Shedding light on the rainbow community

July 1, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Shedding light on the rainbow communityProud and owning it! The end of June has marked the conclusion of the internationally celebrated pride month but this doesn’t mean that discussions about inclusivity and acceptance of Queer individuals and the revision of laws regarding discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity have come to a close. Evany van Wyk and Ester Kamati

Aedin Mohrmann, the co-founder of Land of the queers expressed that negative perceptions of the LGBTQIA+ community are common despite the fact that these are simply normal human beings with a different sexual orientation. “We would like to create a space where everybody can feel safe and express themselves, he said.” Land of the queers was birthed after Mohrmann ‘came out’ to his mother and thereafter realized that there are other people who may have had similar experiences to his and wanted to create a platform where these individuals can share their stories and experiences and offer advice to those who need it as they face challenges including but not limited to breaking through stigma. Mohrmann expressed that acceptance means the world to the queer society as it creates a world where people can step away from labels and simply be themselves and not feel unsafe for expressing themselves.

Samantha Feris, a phycologist from let’s talk psychology describes a gender non-conforming person as an individual who’s gender expression is different from their physical gender. She added that the term is used to refer to people who do not conform to the stereotypical or social expectations of their gender or birth sex. According to her, this could be seen through using different pronouns e.g. a female identifying as he or him, dressing differently, e.g. a male person dressing femininely or committing to stereotypes that match other genders such as men wearing feminine makeup.

Acceptance

People who form part of the LGBTQIA+ community globally face a lot of judgement and rejection from not only society but their inner circles as well, Feris explained that parents especially use religion to justify their non-acceptance or say a child's untraditional sexuality will bring disgrace upon their family. “We need to realize that many parental generations were raised with strict Biblical beliefs that God created ‘man’ and ‘woman’ and wouldn’t want their children to go against that, s/he said.”

She added that this can be improved if parents foster caring relationships to understand their children’s reasoning regarding their LGBTQIA+ identity as well as showing them sufficient love an acceptance despite external judgements. In addition, showing queer individuals a sense of belonging through inviting their partner or friends to family gatherings will improve their relationship and make them feel accepted.

A new study from the Family Acceptance Project (FAP) finds that though there are a number of sources for the support of the LGBTQIA+ youth, none has as big an impact as acceptance by families. According to Feris, peer support, community support, and being out and open all contribute to life satisfaction, self-esteem, and sense of self-worth and belonging for young people, but family support had a significantly stronger influence to adjustment and well-being in general.

Support groups

Jholerina Angel-Khoetage Timbo, a transgender activist founded ’Wings To Transcend Namibia (WTTN)’ in 2015, an organisation that focuses on transgender inclusion in a Namibian society. Timbo had to live in “the closet” but despite this, she was still stigmatised and discriminated against by other students. “It really got to me because many of the teachers turned a blind eye,” said Timbo. According to her, Namibia is not so different from most African countries whereby religion and culture are often used to justify intolerance and hate. Timbo further mentioned that Namibia especially needs to work on inclusivity. ”Regardless of one’s sexual orientation and gender identity, we are human and deserve to be protected by the law,” Timbo stated. According to her, Namibia can never be a thriving country as everyone is not afforded the same opportunities just based on sexual orientation and gender identity. “When a person loses the right to be different, you lose the freedom to be free,” Timbo concluded.

Understanding the importance of a support group, Marcelo Coetzee, a Nust student established the LGBTQIA+ Society to create awareness regarding different sexual orientations and to further educate interested parties on all related LGBTQIA+ discussions. In addition, he mentioned that this society creates a prejudice free zone for all its members. Coetzee expressed that being surrounded by individuals who accept them for who they truly are, sets students’ minds at ease even if their family doesn’t accept them and that they find a sense of belonging. “This shows society that their discrimination reaches the youth as well and is proof that the youth is ready to take a stand for what they believe is right,” Coetzee added.

“Coming out”

Coetzee advised queer individuals to take their time when it comes to letting people in on their sexual orientation as this may be a difficult announcement to make. “Your journey is your own, don’t be rushed or intimidated by others who are further along in their own journey of self-discovery. Sexuality and self-expression are complex things that take a while to figure out, so take your time and trust that you will find yourself and reach a level of self-love and confidence to be yourself,” he said.

Speaking to a member of the LGBTQIA+ community in Namibia who has not yet come out of the proverbial closet, Zone got some insight as to what challenges are faced. According to the individual who prefers to remain anonymous, he identifies as bisexual. He also further added that he has not told his parents yet. “Because of their strong religious believes, it is quite difficult for me to be honest,” he said. He does however hope that he can one day gather enough strength to be able to tell his parents, because pretending to be someone you’re not can have its psychological toll. “I’m supposed to share everything with my parents, but I’m too scared of how they’ll react,” he said. This is a problem that many of Namibia’s youth struggle with. Every day around the world, LGBTIQ people’s human rights and dignity are abused in ways that shock the conscience. The stories of their struggles and their resilience are astounding, yet remain unknown or ignored by those with the power to make change.

Importance of pride month

Pride month

“Celebrating pride shows the country that we as the LGBTQIA+ community will not remain silent to the unfair treatment and discrimination that most members of the community go through. Pride allows us to stand together”- Marcello Coetzee

“Pride month is a celebration of the tenacity of the human spirit that despite the tribulations and systems put in place, love and inclusivity, which the rainbow community wants to foster still prevails. Pride month is not necessarily just for queer people but for allies and those who resect and support the rainbow community”- Aedin Mohrmann

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The difference between a career and a job

July 1, 2019, 4:00 pm

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The difference between a career and a job Elizabeth Joseph

Oftentimes youth opt for an unhappy job, instead of working towards a career.

It is very important that students, as well as learners, know the difference.

On 28 of June, the Namibian College of Open Learning (Namcol), along with several other tertiary institutions, including the Southern Business School, the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) and the University of Namibia (Unam), hosted a career fair, where knowing the meaning of a job vs a career was highlighted.

Students got the chance to ask questions that helped them gain clarity on the courses they may want to do, their duration and the requirements.

Namcol deputy director Jan Nitschke said one of the most important decisions anyone will make is choosing a career, and that is why they saw the great need for the career fair.

“When you choose a career, it is going to be the most important decision you will make in life. It is so much more than deciding what you will do to make a living,” he said.

This event was a timely one, as learners are getting ready for their mock examinations later this month.

The keynote address was delivered by Namcol board member Tonata Ash Uwanga. He motivated the learners to know what careers are available, saying they should do enough research to make sure they choose a career that can help them be successful one day.

“In line with your vision, there are important things you need take into consideration first before you start planning,” he said.

The learners gathered in the Nahas Angula hall to see for themselves what the tertiary institutions had to offer.

Empowering female Einsteins

July 1, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Empowering female EinsteinsGirls making an impact in the world of science The Women in Science (WiSci) STEAM programme is an all-girls camp that allows for engagement between high school girls who share a mutual love for science, technology, engineering, arts and design and mathematics. Ester Kamati

Dr Fungai Bhunu Shava, the associate dean for research and innovation at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) said the science, technology, engineering, arts and design and mathematics (STEAM) camp was first established in 2015, after the United Nations Foundation’s Girl Up initiative partnered with stakeholders such as Intel and Microsoft.

Primarily established in the United States, the initiative has since grown to impact over 500 girls across the globe. The camp has been subsequently hosted in Peru in 2016, Malawi in 2017, in Namibia in both 2018 and 2019 and is scheduled for Georgia next year.

This year the camp was strictly local and hosted 60 schoolgirls from all 14 regions of the country at Nust for a period of two weeks from 18 to 29 June.

During this time, the girls were mentored by local inspirational women and had access to facilities such as laboratories, in which they performed experiments with the guidance of their mentors.

According to Shava, the institution put together a curriculum that includes several workshops for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. These workshops were facilitated by academics from Nust and the University of Namibia (Unam), as well as industry practitioners.

The girls were exposed to lectures about versatile topics ranging from DNA extraction to the re-use of plastic waste to reduce pollution. One of the girls that attended the event was Helena Mwandingi, who assured she was going to share all the things she learnt at the camp with the girls at her school.

The camp was proudly sponsored by the US embassy in Namibia and Girl Up, a WiSci founding partner and an initiative of the United Nations Foundation, represented by Musonda Chikwanda from Zambia.

Chikwanda, who is the Girl up regional representative in Africa, mentioned that some of the sessions were aimed at teaching and improving the girls’ skills, such as public speaking, advocacy and building a positive image.

Eric Atkins, the US embassy in Windhoek’s public affairs officer, explained that the WiSci camp aims to close the gender gap through access to education, mentorship opportunities, and leadership training. “Girls participate in hands-on activities to learn about various STEAM topics in a cross-cultural learning environment,” he added.

Spotlight on African migration

July 1, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Spotlight on African migration Namibian head of state and Southern African Development Community (SADC) chairperson, Hage Geingob, says African counties need to create conditions that will keep their people on the continent and entice those back who have left.

He also said there is a need for the continent to make urgent progress on the migration policy framework for the region, in order to ensure that the free movement of African persons within SADC becomes a reality.

The policy was reviewed during the 2019 Migration Dialogue for Southern Africa ministerial conference held in Windhoek on Friday.

During his keynote address at the official opening of the conference, Geingob said Africa continues to battle irregular migration and the displacement of citizens due to conflicts and the search for better economic conditions.

“We have also noted with concern that Africans lose their lives trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea en route to seek refuge in Europe. At the same time, we need to promote the re-admission and reintegration of the diaspora back to Africa. Such efforts will ensure that our people can return to their countries of origin with dignity, and contribute to the development of the continent,” Geingob said.

He added that dialogues within the continent must ensure that migration within SADC and Africa is viewed in a positive light, and seen as a means through which Africans can aspire to greater dignity, safety and a better future.

“We owe it to our people, as we are all part of the regional family, the African family, and the human family.”

Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila pointed out that all countries are, in one way or the other, affected by migration.

According to her the conference was of mutual benefit, seeing that experiences could be shared on how to manage the movements of citizens in a manner that promotes the realisation of the commitments made.

“Thus, our take-home lessons are how we maximise the benefit from migration, while at the same time minimising its challenges. Sharing best practices and together charting the way forward on the management of the movement of people in the region will ensure the smooth facilitation of migration across borders,” Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said.

The prime minister added that it is the responsibility of African countries to ensure that lawful channels of migration are created, so that people do not fall prey to traffickers, and do not undertake dangerous journeys, because of stringent assessment policies or difficulties in acquiring visas.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Veil of uncertainty

July 1, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Veil of uncertaintyRundu acting CEO not at work Rundu mayor Isak Kandingu did not confirm whether acting CEO Sikongo Haihambo had left or not, but said his resignation letter was never discussed by the council. A veil of uncertainty is hanging over whether Sikongo Haihambo is still the acting CEO of the Rundu town council.

Haihambo tendered his resignation two months ago, but he was expected to stay until the end of August.

Haihambo tendered his resignation in May, amid vicious infighting amongst the town's five Swapo councillors, which left Rundu operating without a management committee for many months.

“From a political perspective, for the last six months, I do not see us doing the right thing. There are still tugs of war and people pulling in different directions,” Haihambo said in his resignation letter.

The management committee issue was recently resolved after urban and rural development minister Peya Mushelenga intervened.

With his two-month notice period now expired, Rundu residents are eager to know whether Haihambo is still with the local authority or not.

When Namibian Sun visited the council offices yesterday, it emerged that Haihambo had not reported for work.

Attempts to get comment from Haihambo since Friday proved futile, as his cellphone went unanswered.

He did not respond to a text message asking him to clear the air.

Rundu mayor Isak Kandingu did not confirm whether Haihambo had left or not, but hinted that the acting CEO was not going anywhere.

Kandingu said Haihambo's resignation letter was never discussed by the town council and that he is still on contract until the end of August.

“All we know is that his contract is coming to an end in August. No council resolution was taken on his resignation letter,” Kandingu said.

During an interview with Namibian Sun on 31 May, Haihambo said he will only reverse his decision to resign after proper consultations with his wife, as she was the person he consulted before he accepted the acting CEO position.

Haihambo said accepting the position came with a lot of sacrifices.

A mass prayer session was also held following his resignation.

KENYA KAMBOWE

Windhoek water tariff hiked by 5%

July 1, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Windhoek water tariff hiked by 5% A 5% water price hike on the majority of water tariffs, and a revised drought tariff structure in line with the category D severe scarcity water restrictions that came into effect yesterday, were approved by the City of Windhoek council last week.

The City's June agenda notes that the 5% water tariff adjustment was approved for implementation effective as of yesterday (1 July) and that the new drought tariff structure is in line with efforts to control the usage of water “in these difficult times to sustain the scarce resource”.

The City of Windhoek council was advised that the current water tariffs for Windhoek “are way below similar tariffs of other local authorities nationally”.

The council agenda notes that the drought tariff structure categories are aimed at achieving the required water saving targets for the various severity conditions.

The current water saving targets are 15% as per the category D severe water scarcity category.

While the tariffs remain the same for all categories, the limits where penalties are introduced are lowered in each new category. Although the tariffs are not yet gazetted, the 5% increases are likely to result in residents paying N$34.64 per 1 000 litres if their consumption is between 6 000 to 25 000 litres used per household per month, a water consumption tariff table submitted to council shows. The table further shows that households that use between 25 000 to 30 000 litres per month will pay N$69.29 per 1 000 litres, which indicates a proposed 14% increase in the penalty fee for overconsumption compared to the 2018/19 tariffs in category D water tariffs.

Consumers who will use more than 30 000 litres a month will be penalised with a tariff of N$138.57, which translates to a proposed 2% decrease in category D from the previous over 30 000 litre penalty tariff, that was N$141.00 per 1 000 litres. A 5% increase is also being applied to the basic water tariffs charge to domestic and non-domestic users.The 5% tariff increase is lower than the initial 10% proposed increase, in addition to a 5% sewer tariff hike, announced by a City official in May during a talk on water scarcity in Windhoek. The agenda's request to approve the revised water tariffs for the 2019/20 financial year notes that the tariff hike is part of an annual review in order to amend tariffs to recover direct costs as well as indirect costs. The agenda notes that NamWater has obtained an approval from cabinet which reflected an increase of 5% in the bulk water tariff.

The council was advised that the 5% water tariff increases are based on the cost of the bulk purchase increase, inflation, the current national economic conditions, fuel price increase, consultation with stakeholders, outstanding debt, and additional costs to treat water.

Moreover, the current energy cost to transfer from reservoirs, storage and boreholes to consumers, and between reservoirs, is not currently available and is not included in the tariff adjustment, council was advised.

JANA-MARI SMITH

What time is it?

July 1, 2019, 4:00 pm

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What time is it? Time is the indefinite. It is the continued progress of existence and events that occur in apparently irreversible succession - from the past, through the present, to the future.

According to Albert Einstein, "the dividing line between past, present, and future is an illusion".

Thus, reality is ultimately TIMELESS. Trying to wrap my head around this will take forever, and as they say, time is precious. The truth about life is that time flies by and you’ll never be able to do what you plan to. This is because there simply is no time. We work on too many things, we think about too many things, and most of all, we expect too many things. A day has 24 hours. In those 24 hours we’re trying to fit in an entire lifetime - never mind the horrible traffic jams that steal all our minutes. We spend too much time procrastinating. I must admit, I too find myself guilty of not doing things when I should be. It’s hard. You first have to prioritise the important stuff, then you’re stuck with an hour to do something that makes you relax and feel happy, just to have some horrible person ruin it. Before you know it, you’re back to square one: Stressing about stuff and once again losing time.

I have wondered about time travel for a long time. Is it real? Is not real? I’ve got to know. Wouldn’t it be great to turn back the hands of time and enjoy things that there was no time for in the past? Or stop yourself from getting hurt or hurting others? I long for the days when all I had was time. I didn’t know what to do with it. I spent it in the most amazing ways: Lying around, sitting around, walking around, etc. You get it right? I didn’t do a single thing and it was great, until I got bored and just lied down, sat and walked around all over again. You can see how that can be classified as a meaningless existence; not being appreciated and not getting praised for doing well. We all need that type of reassurance once in a while.

The key to any good life is TIME MANAGEMENT and not a time machine. The bad news is that time flies. The good news is that you’re the pilot. Try telling that to a bunch of teenagers staring at their phones and promising to study a little bit later. “Don’t worry mom, I’ll do it later. There is so much time before the exams,” they say, until the exams come knocking at their door and they know nothing.

Dividing up those precious 24 hours is the key to living optimally. Time management is life management. Set time aside for everything, including planning your time. Plan in the finest possible detail and life will start falling into place. What happens when you can’t stick to the plan? Nothing! Just relax, because nobody is perfect and you’re bound to mess up. For me, time used to be such a stretched out thing in high school. It could not pass soon enough, and my patience was running out. Now I realise that time and regret really don’t like each other. They’ll always find a way to slip past each other. Oh, how I long to go back to school and spend hours complaining about the heavy workload and strict teachers. Unfortunately that’s not how life works and we’ll have to live with all the memories of things we could’ve and shouldn’t have done. Make the best of the minutes you have right now. Read that novel you’ve always wanted to, but do it now. Tell your crush that you’re into him or her, and most of all, study now. It is no use procrastinating, because you’re only disadvantaging yourself. Instagram and YouTube won’t be sad when you fail and the television will not be your boyfriend. Just do it, make it happen and be sure to check the clock, because it might be time to make a change.

Lastly, I would just like to add that the time is running out for us all. Whether you’re an atheist who believes in aliens coming to destroy the earth or a Christian awaiting judgement day. You will have to start living right and make the necessary changes to your life. We have to realise that we need to make the best of the fleeting few minutes we have left and not live doing something that we know is not right. As a wise man once said, “time is what we want most, but what we use worst”. Time slips away like grains of sand, never to return again.

Cutting the apron strings

July 1, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Cutting the apron strings While some have been singing the praises of those who would stand as independent candidates against President Hage Geingob in the upcoming general election, there is also a need for some sober debate.

On the one hand, some argue, this will be good for democracy, as variety of choice is the spice of life, or so they say. On the other hand, there may be a more sinister motive lurking. Of course, we should be wary of the puppet strings being pulled in the background during this political experiment. If it is simply about embarrassing Geingob, and getting his support to fall below that of the party in the upcoming election, it doesn’t really help us as ordinary citizens of this beautiful country. If it is truly about establishing an alternative to the Swapo juggernaut, then this should be evidenced by the courage to cut the apron strings that hold an ‘independent’ candidate to the ruling party’s bosom. It has been a source of concern that those who have so far claimed they want to stand against Geingob for the country’s presidency still want to hang onto their Swapo membership cards. Critics can then immediately argue that this is all about throwing sand onto Geingob’s plate - so to speak. The courage to leave a ruling party and start a new formation has not been lacking in Namibia. However, many who have followed this route have felt the sting of isolation and the icy hands of political strangulation, so it is not surprising that there is a lack of courage in 2019. In the same breath, any political strategy that simply has at its heart being ‘anti’ something or someone inevitably does not enjoy longevity. The impunity and corruption associated with the arrogance of a large majority cannot be tackled by the rise of independent presidential candidates. If those who are pushing this strategy were eager to display the courage of their convictions, we would have seen the formation of a new political home for Swapo ‘dissidents’.

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Confidence breeds beauty

July 1, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Confidence breeds beautyRenella is Miss Teen Swakopmund Renella Mathews was recently crowned Miss Teen Swakopmund. r from Namib High School, Renella Mathews, has won Miss Teen Swakopmund.

The 16-yearold enjoys activities that allow her to bond with her family. Mathews also has a passion for numbers and mathematics is her go-to academic subject.

She believes that pageantry grants an individual the opportunity to address problems and issues that are ruining our society.

She was born in Windhoek and attended primary school at St Georges Diocesan School and Windhoek International School. Four years ago she moved to Swakopmund and enrolled at her current school.

In 2017 Matthews scooped second place in a national math congress.

Mathews told The Zone that pageantry is one of her career choices, although it is not her main career goal.

“I strive towards becoming one of the very few qualified actuarial scientists in our country,” she said.

She stressed she would use her title to be voice against drug abuse amongst the youth, which is a cause that is very close to her heart, and a growing concern in society.

“I believe this is a social evil that is can never be addressed enough. The fact is that drug dealers our peers and they are now selling to my fellow youth,” she said.

She added there is a need for more rehabilitation facilities and programmes that are affordable, in order to help youth fight the demon of drug abuse, so they can be reintegrated into society. Drug abuse has a very strong link to mental health, which results in suicidal intentions, she said.

Thus her plea is for us to fight for our future leaders.

The highlight of her journey so far is having her dream turn into a reality, overnight, which is something she will remember forever.

“In the past two months I have learnt how to better my confidence in myself, but I also learnt how to find myself. I got to know myself better,” Mathews said.

She said it was not an easy journey, yet it was an experience she has become content with.

She strives to make the best out of each and every moment.

She plans her day in such a way that she has enough time to go to gym.

Mathews believes in exercise and remaining healthy throughout the year, by incorporating gym time into her daily activities.

She is inspired by her father.

“He has shown me how to work hard for what I want, and to strive for only the best, and be the best that I can be,” she said.



Mathew’s fact box:



· She skipped grade 5, as it was proven that she was academically more advanced than her peers.

· She enjoys writing poetry.

· In primary school she swam for the junior national team.

· She adores mathematics; she believes all the answers are found in numbers.

· She enjoys public speaking as well as spoken-word poetry.

· She does not believe in failure.

· She acts goofy sometimes.

· She studies best after midnight.

· She remembers information better while listening to music.

· She fears grasshoppers.

Foreign med students had shorter exam time

July 1, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Foreign med students had shorter exam time Experts called to evaluate and compare the contested 2018 Health Professions Councils of Namibia (HPCNA) pre-internship exams for medical graduates from foreign medical schools to the exams local students take in their final year, have found the papers are similar but that University of Namibia (Unam) students are given more time to complete the test.

The team of experts was appointed to an independent examination evaluation panel tasked to report their findings to an appeals committee.





Apart from the time discrepancy, the experts highlighted that the papers are similar in structure and difficulty, but are not necessarily based on the Namibian context.

The appeals committee is set to decide on the grievances lodged by more than 100 graduates who qualified at foreign medical schools in Eastern Europe and Asia, most of whom failed to pass the six modules of the pre-internship evaluations in November last year.

Only two out of 207 of the graduates passed all six modules of the evaluation, health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula told parliament in March, while 62 did not pass any module.

Dr Laimi Ashipala, a neutral expert appointed by mutual agreement by all parties, concludes in her report, seen by Namibian Sun that “the examinations are of the same quality with discrepancy in the time allocation”.

She noted that the time allocated for final-year Unam exams is longer than the time allocated for the HPCNA exams.

Dr Shonag Mackenzie, who was appointed for the appellants, concluded that the HPCNA candidates have “over an hour less than the Unam candidates to answer the same or equivalent questions”.

Mackenzie further concludes that “there being no known standardisation of the answers of the HPCNA papers, that the HPCNA November 2018 examination is not equivalent to the Unam final-year exams”.

Her review of the papers also questions the accuracy of the answers in some sections and she states “this is a serious cause for concern as if the candidates gave the correct answer; they would have been given no marks”.



Out of context

On the content of both papers, Ashipala cautions that “most of the questions of both examinations are not at a level of a graduate”.

She underlined the papers were mostly similar in content, structure and the same level of difficulty.

She added that the content of both papers is mostly of general medicine knowledge and “not common cases that graduates will encounter during practice”.

Ashipala notes that most of the questions are taken from the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) website, which helps to assess a physician's ability to apply knowledge, concepts and principles and demonstrate fundamental patient-centred skills that are important in health and disease.

She concludes that these questions constitute the “basis of safe and effective patient care in an American context and not necessarily in the Namibian context”.

A report submitted by Dr Rod Lichtman, an expert appointed to the panel by the respondents, notes that the two sets of papers are similar both in content and difficulty.

Lichtman adds that he regards many of the questions in the papers as “too difficult and also inappropriate for a final-year medical student planning to practice as a GP in Namibia”.

He concludes that “it appears the majority of questions are cut and paste questions that come off the internet and do not represent medical practice and clinical situations in Namibia”.

A ruling by the appeals committee is expected in late August.

Questions emailed to the HPCNA yesterday remained unanswered at the time of going to print.

JANA-MARI SMITH

Swakopmund teen hangs herself

July 1, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Swakopmund teen hangs herself The Swakopmund community is reeling in shock after a grade 11 Namib High School learner committed suicide on the Swakopmund Primary School playground.

Her body was found by two other girls who wanted came to play on the playground.

The incident was confirmed in the weekend crime report issued by police public relations head, Deputy Commissioner Edwin Kanguatjivi.

According to the crime report the girl was found hanging from the swing poles with a rope around her neck.









A suicide note was found in her denim pocket.

Erongo education director Erenfriede Stephanus said a special team of social workers has been sent the two schools to counsel the learners and calm the situation. “Death is a terrible thing. There are so many questions. She was so young with a bright future ahead. Why would she do it? These are the questions we are faced with. The children are traumatised at her school,” Stephanus said.

She added it is worrisome when a young person takes her own life.

She said the directorate is planning a dialogue for teenagers in the region, in order to get them to talk about their feelings and fears.

“I understand the young girl was not an outspoken child,” Stephanus added.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Relief coming

July 1, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Relief comingThousands of drought-stricken cattle wait for pumped water NamWater has finally responded to calls by Oshana and Omusati farmers to pump water from the Olushandja Dam in Omusati to Uuvudhiya, so their cattle can be saved, amid a worsening drought. NamWater is spending over N$2 million to pump water from the Olushandja Dam to Lake Oponona at Uuvudhiya, in a bid to save thousands of thirsty livestock.

The water corporation has finally responded to calls by farmers in the Oshana and Omusati regions to pump water from the dam in Omusati to Uuvudhiya, in order to recharge Lake Oponona in the Oshana Region. The farmers say this is necessary to save thousands of cattle at Uuvudhiya that are under threat due to a critical water shortage.





The Uuvudhiya area has good grazing and is home to a number of animal posts for farmers from Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Omusati and Oshana, but there is no proper water supply.

NamWater started pumping water from the Olushandja Dam a few weeks ago, making use of a 130km-long disused canal.

Last Friday the water crossed the Oshakati-Okahao road, which is about half the distance to be covered.

According to NamWater spokesperson Johannes Shigwedha, following stakeholders' meetings in Oshakati and Outapi in May, they started mobilising financial, human and equipment resources.

“Remember that we had a broken canal and we closed our pumps at the Calueque Dam in Angola and started drawing water from Olushandja Dam to supply purification plants at Outapi, Ogongo and Oshakati. Now we first had to fill up the Olushandja Dam, which is our emergency reservoir, before we started pumping water to towards Uuvudhiya,” Shigwedha said.

“We are using a disused canal, and we therefore started cleaning it first. The water is moving slowly because the soil is dry and there are also several earthen dams along the canal that we are filling up first, before the water proceeds.”

Shigwedha urged communities along the canal to utilise the water, but also cautioned them not to make private off-take points or cause any damage to the canal.

Naturally, Lake Oponona gets its water from the Cuvelai drainage system - a network of oshanas that runs from southern Angola to the Etosha salt pan - but due to poor rainfall this year, no water has reached the lake and it is currently dry.

In July 2016, NamWater started pumping water from the Olushandja Dam, while also making use of the disused canal, but until January 2017 the water had not reached Uuvudhiya.

Shigwedha said this time they are hopeful that the water will reach Uuvudhiya by the end of this month or the middle of next month.

ILENI NANDJATO

Kasaona to lead Gladiators at Cosafa tourney

July 2, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Kasaona to lead Gladiators at Cosafa tourney Former Brave Gladiators captain Uerikondjera Mamie Kasaona has taken over reins as the new head coach of the team for the upcoming Cosafa Women's Championship.

This was announced yesterday at the Namibia Football Association (NFA) Girls Centre in Windhoek, where it was revealed that Kasaona will take up the reins of the team on a temporary basis.

Kasaona will be assisted by former Brave Warriors midfielder and Eleven Arrows coach Robert Nauseb. They both welcomed the task.

The two will receive assistance from former Gladiators head coach Brian Isaacs, who will now take on the role of technical advisor for all the women's senior teams.

“This is going to be a great opportunity for me. I have led most of the players on the pitch in the past and will now step up to lead them from the sidelines,” Kasaona said.

She said Jacqueline Shipanga and Jacky Gertze exposed her to football and coaching at a young age.

“Many thanks to the two, because they saw my capabilities and have invested in me from a young age.

“I want the squad to advance from the (Cosafa) group stages and to bring back the glory days of the Gladiators,” added Kasaona.

The squad is gearing up for the upcoming Cosafa Women's Championship, which will be held in Durban from 31 July to 11 August.

The draw for the competition will take place today.

Cosafa has sent out a strict directive that all participating countries should be led by female coaches, with a minimum of three women on the technical panels.

This decision was made to encourage more women to take up coaching jobs in women's football and in member associations.

Cosafa said it will also ensure that female coaches are included in the different coaching courses taking place in its member countries.

The Gladiators' training will commence tomorrow until 29 July.

The training squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers - Lydia Eixas, Melissa Matheus Agnes Kauzuu and Rejoice Tjituere.

Defenders - Ndapewa Katuta, Enkali Selma, Lorraine Jossop, Lydiana Hanamus, Veronica van Wyk, Emma Naris, Lovisa Mulunga, Veweziwa Kotjipati, Kamunikire Tjituka and Ivone Kooper.

Midfielders - Twelikondjele Amukoto, Thomalina Adams, Millicent Hikuam, Zenatha Coleman, Juliana Blou, Elmarie Fredericks, Annoushka Kordom, Asteria Angula, Eva Uulumbu, Meltret Ujama and Lydia Nanuno.

Forwards - Anna-Marie Shikusho, Beverly Uueziua, Memory Ngonda, Fiola Vliete and Kylie van Wyk.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

'I have come full circle'

July 2, 2019, 4:00 pm

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'I have come full circle'Mannetti weighs up Warriors' future The Cosafa Cup-winning coach has a tough decision to make, if he is granted a contract extension with the Brave Warriors. Brave Warriors coach Ricardo Mannetti says he is still to decide whether he will continue with the team or not.

His contract ends on 31 July.

Mannetti was reluctant to speak about his future yesterday, following a dismal end to the Warriors' Afcon 2019 campaign, when they were beaten 1-4 by Ivory Coast in their final group match. The team suffered two unlucky defeats to Morocco and South Africa in their first two group matches, but were thoroughly outclassed by the Ivoirians, while making some rather silly mistakes. Mannetti said he still has a few weeks to clear his mind and make a decision about the Warriors' coaching job.

He believes that the Fifa normalisation committee, which is currently running the affairs of the Namibia Football Association (NFA), will have the final say on whether he will be granted a contract extension or not.

“I think I have come full circle since I started in the development structures with the association and since my days as under-20 coach.

“I graduated with these specific players and we work very well together in the senior team and we have achieved so much together.

“I have to go back and sit with my family, because I just can't decide out of the blue and say I am done with the team or I am going to continue,” Mannetti said.

He added he has done what he could for the team and achieved what he had to achieve during his reign so far. “It now also all depends on whether the normalisation committee wants me to stay on and under what conditions.

“I believe the conditions they will come up with will also be key, especially what more they want me to achieve and what their objectives are,” Mannetti added.

Mannetti's men bowed out of Afcon 2019 following three successive defeats against three African football powerhouses.

They finished at the bottom of Group D with no points, while scoring only one goal in their three matches. Morocco topped the group with nine points, followed by Ivory Coast and South Africa.

“Overall, I believe the boys did what they could, especially in the first two matches.

“I did not expect the last performance to be like that, because we made immature errors that cost us the game. “My contract is ending on 31 of July and I basically have enough time to clear my mind and decide what is best for me and my family,” Mannetti said.

Born on 25 April 1975, Mannetti grew up in Khomasdal where his passion for sport developed.

Mannetti spent most of his junior years in Khomasdal, where he attended MH Greeff and Khomasdal primary schools.

He went on to complete his school education at Ella du Plessis Secondary School.

In 1992, at the tender age of 17, Mannetti made his debut for the Brave Warriors and went on to obtain 60 national caps.

He had a stint with Civics (1997) and also played for South African clubs Santos (1997-2005) and Bush Bucks FC (2005-2006).

He also had a short loan spell at Avendale Athletico.

In June 2013 Mannetti was appointed as national coach, replacing Swedish national Rodger Palmgren.

Two years later, Mannetti became the first national team coach to lift the Cosafa Cup in South Africa, after his team defeated Mozambique 2-0 in the final.

In 2016 Mannetti led his nation to the Cosafa Cup plate final, which the Warriors won.

Mannetti also helped the nation to qualify for the 2018 African Nations Championship (Chan) and Afcon 2019.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

World Cup showdown

July 2, 2019, 4:00 pm

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World Cup showdownNetherlands face Sweden for a place in the final The Netherlands and Sweden will battle it today out for a place in the final of the Fifa Women's World Cup. The Netherlands are one step away from their first-ever Fifa Women's World Cup final thanks to a core of players aiming to conquer the world after taking Arsenal back to the top in England.

Vivianne Miedema's thumping headed opener in their 2-0 quarterfinal win over Italy on Saturday helped give her side a last-four clash with Sweden today.

It was her third goal in France after scoring an astonishing 31 goals in 28 games for the Gunners, as they won their first Women's Super League in seven years.

Lining up behind her, for both club and country for the past two years, have been attacking midfielder Danielle van de Donk, centre-back Dominique Bloodworth and goalkeeper Sari Van Veenendaal, and Miedema recognised the impact of having the same players form the spine of both teams.

“Obviously it's really easy; we've been playing together for two years, we play as goalie, centre-back, number 10 and me and it's the same at Arsenal, so you get to know each other a lot better,” Miedema said after beating the Italians.

“I just need to look at Dominique Bloodworth and I know where she's going to play the ball. It's the same with DVD (Van de Donk), we just have that connection. It helps me a lot and it helps our team a lot, and I'm happy that we've got that.”

Saturday's strike also increased 22-year-old Miedema's total as her country's top-scorer to 61 in 80 matches for an international side considered relative minnows until very recently, but who in the last three years have surged to the highest reaches of the women's game.

Since taking charge, initially as interim coach in 2016, Sarina Weigman has led the Dutch to just their second-ever World Cup two years after winning every match.

She also received plaudits for the way they played in the European Championships.

“I didn't expect to be in the semi-finals of this World Cup,” said Miedema, whose team have shown they know how to battle.

The Dutch have struggled to express themselves in France, but have won two matches in the dying seconds, including their 2-1 last-16 win over Japan, and have scored the majority of their goals in the final 20 minutes.

“We've been complaining a lot that we've not played the best football, but in the end we're in the semis, we've done amazingly and we can be really proud,” Miedema said.

Jill Roord has just joined Arsenal, a move which would have further strengthened the Gunners' Dutch link, had Bloodworth and Van Veenendaal not left pre-tournament.

However, both departing players agree with Miedema that the connection between the four Dutch dynamos is hugely important to their success.

“I think it's very important. I realised on the pitch that Daniela and Viv are in front of me and I know exactly what they're doing,” said Bloodworth.

“I think we are all in the core of the team, so I think it's important that we're so fluent in working together.”

The 27-year-old Van de Donk has been crucial for Arsenal, scoring 13 times for the London club in their charge to the title last season, and also winning the 2016 FA Women's Cup.

She scored in the 3-0 Dutch hammering of potential final opponents England in the semi-finals of the Euros - her only goal of that tournament - and has proved to be a player for the big occasion.

Van Veenendaal said the Arsenal quartet “feel each other” when they're out on the pitch.

“We're all playing through the middle of the game and we know what we're doing and we know from each other what we're doing,” she said.

“I think that will definitely help.”

NAMPA/AFP

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Starlile wins Rehoboth July Handicap

July 2, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Starlile wins Rehoboth July Handicap Starlile from Okahandja Racing won the 2 200-metre race in the thoroughbred category at the Rehoboth July Handicap held on Saturday.

The thoroughbred category was the main race of the event held at the Rehoboth Horse Racing Track.

Starlile, who also won the race last year, was followed home by Seretse Olibile's Warrior Poet and Target Search from Kobos Racing in second and third place, respectively.

Oro Negro from Kobos Racing continued to dominate the A division 1 000m after winning the same race in three different competitions consecutively.

Olibile's Warrior Poet came second, followed by Attheroyal of Angermund Racing in third place.

Hendrik Engelbrecht's Salahudeen scooped the 1 000m maiden division, while Thomas Jefferson of Junius Racing and Two To Tango from Okaondeka Racing took second and third, respectively.

Two To Tango also went on to win the 1 600m race in the maiden division.

In the graduation 1 600m, Lady Yvonne from Diergaardt Racing came first, followed by Valyrian Steel from Kobos Racing and Little Gypsy from the Professor Supporters Club.

In the D division, Wouksie van Wyk's Royal Fleece took first place, while Eamon Freygang's Bohemia and What Else from Mouton Racing came second and third, respectively.

Mannes Hendricks, who is one of the managers of Okahandja Racing, said they are happy and satisfied with Starlile's performance.

“It's an awesome feeling; we worked around-the-clock and we are looking forward to defending the Okahatjipara July title later in July,” Hendricks added.

NAMPA

NamWater a yamukula onkugo yaanafaalama yomOshana nOmusati

July 2, 2019, 4:00 pm

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NamWater a yamukula onkugo yaanafaalama yomOshana nOmusatiOmeya okwa tegelelwa gathike mUuvudhiya pehulilo lyomwedhi nguka nenge pokati komwedhi twa taalela Ehangano lyoNamWater olya yamukula keindilo ndyoka lya ningwa kaaniimuna yomoshitopolwa shaMusati oshowo Oshana opo a pombele omeya okuza mondama yaLushandja moshitopolwa shaMusati okuya mUuvudhiya, opo ku vule okuhupithwa iimuna mbyoka ya taalela enota. NamWater ota longitha oshimaliwa sha thika poomiliyona 2 opo a pombele omeya momulonga gwaPonona mUuvudhiya okuza kOndama yaLushandja.

Aanafaalama oya popi kutya shoka osha simana noonkondo molwaashoka otaku ka hupithwa iimuna omayovi mUuvudhiya mbyoka yi li ya taalela ompumbwe yomeya. Uuvudhiya ehala ewananawa lyuulithilo na oli li egumbo komwaalu omunene gwohambo dhaanafaalama okuza moshitopolwa ngaashi Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Omusati oshowo Oshana, ihe ehala ndyoka olya taalela uupyakadhi womukundu gwomeya.

NamWater okwa tameke okupombela omeya mondama ndjoka uule wiiwike ya piti, ta longitha okanala koshinano shookilometa 130. Metitano lya piti, omeya ngoka oga piti ondjila yaShakati –Okahao na oga enda etata lyoshinano.

Kwiikwatelelwa komunambelewa omupopiliko gwehangano lyaNamWater, Johannes Shigwedha, konima yomitumba ndhoka ya li ya ningi naakuthimbinga ayehe mOshakati oshowo mOutapi, momwedhi Mei, oya tameke taya longekidha iiyemo, oonzo dhopauntu oshowo iilongitho.

“Dhimbuluka kutya otwa li tu na okanala ka teka na otwa li twa pata oopomba dhomeya mOndama yaCalueque moAngola na otwa tameke tatu longitha omeya okuza mOndama yaLushandja mokutopolela omeya momandiki gwewapaleko netopolo lyomeya mOutapi, Ogongo oshowo Oshakati. Ngashiingeyi otwali tatu udha manga omeya mOndama yaLushandja ndjoka yi li oompungululo dhetu dhopaulumomhumbwe omanga inatu tameka okupombela omeya mUuvudhiya,” Shigwedha a popi.

Shigwedha okwa popi kutya oyali manga taya wapaleke okanala na omeya otaga ende kashona netompelo kutya evi olya kukuta nomeya otaga udha manga moondama dhomevi ndhoka dhi li pooha nokanala hoka omanga omeya inaga tsikila okuya hoka guuka. Shigwedha okwa lombwele aakwashigwana yopooha nokanala ya longithe omeya ngoka ihe okwe ya kunkilile opo kaya yonagule okanala.

Omulonga gwaPonona ohagu mono omeya okuza mUumbugantu waAngola okupitila miishana mbyoka ya pita mekango lyomongwa mEtosha, ihe omolwa omuloka gwankundipala nuumvo, omeya inaga thika ko komulonga ngoka nuumvo.

Momvula yo 2016, NamWater okwa tameke ta pombo omeya okuza mOlushandja Dam, ta longitha okanala hoka, okupombela omeya mUuvudhiya, ihe sigo omwedhi Januari gwo 2017, omeya ngoka inaga thika ko.

Shigwedha okwa popi kutya oye na omukumo kutya omeya otaga ka thika mUuudhiya okuya pehulilo lyomwedhi nguka, nenge pokati komwedhi twa taalela.

ILENI NANDJATO

Aanafaalama ya kanitha oongombe 35 mehuliloshiwike mOhangwena

July 2, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Aanafaalama ya kanitha oongombe 35 mehuliloshiwike mOhangwena Oshikondo shuundjolowele wiimuna moshitopolwa shaHangwena otashi konaakona oshipotha moka omuniimuna a kanitha oongombe dhi li 18 poshikando, taku fekelwa kutya omolwa uuzigo.

Martha Kavela gwomomukunda Ohaihana popepi nEenhana okwa kanitha oongombe dhe dhili 18 ongulohi yetitano lya piti, na keshi kutya omolwashike ta popi kutya oongombe kadha li tadhi ulike omadhidhiliko guunkundi washa.

Uuministeli womauyelele nomakwatathano opautekinika moshitopolwa shaHangwena, owa tseyithile oNamibia Sun kutya omunafaalama gumwe momukunda Ohainengena okwa kanitha oongombe dhi li heyali omanga gumwe mOmundaungilo a kanitha oongombe 10 esiku lya faathana owala.

Omunambelewa omukuluntu guundjolowele wiimuna moshitopolwa shoka, Omundohotola Rauna Athingo, okwa koleke oshipotha shomomukunda Ohaihana ta popi kutya tegelela iizemo okuza kolabora kOvenduka, opo yamone kutya oshike sha etitha eso lyoongombe ndhoka.

Kavela okwa lombwele oNamibian Sun kutya, ongulohi yEtitano oya uvu oongonbe tadhi ningi ekudhilo tali limbilike naasho ya yi koshigunda oya adha oongombe tadhi kondjo nomwenyo.

“Otu na oongombe 46 adhihe kumwe na adhihe odha li iihenguti yomahangu mepya. Odha kala tadhi li iihenguti mbyoka okutameka petameko lyomwedhi Juni ihe inatu dhidhilika nando uupyakadhi sigo ongulohi yEtitano. Oongombe odha kala woo tadhi nu mondama yaakwashigwana na katu shi kutya uupyakadhi owashike.”

Athingo okwa popi kutya itaya vulu okupopya oshindji sigo ya mono iizemo mbyoka ya tegelela okuza kolabora, ta popi kutya oya tameke owala okukokaakona sha landula sho ya lopotelwa oshipotha shoka. Athingo okwa kunkilile woo aanafaalama opo kaya paluthe iimuna yawo niikulya kehe mbyoka taya mono.

Okwa tsikile kutya kutya oshikondo shawo itashi gandja omayele kaakwashigwana yalye onyama yiinamwenyo mbyoka yiisila.

Kavela okwa popi kutya inaya pewa ekunkililo lya sha na oya li onyama ndjoka, na kape na ngoka a mono uupyakadhi washa.

Omolwa omuloka gwankundila ngoka gwa dhidhilikwa nuumvo, iimeno yimwe inayi koka nokukola nawa nooyene yiimuna otaya kunkililwa opo kaya paluthe iimuna yawo niimeno mbyoka, ngaashi omahangu unene ngoka inaga tulako omitse molwaashoka ogeli uusigo kiimuna.

Shoka osha landula sho omunafaalama momukunda Omutsegwonime moshitopolwa shaShikoto, a kanitha oongombe 10 konima sho dhali omahangu inaga kola.

Omundohotola gwiimuna mOmuthiya, Dr Frenada Haufiku, okwa kunkilile aanafaalama kaya gandje kiimuna omahangano nenge iilyaalyaka mbyoka inayi kola.

ILENI NANDJATO

Rape horror continues

July 2, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Rape horror continues Two men are being investigated for allegedly raping an eight-year-old girl at the Tutaleni informal settlement in Walvis Bay.

According to the police crime report, they allegedly raped the girl between May and June this year.

“The 36-year-old was arrested, but the second suspect, who is known, is still on the run. Police investigations continue,” police spokesperson, Chief Inspector Kauna Shikwambi, said.

The victim and her mother live in a shack next to the two men.

“A family member became suspicious and informed the mother, who alerted the police. The child was taken for a medical examination,” Shikwambi said.

Meanwhile, a 28-year-old woman was raped and robbed of N$1 900 by a taxi driver near Ondangwa on Saturday.

The victim, who is from Windhoek, took a taxi until after the Onhuno weighbridge, where her parents were waiting for her.

“The taxi had other occupants who were dropped off before her. After the last person was dropped at Okadoolopa location, the victim and the driver remained in the taxi and the suspect asked to have sexual intercourse with the victim.

“When she refused, at around Okanyofi village, the driver pulled of the road and the victim fled from the car. However, the suspect chased her, caught up with her and dragged her back into the car,” the crime report said.

The taxi driver then drove back to Iindangungu village, where he allegedly raped the woman after threatening her with an okapi knife.

“After he had sexual intercourse with the victim, she escaped again, naked, and ran towards a nearby house, but still the suspect chased her, grabbed her purse and turned back to his car, and drove off. The suspect was arrested and the victim's money and clothing were recovered from the suspect's car.”

Police investigations continue.

In a separate event, a 27-year-old woman was raped, allegedly by a 34-year-old man, on Saturday evening at Smarties location in Okahandja.

According to the police it is alleged that the suspect and the victim were drinking together. The victim was heavily intoxicated and the suspect took advantage of the situation.

JEMIMA BEUKES

N$14m spent on housing, land in Kunene

July 2, 2019, 4:00 pm

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N$14m spent on housing, land in Kunene While acknowledging that economic woes have not spared any of the 14 regions – the Kunene has recorded progress in the areas of infrastructure development, housing, and land provision.

This, at first glance, is what can be deduced from the comprehensive dossier which captures Kunene Region's governor, Marius Sheya's second State of the Region Address (SORA) which he delivered in Opuwo recently. In his SORA, Sheya said the four local authorities in the region collectively spent N$14.8 million for the provision of land and housing during the 2018/19 financial year.

Of this, N$5 million was spent on the construction of water and sewerage services in Katutura Extension 2 in Opuwo for 250 plots, while another 450 plots under the Shack Dwellers Federation in Otuzemba Extension 2 will be completed soon, Sheya reported. In addition, a further N$6.9 million was spent on the construction of storm water canals and for road upgrading to bitumen standard and re-gravelling or road maintenance.

In the town of Kamanjab's informal settlement, N$2.7 million was spent for a water reticulation system to which 142 houses will be connected.

Sheya further implored local authorities to prioritise the provision of the servicing of plots and housing delivery by seriously engaging public-private partnerships.

“We need to partner with credible, competent, financially and technically capable companies to deliver land without delay as these have been identified as one of the leading factors contributing to qualified young professionals leaving our region and businesses not setting up establishments,” Sheya is quoted in the report.

He added that in the delivery of basic services, the local government system continues to show areas of weakness such as the financial sustainability and capacity by the local authorities that needs to deliver key basic services. This, he noted, has a direct impact on ordinary people and the business community.

In terms of infrastructure development, the governor wants to see a significant increase in investment for the delivery of socio-economic infrastructure as a key enabler of access to opportunities and a better quality of life for all the citizens of the region.

NAMPA