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S. Africa Airways boss not all-powerful, says Gordhan

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S. Africa Airways boss not all-powerful, says GordhanS. Africa Airways boss not all-powerful, says GordhanThe South African finance minister has denied being bullied into accepting the reappointment of SAA’s chairwoman. Compromise reflects urgency South African Airways (SAA) chairwoman Dudu Myeni was not all-powerful and would have to be a team player when it came to making important decisions in the interests of the cash-strapped airline, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan said on Wednesday.
“I don’t see the chairperson as this unique, all-powerful character who can do what they like. The chairperson must work in the context of a team and decisions are made on a democratic basis in a board, not by an individual,” Gordhan said as opposition MPs grilled him on him on her controversial reappointment as board chair by cabinet last week.
Gordhan conceded the appointment of Myeni and the rest of the board came after a compromise was reached during discussions in cabinet.
“Different views are expressed about all the names and their merits and demerits and the list that you see before you is the outcome of these various discussions and compromises or settlements, if you like, that we’ve reached so that we can get on with the job of running SAA on an efficient, effective, and above all, profit-making basis…,” he said.
Gordhan denied being coerced into appointing Myeni.
“If there’s any bullying that I’m subjected to because of this, I’ll certainly come back and let you know.”
The minister said he would meet with the board soon to outline what Treasury, as shareholder, expected of them. This included the board finalising its 2014/14 financial statements to be presented to Parliament by 15 September, and to the Hong Kong Registrar of Companies, who has threatened to ground all flights to Johannesburg, by 30 September.
He was also giving consideration to an application by SAA for a government guarantee to ensure it continued trading as a going concern.
Gordhan said he would be keeping a close eye on board decisions to ensure they were reached by democratic consensus.
“I believe we now have the right balance…to ensure no one individual has inordinate influence over the direction of the airline and any decision made in that airline and I’m going to insist when I meet this board that it must behave in accordance with corporate governance rules and that means we don’t want the business as usual approach of the past to go into the future and the shareholder will be watching very carefully that the board as a whole works as a team and works in the interests of the airline and for no other purpose,” he said.
“We need to get it over the next five years or so to become financially effective… and above all SAA should be spreading its wings rather than clipping its wings at this point in time and if we do the right things and serve national interests far more importantly than individual or sectarian interests and ensure that that team can take us in a new direction.”

ANA

The untold tale

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The untold taleThe untold tale During the liberation struggle, SWAPO solicited humanitarian assistance from around the globe, which they got in the form of education, health, arms and funds.
Between 1960 and 1980, over two thousand young Namibians were offered tuition and a place of safety in one of the SWAPO allied countries.
On 18 December 1979, the first group of about 80 children arrived in the snowy winter in Berlin.
Some of them were only between the ages of 3 and 5 years old. It was agreed that German would be the medium of instruction for them in Pre-Primary and Primary School.
Between 1979 and 1988, 430 children were sent to the former GDR.
In February 2015 at COTA Theatre School, the two directors Gernot Grünewald (Germany) and Sandy Rudd (Namibia) met up with over 15 GDR KIDS, interviewed them and came up with a concept for the production “GDR Kids”. The main thrust of the production is focused on life in the castle and the Namibian story focuses on the stories of the youngsters coming home.
“The process was extremely difficult and painful at times as the story is ongoing. Whose story do you tell? How do you tell 2 000 stories in 2 hours?” said Sandy Rudd. As a writer, Sandra says writing real live stories is extremely challenging. She says some stories were very heartbreaking and some were stories of triumph over adversity, but most were a sad reflection of our times.
Racism, intolerance and narrow-mindedness were the order of the day. “In the end, the story is told in a disciplined docu-drama style.
The story is an important and extremely interesting part of our Namibian History,” she said.
The production will be staged at the National Theatre of Namibia from the 7 to 10 September 19:00.

June Shimuoshili

DSTV

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DSTVDSTV TOKS N’ TJOPS IN WHK :Recently the popular KykNET show “Toks ‘n Tjops” had their first ever live broadcast outside South Africa at the Strand hotel in Swakopmund. Highlights of the live broadcast included sports guests Elizma Theron, CEO of the Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) and Namibia Rugby Union player, Rohan Kitshoff. Viewers were also look entertained by musician Pieter Smit. “Toks ‘n Tjops” is a popular Afrikaans sport TV programme that covers recent sports highlights, local music and Vaatjie’s scrumptious braai recipes. A number of outside broadcasts are done each year, some of which have taken place in Windhoek. This time they choose Swakopmund for the first ever live broadcast. “Toks ‘n Tjops” broadcasts can be viewed on Kyknet (DStv channel 144) and Kyknet & Kie (DStv channel 145 and GOtv channel 8).
PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

FNB restaurant week

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FNB restaurant weekFNB restaurant week For the love of local food with great taste
FNB Restaurant Week 2016 is now in action and you have a delectable 31 restaurants to choose from. With carefully selected menu’s to highlight their expertise, this is an event to leave your mouth watering. We all know there are some real gems out there in Namibia and not only is their cuisine notably exquisite, but so is their customer service.
This event is about empowering restaurants and their staff through training (thanks to FNB) driven incentives and competitions. It’s FNB’s aim for the staff to get as much fun out of this event as the customers. The registered restaurants stand a chance of winning some pretty intense prizes, so between the 23rd August and 11th September, it’s imperative that you grab hold of that proactive role inside you and help us crown the winners!
The FNB Restaurant Week mobile application is where all the action happens and can be downloaded via Google Play or the App Store (iOS). You can make a direct reservation at the restaurant via the app, as well as view their chosen crème-del-a-crème menu. From there, sign in to your face book account, scan their individual QR code and place your vote. But let’s face it, while eating and voting is intense fun, so is winning prizes. So be sure to keep yourself up to date with all the giveaways on the FNB Restaurant Week face book page.
Staff Reporter

Monaco

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MonacoMonaco BIRTHDAY BASH: Monaco lounge birthday weekend. 9 to 11 September with live performances by the DOGG on Friday Gazza on Saturday supplemented by the KFC Djs, Dj Alba Dj Kalypso Dj Ambizzy Dj Curtis, Dj Molequils Dj bee , Dj Sandile and Dj kiddo. The weekend will involve a lot of giveaways to clients, free hampers, free bottles, beer buckets and free braai meat. Supporting brands, which include Glenfiddich, Schweppes, Jameson select reserve and Power Play have exciting giveaways and tastings takings place. It's Monaco first birthday so we are definitely going all out. The birthday weekend will be presented by Geneva events and Monaco lounge.
PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Drawings: Past and Present

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Drawings: Past and PresentDrawings: Past and Present The National Art Gallery of Namibia (NAGN) will be hosting the exhibition “Drawings: Past and Present”, on in the Upper Gallery and Foyer from 30 August to 8 October 2016.
The exhibition is made up of works from the permanent collections of the NAGN and the Arts Association Heritage Trust (AAHT) and the exhibition aims to celebrate drawing in its diversity, in manifestation and implementation.
The practice of drawing is most commonly defined as an application of marks, as representations of line, texture or tone to a surface or support (usually paper) with media such as graphite, chalk, ink etc. The efforts of the NAGN and the AAHT to collect drawings as part of its collective mandate to form a visual national archive, highlight the importance of the medium.
NAGN presents Australian artist Shan Wood for a short-term Drawings Residency. Ms Wood will work in a pop-up drawings studio in a section of the Upper Gallery of the NAGN alongside part of the “Drawings: Past and Present” exhibition. Wood has been a professional artist and art educator for 20 years, and hopes to share her process and her knowledge as well as gain more knowledge and experience from her time in Namibia.
“I will be traveling around Namibia and will have paintings made from my experience here. I’m very excited to be here and I hope to learn and share my experiences,” she said. Wood will be hosting an artist talk on 30 September 2016 at 16:00 for all interested parties. She will also be selling the works she produces during her residency at the NAGN Happy Art Hour on 30 September 2016.

June Shimuoshili

Female artists + My Ongoma = Unity

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Female artists + My Ongoma = UnityFemale artists + My Ongoma = Unity My Ongoma media in partnership with majority of Namibian female artists take a stand to fight against society evils through a ten track album and a road show.
The female artist’s revolution
Where words fail, music speaks
Music is a great tool used to get the message across and that is what My Ongoma Productions aim to do with a ten track album.
Imagine Sally Boss Madam singing about ladies embracing their natural beauty and how young girls should be content with their body features, and get this, on the second verse we have Chikune “mundu wandje” saying the exact same, but with a little bit of Kapana spice to make it nice! Oh, how glorious will it then be if we bedazzle it with a chorus by the very vocally powerful Ann Singer echoing more than how we should be more bullet proof and take a stand against any type of abuse because why – we are soldiers in this game!
All your imagination is made possible by three very dedicated Namibian music producers and businessman Antonio (Antonio’s Arts), Glo (Mr Gulo) and Arafat with the support of Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL), with the aim of uniting Namibian artists and the nation at large with music under the label My Ongoma productions. The word Ongoma in many Bantu languages is a drum and drums back to the day the drum was used as a communication tool in many cultures. “With that definition, My Ongoma is here to be a communication medium and at the same time unite Namibians,” says Mr Gulo. The three producers will work with Namibian female artists on a ten track album which will be finished by end of this year. So far over 15 female artists have signed and agreed to be part of the project, which already started and the first track is done titled “Don’t Let It Go”featuring Ann Singer, Adora, Promise and Monique English. Some of the topics that will be tackled are issues such as domestic violence, tribalism and rape, just to mention a few. Arafat says that over the years Namibian artists haven’t been united and there are minor “beefs” that they are still hung up on, which is heartbreaking. “With this album, we hope to unite the artists, that is the core purpose of our project and we want the female artists to empower Namibian ladies and girls at the same time. If the artists on board are not willing to unite and work together, we will let them go,” said Arafat. After succeeding with the females, the producers say they will also look at a project for the male artists. The main target is for the project to have a road show within all 14 regions, one by one, and have the artists connect and meet their fans.
The album will be off many genres and there are songwriters onboard including Mr Gulo. The producers all stressed about how teamwork is not something Namibians are good at and that with this album, they plan on getting everyone onboard and engaged. “I just came from a meeting in South Africa and I was amazed at how united the music industry is that side. I was so disappointed when they told me that the reason why Namibian music hardly makes it on international market is because of the disunity in our territory. If we want Namibia to grow we need to start with the mothers of the nation. Let’s stop pointing fingers and start helping others, [this is where] we go wrong. It’s all about the future. There are small girls looking up to the artist and this is a very big step in that direction,” said Arafat.
For those who are interested, the album launch will be held on 25 November at the Zoo Park in WIndhoek and everything is already in place and booked. The album will be a full package and the producers will hopefully have two music videos out before the launch. The album will also be sold at an expectable price since the motive is not to make money, but rather to unify. “We spoke to some corporates and video production companies and they are ready to jump on the wagon and help maximise the success of the album and the road tour. Companies are more than welcome to join forces and help My Ongoma become a hit,” said Antonio. The female artists are very excited and they can’t wait to start working together. “I don’t know about the others, but I’m very excited to be working with people that have been in the industry a bit longer than I have so I can’t wait to get into the studio and start recording. I’m also very keen on how the songs are going to turn out, since we are different artists with different ideas and voices,” says songbird Ann Singer. Chikune said she’s looking at the opportunity as a learning experience and is eager to see how their ideas as artists will match up to deliver great music at the end of the day.
June Shimuoshili

Aunty Nangy

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Aunty NangyAunty Nangy
Vaginal discharge
Dear Aunty Nangy
I am a girl aged 16. I have a problem with a white discharge from my vagina. What can I do, please assist me aunty!
My advice to you is to urgently see a doctor or to go to the nearest clinic. I cannot tell what it is and it could be something serious.


I am older and worried
Dear Aunty Nangy
I am a 37-year-old girl and my boyfriend is 36. I love him too much. Am I too old for him? Can you help me aunty.
True love is blind to age difference. I can see that at that advanced age you still don’t know what love is or what it means to be truly in love. It will be very helpful if you see a counsellor or your pastor to explain to you what is important or what to look for in a relationship.


She dumped me but I still love her

Dear Aunty Nangy

l am a 21-year-old boy and my problem is l don’t know what to do. My girl dropped me few months ago. What can l do for her to come back? Help me aunty.

It is difficult for me to advise you properly because you are not saying why she dumped you. Unless you tell a doctor what is troubling you, you cannot get the right medicine. The same with your situation. If you wronged her then I suggest that you swallow your pride and humble yourself before her. Ask for forgiveness and I am sure she will come back into your arms. Be man enough and make the move!




I have feelings only for men

Dear Aunty Nangy

I am 22 years old. I have problems with my feelings. I just want to date men. What can I do please Aunty Nangy. Help me. My contact is 0812563979.

You don’t have a problem my dear. That you have feelings for men only is not criminal. It is your right to be in a romantic relationship with whoever you want. Your sexual orientation is your choice and no one else’s. Go get them.




Looking for a sugar mummy

Dear Auntie Nangy
I am a 26-year-old man and I am looking for a sugar mummy. Can you please help me? Or, if there is any sugar mummy interested can she can call me on 0813862195.

I am sure if there are any interested sugar mummies out there and they have read your request, they will contact you in person since you have given your contact details.





He stares at me

Dear Aunty Nangy

I am a 19-year- old girl and I have a problem with a male classmate. Oh, he likes to gaze too much at me. Help me aunty.

My dear, I am sure he has fallen in love or he has a crash on you. There are so many ways to say something. Action speaks louder than words. Very soon he will tell you.

Classic red lipstick

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Classic red lipstickClassic red lipstick There is nothing quite like the way a woman looks when she wears red lipstick.
I will reveal how to look stunning wearing red lipstick. Red lipstick rules: Exfoliate your lips. Chapped lips become even more visible with lipstick. A simple exfoliating method is to smooth a generous coat of Vaseline to your lips, use a dry clean toothbrush to gently scrub, then wipe off with tissue and apply lip-balm. Red lipstick for your skin tone: There are many different shades of red lipstick. The key is to find the shade that best suits your skin tone. Choose dark reds with purple undertones, for dark skin, bright reds with pink or yellow undertones for medium skin and deep reds with blue undertones for light skin. Lipstick application: To prevent your lipstick from running over your lip-line, use a lip-liner of the same shade as your lipstick. Another effective method is to use a concealer around your outer lips, smooth it around your lips with a clean lipstick brush after applying your lipstick. Remove any excess lipstick from your inner lips with a tissue to avoid lipstick from coating your teeth. Remember to pack your lipstick in your handbag just in case you need a touch-up.
Written by Ndapanda Auala
Lifestyle Blogger: www.ndapandalifestyle.blogspot.com

LOL with Mark Banks

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LOL with Mark BanksLOL with Mark Banks Comic Mark Banks is back with a bang
Stand-up Comedian Mark Banks will be tear up everyone and everything in his hilarious show “Banksrupt!” on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 September, with Namibian comedienne Weezil as opening act.
Bank’s distinctive eye on all that is happening in Southern Africa and his travels around the world, has made him a firm favourite on the comedy circuits, which rewarded him the Comics Choice Lifetime Award. Mark is acknowledged for his satirical fun-poking at the expense of the rich and famous. In 2010 Mark was one of the cast members of Bafunny Bafunny, who performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London and then sold over 60 000 tickets in SA for the show. In “Banksrupt!” we meet characters and situations from everyday life – from classically trained car guards to a beginner’s guide to protesting performed by the Jewish Women’s Guild of Yemen, the world’s first news reader mugging and how to raise and train your very own member of parliament.
Mark Banks remembers his last visit to Namibia only too well. “It was the day Lady Di died! I was on stage as MC doing the Gecko Awards 1997 in Windhoek and I was the last person on earth to find out that she’d died! How terrible! There we were, having an absolute ball with balloons popping all over the theatre and [we had] no idea that history had just been made,” he said. Mark’s last stand-up comedy show at the Warehouse Theatre was fully sold out for all 4 nights, so make sure you get your tickets early! Namibia’s FreeYourMind’s Weezil (a.k.a. Heluise) will be in charge of the Opening Act. An old hand at being on stage, she boasts over 45 commercial, corporate and private shows. Her style is satire, sketch and very character driven.
Get your tickets for this double-whammy at either the Warehouse Theatre, Biltong Shop (Maerua Mall) or online at www.eventstoday.com.na for N$200, or you can help line Mark’s pockets by paying N$250 at the door.
June Shimuoshili

Column

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ColumnColumn It’s all fun and games until reality knocks. And when reality knocks, there are two things involved. Its either you pick yourself up, dust yourself off, get some band aids and do it in the direction it points you or, you close your eyes and pretend that it didn’t hurt at all.
This week has been an eye opener to so many things that I have decided to turn a blind eye to everything until I get that cringing intestinal feeling from three aspects in my life that I really didn’t expect so soon. I could never be so grateful for it, because I just realised how foolish I have been.
The one thing I realised, is that there are literally three months left of the year 2016 and my initial thought was ‘yazzaa! KeDecember Boss’ and ‘Swakopmund is die tyd’! But then I thought hol’up man, I had New Year resolutions!? Where did those go? And also, what were they again? How many did I achieve so far? Sadly my answer is so close to zero that I can’t mention it.
I’ve gotten in nothing, but trouble and done nothing, but the opposite of my resolutions. Expect for one! I finally made it to Swakopmund for the first time in my life! Lol... What bliss it was. But that wasn’t even my biggest resolution so I’m still stuck at square one in September. Wuu sheem.
Now that I’ve realised this with still some time (three months) left, I’ve actually sat down and made a new New Year’s resolution list, with the same pledges, but on different paper and a pen that will be set in motion as from today! It’s honestly never too late and you can still achieve some personal life goals if not all.
I hope you take out yours too and work on your accomplishments! I want to have shown you all a learner’s licence before 2017; one of my resolutions for the past three years and it had always been in the first spot, but never gets done. Dear Lord.

US energy company makes significant discovery in west Texas

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US energy company makes significant discovery in west TexasUS energy company makes significant discovery in west Texas Apache Corp, a US petroleum and natural gas exploration and production company, announced on Wednesday that it has made significant discovery of oil and gas in the Permian Basin in west Texas.
The Houston-based company said in a statement that it has discovered an estimated 3 billion barrels of oil and 75 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in the southern portion of the Delaware Basin, a subsection of the Permian Basin, which has been a hotbed of acquisition activity among oil explorers this year.
" Today's announcement is the culmination of more than two years of hard work by the Apache team," John Christmann, Apache chief executive officer and president, said in the statement.
" While other companies have focused on acquisitions during the downturn, we took a contrarian approach and focused on organic growth opportunities. These efforts have resulted in the identification of an immense resource that we believe will deliver significant value for our shareholders for many years," he said.
Calling the field the " Alpine High," Apache said it has drilled 19 wells and identified 2 000 to 3 000 future drilling locations in the Woodford and Barnett alone, expected to deliver a combination of rich gas and oil worth 4 million US dollars to 20 million dollars per well.
To further speed up the development of the Alpine High, the company has increased its estimated capital spending this year by 200 million dollars to about 2 billion dollars.
Last year, Apache's total production was 195 000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, of which 47% was in the United States.
Almost all of Apache's reserves in the United States are in the Permian Basin.


NAMPA / XINHUA

Sugar tax gripes remain

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Sugar tax gripes remainSugar tax gripes remainSome say the new law will raise awareness around the dangers of sugar, while others argue against government assuming a ‘nanny’ role over consumption choices. Some say the new law will raise awareness around the dangers of sugar, while others argue against government assuming a ‘nanny’ role over consumption choices. Taxing sugar-sweetened drinks with the hope of reducing obesity would not work because of the availability of alternative products, people opposing the country’s imminent sugar tax have said.
But others have said the introduction of the tax would raise awareness of the dangers of sugar and encourage people to drink more water.
The debate on the proposed introduction of a 20% tax on sweetened drinks has raged on since Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan made the announcement in February, with one group of citizens accusing government of trying to assume a nanny role and another saying the minister should provide more points to justify it.
“South Africa needs one (sugar tax),” socio-economic rights activist Professor Jan Hofmeyr said. “The levels of obesity are massive and if not curbed, will rise to rival HIV/Aids, TB and diabetes.”
He said sweetened drinks were more easily available because of the small businessman empowered to activate the township economy. “So cold drinks are no longer a luxury or hard to get. People in informal settlements and rural areas prefer them over artificially sweetened drinks.”
And the habit was to finish them off to avoid having to consume them warm, and this contributed to no less than 25% of teenage girls in rural areas fighting obesity, Hofmeyr said.
The taxing of sweetened drinks has also attracted outrage from producers of the beverages, the bottlers and other pockets of society.
IOL

Nedbank backs First Lady’s foundation

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Nedbank backs First Lady’s foundationNedbank backs First Lady’s foundation

Nedbank Namibia has donated N$50 000 towards First Lady Monica Geingos’s non-profit One Economy Foundation.
The bank on Wednesday hosted a business luncheon with the First Lady and members of the business community in honour of the foundation’s goals to empower vulnerable citizens.
Geingos said the initiative was aimed at broadening participation by citizens in the economy.
“We need people who want to do good, and we thank Nedbank for their contribution,” Geingos said.

STAFF REPORTER

Media defend self-regulation

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Media defend self-regulationMedia defend self-regulationCran is accepting public opinion on its new plan to control broadcasters. Cran calls for submissions on broadcasting rules The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) says self-regulating efforts by the local media fall short of what is required under the country’s Communications Act, hence the need for its proposed new code of conduct for broadcasters.
The communications regulator hosted its second public consultation meeting on the new regulations effecting broadcast service licensees on Monday.
The code will be applicable to all commercial and community television and radio broadcasters, as well as the public broadcaster, the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC). Under the regulations Cran will ensure that broadcast content is in the public interest, that local content is available and used.
It will also lay down rules to ensure that news and current affairs content is “fair, objective and impartial”.
Broadcasters are further prescribed special duties during national, regional and local election campaigns. The regulations also deal with the airing of hate speech and issues related to freedom of expression, protection of privacy and discrimination.
“The protection of children is highlighted in the broadcasting code with the aim that children are not exposed to harmful broadcast content and are not harmed physically or morally, by restricting violence, sexual portrayal and bad language,” the regulator said in a statement issued this week.
“The code therefore makes provision for warnings to precede programmes which are unsuitable for children and rate programmes accordingly,” it said.
Media practitioners who gave input at the hearing predominantly opposed the code.
Representatives of the Namibia Editor’s Forum, the Media Institute of Southern Africa (Misa) and Media Ombudsman Clement Daniels called on the regulator to support media self-regulation as the preferred position.
Cran continues to accept written comments on the proposed broadcasting code. The deadline for submissions is 20 September.
“The finalised broadcasting code is due to be published in due course after the Authority has fully considered all written and oral submissions,” Cran stated.

DENVER ISAACS

ANC faces deep crisis

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ANC faces deep crisisANC faces deep crisisPolitical commentators say the turmoil is working to the advantage of opposition parties. Political allies want Zuma gone Record electoral losses and deep internal divisions are threatening both the long hold on power enjoyed by South Africa’s ruling ANC party and the political future of President Jacob Zuma.
Since 1994, the African National Congress - once led by Nelson Mandela - has comfortably swept to victory in elections, and remains the largest party in the country.
But in last month’s municipal elections, the loss of control of the capital city Pretoria, economic hub Johannesburg and port city Port Elizabeth point to the party’s new fragility.
“The ANC is being consumed by three demons - corruption, factionalism and a leadership without credibility,” Prince Mashele, analyst and co-author of “The Fall of the ANC: What Next?”, told AFP.
The party has always bred factions and divisions, but its dismal showing during the August 3 local elections has brought tensions to the surface.
On Monday, activists from rival party factions scuffled in downtown Johannesburg as anti-Zuma members threatened to occupy the party’s headquarters.
“This is certainly the first time it has come to the fore in such a widely expressed way,” said Mari Harris, an analyst and director of Ipsos pollsters in South Africa.
Despite the increasingly vocal calls for Zuma to step down, many experts caution that he retains a strong grip on the party’s power structure and draws loyalty from his extensive patronage network.
“There are two extremes within the party - pro and anti Zuma - but in between there are other people who tolerate the president for now,” said Harris.
The party is due to choose a new leader at the end of next year, with the selected name then running as president in national elections in 2019 when Zuma cannot stand for a third term in office.
“What we are witnessing now is not the end, it’s part of a downward spiral to the bottom,” said Mashele.
“The bottom eventually will be when the ANC is totally removed from power and we are not yet there.”
Several analysts forecast support for the ANC - the celebrated party that freed the country from apartheid - dipping below 50% in the 2019 election.
Public frustration has grown over its failure to tackle the country’s modern problems of soaring unemployment, low growth and little real change for many of the poorest since the end of white-minority rule.
“President Jacob Zuma is an embodiment of all (the) wrong things in (the) ANC. Let’s not be intimidated,” said Ronald Lamola, a former youth leader in the party.
Zuma, 74, who under apartheid was jailed on Robben Island with Mandela, has been dogged by a litany of scandals, including being found guilty of violating the constitution after he refused to repay taxpayers money used to refurbish his private rural house.
One explosive tug-of-war being fought within the ANC is over Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan.
Gordhan, who for months has been targeted by a special police investigating unit, represents a faction seen as standing up against Zuma’s corrupt associates.
“He is standing at the door of the treasury, which is where the money is. (Attempts to remove him) are so that the thieves can enter unhindered,” said Mashele.
Long-term political allies of the ANC are also starting to push for change. The Communist Party has been a trusted partner for more than two decades, but last month it accused the ANC leadership of being “arrogant and aloof”.
The turmoil is working to the advantage of opposition parties, including the radical leftist Economic Freedom Fighters, formed three years ago by former ANC youth leader Julius Malema.
The ANC is conducting itself “so badly that the opposition actually looked good,” said Harris.

NAMPA/AFP

Budget cuts must start at the top

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Budget cuts must start at the topBudget cuts must start at the top Credit rating agency Fitch’s opinion last week emphasised a message it appears Finance Minister Calle Schlettwein had tried to get across during his national budget speech in March. At least Schlettwein was honourable enough to admit government under-estimated threats to the Namibian economy and the impact some of these have had. There have been deep cuts to budget allocations in the current financial year already. However, it remains to be seen whether spending curbs on personnel and other departments such as youth and sport is enough to address the problem on the ground. Government has already committed billions to huge projects, which is seen in some quarters as skewed priorities. Yet, despite noting the urgency of these matters already in March, it then appeared as though Schlettwein was failing to sell his peers the idea of truly getting behind his theme of “consolidation” – reining in unnecessary spending. The new parliament and office of the prime minister offices are just some of the spending that have set tongues wagging. Economists have particularly also questioned the need for a defence budget of N$6.6 billion and other “meat on the bone”, which were thought to be excessive still, and not of critical importance in these crunch times. Not many people out there are convinced that the current budget is one that most accurately reflects Namibia’s real priorities. Another interesting and potentially significant move announced by the minister this week to try and close the budget deficit and put more money at the State’s disposal, is discussion currently underway with the country’s banking sector. Namibia’s financial services sector is renowned for its almost invincible health and unending profits, though the bulk of these profits are simply shipped to their head offices in South Africa. Perhaps our government should have shown moral leadership by first taking an intensive look at public office bearer’s salaries and other fringe benefits such as utility allowances and luxury cars, with a need to normalise them. At the end of the day, budget cuts must start at the top.

My days as a Taxi driver

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My days as a Taxi driverMy days as a Taxi driver No other group of people hear the most sordid tales than those that have had the opportunity to work as Taxi drivers. I tell you, if taxi drivers were to write a book on their work, it will become a bestseller!
I too once drive a taxi. Ok, I did not have the proper documentation like the ‘openbaar’ but I made some good money for the owner back then. I knew just how to handpick the best paying clients.
The problem with driving a taxi is that you get to hear all the gory details of a person’s life when they speak over the phone – and that is downright scary!
A lady once got into my taxi and started arguing over the phone with her man. She yelled and cursed before eventually throwing the phone against the car’s window. Thank God I had Shatterproof glass – at least they did not lie in their advertisements that it is indeed the strongest piece of glass.
Silence soon filled the car as I was too scared to say something that could make her lose it. I mean, I am a man and she had just cursed at one of our species. After having dropped everyone else off, I would then plugged up enough courage and ask my passenger where she would wanted to be dropped off.
With teary eyes, she looked up at me and in a soft whisper say “I do not know. I was just put out of the house by my boyfriend…”
That, my dear friends, is the most difficult thing of being a taxi driver.
Look, if it were in the movies, I would have probably driven her to my place, made her a hot cup of coffee and offered her the guest room to cool down. But this is no Hollywood production, it is real life. Trust me, if I show up with that women at home, my partner Tusnelde would not think it is funny!
I could always lie and tell Tussy that the lady was a cousin of mine from out of town and needed a place for the night. But that too won’t work – she is coloured! I tell you, my dear Tussy will take one look at her and another at my black face and shout “Hell Noooo!”
But there is a lighter side to being a taxi driver too. I am not referring to the ‘small change’ that all taxi drivers are known to chop off the taxi income for the day to buy electricity at their houses. Neither am I referring to those taxi dudes who would offer a lift to any pretty girl in the street free of charge and still end without their numbers!
Come to think of it; I do not know why we do that to ourselves. A woman would be walking down the street and you would stop and offer her a lift. You would in fact be begging her to get in the car. Even if she says she is going to Havana Extension 500 – you would take her there before proceeding to work in the CBD – minus her digits!
Some passengers think taxi drivers are dumb people, so I always made sure my English was proper. Instead of saying “have a good day”, I would say something like “May your day be punctuated with a revanchism whose magniloquence can only be theatropistically be analysed by the use of a reminiscent exacerbation…”
It worked like a bomb every time! I once loaded three fellas at Pioniers Park in Windhoek.
I knew that we would have an argument over payment as they were drunk, so I decided to play a prank on them. After they got on, I simply revved the engine of the vehicle to make it seems like the car is moving.
After five minutes, I stopped revving the engine and announced that we have arrived at their destination. The first dude squeezed N$20.00 note in my hand and got off. The second guy did the same. The third guy was about to do the same when he stopped, gave me a moerse klap to my face before boarding off.
“What was that for?” I asked.
“That is for driving too fast. You almost killed us,” he said.
Eish, I do miss those days indeed.
Until then…






Illegal settlers in N?a Jaqna Conservancy must go

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Illegal settlers in N?a Jaqna Conservancy must goIllegal settlers in N?a Jaqna Conservancy must go Nearly three years after the N?a Jaqna Conservancy Committee has approached the High Court for relief, the court has determined on 18 August that 22 of 35 illegal settlers in the conservancy area must remove their illegal fences and livestock and vacate the area within 60 days.
If they fail to leave, the Otjozondjupa Communal Land Board and the Ministry of Land Reform are authorised and ordered to forcibly remove them and their fences and livestock.
The case of the N?a Jaqna was instituted in the High Court by the LAC in 2013. The director of the LAC, Toni Hancox, said the order underscores the sentiment of the Minister of Environment and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, when he said abuse of communities in conservancies by invaders will not be tolerated.
She said Shifeta’s sentiment is a positive indication of the growing support from the government for those vulnerable communities whose communal land and conservancy resources have been usurped by illegal occupiers.
“Although the outcome of the court proceedings is a positive step forward for the N?a Jaqna conservancy specifically, the court order has empowered other conservancies and local communities that are being denied their rights by illegal settlement, grazing and fencing,” said Hancox.
She said the LAC is confident that the relevant ministries and authorities will act expeditiously to enforce the order should this become necessary and that they will continue to support and defend the rights of vulnerable communities whose constitutional rights are infringed.
The illegal settlers had alleged that the Communal Land Reform Act 5 of 2002 precludes the N?a Jaqna conservancy committee from evicting people off the communal land within the conservancy.
The LAC had argued that the N?a Jaqna as members of the !Kung traditional community that have habitually and exclusively occupied the conservancy area since time immemorial in fact do have the right to claim authority over the land and have authority to evict illegal occupiers.


CATHERINE SASMAN






Geingob on month-long US visit

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Geingob on month-long US visitGeingob on month-long US visit

President Hage Geingob will leave for the United States tomorrow for the 71st United Nations General Assembly, which he is expected to address on 22 September.
According to a statement issued by the presidency, Geingob’s programme will include engagements with the North American business sector until his return on 4 October.
The president will also attend public lectures at the universities of Columbia, New York and Harvard’s Kennedy School in Boston.
“Some of the key themes that President Geingob will focus on relate to his vision of a new Africa with emphasis on transparency and effective governance reforms in Africa, development reforms, and constitutional democracy,” read the presidency statement.
Several bilateral meetings have been scheduled on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, with the presidents of Guyana and Portugal expected to hold talks with Geingob in New York.
Leading Namibian business personalities and several ministers will accompany the head of state when he holds a series of meetings with American business people in Washington.
Geingob will be a featured speaker at the Constituency for Africa at a trade and investment roundtable in Washington on 14 September as well as the Africa Policy Forum the next day.
While in New York, the President will host the Namibia Business Forum on 22 September as a curtain raiser to the investment conference billed for Windhoek in November.
On 19 September, Geingob will attend the Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting under the theme ‘Partnering for Global Prosperity’.
The ministers of international relations, finance, home affairs, energy, economic planning and trade will accompany the president to the US.

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