US vote race tightens

September 6, 2016, 3:00 pm

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US vote race tightens The first of three presidential debates that are expected to be the most watched moments of the election is just three weeks away. Clinton, Trump kick off their race to election finish Rivals Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump sprinted out of the campaign blocks Monday to begin their two-month dash to the US presidential election, descending on Ohio as ground zero of their 2016 battle.
The candidates used Labour Day - the traditional launch of the home stretch of the presidential campaign - to push their arguments that they would be best for working-class Americans.
Democrat Clinton maintains an edge over Trump in national polls, has dramatically deeper ground operations in swing states, and trounced Trump in August fundraising.
But the Republican flagbearer’s unorthodox White House bid, including his campaign’s apparent imperviousness to criticism about his harsh rhetoric, assures a tight contest for the next 64 days.
“I’m not taking anybody, anywhere for granted,” Clinton told a crowd of more than 1 000 at a picnic in Cleveland.
Highlighting the intensity of the fight for battleground states like Ohio, Trump was already on the ground in Cleveland for his own campaign events when Clinton landed, their planes parking about two football fields apart on the tarmac.
“I’m ready. I’m more than ready,” she said of the intense two-month battle ahead as she attempts to become the first female US commander in chief.
But after a few days of rest from campaigning, Clinton coughed her way through portions of her Cleveland remarks.
Suffering one of her worst coughing bouts of the race, she paused to sip water, her voice reduced to a crackling whisper at times.
That’s sure to fuel critics’ claims that Clinton, 68, has serious health problems. Clinton dismissed such “conspiracy theories,” saying her coughing was just from seasonal allergies.
Clinton debuted her new campaign plane - with the slogan “Stronger Together” emblazoned on the side - and brought the press corps aboard her jet for the first time.
Under extensive criticism from her rival and journalists for not holding a full press conference in nine months, she answered questions for more than 22 minutes on several topics, including tensions with Russia over accusations of cyber-espionage.
Clinton expressed “grave” concern about reports that Russia has been interfering in the US electoral process through invasive cyber-attacks on the Democratic Party and an apparent attack on voter registration systems in Arizona.
And she implied Moscow was trying to help get Trump elected.
“I think it’s quite intriguing that this activity has happened around the time Trump became the nominee,” she said.
On Monday, Trump followed Clinton’s lead, inviting some journalists aboard his private jet where he discussed his immigration platform.
Just a week after traveling to Mexico for his first international trip as the nominee, and then returning across the US border to deliver a nativist immigration speech, he assailed Clinton for having “no plan” on immigration.
“What her real plan is, she has total amnesty” and a pathway to citizenship, he said, reiterating his opposition to such a legalization process without undocumented immigrants leaving the country first.
Under Clinton, “people can pour across the border and it doesn’t matter who the people are.”
Clinton shot back by recalling Trump’s meeting with Mexico’s President Enrique Pena Nieto and their clash over Trump’s plan to have Mexico pay for a border wall.
Trump “can’t even go to a friendly foreign country without getting into a fight,” she said during a campaign stop in Hampton, Illinois.
Trump, who visited a Cleveland diner to meet with union members, is seeking to capitalize on simmering frustration among blue-collar workers over jobs and wages.

NAMPA/AFP

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Gabon’s justice minister resigns

September 6, 2016, 3:00 pm

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Gabon’s justice minister resignsThe country had previously enjoyed relative political stability, mainly because former colonial power France helped Omar Bongo rule for 41 years. Opposition leader Ping calls for strike Gabon’s justice minister resigned on Monday, in the first high-level defection after days of violence following incumbent Ali Bongo’s disputed re-election, as the opposition leader called for a general strike to “topple the tyrant”.
Despite Jean Ping’s appeal for an economic blockage, the centre of the capital Libreville was its usual bustling self on Monday as France said several of its dual citizens were “unaccounted for” following clashes and mass arrests.
After being shuttered for days over the post-election violence, banks and shops were re-opened in the seaside city and taxis were returning to the streets.
According to an AFP count, post-election chaos has claimed at least seven lives in the oil-rich central African nation, ruled by the Bongo family since 1967.
Gabonese authorities, however, said Monday the toll was three killed and 105 wounded, with the government saying some deaths had previously been incorrectly attributed to the clashes.
Bongo’s rival Ping, a veteran diplomat who has held a top African Union job and served as foreign minister, has vowed to challenge the election results.
“We cannot accept that our people will be killed like animals without reacting,” Ping said on Facebook.
“I propose to cease all activity and begin a general strike,” he wrote.
“We must use all means of resistance to topple this tyrant and believe me, he is on the verge of falling.”
Bongo was declared victorious by a razor-thin margin of just under 6 000 votes, but Ping has insisted the vote was rigged and on Friday claimed victory for himself.
In the first high-level defection since the vote, Justice Minister and second deputy prime minister Seraphin Moundounga on Monday announced his resignation and demanded “a recount of the votes, polling station by polling station, and registry by registry”.
Ping too is calling for a recount -- something the Gabonese authorities have so far refused to do. Speculation has mounted that he could launch an appeal for a recount at the Constitutional Court.
Ping’s supporters say fraud was rampant, notably in the Bongo fiefdom of Haut-Ogooue in the east.
It is one of the country’s nine provinces and turnout there, according to official figures, crossed 99 percent with 95 percent voting for the president.
Meanwhile, a high-level African Union delegation including “African heads of state” is ready to be dispatched to Libreville to help calm the situation, AU chairman and Chad President Idriss Deby said.
The violence after the announcement of the results on Wednesday has sparked international concern with top diplomats calling for restraint as rights groups raised alarm over the use of excessive force.
Some 800 people have been arrested in recent days in the capital, with the authorities accusing them of looting, while lawyers say they are being held in “deplorable” conditions.
“Arrests have been carried out in recent days. Several French compatriots are unaccounted for,” according to a statement from French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault.
They are believed to be roughly 10 dual French-Gabonese nationals who cannot be located, according to a diplomatic source.
Anxious family members crowded before the court house in Libreville, hoping to catch a glimpse of loved ones missing since the rioting.
Several prisoners on Monday told AFP they had been beaten, denied food and water or questioned harshly by authorities.
NAMPA/AFP

Obama cancels Duterte showdown over ‘whore’ slur

September 6, 2016, 3:00 pm

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Obama cancels Duterte showdown over ‘whore’ slur











US President Barack Obama cancelled a meeting with foul-mouthed Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte yesterday at a regional summit after being branded a “son of a whore” who would wallow like a pig.
The pair were due to meet in the Lao capital of Vientiane at a gathering organised by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, an annual event meant to foster harmony but which often highlights regional rows.
This year’s edition was launched with a spectacular fallout between the United States and the Philippines, longtime allies that have seen relations plunge under a barrage of insults from Duterte since he came to office on June 30.
Obama’s aides announced that his planned meeting with Duterte yesterday afternoon had been called off following a fresh tirade by the Filipino leader the previous day.
Shortly before flying to Vientiane, Duterte warned he would not be lectured by Obama over a war on crime in the Philippines that has claimed more than 2 400 lives in just over two months.
“You must be respectful. Do not just throw away questions and statements. Son of a whore, I will curse you in that forum,” Duterte told reporters when asked about his message for Obama.
Duterte, who has quickly earned a global reputation for his acid-tongue, then used typically colourful language to describe their planned meeting if rights issues came up.
“We will be wallowing in the mud like pigs if you do that to me,” he said.
Duterte had previously also branded the US ambassador to Manila a “gay son of a whore”, and sought to taint the reputation of Pope Francis’s mother in similar fashion.
Duterte was elected to office in a landslide this year after pledging to kill 100 000 people in an unprecedented war on crime.
When faced with criticisms over an apparent spate of extrajudicial killings in his crime war by the United Nations, he responded with what has become familiar abuse.
“Maybe we’ll just have to decide to separate from the United Nations. If you are that disrespectful, son of a whore, then I will just leave you,” he said last month.
But faced with the Obama backlash on Tuesday, Duterte offered a rare moment of contrition, albeit qualified.
“While the immediate cause was my strong comments to certain press questions that elicited concern and distress, we also regret that it came across as a personal attack on the US President,” he said in a statement.
The setback in US-Philippine relations comes at a crucial time in the region, with China seeking to cement control over the contested South China Sea.

NAMPA/AFP

Expose the looters

September 6, 2016, 3:00 pm

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Expose the looters Public procurement in Namibia remains vulnerable to corruption with certain firms getting tenders on the basis of bribery, connections or simply by virtue of officials holding simultaneous business interests elsewhere. When finance minister Calle Schlettwein tabled the reviewed Public Procurement Bill in the National Assembly last year, he emphasised that the new document provided a fresh perspective on the way procurement is currently handled in government. Although the new Act opens up participation in the procurement system to SMEs and previously disadvantaged persons, including women, there are a lot of discrepancies within the system that must be addressed urgently. Yes, we have fought tooth and nail for a system that promotes integrity and fairness in public procurement procedures and also to increase transparency and accountability. However, there are fears that public procurement is becoming a source of easy money for unscrupulous public officials who exploit flaws in the existing laws, leading to the looting of the public purse. Our story yesterday about the Ministry of Works and Transport’s decision to invite tenders for the procurement and delivery of rails has raised eyebrows with experts, who question why government is not sourcing rails from an accredited manufacturer and instead prefers to do so via a third party. The three tenders that went out to supply 60 000 tons of rail for the railway sections from Walvis Bay to Kranzberg, Kranzberg to Otjiwarongo, and Otjiwarongo to Tsumeb is reportedly worth a combined N$1.5 billion, rails which will inevitably take 10 years to lay. This is big money considering the deepening financial crisis government reportedly faces. Where will the money come from to buy these massive amounts of rail? It clearly defies logic as to why government is rushing the purchase of large quantities of rails under a very questionable and dubious cloak-and-dagger arrangement. Government must be wary of these unscrupulous elements that are blatantly looting the public purse for their own benefit only. It is high time that these types of tenders are properly evaluated to avoid the embezzlement of public funds through shady tender deals by greedy people.

Informal settlers want ‘Harambee’

September 6, 2016, 3:00 pm

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Informal settlers want ‘Harambee’The Okahandja Park residents staked their claims to pieces of land that they plan to occupy illegally. Tired of renting and can’t wait on government More than 300 residents of the Okahandja Park informal settlement started clearing land illegally on Monday, saying they are tired of waiting for “Harambee”.
The Harambee Prosperity Plan is the brainchild of President Hage Geingob. After he took office in March last year he announced the targeted plan which is supposed to accelerate development and improve access to serviced land, among other interventions.
On Monday afternoon the group staked their claims to pieces of land that they plan to occupy illegally.
Although observed by the City Police, the group insisted that they would not move from there until the government starts delivering on “empty promises” made during last year’s election campaign.
A spokesperson for the group, Mbenda Immanuel, said they are tired of renting, and can no longer wait on the government.
“We do not even have electricity and water; we must walk long distances to get water and we don’t have toilets here. The women living here are risking their lives when they go to the bush for toilet,” he said.
He added that the shacks they are living in are bunched together, which means if one catches fire it spreads to all the others.
“We are doing this to show them that we need the land. That Harambee they are talking about, we want it to come here. If the rich people come then they have it ready but the poor man must always wait,” said Immanuel.
Another settler, Manuel Crespo, said the lack of ventilation in the shacks contributes to the spread of tuberculosis (TB).

Feedback
Windhoek Mayor Muesee Kazapua said he feels sorry for those living in informal settlements.
“I am not denying that they are not faced with challenges but we have already started addressing this shortage of land when we launched the massive urban land servicing in the Goreangab area,” he said.
He pointed out, though, that the government does not have enough resources, therefore the City of Windhoek is trying to see how it can speed up the delivery of serviced land.
“We are now looking at implementing the spatial development framework to formulate information in order to address these issues. This will allow us to fast-track the servicing of land and to address the issues of sanitation,” he said.
JEMIMA BEUKES

Manwu wants unsafe companies blacklisted

September 6, 2016, 3:00 pm

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Manwu wants unsafe companies blacklisted The Metal and Allied Workers Union says companies that violate occupational safety and health (OSH) standards at the workplace should be blacklisted and not awarded tenders.
This was one of the points discussed during the Manwu national congress held from 24 to 27 August.
According to Manwu the congress noted that there are several areas of the Labour Act that need to be improved to protect workers’ rights.
The union said health and safety standards and penalties for non-compliance should be stipulated in the Labour Act to protect workers.
Furthermore the union said that a national minimum wage of N$20 an hour should be introduced in Namibia.
According to the union workers should be reinstated promptly after winning cases of unfair dismissal.
It suggested that the labour commissioner’s office should speed up the handing of cases in order to prevent hardship for the workers involved.
On another topic the congress noted that there has been an increase in union rivalry.
The union said this is caused by the interference of former union leaders in the affairs of unions, and the formation of rival unions by former union leaders.
It said division among workers and union leaders is fuelled by disrespect, favouritism, lack of communication, and the spreading of lies and rumours.
The congress resolved that shop stewards must receive training that include the political and historical background of the union and be trained as facilitators to educate their co-workers.
It was also resolved that the union must focus on the interests of workers and not use leadership positions for political or business gains.
The congress noted that there is a lack of trust in the union’s branches and that workers are unhappy with the lack of urgency when dealing with problems brought to the organisers.
The congress elected Angula Angula as president and Ingrid April as vice-president of the union. Thompson Mate was elected as treasurer, Hilly Shamulele as deputy treasurer, and Cecilia Kamburu as national secretary. Richard Isaaks was elected as deputy national secretary, Justina Jonas-Emvula as general secretary and Enwich Kazonda as deputy general secretary.


ELLANIE SMIT

Murder confession is admissible evidence

September 6, 2016, 3:00 pm

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Murder confession is admissible evidence The Windhoek High Court has ruled that indications made by a murder accused during investigations into the killing of an 18-year-old woman in 2012 are admissible evidence in the trial.
Moses Ndiiweda Puleni is on trial for the murder of Paulina Nghidinitango and appeared before Judge Nate Ndauendapo this week. The state had argued that Puleni willingly showed the police where he had put the money and other items that he took when he allegedly robbed a shebeen in Albert Conradie Street, Katutura on the day he murdered Nghidinitango.
The court further declared that the confession made by the accused, before the Magistrate’s Court on 5 January 2012, was also admissible as evidence that will be used against him.
Ndauendapo said he will deliver the judgment at the end of the trial and the reasons for his ruling in the trial-within-a trial where Puleni was disputing a confession he made at the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court in January 2012.
Puleni maintained that he was coerced to make the confession following threats of violence by the police officers investigating his case.
According to Puleni, he made the confession out of fear for his life after threats made by the police.
During the trial-within-a-trial, magistrate Johannes Shuuveni told the court that he did not observe any uneasiness or fear when he recorded the statement.
According to evidence given by the magistrate, the accused was adamant that he wanted to make a confession to a magistrate despite having made one to a police officer. Shuuveni said Puleni appeared to be in his sound and sober senses and he acted normal and he was relaxed.
Shuuveni informed the court that Puleni was repeatedly asked whether he was coerced or threatened in any way to make the confession and he answered ‘no’.
However, the defence lawyer Mbanga Siyomunji was adamant that his client was not adequately informed of his legal right not to incriminate himself.
Puleni had pleaded not guilty to the murder, rape and robbery with aggravating circumstances charges when his trial started in the Windhoek High Court almost a year ago.
According to the state, Puleni was with Nghidinitango at a shebeen in Katutura on 31 December 2011 when he attacked her and bound her with pieces of cable or wire. It is alleged that he proceeded to rape her and he killed her by either strangling her or using a piece of wire or by smothering her with a towel.
It is further alleged that he robbed the shebeen of N$69 000, and allegedly stole two cellphones, a pair of spectacles, three wallets, an unknown amount of liquor, and cigarettes, MTC recharge vouchers, two bundles of keys and two identity documents belonging to Josef Siwombe and Matine Siwombe.
Puleni was arrested three days after the gruesome discovery was made at Damara location in Katutura.

FRED GOEIEMAN

Tread with caution

September 6, 2016, 3:00 pm

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Tread with caution Namibian snake expert and catcher Francois Theart educates readers about how to deal with snakes. Tips for avoiding snakebite this season As winter ends and the hot weather returns Namibia’s snakes re-emerge after having gone underground during the colder months.
With the ongoing drought in Namibia, the chances of encountering snakes are more likely than usual, according to Namibian snake expert and catcher Francois Theart.
“There is no food or water in the bush, which causes rodents, the main prey of snakes, to move towards human habitat. The snakes follow their prey and this is where the conflict starts.”
However, by following a list of basic tips shared by Theart, and keeping up to date by joining the ‘Snakes of Namibia’ Facebook group, these encounters can be overcome with the minimum of fuss.
Theart and other snake experts are on standby around the clock to catch them in towns and take them back to the veld where they belong.
“Whether we like it or not, snakes are very important to us as they help maintain a healthy balance in the ecosystem,” Theart explains. Moreover, snake venom has played a critical role in the development of a number of medicines.
“Without these misunderstood animals, we might never find a cure for many diseases. It is therefore very important that we conserve these magnificent animals.”


AVOID, AVOID, AVOID


Theart advises that there are no effective snake repellents, but by avoiding certain places that offer suitable hiding places for snakes, encounters can be kept to a minimum.
These include being careful around, or avoiding, places where building materials such as bricks, pipes and roofing sheets are stacked.
Furthermore, avoid compost heaps, rockeries, aviaries, chicken coops, fish ponds and loose rocks, or remain alert as they may provide a source of food or hiding spots for snakes.
Theart says animal feed should be stored in rat-proof containers. “Where there are rats, there are going to be snakes,” he warns.
Keeping doors shut and sealing any cracks or holes through which a snake can enter serve as basic snake-proofing of a building.


SNAKE ALERT


In case a snake is encountered, Theart says the main thing is not to try to kill the snake, as that may result in a bite.
He advises that when encountering a snake, it is best to call professional snake handlers, whose contact details are available on the Facebook site ‘Snakes of Namibia’.
“It is normal to kill snakes out of fear or misunderstanding, however about 50% if all snakebites occur when people try to catch or kill the snake. It is safer for the person and the animal to call in a professional.”
He adds that the best response when you meet a snake is to keep calm. “Stand absolutely still, as most snakes will flee immediately. If the snake stands its ground, however, retreat slowly.”


FALSE MYTHS


Theart says one of the most common false myths about snakes is that they chase people.
“In my ten years of catching some of Africa’s deadliest, including black mambas, I have never been chased by a snake. Most snakes will try to get away when encountered and will only defend themselves when they feel threatened.”
Another myth is that snakes have nests. It is also untrue that snakes travel in pairs, and if one is seen, another must be nearby.
“This is not true. Snakes are loners and will only be seen together during mating season.”
Theart has listed a number of simple steps to take in order to avoid snakebites.


STAY ALERT


These include wearing proper clothing when walking in the veld, including long trousers and boots, using a flashlight when walking at night and avoiding long grass.
He says that simply staying alert and watching your step when walking over loose rocks and logs could avoid unfortunate encounters.
When collecting firewood at dusk or at night, be very careful.
Importantly, “do not pick up any snake, no matter how harmless it may seem … do not pick up what appears to be a dead snake, as some venomous species fake death.”


FIRST AID


If, despite all precautions, a person does fall victim to snakebite, it is critical to keep the person calm and reassured, he says. If a hospital is within 40 minutes’ drive from the scene, it is critical not to waste time with first aid but rather rush them to the health centre.
Basic first-aid tips include removing all jewellery and tight clothing, laying the person down and keeping them as still as possible. Elevate the affected limb and transport them to the nearest hospital.
“Pressure bandages should only be applied to black mamba, cape cobra and anchietas cobra bites,” he emphasises.
There are four big no-no’s when it comes to snakebites.
Do not cut or suck, apply a tourniquet, apply ice or give the victim alcohol or inject anti-venom as a first-aid measure.
If a person gets snake venom in the eye, quickly rinse it out with running water for about 10 to 15 minutes and avoid rubbing the eyes.
Should anyone in Windhoek encounter a snake, contact Theart at 081 290 0343 or join the Facebook page for numbers of snake catchers elsewhere the country.
JANA-MARI SMITH

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Rehoboth residents threaten faeces attack

September 6, 2016, 3:00 pm

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Rehoboth residents threaten faeces attack

About 100 Rehoboth residents took to the streets yesterday morning to protest alleged poor service delivery and corruption in the Rehoboth town council.
The protest was organised by Lukas de Klerk of the DTA’s Rehoboth branch. Also present were DTA secretary-general Manuel Ngaringombe and national chairperson Jennifer van den Heever.
Speaking during the handing over of a petition to Rehoboth Mayor Christina Blaauw, De Klerk said basic services such as water are a human right.
“Not paying the water bill and purchasing a new Fortuner (bakkie) worth N$700 000 are not acceptable. Instead of paying their bills, the council members splash the cash on luxuries,” he fumed.
De Klerk was referring to the disconnection of the town’s water supply two weeks ago.
He said the minister of urban and rural development should investigate the council’s financial and administrative affairs.
The DTA gave the council 14 days to respond to the petition.
“If they decide not to implement what is in the petition then we will bring buckets of human waste and throw it in their offices. I therefore appeal to the minister to respond to this petition in writing within 14 working days; no later than 26 September,” De Klerk said.
Ngaringombe said the protest was not politically motivated.
“We are only sympathising with them [residents] to fight for their basic rights such as water and electricity,” he said.
Ngaringombe said the town council’s books should be transparent. He questioned where the council got the N$6.3 million that it paid NamWater to reconnect the town’s water.
One of the petitioners, Alfred Bock, said their grievances are not only about water, but also the laxity of the council’s administrators.
“All of them in their luxury offices should be removed and competent people be appointed to serve the residents of Rehoboth. We are tired of lies,” said Bock.
After receiving the petition, Mayor Blaauw said protests and marches are not the only platforms to address issues and urged residents to make use of monthly council meetings to raise concerns.
“The council is aware of issues raised in the petition, thus a proper platform should be used to raise these types of issues. The petition will be submitted to the council in terms of the governing act. The resolutions taken from the petition will be revealed to the community,” she said.
Asked where the N$6.3 million came from to reconnect the water supply and the N$700 000 for the mayor’s car, municipal spokesman Jeffrey Kasupi said the council has different types of accounts to get money from.
“The investment accounts, call accounts and recurring accounts can be used to source funds and pay bills. The car was bought on hire purchase, so the allegations are devoid of any truth,” Kasupi said.
NAMPA

Councillor wins interdict against Swapo

September 6, 2016, 3:00 pm

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Councillor wins interdict against Swapo

The High Court has granted an order interdicting Swapo from continuing with plans to swear in a new councillor at the Helao Nafidi town council.
Former Helao Nafidi councillor Ester Ndatala Nghidimbwa dragged the ruling party to court after Swapo failed to comply with an instruction from her lawyers to reverse its decision of removing her from the council.
Nghidimbwa was sworn in as councillor instead of another candidate, Lucia Nghililewanga, after the local authority elections held in November last year.
Nghidimbwa was not a candidate for the Helao Nafidi town council but instead a candidate for the regional council election in the Oshikango district. Nghililewanga complained and asked the Swapo leadership why she had been replaced.
The reason given for her removal was to equally divide the number of seats won by Swapo among the three districts, a decision which was taken at a regional level. Swapo won six seats in the Helao Nafidi council.
Last month Swapo ordered Nghidimbwa’s removal after discovering that she was in fact a candidate for the regional council election and not for the local authority election.
The respondents included the Swapo Party, the Swapo secretary-general, the Helao Nafidi town council, Helao Nafidi Mayor Eliaser Nghipangelwa, Nghililewanga and the ECN.
“The decision by Mbumba was made without a fair process being followed. I was not heard, nor was I given an opportunity to cross-examine or call witnesses before the decision was made,” Nghidimbwa argued.
Judge Hosea Angula, who presided over the urgent application, postponed the matter to 12 September.

FRED GOEIEMAN

Schlettwein accepts Fitch’s negative stance

September 6, 2016, 3:00 pm

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Schlettwein accepts Fitch’s negative stanceThe government under-estimated the threats to the Namibian economy, the finance minister has acknowledged after an alarming review by Fitch''s ratings agency. Entering the age of ‘less with more’ Rating agency Fitch’s dampened opinion on whether Namibia can comfortably honour its debts was not entirely unexpected.
Although efforts to address the issues highlighted are already under way, Finance Minister Calle Schlettwein yesterday acknowledged that the country may have underestimated the impact some of these have had.
At a press briefing in Windhoek, Schlettwein acknowledged the Fitch findings, the most standout of which was a revised outlook from “stable” to “negative”, as objectively obtained and reflective of the situation on the ground.
He maintained, however, that Fitch’s overall assessment, whether on the domestic, regional or international market, remained positively in the realm of investment grade, unchanged since the country started dealing with rating agencies back in 2005.
“It is important to note that Namibia has voluntarily decided to subject its economy to international credit rating agencies,” the minister said.
“It is a necessity when trading on the open market to have your trustworthiness objectively evaluated.”
Namibia approached Fitch back in 2005, and later approached Moody’s for an additional credit rating opinion.
Fitch’s most recent opinion, issued on Friday, follows a mission by the agency to Namibia on 3 and 4 August 2016, Schlettwein said.
“I think one can fairly say the opinion expressed is based on a broad enough view to qualify as objective. We are satisfied that discussions held were broad based and many stakeholders were consulted,” he said.

Short of income
Key factors considered by Fitch in its opinion included Namibia’s budget deficit, which grew to 8.3% of GDP last year; an increase in government’s debt stock to 38.2% of GDP; and declining levels of international foreign reserves, to around 3.4 months of import cover.
Addressing these, Schlettwein said the government missed its target of a 5% budget deficit because it collected less revenue than it had budgeted.
This was mainly due to a drop in SACU revenue, sourced from tariffs charged on imports.
“The South African economy is the main contributor to the SACU revenue pool. So given a faster and more severe contraction of that economy, that contributed considerably to the shortfall,” Schlettwein said.
In terms of the domestic economy, he said the droughts of the last three years continued longer than expected and affected more industries than initially anticipated.
Another miscalculated risk was the global crash in commodity prices, Schlettwein said, which had further impact on the economy through its crippling of the Angolan economy.
“Our northern neighbour Angola is highly dependent on oil, and Angola is a major trading partner of ours,” he said.
Lower oil prices have resulted in Angola’s reserves being diminished, and by extension caused a standstill in trade between the two countries.
Besides hurting the trade of finished goods from Namibia to Angola, local businesses transporting these goods have also felt the impact, the minister said.

On top of it
Stressing government’s preparedness, Schlettwein said his Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) tabled in Parliament in February provided a basis for roping in expenditure, and was welcomed by Fitch in its statement.
The ministry is reviewing this year’s budget and the MTEF, he said, with specific proposals on spending cuts, including freezing and suspension of funds for recruitment in the civil service and non-priority development projects.
Furthermore, the ministry has had various engagements with banks and the domestic financial services sector on how to better leverage private funds for the use of domestic financing and infrastructure development.
“Through the spirit of openness and evidence-based policy, all proposals for intervention measures will be subjected to stakeholder consultations,” he said.
These, he said, would further inform compilation of the 2016 mid-year budget review, which he confirmed will be delivered at the end of October.

DENVER ISAACS

Struggle kids threaten return to Windhoek

September 6, 2016, 3:00 pm

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Struggle kids threaten return to WindhoekThe protesters staying at a Swapo plot north of Windhoek say they plan to return to the party headquarters in the city before the end of the week because they are being ignored. Mourn highway death of fellow protester The struggle kids are mourning the loss of one of their group members who was run over on the B1 road outside Windhoek last week Friday.
Tomas Kondjeni, 31, was run over while crossing the road and will be buried in northern Namibia today.
The group say they have plans to march back to the Swapo headquarters in the city, but are not doing so out of respect for their recently deceased comrade.
“Kondjeni does not have a father or a mother, and therefore the MVA Fund refuses to assist in burying him and getting him back to the North. We plead with them, but no one is responding, and all of this just because he is an orphan,” group spokesperson, Jerry Hamukwaya claimed yesterday.
The struggle kids also blamed Swapo for not helping with Kondjeni’s burial.
“Swapo could have made one call and have had MVA provide a dignified funeral for our brother. We are not alright with the kind of treatment, even in death,” said another group spokesperson, Frans Otto.
According to the group’s representatives, Kondjeni’s uncles and aunts put together money to transport his body to the village for burial.
“We don’t really know all the details, but one of the guys here are talking to the family members and they said that they are tired of waiting for government to do something. They are scared he will rot in the mortuary so they are taking their brother and sister’s child to go bury him,” Hamukwaya said.
They said after the funeral they plan on heading back to the Swapo headquarters in Windhoek before the end of the week to hear what has happened to the promises made to them in June by Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila.
“After our brother is laid to rest, we are going to be mobilising and sending a team to the Swapo headquarters to hear when they are going to give us the jobs that the prime minister promised us when she met with our representatives some months ago,” Otto said.
Hamukwaya said a month has passed since Swapo lawyer Dirk Conradie served them with an eviction order on behalf of Kalahari Holdings, who owns the Brakwater plot where they are staying.
The group then promised Conradie that they would no longer block public roads and be a “public nuisance” if they were allowed to stay at the plot.
“We have been calm and quiet because we were told to be. Now we have waited a month and still nothing has happened, and not even Conradie has reverted back to us about the demands that we made, and the promises he made to us with his own mouth,” Hamukwaya said.
“Nothing has happened since that meeting, or our meeting with Conradie. Swapo cannot even provide transport for us to go and bury Kondjeni, yet they said they would and have not since reverted back to us. There are a lot of empty promises that are just not being dealt with, and we can only take so much silence,” said Hamukwaya.

KEITH VRIES

Taxi drivers threaten to strike

September 6, 2016, 3:00 pm

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Taxi drivers threaten to strike

A looming strike is threatening the country’s taxi industry due to several pertinent issues that taxi drivers want to be addressed immediately.
On 20 September taxi drivers will embark on demonstrations, immediately followed by a national strike, if the relevant authorities are not forthcoming with feedback on issues raised by the taxi drivers.
The strike will start in Windhoek, from where it will then spread to the regions.
According to the Namibia Transport and Taxi Union (NTTU) the current conditions of employment for taxi drivers are undesirable and tantamount to forced or slave labour and therefore they demand that their human dignity be restored.
The union said that taxi driving is not seen as a dignified job and as a result they are treated harshly and inhumanely.
The union said it wants taxi and bus drivers to be recognised and regarded as employees in order to start engaging employers in the industry on issues seriously affecting their employees.
These include the provision of social protection to all drivers as well as the introduction of a basic salary in the industry and an increase in their salary, which the union says will be a good start to attain a sustainable standard of living.
Furthermore the union said the behaviour of law-enforcement agents towards taxi drivers need to change, as their current attitude is undesirable and the protection of taxi drivers’ rights as workers in the industry must also be addressed.
The union also demanded that enough taxi ranks be established and, where necessary, pavements be lowered.
The union said if the government fails to address this concern the taxi drivers have decided to lower pavements themselves.
Another point of concern is foreigners driving taxis, which they claim contravenes several laws, and they threatened that if these foreigners are found operating during the strike they might find themselves regretting that decision.


The union also implored the police to issue the maximum fines to those operating without the relevant driving documents and to arrest foreigners immediately and deport them.
“They are acting against the laws of this country by taking up employment without proper authorisation and working in an industry prohibited by the laws of Namibia as these are reserved for Namibians only.”
The union implored the government to expedite the process on implementing new regulations for the public transport sector.
The union will hold another meeting with its members on Sunday to finalise arrangements for the strike.

ELLANIE SMIT

Bomb threat a nasty hoax

September 6, 2016, 3:00 pm

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Bomb threat a nasty hoax

A handwritten bomb threat left in the men’s bathroom of a popular Windhoek gym on Monday led to the evacuation of about 200 members until a security sweep found the premises safe later that night.
The police yesterday warned that bomb threats are taken very seriously and will be investigated. Nobody had been arrested in connection with the threat by yesterday afternoon.
The note, written on a sheaf of toilet paper, was found by a gym employee on Monday afternoon, the police said yesterday.
The note read: “I planted a bom in this gym. 5 Sept 2016. C you on the other side lossor [sic].”
While experts say lifting fingerprints from tissue paper is close to impossible, handwriting analysis is being done in an effort to identify the culprit.
A police spokesperson, Inspector Slogan Matheus, said the note was discovered shortly after 16:00 on Monday and was immediately handed to management.
He said the gym’s management sprang into action and promptly evacuated the facility. Police and emergency personnel were notified shortly afterwards, including the fire brigade, private emergency services and the police’s explosives unit.
Four explosives sniffer dogs were dispatched to help search the gym.
During the search, a licensed firearm and a passport were discovered in the bag of an unnamed gym member.


“He was interviewed by the police, and we could not establish any link between the patron and the note. The firearm was handed back to him and police investigations into the matter continue,” Matheus told the media yesterday.
The police dismissed rumours that drugs were found in another member’s bag during the search.
Several gym members were stranded outside the gym for at least three hours while the security sweep was under way, unable to get hold of their car or house keys and phones kept in their gym bags.
Matheus said NamPol was “not pleased with the behaviour of some of the gym patrons”, who ignored warnings to step away from the premises during the search.
“People should not stand or stray around the bomb area, and should move away as far away as possible to avoid any injury to themselves or damage to their property in the event of an explosion,” he said.
JANA-MARI SMITH

Opposition backs teachers

September 6, 2016, 3:00 pm

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Opposition backs teachersAmid a strike ballot by teachers in the public service, two opposition parties are pleading for presidential intervention to solve a pay dispute that will cripple schools during exam time. RDP, DTA plead with president to intervene While teachers yesterday started voting on whether to embark on a nationwide strike, opposition parties have expressed their support and begged President Hage Geingob to urgently intervene before it is too late.
Teachers have until 15 September to vote in favour of a strike following government’s decision to offer them a 5% salary increase while they demanded 8%.
While the government has warned teachers that they will not be paid if they go on strike, it also promised that salaries will be increased by 7% during the next financial year (2017/18).
RDP president Jeremiah Nambinga this week pleaded with President Geingob to immediately solve the pay dispute and “rescue” thousands of school children who are preparing for their final exams.
He said the government has created a serious problem with regard to the salary structure in the public service.
According to him it is common knowledge that in Namibia people in critical professions such as teachers, nurses and even doctors are underpaid when compared to politicians.
Nambinga said the excuse that the government does not have enough money to raise teachers’ salaries is “most disturbing”, disrespectful and lacks integrity.
“Who will be convinced by such a cheap argument when at the same time the government is forcefully driving the construction of the new parliament that will cost billions of Namibian dollars, the upgrade of the Hosea Kutako International Airport and the new office of the prime minister,” Nambinga asked.
He said a lack of money is not a convincing argument for denying teachers their deserved salary increase while allowing “political projects” to benefit the elite.
Nambinga said the only viable option for the government is to increase salaries to a decent level and stop playing delaying tactics.
According to him the government has managed to create even deeper inequalities in the country instead of levelling the playing field.


DTA president McHenry Venaani said the government has lost sight of what the issue is really about; which is the value and dignity of teachers.
“This dispute is not about money, it’s not about percentages – it’s about the need to be valued, respected and treated with the dignity that is becoming of the people who shape the future of the Namibian child and our country,” the leader of the official opposition said.
According to Venaani the salary dispute is not about comparing increases for political office bearers to those for teachers, or demanding that money from planned capital projects be diverted to teachers’ salaries.
“If we value teachers, why are there teachers in the rural areas who are forced to live in corrugated iron shacks? Why are there teachers who have to walk many kilometres to fetch drinking water, cook on firewood and use the bush as toilets? If we value our teachers, why do we pay them wages that mean that the majority of them cannot afford decent housing?”
“And when the school pass rates are not what we expect, the first people blamed are the teachers,” he added.
“We are quick to call them lazy, unqualified, drunkards – the list goes on. But when teachers say that they cannot teach under tents and trees with no textbooks in classrooms of 40 or more pupils, do we listen? Do we care?” Venaani asked.
He said teachers deserve to be treated with dignity and respect and they should not have to resort to a strike to be heard.
“We will all wake up and realise that while we bicker over percentages the people who will suffer most are the Namibian children. Is the government ready to be responsible for that?”
DTA member of parliament Elma Diena said as a former teacher and a parent who has children in a government school she is not only directly affected by the strike but she knows the conditions in which teachers have to work.
She said the cost of living is going up and for years teachers have asked for an increase but they have been ignored.

ELLANIE SMIT

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Salt takes on salty challenge

September 7, 2016, 3:00 pm

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Salt takes on salty challengeNamibian businessman Bruce Salt will try to join an elite list of people who have swum across the English Channel. Businessman to swim English Channel Namibian businessman Bruce Salt is to face the tough challenge of swimming across the English Channel later this month.
Salt will embark on the epic challenge on 27 and 28 September with the support of Flying Fish, one of SABMiller Namibia’s flagship products.
He is doing it in support of the CCNF (Cancer Care Namibia Fund).
If successful Salt will become the first Namibian man to cross the English Channel, which is the body of water that divides southern England from northern France.
It is considered to be the ultimate endurance challenge, with not only the incredible 35+ km swim, but also the variable conditions including waves up to two metres high, sea temperatures ranging between six and 15 degrees Celsius, jellyfish and ocean debris.
It is also one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, with 600 tankers passing through and 200 ferries and other vessels crossing daily.


Official


For Salt's swim to be officially recognised, he is not allowed to touch the support boat or make contact with another person for the duration of the 14- to 18-hour swim.
This gruelling challenge has a story, one of loss, adversity and hope.
On 17 April 2011, Neil Salt, Bruce's eldest brother, succumbed to lymphoma.
Neil was a respected honorary member of Hochland 154 Round Table and spent most of his life in community service and community development in Namibia.
It was Neil Salt's dying wish that the CCNF be created to assist Namibian cancer patients, for the specific benefit of having family members present during cancer treatment.
Neil's experience shaped his belief that medical treatment would be enhanced by the physical presence of family members.
During his treatment period, Neil noticed how many cancer patients were struggling alone in the absence of family support.
Neil soon realised that the lack of family presence with many cancer sufferers was due to financial constraints.
Thus it was his desire to provide financial support for an immediate family member or partner to be physically present, as most funds assisting cancer patients are not always able to directly assist in respect of travel and accommodation.
It is Bruce’s determination of making a difference to cancer sufferers in Namibia that Flying Fish has decided to become a partner in this physical and mental challenge.
“As a brand with its beliefs and values based on adding flavour to everyday life, we considered this a no-brainer to jump right in and partner with Salt for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure and great cause,” said Martin Cronje, SABMiller Namibia’s business and information analyst.
Those needing assistance from the Cancer Care Namibia Fund can send an email to dianne@saltinc.na for an application form or can visit the Facebook page www.facebook.com/Cancercarenamibia.


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I Believe Swakop dominates //Goa!Hoab festival

September 7, 2016, 3:00 pm

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I Believe Swakop dominates //Goa!Hoab festival

The I Believe Swakop club showed dominance when two of their sides won their categories at the //Goa!Hoab festival, which was held at Mariental from 26 to 28 August.
The annual event caters for football players over 40 years but this year saw an additional category for footballers over 50. The netball, meanwhile, stuck to one category with the over-40 players represented.
A total of 37 football teams and 19 netball sides made their way to Mariental to compete in the popular tournament.
Teams came from Rehoboth, Windhoek, Oranjemund, Keetmanshoop, Okahandja, Otjiwarongo, Hoachanas, Gobabis, Karibib, Stampriet, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.
The event was held at Gobabis last year and at Omaruru the year before that. According to reports, this year’s edition was a success and offered fun for all involved.
I Believe Swakop won the first edition of the 50+ football event, walking away with N$5 000 after beating Windhoek //Goa!Hoab, who had to settle for N$3 000 as prize money.
The Swakopmund side also claimed the netball tournament to take home N$10 000. Their final opponents, Walvis Bay, took home N$7 000 while Graniet Swakop and Windhoek //Goa!Hoab each received N$2 500 for reaching the semi-finals.
In the 40+ football tournament it was Tura All Stars who came out victorious after beating Keetmanshoop Old Crocks in the final.
All Stars claimed N$20 000, while the runners-up received N$10 000.
The tournament also gave prize money to the losing semi-finalists, who each received N$5 000, while the losing quarter-finalists got N$2 500 each.
A number of individuals made sure the event took place, with the minister of education, Katrina Hanse-Himarwa, Hardap Governor Esme Isaak, the Mariental sport officers and John Ramakhutla of Rama Trading mentioned as some of the contributors.
I Believe Swakop coach Ignanda Hoeses said their group received additional sponsorships from Premier Construction, Eagle Garage, Minimarket and Ekandjo Bottle Store to make their trip possible.
“We will be eternally grateful to them and everyone who came out to our celebrations march last weekend,” she said regarding a parade that started at Heroes Bar and went through Independence Street before concluding at the Mondesa Sport Field.

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WTS gives youngsters a chance to play

September 7, 2016, 3:00 pm

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WTS gives youngsters a chance to play Warren’s Tennis School hosted a junior tennis tournament at DTS on the weekend of 5 and 6 August.
The tournament was sponsored by WP Transport.
This was the second time that WP Transport sponsored an event hosted by Warren’s Tennis School.
The first one was in May in Swakopmund which had 42 entries. The Windhoek event had 30 entries.
Children of all levels from Mini to Intermediate level participated.
“What was encouraging to see was the number of young children at the event. The youngest was six years old,” said Warren Frewer, who runs the development school.
Warren’s Tennis School expressed thanks to WP Transport MD Markus van der Merwe for his generous contribution and assistance towards developing tennis in Namibia.

Results:
Mini A
Winner: Mitchell Morkel
Runner-up: Caden Bosman

Mini B
Winner: Felix Horitzauer
Runner-up: Pia Luck

Beginner
Winner: Thalia Pienaar
Runner up: Jaco Kruger

Advanced Beginner
Winner: Raica Coelho
Runner-up: Larushka Kruger

Intermediate
Winner: Keagen Kleinstuber
Runner-up: Tyler Straiton

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Blue Waters to celebrate legacy

September 7, 2016, 3:00 pm

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Blue Waters to celebrate legacyOne of Namibia’s oldest football clubs is getting ready to celebrate an important milestone in its history. Club plans big bash for 80th anniversary Namibia’s second oldest soccer club, Blue Waters FC, founded by a teacher Daniel Shimbambi in February 1936 in the Old Location of Walvis Bay, is celebrating its 80th anniversary.
Blue Waters Sport Club chairman Hafeni Ndemula has announced that the club will celebrate the event on 1 October at the Kuisebmond Soccer Stadium, with other activities to take place at the Blue Waters field.
The family of the late Daniel Shimbambi will unveil his tombstone at Swakopmund Old Cemetery on 1 October as part of the commemorations.
The club’s patron, Ben Amathila, will open the celebrations on 30 September.
President Hage Geingob and First Lady Monica Geingos will attend a gala dinner on 1 October.
“It will be a memorable occasion filled with fun and excitement.
“We are planning a street procession from the Kuisebmond Fire Station to the Blue Waters soccer field at 08:00.
“This will be followed by a fun day programme with various netball and soccer games for the public to enjoy and we invite everyone to join us in the festivities and to celebrate this special day in the history of the club,” Ndemula said.


All set


King Mandume Muatunga, a former chairman of the club and mayor of Walvis Bay, heads the organising committee.
He said the arrangements are 80% completed, and invited all former players, managers of Blue Waters, the Namibian Premier League (NPL) and all former teams that played against Blue Waters to be part of the event.
“We are also looking forward to have Tigers present as the oldest team as well as a number of great players that played against our legends.”
The team, fondly referred to as the ‘Beautiful Birds’ or ‘Omeya’ (Oshiwambo for water), was transformed from Blue Waters FC to Blue Waters Sports Club in 1990 and includes other sport disciplines such as cricket and youth development.
Since the club’s formation 80 years ago, Blue Waters have won major cup tournaments and attracted some of the best players from all over the country, such as Tobias Akwenye, Jacob Ingo, Joël Amadhila, Adolf Lucas, Johannes Mutilifa, Johannes ‘Tifu’ Nendongo, Elliud Munjere and many more.


Near collapse


Blue Waters nearly faded into oblivion in the early 1960s as its best players joined some Namib Woestyn players to form Eleven Arrows, which won most major tournaments in and around Walvis Bay.
The team accommodated netball in the mid-1960s led by Nana Muvangua, a teacher from the then Inboorlingskool in Kuisebmond (now Immanuel Ruiters Primary School) and produced a number of excellent netball players during the 1970s.
Players such as Loide Viringa and Queeny Kambongarera were replaced by newcomers such as Elly Bamm and Meriam Pinehas in the early 1980s.
With the formation of the Namibia Premier League in 1985, Blue Waters clinched four league titles in 1988, 1996, 2000, 2003-2004 and is currently the second team after Black Africa (10) in terms of league wins.
After Namibia’s independence, the first two players from the side to be selected for the Brave Warriors were Dokkies Theodor and Chicken Kasaona. They were later joined by the mercurial Sandro de Gouveia, who would go on to represent Namibia at the 1998 African Cup of Nations.
The first coach of the Brave Warriors, Shepherd Murape, coached Blue Waters in the 2000s and Eliphas ‘Oupapa’ Shipanga, a member of Blue Waters’ technical team, was the national team’s first manager.
Blue Waters have won a number of major tournaments including the Dave Furniture’s (1978), Samwel Thaniseb (1980), Isak Kahatjipara (1984), Werner Dupene (1987) and Eleven Arrows Soccer Tournament (1987).
The club also clinched the Windhoek Lager NFA Cup (1994), Metropolitan Super Champ Cup (1995), BP Top 8 Cup (1996), Inaugural NFA Windhoek Lager Christmas Cup (2000), MTC Christmas Cup (2002), MTC Christmas Cup (2003) and the FNB Cup (2005).
Hendrik Dawids took over the team in 1998 and ran the team on business principles for eight years.


OTIS FINCK

Top karate expert grades Namibian

September 7, 2016, 3:00 pm

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Top karate expert grades Namibian Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate Namibia yesterday announced that the chief instructor in Namibia, Sensei Carl van der Merwe, has been awarded the very senior grade of 7th Dan (7th Degree Black Belt) in Naha, Okinawa, Japan.
The grading system has 10 degrees of black belts.
Sensei Carl successfully completed the grading test in front of a grading panel headed by Higaonna Morio Sensei, 10th Degree Black Belt, and Sensei Bakkies Laubscher, 9th Degree Black Belt.
These two grand masters have a combined 120 years of karate training between them.
Black belts are not easily awarded in Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate.
The black belt grading system has a minimum waiting period about six years between 5th Degree and 6th Degree.
In the period between black belt gradings a minimum number of karate seminars must be attended to increase technical skills.
A candidate's contribution to develop karate not only on the floor but also off the floor is evaluated, as well as the responsibility taken for students and organisational affairs.
Sensei Carl last graded in 2008 and had to wait at least seven years to be invited again for a grading test.
Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate is affiliated to the IOGKF (International Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate Federation).
The IOGKF has thousands of members in 53 countries.
Sensei Carl is now one of the top 40 seniors of the IOGKF in the world.
This is regarded as a special moment for Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate Namibia and for Namibian karate in general.
The grading test was presented at the 7th World Budosai, a very prestigious international karate seminar presented every four years in Naha City, Okinawa, Japan.
Namibia was represented at this event by senseis Carl van der Merwe, Stefan van der Merwe, Rowan Carstens and Shaun Fobian.
This was the largest karate event ever presented in Okinawa. A total of 1 100 participants from 41 countries attended the week-long event.


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