MVA annual staff wellness day

September 5, 2016, 3:00 pm

≪ Previous: NUST Students win 1st prize at the SCM

A healthy workforce is a productive workforce
The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA) held its fifth wellness day, packed with activities for their staff in Windhoek recently, with the CEO herself taking the lead. The aim of the wellness day is to ensure that as much as they demand much from their staff; it is also their responsibility to take care of their wellbeing.
The whole idea is to assess proactive programme initiatives such as the health of staff members in terms of blood pressure, cholesterol, HIV/ Aids and stress levels, to mention a few. “We do this to inspect the workforce, because a happy work force is a productive one,” said the head of wellness services, Selma Neumbo. The wellness day started with preparations by the staff for the programme where they initially had an information sharing session with health professionals who spoke about the expectations from the activities. The staff also had a pre-counselling session and a presentation by HIV/Aids activist Immanuel Sheefeni who spoke about “the power of knowing”.
The employees were tested for HIV, hypertension, cholesterol, diabetes and Hepatitis B. Employees’ Body Mass Index (BMI) was also calculated to determine obesity levels. There were also staff knowledge, behaviour and attitude surveys done to determine whether there is a correlation between attitude and lifestyle. “We try to contain the lifestyle sickness, as that is indeed all we can control from an institutional perspective. If you don’t take care of your employee’s health it will impact negatively on the institution with absenteeism, which is associated with sickness,” said the chief of human capital Fanuel Uugwanga.
The wellness day activities took place at all MVA branches countrywide. MVA invited the Nucleus gym, Herbal Life, Nurse Moureen Amukwaya from Mister Sister and a wellness couch. After all the testing staff members were given a free massage to ease the tension. “Employee wellness for us is very important since it ensures that absenteeism is reduced because at the end of the day if your workforce is sick you cannot do proper performance appraisals. We have to take care of them for the very reason that they render our services,” concluded the CEO Rosalia Martins-Hausiku.
June Shimuoshili

↧

The required disciplines

September 5, 2016, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: NCRST Month of Science launch

≪ Previous: MVA annual staff wellness day

The required disciplines So, you’ve decided to step up.
You’re a true Namibian, who sees the need and is willing to face the challenges head on. You’ve set goals, organised your life, ensured that you live healthily and sustainably and prioritised the right relationships. All of the while engaging in your work or studies and are doing so well. Well done!
Or at least that’s the idea in theory.
Truth is, it is much easier to talk, read about or plan these things. It is a lot harder to actually get it all right – and this is me speaking from experience...
Once again, though, there is good news, for there is a secret, which has helped me a lot. The secret: disciplined routines. And, I’m not talking about a lot of them. The key is to ensure that certain important disciplines are present in your life, and practiced on a routine basis.
What exactly these essential disciplines are, will differ from person to person, but will inevitably include the following:
·Enough sleep (that means 6-10 hours),
·Regular exercise (even if it is just a 30 min walk every other day),
·Large enough blocks of undisturbed time to get some work done,
·Sufficient meaningful interaction with trusted friends to keep you sane, and
·Dedicated, deliberate time in meditation (which means effective quiet time with the Lord if you’re a Christian…this is worth more than all the others combined).

Bear in mind, it is not necessarily easy to establish and maintain these (or other) routines. Hence, the word discipline – determine what disciplines are required for you, and commit to these. You might even have to ask a friend to remind you and keep you accountable, but, it’s worth it.
So, you’ve decided to step up? Now do so, on the back of the required disciplines.

Tinus Fourie
African Leadership Institute
dawie@ali.com.na
www.ali.com.na

↧

NCRST Month of Science launch

September 5, 2016, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Your ability might be unknown to you

≪ Previous: The required disciplines

NCRST Month of Science launch Namibia works on attracting more young scientists
Last month the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) officially launched the Month of Science. The Month of Science comprises of four major events centred around the sciences, technology and innovation activities and will be taking place this month.
The four events that make up the Month of Science is the National Science Fair which will be held from the fifth to the ninth of September, the National Science and Technology and Innovation Festival from 12 to 16 September, the Namport Biggest Brainer Science Quiz from 19 to 21 September, and the National Research Symposium from 21 to 23 September.
An award ceremony will also be held on 23 September. The awards will be hosted in recognition of individual scientists, researchers, technologists, engineers and scientific institutions for their contribution to the development of science technology and innovation in Namibia.
“It is anticipated that through this effort and many other promotional activities, more students will study in the science, technology and engineering fields and also that this will contribute towards a more positive attitude that could in turn lead to improved student performance at both tertiary and secondary schools.
“I would like to underscore that the solutions of tomorrow evolve at the juncture where different perspectives and competencies meet. They are developed in the meeting between different people, industries and sectors. It is with this understanding that the NCRST wises to invite all innovative actors in different sectors and fields of knowledge to join us at the four events. We look forward to the participation of all stakeholders in different capacitates either as audience, exhibitors or presenters of research findings”, said Eino Mvula, the CEO of NCRST.
The aim of the Month of Science is to attract the best and brightest minds to follow a scientific career as a result of NCRST’s sustained outreach efforts. “By embracing a career in science, the young people would become the drivers of new discoveries and innovations that create growth and enhance the quality of life for our people” a statement by the NCRST read.
The Month of Science is also said to be part of President Geingob’s Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPP), a plan that the staff of NCRST are excited about.
“Following the launch of the HPP, the NCRST revised its strategic plan for the period 2014-to 2019 to ensure that it positions itself as a key contributor to the achievements of the goals and objectives of the HPP. Science, technology and innovation is cross cutting and contributes to all five pillars of the HPP”, Mvula said at the launch.
The mission of the NCRST is to establish a national system to promote, develop, coordinate and inform Research, Science, Technology and Innovation towards a knowledge-based society.
The NCRST has five pillars that are part of the priorities of the organisation, they are; science, technology and innovation promotion, smart partnership and cooperation, enabling policy and regulatory environment and building research and development capacity and innovation to nourish Namibia’s Prosperity.
The different events for the Month of Science are as follows:
Nampower National Science Fair: 5 – 9 September 2016
This event is organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, Arts and Culture and the Nampower Foundation who is the main sponsor. The purpose of the Science Fair is to popularise science and technology among students, communities and educators.
The event is meant to serve as a vehicle to encourage students, parents and teachers to take a more active interest in the study of science by providing an opportunity for students to conduct and publicly present an independent scientific inquiry.
Science, Technology and Innovation Festival: 12 – 16 September 2016
This year’s Festival will be hosted in Ongwediva at the Ongwediva Trade Fair Centre from 12 -16 September. The aim is to cultivate a general public informed by science, inspired by its wonder, convinced of its values, and prepared to engage with its implications for the future. The Festival will discuss and showcase the importance of science, technology and innovation to national development, with the emphasis on giving audiences amazing experiences through a programme of STI inspired events. The STI Festival will bring together the scientific and innovation community to educate and excite the next generation about STI.
Namport Biggest Brainer Science Quiz: 19 – 21 September 2016
The Quiz will be hosted in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture; and Namport, who is the main sponsor of the quiz. The competition aims to provide innumerable benefits to learners, which are meant to encourage their educational and social development. NCRST says that competition is meant to stimulate learner’s interest in science and technology while simultaneously promoting the development of life skills such as communication, strategic thinking and team work, lighting the fire of knowledge.
National Research Symposium: 21 – 23 September 2016
The National Research Symposium will be hosted in Windhoek, at the Safari Hotel. The symposium is a national event aimed at bringing together researchers and research institutions on one platform to share research findings, discuss funding opportunities and possibilities for collaboration and networking. The event is an opportunity to learn from one another, to find out current research about activities in Namibia and encourage information sharing and openness.
Awards Ceremony: 23 September
Towards the end of week three of the festivities, the National Research, Science, Technology, Engineering and Innovation Awards ceremony will be hosted in recognition of individual scientists, researchers, technologists, engineers and science institutions for their contributions to the development of science, technology and innovation in Namibia. The awards are granted in line with the Operational Guide for the National Research, Science, Technology, Engineering and Innovation Awards that was approved by Cabinet in 2015.
The purpose of the award system is to promote and create awareness of the important role that research, science, technology and engineering plays in the economic and social prosperity of countries, through valuing and appreciating contributions of individual scientists, researchers, technologists, engineers and scientific institutions and the guiding principles are fairness, equity, gender sensitivity, quality and sustainability.
Keith Vries

↧

Your ability might be unknown to you

September 5, 2016, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Humiliation for Angela

≪ Previous: NCRST Month of Science launch

Your ability might be unknown to you There comes a time in every young person’s life where they are supposed to grow up and face the world as someone with their own thoughts, values and principles, instead of being someone that can be defended by their parents, or whoever’s ideas they relied upon as a child.
The time to think and live for yourself doesn’t really come naturally, so as to say that one day you will think like a child and when it is time to transition, you will be able to make a swift changeover to think and be like an adult.
That really isn’t what happens in the real world; here it feels like a bomb keeps going off in your brain every time that you think about ‘adulting.’ I often find groups of young people that exclusively come together to discuss the pitfalls of growing up and coming into one’s own.
The frustrations are so real that people don’t know what to do with the plethora of emotions so they end up laughing at the struggles of growing up, because any further added stress, anxiety or overthinking is bound to send one to the loony bin faster than expected, or not.
I did my first long distance trip across Namibia about two weeks ago, and have been to almost every corner of northern Namibia, driving alone for long stretches, thinking to myself ”how the hell did my father do this?” I was really shocked at the amount of concentration and stealth one needed to be able to drive these long distances, especially when there is no one to talk to or keep you awake.
Driving long distance for the first time is really a lot like growing up; it’s just one of those things that you can never be ready enough for, but when it happens you have to use what it is that you know about yourself, and the talents that you didn’t have, to get to where you need to get.
On the way there, there are also others that are growing up, learning the way, driving beside you, overtaking you, driving in front of you, or behind you. Just like the Namibian roads are unforgiving, so is the process of growing up. There are going to be accidents and reckless drivers and other such atrocities that can lead you off your chosen path, injure you slightly or seriously, or even claim your life in the process.
This is not something that can be rehashed to someone by someone else, with the hope that they will truly understand what it is like to grow up and start forging a life for yourself. It’s like driving in the north; you always think people are lying to you until you are the one behind the steering wheel, thinking ‘Good Lord Jesus, what sweet hell is this?’
I remember an instance in the past two weeks where a truck almost pushed me off the road, and when I hooted at the driver, he gave me the middle finger and shouted some profanities at me and drove off into what I hope was hell.
There are trucks on the road to becoming an adult, but more and more I realise that sometimes that truck that wants to drive you off the road, are your very own thoughts. I have slowly come to accept that I don’t always know what it is that I need to do next, or who it is that I need to be next.
Sometimes you just take the challenge that is in front of you and make the best decision that you can for the present moment – and other than that, you hope for the best. Ultimately though, there are hidden talents that we all possess that we are not aware of, and some of them are linked to our natural ability for survival. We don’t see those talents coming to the fore when we need them to, because we don’t know they are there, but they are there. Trust in your ability to survive anything, even if it is the drivers in the north of Namibia. Where there is will, there surely will come a way. I am glad to be back in Windhoek, where I don’t own a car and don’t have to be somewhere 300 km’s from where I live every morning.
It’s a blessing to be growing up actually, and although we want to quit at times, I think we need to stick to it, see it thorugh. The gifts are all yours to take, take them.

↧

Humiliation for Angela

September 5, 2016, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Zambia court throws out election result challenge

≪ Previous: Your ability might be unknown to you

Humiliation for AngelaAngela Merkel''s party was beaten into third place by the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany in a state election in her political homeland. Merkel under pressure after poll defeat to anti-migrant party

German Chancellor Angela Merkel came under renewed pressure over her liberal refugee policy yesterday after an upstart anti-migrant populist party handed her party a humiliating defeat in her home state.
The xenophobic Alternative for Germany (AfD) clinched around 22% in its first bid for seats in the regional parliament of Mecklenburg-Western Vorpommern, results showed after most ballots had been counted from Sunday polls.
Merkel's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) garnered just 19% in its worst ever score in the northeastern state, while the Social Democrats maintained top place with around 30%.
AfD's lead candidate Leif-Erik Holm called it a " proud result for a young party" as the populists secured seats on the opposition benches of the ninth out of 16 regional parliaments.
" The icing on the cake is that we have left Merkel's CDU behind us... maybe that is the beginning of the end of Merkel's time as chancellor," he said.
Although the former Communist state is Germany's poorest and least populous, it carries a symbolic meaning as it is home to Merkel's constituency Stralsund.
Together with Berlin's elections in two weeks, Sunday's polls are a key test ahead of general elections next year, when Merkel's decision exactly one year ago to let in tens of thousands of Syrian and other migrants is expected to be a key point of contention.
Although she won praise at first, the optimism has given way to fears over how Europe's biggest economy will manage to integrate the one million people who arrived last year alone.
Merkel's decision has left her increasingly isolated in Europe, and exposed her to heavy criticism at home, including from her own conservative allies.
The CDU's general secretary Peter Tauber said Sunday's results were " bitter" , acknowledging that voters " wanted to send a signal of protest, as we had noticed in discussions about refugees" .
In the sprawling farming and coastal state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, where economic regeneration and jobs used to be residents' top concerns, the issue of refugees and integration has become the deciding factor for one in two voters.
" There was only one issue, that is, and was, refugee policy," said the CDU's main candidate Lorenz Caffier.
A pensioner and former teacher who declined to be named said he picked AfD because of the " question over asylum-seekers" .
" One million refugees have come here. There is money for them, but no money to bring pensions in the east to the same levels as those of the west," he said, referring to the lower retirement payments that residents of former Communist states receive compared to those in the west.
Compared to other parts of Germany, the northeastern state hosts just a small proportion of migrants under a quota system based on states' income and population - having taken in 25 000 asylum seekers last year.
Most of them have already decided to abandon the state, preferring to head " where there are jobs, people and shops," said Frieder Weinhold, CDU candidate.
But the " migration policy has sparked a feeling of insecurity among the people," he said.
After a series of attacks by asylum-seekers in July - including two claimed by the Islamic State group - the mood has also darkened.
Conservative daily Die Welt commented: " Germany now has what has never existed since the end of the war: an extreme-right party" .
The AfD, which was founded in 2013, has continued its meteoric rise even though leading members of the party have sparked outrage over insulting remarks, including one disparaging footballer Jerome Boateng, of mixed German and Ghanaian descent, as the neighbour no German wants.
Its latest achievement was hailed by French far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who wrote on Twitter: " What was impossible yesterday has become possible: the AfD patriots have swept away Merkel's party!"
Ahead of Sunday's vote, Merkel, who is attending the G20 summit in the Chinese city of Hangzhou, had urged voters to reject the populists.
" The more the people who go to vote, the less the percentage won by some parties that, in my view, have no solution for problems and which are built mainly around a protest - often with hate," she said.

NAMPA/AFP

↧

Zambia court throws out election result challenge

September 5, 2016, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Stop the waste

≪ Previous: Humiliation for Angela

Zambia court throws out election result challenge

Zambia's constitutional court yesterday threw out an attempt by the defeated presidential candidate to annul August's election results, clearing the way for President Edgar Lungu's inauguration.
Hakainde Hichilema, who lost the election by 100 000 votes, claimed that the result was rigged and launched a legal bid to stop Lungu retaining power.
Lungu took office only last year when he beat Hichilema in a snap election.
Zambia is known for its relative stability, but the run-up to the vote was marked by clashes between supporters of Lungu's Patriotic Front (PF) and Hichilema's United Party for National Development (UPND).
" There is no petition to be heard before this court," said judge Annie Sitali, ruling that a 14-day deadline for a legal challenge had expired.
Hichilema had argued for an extension after legal arguments lasted until midnight on Friday.
At the court, where hundreds of his supporters had gathered on Monday, Hichilema - known as " HH" - gave no immediate reaction to the judgement.
The official results put Lungu narrowly ahead on 50.35% against 47.63% for Hichilema among a field of nine candidates, just enough to avoid a second-round run-off.
Lungu's short term in office has been marked by falling prices for copper, the country's key export, soaring unemployment and inflation rising to over 20%.

NAMPA/AFP

↧

Stop the waste

September 5, 2016, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Genocide talks start in Germany

≪ Previous: Zambia court throws out election result challenge

Stop the waste We can only conclude that there has been a form of negligence in handling drought relief consignments even at a critical time when thousands are threatened by the devastating drought. With poor rainfall experienced over the years, many Namibians have been left starving, prompting the head of state to declare a drought emergency.
The situation on the ground is dire. Thousands are sleeping on empty stomachs every day due to food stocks that have run out.
The effects of starvation are showing everywhere as you travel across the country.
It is really a sad case. However, it is unimaginable that those tasked with distributing drought relief to the less privileged are doing so without a sense of urgency.
This week Namibian Sun reported how 450 bags donated by the South African government have been allowed to go to waste in a Windhoek warehouse. The food already expired in June and has been declared “not fit for human consumption”. This is not the first time that maize meal earmarked for drought relief is discarded. There have also been instances where the school feeding scheme food has rotted in warehouses.
There have been many well documented instances of sheer negligence over the years, yet there seems to be no action against perpetrators to stop this unacceptable rot.
We should have learnt some hard lessons back in 2005 when some 18 400 bags of maize meal intended for flood and drought relief to needy people were found going to waste at an army warehouse in the Zambezi Region, simply because officials were not being paid overtime to deliver the food.
We have allowed officials to gamble with the lives of the poor and the destitute in need of food aid.
The Office of the Prime Minister must take practical steps against those who have allowed the situation to get to this disastrous point.
Additionally, it is high time that an investigation is conducted to look into the handling of drought relief consignments countrywide.

↧

Genocide talks start in Germany

September 5, 2016, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Olukupa school receives hostel facilities

≪ Previous: Stop the waste

Genocide talks start in GermanyThe two governments have already agreed on a team of special envoys to spearhead the dialogue. Affected communities still not happy

Negotiations on genocide reparations will start in Berlin on Friday.
Namibian special envoy Zed Ngavirue and his delegation, including the chiefs of communities affected by the 1904-1908 colonial atrocities, left for Germany at the weekend.
“We as a nation rise to the challenge and in sending the Namibian delegation to Berlin we act as an independent, proud and free people,” Vice-President Nickey Iyambo said at a media conference announcing the formal start of the genocide talks.
Iyambo said the Namibian negotiating position was the culmination of seven months of intensive work by the technical team consisting of historians, legal and economic experts, Namibian diplomats and members of the affected communities.
He added that in terms of international law, these negotiations can only take place between sovereign states.
Nama pressure groups are not impressed with the talks, as they feel left out.
The chairperson of the Nama Genocide Technical Committee, Ida Hoffman, is adamant that the German government has the responsibility to talk with the descendants of the genocide victims.
Iyambo requested that only one person from the Nama group should be included in the government’s technical committee which accompanied Ngavirue.
According to Hofmann the Nama technical committee led by her and Chief Dawid Fredericks of Bethanie and the OvaHerero genocide technical committee led by Paramount Chief Vekuii Rukoro are not recognised.
“The government is treating us as second-class Namibians. The government do not recognise the parliament resolution of 2006. The resolution stated that Namas and Hereros must meet with Germany for apology and reparation talks and that the Namibian government must facilitate the process, not take over the talks,” Hoffman maintained.
She said the initial letter requesting talks with the German government was signed by her and the late Herero Paramount Chief Kuaima Riruako. They submitted the request to the then Prime Minister Nahas Angula for discussion by the cabinet.
“Today they are leaving out the actual movers of the parliament resolution and this not good,” she said.
She further blamed the government of rolling out the red carpet for some groups claiming to be affected by colonial Germany’s extermination order.
“We are not saying they were not affected by the war but when it comes to the extermination order they were not affected,” she argued.
She claimed that the Namas and OvaHerero did not benefit from German development aid to Namibia.
According to her the 127 million euros that Namibia received from Germany in 2011 went to the people of northern Namibia.
Paul Thomas, secretary to the Nama technical committee, charged that the government was dividing the Nama clans.
He claimed that the Nama representatives in the government delegation do not have the mandate to talk on behalf of the entire Nama tribe.
“The message should be very clear that both the Nama Technical Committee and the Nama Traditional Leaders Association distance themselves from the delegation to Germany who will be negotiating for reparations on behalf of the Nama,” Thomas said.

FRED GOEIEMAN

↧

Olukupa school receives hostel facilities

September 5, 2016, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Mangetti farmers committed to feeding the nation

≪ Previous: Genocide talks start in Germany

Olukupa school receives hostel facilities

Olukupa Combined School in the Oshikoto Region can now offer its learners hostel accommodation thanks to a donation from a local company.
The hostel facilities were handed over by Small Mining Union (SMU), a company registered in terms of the Company’s Act under the umbrella of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, last week.
The school is situated at Olukupa village about 50 kilometres from Okongo.
The ministry came to know of the school and its lack of proper hostel accommodation while conducting official familiarisation visits.
SMU through the ministry then took up the responsibility of providing the hostel facilities valued at over N$1 million. The two new steel structures can accommodate 40 bunk beds, each with a matron’s room, a kitchen facility, bathrooms and a water tank stand.
SMU also donated 80 blankets, 110 mattresses, toiletries and washing powder.
Minister of Education, Arts and Culture Katrina Hanse-Himarwa in her statement at the handing over commended SMU, saying the donation is in line with the Harambee Prosperity Plan and urged other stakeholders to follow suit in order to achieve this plan faster.
Even though the education sector is allocated the highest portion of the national budget, there are still inequalities in terms of resources available at public schools.
“This is due to inherited school infrastructure backlogs, hence equity in terms of learner outcomes remains a challenge. Our ministry is working tirelessly to address these disparities,” she stated.
The school’s principal, Abel Nekomba also expressed his gratitude and said the facilities will help the students who were forced to walk long distances to get to school in the past.

NAMPA

↧

Mangetti farmers committed to feeding the nation

September 5, 2016, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Oshakati reviews Omatala price

≪ Previous: Olukupa school receives hostel facilities

Mangetti farmers committed to feeding the nation

The newly elected leaders of the Mangetti Farmers’ Association in the Oshikoto Region are committed to uniting farmers in order to produce food for the nation.
This is according to the new chairperson of the Mangetti Farmers’ Association (MFA), Ismael Shailemo.
“We as the Mangetti farmers, united in purpose, are committed to feeding this nation. We have challenging responsibilities of contributing to the economic and sustainable agricultural development of Namibia in line with the Harambee Prosperity Plan,” Shailemo said.
Shailemo called on farmers to be united in order to improve the quality and increase the population of livestock in the region.
“We see ourselves as providers of meat, milk and dairy products and feed. We support our people at schools, hospitals and shops in the regions,” he said.
He added that the MFA is working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry and the Ministry of Lands and Resettlement as part of meeting the government halfway in eradicating poverty.
It was announced recently that the government had allocated N$20 million to the Mangetti farming area to develop the communal area into small-scale commercial farms.
Shailemo said the money will be used for the intended purpose to benefit the farmers such as setting up boreholes and fences.
“The money will benefit many of our members,” Shailemo said.
Shailemo was unanimously elected as chairperson of the MFA on 13 August after the other candidate, Shali Kamati, withdrew at the last minute.
However, Kamati was recently quoted in a newspaper as saying that he did not accept the election and would continue serving as chairperson of a rival faction of the association.
When asked about the split, Shailemo said Kamati and his supporters are free to do what they want as long as it’s not done under the name MFA.
“He is free to make his own association, all we want is for him not to use the Mangetti Farmers’ Association’s name,” he said.
KENYA KAMBOWE

↧

Oshakati reviews Omatala price

September 5, 2016, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: More than 100 vacancies in public service

≪ Previous: Mangetti farmers committed to feeding the nation

Oshakati reviews Omatala priceThe Oshakati town council is having the site of the old open market valuated despite already having sold it for N$2.5 million. Independent valuation of sold plot

The Oshakati Town Council has asked an independent valuer to ascertain the real value of the old open market at the town.
Mayor Katrina Shimbulu confirmed to Namibian Sun that there has been a lot of discontent about the sale of the prime plot to businessman Erastus ‘Chicco” Shapumba for N$2.5 million.
Among those that have expressed dissatisfaction is urban and rural development minister Sophia Shaningwa.
It has since emerged that Shapumba, through his company Mouse Properties, paid N$2 million shortly after receiving a land allocation acknowledgement letter from the town council and has already cleared the 1.7 hectare plot to make way for development.
During an earlier interview, Shimbulu told Namibian Sun that the sought-after piece of land was worth only about N$900 000, but the council decided to sell it for N$2.5 million to the successful bidder.
The land deal has reportedly divided councillors at the northern town.
“Chicco paid the N$2 million for the land, but the council officials failed to inform the councillors on time. The money was transferred into the town council account and an invoice was issued without the council’s knowledge,” Shimbulu claimed this week.
Shaningwa recently met with the Oshakati leadership to iron out the issue. It has also emerged that Shaningwa ordered the council to refund Shapumba until consensus has been reached regarding the land sale.
Shimbulu claimed town councillors were misled by the council’s technical committee, which initially recommended that Twine Investment be offered the land.
“They advised us that we could just sell the land for N$2.5 million deliberately because they knew that the line minister would not support it,” she said.
“When FAI Square Development Consortium owned by business tycoon Frans Aupa Indongo withdrew their bid proposal early this year, that committee advised us to replace FAI Square Development Consortium with Twine Investment as the successful bidder.
“This was rejected by council committees, and then they decided to make things difficult for us. Currently we have a land valuer on site determining the exact land value and offering price.”
Shapumba has refused to comment on the matter.

ILENI NANDJATO

↧

More than 100 vacancies in public service

September 5, 2016, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Media freedom crucial, says info minister

≪ Previous: Oshakati reviews Omatala price

More than 100 vacancies in public service

The prime minister’s office has sent out a circular to several government departments indicating that there are more than 100 public-service vacancies across the country.
The circular internally advertising these positions was addressed to the cabinet secretary, all permanent secretaries, the Namibia Central Intelligence Service and the Anti-Corruption Commission, among others.
The bulk of the 111 vacancies are at regional councils, the Ministry of Health and Social Services, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration and the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation.
Twenty-four vacancies are at regional councils, including Erongo (2), Kavango East (1) Khomas (1), Ohangwena (5), Omusati (5), Zambezi (1) and Ohangwena (1).
At the health ministry 23 positions are vacant. Five of these are at the Katutura State Hospital, which include positions for a specialist radiologist and a pharmacist.
One position is vacant at the health ministry’s regional office at Keetmanshoop. In the Omaheke Region four positions are vacant, of which two are based at Gobabis. Posts are also available at Ondangwa, Oshakati, Outapi, Okahao, Otjiwarongo, Grootfontein, Okahandja and Opuwo.
The home affairs ministry has 20 vacancies, with four posts for immigration officers advertised in Windhoek and 16 positions in the
//Karas Region. These positions are at places such as Keetmanshoop, Ariamsvlei, Lüderitz, Noordoewer and Oranjemund.
The labour ministry is advertising 14 positions, including a deputy permanent secretary position. All the positions are based in Windhoek.
At the Ministry of Safety and Security 10 positions are advertised, which include six forensic experts for the police. Four other positions are available in Windhoek, including a chief fingerprint officer.
The Ministry of Works and Transport has seven vacancies, including a deputy director of maritime affairs based in Windhoek. Also available are a position at Khorixas, two posts at Rundu, one in Windhoek, at Opuwo and Oshakati.
Four vacancies at the Ministry of Urban and Rural Land Development are all based in Windhoek, while the Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development has three vacancies in Windhoek.
There are three vacancies at the Ministry of Fisheries based in Windhoek, Lüderitz and Walvis Bay.
The Ministry of Justice has two vacancies, one at Keetmanshoop and one in Oshakati.
The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology has one vacancy in Windhoek.
It is unclear if these positions will be publicly advertised should it not be possible to fill them internally.

ELLANIE SMIT

↧

Media freedom crucial, says info minister

September 5, 2016, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Six caught with rhino horns

≪ Previous: More than 100 vacancies in public service

Media freedom crucial, says info minister

Namibia’s information minister yesterday lashed out at the media, claiming that he does not oppose media freedom and had only sent out a warning for journalists to maintain high standards.
Minister of information and communication technology Tjekero Tweya accused the “sponswors” of last week’s media reports of “stooping so low” for claiming his proposed government media monitoring body was an “emerging threat to media freedom”.
He said the media reports did not take into account the fact that he had “mobilised all resources at my disposal including and not limited to media house … to craft a thorough Access to Information Bill …”
The minister said he “was duty bound to issue a cautionary note of the consequences against those who might prepare themselves to violate media ethics to a largely free access to information meant for the public good (sic).”
He added that “slanderous reporting and other progressive tendencies should not be used as tools” to gain a foothold in the market.
“It can never be denied that our colleagues in the media at many time have strayed into abusing this duty of informing, but violated people and institutions’ rights and characters,” he said.
Tweya yesterday reminded the public that the draft Access to Information Bill had been submitted to parliament and “it took a whole week to build consensus for the envisaged bill. This shows that government is committed to free media and access to it by all Namibians.”
He said the media have played a crucial role in disseminating government information and said that “without an unfettered environment for media freedom there will be no success in our pursuit of the noble cause for access to information.”
In his statement, the minister quoted article 21 of the Namibian Constitution, which guarantees “freedom of speech and expression, which shall include freedom of the press and other media”.
In addition, he quoted section 2 of article 21, which deals with reasonable restrictions of the article under relevant circumstances.
JANA-MARI SMITH

↧

Six caught with rhino horns

September 5, 2016, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Rail tender raises eyebrows

≪ Previous: Media freedom crucial, says info minister

Six caught with rhino hornsPoachers who struck at the world-famous Erindi Game Reserve in northern Namibia last week were arrested within two days. Poaching seems to be escalating

Six men were arrested in two separate rhino poaching incidents last week.
On Friday, following a two-day manhunt, police arrested four men linked to the killing of a black rhino at the Erindi Game Reserve on Thursday.
Following their first court appearance yesterday on charges of illegal hunting of special and protected game, and possession of firearms and ammunition without licences, their case was postponed to 30 November. The men remain behind bars.
One of the accused, Franco Mapulanga Liswaniso, is Namibian, while David Chihinga Kalwizi and Ndala Mukisi are reportedly Zambian nationals. The third accused, Brain Mandjolo, is reportedly an Angolan.
According to police, the investigation continues.
The rhino carcass was discovered by tourists on Thursday. The police launched a manhunt supported by various Nampol units, plus the Erindi-based game security group and two district watches.
Following the arrest of the suspects 27 kilometres south of Otjiwarongo on Friday, police were able to zoom in on a house in Okahandja where they discovered the sawn-off rhino horns. They also discovered a .375 calibre hunting rifle.
Furthermore, police confiscated an AK47, with a silencer and a full magazine, at the camp the poachers had built in the private game reserve.
Other items found at the camp included unlicensed ammunition, bloody axes and knives and used mobile phone recharge vouchers.
This is the second large-scale rhino poaching hit in the Omaruru area, and according to Alexander Steyn, head of the Omaruru District Watch, the trend is worrying.
He added that the poachers’ choice of weapons is an even bigger concern. “We are limited in the type of force we are allowed to use. They have no limits.”
In another incident a former police officer and employee of Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) yesterday appeared in the Rundu Magistrate’s Court together with another suspect after being nabbed with two rhino horns last week.
The former cop, Marshal Haita Nakujwima, and Martin Jerimia Mukuwe are charged with possession of controlled wildlife products.
Both have been remanded in custody and the case was postponed until 20 October.
The two men were caught in Rundu last Thursday when they were trying to sell the rhino horns.
According to Detective Chief Inspector Chrispin Mubebo, members of the public alerted the police to the two men who were allegedly looking for potential buyers for the horns.
Mubebo said when the police arrived the suspects tried to flee on foot.
Their car was searched and the police found two rhino horns hidden in the car.
Mubebo said Nakujwima used to work in the police’s internal investigations department in Windhoek and was also employed at NWR in Windhoek.
It could not be confirmed whether he is still an employee of NWR.
Mubebo said Nakujwima told the police that the bag containing the rhino horns did not belong to him but to a hitch-hiker that he had picked up.
Mubebo said that was highly unlikely as people saw them trying to sell the horns and Nakujwima was unable to identify the alleged hitch-hiker.
He confirmed that the rhino horns in their possession were fresh.
JANA-MARI SMITH and ELLANIE SMIT

↧

Rail tender raises eyebrows

September 5, 2016, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Teachers vote on possible strike

≪ Previous: Six caught with rhino horns

Rail tender raises eyebrowsTenders for the purchase of large quantities of rails are said to be a rushed and wasteful enterprise. Information leaks alleged

Sources in the Ministry of Works and Transport have questioned why tenders for the procurement and delivery of rails have been invited while the ministry could have instructed TransNamib, the national carrier mandated to do so, to source a supplier.
Three tenders for the supply of 60 000 tons of rail for the railway sections from Walvis Bay to Kranzberg, Kranzberg to Otjiwarongo, and Otjiwarongo to Tsumeb worth a combined N$1.5 billion, closed on 9 August.
The ministry received 75 bids, predominantly Chinese companies in joint ventures with Namibian partners, for each of the tenders. There were also Zimbabwean and Zambian bidders.
“Globally there is only a handful of suppliers of rail,” said one source. “The correct way would have been for the ministry to ask TransNamib to source the rails from an accredited manufacturer that meets the technical requirements to ensure you get best value for money. If we are to believe that President [Hage] Geingob wants things to be done cost effectively then this is a classic example why things should not be done in this manner.”
The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said there are already 48 kilogrammes per meter (kg/m) rails on the Walvis Bay to Usakos railway. Although there may be parts that need new rails, old stock could still be used for the next 20 years or so.
They said some rails have also been dropped off near Tsumeb recently.
They concluded that there was no survey done on the real need for rails. Similarly, they charged that there is no rail expertise in the ministry’s Directorate of Railway Affairs since the departure of former director Robert Kalomo.
There are currently three Zimbabwean nationals working in this directorate.
The requisite 60 000 tons of rail would cover a distance of 600 kilometres, which, considering the country’s capacity, would take no less than ten years to lay.
“It is incomprehensible that the ministry wants to buy rails in such a large quantity all at the same time. Where does the money come from to buy massive amounts of rails that will not be in use for the next ten years? Where are these rails to be kept in the meantime? Are they going to lie around rusting next to railway lines?” asked one source.
Equally disconcerting, said the sources, is that most of the money will leave the country because there are no local suppliers of rails.
“Only a fraction of the money will eventually be spent here and hopefully create jobs. Why is the ministry pushing that this be done in such a hasty and seemingly wasteful manner?” asked a source.

INSIDER INFORMATION?

Despite the fact that the three tenders were only advertised earlier this year, South African rail suppliers claimed that they had received furtive visits in November last year already from ministerial staff as well as Zimbabweans and Zambians finding out prices in anticipation of the massive rail tenders.
Sources say it is clear that these visitors had privileged information that could only have originated from the ministry since there were no consultants used on these tenders.
“It is clear that information was leaked to get certain players lined up for the very lucrative tenders. The tenderpreneurs know about these tenders long before they are announced in public,” the sources claimed.
One South African supplier claimed that the controversial Zimbabwean businessman Ian Haruperi was one of those who asked about the price of rail in view of the tenders.
Haruperi in 2012 was described by Zambian media as “a member of a regional network of crooks specialising in fraudulent seizing of immovable property by operating an opaque loan scheme”.
He is considered to have close ties with South African President Jacob Zuma since he accompanied Zuma on a trip to Russia and China in 2011.
Questions sent to the Ministry of Works and Transport on 11 August remain unanswered.
CATHERINE SASMAN

↧

Teachers vote on possible strike

September 5, 2016, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: All set for Shell V-Power Gobabis Rally

≪ Previous: Rail tender raises eyebrows

Teachers vote on possible strike

Northern teachers yesterday took on Oshana Governor Clemens Kashuupulwa, asking him where he got the mandate to address them, as the government made a last-ditch effort to avert a looming teachers’ strike over a pay dispute.
Government has pleaded with teachers not to vote in favour of a strike because it will negatively affect schoolchildren.
Teachers will vote today whether to strike following the government’s decision to offer them a 5% salary hike, while they demanded 8%.
Kashuupulwa yesterday addressed about 200 teachers at the Oshakati Independence Stadium and read a prepared speech by education minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa.
After attentively listening to the speech the teachers were allowed to ask questions and expressed their views on the proposed 5% increase.
The teachers took issue with the governor, questioning whether he was mandated to address them, specifically on their pay dispute with government.
“We are not politicians, we are civil servants. Even in your job description is it indicated that governors should discuss remuneration of workers?” a teacher asked Kashuupulwa.
The governor calmly responded by saying that the constitution permits him to address members of the public, whether civil servants or not.
The teachers were also irked with the fact that the education minister compared their salary scales to those of educators in South Africa and Botswana.
One of the teachers, Katombera Nikolaus, said it was an unfair comparison. “It was a very clear comparison made about Namibia to South Africa and Botswana specifically on teachers and principals only, but logically it could have been fair if the comparison could have been made coming from the top government officials down to teachers in this country,” Nikolaus said.
Nikolaus also said the manner in which the government is communicating with them feels like a threat.
Oshana’s education deputy director for human resource administration, Aune Mundjanima, called on the teachers to be aware of the consequences of their actions.
“A strike will result in serious disruption of teaching and learning; it is exam period now and as such the examination session will be disrupted and our learners will be traumatised psychologically, and further endure irreversible disadvantages,” the education ministry statement read.
Meanwhile, the acting secretary general of the Teachers Union of Namibia (TUN), Matthew Haakuria, said teachers are ready to cast their vote and should it be in favour of a strike, the government will be informed accordingly.
“There is nothing more that we need to discuss. The issue on the salary has already been determined. We have not been able to reach consensus: the government is sticking to its offer of 5% while the teachers want an 8% increase,” he said.

KENYA KAMBOWE & JEMIMA BEUKES

↧

All set for Shell V-Power Gobabis Rally

September 6, 2016, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Paralympians take centre stage

≪ Previous: Teachers vote on possible strike

All set for Shell V-Power Gobabis Rally

Fifteen teams are expected to take part in the third Shell V-Power Gobabis Rally this weekend.
The event starts on Friday at 17:15 and ends on Saturday at around 15:52 at Omateko Lodge in Gobabis.
The rally, which represents the third round of the 2016 Namibian Rally Championship (NRC), will be presented by the Redline Motor Club (RMC) under the auspices of the Namibia Motors Sport Federation (NMSF).
The first car will start from the Shell Gobabis Diensstasie in Church Street, taking the teams on 14 special stages covering a distance of 127km.
According to a statement issued by RMC, spectators can look forward to a high-octane rally as day one will see four stages - all spectator-friendly - in and around the town.
The first day will end around 19:14 when the cars will be serviced and kept overnight at Omateko Lodge.
Day two will see much longer distances covering a little more than 106km of special stages, with the single longest stage of 20.11km.
The 2014 and 2015 Gobabis Rally champion Wilro Dippenaar and his navigator, Riaan van der Westhuizen, will defend the title again this year and entered a 2009 Toyota Auris Class S3 for the rally.
Other drivers to look out for are Allan Martin/Melvin Gous (VW Polo S2000); Jannie/George Coetzee (VW Polo); Pieter Greeff/Steven Robinson (2003 Toyota Corolla 1600); Roland Himmel/Juan Erlank (car entry to be announced), and the only female entrant, Welmie Kuhn/ST Kuhn (2006 Toyota RunX).
Kuhn was an official last year, but the rally bug bit her, and this year she will take centre stage behind the steering wheel of her Toyota RunX.
The pre-race activities like vehicle scrutinising and drivers’ briefings will take place as from 14:00 on Friday at Omateko Lodge, where the rally teams will do their last preparations before the race later that afternoon. -Nampa

FRANCOIS LOTTERING

↧

Paralympians take centre stage

September 6, 2016, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: New board for professional boxing

≪ Previous: All set for Shell V-Power Gobabis Rally

Paralympians take centre stageThe long wait for the start of the 2016 Paralympic Games is finally over, with the opening ceremony to be held today. Namibians to compete on Thursday

The countdown to the Paralympic Games is over as the competition kicks off today in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The nine Namibian athletes that have made it to the world showpiece will be seen in action from Thursday in track-and-field events, powerlifting and swimming.
Namibia’s medal hopes are on flag-bearer Johanna Benson, power lifter Ruben Soroseb and the world championship gold medallist Johannes Nambala.
Nambala won the men’s 200m T13 world title in both 2013 and 2015 and will be aiming to become the first male athlete representing Namibia to win Paralympic gold.
Ananias Shikongo, who won three gold medals at the All-Africa Games last year, is also eyeing a medal as he makes his first appearance at the Paralympic Games.
The guides have also prepared well and are optimistic that their athletes will give it their best shot.
Speaking to Namibian Sun from Brazil, Lahja Ishitile’s guide David Ndeilenga said they are in top form.
“We are looking forward to the games since it’s our first Olympics,” he said, adding that training is going well and they have no complaints so far.
On the second day of the competition, Nambala will also be in action for the 100m heats.
“So far all is good and am in good shape, just waiting to step onto the track and give it my level best,” said the confident Nambala.
The president of Disability Sports Namibia (DSN), Charles Nyambe, has called on the athletes to give it their best shot.
“Paralympic athletes have been doing well but we do not want them to relieve the past glory but to put up a new competitive attitude and know that the other athletes that they are meeting there have prepared just like they,” he said.
He said the Namibian athletes need to be competitive and he is optimistic that they will do the country proud.
Namibia is represented by nine athletes with four guides.
They are Johanna Benson, who won Namibia’s first ever gold medal at the Paralympic Games four years ago in London; Johannes Nambala, the current T13 200m world champion; T11 athlete Ananias Shikongo, who won three gold medals at last year’s All Africa Games; and T11 athlete Lahja Ishitile, who won a bronze medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Other athletes are Martin Aloysius (T12 - 400m), Elias Ndimulunde (T46 - 100m, 400m), Moses Tobias (T11 - 100m, 400m), power lifter Ruben Soroseb and swimmer Gideon Nasilowski.
The four guides are Sam Shimanda, David Ndeilenga, Even Tjiviju and Andre Oberholster.

KAINO NGHITONGO

↧

New board for professional boxing

September 6, 2016, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Cricket team shows promise at T20 Africa Cup

≪ Previous: Paralympians take centre stage

New board for professional boxing

The minister of sport, Jerry Ekandjo, has urged the newly appointed members of the Namibian Professional Boxing and Wrestling Control Board (NPBWCB) to take boxing to all corners of the country.
Ekandjo was addressing the five board members on Monday.
“I trust that you will professionalise boxing and ensure that it reaches a high standard that will always be fair,” he urged the new members. The minister appointed Ellison Hijarunguru as the new chairman of the NPBWCB. Ronald Kurtz, Phillip Mwandingi, Victoria Hamunyela and Dr Jenny Hepundjua were appointed as members for a three-year term.
Ekandjo told the board members to appoint a deputy chairperson.
Ekandjo explained that the appointment was in line with the Boxing Act of 1980, which he admitted was outdated.
He said the new board has a task to ensure that Namibia gets a new Boxing Act.
“The new board has a huge task to ensure that with the Directorate of Sports, you have to make sure that this year we have got a new Namibia Boxing Act that deals with professional boxing,” he said.
New chairperson Hijarunguru said as the longest-serving member he believed that they can take boxing to greater heights.
The term of the previous board ended in March this year.

KAINO NGHITONGO

↧

Cricket team shows promise at T20 Africa Cup

September 6, 2016, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Muinjo hails Zimbabwe''s toughness

≪ Previous: New board for professional boxing

Cricket team shows promise at T20 Africa Cup

Namibia’s senior national cricket side showed glimpses of what they are capable of during this year’s Africa T20 Cup but eventually couldn’t achieve their goal of topping the table.
The Africa T20 Cup is a Twenty20 cricket tournament organised by Cricket South Africa (CSA).
It features a combination of South African provincial teams and teams representing other African countries, including Kenya, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
Namibia, coached by Dayanand Thakur, used the event in Pietermaritzburg to prepare for their crucial away matches in the ICC’s Intercontinental Cup and World Cricket League next month in Papua New Guinea.
The visitors got off to a flying start when they beat Western Province by two runs last Friday.
Thanks in big parts to Pikky Ya France’s 40 runs; the Namibians accumulated 137 for 9 wickets off their 20 overs.
In their innings, Western Province got off to a slow start but gradually built the pressure.
Namibia started throwing everything they had at the South Africans as JJ Smit got three wickets to keep the opponents at bay.
With only a single over left to play for Western Province, the result could go either way but the Namibians held on to take home the win.
The following day would see an equally close encounter against North West, but this time the Eagles were on the losing end.
With Stephen Baard (43) and the in-form Ya France (24) looking to score almost at will, another win looked to be on the cards.
However, both were bowled out in quick succession and the rest of the batting order couldn’t utilise their full potential, ending their innings at 132/8.
In reply, North West racked up 135 runs in 19 overs to win the game by four wickets.
In their last game, the Namibians were beaten convincingly by a strong KwaZulu-Natal Inland side.
KZN reached 146/9 in their 20 overs. Namibia were bowled out for 84.
From 14 to 22 September, Saudi Arabia will arrive in the Namibian capital for three friendly games.
The two nations, whose aim is to build long-term relationships for the future, will play one T20 match on the 16th, followed by two 50-over games the following two days.

PROACTIVE

↧

Latest Images