property housing former VP

Longrich Bioscience an ‘illegal financial scheme’

The Bank of Namibia (BoN) has issued a statement saying Longrich Bioscience is an illegal financial scheme and has warned the public not to engage with the business activities of the entity.
According to Longrich’s Facebook page, it offers health and beauty products in the country.
The BoN said it has assessed the entity’s business activities following “constant public queries on the legitimacy” of its affairs.
The BoN found that Longrich encourages members to recruit three new members to the scheme to supposedly buy products and earn monetary rewards and progress in status. “As a result, from level two upwards, the initiating member does not have to recruit new members, but he/she will benefit from the contribution of the new members subsequently joining under him/her.”
The sale of Longrich products isn’t mandatory.
“Due to the fact that the model relies on money paid in by new recruits, the business model is unsustainable and will result in participants, especially those at the bottom of the scheme, losing their money,” the BoN said.
People who joined Longrich with the aim of earning profits through the recruitment of new members must stop their membership with the entity with immediate effect, the central bank said.
Should Longrich and its promoters wish to continue with the sale of products, such products should be sold directly to customers, the central bank said.

↧

Kingdom in chaos

April 14, 2019, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Brave Warriors in death zone

≪ Previous: Longrich Bioscience an ‘illegal financial scheme’

Kingdom in chaosConfusion in Ondonga as two kings emerge The Ondonga kingdom was yesterday thrown into disorder following the crowning of two kings just hours after the revered Omukwaniilwa Immanuel Kauluma Elifas was laid to rest.

A house divided. This is what perfectly describes the ongoing succession battle within Ondonga, which yesterday saw two factions crowning their preferred leader.

The Ondonga throne fell vacant on 26 March following the death of long-time monarch Omukwaniilwa Immanuel Kauluma Elifas. The late Elifas was laid to rest at the weekend at Olukonda. Early yesterday morning, a traditional ritual was performed to crown Fillemon Shuumbwa Nangolo as the new king at his homestead of Onambango, while the royal family also unveiled Eino Konis Kalenga as their preferred king at the old palace of Onamungundo.

This is not yet clear if the Ondonga history will repeat itself for the second time to be ruled by two kings following the leadership of the Mpingana's brothers, 1884-1908, and Kambonde kaMpingana, 1884-1909.

Both Nangolo and Kalenga are employees of the Namibian Defence Force.

Nangolo has long been considered as heir apparent to Elifas and was already in 2002 named as his successor and deputy. However, a section of the royal family have in recent years disputed this. In a surprising twist, Konis Kalenga was also named as the new king by the other faction, which seemingly enjoys the blessings of the king's immediate family. Kalenga, who is relatively unknown, failed along with Ondonga village headman Oscar Sheehama in the Windhoek High Court last week to interdict Nangolo from acting as successor to the late king. The matter was struck from the roll and was deemed not urgent.

According to senior elder of the royal family, Selma Gwanandjokwe Sheyavali, Kalenga was appointed in accordance with the culture and traditions of the Ondonga.

Acting as the chairperson of Ondonga traditional authority on Nangolo's faction, Vilho Kamanya told Namibian Sun that following the court dismissal, there is nothing to prevent them from unveiling Nangolo as the new king.

“There is nothing preventing us from unveiling Nangolo as the new king of Ondonga. We are even happy that there was an attempt to prevent us when they went to court. Their attempt made it clear that Nangolo is the chosen one,” said Kamanya.

“We are done with the traditional rituals of the unveiling of the king and all left now are administrative issues, then we will inform the general public on the coronation event. Nangolo was given to us by the late king Elifas.”

Sheyavali said that eligible members of the royal family, in accordance with Aandonga customary law, underwent a consultative process during which members of the royal family were duly invited to consultation sessions aimed at nominating the successor to the late Omukwaniilwa Kauluma Immanuel Elifas.

After those consultations the eligible members of the royal family reached a decision and appointed Kalenga, 55, the suitable successor (as per customs, culture and traditions of the Aandonga) of the late Elifas.

“The Ondonga royal family takes pride to announce that they have nominated Kalenga as the next king. This was done in line with the Ondonga customary law of succession as well as section 5.1A of the Traditional Authority Act, Act 25 of 2002,” announced Sheyavali

“All relevant authorities shall be officially notified of this announcement in the due course.”

Sheyavali said that Kalenga is the immediate grandchild of the late king and according to the custom, he is the eligible candidate because he is a next generation.

Nangolo was named as successor Elifas back in 2002 when Elifas wrote to the then rural and urban development minister of his decision. He also reaffirmed this decision in 2012.

ILENI NANDJATO

↧

Brave Warriors in death zone

April 14, 2019, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Shocked NIMT students, staff sent home

≪ Previous: Kingdom in chaos

Brave Warriors in death zone Mannetti expected tough opponents The Brave Warriors have once again been thrown in the lion’s den as they face Africa’s most lethal teams in group D at the Africa Cup of Nations.

JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA

Brave Warriors coach Riccardo Mannetti says the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations draw turned out as he expected it to and he welcomes the challenge.

Namibia was pitted against Côte d'Ivoire, South Africa and Morocco in what is called ‘the group of death’ at the Afcon draw held in Egypt on Friday.

The Brave Warriors coach felt that it was not only going to be tough for Namibia but all the teams involved in group D, given the talent that will be on display.

“We did not expect an easy draw because there are no small teams anymore in Africa since anyone can surprise you at any given time.

“Yes, the group is tough for us, South Africa, Côte d'Ivoire and Morocco,” Mannetti said.

The competition will be held in Egypt from 21 June to 19 July, with Namibia kicking off their first encounter of the tournament against Morocco on 23 June.

Namibia will play their second match of the tournament against neighbours South Africa on 28 June before closing off their group encounters with a match against Côte d'Ivoire on 1 July.

It is no secret that the Brave Warriors will be the underdogs of group D because they are the lowest ranked team in the group.

But Mannetti is optimistic that his side can pull off a huge upset at the tournament even if all the odds are against them.

“We know our place and we know that we are the underdogs of the group and we are not going to be ahead of ourselves.

“The truth is that we will not have unfair expectations from the team but we will concentrate on doing better than we did before.”

The coach felt that the draw provided them with a perfect challenge for a country that goes in the competition as the dark horses of African football.

“I said to other guys that this is a perfect draw for the underdog because this is where the underdog should come out and surprise Africa and the world.”

Namibia seeks its first ever win in the competition after having failed on two occasions in the 1998 and 2008 competition.

Group D is almost a repetition of the 1998 Afcon tournament in Burkina Faso when Namibia was drawn against Côte d'Ivoire, South African, with Angola the only missing team from the parcel and Morocco the team added.

In 1998, Namibia finished at the bottom of the table with only one point from three matches as Côte d'Ivoire and South Africa topped the group.

In 2008, Namibia also finished at the bottom of the group which included Ghana, Guinea and Morocco.

Namibia’s two only points from the Afcon have come at the expense of Angola (1998) and Guinea in (2008).

Cameroon are defending champions after winning the 2017 final against Egypt 2-1, courtesy of goals from Nikolas Nkoulou and Vincent Aboukabar.

Only South Africa (1996), Congo (1968) and Zambia (2012) have been able to bring the trophy to Southern Africa.

There are six groups. The top two teams in each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, will advance to the round of 16.

↧

Shocked NIMT students, staff sent home

April 15, 2019, 1:02 am

≫ Next: BoN expects economic growth of 0.3%

≪ Previous: Brave Warriors in death zone

Shocked NIMT students, staff sent home

Eckhart Mueller, the executive director of the Namibia Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT), and his deputy, Heimo Hellwig, were shot point blank this morning when they arrived for work as usual at around 06:00 in the morning. It seems as though both had just arrived and were in the process of unlocking the front door of the administrative building, when an unknown assailant shot and killed the two men on the spot. A third shooting victim is said to have survived. A witness within earshot heard “many shots being fired”, but at this stage the representative of Nampol in the Erongo Region, Commissioner Erastus Iikuyu is not prepared to speak to the media yet, as they have not established a possible suspect at this point in time. Members of the media have been forbidden to take photos. The shocked students and teaching staff are in the process of being sent home by the police.
ERWIN LEUSCHNER

↧

BoN expects economic growth of 0.3%

April 15, 2019, 8:33 am

≫ Next: 'Caramel' guns for title

≪ Previous: Shocked NIMT students, staff sent home

BoN expects economic growth of 0.3%

The Bank of Namibia (BoN) expects the economy to grow by 0.3% this year, according to its latest Economic Outlook released today.
The Namibian economy was in recession in 2017 and 2018.
The central bank expects the construction sector to exit its recession, but wholesale and retail trade is likely to remain in the red.
Agriculture, too, is forecast to remain in a recession.

↧

'Caramel' guns for title

April 15, 2019, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Okozonduzu tourney set for Easter weekend

≪ Previous: BoN expects economic growth of 0.3%

'Caramel' guns for titleKovacs arrives in Namibia to face 'Low-key' Zoltan 'Caramel' Kovacs arrived yesterday and is set to battle it out with Jeremiah 'Low-key' Nakathila at the Windhoek Country Club Resort on Saturday.

Namibians are just days away from an electrifying night of boxing in Windhoek, hosted by the MTC Nestor Sunshine Boxing and Fitness Academy.

Former European champion Zoltan 'Caramel' Kovacs says he is ready to take home the WBO global lightweight title, when he steps into the ring with WBO Africa junior lightweight champion Jeremiah 'Low-key' Nakathila on Saturday.

Kovacs arrived yesterday and is set to battle it out with Nakathila at the Windhoek Country Club Resort on Saturday.

“I hear Nakathila is improving, but I have also been improving and I came here with the aim to win the title.

“I am sure I will handle the speed and power of Nakathila, because I have seen his fights,” Kovacs said.

The Kovacs camp explained their boxer, who is rated among the top 15 in the division, could have had a better ranking, if it was not for an injury that left him inactive for months.

The camp would not reveal the nature of the injury, but confirmed that Kovacs has recovered well, given that he has won three of his last fights.

Nakathila will go into the bout with a record of 18 fights, 17 wins and one defeat, while Zoltan boasts a record of 23 wins, five losses and one draw. The event, dubbed 'Independence Legacy Fight Part 2', will see several other top fighters in action.

Current WBO Africa welterweight champion, Mike Shonena, will defend his title against Shadrack Ignas of Tanzania

Shonena will go into the fight undefeated and full of confidence, as he is now rated number seven in the world by the WBO.

Harry Simon Junior has also been given an opportunity to fight for a national title. He will challenge Andreas Nghinananye for the national junior welterweight title.

Fight night will also see the 2018 WBO Africa fighter of the year, Walter 'Executioner' Kautondokwa. Tickets are available at Computicket at all Shoprite and Checkers outlets countrywide. VIP tables are selling for N$10 000 per table and standard tickets cost N$200.

MTC Nestor Sunshine Boxing and Fitness Academy promoter, Nestor Tobias, said he is proud to host such an important event.

“This is a card involving two world-rated boxers, and for me as a promoter, it is an achievement.

“Hopefully the winner of this fight will get a chance to become a mandatory challenger for the world title,” Tobias said.

The undercard fights will kick off at 18:00.

Tobias called on all boxing lovers to come and support their favourite fighters.

The other fights on the card are as follows:

1. Welterweight six rounds - Emmanuel Mungandjela (Namibia) vs TBA.

2. Featherweight six rounds - Onesmus Nekundi (Namibia) vs Lazarus Namalambo (Namibia).

3. Super bantamweight six rounds - Timoteus 'Remember' Shuulula (Namibia) vs Niikoti Johannes (Namibia).

4. Middleweight eight rounds - Paulinus Paulus (Namibia) vs Limbani Masamba (Malawi).

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

↧

Okozonduzu tourney set for Easter weekend

April 15, 2019, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: International basketball in Mafikeng

≪ Previous: 'Caramel' guns for title

Okozonduzu tourney set for Easter weekend

The 12th edition of the Okozonduzu Open Tournament will take place this weekend, with 35 football and 28 netball teams vying for N$50 000 in prize money.

Ngatuuane Hange, one of the organisers, told Nampa the matches will start on Friday at 08:00 at the Okozonduzu sports grounds.

The village is situated about 30 kilometres south of Okondjatu in the Otjozondjupa Region.

He said the competition is aimed at promoting sport among rural communities and the number of teams participating keep increasing every year.

“We have two football stadiums and one netball court, and the number of teams participating are many; thus teams must respect time,” he said.

The football category teams were divided into two groups, while the netball teams will play knockout games.

The netball sides will compete for N$16 000 in prize money, whereas footballers will vie for N$34 000.

The winner in the netball category will take home N$8 000, 12 gold medals and a trophy, while the football winners will walk away with N$14 000, 20 gold medals and a trophy.

The runners-up in netball and football will walk away with N$4 000 and N$8 000, respectively.

In netball, the losing semi-finalists will walk away with N$2 000 each, while their football counterparts will each receive N$4 000.

Special prizes worth N$4 000 will be given to the best player, goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and top goal scorer of the tournament in football.

Omazera-based Chief Keja won the netball competition last year, while Omapumba from Okondjatu were crowned champs in the football category.

NAMPA

↧

International basketball in Mafikeng

April 15, 2019, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Knowing ‘the gentle way’

≪ Previous: Okozonduzu tourney set for Easter weekend

International basketball in Mafikeng

On Friday, 22 March five girls and ten boys, all learners from Deutsche Höhere Privatschule Windhoek (DHPS), got up very early, despite the school calendar’s promise of a long weekend on the occasion of the Namibia’s Independence Day celebrations.

Accompanied by their coach and teacher Melusi Linda, one DHPS boys’ and one girls’ team flew to South Africa to participate in an International basketball tournament held at the International School South Africa (ISSA). This tournament is organised for teams in the under-19 category.

However, both DHPS teams were much younger, with four out of five girls (Ashley Linda, Operi Tjingaete, Saskia Krüger and Helen Ndongala) still in the u-14 category.

From Johannesburg airport, the team had to take a four-hour bus ride to the venue. Arriving at ISSA, both teams checked into their rooms on the school's boarding school premises.

On Friday, the boys’ team had to compete in two games. The boys, with captain Ebben Shatipamba, had their first encounter with the host team and lost 23-34. Despite their 27-38 defeat against the tournament winner, Michael Mount Waldorf School, in their second game, the DHPS players played a far better game compared to their first appearance.

The girls also competed in two games on Friday. They lost 23-33 against the Norkem team and then defeated the hosts after an exciting and well-balanced game with 17-16. On Saturday, DHPS celebrated a great victory against Lebone. The girls safely won 30-16, which marked their entry into the quarterfinals. They won their quarterfinal match against Bishop Bavin 26-24, because the opponents had underestimated our still very young but dedicated players. This signalled the team’s entry into the semi-finals, which no other DHPS team had ever reached before. Captain Silke Redecker - like coach Linda - were really proud of their team.

During the semi-final, the girls played against the final winner, the very experienced Michael Mount Waldorf School team.

Of course they had a close look at our players the day before and so Michael Mount countered the dribbling skills and fast pace of our girls effectively. After their defeat, the DHPS team had the opportunity to fight for third place, which meant a second encounter with the Norkem team. Unfortunately, Ashley had injured herself in the semi-final, so our team was clearly weakened for this match.

The players still fought relentlessly, but too many games without substitutes ultimately took their toll and the DHPS team finished fourth. They also received a small trophy for most disciplined team and Ashley was chosen for the All-Star Team - another achievement that no DHPS player had ever achieved before in an ISSA tournament.

Our boys earned the trophy for the best-dressed team for their jerseys, which really made a positive impression in South Africa. Thank you to coach Lina, who sacrificed his long weekend to the benefit of the learners and his team.

↧

Knowing ‘the gentle way’

April 15, 2019, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Dependency prevention

≪ Previous: International basketball in Mafikeng

Knowing ‘the gentle way’

Sheney Mwetako

The martial art created in 1882 has taken the world by storm. Judo, which was only a recognised sport in Japan, is now an Olympic sport with 204 official international judo federations.

Namibia is no stranger to sport and neither is Deutsche Höhere Privatschule (DHPS).

Judo is translated as “the gentle way” from Japanese.

It is a combat sport, which requires throwing one’s opponent to the ground and quickly subduing and immobilising one’s opponent with many different grappling methods. This gentle way relies on flexibility, balance, leverage and movements while performing throws. Judo increases your speed, improves your reaction time and strengthens your flexibility and coordination. As far as physical pain goes, judo is one of the roughest sports out there, which places an emphasis on safety and discipline. Judo can be taken and applied to all areas of your life, as it can also be used in self-defence.

Judo is not a new sport at DHPS, as it has been there ever since the early 2010s. Judo coach Sylvia Konzmann introduced this sport at DHPS and has been the coach ever since. Her hard work, dedication and patience has brought back many medals and trophies to the school, as she sees opportunity and potential in all her athletes. She offers her free time for her passion and offers classes every day of the week.

Age does not play a huge factor in joining the classes, as the school successfully introduced a parent-teacher group this year that takes place in the afternoons. The school also introduced an all-girls group this year, because not everyone feels comfortable training with the opposite sex.

The school competes in different competitions annually, including the South African Open Championships that take place at the end of June to the beginning of July. Different counties come to gather and compete against each other, representing their schools or clubs. Last year alone the judo team brought back 30 medals, as they proved all their hard work and training had paid off.

Everyone from different age groups are encouraged to join and be part of this fantastic sport with its many health benefits. For example, judo is a form of stress relief. It makes people feel more confident and safer, as they walk out of their houses knowing how to quickly defend themselves in dangerous situations. As that famous quote says: “You never know what you can do until you try it yourself.”

↧

Dependency prevention

April 15, 2019, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Warriors to prepare for Afcon in May

≪ Previous: Knowing ‘the gentle way’

Dependency prevention

Mbamana Ndjoze

Just try me once and I might let you go, but try me twice, and I’ll own your soul.

Drugs are substances we try to stay away from, because we are aware of the consequences they have for our state of mind, our bodies, our lives and families; yet so many continue to be caught in their inescapable web of destruction and deceit. Not only are drugs damaging and addictive substances, but alcohol is a factor in crime such as domestic violence, murder and rape in Namibia, and affects the youth in ways one cannot even imagine.

Other dependencies affecting the youth are technology and sugar addiction.

The latter has been linked to the same level of addiction as cocaine.

And like cocaine, the longer it is ingested, the higher the dosage required to attain the same ‘high’.

Our very own Carina Strydom and Melanie Campbell along with Almuth Schwarting run the DHPS dependency prevention team – a team that strives to prevent dependency through in-depth education.

However, should dependency occur, they try to find ways to remove this yoke from the affected.

At its inception, the programme was deemed necessary, because it is better to deal with prevention than with addiction in the long run, which is why our teachers, for the last few years, have been fighting the good fight to get the programme on the go.

The programme includes anti-smoking and anti-alcohol workshops, which are held at least once a year, alternatively for grades 6 and 7, and grades 7 and 8. This way all learners have the opportunity to attend every workshop at least once.

Other plans include motto days, which are days such as Day of Kindness and International Women’s Day, where activities will be held to create further awareness and help keep the school premises free of drugs and alcohol, and provide a platform for students who may have information and problems regarding addiction.

An information evening was held on 11 March where occupational therapist Inken Kuehhirt discussed the theme ‘How to deal with the challenges of adolescence: developing a health whole’.

An additional guest speaker was Dorothee Grasreiner, a mother who shared her painful journey with drugs and dependency, which ultimately ended in tragedy. This evening was exceedingly informative.

Should a student have any information relating to substance abuse or distribution, both Carina and Melanie can be contacted via email at c.strydom@dhps-windhoek.com and m.campbell@dhps-windhoek.com Alternatively, face-to-face conversations or handwritten notes can be delivered to the staffroom and are welcome. All correspondence is treated with the strictest confidence.

↧

Warriors to prepare for Afcon in May

April 15, 2019, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Folau's career hangs by a thread

≪ Previous: Dependency prevention

Warriors to prepare for Afcon in May The Brave Warriors will start preparing for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) next month.

The continental showpiece will take place in Egypt from 21 June to 19 July and will see Namibia make their third appearance.

They are drawn in Group D with Morocco, South Africa and Ivory Coast.

Brave Warriors coach Ricardo Mannetti said their goal is to win their first match.

“We will try to win a game and see how it goes… Anything can happen at these finals,” he said.

He said the Brave Warriors will try to enjoy themselves and make Namibia proud.

“It is a perfect draw for the underdogs. They will not focus on us but on themselves and this is exactly where I want to be,” Mannetti said.

Preparations for the competition will start next month after the Namibia Premier League (NPL) is concluded.

“We will start our preparations on 26 May in one of Egypt's neighbouring countries. We need to make sure we prepare under the same conditions, as it will be very hot in Egypt,” Mannetti said.

The Brave Warriors will be based in Cairo, with their first group match against Morocco on 23 June. They will take on South Africa on 28 June.

Both matches will be at the Al Salam Stadium in Cairo. They will play their final group game against Ivory Coast on 01 July at Cairo International Stadium.

Mannetti said they will need to be in a position to play friendlies without long travelling times. He said their camp destination near Egypt is yet to be confirmed.

At the 32nd Afcon edition, 24 teams are drawn into six groups of four teams each. After the group stage, the top two teams and the four best third-placed sides will advance to the round of 16.

NAMPA

↧

Folau's career hangs by a thread

April 15, 2019, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: All hail King Tiger!

≪ Previous: Warriors to prepare for Afcon in May

Folau's career hangs by a thread

Israel Folau's career was hanging by a thread on Monday, as the star Wallabies fullback was given 48 hours to respond to a code of conduct breach notice or be sacked over anti-gay comments.

The deeply religious 30-year-old sparked uproar last week for a social media post saying that “hell awaits” homosexuals, with national team sponsor Qantas among those complaining.

He was embroiled in a similar row last year, but has stood by his comments and said he was prepared to choose his faith over rugby.

Rugby Australia chief Raelene Castle moved to sack him, saying he had been repeatedly warned about his social media use, but ignored the overtures and refused to apologise at a meeting on Friday.

As such, his actions were considered “a high-level breach” of the Professional Players' Code of Conduct, which she said warranted the termination of his employment contract.

He has 48 hours to either accept the sanction or have the matter referred to a hearing. Folau has indicated he plans to fight to save his career.

“At its core, this is an issue of the responsibilities an employee owes to their employer and the commitments they make to their employer to abide by their employer's policies and procedures and adhere to their employer's values,” said Castle.

“Following the events of last year, Israel was warned formally and repeatedly about the expectations of him as player for the Wallabies and NSW Waratahs, with regard to social media use, and he has failed to meet those obligations.

“It was made clear to him that any social media posts or commentary that is in any way disrespectful to people because of their sexuality will result in disciplinary action.”

If Folau opts for a code of conduct hearing, an independent three-person tribunal will hear the case and determine whether he has made a breach, and if so, what punishment is appropriate.

Folau posted a banner on Instagram last week that read: “Drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters, hell awaits you.”

It remains online and has attracted almost 40 000 likes.

Meanwhile, Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said Folau's actions were “disrespectful” and made it unlikely that he could add to his 73 Wallabies caps.

“We had a discussion after the last time and made it pretty clear about his right to believe and our support in that, if that's what he wants, to be part of the team,” Cheika told reporters. “But getting it out in that disrespectful manner publicly is not what our team is about.

“When we play in the gold jersey we represent everyone in Australia, everyone. Everyone that is out there supporting us, we don't pick and choose.”

When asked whether he would select Folau again, Cheika, who spoke to the media alongside Wallabies captain Michael Hooper and NSW Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson, said it was highly unlikely.

“I think as it stands right now... he wouldn't be able,” Cheika said.

Neither Cheika nor Gibson have spoken to Folau, but Hooper said he had exchanged a brief text message with his Waratahs and Wallabies teammate.

Asked if he would still be comfortable taking the field alongside him, Hooper replied: “Like was said before, in this current state, and being here and talking about this as a rugby player, it makes it hard, it makes it difficult.”

“It's hard being here, we're rugby players for sure, we are trying to create the best team environment we possibly can and at national level.”

On Sunday Folau, Super Rugby's record try-scorer, told the Sydney Morning Herald he was ready for a life without rugby, saying: “I live for God now.”

“Whatever His will is, whether that's to continue playing or not, I'm more than happy to do what He wants me to do,” Folau added.

NAMPA/AFP

↧

All hail King Tiger!

April 15, 2019, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Orban groet die eerste termyn

≪ Previous: Folau's career hangs by a thread

All hail King Tiger!Obama, Trump join Twitter frenzy Aged 43, Tiger Woods became the second-oldest Masters winner, trailing only Jack Nicklaus who won when he was 46 in 1986.

President Donald Trump and Barack Obama were among those hailing Tiger Woods on social media after his 11-year drought at the world's major golf tournaments was ended by a thrilling and emotional Masters victory on Sunday.

“Congratulations to @TigerWoods,” tweeted the US president Trump, who played a round of golf with Woods earlier this year. “A truly great champion!”

“Congratulations, Tiger!” former president Obama tweeted. “To come back and win the Masters after all the highs and lows is a testament to excellence, grit, and determination.”

As Woods went on a charge on the back nine at Augusta National with birdies at 13, 15 and 16 to win by a stroke and claim his 15th major and fifth Masters, social media lit up in a frenzy of congratulations.

“I am literally in tears watching @TigerWoods this is greatness like no other,” tweeted 23-time Grand Slam tennis champion Serena Williams.

“Knowing all you have been through physically, to come back and do what you just did today? Wow, congrats a million times! I am so inspired; thank you buddy.”

Fellow golfers and former greats of the game were also quick to hail Woods' achievement in returning to the summit of the sport after multiple surgeries and a string of off-course problems since his 14th major win at the 2008 US Open.

Just two years ago his back pain was so bad, Woods thought he might never play again, let alone win another major.

“Very few people really know what @TigerWoods has been thru to get back to this point,” tweeted four-time major champion Rory McIlroy, who finished in a tie for 21st on Sunday.

“So cool seeing him with Tida, Sam, Charlie, Erica and the rest of the team behind the 18th green. Couldn't be happier for him! What a great day for golf!” added McIlroy, after an emotional Woods hugged his mother, children and partner Erica Herman after his winning putt.

“A big well done from me to @TigerWoods!” said Nicklaus on social media. “I am so happy for him and for the game of golf. This is just fantastic!”

Woods also set a record for the longest gap between Masters triumphs, with the 14 years since his last win in 2005 eclipsing the old mark set by South African Gary Player, who won his second Augusta crown in 1961 and his third in 1974.

“For most an impossible task. But not for you,” said South African legend Player on Twitter. “Congratulations Tiger. So special for you and your family. So great for the game of golf. Simply unbelievable.”

Other US Sports stars were quick to join in on Twitter. “A big BIG congratulations to @TigerWoods for winning the Masters!!” NBA icon Magic Johnson tweeted. “The roar of the Tiger is back!”

“Congrats Tiger! What a performance,” New England Patriots' six-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback Tom Brady said.

“Greatest comeback story in sports!” said three-time NBA champion Stephen Curry. “Congrats @TigerWoods Let me hold one of those 5 jackets one time!”

Woods finally found time to respond to all his well-wishers late on Sunday night.

“I can't thank my family, friends and fans enough for their support. Having my family by my side today is something I will never forget,” he posted on his Twitter feed, @TigerWoods, along with a picture of him wearing his newest of five green jackets.

“To not only be able to play again, but to be able to win again, is something I will forever be grateful for. This jacket sure is comfortable.”

NAMPA/AFP

↧

Latest Images