ECN foils attempted identity theft

July 16, 2019, 4:00 pm

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ECN foils attempted identity theft A case of identity theft was intercepted by the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) in the Kavango East Region, where two people allegedly used the same particulars during the supplementary voters' registration process.

The supplementary registration started on 8 July and will run until 27 July 2019, to enable new qualifying Namibians to obtain their voter's cards that will help them participate in the 2019 Presidential and National Assembly Elections slated for 27 November.

ECN's regional coordinator, Patrick Haingura told Nampa on Sunday the two were caught using similar particulars at the Sikanduko informal settlement registration point, on the outskirts of Rundu.

He revealed that one of the applicants, a man, came to the registration point with a birth certificate, in the company of two deponents who made a declaration and confirmed his identity, since he did not have an ID card and eventually went through the process.

“On the same day another applicant, also a man, came with an ID and it was realised upon registration that his particulars are already in the system, prompting an investigation into the matter,” he said.

Haingura added that upon inquiry, the second applicant said he is the sole owner of the documents, claiming that the first applicant used his birth certificate without his consent.

The officials handed the matter over to the Namibian police.

Haingura warned the public to take the process seriously and to refrain from such practices as the registration process is a legal procedure and if people are found violating the Electoral Act, they will face the law.

“We want people to register and come with the right documents so that when elections come, they are able to vote,” he cautioned.

Contacted for comment, the crime investigations coordinator for the Kavango East Region, Bonifasius Kanyetu, said the case has not yet been registered with his office.

NAMPA

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APP pleads for campaign funds

July 16, 2019, 4:00 pm

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APP pleads for campaign funds The All Peoples Party (APP) is calling on members of the public to assist it with funds or in-kind support for its upcoming congress and 2019 election campaign.

The call was made on Monday by APP secretary-general Vincent Kanyetu during a media conference.

“We hereby appeal to all progressive, peace-loving and democracy-supporting Namibians to please support us financially or contribute in-kind to our congress and 2019 election fundraising efforts,” he said.

Kanyetu said it normal for political parties to ask for donations from the public, even during a time when the country's economy is not doing well.

He argued that even Swapo, which has multi-million-dollar companies, also relies on funding from the public through its fundraising events.

“If government is broke, who is the APP? Everybody asks for donations… there is nothing wrong. We are also part and parcel of the recession,” Kanyetu explained.

The APP's third national congress is slated to take place as from 23 to 25 August in Rundu.

“The congress will, amongst other things, discuss the party manifesto, amendments to the party constitution, a strategy for the upcoming November 2019 National Assembly and presidential elections, the compilation of the party's National Assembly list and also elect a new leadership for the next five years,” Kanyetu added.

KENYA KAMBOWE

Zim inflation almost doubles, stirring memories of economic chaos

July 16, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Zim inflation almost doubles, stirring memories of economic chaos If things continue to deteriorate like they have, it is probable that prices can snowball into a hyperinflation scenario. - Jee-A van der Linde, Economist: NKC African Economics MacDonald Dzirutwe and Karin Strohecker - Prices of cooking oil and other basics soared in Zimbabwe as inflation nearly doubled in June, piling pressure on a population struggling with shortages and stirring memories of economic chaos a decade ago.

Annual inflation In June hit 175.66%, up from 97.85% in May, statistics agency Zimstats said - the highest rate since runaway money-printing and associated hyperinflation forced the country to abandon its currency in 2009.

The figures cast a shadow over president Emmerson Mnangagwa's bid to revitalise an economy that suffered decades of decline and bouts of financial chaos under veteran leader Robert Mugabe's near four-decade rule.

Abrupt changes in monetary policy and dire economic readings, some dating back to before Mnangagwa took over in 2017, have spooked locals and investors alike.

"The economy is in bad shape and conditions continue to worsen," said Jee-A van der Linde, economist at NKC African Economics. "There is no doubt that the economy is going to suffer a contraction this year."

Basic food

On a month-on-month basis, the consumer price index rose 39.26% in June compared to 12.54% in May, Zimstats said - nearing the monthly 50% figure that would mark the start of hyperinflation.

Prices of basic goods from sugar to cooking oil to building materials soared during the month as much as 200%, the agency added, as the local currency fell.

Zimbabwe abandoned its currency after inflation peaking at 500 billion percent in 2008 wiped out pensions, savings and any vestiges of confidence in the unit.

The southern African state then experimented with a few forms of tenders from quasi currency bond notes to electronic iterations, though foreign currencies such as the US dollars and South African rand dominated local transactions.

But in June, Mnangagwa's government surprised the market when it brought back a national currency - making the interim unit the sole legal tender, renaming it the Zimbabwe dollar and banning the use of foreign currencies for local transactions.

Currency crunch

The new sole tender has tumbled 27.9% since then, lingering at 8.77 against the US dollar in official exchanges on Monday. Exchange rates on the black market showed the pressure even more: the greenback fetched 10.5 Zimbabwe dollars on Monday.

Zimbabweans have continued to suffer shortages of hard currency, fuel and bread in recent years. Public anger burst out into street protests in January.

With a vast chunk of economic activity being in the informal sector, many analysts suspect the inflation numbers are significantly understated.

"If things continue to deteriorate like they have, it is probable that prices can snowball into a hyperinflation scenario," Van der Linde said.

Pressure

The government is under pressure to raise wages for its workers and its offer of an average increase of 97 Zimbabwe dollars (US$11) a month, was rejected by unions last week as too little.

Finance minister Mthuli Ncube said last week he expected the monthly inflation rate to start to fall from October.

While one-off effects would have skewed the latest numbers, analysts have warned that inflationary pressures will remain high, particularly at a time when the government has to step up food imports to cope with a severe drought.

"What's not clear is if the government really does have a handle on the budget," said Charles Robertson at Renaissance Capital. "If it does, the monthly inflation rate could fall abruptly. If not, continued currency depreciation and more inflation are inevitable."– Nampa/Reuters

Big banks target South Africa's youth

July 16, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Big banks target South Africa's youthHip hop and bumper home loans While not especially profitable, the youth market is key to the sustainability of customer bases. Emma Rumney - South Africa's biggest banks are betting cut-price accounts, big mortgages and offers on everything from Adidas backpacks to Xboxes will help them win over the youth market, which many overlooked until it was targeted by a host of start-up rivals.

An ageing client base and competition from old and new, tech-savvy rivals with lower-cost offerings have forced the big four banks to drop their fees and invest in propositions that especially appeal to upwardly mobile youth.

Absa is considering offering first-time buyers a mortgage worth more than the value of their home, while FirstRand will launch a no- or low- monthly fee account for students.

They join Standard Bank and Nedbank in weighing more mortgage risk or accepting lower fee revenues in order to attract younger customers.

All four are being thrashed in the youth market by rival Capitec, which serves around 45% of the 15-24 year old market and over 40% of 25-34 year olds, according to an estimate of the banks' market shares based on a 2017 Publisher Audience Management Survey (PAMS) provided to Reuters by market research firm Eighty20.

New entrants

Newer lenders like TymeBank are also threatening to lure even more young customers with fee-free, app-based banking.

Executives at Absa and FirstRand said that while not especially profitable, the youth market is key to the sustainability of their customer bases.

"It's not about the numbers per se but it's about finding the right customers that are upwardly mobile and attractive in terms of the strategy," said Christoph Nieuwoudt, head of consumer banking at FirstRand's retail unit, First National Bank (FNB).

The lender had previously left a "huge gap" in the student market but wanted to make a comeback, he continued. FNB said its new student offering would combine a digital account, bundled mobile data, deals on third-party products and services and either low or no monthly fees.

Lifestyle offers

Analysts said the banks appeared to be waking up to the fact that a number of their customer bases are skewed towards older age brackets, and if they do not start attracting younger clients again they would have to wrestle them away from rivals later or quickly lose relevance.

"The same thought process seems to be playing out at all the big banks," Ilan Stermer, banks analyst at Renaissance Capital, said.

Based on responses to the PAMS survey, which asked participants which banks they had an account or card with, around 34% of Absa's customer base is 50 years old or older, compared with 24% at FNB, 25% at Standard Bank and 26% at Nedbank.

Absa, which already offers a low-fee student account, is planning to launch a mortgage product aimed at customers in their early- to mid-20s in the third quarter, Geoff Lee, managing executive of home loans in its retail unit, said.

As part of this it could offer - with strict criteria - mortgages worth more than the house itself to cover transaction costs. Standard Bank, which started offering an account aimed at 16-23 year olds and combining banking and "lifestyle" offers last year, has also recently started offering mortgages worth 104% of a house's value to certain first-time buyers.

The moves follow Nedbank's April launch of a digital, zero monthly fee account aimed at under 25s, promoted by a local rapper, and offering career help, DJ and photographer bookings, and deals on everything from fashion and technology to ride-hailing.

Struggle

For years, the big banks have struggled to grow lending in a weak economy with high levels of household debt. But with players like TymeBank growing fast - it acquired 400 000 customers in four months - executives said the youth market was too important to pass up.

"You can't have a customer base that dies on you," said Cowyk Fox, managing executive of everyday banking at Absa, adding that the youth market is growing fast and has better opportunities two decades after the end of apartheid. – Nampa/Reuters

Let us tread carefully

July 16, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Let us tread carefully When expectations are not met, citizens wronged in this regard should have channels, means and ways to air their grievances and have them addressed effectively.

In the case of the emotive issue of ancestral land claims and restitution, which could lead to bitter feuding, we need to tread carefully. It was thus important for President Hage Geingob to share his concerns, which he did on Monday during a meeting with representatives of the ancestral land commission he appointed following a resolution taken by the country’s second land conference. Geingob did not mince his words when he preached caution, warning against the spectre of using the theft of ancestral land, which remains a bitter fruit of colonialism, for ulterior motives.

Geingob cautioned that this could in fact stir up civil war. “This issue of land, used by some people for their own purposes can put this country at war. Civil war. That is how civil war starts, the emotions, politicians…” he said.

“No one is trying to do in the Namibian public, those who fought for the land are also demanding their land. Land was taken by the Germans and then the Boers took it during apartheid. Then Swapo and Swanu took up arms to fight for the land, and those people are also demanding.” With Nama and Ovaherero leaders already having distanced themselves from any involvement in the commission, and multiple claims being lodged for certain areas, this is indeed a dangerous powder keg. However, this commission, which has already heard the pleas of ordinary Namibians to halt the sale of land to foreigners, cannot and must not devolve into a political football. We cannot have a situation where millions are spent, simply to have the ancestral land issue kicked to touch after the upcoming general election. It also cannot be a case of the powers that be pointing to the commission and saying: “Look, we did something.” The emotions of the majority, especially with regard to land, are no playground.

Standard Bank faces strike vote

July 16, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Standard Bank faces strike voteSalary negotiations deadlocked Bank employees will vote on whether to strike after all attempts at agreeing on salary increases failed. ELVIRA HATTINGH



Members of the Bank Workers Union of Namibia (Bawon) are to vote on whether to strike following a deadlock in salary negotiations with Standard Bank Namibia.

Thomas Muchima, the union’s secretary-general, told the media yesterday that the union and bank would discuss how the voting process would proceed.

He added that the bank would not budge from its offer of a 5.2% increase while the union had demanded 7.2%. The union has since asked Standard Bank to meet them “in the middle” at 6.2%.

“It is not our goal to strike but it is our last option after all other avenues have been exhausted,” Muchima said, adding that the strike would include peaceful demonstrations.

“The public must be informed that our members will not work during the strike. It may sound as though we are being unreasonable but this is not our main goal.”

He added that eight or nine rounds of negotiations had been held but not even arbitration by the labour commissioner could result in an agreement.

An increase of 6.2%, Muchima said, would push N$40 million into the local labour market which would help to stimulate the ailing economy.

“When you compare this to the bank’s recent profit of N$400 million, the increase will still leave them with N$360 million.” He believes that the bank’s shareholders can sacrifice a single year of their profits because workers do it every year.

Standard Bank’s chief of marketing, Magreth Mengo, said the bank had offered competitive and market-related increases over the past five years, which were all higher than the inflation rate.

In a press statement, she added that the bank’s housing and transport allowances exceeded industry standards.

Mengo said Bawon had initially asked for 9% and the bank initially offered 4.5%.

In reality, more than 60% of the bank’s employees will receive an increase of between 5.5 and 6% on the basis of their performance evaluations.

The negotiations only covered Bawon’s bargaining unit because employees on management level had already agreed to increases of 0% to 3%.

Relevant IFRS themes: Anytime, anywhere

July 16, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Relevant IFRS themes: Anytime, anywhere A good understanding of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) is crucial to the financial reporting process of IFRS reporters.

Banks and Insurers in particular have to cope with specific and complex IFRS themes. PwC has developed a comprehensive IFRS e-learning programme tailored for banks and insurers in order to meet the banking and insurance industry’s need.

Our unique IFRS e-learning curriculum aims to create a solid IFRS understanding, focusing on insurer and banking specific topics. The programme is tailored to meet the needs of these industries and covers emerging topics.

As insurers and banks are currently busy with implementation of IFRS 9-Financial Instruments and preparing for IFRS 17-Insurance Contracts, our e-learnings are centered around the relevant fundamentals.

Why IFRS e-learnings for banks and insurers?

Banks and insurers have expressed a need to increase the knowledge of their global employees with respect to IFRS developments.

Together with our clients, we identified relevant topics and the preferred learning mechanism: e-learning. This will allow banks and insurers to update their (global) workforce on IFRS developments that are relevant to their industry, at relatively low costs. Anytime, anywhere.

IFRS e-learning modules may also be combined with classroom sessions in a blended learning model. Participants take the IFRS e-learning modules beforehand, allowing more time for covering practical issues during the classroom session.

Who is the target audience?

Our IFRS e-learnings are specifically designed for those in financial and actuarial functions within insurers and banks. These modules are also of interest to those working within reporting, financial reporting, controlling, IT, internal audit, risk, ALM /treasury, account management and tax.

What are the advantages of e-learning?

• Convenient and flexible access;

• Easy on the budget;

• Serves different learning styles (self-driven and self-paced);

• Measurable results and reporting;

• Digital record keeping and administration;

• Aligned to 21st-century business;

• Collaboration and community building;

• Immediate feedback and recognition; and

• Widespread connection and standardisation.

Should you require more details on these e-learns please contact our PwC business school at: busschool@na.pwc.com

Mom begs for mercy

July 16, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Mom begs for mercyFour years in jail for 25 Mandrax tablets The lawyer representing a young mother, who was sentenced to four years in jail after being caught with 25 Mandrax tablets, has described the sentence as “unjustified and shocking”. A mother of three minor children is asking the High Court to reduce her four-year prison sentence, or fine her instead, after she pleaded guilty to dealing in Mandrax tablets.

She was arrested in an informal settlement at Grootfontein in February 2018, and was found in possession of 25 Mandrax tablets, weighing just over 35.49 grams, and valued at N$3 525.

Angela Marukus (31) pleaded guilty in the Grootfontein Magistrate's Court last year, after she was charged with dealing in potentially dangerous dependence-producing drugs.

She told Magistrate Stanley Tembwe that she “was in a business of selling Mandrax”, which she knew was illegal.

In her initial notice of appeal, dated October 2018, the mother of three asked that the court consider her status as a first-time offender.

She further underlined she is the sole caregiver of three minor children and in October, was four months pregnant.

Her appeal noted that the four-year sentence “is too heavy for me to bear the stress”.

It is unclear what the status of the fourth infant is currently.

She underlined further that while her children had been in the care of their grandmother during her trial in Grootfontein, they now face an “unstable situation” after she was put behind bars.

She also reminded the court that she was a first-time offender. She has stressed that she only wishes to appeal her sentence, and not the conviction.

In an amended notice of appeal filed on Marukus's behalf in April this year, her Legal Aid-appointed lawyer submitted and argued that the magistrate failed to ensure she was represented during arguments in mitigation of sentence, and thus failed to lobby for information which could have “assisted him in coming to an appropriate sentence”.

Laura Pack of Pack Law Chambers further submitted that the magistrate did not take her personal circumstances into consideration, and underemphasised that she was a first-time offender.





The amended notice of appeal argues that the four-year sentence imposed is “unjustified and shocking and no reasonable court would have imposed it”.

Transcripts from the swift trial proceedings at the Grootfontein Magistrate's Court last year show the State had asked that the court impose a fine of N$10 000 and a five-year sentence, following on Marukus's guilty plea.

Magistrate Tembwe said the proposed sentence by the State was “disturbingly inappropriate and misleading”.

He highlighted that the accused had pleaded guilty “and did not waste the court's time”. The magistrate referred to her three children, but noted that the offence of dealing in Mandrax is a serious crime.

He said people who use Mandrax often become dependent and this may lead some to commit other crimes.

The magistrate further warned that Mandrax-related offences have “become prevalent in this district of Grootfontein”.

He said Marukus had “ventured into a very wrong business”.

“She was not even shy to tell the court how she was dealing; she was brave to mention that.”

The magistrate underlined that offenders must be deterred and a lesson must be learnt that “Mandrax is indeed a substance which is not supposed to be sold in public or being possessed in public”.

JANA-MARI SMITH

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Stop blaming Aawambo - Kapofi

July 16, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Stop blaming Aawambo - Kapofi Home affairs minister Frans Kapofi has cautioned against tribalism and pointed out that there is a growing perception that only the Aawambo are beneficiaries of government programmes and positions in the public sector.

“It is a very sad thing to observe that lately in our society, we are experiencing tribal remarks and in such an open manner over social media networks,” he said recently in the National Assembly while contributing to a motion on social cohesion for nation-building.

“People are threatening other Namibians not to travel and reside in parts other than from where they are traditionally known to hail.

“People are calling other Namibians foreigners in their regions. An undertone has been brewing for some time now that only people from the northern regions are beneficiaries of government programmes. That only Oshiwambo-speaking persons are being appointed into positions in the public sector.”

According to Kapofi there has never been a time since independence that programmes were developed only to benefit a certain tribe or group of people.

“Yet I can assure you, that during the armed liberation struggle, there are some areas I know where the Casspirs and Koevoet operated with impunity that caused the loss of lives of people and the destruction of property. It is therefore hurtful, very painful indeed, to have these people, proper victims of the war of yesterday, being made victims of ignorance through tribal tirades,” he said.

Kapofi cautioned youth and political parties to tread very carefully not to start wild fires, which they cannot extinguish.

He added that once these fires are started they won't be able to contain the destruction they will cause.

“Sometimes, what we perceive of other people is a mirror reflection of ourselves. If we think that other people, other tribes are bad, how good are we ourselves, how good are our tribes themselves?” he asked.

Last week justice minister said Sacky Shanghala said there is no marginalisation in Namibia.

He urged political opposition to “rise above the pettiness of tribal undertones and to envision the Namibia we seek”.

When she tabled the motion, Swapo chief whip in the National Assembly Evelyn !Nawases-Taeyele warned against the dangers of social media, while pointing out it has its positive benefits.

She also expressed excitement with the Cybersecurity Bill which is in progress as a working document with the information ministry.

“A new epidemic has broken out in Namibia where young people use social media to fuel propaganda and insult national leaders.

“Today people garnering for power have deployed armies of fake accounts to do so. I trust that this bill will make provision to criminalise the distribution of data messages which are harmful to fellow citizens,” she said.

JEMIMA BEUKES

88 schoolgirls fall pregnant in Oshana

July 16, 2019, 4:00 pm

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88 schoolgirls fall pregnant in Oshana Eighty-eight learners, including two girls in Grade 7, fell pregnant in the Oshana Region during the first term of 2019.

Oshana governor Elia Irimari said this in a speech delivered on his behalf at the official launch of the Oshana Education Directorate's 2020 admission of learners campaign on Monday.

Irimari said all the girls who fell pregnant were aged 18 or younger.

The Oshakati Circuit recorded the most pregnancies at 43%, followed by the Oluno and Onamutai circuits, at 19% and 16%, respectively.

The circuit with the lowest number of pregnancies was Eheke, with eight pregnancies recorded.

“Although most of these learners are in school, their academic progress is declining sharply and they may not pass at the end of the year,” Irimari said.

He thus advised that parents, guardians or caregivers educate their children, both boys and girls, about the implications of intimate relationships and help them make positive choices that could protect their education and future.

Irimari further said the region has recorded 130 school dropouts during the period under review, mostly for unknown reasons.

The campaign, which started on Monday and ends Friday, is aimed at mobilising communities to ensure that all children of school-going age are registered for school for the 2020 school year.

NAMPA

Keeping up with the neighbours

July 16, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Keeping up with the neighbours Luanda

You would need around US$2 535.97 in Windhoek to maintain the same standard of living that you can have with US$7 600 in Luanda, assuming you rent in both cities.

Consumer prices in Windhoek are 54.31% lower.

Consumer prices including rent in Windhoek are 66.63% lower.

Restaurant prices in Windhoek are 48.03% lower.

Groceries prices in Windhoek are 32.09% lower.

Local purchasing power in Windhoek is 34.58% higher.

Harare

You would need around US$2 512.66 in Windhoek to maintain the same standard of living that you can have with US$2 900 in Harare, assuming you rent in both cities.

Consumer prices in Windhoek are 23.31% lower.

Consumer prices including rent in Windhoek are 13.36% lower.

Restaurant prices in Windhoek are 2.35% lower.

Groceries prices in Windhoek are 22.30% lower.

Local purchasing power in Windhoek is 119.89% higher.

Gaborone

You would need around 27 104.79 pula (about N$35 717) in Windhoek to maintain the same standard of living that you can have with 19 000 pula in Gaborone, assuming you rent in both cities.

Consumer prices in Windhoek are 41.32% higher.

Consumer prices including rent in Windhoek are 42.66% higher.

Restaurant prices in Windhoek are 28.12% higher.

Groceries prices in Windhoek are 62.78% higher.

Local purchasing power in Windhoek is 31.87% lower.

Johannesburg

You would need around N$35 082.95 in Windhoek to maintain the same standard of living that you can have with R36 000 in Johannesburg, assuming you rent in both cities.

Consumer prices in Windhoek are 4.11% lower.

Consumer prices including rent in Windhoek are 2.55% lower.

Restaurant prices in Windhoek are 9.79% lower.

Groceries prices in Windhoek are 11.69% higher.

Local purchasing power in Windhoek is 24.82% lower.

Cape Town

You would need around N$34 785.53 in Windhoek to maintain the same standard of living that you can have with R39 000 in Cape Town, assuming you rent in both cities.

Consumer prices in Windhoek are 0.93% higher.

Consumer prices including rent in Windhoek are 10.81% lower.

Restaurant prices in Windhoek are 7.93% lower.

Groceries prices in Windhoek are 13.95% higher.

Local purchasing power in Windhoek is 25.93% lower.

Lusaka

You would need around 31 729.23 kwacha (about N$35 307) in Windhoek to maintain the same standard of living that you can have with 27 000 kwacha in Lusaka, assuming you rent in both cities.

Consumer prices in Windhoek are 18.75% higher.

Consumer prices including rent in Windhoek are 17.52% higher.

Restaurant prices in Windhoek are 43.93% higher.

Groceries prices in Windhoek are 39.05% higher.

Local purchasing power in Windhoek is 6.77% lower.

Source: Numbeo

Life compared to the Big Apple

July 16, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Life compared to the Big AppleLiving costs in Namibia, Africa and New York Living in Namibia might be cheaper than in New York, but the country remains rather expensive compared to the rest of Africa. Jo-Maré Duddy – Consumers’ burden over the past 12 months has lightened somewhat compared to fellow shoppers elsewhere in Africa: Namibia is currently rated as the 7th most expensive country out of 20 on the continent compared to the 4th a year ago.

This is according to the latest set of figures released by Numbeo, the world’s largest database of user contributed data about cities worldwide.

Numbeo’s indices are relative to New York City, which means that for the Big Apple, each index should be 100. If another city has, for example, a cost of living index of 90, it means that on an average in that city, the cost of living is 10% less expensive than in NYC.

Numbeo’s cost of living index for Namibia for the middle of 2019 is 44.10. This means that Namibia’s capital is 55.9% cheaper than New York.

According to Numbeo, you would need around US$2 533.58 or about N$35 191 in Windhoek to maintain the same standard of living that you can have with US$7 800 in New York, assuming you rent in both cities.

Numbeo’s cost of living index includes groceries, restaurants and local purchasing power.

With a cost of living index of just 25.34, Tunisia is the cheapest on the continent, where life on average is 74.66% cheaper than in New York. Seychelles, with a cost of living of 72.75, is the most expensive. Here life on average is only 27.25% cheaper than the Big Apple.

Shopping list

The Numbeo database compares prices from 9 020 cities around the world ranging from a litre of milk and a head of lettuce to a pair of jeans, rent, basic municipal services, school and gym fees, as well as cars.

Market Watch picked a basic food basket consisting of a litre of milk, a loaf of white bread, 1kg of beef, 12 eggs, 1kg of apples and 1kg of potatoes. On average, this will cost a consumer in Windhoek N$198.37.

The price tag for the same basket in New York will be N$473.83. In London, the average bill will come to N$291.09, while in Berlin, a consumer will have to fork out N$300.17.

Moving closer to home, the same basket will be the most expensive in Angola and Zimbabwe. In Luanda, the bill will be N$348.46. In Harare, it will come to N$298.51.

The cost of Windhoek’s basket doesn’t differ much from that of Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa, where the average consumer will pay N$198.09 and N$199.52 respectively.

The cheapest baskets are offered in Lusaka in Zambia and Gaborone in Botswana. In the Zambian capital, the basket will cost N$163.58. Consumers in Gaborone will come off the lightest will a bill of only N$109.38.

Housing

Numbeo’s rent index is estimation of prices of renting apartments in a city compared to New York City. If the index is 80, Numbeo estimates that price for renting in that city is 80% of price in New York.

Numbeo’s rent index for Windhoek currently is 16.87.

Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city centre ranges from N$7 000 to N$15 000, with Numbeo’s monthly average coming in at N$11 108.08.

In New York, the same space will go for a whopping N$47 719.85. In London, it will cost N$35 099.37 and in Berlin N$18 106.84.

Renting in Luanda is even more expensive than New York. A three-bedroom apartment outside the city centre rents for N$70 471.72 a month.

In other neighbouring countries, the comparable figures are: Cape Town (N$14 781.25), Johannesburg (N$11 710.30), Harare (N$9 149.70), Lusaka (N$8 810.45) and Gaborone (N$7 127.76).

Buying power

The local purchasing power index for Namibia is 60.16.

This index shows relative purchasing power in buying goods and services in a given city for the average wage in that city. With a domestic purchasing power of 60.16, the inhabitants of Namibia with the average salary can afford to buy on an average 39.84% less goods and services than New York City residents with an average salary.

Namibia currently has one of the highest ratings on Numbeo’s local purchasing power index in Africa. Only three countries have bigger purchasing clout: Botswana (67.57), Zambia (69.40) and South Africa (81.30).

Baby steps on rewards

July 17, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Baby steps on rewardsJohannes, Junias, coaches bag N$230 000 The sports rewards policy is taking baby steps, with the sports ministry, through the Namibia Sports Commission, splashing N$230 000 on two athletes and their coaches. Commonwealth Games gold medallists Helalia Johannes and Jonas Junias have received N$80 000 from the sports ministry for their 2018 triumphs, while their coaches have bagged N$35 000 each.

The rewards came via the Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) yesterday.

NSC chief administrator Simataa Mwiya lauded the government for making the rewards available.

“I know that this… comes late, but I am delighted that it finally came through… I must also say that the coaches were rewarded because they have done a good job with the athletes.

“We have to thank the government for making these funds available after such a long wait for the athletes,” Mwiya said.

In April 2018, Johannes proved that perseverance pays off when she won her first Commonwealth gold medal in the women's marathon, following many years of failed attempts.

Johannes finished in a time of two hours, 32 minutes and 40 seconds.

Junias won his gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, held in Australia, after defeating Canadian Thomas Blumenfeld 5-0 in the final of 64kg division.

Johannes lauded the ministry and the NSC for her reward.

“It has been a long wait for me to get this reward… With the money I have won, I am going to buy running shoes and proper supplements to keep my body in shape.

“I am also going to do some business in order to have a future when I eventually retire. The other thing I will be doing with this money is to help my fellow athletes, who always help me whenever I am training or preparing for an event,” Johannes said.

Her coach Robert Kaxuxuena received N$35 000 for steering the athlete to her gold medal, while Junias coach Patrick Kashera also received N$35 000.

The rewards policy applies to athletes who win medals at Olympic and Paralympic Games, world championships, Commonwealth Games, All-Africa Games, African championships (seniors) and the Special Olympics World Summer and Winter Games.

For gold, silver and bronze medals at the Olympic or Paralympic Games, athletes are to receive N$200 000, N$150 000 and N$100 000, respectively, while the coaches will receive N$80 000, N$60 000, and N$40 000, respectively.

For the world championships, gold medal winners will take home N$100 000, while a silver medal will net N$80 000 and a bronze N$50 000, and coaches receive N$50 000, N$30 000 and N$20 000, respectively.

A world senior championships gold medal will earn an athlete N$30 000, while N$20 000 and N$15 000 will be dished out for silver and bronze medals, and coaches will receive N$10 000, N$8 000 and N$5 000, respectively.

A Commonwealth and All-Africa Games gold will earn an athlete N$80 000, while N$60 000 and N$40 000 will be given for silver and bronze medals, respectively, and coaches will be rewarded N$35 000, N$25 000 and N$15 000, respectively. African championships winners will get N$50 000, while N$30 000 and N$20 000 will be paid to silver and bronze medal athletes, and coaches will get N$20 000, N$15 000 and N$10 000, respectively.

Special Olympics World Summer or Winter Games athletes will be rewarded with N$40 000 for gold, N$30 000 for silver and N$20 000 for bronze. The coaches of winning athletes in the same competition will get N$20 000, N$15 000 and N$10 000, respectively.

The policy also includes awarding preparation grants to coaches and athletes. Grants of N$5 000 per month are included for individual athletes who have qualified for the Commonwealth Games, All-Africa Games, African championships and world champs.

For preparations for the Olympic or Paralympic Games, world cups, world championships, All-Africa Games and African championships, senior teams will get N$1 million.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

NBF hosts successful amateur tourney

July 17, 2019, 4:00 pm

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NBF hosts successful amateur tourney Namibia Boxing Federation (NBF) president Benjamin Rabang has expressed satisfaction with an international boxing tournament that saw Namibian boxers trading blows with their Angolan counterparts.

The two-day boxing championship between the two countries was held at the After-School Centre in Grysblok, Windhoek on Sunday and Monday.

Rabang said the boxers displayed great talent, which only needs nurturing.

“We are happy to see that some of the boxers we chose to represent the country at future competitions did well during this two-day event. We are going to travel to Angola next month for the return (leg) of this championships and I hope we will put up great performances like we did here,” he said.

Rabang added that it was great to see female boxers exchanging blows during the two-day championship that drew more than 14 amateur boxers from both countries.

Namibian boxers Nestor Tomas, TryAgain Ndevelo, Junias Jonas and Martin Kambalili outclassed their opponents Miquel Kembo, Ernesto Gomes, Francisco Gomes and Nafital Goma, respectively.

Fourteen amateur boxers have been identified to represent Namibia at the All-Africa Games that will be held in Morocco from 19 to 31 August.

“The government did not give us any funds to host this championship, but they at least helped with bringing the boxers from Angola to the country.

“Our dream is to get funding from the government or even corporate Namibia, so we can start hosting more of these competitions, which will help our boxers to improve,” he said.

NAMPA

40 000 tickets sold for Bok clash

July 17, 2019, 4:00 pm

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40 000 tickets sold for Bok clash Saturday's Castle Lager Rugby Championship opener between South Africa and Australia in Johannesburg is shaping up to be a great contest, and previous Tests between the two teams have delivered some memorable encounters.

That is why Mzwandile Stick, one of the Springbok assistant coaches, reckons the Test at Emirates Airline Park will again be a very competitive match between the two sides.

Saturday's match on the Highveld is the first of three Tests the Springboks will play in a shortened version of the 2019 Rugby Championship. The South Africans will play the All Blacks away in Wellington next Saturday, and then face Argentina in Salta on Saturday, 10 August.

According to Stick, a game between the Springboks and the Wallabies is always a big clash.

“If you look at the history of games between the two sides in the Rugby Championship, then you will see it's always a tough game,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Springboks have been training with a big squad of 39 players throughout the previous four weeks “three weeks at a training camp in Pretoria”, and since Monday, in the build-up to Saturday's season-opener in Johannesburg.

Stick reckons there are great benefits in having such a large pool of players together over an extended period.

“Sometimes you don't have enough numbers of players on the training pitch and then it's not ideal when it comes to the sessions,” he said.

“Currently, every time we trained we had two full teams, which meant we could have a full go at one another.

“Even though it was disappointing not to have our teams qualify for the semis and final of Vodacom Super Rugby, it meant we could get the boys into camp at an earlier stage. We have a great plan and we did well so far to manage the squad superbly.

“We still have some work to do before Saturday, but we are looking forward to playing, especially in Johannesburg, where we've always had great support in the past,” added Stick. The Springbok assistant coach was also asked about talented young scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies, who has been included in the training squad after some impressive performances for the Stormers.

“It shows life is about opportunities and Herschel grabbed his with both hands when he got a chance with the Stormers in Super Rugby,” said Stick, a former Blitzbok captain.

“Herschel played very well and if you look at his performances this year you will see he has been very consistent. He is clinical with the basic aspects. He has a good pass, and when the opportunity presents itself, he will snipe around the rucks and score tries.

“And even for his size, he makes a lot of tackles on those big forwards, so he is courageous and also a fighter. He certainly has great potential and I am glad he is part of our squad,” Stick said.

Nearly 40 000 tickets have been sold for the Test, which is one only two that the Springboks will play at home before travelling to Japan at the end of August to participate in the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Rassie Erasmus, the SA Rugby director of rugby, was expected to announce the Springbok team for the Wallabies Test yesterday afternoon.

NAMPA/ANA

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Dragons and dung

July 17, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Dragons and dungMyanmar kids dodge cows to play rugby While sidestepping cow dung and garbage, Myanmar's only home-grown junior rugby side trains on the outskirts of Yangon. When the Little Dragons aren't running barefoot on the litter-strewn dirt, the makeshift field on the outskirts of Yangon is sometimes used as a cockfighting ring or a fairground.

But every Sunday, boys and girls aged five to 18 from Yangon's North Dagon township can be seen playing touch rugby, an incongruous sight in a country where the sport is barely known.

As novice monks file past collecting alms, the players shoo away cantankerous cattle to begin warm-up drills under the tutelage of their coaches, a mix of locals and expatriates. During monsoons the training ground is shin-deep in mud, but during the hot season the surface is baked into an unyielding, crusty mosaic.

Yet many of the Little Dragons play barefoot.

Youth-worker-turned-coach Aung Kyaw Lin, 24, helped set up the team four years ago to run alongside English and maths lessons, and workshops on fire safety and health.

“Children here used to spending their free time in gaming shops,” he says.

“When they started playing rugby, they stopped arguing and worked together.”

Although the organisers ran out of funding to keep their education centre going, the rugby continued.

Few women play sport in conservative Myanmar, yet half of the 40 or so Little Dragons are girls.

Nann Shar Larr He's older sister used to scold her for wanting to play with the boys, but now most of her family come to watch the training sessions.

“There's no difference between girls and boys when we play rugby,” the 15-year-old said, as she smiles.

As the only homegrown junior team in the country, the Little Dragons look to Yangon's international schools for matches.

In May, they took part in Myanmar's first junior tournament, partly played on a full-sized, artificial grass pitch at one of the schools.

Out of 10 teams in each age group, Little Dragons sides finished second and third in the under-14s, and second in the u-11s.

“These kids ran rings round them,” says coach Bradley Edwards.

One baffled team even tried removing their rugby boots to see if that was the key to the Little Dragons' agility, an experiment that lasted only a couple of minutes on the hot, rough surface.

“We felt like crying when they scored, but we just tried even harder,” says 12-year-old Dragon, Kyaw Kyaw Lin. The schools are helping out the team, donating second-hand shoes and sharing transport.

But the Dragons are looking for sustained funding to support them and resurrect the now-closed education centre. An interested international sponsor backed away last year, concerned about Myanmar's “political climate” - a reference to the global outcry triggered by the mass expulsion of Rohingya Muslims in 2017.

Edwards sees this as counterproductive, arguing that sport can be a unifying force.

“There are so many things separating communities now in Myanmar and in rugby one of the key values is respect,” he says.

The next step is to introduce the players to rugby sevens, but fellow coach Josh Peck says they are eager for more.

“These kids are fired-up and ready. They want to play (full) contact.”

NAMPA/AFP

Hulitheni po okugandja oombedhi kAawambo - Kapofi

July 17, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Hulitheni po okugandja oombedhi kAawambo - Kapofi JEMIMA BEUKES



Ominista yIikwameni nOmatembu, Frans Kapofi okwa kunkilile kombinga yuukwamuhoko oshowo omaiyuvo omenene ngoka geli moshigwana kutya Aawambo oyo owala taya mono omauwanana okuza mooprograma dhepangelo oshowo moompito dhiilonga mepangelo.

“Oshinima oshiwinayi okudhidhilika kutya moshigwana shetu ngashiingeyi otwa taaalela omalaka guukwamuhoko, moka aantu yamaguluka unene komapandja gomakwatathano gopainternet.”

Minista okwa popi ngaaka mOmutumba gwoPshigwana pethimbo a gandja oshipopiwa she kombinga yomakwatathano gopamalungula netungo lyoshigwana. Okwa popi kutya aantu otaya ningilathana omatilitho opo ka ya ende miitopolwa yimwe nenge kaya kale pomahala galwe pwaaheshi omahala mpoka ya valelwa.

Okwa tsikile kutya aantu otaya ulathana aazaizai miitopolwa nokupopya kutya aapopi owala yelaka lyOshiwambo oyo taya mono omauwanawa okuza kepangelo.

Kapofi okwa popi kutya konima nkene oshilongo sha manguluka kape na ooprograma dha tulwa miilonga dha nuninwa owala omuhoko gumwe nenge ongundu yimwe yaantu.

“Otandi mu kwashilipaleke mpaka kutya pethimbo lyekondjelomanguluko ope na omahala gamwe ndi ga shi mpoka omakasipeli oshowo aakwiita yokatongotongo ya longele nokweetitha ekanitho lyoomweenyo dhaantu oshowo eyonagulo lyomaliko. Otashi lulumike nokuuvitha nayi, sho oonakuninga iihakanwa mbyoka ngashiingeyi taya ningilwa okatongo kopamuhoko.”

Kapofi okwa kunkilile aanyasha oshowo oongundu dhopolotika opo dhi kale dha kotoka kadhi tameke omindilo dhomapeya, dhoka itadhi ka vula okudhimwa.

Okwa popi kutya uuna omulilo gwa tameke itagu ka vula okudhimwa. Sho a gandja oshiyetwa po she mOmutumba gwoPashigwana Swapo chief whip, Evelyn !Nawases-Taeyele okwa kunkilile oshiponga shomakwatathanao gopamalungula nonando okwa tothamo ngaa uuwanawa womakwatathano ngoka.

Okwa holola woo enyanyu lye omolwa ontotwaveta yoCybersecurity Bill ndjoka tayi pula nawa komeho nUuministeli wOmauyelele.

“Okwa tukuka uupyakadhi moNamibia moka aanyasha taya longitha omapandja gomakwatathano gopamalungula mokuhwahwameka omapopyo giifundja oshowo okutuka aaleli yoshigwana. Ondiinekela kutya ontotwaveta ndjoka otayi ka kwathela mokuhulitha po etumo lyomatumwalaka ngoka ga nika oshiponga moshigwana.”

Okatomeno kaShakati otaka patuluka masiku

July 17, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Okatomeno kaShakati otaka patuluka masikuIilonga yetungo ya manithwa Ehangano lyoKIAT Investment Holdings, ndyoka lya pewa otendela yokukondolola nokukwatela komeho okatomeno komondoolopa yaShakati, olya popi kutya okatomeno hoka otaka tameke iilonga mbala. ILENI NANDJATO



Shoka otashi ka hwepopaleka onkalo moka mu na aanafaalama yomonooli yoshilongo mboka ya kala kaye na omalandithilo giimuna yawo unene sho ya taalela oshikukuta oshinene.

Pethimbo sho a ningwa naye oonkundathana koNamibian Sun mEtiyali, Omunambelewa Omukuluntu gwoKIAT, Sikunawa Tshiponga Negumbo okwa popi kutya elongululo lyehala ndyoka olya manithwa na otaya tameke okulanda oongombe muule wiiwike itatu twa taalela.

Negumbo okwa popi kutya ooindjinia okuza kUuministeli wUunamapya oshowo kUuministeli wIilonga odha ningile omakonaakono okatomeno hoka mOmaandaha.

“Momaandaha otwa ningile omakonaakono etungo alihe nomEtiyali otwa konaakona ehala lyokutomeno oshowo endiki alihe. Otwa lombwelwa kutya ayihe oyi li pomahala ngaashi sha li sha uvanekwa na otatu pandula epangelo kwaashoka lya ningipo,” Negumbo a popi.

“Ngashiingeyi otwa tegelela omutungi a gandje ehala kUumunisteli wIilonga mboka tawu ka gandja etungo ndyoka momake gUuministeli wUunamapya, mboka tawu ke tu pa etungo ndyoka, okuza mpoka otatu ka tameka okulanda ongombe okuza kaanafaalama.”

Okatomeno komOshakati oshowo Katima Mulilo owa patwa momvula yo 2016, konima sho Meatco a tseyitha a kanitha oshindji uule woomvula odhindji.

KIAT oya tameke okukuta miilonga aaniilonga taku talika unene kaaniilonga yaMeatco mboka ya li ya kuthwa miilonga momvula yo 2016.

Konima nkene okatomeno hoka kali ka patwa, aanafaalama yomonooli oya kala yiikolelela owala muutomeno wopakathimbo na oye li mompumbwe onene okushunitha pevi omwaalu gwiimuna yawo unene sho ku na oshikukuta oshinene.

“Tango otatu ka kutha po oopresenda 70 dhaaniilonga mboka yali ya kuthwa miilonga. Yalwe otaya tegelele molwaashoka otu na na okutala tango keyamukulo lyaanafaalama opo tu vule okukuta miilonga omwaalu gwa gwana.”

Negumbo okwa tsikile kutya okatomeno hoka otaka vulu okutoma oongombe dha thika po 200 mesiku, na okwa pula aanafaalama opo ya tameke okulanditha po iimuna yawo.

Mushelenga still in the dark

July 17, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Mushelenga still in the dark A letter detailing the ongoing infighting between Grootfontein CEO Arnold Ameb and the municipality's finance executive Ileni Hainghumbi has not reached urban and rural development minister Peya Mushelenga.

This is despite a council resolution taken to inform the minister.

The infighting has now apparently deepened, amid proof that management committee chairperson Jack Tsanigab was not in support of Hainghumbi's reinstatement, following his suspension.

Mushelenga told Namibian Sun he has not yet received a letter or report from the Grootfontein municipality regarding the infighting.

Hainghumbi was suspended in January for alleged misconduct. His suspension was lifted in 12 April, following a special council meeting.

Minutes of the special council meeting of 11 April, seen by Namibian Sun, indicate that Tsanigab opposed Hainghumbi's reinstatement.

“Mr Hainghumbi was served with a suspension letter while the investigation is being conducted. Council resolved to prepare a letter to the office of the honourable minister to explain what transpired with the suspension of Hainghumbi, while he is being reinstated with immediate effect. Councillor Tsanigab, the chairperson of the management committee, did not concur with the approval of Hainghumbi's reinstatement,” the minutes of the council special meeting said.

“The Office of the Attorney-General is to be informed to avail the investigation officer to finalise the investigation and the charge sheet and the process (should) be fast-tracked and concluded.”

A charge sheet dated 9 May, issued by Ameb, revealed that Hainghumbi allegedly defied orders and made several payments amounting to N$768 500 to different accounts. Hainghumbi was given until 17 May to respond to the charges levelled against him. However, he claims not to have seen the charge sheet until now.

Hainghumbi has accused his boss of alleged illicit transactions amounting to over N$300 000 during the time he (Hainghumbi) was on suspension.

In a letter seen by Namibian Sun, dated 3 July, Hainghumbi reported to Grootfontein mayor Abisai Haimene that Ameb had authorised alleged illicit transactions that were contrary to municipal policies and regulations.

Tsanigab refused to comment, while Haimene did not answer his cellphone or respond to SMSes.

ILENI NANDJATO

EVM 'hacking challenge' postponed

July 17, 2019, 4:00 pm

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EVM 'hacking challenge' postponed'Not fair, not credible, not faster' The Electoral Commission is trying to address mistrust in what has been described as 'cheating machines'. The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has postponed its scheduled “hacking challenge” of the electronic voter machines (EVMs) to allow political parties sufficient time to prepare for the session.

The initial session was planned to take place at the ECN head office in Windhoek today.

Theo Mujoro, the ECN chief electoral officer, said a majority of members of the Political Parties Liaison Committee had requested the postponement.

He said political parties had raised a number of concerns regarding the credibility and integrity of the EVMs to the ECN as well as on various other platforms.

Such concerns include allegations that the EVMs can be hacked to store results other than the choice of the voter.

Some parties have also alleged that the EVMs can be tampered with to favour a particular candidate or political party by altering the results stored in the EVMs after the polls.

Most recently, the Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) secretary general, Brunhilde Cornelius, in a press statement said the RDP and other “like-minded parties” were “determined to leave no stone unturned in stopping the use of the EVMs in Namibia's electoral system”.

Cornelius said the RDP would not hesitate to boycott the elections if the use of the EVMs was not stopped.

“The Namibian public was told that such method [the use of the EVMs] is efficient, reliable and faster. However, what we have observed is that the EVMs are not fair, not credible and not transparent and definitely not faster,” Cornelius said.

She described the Indian-manufactured EVMs as “cheating machines” that make no provision for a voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT).

“Swapo Party, the owner of this suspicious electoral process, rejected the EVMs to be used in their 2017 congress. Why? Because the system cannot be trusted in its way of allocating the voters' votes to the candidates and/or parties of their choice,” Cornelius said. Mujoro said the ECN took cognisance of parties' concerns as part of the ongoing consultations with them “to ensure credibility within all aspects of the electoral process”.

He said the ECN had invited nominees of registered parties to take part in the EVM hacking challenge.

Mujoro said the hacking challenge is a platform made available to the party nominees to examine randomly selected EVMs.

“The hacking challenge provides the political parties an opportunity to demonstrate claims by political parties that the EVMs could be tampered with within the existing administrative and security protocol put in place by the commission,” Mujoro said.

He said the ECN was “committed to ensuring the credibility and integrity” of the electoral process and would continue to engage political parties to ensure that new arrangements were made in this regard.



CATHERINE SASMAN