Oondoolopa odha pumbwa okutula miilonga omilandu omipe

August 22, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Oondoolopa odha pumbwa okutula miilonga omilandu omipe Omalelo goondoolopa otaga ende taga endelele opo ga kale ga gwanithapo iipumbiwa iipe yuuministeli womidhingoloko, sho kwa tulwa miilonga oveta ompe ndjoka tayi pula omalelo goondoolopa ga kale ge na uunzapo woenvironmental clearance certificates omolwa omatoto gawo goku ekelahi iiyagaya.

Monena omalelo ge li 11 oge nanale uunzapo mboka. Konima sho ompango ndjoka tayi ithanwa Environmental Management Act sho ya tulwa miilonga momvula yo 2012, uuministeli womidhingoloko owa tameke tawu longele kumwe nomalelo goondoolopa niitopolwa opo ku vule okuyambulwapo omahala gokwekelahi iiyekelwahi.

Onga oshitopolwa shomilandu omipe, omalelo goondoolopa oga pumbwa okugandja uunzapo wawo woenvironmental impact assessments (EIA) omolwa omatoto gawo ngoka omape naangoka omakulu.

Elelo lyondoolopa yaKeetmanshoop oli li tali hanagulapo etoto lyawo ndyoka ekulu, nokutula miilonga etoto epe, pauyelele wa gandjwa kumenindjela gwondoolopa ndjoka gwomayambulepo gopaliko, Jegg Christiaan. Pahapu dhe oyiipyakidhila nelongo lyetoto epe, omakonaakono gopamudhingoloko oga ningilwa nale ehala epe mpoka tapu ka tulwa etete ndyoka epe. Okwa popi kutya iimaliwa oyiikalekelwa nale okulonga etoto ndyoka epe oshowo okulongulula etoto ndyoka ekulu.

Pahapu dhe elelo yondoolopa yawo otali ningi kehe shoka tali vulu okukwashilipaleka kutya etoto ndyoka epe oli li pamuthika nokugwanitha po iipumbiwa ayihe yuuministeli womidhingoloko.

Omunambelewa omupopiliko gwelelo lyondoolopa yaGrootfontein, Lucas Salomo okwa popi kutya etoto ndyoka haya longitha ngashiingeyi inali gwanitha po iipumbiwa yuuministeli, ihe olyopakathimbo, nondoolopa oyiipyakidhila nokutotapo etoto limwe. Omunambelewa gweyambulepo lyopaliko mondoolopa yaKatima Mulilo, Charlie Ntema, okwa popi kutya elelo lyondoolopa ndjoka oli li moonkundathana okumona oshitopolwa shevi mpoka tali ka tula etoto epe, sho uuministeli womidhingoloko wa pula ondoolopa ndjoka, opo yi pate etoto ekulu ndyoka lya kala hali longithwa.

Okwa monika aniwa ehala ewanawa nokutula etoto ihe otali adhika pondje yoombanga dhondoolopa, na oye li yiipyakidhila noonkundathana nelelo lyopamuthigululwakalo.

Omunambelewa omupopiliko gwelelo lyaRundu, Benjamin Makayi okwa popi kutya ondoolopa yawo oya gwanitha po oshipumbiwa shoka.

Okwa popi kutya ondoolopa yawo oyi na uunzapo mboka wa gandjwa kuuministeli momwedhi Mei momvula yo 2017, shalandula sho omapekaapeko gopamudhingoloko ga ningwa momvula yo 2016, okutala ngele etoto ndyoka oli li tu pamulandu ngoka gwa tulwa po kuuministeli. Otali longekidha oondokumende dhalyo okumanitha eindilo lyoEIA, pauyelele wa gandjwa komunambelewa gwawo omukuluntu gwomayambulepo gopaliko, Catherine Boois.

Okwa popi kutya oshimaliwa shokumanitha opoloyeka ndjoka oshiikalekelwa nomonena etoto lyawo ndyoka haya longitha olya tulwa meni lyoloogolo. Elelo lyondoolopa yaTsumeb inali yamukula komapulo ngoka lya ningilwa. Kuyele omwedhi nguka, ominista yomidhingoloko, Pohamba Shifeta oya holola omaiyuvo gawo omolwa omalelo goondoolopa ngoka itaga kambadhala okukandula po omukundu gokweekelahi iiyagaya. Pauyelele mboka wa gandjwa kuuministeli, oondoolopa owala 11 dha gwanitha po iipumbiwa mbyoka.

Oondoolopa ndhoka odha tumbulwa kutya Ovenduka, Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Okahao, Oranjemund, Oshakati, Ruacana, Rundu oshowo Ondangwa.

Omalelo gomikunda gamwe po ngoka ga gwanitha po iipumbiwa mbyoka ongaashi Eheke oshowo Epukiro.

OGONE TLHAGE

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Reaching for the stars, and beyond

August 22, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Reaching for the stars, and beyondSpreading a message of unity and hope Edward Ndopu's message to those struggling against narrowly defined expectations and limitations, especially children with disabilities, is to “dare to dream of a life that extends beyond limitations”. Namibian-born Edward Ndopu's ambitious mission to space as the first wheelchair-bound human is in line with his bold and optimistic drive to disrupt and reshape the way we define society's role players and to encourage an expanded vision of humanity.

“I think we need to recognise that as humanity we are probably going to be saved by the most vulnerable segments of society,” he told Namibian Sun this week.

The downtrodden, stigmatised, and marginalised “are going to change the trajectory of society” he says.

“It's going to be people who have lived with the experience of exclusion, who have been disenfranchised, who have been discriminated against - those are the people best equipped to provide leadership and to provide a vision for the planet and society.”

Ndopu, who was born the year Namibia gained its long-fought-for independence, warns: “We are not doing disenfranchised segments of society a favour by granting them a seat at the table. In fact, it is in our interest as society to do that.”

His message to those struggling against narrowly defined expectations and limitations, especially children with disabilities, is to “dare to dream of a life that extends beyond limitations. You are bigger and more expansive than the space you currently occupy”.



Battle won

Born in Windhoek, he was diagnosed with a degenerative condition at an early age - spinal muscular atrophy - and doctors handed down a death sentence by saying he would not live beyond the age of five.

Now, he plans to celebrate his 30th birthday - alongside Namibia's 30th independence celebrations next year - as the first Namibian and person with a severe degenerative condition among the stars - stretching the boundaries of what is thought possible to its furthest reaches.

And once there, he will deliver a televised message to the world - millions upon millions of viewers - which he describes as his “love letter to the enduring power of the human spirit”.

This message will be shaped not only by the hurdles he has overcome as a person with a disability, but by his work over more than a decade as a disability justice activist and acclaimed humanitarian.

In essence, his message is a unifying call for an expanded definition of humanity that includes all groups of people “along the lines of gender, sexuality, disability, geographical diversity and more”.

It is aimed at incorporating the “voices and personal narratives of all people who don't feel completely validated by the world”.

The idea to travel to space is not just about the adventure and the feat of breaking through another barrier, it is aimed at grabbing the attention of humanity to make a powerful, meaningful statement to push for change in the “way we think about, talk about and look at people with different abilities”.

His mission to the stars has been endorsed by the UN, which has pledged its support to Ndopu, one of 17 global UN advocates for the Sustainable Development Goals recently appointed by UN secretary-general António Guterres.

He is also in talks with a number of aerospace companies and has signed an exclusive deal with MTV, who will document and broadcast his watershed adventure.

Change

“Humanity is in the midst of an existential crisis. Climate change, rampant inequality, nationalism, gender inequality and structural violence are markers of this existential crisis. And the only way to emerge from this crisis is through existential defiance.”

Ndopu said this during a keynote address at the 5th session of the Children's Parliament of Namibia, which formed part of his brief visit to Namibia this week.

He defined existential defiance as a “means to use your life to advance humanity, to be in service of a vision that is bigger than you.”

Apart from his space plans, and selection as a UN advocate, the 29-year-old was the first African with a degenerative disability to graduate from the prestigious Oxford University in its 900-year history, with a Master's in Public Policy.

Ndopu was also named one of the 200 most influential young South Africans a few years ago, and worked with Amnesty International in Johannesburg, where he is based, and this year was invited to visit Rwanda as an ambassador for inclusive education representing a Nobel peace prize winning charity.

Proof

A deep-seated sense of urgency underpins all he does, stemming from his initial short life expectancy.

“I'll be 30 next year, so I've outlived myself now by 25 years. I've always lived with a sense of urgency, the idea that there is no time to wait.

“There is no time to play it small, there is no time to sort of go about the motions of everyday life. There is urgency for me to take up leadership and to push for the sort of change that I seek to see in the world.”

He says this sense of urgency driving him is “built into the mandate of the sustainable development goals. It's built into the mandate of addressing the triple burden of inequality, unemployment and poverty. These are critical issues that face both Namibia and the SADC region, Ndopu stressed, and the clock is ticking towards 2030.

While it may seem daunting, his life's trajectory is proof that “it can be done. I'm living a life that was never supposed to really happen”.

He hopes his life could become a compass to others, “a point of reference - as an example of what can be done”.



Shift

Ndopu says a “paradigm shift, and attitudinal change” is needed to address the wrongs and challenges the world faces.

This includes the way in which people with disabilities and others relegated to the margins are viewed by society as “second best”.

“People with disabilities are not just their disabilities. We need to recognise that people with disabilities are not a homogenous group. We are incredibly diverse.”

Children in particular should be given permission to be children.

“I think we need to accord children with disabilities the right to be children, the right to express their curiosity, their right to be able to navigate the world in the way that kids navigate the world. With big eyes, trying to explore their surroundings.”

He also has a message for those who create the enabling or disabling conditions against which many struggle against.

“To society, and to our leaders, I would say I think the time has come for us to really validate and recognise the full humanity of every human being.”

Ndopu says too often the burden and emphasis is placed on those at the receiving end of exclusion, and less attention is paid to those who are equipped to improve matters.

“You've got power, and social capital and social privilege. You have a voice. You need to use that voice, as leaders that is what you are charged with doing. So let's make the conditions easier, let's create conditions of possibility.”



I wrote my name

“I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my mother,” he says, who raised him and his siblings as a single mother in Windhoek.

“I am where I am today because she sacrificed her own life and gave up everything to ensure that I had access to basic education.”

He was seven when he told her he wanted to go to school.

He says she “hit the ground running”, saying she would do everything possible to get him into a school, despite the fact that there were “very few schools that wanted to take the risk of having a physically disabled child in the classroom at the time”.

Eventually, Van Rhyn Primary School in Windhoek decided to “take the risk and bet on me” despite the fact that it was “unheard of that a severely disabled kid could be in a school with others with no disabilities”.

On his first day, he was put in a class of children deemed as special needs. But, after he wrote his name – the only child who could do it in his class – he was transferred to regular class.

“They said as far as we are concerned there is no reason you should be segregated from the other kids. You are just as capable as the able-bodied kids here.”

And as the saying goes, the “rest is history”.

JANA-MARI SMITH

Dress your home with Jossy's fashionable cushions

August 22, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Dress your home with Jossy's fashionable cushions Namibian creatives in the fashion space keep pushing boundaries. One of the latest impressive items in this space is Jossy's fashionable cushions.

In an interview with tjil, Josefina Oskar from Jossy's Pillows shared that the inspiration for the designs is drawn from her home economics lessons back in high school. “We were taught to sew and knit with various fabrics and properly coordinate colours. I then decided to apply these skills to create various designed cushions,” said Oskar.

When asked what type of fabric is used to make these cushions, Oskar disclosed that at the moment she uses leather, fur and lace. She added that she recently started making use of denim and hand-knitted fabric. “Some cushions have a mixture of different fabrics,” she said.

The materials are sourced from various textile shops. She mentioned that she spends most of her time searching for good quality fabric, and stylish and classic designs to accommodate to various living spaces.

She has a range of different designs for clients to choose from, however clients can also decide the design and shape they wish to purchase.

“The designs are drawn from the client's styles and needs. That's why we encourage clients to send us their preferred designs which are not indicated in our catalogue or not available in shops.

“They are not limited to only one size but various shapes and sizes as well and are assigned native names such as Ndapewa, Tjino, Oshoveli,” shared Oskar.



MICHAEL KAYUNDE

NAM Comedy Circle August edition

August 22, 2019, 4:00 pm

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NAM Comedy Circle August editionEnding the month with laughter Just Hendrick, Ndangi Likela and OC Ebs to perform. Two newcomers to NAM Comedy Circle will grace the stage at the Kalabar, come Wednesday, 28 August.

When Just Hendrick last performed at the Warehouse Theatre's Free Your Mind Show in 2015, writer Martha Mukaiwa described him as amusing, animated, outrageous, local and immensely inspired performer leaving each preceding comic in the dust. Then, without warning, Just Hendrick 'just' disappeared and the local comic scene was temporarily deprived of a promising new star on the horizon.

Well, Just Hendrick is back with brand new, funny and expressive sketches on everyday life situations. The millennial with a mission claims he inherited his humour from his mother.

OC Ebs is a down-to-earth woman and staunch member of the Namibian working class. Since August is considered to be a month to celebrate women worldwide, OC Ebs vows to empower, praise and offer advice to all her sisters and members of the stronger (sic) sex.

Ndangi Likela describes himself as a Namibian stand-up comedian with a sense of humour that is somewhere between that of a politician and a traditional healer. Likela's imagination knows no boundaries, yet his jokes remain respectful.

Well-known comedian Mark Kariahuua is the MC and anchor around which comedy at the Hilton Kalabar unravels every last Wednesday of the month. The show starts at 20:00 and entrance is free of charge. The evening is complemented with surprises and prizes courtesy of the Hilton Hotel. The prizes include a voucher for two for a day to use the gym, pool and steam room combined with a 50% discount at the Hilton Breeze Spa, a dinner for two at the D'vine Wine & Sushi outlet or at the Ekipa Interactive dinner buffet.

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Pushing urban culture

August 22, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Pushing urban cultureBe there or be square Doctatainment's Lemon and Lime is hosting yet another edition of music, fashion and culture tomorrow at Trinity Lounge in Windhoek. The monthly show features stalls from various young Namibian entrepreneurs who will showcase products from clothing to accessories and shoes. DJs on the line-up include Stiga, Sandile and Loudima.Dreamer and performances from Rush, Broadway Entertainment and Chris Morgan. Loudima.Dreamer, a hip-hop DJ and producer, said music enthusiasts can expect an energetic blend of hip-hop through the ages, from old school to trap bangers. “I'm all about creating a good vibe,” he stated.

Doctatainment's public relations officer, Rukee Kaakunga, spoke of the show's progression in attendance since its inception. “Lemon and Lime has grown at an impressive rate in such a short period of time since it was introduced. But that should come as no surprise given the quality of events that Doctatainment has come to be known for. From our very popular matinees to our award-winning Windhoek Spring Fiesta, no one can throw a better party than us.”

Explaining the event's concept, Doctatainment's Ernst van Zyl said: “We came up with the event to merge our love for hip-hop, fashion and culture into one event. We intentionally came up with this specific name as a way of getting people curious.” This curiosity has indeed been building up as more people are becoming part of this one-of-a-kind event that takes place monthly. Tickets are available at the gate. For any information regarding the event, contact doctatainment@gmail.com

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2019 Zambezi Night is inclusive

August 22, 2019, 4:00 pm

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2019 Zambezi Night is inclusiveUniting people through music and culture This year's party promises to be bigger and better. Pull quote: “That is why we included artists from other regions and neighbouring countries as well. We do not want to look as if the party is only for people from Zambezi.” – DJ Siya The seventh annual Zambezi Night is taking place tomorrow at the Old Chez Ntemba in Windhoek, featuring a star-studded line-up.

The performers include DJ Siya, Tate Buti, Petersen Zagaze from Zambia, Shanky Briz from Botswana, DJ Vuyo, Zux Masheleng, DJ Lizo and DJ Armani.

Usually, Zambezi Night event only features artists from the Zambezi Region as its primary aim is to celebrate music and culture from that region, however things have been switched up for this year's event. In an interview with tjil, the organiser of the event DJ Siya mentioned that he wants to cater for everyone, emphasising that no one should be left out. “That is why we included artists from other regions and neighbouring countries as well. We do not want to look as if the party is only for people from Zambezi,” he said. DJ Siya added that the event has grown to the extent where they want to take it to other regions as well. “It is known now, so we want to make sure we cover all the regions,” added DJ Siya.

Apart from the inclusion of artists from other regions and countries on the line-up, another new element added to the event is the dance competition where prizes are up for grabs. DJ Siya announced that one of the winners from the competition will be awarded a gym voucher with a personal fitness trainer, compliments of Ronald Nyambe.

On factors considered when drawing up the line-up, DJ Siya said he looked at the type of music the artists are producing just to make sure that attendees will be entertained the whole night. “I want to invite everyone to come and witness how we party back home in the mighty Zambezi Region. Those who can dance are most welcome to join us as it will be a night to remember.

“Since I am nominated at this year's Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs), I have a treat for my fans. On the same night I will release my new single featuring Petersen Zagaze,” shared DJ Siya.

The catch phrase for this year's show is Kabunya, which means 'slowly but surely' and the event is proudly sponsored by RMZ Events.

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

Kapana Cook-Off Champion to be crowned this weekend

August 22, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Kapana Cook-Off Champion to be crowned this weekend The best Kapana cooks from across the country will be facing off this Saturday, 24 August in Oshakati for the fifth Annual National Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off final, hosted by Nedbank Namibia in conjunction with the NamChefs, MeatMa, Pick n Pay and Bakpro.

Preliminary rounds have taken place across the country since this year's competition launch in May, and the 13 finalists from the Oshakati, Windhoek, Gobabis and Walvis Bay rounds will compete head-to-head for the title of Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off 2019 Champion.

“Our competitors are talented, passionate and driven. We wish all competitors the best of luck! Not only are we looking forward to the delicious kapana, but we are also looking forward to the friendship and unity of Namibians coming together and doing what they love. We are also excited to once again take the final to Oshakati,” said Gernot de Klerk, Nedbank's manager for communications and corporate social responsibility.

The winner will receive a fully-fledged Kapana food trailer, along with a Nedbank bank account with a N$15 000 cash balance, a MeatMa shopping voucher worth N$ 5 000, as well as SME training and mentorship.

“We hope that the winner will take the opportunity to continue investing in themselves and dedicating time to doing what they love. At the end of the day, success comes when you are doing what you are meant to do,” De Klerk emphasised.

Kapana connoisseurs are encouraged to stop by the finals to test the top-notch kapana hot off the braai and vetkoek supplied by Bakpro. The cook-off takes place 09:00 at the Game Shopping Centre in Oshakati.

The Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off is one of the vehicles Nedbank utilises to reach out to the small players in the market to aid them in formalising their business operations. No one was left out of the competition, as vendors were able to enter free of charge, as well as compete in regional events.

The finalists include: Emiliana Shoombe, SakariaApulile, Matheus Kanyoloo and Delila Shapaka from the north; Rosaria Nujoma, Helene Thele, and Jonathan Bock from central; Laura Egumbo, Elly Shetukana and Millecent Johansson from the coast; and lastly, Lucresia Ndjoze, Diana Roos and Cherline Losberg from Gobabis.



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Setting the standard high

August 22, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Setting the standard highOrganisers provide an update on the 2019 NAMAs MTC held a pre-NAMAs press briefing in Windhoek earlier this week. The Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) committee on Tuesday disclosed details of what is to be expected at this year’s biggest night in Namibian music.
Speaking to journalists, NAMAs executive chairperson Tim Ekandjo mentioned that organisers have incorporated various elements to make the show more exciting this year. Ekandjo said that the committee is anxious but also very excited about this year’s event because they will be doing things never done at any award show in Africa.
“That is both scary and exciting.
“We have ever since the inception of the NAMAs improved the event both from a technical and overall delivery perspective but we are going to step it up even further this year,” said Ekandjo.
The theme is Glitz and Glamour/Urban Chic. The award show will have 13 performance slots, which in total will make up 36 performances. Ekandjo also revealed that this year all performances are going to be 100% live band. “It is always with passion and excitement, as we create a platform that our artists embrace and project to the world what Namibia has to offer.
“All performances will be done completely with a live band; five-piece band - drummer, music arranger, lead guitarist, co-music arranger, bass guitarist, main key and second keys, with two separate full backline set-ups,” Ekandjo shared.
On choreography, Ekandjo revealed that performing artists will not merely be aided by the band, but dancers will also be provided. Led by a young and experienced Namibian choreographer, the dancers are busy at work rehearsing and mastering the choreographies to ensure that a stellar performance is delivered cometh Saturday, 7 September. Out of the 123 dancers who came for auditions, 20 managed to make the final cut.
Another treat for artists to look forward to is the artists’ master class that will be held on Saturday, 7 September from 10:00 to 12:00. The master class will explore topics such as brand and business as an artist across the African continent as well as succeeding in the music industry. The panel at this session will be made up of the managing director of Sony Music Entertainment Sean Watson, Somoina Kimojino, Sammy Thuo, Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Namibia’s own Axali Doeseb.
“This session is to give an opportunity to artists to meet, engage and discuss all things music and share ideas on how to optimise positive results out of their music careers. We thus strongly call on artists to attend this master class”, said Ekandjo.
Finally, this year the NAMAs will also allow non-music artists to showcase their artwork pieces and drawings on the blue carpet.

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The Fashion Soireè returns

August 22, 2019, 4:00 pm

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The Fashion Soireè returnsA party not to be missed Namibian fashion enthusiasts are in for another treat. “We want it to be a successful party, we want to have marquees at festivals and award shows, we want people to look forward to attending The Fashion Soireè.” - Reinhard Mahalie Hosted by three of Namibia's fashion darlings; Reinhard Mahalie, Jay Aeron and Rumano Fabrishh, The Fashion Soireè is the first of its kind in Namibia.

More than just a party, this event is a platform where Namibian celebrities and the fashion-loving public party in style while interacting and networking during the biggest fashion event of the year. This fashion party takes place during Windhoek Fashion Week and has received a stamp of approval by Windhoek Fashion Week organisers as the first and only independent after-party for their attendees.

Fashion parties are notorious around the world for having trend-setting celebrities mingle in style after some of the biggest fashion events. Who can forget the mega press garnered after Rihanna's 2018 Met Gala after party? If you're into fashion and love a fashion event, an after party is the perfect way to end the night in style! While the Namibian fashion scene is still growing and evolving, an event like The Fashion Soireè is one of the best ways of adding flair and excitement to the country's premiere fashion week. “We want it to be a successful party, we want to have marquees at festivals and award shows, we want people to look forward to attending The Fashion Soireè,” says Reinhard Mahalie, one of the talents behind the event.

In terms of the feedback received after the inaugural event, he says; “People really loved it, hence the reason we decided to bring it back this year.” The 2018 edition of the event was highly praised by fashion insiders who attended. Fashion designer, blogger and stylist Leah Misika was so impressed that she wrote on her blog; “I can only see this event becoming a staple for Namibian fashion weeks to come. A fashion party hosted by the most. It's kind of perfect.” In more press, Monochrome Magazine named the event one of their best highlights for Windhoek Fashion Week 2018.



The faces behind soireè

Reinhard Mahalie is a continental award-winning fashion stylist who was also recently awarded as Favourite Stylist at the Simply You Magazine Lifestyle and Fashion Awards. He is a style star who also doubles as an events MC and social media influencer of note.

Jay-Aeron is the brains behind some of the most iconic looks of some of Namibia's top celebrities, having styled rapper Lioness's video for Dreams. An award-winning make-up artist who is highly sought-after, Jay-Aeron is also a model and style star. Namibia's very own diamond Rumano Fabrishh is the quintessential fashion star, model and stylist whose take on fashion is both groundbreaking and bold but with an elegant touch. All three have become sought-after style stars and by now, most fashion loving Namibians will agree that no red carpet event is complete without them. They are also becoming hot favorites on South African red carpets and have been featured in various media platforms and exhibitions. On top of it all, they have disrupted the fashion scene with their androgynous style and push for representation of gender non-binary identities in the Namibian fashion and entertainment sectors.

This time around, guests can expect a special appearance by a renowned fashion star.

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Battling creative exhaustion

August 22, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Battling creative exhaustion We have all heard this advice before - we can't continue to be productive and creative if we exhaust ourselves, or if we fail to restore our energy and our spirit.

We are slowly but surely nearing the end of the year and after so much creative work put in, it is inevitable to experience fatigue, especially as a creative. About two weeks ago I felt mentally exhausted but I still had eight pages to fill. You know, there are just those times when we are pushed to the limit, dry as a bone and creativity flees to Rundu Beach for the summer. I was in such a space two weeks ago.

This year has been eventful and has kept most of us on our toes, with sleepless nights ensuring that we create content for our beloved audiences. I am content with the work I have put in thus far and in the same light I am happy for so many Namibian creatives for the outstanding work they delivered so far. I wish I was typing this knowing that I have booked my flight ticket to an exotic destination for a short holiday but unfortunately we still have a few months to go, so I will hang in there.

The point of me touching on this matter in this column is because I have noticed that some of our artists are also experiencing mid-year fatigue. I will not mention names but some musicians who are known for delivering top-notch performances are giving us basic sets. The nature of my work requires me to be super pedantic so I easily pick up these things. I am not entirely disappointed in these artists because I understand what they are going through. My advice is for them to regulate the amount of gigs they accept. There is no point in being booked for so many events but yet, deliver mediocre performances. It does not reflect well on your brand and it might result in you actually being booked less. I get it that money from shows make up a big chunk of an artist's income so it is not going to be easy to say no to gigs. My wish for artists battling mid-year fatigue is for them to take some time off, recharge and get ready for the summer.

In this issue King Tee Dee is our cover star. I do not want to spoil anything for you, so I won't give you a brief summary of what we spoke about. There are quite a few big parties taking place this weekend including the Zambezi Night hosted by DJ Siya and the monthly Lemon and Lime – tjil brings you all these stories and more. It is a long weekend, we wish a splendid time, enjoy this week's read. Until next time, it's goodbye for now.



michael@namibiansun.com; @MichaelMKAY on Twitter

Certified royalty

August 22, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Certified royaltyThe second coming Rapidly transforming into a different kind of beast. King Tee Dee, formerly known as The Dogg, is an artist who has come full circle. After many years spent dominating the music scene by creating music that has become a soundtrack to our lives, King Tee Dee is gearing up for his 28.09.19 concert at Unam Stadium.

Part of his Instagram bio reads as “the greatest from Namibia”, and to be quite frank, there are no lies detected in that statement. Excited about the 28.09.19 concert King Tee Dee, real name Martin Morocky, shared that last year was the first time that he and his team organised a concert of that magnitude. “We pulled in way over 10 000 people last year. This year, we are reaching for more than double that. Over 20 000 people will be in attendance.

“You live and you learn, and there is always room for improvement. This year's event will definitely be a bigger and better version than last year,” promised King Tee Dee.

He announced that Mshasho will reveal the exciting line-up to the concert next month. “You may watch all our social media pages for the line-up,” he added. Last year's concert was iconic and had people from different parts of the country travelling to Windhoek to witness history. Even though he could not confirm hosting this themed concert in other towns in the future, King Tee Dee seemed open to the idea. “Windhoek is currently Namibia's most populous city and is considered as the hub of entertainment, which is why we started holding the event here. However, you never know what the future holds,” he said.







In recent times we have been witnessing close associations and relationships that King Tee Dee has with specific individuals in the industry like Sunny Boy and Gazza. What seems to be obvious is how they are all increasing together in their respective lanes; Made In Namibia by Sunny Boy and Gazza Milli Concert were successful shows and now 28.09.19 is up next. tjil was curious to know what kind of conversations they have behind closed doors, because clearly something is being preached. For King Tee Dee it is all about taking full ownership of your own story. “People do not find true success by accident, but rather, they find it by being very intentional.

“Work hard, work to figure out what matters to you the most, do it, and make the journey enjoyable,” said King Tee Dee. On his rebranding and addressing the mixed reactions that came with it, King Tee Dee said that people should think of The Dogg as a business, emphasising that he believes that the key to longevity in this industry is adaptability. “A business that remains stagnant will not survive the market in the long run. It was vital that I rebranded myself as King Tee Dee. You need change for growth,” he clarified.

Besides making music, King Tee Dee takes his social responsibilities seriously by using his influence to positively impact society. He is the ambassador for the ministry of health's Voluntary Male Medical Circumcision (VMMC) campaign, a programme that has seen him visiting different parts of the country mobilising men to be circumcised.

“I am proud to say that the targets set for the health ministry have been achieved. I am glad that I am part of their achievement,” he said.

Land acquisition fund deemed unnecessary

August 22, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Land acquisition fund deemed unnecessarySalaries also far too high The Public Accounts Committee is of the view that the Land Acquisition and Development Fund is a doubling-up of government functions and thus, unnecessary. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Accounts Committee questioned the existence of the Land Acquisition and Development Fund because government already has a finance system to purchase farms.

Addressing the management of the fund in Windhoek this week, the chairperson of the committee, Mike Kavekotora said there was no need for the fund because it is solely used to facilitate transactions for the government.

“There was no need for the establishment of the fund because it is a conduit through which funds are being channelled to acquire farms and bring them back to government,” he pointed out.

He raised a concern that salaries paid to staff members are an exorbitant amount within the fund's personnel expenses, under which the salaries are listed, at N$1.2 million and N$5.3 million in 2016 and 2017, respectively.

The deputy executive director Ndiyakupi Nghituwamate justified the fund's existence by reading out the Act that established it.

According to the Agricultural (Commercial) Land Reform Act 6 of 1995, the fund was established to facilitate the process of any person in connection with the lease of any land allotted in terms of this act, or the cancellation of any such lease, including the payment of compensation, interest and costs.

The fund received a disclaimer audit report for the 2016/17 financial year by the auditor-general meaning that they could not provide an opinion on the financials of the institution to gauge its performance.

Throughout the public hearing, the committee noted that the fund has clerical issues such as listing farms with wrong hectare values, valuation reports that were not handed to the auditors on time and not being able to present deeds of sale. The acting executive director, Ester Kaapanda, clarified that these errors have however been addressed after she read the auditor-general's report two weeks ago and measures were put in place.

The deeds of sale for farms purchased during the 2016/17 financial year, which amounted to N$13.8 million, could not be traced by concerned land reform ministry staff at the time of the audit and therefore could not be verified.

As a remedial action, Kaapanda said the sub-division within the land reform ministry is now not allowed to accept farm transfer requests without a copy of the deed of sale attached.

NAMPA

Khomas elects Swapo 'pot' contenders

August 22, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Khomas elects Swapo 'pot' contenders The Swapo leadership in the Khomas Region have elected businesswoman Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun and 30-year-old City of Windhoek councillor Ian Subasubani to stand as National Assembly candidates at the ruling party's electoral college slated for early September.

The electoral college, also known as the 'pot', will elect 96 members, including 10 who will be appointed by the ruling party's president, to contest the National Assembly elections in November this year.

Namundjebo-Tilahun received a significant 55 votes of the 77 cast, defeating Veno Kauaria who received 14 and Maria Angula, who got a paltry eight votes in the female contest.

“I am humbled by the trust placed in me by the Khomas Region once again to represent their interests and that of the Namibian people,” Namundjebo-Tilahun tweeted this week.

In the male contest, Subasubani was elected with 37 votes, while former NamWater CEO Dr Vaino Shivute came in second place with 24 votes. Lameck Indongo received 15 votes.

During the extraordinary conference, the regional leadership also elected four other delegates to represent it at the electoral college.

They are Paulus Emmanuel, Sacky Uunona, Queen Kamati and Saara Kandapo.

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Dumpsite scramble

August 22, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Dumpsite scrambleTowns in race against time to comply with new regulations Only 11 local authorities have valid environmental clearance certificates for their landfill sites. Several municipalities are moving fast to comply with the ministry of environment's new regulations, which require towns to obtain environmental clearance certificates for their dumpsites.

So far, only 11 local authorities have valid certificates.

After the Environmental Management Act was gazetted in 2012, the environment ministry started engaging with local authorities and regional councils to improve standards of waste management.

As part of the new regulations municipalities must submit environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for existing and future dumpsites.

The Keetmanshoop municipality is in the process of decommissioning its old dumpsite while planning a new dumpsite at an identified location, says its manager for economic development, Jegg Christiaan.

“We are currently busy with the decommissioning of the old dumpsite. We have appointed an environmentalist who has now finalised the rehabilitation plan for the existing dumpsite,” Christiaan says.

According to him, an environmental impact assessment has been done and approved for the new dumpsite.

“Money has been set aside for the decommissioning and rehabilitation of the old dumpsite.

“The commissioning of the new dumpsite will coincide with the decommissioning of the old dumpsite. We foresee significant financial outlays on the rehabilitation and commissioning activities,” he says.

According to him the municipality is doing everything in its power to ensure that the new dumpsite complies with environmental regulations.

“As part of the creation of the new dumpsite there is an environmental plan in place that we are required to adhere to,” Christiaan says.

Grootfontein municipal spokesperson Luke Salomo says the town's current dumpsite does not comply with the new regulations, but it is a temporary site and the council is developing a new one.

The Katima Mulilo town council's economic development officer, Charlie Ntema, says the municipality is negotiating for a piece of land where it can establish a new dumpsite. The ministry of environment has ordered the town council to close its existing dump.

“A potential dumping site has been identified but it falls outside the town boundaries. We are negotiating with the traditional authority that owns the land. We have sent an application to the ministry of environment. Once we own the land we will apply for an EIA,” Ntema says.

Rundu town council spokesperson Benjamin Makayi says his municipality is compliant.

“The Rundu town council is in possession of an environmental clearance certificate for the operation of its dumpsite, which was issued by the ministry of environment in May 2017. This was after an environmental impact assessment was carried out in 2016 to determine whether the dumpsite was being managed within the ambit of the law,” says Makayi.

The Mariental municipality is preparing bidding documents for the completion of its EIA, says its senior manager for economic development, Catherine Boois.

“The bidding document is prepared for the EIA for our dumpsite to be commissioned,” she said.

According to her, money has been budgeted for the EIA to be completed. In the meantime, the municipality has fenced its waste disposal site.

The municipality of Tsumeb did not respond to a query despite numerous efforts to engage them.

Earlier this month, environment minister Pohamba Shifeta expressed concern about local councils that had not adequately addressed concerns about waste disposal.

According to the ministry, only 11 local authorities currently comply with the regulations.

“The ministry of environment continues to be concerned about the impacts of poor waste management practices on the environment and public health. There is a lack of waste collection in many areas, such as at informal settlements within the urban areas and in rural areas or settlements under regional councils,” Shifeta said.

There is concern about areas that fall outside the jurisdiction of local authorities, he said.

“In many settlements and in areas outside the jurisdiction of local authorities, there is often a complete absence of formal facilities for waste disposal. I have tasked the National Solid Waste Management Advisory Panel to look into solutions for this matter in line with the National Solid Waste Management Strategy,” Shifeta said.

To date, only Windhoek, Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Okahao, Oranjemund, Oshakati, Ruacana, Rundu and Ondangwa comply with the new regulations according to a list published by the ministry.

Several village councils and settlements are also compliant, including Eheke and Epukiro.

OGONE TLHAGE

Swapo threatened with court action

August 22, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Swapo threatened with court action Five Swapo members have threatened to take the party to court if their demand for the re-run of the Otjiwarongo district renewal of mandate process is not honoured.

Swapo has been given until next week Monday to respond to the call of the five disgruntled members.

They are Carlos Joseph, Maria Kambonde, Percy Mbakera, Bennes Haimbodi and Hilde Jesaya.

The five have given party secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa an ultimatum to adhere to their demand or else face them in a court.

Lawyer Henry Shimutwikeni, who is representing the five, argued that a number of irregularities were observed by his clients during the Otjiwarongo District renewal of mandate gathering.

The allegations are levelled against regional coordinator Susan Hikopua and treasurer Patrick Xoagub, whom they accuse of interference.

“Our instructions are that the actions of the Otjozondjupa regional coordinator Susan Hikopua and regional treasurer Patrick Xoagub unduly meddled or interfered in the renewal of mandate of the Otjiwarongo district while their constitutional functions are limited to overseeing the regional conference and the functions of the regional executive as per the Swapo Party constitution,” the letter reads.

Shimutwikeni further explained how the disgruntled members wrote a letter dated 1 August to Shaningwa, to which she responded by establishing an investigation team spearheaded by Valde Ndevashiya.

The team was to investigate the concerns of the irregularities that were raised. However, Shimutwikeni claimed that the findings were not made available to his clients and that the investigation was not impartial.

“It is therefore our instruction to demand from you as we hereby do that there be a re-run of the renewal of mandate process de-novo and inform us by no later than 26 August of your commitment to the same,” the letter reads.

“In the event that you refuse to adhere to our abovementioned demand, take note that it is our instruction to approach the High Court to set aside the actions of the regional leadership as well as to declare the renewal of mandate for sections, branches, and the district invalid and to ask the court order that the Otjiwarongo district be excluded from the Swapo Party Electoral College scheduled for 2 to 3 September.”

When contacted for comment, Shaningwa would neither deny nor confirm having received the letter, saying she had “no interest in discussing the matter”.

Hikopua and Xoagub also refused to comment. They referred all queries to Shaningwa's office.

KENYA KAMBOWE

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Letting the big fish swim

August 22, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Letting the big fish swim Prosecutor-General Martha Imalwa has opened a Pandora's Box, following her revelations this week that any hopes of Namibia recovering the over N$600 million lost in the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) scandal are misplaced. The admission comes 10 years after a police case was opened to recover the money that was swindled from the GIPF via loans granted through its defunct Development Capital Portfolio (DCP) to several local companies, some of whom had little or no business track record.

The brutal truth is that the money dished out as loans many years ago is unrecoverable and has been lost to the country for good. How pathetic!

This worrying trend and failure to prosecute high-level corruption again serves to highlight how powerful and politically-connected figures act with brazen impunity.

The GIPF saga is also a firm acknowledgement that anti-corruption bodies have failed to discharge their mandate in this country. In 2016, police chief Sebastian Ndeitunga said he was convinced that some companies and individuals will be prosecuted. Ndeitunga said at the time the police had concluded investigations into some of the dockets and were awaiting a decision from the Office of the Prosecutor-General.

It is now very easy to understand why public trust in bodies entrusted to tackle the scourge of corruption, including the Office of the Ombudsman, Anti-Corruption Commission and the Namibian police, is waning. It has now been proven time and again that those in power are unable to demonstrate the political will to tackle corruption at the top.

The Office of the Prosecutor-General is a very important institution that is crucial when it comes to dealing with impunity.

This requires not only an effective but independent law-enforcement task team.

The GIPF saga has caused, potentially, irreparable damage to public trust and it will take some time for the country's chief prosecutor to regain the trust she has now completely lost.

The public is, rightfully, aghast.

Soldier charged with shebeen burglaries

August 22, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Soldier charged with shebeen burglaries A member of the Namibia Defence Force has been arrested in connection with burglaries at six shebeens at Okakango location in Ondangwa.

Operation Kalahari members have nabbed one of their own.

Elia Kandala (32), a soldier based at Otavi, appeared before the Ondangwa Magistrate's Court on charges of housebreaking on 15 August and was refused bail.

Kandala allegedly organised three accomplices to help him break into the shebeens, where items valued at N$11 435 were stolen.

The Oshana police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Frieda Shikole-Ashiyana, told Namibian Sun that Kandala and his alleged accomplices were arrested by members of the Operation Kalahari Desert task force on 14 August.

“It is suspected that Kandala and his team broke into six shebeens in the late hours of 13 August and were arrested in the early hours of 14 August.

“They were four and he was the one driving the vehicle into which the stolen items were loaded.

“Two of his partners ran away and stolen items were found in the vehicle,” Shikole-Ashiyana said.

The case was postponed to 25 November for further police investigation.



ILENI NANDJATO

5-year shoe theft sentence slashed

August 22, 2019, 4:00 pm

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5-year shoe theft sentence slashed A habitual petty thief who stole a N$45 pair of shoes from a discount store had his five-year prison term reduced this week during a High Court review of his case.

The original sentence was unjust and not fitting the petty crime, Acting Judge Orben Sibeya said in a review judgment.

The court upheld Musche Muchaka's theft conviction, but Sibeya said, “I hold the view that the sentence is not in accordance with justice.”

He set aside the five-year sentence, plus a previously suspended nine-month sentence for theft.

Instead, Sibeya sentenced Muchaka to an effective one year behind bars, while suspending an additional 12 months for five years on condition Muchaka is not convicted of theft for a fifth time.

Muchaka was convicted of theft three times in 2016. On the first two occasions, he was fined N$200 and N$300. On the third conviction, of stealing a packet of biscuits valued at N$41.85 at a Megasave store in December 2016, he received a two-year prison sentence.

“Notwithstanding his character manifested in his previous convictions, a sentence of five years' direct imprisonment for such a transgression cannot be justified as it is too excessive, shocking and startlingly disproportionate to the offence committed and thus not in accordance with justice,” Sibeya said, with Judge Nate Ndauendapo concurring.





Sibeya remarked that the magistrate who had imposed the sentence could not be faulted for taking this stance, as it was evident Muchaka is a habitual criminal.

He also noted that previous convictions would in appropriate cases lead to heavier sentences, but added that “such sentence should still be reasonable”.

He stressed that Muchaka's crime was “literally shoplifting from Jetmark stores”, and that the shoes had been recovered after his arrest.

Therefore, he said, the decision to impose a five-year sentence meant the magistrate had lost sight of the nature of the petty crime, as well as the nature of the prior crimes.

“The sentence to be imposed should at all times be meted out in proportion to the current offence,” Sibeya stressed.



Lucky

This is not the first time Muchaka has experienced the justice system's merciful side.

In early 2017, after he had pleaded guilty to stealing the N$41 packet of biscuits –“due to hunger” he explained, he was initially given a two-year direct prison sentence.

On review, that sentence was also set aside and declared to be disproportional to the crime committed.

Muchaka's two-year sentence was set aside, and he was given an effective nine-month prison term, and an additional nine months were conditionally suspended for five years.

This suspended sentence was added to the five-year prison sentence handed down earlier this year.



Bad habit

In 2017, when he was convicted of the biscuit theft, the magistrate reasoned that it was “evident the accused had not learned any lesson”, while also highlighting the high level of theft in the Zambezi Region and noting that it was in the interest of society to impose a custodial sentence.

Sibeya nevertheless this week stressed that despite the previous convictions of theft, the “punishment should fit the crime.”

He said the previous convictions were for “petty theft offences” and that the conviction on the charge of theft of the biscuits “is not different and I opine that it equally amounts to a petty offence”.

Moreover, he noted that the five-year prison sentence imposed against Muchaka for the theft of shoes valued at less than N$50 was based on the magistrate's view that a fine would not be appropriate as it had not stopped Muchaka from stealing again. The magistrate also noted that Muchaka had “made a mockery of the criminal justice system and disrespected it, because he knows that he would just receive suspended sentences or fines for his offences.”

Sibeya however referenced a previous High Court judgment in which the justices said: “Where it may be justifiable to impose escalating sentences on a repeat offender, there are boundaries to the extent to which sentences may be increased when dealing with petty crimes.”

JANA-MARI SMITH

PG under siege

August 22, 2019, 4:00 pm

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PG under siegeCalls for Imalwa to resign Prosecutor-General Martha Imalwa is under heavy attack following revelations that her office declined to prosecute 18 of the 20 firms linked to the GIPF saga. Opposition parties and other commentators have called for the head of the country's top prosecutor.

This follows Prosecutor-General Martha Imalwa revealing on Wednesday that there was no hope of recovering the over N$600 million lost in the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) scandal and that her office had declined to prosecute 18 of the 20 firms linked to the saga.

Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader McHenry Venaani said yesterday he has written to President Hage Geingob and asked that Imalwa be removed from her position.

He said they also want the investigation into the GIPF saga to be made public and that an independent investigation into the stolen millions should be conducted.

According to Venaani he asked Geingob to open a commission of inquiry on the GIPF matter.

Describing the matter as a miscarriage of justice, Venaani said it had been deliberately delayed.

He said authorities are playing for time and that the PDM is “disgusted” with the outcome, because there will be no accountability.

“The PG must be asked to resign. You cannot be a PG and say you do not have enough evidence to prosecute. She has made herself guilty by not taking action,” Venaani said.

According to him the GIPF money was transferred electronically and that the assets of the companies involved are known.

“What more evidence do you need? People got rich because of this money, but they have gotten off scot-free. We are laughing at corruption.”

Venaani said the PDM is therefore calling for a “people's march” and that all opposition parties, NGOs, churches and other groups will be consulted.





He stressed the PG is an officer of the law and that she should have put the matter to the test in court.

“It is the biggest heist of the country, but nobody is called to account. She should have taken moral authority. She has now become the court.”



Fitness to hold office

Nudo called on Geingob to suspend Imalwa and institute a judicial service commission of inquiry into her fitness to hold office.

The party's secretary-general Joseph Kauandenge said Imalwa has demonstrated numerous times that she is not fit to hold her office.

Kauandenge said the most evident examples of her misconduct include her disregard for constitutional and legal parameters, with her unwillingness to prosecute well-connected individuals, including charges brought against well-established and wealthy Namibians.

He also said Imalwa has failed to provide timeous reports on, amongst others, the SME Bank saga and the Offshore Development Company (ODC).

“The office of the PG is a crucial institution in the fight against injustice and the rot of corruption and Martha Imalwa is not the person to lead it. An important state organ like the office of the PG cannot be used to protect criminals and the well-connected.”

Kauandenge said it is disheartening to note that millions of “our money went into thin air”, and yet Imalwa had the audacity to state without shame that those who stole with impunity cannot be prosecuted, because of a lack of evidence.

He said the evidence is there, but what is lacking is the independence of the PG's office.

Kauandenge said the process followed to appoint her in article 88 of the constitution already compromised her independence.

“For obvious reasons she will sing for her supper and dinner to her superiors and claim not to see acts of corruption of well-connected individuals.

“However, she will always move with speed and precision to arraign those less powerful and charge them in our courts of law.”



'Taking everybody for fool'

Namibia National Labour Organisation (Nanlo) leader Evilastus Kaaronda said Imalwa is taking everybody for a fool.

“She is taking us for a ride. There is nothing special about this investigation. When someone borrows money there has to be an agreement and a paper trail. How can there now be a lack of evidence? You know who the companies are and the names of the people involved, you know the amounts and what was not paid back, what else do you need?”

Kaaronda said Imalwa is not acting in the interest of justice, but protecting would-be criminals.

“That is why we are preparing to take her to court. She has declined to prosecute the companies involved due to a lack of evidence.”

Kaaronda said with the legal action, they are hoping that all the evidence will be brought before the court.

“If we agree there is a lack of evidence, then fine, but if not, we will ask that she must be removed from office.”

Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) secretary-general Brunhilde Cornelius told Namibian Sun that Imalwa has not been consistent in her statements and that her history speaks volumes.

“To come and say to the public that the money is just gone. The companies should have been held accountable and paid back the money.”

Cornelius further questioned the independence of the PG's office, claiming that someone is pulling the strings behind the scenes.

“Why would you pull a blanket on the GIPF investigation? She knows where that money is. Why is she not telling the truth? Someone is telling her what to do and say.”

Cornelius said that not only should more have been done in terms of the GIPF investigation, but it should have been done much earlier.

“But someone hoped that it would not come out.”



'Overstayed her welcome'

Landless People's Movement (LPM) national coordinator Ivan Skrywer said the PG has overstayed her welcome in office.

According to the LPM, the PG post should come with a term of two years.

Skrywer said there is no way that in this modern age money can just disappear without a trace.

“But because there is no real political will to fight corruption in this country, it is just excuses after excuses.”

He said there should have been investigation after investigation and parliamentary investigation committees should have been instituted to get to the bottom of the GIPF saga.

Skrywer said someone has to account for the money and that the LPM will fight for this.

“People's money is gone just like that; that is nonsense, nonsense.”

He said it is now up to every individual to fight corruption at the ballot box on 27 November, as the judiciary is failing people miserably.



Paper trail

Meanwhile, an investment expert, who preferred anonymity, spoke to Namibian Sun. In his view, there is always a paper trail when it comes to money and banks keep records.

“Were the banks ever approached with regard to the transfer of funds? Who signed off on those transfers and to which account and/or bank did the money go? Account signatories must give instructions for money to be transferred and where it is to be transferred to. Those records are with the banks that were used,” the expert said.

While the full scope of the investigation is unknown, it is his view that the parties should easily be traced, if the bank records were properly perused.

“Banks always cooperate in these types of investigations, so I must say, I am surprised,” he added.

ELLANIE SMIT

Heroes' lives were not in vain - Geingob

August 26, 2019, 4:33 am

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Heroes' lives were not in vain - Geingob President Hage Geingob has paid glowing homage to fallen heroes and heroines, saying their heroic battles and sacrifices will continue to inspire Namibians “as we build a more inclusive, united and prosperous Namibia”. Geingob was speaking during the Heroes Day commemoration at Otjiwarongo this morning. “It is true to say that our fighters did not die in vain, because the independence of Namibia and the subsequent peace, stability and unity we enjoy, was a prize worth dying for,” he said. “From the whistling echo of the first salvos fired at Omugulu-gwoMbashe, to the crossfires at Oshatotwa, to the cries of our daughters and children at Cassinga, the triumphant battle of Cuito Cuanavale and the final massacre at Ondeshifilwa. Our fight was just, our resolve unwavering and the price paid, high. The blood of our fighters, is the currency that bought our freedom. We should never forget. No one understands the level of sacrifice, the pain, the blood sweat and tears as much as our Veterans of the Liberation Struggle. On this occasion, as we commemorate 53 years after Omugulu-gwoMbashe battle, we salute those who were prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice; a debt we can never repay.” The head of state further urged Namibians to join hands and fight social evils and poverty towards a goal of shared prosperity. “On this Heroes Day, let us commit to hold hands and work together, to bring about economic transformation in Namibia. This is not only a day to commemorate the selfless acts of sacrifice, it is also a day for us to reaffirm our patriotism to foster a true sense of pride and duty towards our nation.”
STAFF REPORTER