Making employees feel at home at Plastic Packaging

July 18, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Making employees feel at home at Plastic Packaging

Jonell Malan

Human resource management is essentially the management of human resources (HR). It is a function in organisations designed to maximise employee performance in the service of an employer’s strategic objectives.

One empowers the employees of a company by listening and understanding the concerns they have and assisting them as best you can, by believing in their abilities and helping them continuously improve their skills. The role HR plays in an organisation is vital.

At Plastic Packaging, the HR department is the newest baby - currently working towards consolidating and centralising the HR functions from all our branches and subsidiaries. Starting a new job is a daunting experience.

The best way to welcome an employee at an organisation is by introducing the new employee to all departments, taking them through our factory and explaining the business flow. Before starting with the induction, Plastic Packaging ensures the employee is comfortable and well-acquainted with the organisation.

Human resources is an essential part of an organisation as it focuses on managing and cultivating talent and human capital - two of the most vital aspects of an organisation. To borrow the shoes of a person in the HR department is quite challenging, as one deals with training and development for all departments, as well a recruiting and selection functions such as advertising vacancies, shortlisting, interviews, managing employee files and information, employee welfare and all HR-related issues.

Managing the work environment is as important’ you have to set rules of conduct and behaviour and maintain an open-door policy and positive relationships with employees and supervisors. You also have to deal with conflict in an orderly and conducive manner. What I dislike about the world of HR is the pressure it brings to ensure that employees are constantly satisfied, and dealing with disgruntled employees. The rest is also enjoyable.

A growing trend of HR that will gain more attention is diversity within the workplace - increasing it, managing it and using it to an organisation’s advantage. Technological developments within the HR industry could streamline and improve feedback sent and received by the HR department, in the form of employee welfare apps and programmes for performance management.

Human Resource Officer at Plastic Packaging.

Photo: Contributed

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Making employees feel at home at Plastic Packaging

July 18, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Making employees feel at home at Plastic Packaging JONELL MALAN

Human resource management is a function in organisations designed to maximise employee performance in the service of an employer’s strategic objectives.

One empowers the employees of a company by listening and understanding the concerns they have and assisting them as best you can, by believing in their abilities and helping them continuously improve their skills. The role HR plays in an organisation is vital.

At Plastic Packaging, the HR department is the newest baby - currently working towards consolidating and centralising the HR functions from all our branches and subsidiaries.

Starting a new job is a daunting experience.

The best way to welcome an employee at an organisation is by introducing the new employee to all departments, taking them through our factory and explaining the business flow. Before starting with the induction, Plastic Packaging ensures the employee is comfortable and well-acquainted with the organisation.

Human resources is an essential part of an organisation as it focuses on managing and cultivating talent and human capital - two of the most vital aspects of an organisation. To borrow the shoes of a person in the HR department is quite challenging, as one deals with training and development for all departments, as well a recruiting and selection functions such as advertising vacancies, shortlisting, interviews, managing employee files and information, employee welfare and all HR-related issues.

Managing the work environment is as important as you must set rules of conduct and behaviour and maintain an open-door policy and positive relationships with employees and supervisors. You also have to deal with conflict in an orderly and conducive manner. What I dislike about the world of HR is the pressure it brings to ensure that employees are constantly satisfied, and dealing with disgruntled employees. The rest is gratifying.

A growing trend of HR that will gain more attention is diversity within the workplace - increasing it, managing it and using it to an organisation’s advantage. Technological developments within the HR industry could streamline and improve feedback sent and received by the HR department, in the form of employee welfare apps and programmes for performance management.

*Jonell is a Human Resource Officer at Plastic Packaging.

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Renewed plea for 2% donation

July 18, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Renewed plea for 2% donation

A public notice signed by secretary to the cabinet George Simataa, dated for Thursday last week, makes a “humble appeal to all Namibians to donate up to 2% of their annual basic salary. This request is not only applicable to those who earn a salary but to everyone who earns an income and is willing to donate”.
The monies are set to be used for the 2019/20 drought relief programme.
The plea follows the 6 May declaration of the drought as a national disaster by President Hage Geingob.
According to Simataa, it is emphasised that the donation is “voluntary” and must be “made in the spirit of goodwill and patriotism”.
An official form has been created to this end and a Standard Bank account opened by Treasury for the contributions made.
The form, available on all organisation, agencies and ministries’ websites, requires all the particulars, including identity number and workplace details and provides different payment options including single deductions or multiple deductions in equal instalments. Should a donor want to make a direct contribution to the bank account, the details of which are enclosed in Simataa’s public notice, both the proof of payment and the consent form must be delivered to the executive director, I-Ben Nashandi, in the prime minister’s office.
Simataa says this is for compliance with the State Finance Act in terms of donations to the state.

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Namibia can only be changed by Jesus

July 21, 2019, 6:24 am

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Namibia can only be changed by Jesus

Barely a fortnight after he was told to repent during the Swakopmund town hall meeting, President Hage Geingob found himself confessing his sins this morning at State House.
During a visit from Ghanaian healing evangelist Dag Heward-Mills, he prayed for the president and Namibia this morning and spontaneously asked the president, his staff and his guests to pray along and repent their sins and wickedness.
During his prayer Heward Mills rebuked the “demonic powers that rule over the Namibian nation” and asked God that the “Namibian children” not be given over to drugs, alcohol, prostitution, sickness, gangers and armed robbery.
“We are happy to find out you are a God-fearing man. Even this morning you went to church and you are seeing us directly after church. Many people who come into power, they do not go to church. Most presidents, they do not go to church, we see them at churches during elections,” said Heward Mills.
The state visit follows a range of church services by Heward-Mills and his Healing Jesus Campaign team which included an alleged resurrection which took place in Oshakati and can now be watched on YouTube.
The evangelist, who is listed as one of the 10 richest pastors in Ghana, and his team, visited Rundu, Oshakati and Katima Mulilo last week.
He also commended Geingob for his administration’s openness to foreign visitors which allowed him and his team to visit Namibia.
JEMIMA BEUKES

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Red Flag sees hundreds attend

July 22, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Red Flag sees hundreds attend

Chief Sam Kambazembi of the Kambazembi Royal House on Sunday called on fellow Ovaherero people to work hand in hand with other tribes in order to build unity between all Namibian people.

Speaking in Okahandja on Sunday at the Red Flag (Otjiserandu) commemoration, Kambazembi said it is not a mistake that Ovaherero are living in Namibia with other tribes.

“It is not by accident that we are living in Namibia with each other, but is rather a blessing for Ovaherero people,” he said.

He said the Ovaherero people should be patient and learn to live with other tribes, adding that they should not separate themselves from other Namibian tribes although they are not part of them.

He said the independence the country is enjoying is for all Namibians and no other independence is coming for Ovaherero people.

Kambazembi added that if there are misunderstandings between tribes, then the tribe leaders should come together and find a common solution to the problem.

“If we differ at some point, our leaders should come together and see a common destiny for our followers,” he said.

The Red Flag commemoration is an annual event for the Ovaherero people to pay tribute to the fallen heroes and heroines of the Ovaherero.

This year's event saw the attendance of people from all corners of Namibia as well as from Botswana and South Africa.

At the same commemoration, Ovaherero Paramount Chief, Vekuii Rukoro unveiled the tombstone of his predecessor, Dr Kuaima Riruako.

The Ovaherero community marched through the streets of Okahandja to the cemetery, where former Ovaherero leaders are buried and Rukoro unveiled the late paramount chief's tombstone.

Chiefs Riruako, Hosea Kutako and Clemens Kapuuo are among those buried at the Ovaherero heroes' cemetery.

Rukoro took over the Ovaherero Traditional Authority's leadership in 2014, following Riruako's death.

The formal event of Red Flag Day was held on Sunday at Commando Number 1 in Okahandja, where Rukoro and other Ovaherero leaders addressed the community members who gathered in their hundreds from different parts of Namibia.

NAMPA

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Nam, Zim cement cooperation

July 22, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Nam, Zim cement cooperationCommittee set up A new agreement has been inked with Zimbabwe to enhance not only trade but also create an enabling environment for business.

More needs to be done to fully exploit the trade and investment potential offered by the Namibian and Zimbabwean economies.

To this end the two countries have agreed on the terms of reference for the operationalisation of the joint trade and economic committee, and have concluded a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on SME cooperation.

This was revealed by the ministry of international relations' executive director, Ambassador Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, at the official opening of the ninth session of the Namibia-Zimbabwe joint permanent commission of cooperation (JPCC) on Monday.

She said the two governments agreed to strengthen cooperation in a number of sectors, such as trade and investment, agriculture, fisheries, mining, energy, health, transport, culture and tourism.

“We are of the view that the outcome of the previous sessions of the joint commission of cooperation, complemented by the exchange of high-level visits between our two countries, has further consolidated our bilateral relations,” she said.

Furthermore, the meeting is expected to finalise a number of legal instruments, which speak to the creation of a conducive and enabling institutional environment for businesspeople.

This includes the reviewed MoU on cooperation in the field of information, media and broadcasting, the revised MoU on science, technology and innovation, the MoU on fisheries and freshwater aquaculture conservation and the twinning agreement between Kavango East in Namibia and the Mashonaland West Province of Zimbabwe.

“We welcome the continuation of direct flights between our two capitals, as well as the increasing collaboration we are witnessing between our regional and provincial governments, thus emphasising the importance of people to people contact,” said Ashipala-Musavyi.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwean secretary for foreign affairs and international trade, Ambassador James Manzou, indicated that Zimbabwe is ready to recommend to the heads of state that the JPCC be be upgraded to a bi-national commission.

He also informed the meeting about his country's recent decision to reform its currency regime, which led to the re-introduction of the Zimbabwean dollar and bond notes.

“The re-introduction of the local currency was necessary as the old regime of multi-currencies resulted in our products becoming uncompetitive on regional and international markets. The monetary reforms have clearly started bearing fruit, as the prices of goods in shops have stabilised and in some cases gone down,” he said.

JEMIMA BEUKES

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Sexual health in the spotlight

July 22, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Sexual health in the spotlightSharing information in a supportive setting The signing of the MoU serves as a pathway for the SFH to make scheduled visits to the WVTC and provide mobile services to the trainees.

Ester Kamati

The Windhoek Vocational Training Centre (WVTC) and the Society for Family Health (SFH) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Friday, 19 July at the WVTC campus in Khomasdal.

The agreement was signed by WVTC manager Paulus Haukongo and Taimi Amaambo, the country manager of the SFH.

In his welcoming remarks at the ceremony Haukongo said the SFH will be an asset for the institution and the trainees.

Amaambo explained the purpose of the MoU is to provide a framework that will guide cooperation, resulting in constructive interventions on sexual reproductive health and services.

The signing of the MoU serves as a pathway for the SFH to make scheduled visits to the institution and provide mobile services to the trainees. These services include HIV testing and immediate treatment of those testing positive, as well as access to contraceptives and information provided by a registered nurse.

Amaambo outlined the core of this initiative seeks to effectively assist youth in making informed and healthy sexual and reproductive choices. He further mentioned they are aware that young people have limited information about sexual reproductive health and many who try to seek these services are faced with discrimination.

The SFH thus aims to provide a supportive and respectful environment to empower youth to make better decisions.

Namibia National Training Organisation (NNTO) board member Anthea Rietz outlined how vital knowledge and life skills are.

She added that this partnership should be used as a bridge for the WVTC to gain access to and follow up on important information regarding sexual health through regular communication. “The art of changing mindsets begins with us,” she added.

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Equipping learners with cultural knowledge

July 22, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Equipping learners with cultural knowledge A grade 1 and 2 group of Perivoli Okonjima Country School learners recently visited Ombu village.

Ombu is situated about 40 kilometres south of Otjiwarongo, and hosts the history, heritage and culture of the Ovaherero people in the form of a living museum. The traditional homestead consists of nine houses showing original designs and building methods. A tour through these houses demonstrates how the Ovaherero lived traditionally, collected and prepared food and manufactured their perfumes and clothes.

The learners were in awe of the static museum, which showcases artefacts, exhibitions and statues. They also milked goats, went for a ride on a donkey cart and were treated to traditional vetkoek before leaving.

This tactile interactive environment was the ultimate learning experience and the group enjoyed their visit to Ombu village immensely.

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Debaters going places

July 22, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Debaters going places

Elizabeth Joseph

The Namibia high school debating team was sponsored by Kalahari Holdings to attend the inaugural Pan-African Schools' Debating Championships 2019 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The tournament took place from 27 June to 6 July and the Namibian delegation resided at the National School of the Arts in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.

Clinton Muinjo and Ivan Limbo were the coaches.

Teams A and B qualified for the quarterfinals and Namibia A made it all the way to the final, where they lost against Sacred Heart College from Johannesburg and won silver.

Abraham Angula was the best novice speaker and was the eighth best overall speaker at the tournament. Christiaan Prinsloo was the best Namibian speaker and ranked fourth best overall speaker at the tournament.

Twapewa-Ashihe Mungoba was the fifth best overall speaker.

Ernst Calietz and Mercy Fabianus were tied for the ninth best overall speakers.

Five Namibians made the overall top 10 rankings in the speaking categories.

There were close to a 100 participating teams from all over the world, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), South Africa, Tanzania, Liberia, Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Botswana.

The team would like to thank Kalahari Holdings for sponsoring them.

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Man shot dead while chasing thief

July 22, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Man shot dead while chasing thief

A 27-year-old man died on Friday in Rundu, after he was shot in the back while pursuing a thief who had stolen his colleague's cellphone.

Joseph Elago was declared dead later that night, after being rushed to the Rundu state hospital. The police report said Elago and a female colleague were in the vicinity of the Ndama service station when a thief grabbed her cellphone and ran. Elago immediately chased after the thief, but when he caught up with the suspect, another man, believed to be an accomplice, shot him in the back.

The shooter managed to grab the cellphone and ran away. To date, no suspects have been arrested and police investigations continue.

The police are investigating a drowning in Groot Aub, after a baby girl, Julia Ndakondjelapo Kakondo, drowned in a vat of home-brewed tombo.

The incident took place on Saturday afternoon. It is alleged the little girl “walked over the 25-litre plastic container that was dug into the ground, and left open”.

She was 16 months old.

The police arrested a 16-year-old boy on Friday afternoon in the Ohangwena Region, based on allegations that he raped a six-year-old girl.

The police say the incident allegedly took place at Omungwelume village.

The 16-year-old allegedly came across the young girl while she was walking home from school. He “chased her and dragged her into the bush and raped her”, the police report said.

The police are also investigating a case of arson, read together with the Combating of Domestic Violence Act, after a man “used a match stick to set a traditional hut on fire”, on Friday morning at Ruzaza village.

It is unclear whether anyone sustained injuries during the blaze. The suspect has not been arrested. A manhunt has been launched in the wake of three trial-awaiting prisoners escaping from the Henties Bay police cells on Saturday afternoon.

The police report said on Saturday, at around 17:00, the prisoners cut open a cell burglar bar, in addition to bars on the roof. They managed to escape through the roof.

The men are Johny Nuseb (19), who was in custody on a charge of rape, Josef Ganaseb (24), who was in custody on charges of rape and assault, and Andreas David (21), who was under arrest for robbery.

The Mariental police are searching for two suspects accused of rape at the town over the weekend.

In one incident, a 23-year-old woman reported she was raped in the back of a taxi by an unknown man, while an accomplice sat in the front of the car.

Another woman (26) reported she was attacked and raped in the early hours of Saturday in a riverbed. The police say investigations are underway and the search for the suspects continues.

JANA-MARI SMITH

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Spotlight on media flaws

July 22, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Spotlight on media flawsNo body for journalist protection The report found there is no protection for state-owned media from undue interference.

Lack of a union or representative body acting on behalf of the interests of journalists, as well as concerns of a lack of editorial independence in state media and the absence of a law guaranteeing access to information, resulted in some of the lowest scores in the just-launched 2018 African Media Barometer (AMB) for Namibia.

A panel of 12 civil society and media representatives last year convened to rate whether or not Namibia's media environment meets or fails to meet global standards on 39 indicators, in order to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the country's media landscape.

The lowest score - 1.1 out of 5 - was given in the indicator assessing whether media practitioners have access to unions or professional associations to protect their interests.

A score of 1 indicates Namibia does not meet global best-practice standards, while a score of 5 means the country does meet all aspects of an indicator and thus global best-practice.

The report on Namibia notes that apart from the Editors Forum for Namibia (EFN), which is specific only to editors and focuses more on standards than on representing the interests of journalists, no other body represents the interests of journalists.

And while some members are part of the Namibia Public Workers Union (Napwu), the panellists noted the union has long been affiliated to Swapo, which brings into question issues around objectivity for members of the union.

Access hole

On the question of whether Namibia meets global standards in terms of guaranteeing that public information is easily accessible by law to all citizens, the panellists scored Namibia 1.8 out 5.

The low score was primarily due to the fact that Namibia does not have an Access to Information Act in place yet, although a bill has been drafted, which makes it difficult to access information easily in the country.

A panellist noted that “it's as if it's a privilege to access that information”.

The panellists agreed that while Namibia has signed international agreements that expressly guarantee access to information, in practice “the Namibian government has some way to go in making public information more available to its citizens”.

A panellist expressed the concern that the media, particularly state media, do not do enough to get in-depth information from government.

“There are certain media whose content is anchored on press releases.”

This has led to the concern that many in the media “cover what the state wants them to cover, not what they want to cover”.

Excessive red tape was also listed as a problematic hurdle to accessing information in Namibia. The report moreover highlighted the view that journalists working for independent media are sometimes side-lined when the government releases information only to state-owned media organisations.

One panellist stated that rural Namibians struggle to access information, unless it is made available on radio.

New Era and NBC score low

Another low score of 1.8 out 5 was given by the panellists in the indicator measuring editorial independence of print media published by a public authority and whether they are protected adequately against undue political interference.

In this regard, the report quotes the panellists noting that New Era, a state-funded newspaper, as being “not at all protected from undue interference and there is no law protecting it”.

Other panellists said the newspaper is “government controlled and there is definitely political interference”.

Overall, the majority of panellists agreed there is a “high level of self-censorship amongst journalists and editors at New Era”, with some worrying that some journalists at the newspaper “are very selective on what they report”.

The lack of independence of the board that governs the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) and a lack of editorial independence at the state broadcaster resulted in two low scores of 1.8 each.

On the indicator in which panellists were asked to rank whether the state or public broadcaster is accountable to the public through an independent board, and whether that board is selected in an independent and transparent manner, they gave a score of 1.8 out of 5.

NBC's board is appointed by the information minister, the report notes, and no public consultations form part of the appointments.

Panellists noted that the board is composed “primarily of government representatives or those sympathetic to Swapo”.

They concluded that the board governs the NBC “in the best interest of the government, and not necessarily the public”.

On the indicator measuring whether Namibia meets best-practice standards on guaranteeing editorial independence at the NBC, to ensure it is free of political interference, the panellists gave a low score of 1.8 out of 5.

The report notes that the panellists cited various examples “that have made it clear that the broadcaster's independence is certainly not guaranteed”.

One panellist shared the view that “perhaps NBC was suffering from an identity crisis that allows it to pander to government and the politics at play”.

JANA-MARI SMITH

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Chinese murder suspects back in court

July 22, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Chinese murder suspects back in court

The two Chinese nationals, who are accused of killing 32-year-old Haushiku Muyevu at Andara village in Kavango East in April, made their second appearance in the Rundu Magistrate's Court yesterday.

The two accused, Xuefeng Chen (29) and Zhenhai Zhou (31), appeared before Magistrate Barry Mufana, who postponed the matter until 16 September for further police investigations, which include obtaining the ballistic report and additional witness statements.

Chen and Zhou are in custody.

The suspects face charges of murder and the illegal discharge of a firearm in public, following the incident on 17 April, when they allegedly shot Muyevu four times.

According to preliminary police reports, the victim, who was employed by the suspects, had demanded his severance pay following his dismissal earlier that day.

An argument ensued, which became physical, resulting in the suspects allegedly shooting Muyevu and leaving him to die outside their shop.

The incident sent shockwaves through the country. At the time, a demonstration led by the Muzokumwe Volunteers Organisation (MVO) was also held at Mukwe.

The MVO was also at the forefront of the demonstration held at the Rundu Magistrate's Court when the suspects first appeared. Bail was strongly opposed.

Cop appears for attempted murder

In a separate matter, a 31-year-old police officer appeared in the same court yesterday for attempted murder, after he allegedly shot and wounded two people with a submachine gun over the weekend.

Munango Elifas Kandjimi appeared before Magistrate Mufana, who postponed the matter until 26 September for further police investigations and for the suspect to obtain legal representation.

The incident happened at Nakazaza Combined School.

The school is situated at Kairaira village in Kavango West.

One of the victims is a fellow police officer.

It's still not clear what caused the incident.

The two victims sustained serious injuries and are being treated at the Rundu state hospital.

Kandjimi was remanded in custody.

KENYA KAMBOWE

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The perfect size

July 22, 2019, 4:00 pm

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The perfect size

Evany van Wyk

The action or practice of humiliating someone by making mocking or critical comments about their body shape or size is called body-shaming. I can remember the last time someone asked me if I was anorexic, because it was only a few weeks ago. The person did this while smiling, as if it was a completely normal question to ask. My honest answer was: “No, I am not.” That was not the first time this had happened. Comments and questions about my weight have been following me all my life. People just don’t seem to understand that there is nothing I can do about it. This made me start to question myself and I found my self-esteem reaching an all-time low. Making nasty comments about my weight, before anyone else could, became the norm. I realise that I am not alone in the struggle of feeling utterly insecure, because of other people breaking you down. We need to start understanding that body-shaming is a total devaluation of a person’s self-worth.

“Do you eat enough?” is the question that I get most of the time. What am I supposed to say? When you reach this level of being fed up, you’ll have the urge to say something that may come across as rude. People always expect you to answer their questions in a polite manner. What if I just burst out and scream at you?

Asking someone why they’re so thin, if they’ve gained weight or if they have always been so skinny, and telling them to eat a little less, is not the way to treat anyone. Why should it concern you? There is no such thing as the perfect weight or shape. This is what the world has engraved into our way of doing, living and treating others. Why, when we are upset, annoyed or intimidated by someone, do we default to criticising their appearance? Does it really make us feel better? Let’s try and not be Debbie-downers - trying to reach the top by crushing others. You’ll never reach it, and if by some miracle you do, the rewards will not be sweet. I always find myself standing up for others, but this time it’s personal. Never having been able to stand up for myself, I find that now is the perfect opportunity to do so, not only for me, but for all the other people out there. All of us have been bullies in our lives, even if we didn’t notice it. Apologise to all the people in your life sincerely; not everyone has the courage to stand up if they are hurt.

Sitting on my bed, tear-filled and ready to end it all, I’ve tried to ignore the comments and make it seem like they don’t hurt. But they do; a lot. It might seem like a trivial, vain and stupid reason to want to kill yourself, but don’t underestimate the power of a few uttered words. “You should eat more; no guy likes a bony girl,” he said. Pretending it didn’t affect me, I just shrugged it off until I couldn’t anymore. That is just an example of a young girl, ready to end her life, because of body-shaming. Wake up world! It’s not just girls who go through these things, everyone goes through it. Be part of the change and condemn body-shaming.

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The Zone visited Augustineum Secondary School to speak to learners about bleaching products. Below are some of their views.

July 22, 2019, 4:00 pm

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The Zone visited Augustineum Secondary School to speak to learners about bleaching products. Below are some of their views.

Magrede Noabes

Most of the people apply these products to look appealing or to remove black spots in the face. Most of them beautify themselves to just feel good about themselves.

Vicky Mangukuii

Mainly these people use it to enhance their looks and to remove some black marks in their faces. Most females use it to attract the opposite sex, as well.

Elizabeth Moken

People want to lighten their skin; this is mostly common in females. It is proven that females lack confidence and they would do anything to make themselves feel good. Males do not take these products seriously, as they don’t have time to worry about spots in their faces.

Alvin Beukes

People are afraid to be discriminated against for being black. Most of them use it to beautify themselves or some may even use it for their skin conditions. The main reason is to be the centre of attention and to feel comfortable.

Penehafo Julius

Bleaching is used to lighten the skin. This process takes off the dead skin and makes one look better. This enables the skin to glow and makes the user of the product feel good. We should understand that these products are not just used for beautifying purposes.

Agnes Fillip

These products are used to lighten their skin colour and to smoothen their skin. Bleaching removes the dead skin, which renews the skin, and most of them use it due to the pressure in their social circle.

Vivian |Gases

These products are used to make ladies feel more confident about themselves and to protect their skin from the sun and lighten their skin to make it look attractive. Some have medical conditions.

Mojao Tjiuondeka

Most people apply it because they want to remove the black spots and the pimples in their face. Some of them decide to do it just because it’s trending.

Mbitjitandjambi Kaura

People use these products because they have low self- esteem and they are not proud of their black skin. They want to look pretty or lighter. Some people are mocked because of their skin colour, so they use this to comfort them.

Mupakelani Elisa

People are not proud of their colour. Some do this because they don’t feel good in their own skin. Some use these things because they like trying out new things.

Raymond |Uirab

Some people use these products to protect them from the sun, while some ladies use it to attract men, and some are using it to lighten their skin because of discrimination.

Darryl Oarum

Bleaching is used to remove skin irritations and blemishes. It is wrong to use these products and I suggest that they are only used under medical supervision, because they can have a negative effect in the long-term.

Concencia Namises

They apply these things to look good. Sometimes it happens that they may have problems with their skin, so they look more appealing. Most guys do not use these products; its mostly just ladies, because they have issues.

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Upping the registration ante

July 22, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Upping the registration ante

It remains to be seen whether the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) is really succeeding in motivating young people to register to vote in the November presidential and National Assembly elections. The youth vote is significant, considering that young people will hold kingmaker status in the coming elections. As much as young people represent a potentially powerful political force, it is worth noting that the majority are socially marginalised. For years the youth, who potentially constitute over 60% of the national vote, have persistently complained about being left out, especially when it involves decision-making roles. For the upcoming elections, the ECN is conducting supplementary voter registration between 8 and 27 July. There are, thus, only a few days to go. However, we are disappointed with the level of engagement, especially on the part of political parties and civil society, who are not playing a prominent role in sensitising potential youth voters to register for the upcoming elections. Swapo, with its well-oiled machinery, is also failing to get the right message across to its potential voters. The brouhaha surrounding the by-election in the north is seemingly enjoying prominence at the expense of the ongoing registration process. Both Swapo and the opposition, including those promoting the concept of independent candidates, are nowhere to be found when it comes to voter education programmes. As a nation grappling with the serious issue of voter apathy, we cannot be content with the status quo, which has seen a number of eligible voters abandoning their all-important fundamental civil right. While it is true that many young people are disengaged and disillusioned with politics, owing to dismal campaigns and the failure of politicians to inspire the electorate, there is no doubt that they can gain greater control over their future through demonstrating their democratic right of voting. Political parties and civil society must be part and parcel of this process, because it is not only the responsibility of the ECN to educate and lure voters to the polling booths.

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Building mental strength

July 22, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Building mental strengthSwimming is Ronan’s passion After nearly drowning at the age of three, Ronan Wantenaar put on his swimming goggles and never looked back

Elizabeth Joseph

Ronan Wantenaar is an 11-time gold, five-time silver and seven-time bronze medallist.

He obtained these laurels on African soil in continental competitions and was also the 17-24 age group victor ludorum this year, when Namibia hosted the CANA Zone IV Swimming Championships.

After nearly drowning at the age of three, Wantenaar put on his swimming goggles and never looked back.

“I jumped into the pool when I was about three, without any swimming aids because I thought, ‘what could be so difficult’. I nearly drowned. I started with a pollyotter and was determined to swim on my own. Soon the pollyotter was passed on to the next eager toddler,” he explained.

It was only at the age of 10 that Wantenaar started competing in the big leagues. He won a bronze medal at his first short course nationals and wanted more.

“I acquired a lot more and realised that records looked achievable and that was my next goal. I soon broke my first age group record,” he added.

Skills

So how does he ensure that his skills remain sharpened, will being in his final year of high school? His recipe is simple: Training. “Training and more training. My coach, Ryan Skinner, is also my mentor. Besides physical strength you need to be mentally strong. Mental strength is built whilst in the water. I hardly miss training, only in very exceptional circumstances. My training is tailored for specific galas, preferably months apart, to adequately build up strength and speed,” he said.

Achievements and challenges

Since the age of 10, Wantenaar has won many medals and broke many age group records. As a youngster, these are great achievements, he says, but once you get older you focus on FINA (Fédération Internationale de Natation) points and open records.

“I have competed locally at the Namibian long and short course championships since 2013 and have received 150 medals (98 gold, 34 silver and 18 bronze), all together.”

He won his first junior victor ludorum title in 2013 and he also currently holds the long course senior victor ludorum title for 2019.

In 2018 he was the short course senior victor ludorum. “I have received 33 floating trophies since 2016 at the long course nationals for achieving the highest FINA points in single events,” he proudly says.

Apart from competing locally, Wantenaar has also participated in South Africa at SA-level galas, representing his club, Namib Swimming Academy (NSA), since 2013 and winning a total of 23 medals (five gold, 11 silver and seven bronze).

It’s no secret that grade 12 is no walk in the park. Wantenaar says he needs to balance school, his management responsibilities and swimming and that can be challenging.

“Luckily I don’t stress easily and that helps me to find that balance,” he adds.

National colours

Wantenaar has travelled to other African countries such as Mauritius and Zimbabwe (CANA Zone IV Swimming Championships), Angola (African Union Sport Region 5), Egypt (African Junior Championships and Algeria (African Youth Games).

He also represented Namibia at the FINA long course championships held in Budapest, Hungary in 2017 when he was just 16, where he competed against the world’s best swimmers.

He travelled to Hangzhou, China in December last year to represent Namibia at the FINA short course championships and again competed against the world’s best swimmers.

Records

“I am the current record holder of the following 17-18 age group and open men’s records in both the long and short courses:

50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke, 50m and 100m backstroke and 200m individual medley,” he said.

Future plans

Like any other athlete, it is his dream to qualify for the Olympics. “I do not plan on studying immediately after high school. I am hopeful for a scholarship abroad to pursue swimming full-time, at least for a year or two. Swimming careers don’t often continue beyond 30, so I would like to study. I am interested in engineering and I want to pursue something in that field,” Wantenaar adds.

His hobbies and inspirations include angling and hunting when he has an off weekend.

When asked whether he would consider pursuing a career in swimming, he said: “Definitely. Next year will determine that. I am still improving on my times and that keeps me positive, and if school is not an obstacle next year, I can focus on swimming alone and see whether I can meet certain FINA requirement in terms of points. At this stage the higher the FINA points, the better.

“Swimming is hard work, many hours of training and staying focused, but it’s satisfying to see the results and I am passionate about swimming.

“My advice to young people is to never give up; if you can dream it, you can do it. Every race is against your own time. As long as you can beat your own time, you are still in the race,” he said.

Fact box

· His name Ronan means “little seal” and seals love water.

· He attends St Paul’s College.

· He plays the guitar as well as games during his free time.

· He is a member of the student management council as well as deputy head boy.

· He started competing at the age of 10.

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Dignity restored

July 22, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Dignity restored

Women and young girls at Ncamagoro village in Kavango West could not contain their joy when they received free sanitary pads at the weekend; for some it will be the first time using this critical feminine hygiene product.

The sanitary pads were donated by the Namibia Training Authority (NTA), in response to a Namibian Sun article that lifted the veil on how women and girls from poor households are left with no option but to resort to harmful practices when they menstruate, thereby putting their lives at risk. It was reported they have to resort to using mattresses, pillow stuffing, dried leaves and cotton cloths when they menstruate, because they cannot afford sanitary pads. The women also showed Namibian Sun a tube-like plant known as epepo, saying this is one of the traditional ways in which they deal with menstruation.

They also demonstrated how they peel off a part of the plant, and then rub it until it is softens and feels like cotton, before using it as a sanitary pad.

The women said a large epepo plant can be used for up to three months.

Namibian Sun was also informed that young girls have to take epepo to school in case of emergency.

Another traditional practice is using the roots on a certain plant, which is pounded until it feels like cotton.

Senior assistant to NTA CEO Jerry Beukes, Carol Millward, explained that after they collected various items, including sanitary pads and other basic necessities earlier this year, they felt they should respond to the Namibian Sun article by donating some of the items.

“To this end, a number of sanitary items were collected. Having then received the article of 3 June, we thought it fit to make the donation, on behalf of the NTA, to your newspaper's call. Thank you to the Namibian Sun for taking up this cause and displaying concern for the health of our young girls and women in remote corners of Namibia,” Millward said.

The consignment was sent from Windhoek to Rundu, and then handed to the recipients at Ncamagoro village at the weekend.

Despite the donation only benefitting a few, those who were fortunate enough to either receive a pack of sanitary pads, toothpaste or a bar of soap, expressed their utmost gratitude and wished the Good Samaritans well.

“Thank you very much; we are very happy for what we received,” one of the women said, while ululating.

“Some of us never used these things before today, as we were just looking forward to the traditional ways of using plant roots.”

The women, who are mostly unemployed and do not benefit from social grants, said the little money they receive normally goes toward buying food.

“To some of us it is a luxury to have these pads, because as a poor person you will obviously buy food when you get a bit of money, as we have traditional ways of dealing with menstruation,” one of the beneficiaries said.

They also indicated they would like to receive washable sanitary pads, which lasts up to four years, as opposed to disposable ones.

KENYA KAMBOWE

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Town hall chaos at Omuthiya

July 22, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Town hall chaos at Omuthiya

Drama erupted during President Hage Geingob’s town hall meeting yesterday at Omuthiya, when a former councillor angrily accused the town’s mayor of corruption.

Moses Amukoto, a former Omuthiya councillor, interrupted Geingob’s answering session by accusing mayor Katrina Uusiku of allegedly facilitating rampant corruption at the town council.

Amukoto is part of the Omuthiya Concerned Group, which recently submitted a petition to Swapo regional coordinator Armas Amukwiyu, detailing allegations of corruption against ruling party office-bearers in the local town council. Amukoto labelled Uusiku as the “most corrupt person” who used her position to register a number of plots without paying for them. Geingob interjected by urging Amukoto to avoid spreading “unfounded rumours while on record”, but the former councillor was defiant. “I am not afraid of anything. I am ready for whatever will come because I am standing for the truth,” he said. Another community member also supported Amukoto, saying corruption was an issue at the town. “Unemployment is very high, but only those with money or cattle to pay get employed at Omuthiya. The rest cannot get anything,” Aune Vaino said, when asked by Geingob to air her grievances.

A number of Omuthiya councillors have been implicated in alleged corruption, while the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has confirmed it is investigating alleged corrupt practices. Reverend Eino Nangula told Geingob that the regional political leadership was deeply divided and hindering development in Oshikoto, especially within Omuthiya. “You go to other regions and there is infrastructure development going on, but when it comes to Omuthiya nothing is going on. What is it that other regions are doing that Omuthiya is not doing? The regional leadership is busy fighting itself, instead of putting the development agenda forward,” said Nangula.

Allegations

Mayor Uusiku is accused of influencing the council to employ her husband, Thomas Uusiku, as grader operator, despite him not performing well in the job interview. The concerned group further alleged that the mayor had influenced the council to send her husband for grader operation training in South Africa at a monthly cost of N$100 000, which the council paid. They further accused her of occupying several plots at the town, without paying anything. Deputy mayor Hisikiel Nanyeni, who previously served as mayor, is accused of allocating himself a residential plot in Extension Five without paying. The chairperson of the management committee, Beata Nashongo, is accused of nepotism in employing council staff. Councillor Enos Shipahu is accused of facilitating the sale of the Swapo Party Women’s Council property, Erf No 2 in Omuthiya Proper, after he signed the sale document as witness. Shipahu is further accused of allocating himself multiple plots without paying for them. Councillor Samuel Shivute, the former chairperson of the council’s management committee, is also accused of overseeing the sale of a Swapo property. While he was the chairman of the management committee, he allegedly allocated multiple plots to his relatives. The town council has refused to comment on the allegations at this stage.

ILENI NANDJATO

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'I have deep pockets'

July 22, 2019, 4:00 pm

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'I have deep pockets'Funds collection for former minister It is unclear whether the funds being collected for Katrina Hanse-Himarwa are for her legal bills or a possible fine she may receive this week.

Former education minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa has distanced herself from a group calling itself 'Friends of Katrina', which is soliciting funds ahead of her sentencing for corruption tomorrow in the Windhoek High Court.

It is unclear whether the group is collecting funds to pay her defence team or for a possible fine she may receive from Judge Christie Liebenberg.

While analysts said there is nothing wrong with this, it may send the wrong message in terms of the fight against corruption. Hanse-Himarwa was convicted earlier this month of corruptly using her former office as Hardap governor for gratification, and for removing two Mass Housing beneficiaries from a waiting list to make way for two of her relatives.

When contacted for comment about the 'Friends of Katrina' bank account, which was opened recently, Hanse-Himarwa said she knows nothing about this.

“I, Katrina, do not ask for donations from anybody. I am standing for my case. Do not disturb me. I do not know about that thing. I have got deep enough pockets,” she said.

Constitutional expert Nico Horn said Hanse-Himarwa's crime is rather minor, compared to the large amounts of monies lost due to fraudulent activities in the country.

According to him she is likely to get a fine, perhaps with a suspended sentence.

“My opinion is that she will definitely not go to prison. Look, what I have always said is she is really not a big crook, and you should take into consideration people were not removed from the list, they were just moved down. Of course it is a crime, but it is a minor crime,” Horn said.

He said there is some truth to the sentiments expressed by her supporters that she is now being used as a sacrificial lamb for crimes committed by politicians.

“The issue really is that she now pays the price for corruption in public service and corruption in higher offices, but she did not steal anything, she was also not enriched or anything,” he said.

The well-publicised matter of policeman Samuel Likando, who was convicted of soliciting and taking a N$500 bribe at a roadblock east of Windhoek, indicates that even 'minor' crimes can carry hefty sentences. The Windhoek Magistrate's Court sentenced him for four years imprisonment of which two were conditionally suspended. Likando lost the appeal of his conviction and sentence, passing away a month before judges Liebenberg and Naomi Shivute handed down their ruling in December 2016.

Political analyst Henning Melber said he is very worried about the current trend that is painting Hanse-Himarwa as a “victim”.

According to Melber, it should not matter if the accused is a man or a woman, young or old, white or black, or any other blend, but rather that the individual acted in full possession of his or her mental abilities.

Legal costs

Political analyst Graham Hopwood said he could only presume that the money collected by the 'Friends of Katrina' was to assist Hanse-Himarwa to cover her legal costs, which should be quite extensive, and possibly the costs, if she decides to appeal.

“I do not think it is irregular, but it would be good to know who is behind it or who it is; whether it is an official organisation. But if her friends just want to collect money to cover her legal costs then she is not doing anything wrong as such,” he said.

Political commentator Ndumba Kamwanyah agrees there is nothing wrong with her friends collecting money in their own right. However, he cautioned that this can be seen as undermining government's fight against corruption.

“It weakens our resolve to fight corruption, in the sense that people have been crying and complaining about corruption, but when the court pronounced itself, you see people from the public stepping in to cover her or protect her. It sends a wrong message, but people have every right to do so,” he said.

JEMIMA BEUKES

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Celebs geared up

July 23, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Celebs geared upMTC presents training kit, announces ring ladies An MTC initiative, aimed at bringing social change, is gaining momentum.

MTC yesterday handed over training gear and announced the coaches for prominent personalities, who will fight in the MTC Knockout boxing project on 12 October.

The highly-anticipated and first-of-its-kind project is aimed at addressing the increase in gender-based violence in the country through social change. The 18 personalities are divided into three training camps, namely the MTC Nestor Sunshine Boxing Academy, the MTC Salute Boxing and the MTC Kilimanjaro Boxing Club stable.

The celebs will undergo three months of training in their quest to be fight-ready. In addition, MTC also introduced eight Miss Namibia 2019 finalists, who in their individual capacities pledged their support towards the project and will be the ring ladies.

They are Nashya Dunaiski, Preclina Sagarias, Varaa Hambira, Tracey-Lee Junius, Emily Kandanga, Taylo Mannetti, Lawren Pringle and Michelle Labuschagne. Hambira, who spoke on behalf of the ring ladies, said gender-based violence is a serious issue in the country and they are grateful for the opportunity to be part of the initiative. MTC executive Tim Ekandjo thanked all the celebs for committing to the cause, adding it is only through collective and collaborative actions that the country can effectively combat social ills, in particular, GBV.

“In a mutual spirit of collectiveness, we are glad that prominent young men and women have come together to join MTC in this cause,” said Ekandjo. He said “just as any other sport, boxing requires a high level of self-discipline and control”.

“It is therefore dependent on you, the boxers and your assigned trainer, to work out a suitable training session timeline for your preparation.”

The Knockout project was launched on 6 June and eminent personalities will exhibit their boxing skills in three one-minute rounds at the Windhoek Country Club Resort.

Tickets are available at Webtickets for N$250. A table costs N$10 000 and corporates who wish to brand a personality's boxing trunks can do so at a cost of N$50 000.

The fights will also be broadcast live on NBC. All proceeds will be given to charity.

The full card is as follows:

Junior middleweight title: KP Illest (award-winning artist) vs Paul da Prince (TV and radio personality, R&B singer, songwriter and MC.

Heavyweight title: Jossy Joss (marketing manager: Energy 100FM) vs Amos Shiyuka (business personality).

Cruiserweight title: D-Naff (award-winning gospel artist) vs Luis Munana (TV personality/producer).

Heavyweight title: Theo Ishuna (MTC key accounts executive and NBC news anchor) vs to be announced (TBA).

Super middleweight title: DJ Cheeze (Fresh FM DJ) vs Sunny Boy (rapper).

Junior middleweight title: Johnny Johnson Doëseb (businessman) vs Job Amupanda (political activist).

Junior middleweight title: Mappz Kapofi (rapper, radio presenter and MC) vs Mufaro Nesongano (NWR communications manager).

Heavyweight title: Michael Vermeulen (managing director of Mikel Jes) vs Tate Buti (musician).

In addition Sam Shivute, a motivational speaker and transformational coach, will also fight on the night. His opponent will be announced in due time.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

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