Gymnasium dominate Capricorn Super League

July 28, 2019, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Perfect start

≪ Previous: Golf, cycling and running for charity

$

0

0

Gymnasium dominate Capricorn Super League The Capricorn Super League netball finals took place at the Windhoek Gymnasium sports grounds this past weekend.

With schools from all over Namibia converging on the capital for some serious netball competition, the action was destined to be a success.

In the under-12 age group, Windhoek Gymnasium took first place ahead of Gobabis Gymnasium. Pro- Ed Academy ended third.

In the u-13 category, Windhoek Gymnasium once again took first spot, followed by Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaatskool in second place and Pro-Ed Academy in third.

Windhoek Gymnasium also took first place in the u-14 age group as well, ahead of Pro-Ed Academy and Windhoek High School in second and third place, respectively.

In the u-15 category, Windhoek Gymnasium came first, Walvis Bay Private High School second and Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaatskool third.

In the u-17 category Windhoek Gymnasium once again triumphed, followed by WHS and Tsumeb Gymnasium. In the u-19 age group, WHS made sure they came up on top, ahead of Tsumeb Gymnasium in second and Windhoek Gymnasium in third place.

According to the captain of the winning u-19 team, all sides sometimes have their up and downs.

“I think it all comes down to who was more determined and who worked harder,” said Anette van Staden. She said the teams played very well and their spirit to keep going is what she will take back to her team. “That is something admirable. I also think we can learn from the other teams.”



Hockey

In other school sport news, Namibia Schools Sport Union (NSSU) hockey took place at Windhoek Gymnasium on Friday and Saturday. The U-19 boys' of Walvis Bay Private High School and Windhoek Gymnasium battled it out on the field. After a tense game, Windhoek Gymnasium won with final score of 2-1.

In the u-19 girls' category, Windhoek Gymnasium and St Paul's College played against each other, with the former going home victorious, with a final score of 5-3.

Evany van Wyk and Michelline Nawatises

---

Perfect start

July 28, 2019, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Company news in brief

≪ Previous: Gymnasium dominate Capricorn Super League

$

0

0

Perfect startWarriors geared up for home leg of Chan qualifier The Brave Warriors will take on the Comoros on Sunday at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in the second leg of their Chan qualifier. The Brave Warriors will go into the second leg of their African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifier against the Comoros with a 2-0 lead, after soundly beating the islanders on their home turf this past Friday.

Debutant Elmo Kambindu and captain Dynamo Fredericks scored for Namibia in the second half.

Fredericks said it was a great match and they are looking forward to the second leg at home on Sunday.

“Playing on home turf is always a bonus,” he said. Interim Brave Warriors coach Bobby Samaria said the team was a bit unfit because of the short time they had to prepare for the clash.

“The weather conditions didn't do us any favours as well, but we exceeded our expectations,” Samaria said.

Assistant coach Woody Jacobs said the players were nervous in the first 15 minutes. “Soon after that they found their feet and created a few chances in the first half, but lacked that cutting-edge in the final third.

“Again, in the first 10 minutes of the second half, the team struggled, as they were put under pressure, but we managed it well, with Kambindu scoring from a corner,” Jacobs said.

“Marcel Papama then came on for Obrey Amseb and Gustav Image Isaak replaced Theofelus Junias. Their introduction changed the game and we started to control proceedings.”

Jacobs added that Fredericks cemented the win for the Warriors in the last five minutes from a swift counterattack involving Papama and Isaak, who orchestrated the move.

Namibia are now in pole position to take on Madagascar or Mozambique in the third and final round of qualifiers.

Tickets for the much-anticipated return leg are selling for N$30 in advance and N$50 at the gate. Tickets will be available from today at Soccer House in Katutura.

It is expected that the squad will remain the same, as the Warriors look to move forward in the competition.



Limba Mupetami

Company news in brief

July 28, 2019, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: De Beers curbs diamond supply as earnings drop

≪ Previous: Perfect start

$

0

0

Company news in brief Anglo American ups dividend

Anglo American raised it dividend payout by 27% and announced a US$1 billion share buyback as it posted its best first-half results since 2011, driven by higher iron ore prices and the ramping up of operations at Minas-Rio in Brazil.

Anglo American reported underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of US$5.45 billion in the six months ended June 30, beating the US$5.16 billion expected by a company-compiled consensus of 12 analysts.

In response to the commodity market crash of 2015/16, Anglo American said it would narrow its business to copper, platinum group metal and diamonds.

It halted an asset sell-off as the market recovered, so it benefited from this year's outperformance of iron ore that followed cyclone disruption of output Australia and reduced production in Brazil after a Vale dam burst in January that killed at least 240 people.

Analysts said the results were strong and the buyback, which begins immediately, was a positive surprise. "It remains our top pick amongst the global diversifieds for its operational performance and copper optionality," BMO Capital Markets said in a note. – Nampa/Reuters

InBev’s beer sales growth hits 5-year high

Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world's largest brewer, beat earnings expectations in the second quarter after beer sales grew at their fastest pace in over five years, helped by increases in Latin America, Europe and Africa.

For the second quarter, earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose by 9.4% on a like-for-like basis to US$5.86 billion, compared with the US$5.73 billion average of analysts based on Refinitiv data.

The company said that its net debt was US$104.2 billion at the end of June, unchanged from the close of 2018, and that its net debt to EBITDA ratio dipped to 4.58 from 4.61.

It aims to bring this ratio down to below four by the end of 2020. Its ultimate goal is a multiple of around two. – Nampa/Reuters

Total plans US$5 billion in asset sales

French energy giant Total said on Thursday it will sell assets worth around US$5 billion mostly from its upstream exploration and production business as it seeks to focus on low breakeven projects that can withstand low oil prices.

The company reported a 19% drop in adjusted net profit in the second quarter at 2.9 billion compared with the same period last year which it attributed to a combination of unfavourable market factors.

These include low oil prices compared with the second quarter of 2018, down 7%, a sharp fall in gas prices, while its refining margin tumbled.

The company, which has carried out a spree of acquisitions and expansion particularly in the gas and electricity market, said it was preparing its future by focusing on its core strength in the gas segment and deep offshore.

The strategy would be complemented by the divestment of assets that only break even at high oil and gas prices, such as the recent sale of mature assets in the UK North Sea, Total said in a statement. – Nampa/Reuters

Diageo's profit rises on strong demand

Diageo, the world's largest spirits company, reported higher annual profit on Thursday, helped by growth across all its markets, an improved price mix and cost controls.

The maker of Johnnie Walker Scotch whisky, Smirnoff vodka and Guinness stout said operating profit rose 10% to 4 billion pounds (US$4.99 billion) for the year ended June 30.

Diageo has been restructuring in recent years to improve performance and streamline its portfolio by selling non-core businesses and underperforming labels, while trying to bulk up on newer, hipper brands. It has looked to focus on its Scotch business and grow its operations in India and the United States.

Organic net sales rose 6.1% with Asia Pacific rising 9% in net sales from strong demand in China and India. Net sales in North America rose 5%, while Europe and Turkey reported a 4% rise.

Total reported net sales increased 5.8% to 12.9 billion pounds. The company reported pre-exceptional earnings per share of 130.8 pence, beating company supplied estimates of 128.8 pence. – Nampa/Reuters

Nissan to cut 12 500 jobs as crisis deepens

Nissan Motor Co unveiled its biggest restructuring plan in a decade, axing nearly a tenth of its workforce and flagging possible plant closures to rein in costs that ballooned when Carlos Ghosn was CEO.

The cuts announced on Thursday followed a collapse in Nissan's quarterly profit, highlighting how a crisis – brought about by sluggish sales and rising costs - is deepening at Japan's No. 2 automaker in the wake of a financial misconduct scandal over Ghosn. Ghosn has denied the charges.

Nissan's first-quarter operating profit plunged 98.5% to 1.6 billion yen (US$14.80 million), its worst performance since a loss in the March 2008 quarter.

The automaker said global vehicle production will fall 10% through the year to March 2023 while global sales till then will increase modestly to 6.0 million units annually from the current 5.5 million.

The company maintained its profit forecast of 230 billion yen for the year ending March 2020, a 28% drop from last year and its weakest in more than a decade. – Nampa/Reuters

De Beers curbs diamond supply as earnings drop

July 28, 2019, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Africa Briefs

≪ Previous: Company news in brief

$

0

0

De Beers curbs diamond supply as earnings dropBanking on offshore Namibia The De Beers CEO says the new vessel project to mine diamonds off the coast of Namibia is on track to add an estimated 500 000 carats per year from 2022. A nasty cocktail is affecting the mid-stream, with too much polished [diamonds], financial pressure from the banks and a slow-down in demand for jewellery. – Bruce Cleaver, CEO: De Beers LONDON - Anglo American's diamond subsidiary De Beers is scaling back production after trade tensions between the United States and China contributed to a 27% first-half fall in diamond earnings, its CEO said.

De Beers CEO Bruce Cleaver cited a range of factors in an interview, including trade tensions, the US government shut-down that ended in January and Hong Kong anti-government protests, which he said had left the diamond market in a state "not dissimilar from 2014/15".

The diamond market was weak in 2014/15 in the run-up to a deep commodity price fall linked to declining Chinese demand for raw materials.

"A nasty cocktail is affecting the mid-stream, with too much polished [diamonds], financial pressure from the banks and a slow-down in demand for jewellery," he said.

But demand was still expected to grow in the US market, the world's biggest, meaning stock levels should become more balanced in the second half of the year, Cleaver said.

De Beers is working with its customers and limiting supply, the company said. In the first half it reduced rough diamond production 11% year-on-year.

Synthetic diamonds

The group cites future diamond demand as one of the principle risks it faces.

De Beers has been fighting competition from laboratory-grown diamonds by producing its own synthetic diamonds from its Element Six subsidiary at a lower cost than peers.

The impact had been to reduce overall wholesale prices for laboratory-grown diamonds by around 60%.

Cleaver said De Beers was still working to eliminate what he said was customer confusion concerning the difference between mined diamonds and those produced in laboratories.

De Beers is banking on a long-term future for natural diamonds and is investing US$468 million in a new vessel to mine diamonds off the coast of Namibia.

Cleaver said the project was on track to add an estimated 500 000 carats per year from 2022.

De Beers owns 50% of Namdeb Holdings, while the Namibian government has the other half.

Namdeb Holdings delivered an underlying EBITDA of US$80 million in the first six months of this year, a drop of about 11% of US$10 million compared to the same half-year in 2018. – Nampa/Reuters

Africa Briefs

July 28, 2019, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: ‘Force regional govt to buy local’

≪ Previous: De Beers curbs diamond supply as earnings drop

$

0

0

Africa Briefs Zimbabwe eases forex rules

Oil firms, chrome miners, embassies and international organisations in Zimbabwe can use foreign currencies for local transactions, the central bank said, easing rules for some sectors in a bid to boost the flow of US dollars in the economy.

Last month, Zimbabwe banned the use of foreign currencies in domestic transactions after renaming its RTGS currency Zimbabwe dollar and making it sole legal tender, ending a decade of dollarisation.

The exemption, which the central bank hopes will unlock US$1.3 billion held in banks by exporting companies, individuals and international organisations, is the latest unexpected policy change by the government. It could embolden critics who argued that last month's currency reforms were hurried.

In a circular to banks seen by Reuters, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe said those earning foreign currency would be allowed to buy fuel in US dollars and that chrome mining firms and smelters could buy chromium from small scale producers in forex.

Shortages of fuel, US dollars and medicines and rolling power cuts lasting 18 hours a day are throttling an economy grappling with a severe drought that has cut the staple maize harvest by half. – Nampa/Reuters

SA sees new LNG import terminal ready by 2024

State-owned freight logistics firm Transnet plans to launch a tender next year for South Africa's first terminal to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) at Richards Bay port, with first gas expected to land in 2024, a senior official said on Thursday.

South Africa is pushing to diversify its energy sources away from coal, which supplies more than 90% of its electricity, and to expand capacity to reduce power cuts that have hit growth.

Transnet, which operates gas pipelines, railway lines and ports in South Africa, will lead the project after the World Bank's International Finance Corp pledged US$2 million to help finalise the design, finance, construction and operation plans.

The project requires re-purposing existing pipelines to transport gas between the east coast city of Durban and commercial hub Johannesburg.

"We are hoping second quarter or third quarter 2020 for the request for quotations," which is part of the tender process, said Jabulani Sithole, a Transnet oil and gas business manager.

"Based on the work we have done we believe that we are able to land the gas in South Africa by 2024," Sithole said. – Nampa/Reuters

Zambia sees 2019 GDP growth at 2.5%

Zambia's economy is projected to grow by around 2.5% this year, down from an initial projection of almost 4%, finance minister Bwalya Ng'andu said on Thursday.

Africa's second-largest copper producer has encountered declining fiscal space for developmental projects as most of its resources have been used on debt servicing, Ng'andu added in a speech to an economic summit in Livingstone in southern Zambia.

Ng'andu, a former deputy central bank governor appointed finance minister this month, said the economy had been hurt mainly by adverse weather conditions that had dampened agricultural and energy output, while tight liquidity conditions had also hit businesses and economic activity.

The Zambian government needs to pay arrears to support private sector growth, Ng'andu said.

Zambia's external debt rose to US$10.05 billion at the end of 2018, compared with US$8.74 billion a year earlier, raising fears that the southern African country is headed for a debt crisis.

Zambia is trying to shrink a fiscal deficit that amounted to 7.5% of gross domestic product last year. – Nampa/Reuters

‘Force regional govt to buy local’

July 28, 2019, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Otjiwarongo boasts new business complex

≪ Previous: Africa Briefs

$

0

0

‘Force regional govt to buy local’Producers stuck without markets Government should create an entity that regulates and monitors whether public entities are sourcing local and to what extent. Government is actually the biggest market right now. – Gervasius Thikusho, Acting regional manager: Rundu Fresh Produce Hub RUNDU – The acting regional manager of the Rundu Fresh Produce hub, Gervasius Thikusho, has called on government to issue a directive compelling public institutions in regions to source produce from farmers within their regions.

“We want a situation where the institutions that are within the region source local. This is the only way we can empower farmers in order to eradicate poverty,” he said.

Thikusho said he does not have a problem with the procurement directive the ministry of finance issued in May, where the government asked public entities to source specific categories of goods and services and works produced and manufactured locally before procuring these elsewhere.

Finance minister Calle Schlettwein announced that the directive was a measure to enable local participation in the economy and enhance domestic productive capacity within the framework of the Procurement Act.

The directive extends procurement reservation to 100% Namibian-owned SMEs and entities which are 51% or more equity-owned by Namibian citizens.

‘Very difficult’

Thikusho said it would be ideal if the government could also introduce a law where public institutions in a specific region source within that region.

“Because now, let’s say we have meat or eggs. Instead of it coming from within the region it is also coming from other regions which are taking a portion of our market,” he outlined as an example.

He suggested that the government could just create an entity that regulates and monitors whether public entities are sourcing local and to what extent.

“This entity can look at how much the local produce has been exhausted and then further advise for other regions to supply when there is a need,” he added.

Thikusho said the market situation is very difficult now, explaining that even when farmers produce or slaughter cattle they have nowhere to take their products.

According to him, the state-owned Agro-Marketing and Trade Agency (AMTA) “really wants to assist small-scale farmers but there are no markets”.

“Government is actually the biggest market right now,” he emphasised. - Nampa

Otjiwarongo boasts new business complex

July 28, 2019, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Gladiators go for gold

≪ Previous: ‘Force regional govt to buy local’

$

0

0

Otjiwarongo boasts new business complex A multimillion dollar modern business complex at Otjiwarongo was on Friday officially opened by vice president Nangolo Mbumba.

The Etemba Plaza situated in the central business district of Otjiwarongo belongs to retail businessman, Theo Borstlap, who owns Theo’s Superspar at the town.

Borstlap told the gathering that the new complex will host a restaurant, several retail businesses, mini-shops and a Standard Bank branch among others.

He said the bigger part of the complex was newly constructed and other parts renovated at a cost of N$45 million.

Bortslap said he employs a total of 350 people at the new complex and his existing supermarkets around town.

“We are really very happy to see business activity already happening at Etemba Plaza, and a variety of other shops are expected to open very soon,” he said.

Investment

Mbumba on his part praised Borstlap for the large investment in the local economy through the construction of the new complex, which has changed the face of Otjiwarongo.

Mbumba noted that an investment of this magnitude indeed means support of government’s agenda of job creation and poverty alleviation.

“I call upon other local businesspeople to invest more in the country, as the prospects of doing business start to look bright and in the process we address the socio-economic challenges the nation is faced with,” he said.

Otjiwarongo mayor Bennes Haimbondi also called on other businesspeople to come and invest in the town so that employment and economic opportunities can happen.

Haimbondi said Otjiwarongo is a strategically-located major town between the northern parts of the country and, therefore, is a suitable place for a variety of business activities. - Nampa

Gladiators go for gold

July 29, 2019, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Warriors drawn against Eritrea

≪ Previous: Otjiwarongo boasts new business complex

$

0

0

Gladiators go for gold The Brave Gladiators received their national colours yesterday from the Namibia Sports Commission (NSC), ahead of representing the nation at the Cosafa women's championship in South Africa.

A 23-woman squad was selected to represent Namibia at the championship that takes place from 31 June to 11 August.

The squad is as follows: Melisa Matheus, Lydia Eixas, Fiola Vliete, Ndapewa Katuta, Kamunikire Tjituka, Lorraine Jossob, Vewe Kotjipati, Ivone Kooper, Lovisa Mulunga, Lydiana Nanamus, Twelikondjele Amukoto, Thomalina Adams, Millicent Hikuam, Memory Ngonda, Asteria Angula, Annoushka Kordom, Zenatha Coleman, Anna-Marie Shikusho, Beverly Uueziua and Juliana Blou.

The players will be led and accompanied by head coach Uerikondjera Kasaona and assistant Robert Nauseb, goalkeeper coach Kapeng Herbert, Natasha Cloete (team manager), Jacqueline Shipanga (head of delegation), Julia Alweendo (team medic) and Nandaemua Maharero (logistics manager).

In addition, the Cosafa under-20 women's championship will also take place from 1 to 11 August, and 23 Namibian players were also presented with their national colours for this competition, which also takes place in South Africa.



The u-20 squad is as follows: Fololian Hikwafelwa, Theopoltina Matroos, Julia Rutjindo, Albertina Aludhilu, Sharon Pieterse, Zebada Nasas, Chanteline Engelbrecht, Mercia Skrywer, Nicole Philander, Soini Sheenya, Vijakura Tjingaete, Lerato Swartbooi, Meagan Schuster, Veronica April, Indira Jacobs, Beyonce Cloete, Shanice Daries, Tjamunene Ndjavera, Muhinatjo Hanavi and Sharon Katamila.

The youthful side is coached by Mervin Mbakera, assisted by Heinrich Isaacks. The goalkeeper coach is Ephraim Tjihonge while Helvi Eliakim is the team manager and Mariana Gaebusi the team medic.

The Young Gladiators are in Group A with Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Limba Mupetami

---

Warriors drawn against Eritrea

July 29, 2019, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: 'Sabotage' bid fails

≪ Previous: Gladiators go for gold

$

0

0

Warriors drawn against Eritrea The Brave Warriors have been drawn against Eritrea in the preliminary qualifying round for the 2022 Fifa World Cup.

The Namibians, currently ranked 121st in the world after plummeting by eight places in the latest Fifa world rankings, will face the 202nd ranked Eritrea.

The preliminary round matches will take place from 2 to 20 September.

Namibia is in pot 1 with Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone, Mozambique, Angola, Guinea-Bissau, Malawi, Togo, Sudan, Rwanda, Tanzania, Equatorial Guinea, eSwatini (formerly Swaziland) and Lesotho.

Pot 2 consists of Comoros, Botswana, Burundi, Ethiopia, Liberia, Mauritius, Gambia, South Sudan, Chad, São Tomé and Príncipe, Seychelles, Djibouti, Somalia and Eritrea.

The teams that received a bye are Senegal, Tunisia, Nigeria, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Mali, Burkina Faso, South Africa, Guinea, Cape Verde, Uganda, Zambia, Benin, Gabon, Congo-Brazzaville, Madagascar, Niger, Libya, Mauritania, Kenya and the Central African Republic.

The 14 preliminary round winners and the 26 countries who received byes will be split into 10 groups of four after a fresh draw, with the first matches to be played in March next year.

The group winners then go into five two-leg playoffs, with the winners qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

'Sabotage' bid fails

July 29, 2019, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Hungarian swimmer 'sorry'

≪ Previous: Warriors drawn against Eritrea

$

0

0

'Sabotage' bid failsNew Omusati NFA leadership elected, amid drama Omusati has a new NFA regional leadership, following a dramatic extraordinary congress. Omusati held an extraordinary Namibia Football Association (NFA) regional congress at the weekend, where a new executive was elected with Nelson Haufiku as its chairman.

Andreas Nekwaya is the vice-chairperson while Gabriel Junias, Alexander Itumba, Christine Nadila and Lazarus Katoma are also part of the executive committee.

Haufiku replaces Jacob Aindongo, who held the office illegally since 2010.

It was, however, a controversial election after some of the members walked out without casting their votes.

It is understood that the five members who walked out were unhappy with some of the procedures.

Those who walked out are believed to have held office for over eight years without proper structures and a constitution in place.

Their attempts to disrupt the elections failed, as a quorum remained.

Fifa normalisation committee chairperson Hilda Basson-Namundjebo confirmed they encountered a few problems during the elections.

“To be honest with you, it did not go as smoothly as we expected, because some of the members did walk out and they did not want to vote.

“The remaining people, however, did have a quorum of 50%-plus and that was enough for them to vote.

“It is a young team of executive members who are passionate about football in that region and we expect them to work very hard to improve football in the region,” Basson-Namundjebo said.

The new executive members are expected to adopt the new regional constitution and find an office.

The executive were also tasked to open a bank account and start working hard on developing the game in the region.

“What we have noticed is that things in that region were not going well at all, but only the clubs managed to hold things together.

“We trust that the new executive committee will bring positive change in the region, because they are young and energetic,” Basson-Namundjebo said.

She added all possible checks were done and the new executive meets all the constitutional requirements.

NFA executive aspirants in the regions are being subjected to ITC and criminal record checks.



Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

bsp;

bsp;

Hungarian swimmer 'sorry'

July 29, 2019, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Luis stars for Unam

≪ Previous: 'Sabotage' bid fails

$

0

0

Hungarian swimmer 'sorry' Hungarian swimmer Tamas Kenderesi has apologised for “thoughtlessly touching” a nightclub dancer, after being arrested on sexual harassment charges during the world championships.

The 22-year-old Olympic bronze medallist has been banned from leaving the country, while police investigate the incident at a bar in Gwangju, around 330 kilometres south of Seoul.

Kenderesi has admitted making contact with his accuser, but denies sexual harassment.

“After coming back from the toilets and heading towards the dance floor, I touched the backside of a Korean girl who was working as a dancer at the club,” the swimmer said in a statement.

“I did not even stop behind her; I took only a single, perhaps thoughtless move, which seriously angered this girl who filed a complaint against me.

“Realising the seriousness of the situation, I was absolutely cooperative throughout the entire process,” added Kenderesi, who finished last in the men's 200 metres butterfly final last week.

“I deeply regret what happened and I wish to beg for the Korean girl's forgiveness. But I strongly deny that I'm guilty of any kind of sexual harassment.”

Hungarian team officials and swimming's governing body FINA confirmed that Kenderesi had been released from custody, but would not be allowed to leave the country for the next 10 days.

Kenderesi added he had not been shown the video of the incident, but insisted: “I honestly believe my words will be justified by the footage (and reveal) I did not commit any serious offence. However, I have to understand that I hurt certain moral norms, which are the foundations of the local values.”

After the athlete's arrest, FINA executive director Cornel Marculescu told AFP: “For now he is free, but he cannot travel out of Korea. We will see what the next step is.”

Kenderesi's arrest came a day after an indoor balcony at a Gwangju nightclub collapsed, killing two locals and injuring several athletes competing at the world championships.

NAMPA/AFP

Luis stars for Unam

July 29, 2019, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: PSL engines revved

≪ Previous: Hungarian swimmer 'sorry'

$

0

0

Luis stars for Unam Unam fullback Lorenzo Luis scored 26 of his side's 56 points, as they beat Wanderers 56-31 in a top-of-the-table rugby clash at the university's sports ground on Saturday.

They have now regained top spot on the log.

Luis scored a try, converted six out of the seven scored by his team and added three penalty goals, to lead his side to an emphatic victory over the defending champions, who started the day second on the log, while Unam was on third.

Unam, who led 29-14 at halftime, scored their other tries through Paolo Andrews, Shreave Titus, Renier Benade, Cameron Langenhoven and replacements Clyde Besser and Enzio Kotzee.

Wanderers, who gave a good account of themselves, replied through MP Pretorius, who scored a hat-trick of tries, and with Wessels Bredell and Elmarco Beukes, who scored a try each, while Brandon Groenewald converted three and missed two conversions.

Following the victory, which came with two bonus points for the students, Unam moved to the top of the log with 46 points, while Wanderers moved to second on 43 points.

The two teams will meet again on Friday, 3 August at the Wanderers Sports Club.

Both teams went into the match missing several of their first team players, who are currently training with the national team - 12 from Unam and 16 from Wanderers.

Meanwhile, Kudus beat Reho Falcons 41-3 in the only other match played on Saturday.

NAMPA

PSL engines revved

July 29, 2019, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Aalongi ya patelwa pondje sho ya lata koskola

≪ Previous: Luis stars for Unam

$

0

0

PSL engines revvedLeague action returns The 2019/20 Absa Premiership season is set to be a real humdinger. With new-look teams and kits, with ambitions of winning the title for some and avoiding relegation for others, South Africa's 16 Premier Soccer League (PSL) football clubs return from their off-season break, when the 2019/20 Absa Premiership campaign kicks off on Saturday afternoon.

Probably the pick of the opening weekend's action involves defending league champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who host SuperSport United in a Tshwane derby at the Lucas Moripe Stadium at 15:00 on Saturday.

Unlike many of the other teams who did substantial business in the transfer window, to date Sundowns have made just one major new signing - Uruguay marksman Mauricio Affonso.

SuperSport, meanwhile, have brought in two former Orlando Pirates players, following the acquisition of attacking duo Kudakwashe Mahachi and Thamsanqa Gabuza.

Also on Saturday afternoon, Baroka FC host Cape Town City and last season's National First Division champions, Stellenbosch FC, begin life in the top-flight with an away game against Chippa United in Port Elizabeth.

In the evening, a revamped Pirates side, including nine new players and several others recalled from loan spells, host Bloemfontein Celtic in Soweto.

The Buccaneers finished second last term and appear to mean business, after snapping up some serious new firepower, including Gabadinho Mhango, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Fortune Makaringe, Siphesihle Ndlovu and Austin Muwowo.

And they go into their opening match boosted by last weekend's 2-0 victory over Chiefs in the Carling Black Label Cup.

In the late kickoff on Saturday, Bidvest Wits, who came third last season, take on AmaZulu in Umlazi.

The country's most popular club, Kaizer Chiefs, have signed two new centre-forwards in Zambian Lazarous Kambole and Serbian Samir Nurkovic, as well as midfielders Kearyn Baccus, from Australia and James Kotei, a Ghanaian.

With last season's poor end to their campaign - which culminated in Amakhosi ending ninth - still fresh in the mind of supporters, Amakhosi players and the management will find themselves under scrutiny right from the start.

And they can be certain they won't be given any favours at what will be a rocking Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa on Sunday afternoon for an expected cracker against Owen Da Gama's Highlands Park.

Sunday's other two matches are a Limpopo derby between Black Leopards and Polokwane City at the Thohoyandou Stadium, as well as a KwaZulu-Natal derby between Golden Arrows and Maritzburg United at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium.



Weekend fixtures (Saturday):

Mamelodi Sundowns vs SuperSport United - Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Baroka FC vs Cape Town City - Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Chippa United vs Stellenbosch - Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Orlando Pirates vs Bloemfontein Celtic - Orlando Stadium.

AmaZulu FC vs Bidvest Wits - King Zwelithini Stadium.



Sunday:

Highlands Park vs Kaizer Chiefs - Makhulong Stadium.

Black Leopards vs Polokwane City - Thohoyandou Stadium.

Golden Arrows vs Maritzburg United - Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium.

NAMPA/ANA

Aalongi ya patelwa pondje sho ya lata koskola

July 29, 2019, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Gymnasium dominate Capricorn Super League

≪ Previous: PSL engines revved

$

0

0

Aalongi ya patelwa pondje sho ya lata koskola Aakwashigwana yomomudhingoloko gwaTjiwarongo oya katukile oonkatu yamwe po yomaalongiskola poskola yedhina Karundu Primary School mEtitano lya piti, mboka taya lundilwa kutya aluhe ohaya lata okuya koskola.

Aalongiskola ye li po 11 oya patelwa pondje konima sho ya ndopa okuya powaandaha.

Aakwashigwana mboka haya zi popepi noskola oya popi kutya aalongi mboka aluhe ohaya yi koskola ya lata nonando aanaskola oshowo aalongi oya pumbwa okukala powandaha potundi onti 07:30, Omaandaha sigo Etitano.

Omukuluntuskola Julia Chaka okwa popi kutya elelo lyoskola olya tokola kutya omiyelo dhoskola nadhi kale tadhi pata uuna aaantu taya yi powaandaha.

“Pethimbo ndyoka omiyelo dha patwa opo aalongi mboka ya monika kaakwashigwana ya thikama pondje,” Chaka a popi.

Okwa popi kutya mboka ya li ya patelwa pondje aalongi 11, amushanga oshowo aawapaleki yaali.

“Eeno otu na uupyakadhi waantu taye ya kiilonga ya lata na kashi shi oshikando shotango ihe otandi popi woo natango kutya otwiiyakidhila nokukandula po uupyakadhi mboka,” Chaka a popi.

Ngoka ta longo pehala lyomukomeho gwelongo moshitopolwa shaTjozondjupa, Nickey Eiman okwa kondema omaihumbato gaalongi poskola yaKarundu oshowo ooskola dhilwe moshitopolwa mboka haya yi kiilonga ya lata.

Eiman oshowo omukonaakoni gwelongo moshikandjo shaTjiwarongo, Cornelia Araes-Shikulo oya talele po oskola ndjoka mEtitano na oya popi naalongi mboka.

Eiman okwa pula Nampa opo ka nyanyangithe ehokololo ndika ta popi kutya otali vulu okunyateka edhina lyoskola, ihe aakwashigwana oya pula opo ehokololo li nyanyangithwe molwaashoka oya loloka onkalo yaalongi mboka.

Kennedy Kazonganga, okwa popi kutya otashi uvitha nayi okumona aalongiskola kehe esiku taya yi kiilonga ya lata omanga haya gandja omageelo kaanaskola mboka ya lata.

Oskola ndjoka oyi na aanaskola yeli po 1 387 na oyi na sigo ondondo ontiheyali, naaniilonga 43.

MULISA SIMIYASA

Gymnasium dominate Capricorn Super League

July 29, 2019, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: China ta pangele okupungula moshikondo shiikwamina shaNamibia

≪ Previous: Aalongi ya patelwa pondje sho ya lata koskola

$

0

0

Gymnasium dominate Capricorn Super League Evany van Wyk and Michelline Nawatises



The Capricorn Super League netball finals took place at the Windhoek Gymnasium sports grounds this past weekend.

With schools from all over Namibia converging on the capital for some serious netball competition, the action was destined to be a success.

In the under-12 age group, Windhoek Gymnasium took first place ahead of Gobabis Gymnasium. Pro- Ed Academy ended third.

In the u-13 category, Windhoek Gymnasium once again took first spot, followed by Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaatskool in second place and Pro-Ed Academy in third.

Windhoek Gymnasium also took first place in the u-14 age group as well, ahead of Pro-Ed Academy and Windhoek High School in second and third place, respectively.

In the u-15 category, Windhoek Gymnasium came first, Walvis Bay Private High School second and Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaatskool third.

In the u-17 category Windhoek Gymnasium once again triumphed, followed by WHS and Tsumeb Gymnasium.

In the u-19 age group, WHS made sure they came up on top, ahead of Tsumeb Gymnasium in second and Windhoek Gymnasium in third place.

According to the captain of the winning u-19 team, all sides sometimes have their up and downs.

“I think it all comes down to who was more determined and who worked harder,” said Anette van Staden. She said the teams played very well and their spirit to keep going is what she will take back to her team. “That is something admirable. I also think we can learn from the other teams.”

Hockey

In other school sport news, Namibia Schools Sport Union (NSSU) hockey took place at Windhoek Gymnasium on Friday and Saturday. The U-19 boys’ of Walvis Bay Private High School and Windhoek Gymnasium battled it out on the field. After a tense game, Windhoek Gymnasium won with final score of 2-1.

In the u-19 girls’ category, Windhoek Gymnasium and St Paul’s College played against each other, with the former going home victorious, with a final score of 5-3.

---

China ta pangele okupungula moshikondo shiikwamina shaNamibia

July 29, 2019, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: An epic experience

≪ Previous: Gymnasium dominate Capricorn Super League

$

0

0

China ta pangele okupungula moshikondo shiikwamina shaNamibiaChina a hala oshindji Omukalelipo gwaChina moNamibia okwa popi AaNamibia naya tegelele omapungulo ogendji okuza kuChina moshikondo shawo shiikwamina. Omukaleipo gwaChina moNamibia, Zhang Yiming, okwa popi kutya Namibia oku na oonzo dhopaushitwe dhoka China ta kongo nokugandja etompelo ewanawa okupungula moNamibia.

Okwa popi kutya inaku kala kuna uumbanda kutya ngashiingeyi shoChina ena iipambuiko iinene moshikondo shongopolo ota ka longitha uukayamukulwa mongeshefa ndjoka. Zhang okwa li ta popi pethimbo lyoshituthi sheshangululo nokugandja oshilimbo oshipe komina yaRössing Uranium sha landula sho ehangano lyoRio Tinto lya landitha po iipambuliko yalyo yoopresenda 69 kehangano lyoChina National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC). Pahapu dhaZhang, elanditho lyoRössing olya kondopele ekwatathano pokati kaNamibia naChina ta popi kutya otali ka nana omapungulo ogendji okuza kuChina okuya moNamibia.

“Ope na omahangano ogendji gaChina ngoka ga tegelela okupungula muka.”

Zhang okwa hokolola kutya ongopolo oyili onzo ya simana, ta popi kutya ompumbwe yoonzo dhopaushitwe moChina oyi li pombanda noonkondo, unene sho oshilongo shoka sha pumbwa iikwankondo oyindji ihe oshi na ompumbwe dhoonzo dhokulonga iikwankondo.

Okwa tsikile kutya inapu kala omalimbililo guukayamukulwa moshikondo shoka ta popi kutya ehangano lyoCNNC oli li methigathano nehangano lyoChina General Nuclear Power Group (CGNPC), ndyoka olyomwene gwomina yaHusab uranium mine. Ehangano lyoAnglo-Australian mining group, Rio Tinto, mwene gwomina nale ndjoka okwa li a tseyitha oompangela dhe dhokulanditha po iipambuliko ye momina yaRössing koshimaliwa shoobiliyona 1.5 muDesemba.







ERWIN LEUSCHNER

An epic experience

July 29, 2019, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Olibile mentored at Meatco

≪ Previous: China ta pangele okupungula moshikondo shiikwamina shaNamibia

$

0

0

An epic experience Octavia Tsibes

As the finals of the Momentum Boards Trophy near, the most promising rugby players become even more focused.

This past weekend schools from all corners of Namibia travelled to Windhoek to take part in the league quarter finals at Hage Geingob stadium.

At this stage, schools have new tactics and the players are focused to push through to the semi-finals. “I travelled from Grootfontein to support my younger brother,” said Leanka van Zyl, from Grootfontein Agri-College, adding that playing at the Hage Geingob where Namibia’s prominent rugby players play, was a wonderful experience.

The Momentum rugby journey has proven that great support from friends and family has a major impact on how the team performs. “We drove from Rehoboth to participate in netball. We didn’t win but we had a chance to support our sister school Dr Lemmer from Rehoboth, who participated in the quarterfinals,” Merischa Claasen, netball player from M & K Gertze Secondary School, said.

Dr Lemmer first played against Moria Private School and won the match 27 – 24.

Claasen, who is an aspiring netball player, said she has seen great tactics from other teams and will take back home what she has learned.

“We prepared so much for the match against Walvis Bay Private High School (WBPHS), because we have lost twice against them before,” said Erik Strauss, captain of Windhoek High School’s first rugby team.

He added that in order to perform and win against any team, one can be talented but you should be mentally prepared for the game too. “My team never gives up. We push through, regardless.”

The game between Windhoek High School and Walvis Bay Private High School was intense. However, it was WHS that moved through to the semi-finals where they will play Tsumeb Gymnasium in the capital at the Hage Geingob Stadium next week.

Olibile mentored at Meatco

July 29, 2019, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Olufuko gets large financial boost

≪ Previous: An epic experience

$

0

0

Olibile mentored at Meatco In 2016, Meatco awarded a bursary to Olebile Olibile, a current fourth-year student pursuing a six-year veterinary science degree at the University of Pretoria. Olibile decided to pursue a career in veterinary science because of two key drivers. The first is his aspiration to combat the frequent occurrence of foot-and-mouth-disease, which has negatively impacted the Namibian farming industry, through the erection of the Red Line.

He is also passionate about combatting African horse sickness, mainly because of his passion for horse riding.

Additionally, as per Olibile’s agreement with Meatco, he is required to carry out an attachment mentorship for 30 days per annum at Meatco’s Okapuka feedlot. This is mainly done during recess, depending on the schedule for him to do his in-service training, while completing his studies.

“Receiving this bursary from Meatco has made me count my blessings, because studying towards a veterinary science degree is extremely expensive. And due to the persisting drought situation, which is not making things easier for people like my father, who is a farmer, this bursary is contributing immensely towards my dream of becoming an animal doctor. I am, therefore, grateful to Meatco for the opportunity awarded," Olibile said.

Olibile expects to graduate in 2021, and under the current agreement with Meatco, he will be employed at the Okapuka feedlot as a veterinarian, depending on the need for one then.

Olufuko gets large financial boost

July 29, 2019, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Air Namibia starts CEO search

≪ Previous: Olibile mentored at Meatco

$

0

0

Olufuko gets large financial boost The annual Olufuko Cultural Festival fundraising gala dinner held at Outapi in the Omusati Region on Saturday night raised more than N$560 000 in cash and pledges.

The Outapi town council pledged the highest amount of N$250 000, followed by the NBC with N$50 000 and First National Bank and Standard Bank with N$30 000 each. The patron of the festival and Namibia's founding president, Sam Nujoma pledged N$5 000.

Outapi will host the annual Olufuko Cultural Festival for the eighth consecutive year and the governor of Omusati, Erginus Endjala said 55 girls have thus far registered to participate in the initiation this year.

Speaking during the dinner, Nujoma said there is not a single child who took part in the Olufuko rite of passage in the past eight years who was forced into child marriage.

Traditional initiation is performed during the festival for young girls, including girls aged 12 years, to prepare them for womanhood.

“Let me make it categorically clear that initiation is not marriage, but the rite of passage from childhood into adulthood,” stated Nujoma, adding that the young girls participating in the festival are future leaders and have to be educated because education is key to knowledge and power.

He urged the girls partaking in Olufuko, and the youth in general, to take their education seriously so that they will become future engineers, medical doctors, scientists, pilots, lawyers, teachers, agriculturists and geologists.

“Marriage will come after they have finished their studies,” Nujoma pointed out. According to him, Olufuko is only there to prepare the girls to become responsible citizens who are fully aware of their cultural norms and values.

The preparatory committee organises the gala dinner every year to raise funds for the successful hosting of Olufuko.

This year's festival is scheduled to be held from 23 August to 1 September.

NAMPA

Air Namibia starts CEO search

July 29, 2019, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Diergaardt to hear fate today

≪ Previous: Olufuko gets large financial boost

$

0

0

Air Namibia starts CEO search Air Namibia is once again looking for a new chief executive. The company has been without a permanent CEO since 2015.

The airline last week placed an advertisement announcing its plan to appoint a new CEO. Transport minister John Mutorwa had said in January that the airline's board of directors had been instructed to find a new CEO. The airline is currently headed by long-time Air Namibia executive Xavier Masule, who was appointed in March this year.

“The airline requires a highly experienced, dynamic and passionate professional with strong operational, financial and commercial acumen to be hired as a full-time CEO on contract basis for a period of five years, or such shorter period as the board may determine. The CEO position shall be the focal position to implement the turnaround strategy for the national carrier,” the advertisement read.

“The ideal candidate is required to share a passion for reshaping Air Namibia and bringing it to stand in the league of major national airlines. The selected person shall be required to develop and lead a major change management programme to address Air Namibia's financial, operational, commercial and cultural turnaround, including guiding and motivating its employees to deliver their best performance, as a team,” it stated.

Candidates are required to have a minimum 15 years' experience, preferably in the aviation sector, with a minimum of 10 years' experience in a management position, and five at an executive management position in a relevant profession, the airline said. The airline was previously headed by lawyer Mandi Samson. Samson was appointed in 2015 and acted in that capacity until her resignation earlier this year.

STAFF REPORTER