Walters backs LGBT marriage

July 10, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Walters backs LGBT marriageGovt opposes High Court application Two women who got married in South Africa 10 years ago have initiated what may become a landmark legal case in Namibia. A High Court bid by a same-sex couple to have their marriage recognised in Namibia will not be opposed by Namibia's ombudsman, who says marriage should be an equal right irrespective of gender.

“We will not oppose this application. That would be contrary to me and the office,” Advocate John Walters said this week.

“As a human rights defender, how can I oppose the right for marriage to be recognised in this country? I have at all times defended and tried to protect and advance the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) persons,” Walters said. The Office of the Ombudsman is one of eight respondents cited in a High Court application brought by Julia Susan Jacobs and Anita Grobler, who was born at Otjiwarongo and married Jacobs in South Africa 10 years ago. The couple have been together for more than 25 years.

The other seven respondents, including the minister of home affairs and immigration and the attorney-general of Namibia, have filed notices that they will oppose the application, arguing that marriage in terms of Namibian laws can only be legal between a man and a woman.

In an a similar case brought by Matsobane Daniel Digashu, and his spouse Johann Hendrik Potgieter in late 2017, the Ombudsman was the sole respondent listed who did not oppose their application to have their marriage recognised in Namibia.





Time is ripe

Walters warned that it's too early to say whether a recent instruction that all pending cases related to same-sex marriages will be heard by a full bench could lead to what some hope will be a ground-breaking recognition of same-sex marriages in Namibia.

Nevertheless, he said, “I believe these issues must be before court,” including the matter of the law which criminalises sodomy.

He said the question before the court essentially is whether marriage extends to persons of the same gender, and the court is the only institution “that can give that interpretation”.

Moreover, he said recent developments in the region have raised hopes, especially among Namibia's LGBTI community and defenders of equal human rights, that the “circumstances might be ripe” to tackle these urgent questions.



High hopes

Namibians have increasingly called for the scrapping of the sodomy law and the strengthening of equal rights and protections for sexual and gender minorities in the country.

Most recently, First Lady Monica Geingos spoke about the need to repeal the outdated law criminalising sodomy between consenting adult men.

At a roundtable discussion hosted by the ombudsman earlier this year to address equal protections for Namibia's LGBTI+ communities, several lawmakers called for these issues to be tackled urgently.

Yvonne Dausab, chairperson of the Law Reform and Development Commission (LRDC), at the time said Namibia's constitution lacked “sufficient language to describe and protect rights pertaining to the LGBTI plus communities”.

She said Namibia's legislative framework does not include adequate safeguards to protect LGBTI persons and same-sex couples, and in some cases, there are “glaring exclusions”.

National Council chairperson Margaret Mensah-Williams said “irrespective of how uncomfortable it is, it is time that we should talk about the LGBTI community. They are part of our communities”.



Equality for all

In an affidavit filed as part of the application, Jacobs said the couple were forced to turn to the High Court last year after facing a number of hurdles in their attempt to relocate to Namibia.

She said that it became clear their attempts to obtain legal documents for her to reside in the country would be rejected “since our 'gay marriage' was not recognised by the Namibian government”.

Jacobs and her legal team argue that there is no Namibian law or statute which “formally recognises the marriage of a husband and wife who got married in another country. Those marriages are simply recognised. The same should be the case with our marriage”.

They further argue that the couple have an equal right to recognition as a family under the Namibian constitution. They argue that it is unconstitutional and discriminatory to deny their marriage simply because they are of the same gender, which infringes on their right to dignity.

The matter has been scheduled for case management before High Court Judge Harald Geier on 4 September 2019. Jacobs and her wife are represented by Stephen Vlieghe of Koep & Partners and government attorney Sylvia Kahengombe is acting on behalf of the respondents.

JANA-MARI SMITH

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Overhaul at NFA

July 11, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Overhaul at NFANew technical director, finance manager coming There will be some big changes at the NFA, as the Fifa normalisation committee embarks on an overhaul. The Namibia Football Association (NFA) has finally decided to advertise its technical director position, while a new finance manager will also be appointed.

Football guru and coach Timo Tjongarero has been shepherding in the technical director post since 2015, on acting basis, since Klaus Starke left the position and returned to Germany.

Tjongarero, who is a sport officer in the sports ministry, has often found himself between a rock and a hard place because of his dual role, with the ministry expressing its unhappiness.

He has, however, endured the pressure and was part of the set-up that helped the Brave Warriors qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Egypt.

“We finalised everything about the position and I believe the vacancy must be out by today or Monday.

“It is a very crucial position and we needed to go through a proper job grading before we can actually do anything about it, Fifa normalisation committee chairperson Hilda Basson-Namundjebo said.

“The most important thing is that we find a suitable candidate to take up this position, because it is very vital to football development.”

A technical director is normally appointed to improve football development and human resources management.

They also consider technical aspects that would help to achieve development objectives.

Coaching programmes, youth development, coordinating courses for coaches and referees, women's football and all activities of the national teams are among some of the priorities of a technical director.

Namibian Sun has learnt that the football association will recruit a financial manager to deal with its finances.

“We all know that the NFA has been a mess as far as financing is concerned and that is why we are planning to bring in a financial manager,” Basson-Namundjebo said.

The changes come as the normalisation committee attempts to leave Football House in order before they make way for a new crop of leaders in September.

The committee announced last week that several coaching posts at the NFA will be declared vacant by August. The Brave Warriors coaching job will also be up for grabs, after Ricardo Mannetti's contract expires on 31 July.

Mannetti will thus have to reapply is he wants to continue in the post. Other positions that are likely to be advertised include coaching jobs for the national junior men and women's teams.

The NFA, whose affairs are currently being run by the Fifa normalisation committee, will be holding a congress on 31 August to elect a new leadership. The mandate of the normalisation committee was initially to run the affairs of the NFA until no later than 31 May, but the committee was subsequently granted an extension by Fifa.

It is tasked to ensure that the members of the NFA, whose executive committees are out of mandate, organise and conduct the relevant elections.

The committee, however, encountered constitutional hiccups within the country's football regions, which delayed the national process of electing new leaders at the football association previously led by Frans Mbidi, as president, and former secretary-general Barry Rukoro.

Fifa therefore granted the committee an extension to allow for a proper transition of power to take place.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

MTC unveils second round of Afcon winners

July 11, 2019, 4:00 pm

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MTC unveils second round of Afcon winners The MTC Africa Cup of Nations SMS competition produced another two winners yesterday, who will travel to Egypt on Monday.

The two winners, who will be accompanied by the partners of their choice, were announced by MTC executive Tim Ekandjo.

Maria Uutoni from Windhoek will be accompanied by her cousin, Lavinia, while Petrus Mwaudanawa was yet to announce who will accompany him at the time of going to print.

The selected individuals need to have valid travelling documents, in order for them to travel on Monday to watch the two Afcon semi-final matches, as well as the final.

The trip is worth N$30 000 per person and is all-inclusive, plus allowances.

Mwaudanawa said he supports Algeria and Nigeria and is putting his money on the Algerians to take the Afcon crown.

Participants had to SMS the word 'AFCON' to 999 to receive a question. Thereafter, they received a question from the short code 1999. SMSes were charged at N$3 each.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

Bafana stumble

July 11, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Bafana stumbleLast-gasp defeat for SA Bafana Bafana stunned hosts Egypt in the last-16, but were eliminated four days later in Cairo after William Troost-Ekong bundled in a late winner for three-time champions Nigeria. Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter admitted it was tough to draw any positives from Wednesday's 2-1 loss to Nigeria in the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

“It's difficult when you've lost a game in the dying minutes, it's difficult to find positives. I'm sure in one week's time I will find some positives, but at this moment I'm finding it very difficult,” said Baxter.

“I thought in the first half we weren't brave enough; brave enough to get on the ball in tight space, and brave enough to press higher. In the second half we tried to do that better, and we managed to get better and more mobile possession, which gave Nigeria more problems, but we still couldn't find that last strike on goal.”

Nigeria took the lead through a first-half goal by Samuel Chukwueze, but South Africa hit back 20 minutes from time when Bongani Zungu's header was awarded with the aid of the video assistant referee (VAR), being used at the tournament for the first time, after the linesman had originally flagged for offside.

“Nigeria were always dangerous, really well-organised and have good players, and because we didn't defend as well as we could and we tried to press higher, we left some spaces down the flanks where their good players could attack,” said Baxter. “And then you make the choice as a coach - you go defensive and try to have 1-1 and go to extra-time, or you try to win the game.

“This is a tournament; you get nothing for a draw. If I had suddenly gone defensive it would be admitting I didn't think we were good enough to beat Nigeria. I think in the tournament you've got to take that chance.

“So we tried to win the game but we lost it in the dying minutes, which is tough to take, but congratulations to Gernot (Rohr) and his team; I'm sure they'll be one of the teams competing to lift the trophy,” the Bafana coach added.

NAMPA/AFP

Fans shower praise on Jadeja

July 11, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Fans shower praise on Jadeja Fans heaped praise on Ravindra Jadeja after the “bits and pieces” cricketer emerged as the unlikely hero of a losing cause, silencing critics who had questioned his place in the star-packed Indian team.

The all-rounder top-scored with 77 to take India tantalisingly close to a win in their World Cup semi-final against New Zealand on Wednesday as they chased a modest 240.

Although India fell 18 runs short, Jadeja earned the respect of fans for his lion-hearted effort in the high-stakes clash.

“Jadeja showed his worth,” tweeted one user, while another said his innings would be “remembered for a long time to come” for its sheer grit and tenacity.

Jadeja, 30, thanked fans for their support, promising to continue giving his best “till my last breath”.

“Sports has taught me to keep on rising after every fall & never to give up,” he tweeted.

Jadeja seemed all fired-up when he walked out to bat on Wednesday, after being written off as a “bits and pieces” player by Sanjay Manjrekar, a commentator and former Indian batsman.

When he reached his half-century, the 11th of his career, Jadeja twirled his bat like a sword during his trademark celebration and appeared to gesture towards the media box where Manjrekar is usually seated.

Jadeja also impressed with his bowling, giving away just 34 runs while taking one wicket from 10 overs.

“@sanjaymanjrekar got Jadeja's juices flowing! I am certain it had a positive effect on his game. Sometimes a kick on one's ego can have a positive impact,” tweeted India's Olympic shooting medallist Abhinav Bindra.

After being ignored for India's initial matches, Jadeja showed his worth as a substitute in the match against England, scooping a brilliant diving catch to dismiss Jason Roy.

Manjrekar was forced to eat his words soon after play ended Wednesday.

“By bits 'n' pieces of sheer brilliance, he's ripped me apart on all fronts,” Manjrekar conceded.

“This is the Jadeja we haven't seen before. Today he was brilliant.”

NAMPA/AFP

Ombudsman ta popile ondjokana yaantu yuukashikekookantu woludhi lumwe

July 11, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Ombudsman ta popile ondjokana yaantu yuukashikekookantu woludhi lumweTa ya popi kutya uuthemba wawo nawu simanekwe Aakiintu yaali mboka ya hokana moSouth Afrika oomvula omulongo dha piti, oya tula mo oshipotha moNamibia moka ya hala ondjokana yawo yi talikeko paveta. Oshipotha mOmpangu yoPombanda moka aahokanathani yaali aakiintu taya pula ondjokana yawo yi talikeko moNamibia itashi patanekwa kombelelwa yombudsman, ndjoka ya popi kutya ondjokana dhaantu yuukwatya wumwe nayi pewe uuthemba ngaashi owala oondjokana oonkwawo.

“Onga omuhwahwameki guuthemba womuntu otandi pataneke ngiini ondjokana yi talikeko moshilongo. Aluhe onda gamene uuthemba womashenge,” John Walters gwombudsman a popi.

Ombelelwa yOmbudsman oyi li momusholondondo gwaayamukuli yahetatu mboka ya tulwa mo meindilo ndyoka lya ningwa kuJulia Susan Jacobs oshowo Anita Grobler, ngoka a valelwa mOtjiwarongo na okwa hokana Jacobs moSouth Africa oomvula omulongo dha piti. Mboka yaali oya kala pamwe uule woomvula 25.

Aayamukuli yalwe moshipotha shoka, uuministeli wiikwameni nomatembu, hahende ndjai gwepangelo, mboka ya popi kutya otaya kapataneka eindilo ndyoka nomatompelo kutya ondjokana moNamibia oya pitikwa owala pokati komukiintu nomulumentu ihe ha pokati kaakiintu yaali nenge aalumentu yaali.

Moshipotha sha faaathana shoka sha li sha tulwa mo kuMatsobane Daniel Digashu oshowo Johann Hendrik Potgieter momvula yo 2017 moka taya pula ondjokana yawo yi talikeko kepangelo, Ombudsman oye a Ii a ningwa omuyakuli na ina pataneka eindilo ndyoka.

Aanamibia oyendji otaya pula ekutho po lyompango ndjoka itayi pitika iihulo pokati kaantu yaali yuukwashike kookantu wa faathana, taya pula opo ku simanekwe uuthemba waantu mboka.

Omunyekadhi gwaNamibia, Monica Geingos okwa li a pula woo ekuthepo lyoompango dhoka oonkulu tadhi indika iihulo pokati kaalumentu.

Natango oonkundathana dha li dha kwatelwa komeho kombudsman kuyele nuumvo odha pula egamenenepo lyuuthemba waakwashigwana ayehe nokupula iikumungu mbyoka yi talike meendelelelo.

Yvonne Dausab, omunashipundi gwoLaw Reform and Development Commission (LRDC), okwa li a popi kutya ekotampango lyaNamibia oli na ompumbwe yelaka lya gwana okugamena uuthemba womashenge, ta popi kutya ekotampango kali na oontopolwa dhegameno lyuuthemba waantu mboka.

Omunashipundi gwoNational Council, Margaret Mensah-Williams okwa popi naye kutya nonando itashi ulike nawa, ethimbo olya thikana opo ku kundathanwe iikumungu yomashenge molwaashoka ogeli oshitopolwa shoshigwana.

Meindilo lyawo lyompangu ndyoka ya ningwa, Jacobs okwa popi kutya oya thiminika okuya kompangu omvula ya piti konima sho ya taalele omashongo gontumba moonkambadhala dhawo okutembukile moNamibia.

Okwa popi kutya osha yela kutya oonkambadhala dhawo opo a mone omikanda dhuukwashigwana moshilongo otadhi tindwa molwaashoka oondjokana dhomashenge inashi talikako kepangelo lyaNamibia.

Jacobs pamwe naakalelipo ye yopaveta otaya popi kutya Namibia ke na ompango ndjoka tayi tala owala oondjokana pokati kaakiintu naalumentu mboka ya hokanene miilongo yimwe onkene ondjokana yawo nayi talikeko owala ngaashi oondjokana dhilwe.

Oya popi kutya mboka yaali naya pewe uuthemba wokukala nofamili yawo kohi yekotampango lyaNamibia, taya popi kutya kashi li mondjila okuningila okatongo aahokanathani mboka molwaashoka oyuukwatwa wumwe, nokupopya kutya shoka otashi yi pondje uuthemba wawo.

Oshipotha shoka otashi ka pulakenwa mOmpangu yoPombanda kOmupanguli Harald Geier momasiku ga4 gaSeptemba 2019.

Jacobs pamwe nomukulukadhi gwe, oya kalelwa po kuStephen Vlieghe gwoKoep & Partners omanga hahende gwepangelo Sylvia Kahengombe a kalelapo aayamukuli moshipotha shoka.





JANA-MARI SMITH

Swapo ita popile Itula

July 11, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Swapo ita popile Itula Ongundu yoSwapo oya gunu aalanduli yawo opo yiikaleke kokule nOmundohotola Panduleni Itula ngoka ta pangele okukutha ombinga methigathano lyomahogololo guupresidende onga omuhogololwa iithikamena.

Elelo lyoSwapo moshitopolwa shaKhomas olya ningi oshigongi shimwe natango tali kunkilile iilyo yongundu opo kayi wayimine Itula.

Pethimbo a popitha iikundaneki Omukwatakanithi gwongundu yoSwapo moKhomas, Elliot Mbako okwa popi kutya okomitiye yokuungaunga nomautho otayi longo yiitulamo nethimbo owala eshona li li ko omanga iilyo mbyoka tayi ihumbata ina yi katukilwe oonkatu.

Pahapu dhaMbako iilyo yongundu otayi pukithwa sho tayi hiwa okukala momitumba ndhoka kayi shi kutya odha shike.

MuMaalitsa ongundu oya kondema etokolo lyaItula okukutha ombinga methigathano lyomahogololo guupresidende onga omuhogololwa iithikamena omanga natango e li oshilyo shongundu.

Swapo Party School nayo oyiikaleke kokule naItula.

Oshinima shimwe sha popiwa osho Itula a zala omwaala gongundu okulongitha omaimbilo goNdilimani, ethimbo ta ningi omahwahwameko ge.

Itula oshiwike sha piti okwa popi kutya ongundu yoSwapo, oye mu indike okulongitha ongalo yaJackson Kaujeua yedhina 'The winds of change' opo a ninge omahwahwameko ge gomauyelele goshigwana.

Mombaapila ya shangwa kuamushanga gwoSwapo, Sophia Shaningwa, Itula okwa popi kutya momasiku gatatu gaJuli, omunambelelwa gwaNBC okwe mu lombwele kutya Swapo ota popi kutya ndyoka eimbilo lye.

Omunambelewa omukuluntu gwomalanditho moNBC, Umbi Karuaihe-Upi, okwa yelitha kutya NBC ina tinda okutseyitha omatumwalaka gaItula ihe okwe mu lombwele owala kombinga yaashoka sha holoka po.

JEMIMA BEUKES

NEFF fields Shaduva for Oshakati East

July 11, 2019, 4:00 pm

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NEFF fields Shaduva for Oshakati East The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) will contest the Oshakati East by-election and has chosen 46-year-old paralegal practitioner Festus Damomwene Shaduva as its candidate.

The Oshakati East by-election will take place in the Oshana Region on 24 August following the death of the former constituency councillor, Lotto Kuushomwa, in May this year.

NEFF commissar for policy research and political education, Abraham Ndumbu announced the party's participation in the by-election at a media briefing in Oshakati on Wednesday.

“NEFF, through its structure, has identified a potential candidate that is suitable for the constituency,” Ndumbu stated, adding that Shaduva is a well-tested leader, who has served in many leadership positions.

Shaduva previously served as a student activist in the Namibia National Students Organisation, Namibia Red Cross, Students' Christian Movement and is a human rights defender, he said.

He went on to say that Shaduva is also one of the unemployed health ministry-trained community health extension workers and served as the first president of the Namibia Red Cross Society youth volunteer programme.

“The man we are about to introduce to you has the capacity to work with communities in projects of any kind,” said Ndumbu.

On his part, Shaduva promised to spearhead a community-centred development such as mobilising resources for the development of sanitation throughout the constituency once he is elected as the councillor.

NAMPA

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Shanghala urges restraint

July 11, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Shanghala urges restraint Justice minister Sacky Shanghala this week spoke out against hate speech, xenophobia and irresponsible social media postings, as well as personal attacks on national leaders.

Speaking in the National Assembly, he warned particularly young Namibians that their negative posts about the Namibian government will count against them if they seek to travel or relocate abroad.

“Remember, being young is not permanent. As a young old man, I am very much alive to the reality that I have another 15 to 18 productive years to go before I reach retirement age at 60, before I start retreating to the back benches and out of this House so as to allow a younger, more energetic cadre to come to the fore,” he said.

Shanghala added that the constitution guarantees Namibians' freedom to express their views, but warned against making personal attacks.

He said competing interests, the generational divide, and sometimes plain sensationalism have become prominent in the national discourse.

“I am not for one moment suggesting that we, public figures, shy away from criticism or the harsh realities many of our citizens find themselves subjected to.

“Accountability remains a cornerstone of good governance in fostering the trust required to achieve effective social cohesion for the benefit of all Namibians.

“We need to ensure that as a collective, each and every citizen contributes positively to social cohesion, including, and perhaps particularly, those in positions of power and influence, rather than fostering social erosion. We need not resort to undignified, malicious, disrespectful, false, defamatory and divisive language and discourse,” he said.

He also cautioned that Namibians must remember that their posts, tweets, articles and social commentary on the internet are visible to all, including those who seek to do business with or invest in Namibia.

“This great power of communication in the electronic day and age should be exercised with the appropriate degree of caution and responsibility.

“By the way, just so you are aware, the growing trend is that countries are requesting access to the social media accounts of applicants for study permits, work permits, visas and residency applications.

“This is not what we are doing. I am merely informing you that this is what other countries are doing,” he said.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Mammoth week for Dippenaar

July 11, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Mammoth week for DippenaarStunning evidence led in court Someone had tampered with the crash scene between Swakopmund and Henties Bay where six people died, a senior police officer has testified. The murder trial of Jandré Dippenaar restarted on Monday in the Swakopmund Regional Court with Brian Low, the managing director of private ambulance service Lifelink, taking the stand.

Dippenaar faces six counts of murder, driving without a valid driver's licence and reckless driving related to a crash that killed six people between Henties Bay and Swakopmund on 29 December 2014.

Low, who regularly drives between the two towns, told the court that there is a blind rise at the crash site.

This statement is in stark contrast to Dippenaar's testimony. Since the start of the trial, his counsel, Advocate Louis Botes, has been trying to prove that there is no elevation at the accident scene and that the crash was caused by the German family driving the Ford Ranger bakkie.

Dippenaar is accused of having overtaken several vehicles and causing a head-on collision at high speed. He was at the wheel of a Toyota FJ Cruiser in which JC Horn (27), Dinah Pretorius (30) and Charlene Schoonbee (24) were killed. In the other vehicle, the Ford Ranger, the Joschko family, on holiday in Namibia, was travelling in the direction of Swakopmund. Of the family of four only the youngest daughter, Antonia Joschko, survived.

Low told the court he had been informed of the accident by telephone on that day at 17:11 and had arrived at the scene six minutes later with a reaction vehicle. The FJ Cruiser was still on fire, he said. In the Ford Ranger, he detected a pulse in one victim, Alexandra Marlene Joschko (19).

“We could not free her from the wreckage,” said Low. When the Henties Bay fire department arrived shortly afterwards, attempts were made with the Jaws of Life.

“The many spectators hindered our work and our attempts failed,” he continued. “She died shortly thereafter.”

Regarding the cause of the crash, Low did not comment. He only said that the scene of the accident was very “deceptive”. Coming from Henties Bay, one would not immediately notice that the road suddenly “falls away” and the view is blocked. Coming from Swakopmund, the rise is “clearly visible”.

On Wednesday, senior police investigator Paula Havenga took the stand. Havenga, who has been a police investigator for 30 years and has been based in Henties Bay since 2004, investigated the accident.

She told the court that she was driving from Walvis Bay to Henties Bay. When she arrived at the crash scene, the FJ Cruiser was still on fire. She said she saw Dippenaar lying near the car and asked him if anyone was still in it.

“He answered no,” she said, adding that she was worried because the car was still burning.

After the fire was extinguished, she saw the three burned bodies in the FJ Cruiser. She proceeded to transport the bodies to two hearses, after which towing services removed the wrecks from the road.

“I marked important evidence on the road with iron pegs and marked off the scene with tape. We then left the scene to transport the bodies to Walvis Bay,” Havenga testified.

She said she returned to the scene shortly after midnight and was “shocked” to find that her marks and pegs had been removed and the road had been graded, just hours after the accident.

All traces and other markings on the road surface, which would be required for the accident reconstruction, were obliterated.

“Someone manipulated the evidence,” Havenga testified.

She said she called the Henties Bay municipality the next day and was informed that no one had been instructed to grade the road.

Daniel Lange, transport head of the Erongo Region police, testified on Wednesday that he had not given any such instruction and did not know who was responsible.

The matter before Magistrate Gaynor Poulton has been set down for the entire week. Dippenaar is defended by Advocate Louis Botes, instructed by Petrie Theron. The prosecution is represented by Ethel Ndlovu and Faith Chipepera-Nyaungwa.



ERWIN LEUSCHNER

Tasché wins The Voice South Africa

July 11, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Tasché wins The Voice South Africa The beautiful and talented Tasché Burger from Brackenfell in Cape Town is the winner of The Voice South Africa Season 3.

Mere days after celebrating her 19th birthday, Tasché racked up the lion's share of the votes that were cast during the final week of The Voice SA to walk away not only with the title, but also a prize package that includes a Telkom tech bundle with a Huawei P30 Pro, a Tab M5 Lite, a router and a Hauwei Watch GT, Telkom data and an anti-theft back pack, Truworths clothing vouchers to the value of N$100 000, a Toyota RAV4 and a recording contract with Universal Music South Africa.

Tasché has been singing since childhood and after matriculating last year she's been taking singing lessons and waitressing as she started to gig professionally. “Singing always just came naturally to me. It's a hobby, a passion … a love,” she says.

Tasché performed the Afrikaans hit Lisa Se Klavier in her Blind Audition and Francois van Coke, LIRA and Riky Rick turned their chairs for her almost immediately. Riana Nel, who Tasché idolises as a singer-songwriter, let the tension rack up until she, too, succumbed in the final stanza. But Riky Rick cautioned the then-18-year-old against siding with an artist whose career she wants to emulate. And as the studio audience chanted “Francois! Francois!,” Tasché took the momentous decision to become only the second member of #TeamVanCoke. “I feel like crying!” Francois admitted at the time.

Tasché was an audience favourite from the very beginning this season and Francois never took any chances with his young protégé, carefully protecting her in the Safe Zone during his team's Battle Rounds to guard against a #Steal bid from #TeamRiana.

And last Sunday it paid off when #TeamVanCoke won the competition with his last #TeamVanCoke Talent still in the game, after a famously slow start at the beginning, when none of the artists that Francois turned his chair for wanted to join #TeamVanCoke.

Tasché was announced the winner at a glitzy event at the Mosaïek Teatro in Fairlands, Johannesburg, recently which was attended by the who's who of the South African entertainment industry, including actress Rolanda Marais, actor and comedian Siv Ngesi, and Carte Blanche legend Derek Watts.

The show opened with a spectacular group performance of the Queen anthem We Will Rock You featuring the talent alongside their four coaches, and the top 5 talent each got to perform a duet with their musical idols – the PJ Twin ( 26) performed Luther Vandross's Impossible Dream with Timothy Moloi, Eon Claude le Roux (28) sang Elton John's Don't Let The Sun Go Down on Me with Caroline-Grace Brüssow, Siki Jo-Ann Qwazi (25) got to sing Chaka Khan's I'm Every Woman with Judith Sephuma, Tasché performed Francois van Coke's own hit Toe Vind Ek Jou with her coach, and Soné Joubert (26) got to live her dream when she sang Mannetjies Roux with the one-and-only Laurika Rauch herself.

There was also a special guest performance of a Bitter and If I Ever Saw Heaven medley by #TeamRiana co-coach Jo Black and special guest star Roan Ash.

After Eon le Roux from Port Elizabeth and The PJ Twins from Brackenfell were the first to leave the competition after their duets, it left the competition an all-women-affair in the top 3.

African queen Siki Jo-An was the first to exit thereafter and then Sone Joubert received the news that she was the runner-up.

There were almost 10 million votes cast during the course of this season and the voting results were independently computed by Deloitte and Touche.

The finalé of The Voice South Africa Season 3 will be available on DStv Catch Up.



STAFF REPORTER

Idols SA Season 15 here!

July 11, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Idols SA Season 15 here!South Africa's popular singing reality show kicked off last Sunday in the South Africa's capital, Pretoria. If the mixed feelings we got from the opening show of Idols Season 15 is anything to run home with, the mood-setter left many of us excited about the kind of talent we are going to see this year. Queues of determined Idols wannabes left no space to even walk by or park around the State Theatre. The home of the new music genre AmaPiano had people singing in baritones, high notes, low notes and no-notes. Others were keeping it formal and serious like they had mistaken the Idols auditions for the business conducted at the Union Buildings. Others showed up, but their voices were for anything but singing.

Randall for a change was bubbly, even though he didn't leave his brutal honesty at home. He dished it up as much as it was needed. Unathi was her warm and giggly self and she was kind where kindness was a necessity. Somizi's authenticity was fully present. And the guest judge, Dr Rebecca Malope, enjoyed herself and gave a handful of NOs when she was not impressed.

A 16-year-old girl from Benoni, shame Benoni (next to Boksburg), was the first contestant to hit the auditions stage and the first to grab the golden ticket to Theatre Week. For a season themed Go For Gold, it meant that it was a promising start for the 15th instalment.

But it didn't take long until viewers were introduced to a downward spiral of disappointment. Twenty-six-year-old Esther opened the floodgates of not-so-good singing and her singing was contagious. It was pouring not-so-good voices on the Idols stage in Tshwane.

Then Pretoria's hopes were supposed to be revived by Yada-Lee, but that did not work out as expected for the 21-year-old who has recorded 44 songs.

If anything, it left many viewers wondering what kind of songs were given studio time to be recorded.

As the Pretoria curtains closed, we were left with 24 golden ticket winners who will battle it out at Theatre Week.

It was a golden moment for some hopefuls, and it will be the coming weeks that will show if the start is golden or not.

It is on and the contestants are going for gold!

Idols SA season 15 is on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) on Sundays at 17:30.

STAFF REPORTER

Putting a twist on DJ'ing

July 11, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Putting a twist on DJ'ingDJ Castro talks about a new album and the SYMLFA nomination By now you should know that DJ Castro, real name Uakengeza Seth Castro Ngoimue, is not your typical disc jockey and if you are a concert-goer you should have a clear picture that his sets are electrifying. When your father used to be a guitarist for the late music icon Jackson Kaujeua - a pioneer in the industry that you work in - you are pretty much damned to a career of living in his shadow, unless you are DJ Castro.

Initially his father wanted him to be a football player, but his music calling was louder. He started off as dancer and eventually took it up a notch and learnt how to operate a turntable, a skill he says allows him to live out his dreams every day.

“Even when I was a dancer I knew I could do more. I also did not want to be a dancer forever; I had to learn a skill that would ultimately make me my own boss one day. I am glad to have started out as a dancer, because I now incorporate some of those elements in my sets.”

DJ Castro believes he is one of the few DJs in the country who has made DJ'ing exciting again with his unique techniques.

When he is in the DJ booth, his goal is to give party people or concert-goers an unforgettable experience.

“I am not the type of DJ that just plays and mixes songs. I like connecting and having fun with the crowd. I am a game-changer and that is what makes me unique,” said DJ Castro

He was recently nominated in the favourite DJ category of the forthcoming Simply You Magazine Lifestyle and Fashion Awards (SYMLFA).

This is the second time in a row he is nominated in this category, and shared that the recognition means a lot to him and his brand.

“I was nominated last year and for me it means a lot because I am still a baby in the mainstream space, so to keep on being noticed by such an a big platform means I am doing the right thing.

“Winning this award would open doors for me. I am proud to be nominated once again and I hope people are voting for me,” he said.

Born in Windhoek and raised in Otjiwarongo, DJ Castro has been DJ'ing for about seven years now. Having mastered his skills on the turntable he announced to tjil that he is working on his first album. He added that the album is going to be a montage of various genres and is scheduled to be released on Sunday, 8 September.

“It helps that I am a DJ so in essence I am freer to try out different genres; at the moment I am working on a song where I am fusing AmaPiano and hip-hop. People should look out for that banger; it will make it to the album too,” he said.

Speaking on the rollout plan for the album, DJ Castro mentioned that he does not want to do the conventional avenues of marketing the music project, but will employ new strategies to distribute it. “I want to push my album differently; we may not even have physical CDs. My focus is to put strategies in place that are going to push digital sales.

“I am also working on getting sponsors on board to order removable flash memory sticks from China, that will have my name and face on them, so that we can sell the album on USB,” revealed DJ Castro.

He shared that some of the artists he is working on the album with include DJ KBoz, Sunny Boy and Pewa. With a few months left before it is released, the DJ maintains that the process of working on the album has been an eye-opener and overall learning experience.

“This process has helped to keep me focused. I am also highly motivated because I am working on this album with some of the artists who inspired me growing up. The energy is amazing. Creatively I am in a great space,” said DJ Castro.

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

Gaining momentum

July 11, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Gaining momentumMakila happy with the reception of his debut album Rapper Makila is one alternative hip-hop musician who is slowly and steadily earning his stripes his own way. Makila's first album The Inferno, released in March, is piled up with songs that prove what we have just said in our introduction. His music has developed to a point where it is quite difficult not to be noticed.

As cliché as it may sound Makila emphasised that he primarily makes hip-hop music but does not confine himself to one genre. He mentioned that on his first album he tried to demonstrate his music-making skills, hence the diversity on it. The album was inspired by his life story, but sonically Young-T influenced the sound direction. “Most of the songs on the album were recorded at Young T's studio, who has been playing the role of big brother to me in the industry.

“I was lucky to have met Young-T at the beginning of my career, because his guidance has helped me improve my artistry. He shaped my album and most of the songs on my album are inspired by his sound,” said Makila.

He revealed that the first batch of the physical copies that were ordered sold out within two weeks, a response he says he did not expect. “Not that I do not have confidence in my music, but the way people supported me when the album came out took me by surprise,” said Makila.

Makila, real name Abraham Sheehama, believes his music is doing well because it is something different from what is already out there on the market. He announced that plans are at an advanced stage to complement the album with music videos. Makila admitted there is a lot that goes into shooting a music video, stating that the budget and concept must be well thought out first. “I did not just want to shoot a music video for the sake of it. There were many factors I had to take into consideration,” he said.

Even though he is content with the reception of his album, Makila maintains that his priority still remains marketing it so that it can reach as many people as possible. He said he has a lot of unreleased music but he is not in a rush to put out new music. “I will be releasing music in the future but for now I want people to take their time to digest this album. I said a lot on my album and it won't be fair to my debut if I ditch it and start focusing on another album already,” he said.

He admitted that completing the album was a struggle as he is an independent artist with few resources. He is grateful for the help he received from different industry friends and calls on them to be that helpful to other aspiring musicians. “Being a new artist is tough, because producers most of the time avail studio time to established or bigger artists, I am just happy I finally completed and released the album,” he said.

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

Dixon presents Show Me Your Heart

July 11, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Dixon presents Show Me Your Heart Musician Dixon recently released his fifth album under Ultimate Rhythm Entertainment.

Executive produced by African Dream, Show Me Your Heart is packed with 15 songs. Deeply rooted in his heritage, the album is a delicate culmination of his history, staying true to his R&B, Ma /Gaisa and Damara Punch signature. There is little one can say to discredit this project. It opens with Ma Tere, a slow-tempo song with well-polished vocals. On track two, Dixon switches up the tempo and goes full swing with Damara Punch. /Guri is a well put together song with the potential of becoming a hit single from the album if marketed well.

Another impressive thing about this album is his beat selection. In terms of production, Dixon worked with Kanibal, Ash, Elvo, Gothard and also made use of guitarist Imms Nicolau on the tracks /Guri, Ego and //Gai-Xub !es. The album was mixed and mastered by Elvo.

The track sequencing could have been done better but that does not take away from the album. Dixon maintains that the album is dedicated to everyone who supports and appreciates what he does.

The album is available in Windhoek, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Tsumeb at Antonio's Art, Young Ones, Panamo Music and Matias Music, respectively.

Rating: 3/5

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

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Taylor Swift is Forbes' highest-paid celeb

July 11, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Taylor Swift is Forbes' highest-paid celeb Taylor Swift has topped Forbes magazine's list of the World's Highest-Paid Celebrities.

The 'ME!' hit-maker raked in an impressive US$185 million, followed closely behind by Kylie Jenner with US$170 million and Kanye West with US$150 million.

Taylor's income mainly comes from touring, which comes as no surprise as her Reputation Stadium Tour was named the highest-grossing United States tour ever whilst 'Keeping Up With The Kardashians' star Kylie's success is linked to her cosmetics business and her popular social media following.

Soccer star Lionel Messi came in fourth place with US$127 million whilst Ed Sheeran completes the top five with US$110 million

The Eagles features in the top 10, whilst radio and television personality Howard Stern, 'Harry Potter' author J.K. Rowling, and actor Dwayne Johnson all make the top 15.

Kim Kardashian West is at 26th on the list with US$72 million; Robert Downey Jr was at 31st with US$66 million, whilst Rihanna made it to 36 with US$62 million.

Shawn Mendes is the youngest person in the top 100. At just 20 years old, the If I Can't Have You hit-maker scraped in at 98 on the list with US$38 million. The oldest person on the list is Beatles' legend Sir Paul McCartney, 77 years old, at number 62 with US$48 million.

Other celebrities to feature in the list were Ariana Grande (US$48 million), Jennifer Lopez (US$43 million), Sofía Vergara (US$43 million), Lady Gaga (US$39.5 million) and Celine Dion (US$37.5 million).

Meanwhile, Taylor has less “stress and anxiety” in her life as she approaches 30.

She said: “I hear others say that one in her 30s no longer has as much stress and anxiety in life as in their 20s. And I can join in the observation that we are in our twenties looking to gain experience, try things out, fail, make mistakes.”

BANG SHOWBIZ

Michelle Williams on Beyoncé as Nala: 'She's perfect'

July 11, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Michelle Williams on Beyoncé as Nala: 'She's perfect' Michelle Williams has gushed about how perfect Beyoncé is as Nala in 'The Lion King'.

The Single Ladies hit-maker's Destiny's Child bandmate got to see the Disney remake at the world premiere in Los Angeles on Tuesday night and gave her own review of her friend's performance.

She told Variety: “I thought it was absolutely brilliant. No one else could do it. When I think about her eye colour, her skin, her hair, she's perfect for it!”

When asked if she had heard the new music Beyoncé has done for the film, Michelle looked straight down the camera as she did a series of poses. And when the reporter asked: “So that's no comment then?” she simply laughed and looked away.

The Crazy in Love hit-maker - who attended the premiere with her daughter Blue Ivy - has just dropped a new single ahead of the release of her Lion King-curated album.

The 37-year-old singer has released track Spirit - which features on the movie remake - ahead of The Lion King: The Gift dropping on Friday, 19 July.

Speaking about the album, which she has also produced, Beyoncé said in a statement: “This is sonic cinema. This is a new experience of storytelling. I wanted to do more than find a collection of songs that were inspired by the film. It is a mixture of genres and collaborations that isn't one sound.

“It is influenced by everything from R&B, hip-hop and Afrobeat. I wanted to put everyone on their own journey to link the storyline,” said Beyoncé.

Beyoncé added that each song was written to reflect the film's storytelling that gives the listener a chance to imagine their own imagery, while listening to a new contemporary interpretation. “It was important that the music was not only performed by the most interesting and talented artists but also produced by the best African producers. Authenticity and heart were important to me.”

Beyoncé teased the song by sharing a picture of herself opposite her lioness character on Instagram, much to the delight of Winnie Harlow. The model commented: “She is queen, hear her roar.”

Disney also shared a picture of Beyoncé and Nala, and confirmed the new album on their Instagram account.

BANG SHOWBIZZ

Meet TK The Rapper

July 11, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Meet TK The RapperOn his way to the top His latest single Money Changed Them is getting him the recognition he deserves. In an interview with tjil, the musician mentioned that following his introductory project last year titled The Alarm, he is ready to share more of his work with the nation. “The response to The Alarm EP has given me the confidence to push for my dreams. That project has opened up so many doors for me,” he said.

He mentioned that he has studied the market and maintains that even though he has a lot of music that can be packaged into an album he chooses not drop a fully-fledged album anytime soon but rather release the music as singles or in a form of an EP. “My fans can look forward to a lot of singles and other songs that I am featured on by other artists. The album will eventually come but I just want to make sure that the time is right and there is enough resources for it to reach the masses,” said TK The Rapper.

Speaking on the success of his new single, he said that it garnered over 4 000 views on YouTube in a space of four days. The single features Vikta Juiceboy and Kaboy Kamakili. “I am really happy with how the single is doing. I have plans of shooting an official music video for it, so that is another treat for my fans to look forward to,” promised TK The Rapper.

Currently signed to Paper Boy Records, TK The Rapper said that he is open to signing to a major record label provided that the contact suits him. “I would sign to a major record label provided that they do not limit me creatively. There are a lot of things that new artists overlook in contacts and I do not want to sign and regret later,” he said.

He announced that he is working on a new EP and will share the release date in the coming weeks via his social media. TK the Rapper has opened for continental superstars including Cassper Nyovest and Nasty C. “There is a movement called Boys from the North, which is a clique of the new generations of artists from the north. “We are putting in the work and are determined to contribute to the growth of the industry, people should look out for us,” he said.

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

Emvee excited to be in the KWF line-up

July 11, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Emvee excited to be in the KWF line-up New kid on the block Emvee K, real name Victorine Tuvemue Kaaronda, is among the artists billed to perform at the forthcoming Katutura Fashion Week (KFW), and she shares her excitement with tjil.

Following her first project titled No Concept that was produced by celebrated producer Mr Glo, Emvee is back to continue what she started. “I have been making music since I was 12 years old. I was fortunate enough to have worked with Mr Glo on my first project because that gave the necessary push I wanted and helped me polish my music-making skills,”

She told tjil that she is super exited to be featured in the line-up of artists that will perform at KFW. For Emvee this means that her music will be exposed to the masses. “When I contacted them, I was not confident that I was going to get the gig because I assumed they wanted to only work with established artists, but they took me in.

“The founder of KFW believes in my talent and what I have to offer. I am grateful for the platform and opportunity they have availed to me to showcase my talent,” said Emvee. She shared that initially her 2019 music plans included doing a lot of collaborations with other artists, but admitted that she has not done a lot of those features as she had initially hoped. “I wanted to visit other people's minds and try to understand how they come up with their songs. The year is still not over so I am hoping I will get to do this before the year ends,” she said.

She revealed that she is working on her second EP titled Boujee Craft, which she said will be released in November. She added that she has big plans for the EP, which includes music videos and a well-executed listening session. The EP will have 10 songs and she promised to deliver. “I am working on good music, and cannot wait to share this music that I have been working on,” she said.

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

Renowned MC shares presenting tips

July 11, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Renowned MC shares presenting tipsMathew 'Mappz' Kapofi chats about longevity and new music He has done it all, from making music, hosting the Namibia Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) and being a radio presenter. Mappz shares his secret formula to thriving in the entertainment scene. Narrating how he got into the entertainment industry, Mappz shared that it all began when he was 13 years old.

His two older brothers were big fans of hip-pop and Kwaito, so those influences played a big role in him becoming a rapper and songwriter. “One of my brothers, Kavanje, was the one who kept motivating me to continue with the music. The more I kept making music, different doors started opening and I started rubbing shoulders with the right people,” said Mappz.

As a creative, he feels most comfortable in the recording studio because that is where he believes he expresses himself more. He added that the studio also affords him the opportunity to experiment and collaborate with other creatives to make something extraordinary.

As far as hosting events is concerned, Mappz mentioned that his highlight was hosting the NAMAs alongside Uejaa Kazondunge and Bonang Matheba. “That moment made me realise how far I have come and that passion and hard work pays off,” he said.

On the qualities that make up a good MC, Mappz pointed out charisma as a very important quality to have. “You need to have a positive energy and be happy to do the job. After that it's all about focusing and having fun at the same time,” shared Mappz. He describes his style of presenting as high energy presentations coupled with comedy. He mentioned that it also varies for the type of event he is hosting.

“The way I would host a corporate event will not be the same way I present a social event,” he said.

Having been on the entertainment scene for many years, Mappz attributes his longevity to believing in himself as a brand and being confident in his talent and the services he offers. “Always working towards my ultimate goal, which is to be a media mogul and accomplished businessman, keeps me going,” he said, adding that family, friends and the people who believe in what creatives do keep him grounded.

He recently joined the Breakfast Express team at NBC National Radio, an experience he said is going very well. He said they have a lot of fun on- and off-air. “I mostly enjoy talking about national issues and the latest positive developments in our country and continent,” he said.

On the music front, Mappz revealed that he has a new project titled Omundilo Woshilongo, which means fire of the nations. He announced that he will launch it at the end of the year. “It is a mixture of Afropop, trap and hip-hop. Watch the press for details,” he shared.

Mappz was also announced as one of the performing artists at the Katutura Fashion Week. He promised an exciting performance, saying music fans are going to enjoy a different twist to Namibian music.

Summing up the conversation with tjil, Mappz said that when it is all said and done, he would like to be remembered as the guy who was always working towards his dream, no matter what the circumstances are.



MICHAEL KAYUNDE