Power to the children!

August 26, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Power to the children!Many voices, one plea A whopping 62% of the Namibian population is between the ages of 15 and 34, hence the children’s parliament strives to voice the rights of children and young people. Justicia Shipena





Hosted by parliament, in partnership with United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the first session of the fifth children’s parliament attracted a total of 98 children from all corners of Namibia.

The session was in full swing from 16 August and concluded this past Friday.

Under the theme ‘Engaging young people in the legislative process’, the children’s parliament aims to promote awareness of children’s rights and strengthen children’s participation in the legislative process and policy development.

According to Rachel Odede, the UNICEF country representative, the fifth children’s parliament is a continuation of the commitment made by Namibia when it ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the in 1990, six months after independence, to give its children a voice through the children’s parliament.

“On 20 November the world, including Namibia, will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the adoption by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC),” she said.

Odede added this means that anyone who turns 29 this year is part of the first generation of Namibians to go from birth to adulthood, while being protected by the CRC.

She continued saying that article 21 of the CRC reminds us of the role of the state and adults in facilitating the participation of children and young people in decision-making processes on matters that affect their lives.

Odede said the article further states that governments should provide an opportunity and platform for children to be heard.

“The significance of this platform does not only rest in the fact that young people will have a say, but in its main goal of analysing issues that are of concern to young people,” she said.

National Assembly speaker Peter Katjavivi highlighted a few achievements of the previous children’s parliaments.

Katjavivi said the fourth session of the children’s parliament, which was held in May 2013, tabled and debated a total of 98 motions.

“The inputs from the fourth session of the children’s parliament led to the inclusion of clauses dealing with the National Advisory Council on Children and the children’s advocate/ombudsman in the Child Care and Protection Act,” he said.

Katjavivi added that important policy inputs from the fourth children’s parliament, like the need to give a second chance to young, pregnant girls to go back to school after delivering their babies, as well as those who fail grade 10, were incorporated into a policy by the line ministry.

“Such learners are considered for readmission, provided the facilities and resources are available to accommodate them,” he said.

Katjavivi implored the current children’s parliament members to use their experience to create a positive impact in the lives of other young people.

He also encouraged the newly elected members to seize the moment and maximise their participation in the life-changing experience.

Cristoph Ndengu, a learner at Gabriel Taapopi Secondary School, said what is exciting about being part of the children’s parliament is that they are the voice of the voiceless and represent fellow peers, who are not able to do so.

“It serves a great platform to advocate for children and youth empowerment, as what is social economic growth if the youth are not directly involved? I am able to air my views on issues that affect the youth and find different solutions to tackle them,” he said.

The elected and appointed leaders of the fifth children’s parliament

Name

Position

Region

Committee

Nevel Ndoli

Speaker

Zambezi

National Assembly

Josefina Ankonya

Deputy speaker

Erongo

National Assembly

Wayne McKay

Nephilian Kasilawa

Chairperson

Deputy chairperson

//Karas



Zambezi

Standing Committee on Gender Equality and Social Welfare

Rivaldo Kavanga

Eveline Namupala

Chairperson

Deputy chairperson

Khomas



Omusati

Standing Committee on Health

Ezekiel Kuhanga

Moesha Hengari

Chairperson

Deputy chairperson

//Karas



Khomas

Standing Committee on Children’s Rights and Climate Change

Lawrencius Simon

Ndinelao Shinyama

Chairperson

Deputy chairperson

Hardap



Erongo

Standing Committee on Education, ICT and Innovation

Breschneff Katjito



Chief whip

//Karas

National Assembly

Hope Kaizemi

Deputy chief whip

Hardap

National Assembly

Kennedy Victor

Chief whip assistant

Kunene

National Assembly

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Logistics vision gathers steam

August 26, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Logistics vision gathers steam Recent upgrades to Namibia's roads, railways and ports have brought the country closer to reaching logistical and economic targets.

According to the Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG), several industry projects are at varying stages of progression, which shows government's commitment to developing the sector to better position itself as a viable transport link to the region.

“The brand new container terminal, commissioned at the port of Walvis Bay earlier this month, offers increased capacity and enhanced efficiency for cargo throughput. The creation of dry ports for the landlocked countries of Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia in the port, further aids Africa's vision of stronger linkages with neighbouring countries,” the WBCG said. According to the company, priority projects related to road infrastructure are also enjoying attention. It said the ongoing construction of the road between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund aims to ease the flow of traffic between the coastal towns, which will impact on travel time and improve safety on the route.

The road link between Walvis Bay and Botswana is being upgraded, with current construction being carried out on the Windhoek-Okahandja dual carriage highway, as well as work on the Western Bypass link to the Hosea Kutako International Airport road. There are also another five road upgrades planned on the Walvis Bay corridors, which are crucial links to neighbouring countries.

Maintenance on the railway network has commenced, with the upgrading of the Walvis Bay to Tsumeb section of the railway line.

According to the WBCG, government plans to further extend the railway network, by building rail infrastructure that will link to Botswana and Zambia in the foreseeable future. The realisation of this infrastructure will see an easing of heavy cargo on the road system and lower landside transport costs into the region.

“As the implementing agency of the country's logistics master plan, which seeks to transform Namibia into a regional transit hub, the Walvis Bay Corridor Group's core focus area remains to sustain the momentum gained thus far.” The group's acting CEO Clive Smith said these developments are defined programmes under the Namibia logistics hub project.

“The successful implementation of these projects would attract a host of opportunities, such as the imminent export of manganese through the port of Lüderitz to international markets,” he said.

According to the Namibia State of Logistics Report for 2018, which was launched earlier this year, the logistics industry has the potential to contribute 4.6% to Namibia's GDP, if properly realised.

Smith explained that the recent major infrastructure development and programmes under the logistics hub project give credence to Namibia's potential to enhance regional trade, and to greatly contribute towards the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).



ELLANIE SMIT

Success at CoP

August 26, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Success at CoPDomestic ivory closure proposal defeated Namibia strongly believed the matter was already exhaustively discussed during CoP 17 in South Africa. Namibia and other several other South African countries have successfully defeated a proposal to close all remaining legal domestic ivory markets at the 18th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

The meeting will adopt decisions and resolutions to expand and further strengthen the global wildlife trade and is taking place until Wednesday.

The proposal on the closure of domestic ivory markets was made by Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Gabon, Kenya, Liberia, the Niger, Nigeria and the Syrian Arab Republic.

“We defeated the proposal by Kenya and others on the closure of the domestic market without going to vote,” environment minister Pohamba Shifeta told Namibian Sun.

Speaking at CoP18 against the proposal, Shifeta said Namibia strongly believed that the matter was already exhaustively discussed during CoP 17 in South Africa and therefore there was no need to reopen the same discussion.

Shifeta argued that the proposition made to close ivory markets was not backed by science.

According to the proposal by Kenya and others, maintaining a domestic ivory market creates opportunities for laundering illegally obtained ivory, presents monitoring and enforcement challenges, in particular due to the difficulty of policing online trade, and undermines ivory bans in other countries by providing an alternative outlet to which suppliers and traffickers can relocate.

“Namibia would like to reiterate the fact that closing the legal domestic market does not mean that there will be no more demand for the product.

“In fact, those who used to get it legally will try by all means to get it from illegal suppliers and this will have serious negative impact on elephant population as this will only entice the criminals in the illegal market to satisfy the demands,” said Shifeta.

He said the proponents had not demonstrated their claim that all domestic ivory markets were linked to illegal killing and trade.

“Additionally and most importantly, domestic markets are outside the mandate of this Convention. In fact this issue if allowed to sail through here has a potential to eroding sovereignty of states,” said Shifeta.

“Even if it is found in the future that empirical evidence back this proposal, other means have to be found to deal with the matter rather than ignoring the Public International law which is unequivocally opposition to the proposal before us. This proposal is bad in law.”

Shifeta further argued that the proposal was in sharp contrast with the Vienna convention on the law of treaties of 1969, which is an international agreement regulating treaties between states (including CITES).

“Namibia deeply disagrees with such a proposal and that as parties here we have no mandate to extent the jurisdiction of the convention to encroach in the sovereignty of member states. And, I repeat, there is no legal basis on which this forum can use to throw a net of this convention beyond its jurisdiction.”

He said the issue of domestic trade was not even supposed to feature on the CITES agenda at all.

“We fully agree with the Secretariat that the text of the CITES Convention only talks about international trade.”

He therefore said that the proposal must be unreservedly rejected and in future, issues outside the mandate of the Convention must not appear on the agenda at all.





ELLANIE SMIT

All eyes on Tokyo

August 26, 2019, 4:00 pm

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All eyes on TokyoNamibian cyclists deliver great performances at African Games Namibian cyclists have their eyes set on the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, after being inspired by their great performances at the African Games in Morocco. Namibia's Tristan de Lange, Alex Miller and Xavier Papo are happy with their performances in the mountain bike events at the African Games, underway in Morocco.

De Lange, who won two gold medals in the mountain bike and mountain bike marathon races, told Nampa on Saturday he is proud of wearing the Namibian colours and bringing medals home.

“My goal has never changed and it will never change. I want to represent Namibia at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, and I will continue working hard, just like I did before I came to these games,” he said.

Winning gold medals at the African Games, he added, was never part of his plans, but he couldn't be prouder.

“I am happy that we represented our country well in the mountain bike events, but we still have a tough competition ahead in the road race. As Team Namibia, we will do all we can to continue representing our country well,” De Lange said.

Miller who won silver and bronze medals in the same events said: “I am happy that we did our best and won medals for Team Namibia. Our attention will now turn to the road race, which will really be tough, seeing that South Africa and Eretria has strong riders in this event.”

Xavier Papo, who finished fourth in both events, said doing so at continental level is one of the biggest highlights of his career so far.

He said it is the first time that he has travelled out of the country for a competition and did so well.

“It really feels good to ride with the best in Africa and finishing fourth in all my events,” he said.

Team coach Hans du Toit added that winning four medals, as well as having three of their riders finishing in among the top four in the mountain bike events, is exceptional.

NAMPA

SA badminton team claim bronze

August 26, 2019, 4:00 pm

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SA badminton team claim bronze The SA badminton mixed team claimed bronze at the African Games in Casablanca, Morocco on Sunday.

The mixed team came up against a powerful Algerian squad in the semi-finals and played well before going down 2-3, which left them as one of two automatic bronze medallists, given there was no playoff for third and fourth.

“It was a really tight match,” said South African team member Bongani van Bodenstein.

“It's our first medal, but not the colour we wanted, but hopefully this coming week we can change that. We're expecting five medals in the coming days.

“We've had a good competition as far as performance has gone.

“We arrived in Morocco and thankfully found that the conditions are similar to what they are at home, so we didn't need to make any adjustments. But our group was tough!

“We beat Eritrea 5-0 and then lost 2-3 to Egypt, before beating Mauritius 3-1 in the quarterfinals.

“The difference against Algeria was that they played the big moments better. They are more experienced than us, they play all over Europe and they train overseas. But there has been high intensity and big pressure in our matches and we just need to adjust to that level to be really competitive. That will come in time,” Van Bodenstein added.

South African coach Stewart Carson paid tribute to the strong performance of his team.

“They have surprised me, because the standard is really high. So many players from countries like Nigeria, Algeria, Uganda, Ghana and Mauritius are based and play and train overseas, many of them in France. This has seen the standard of the men in particular rise over the last few years,” said Carson.

“But, as Bongani says, we're looking forward to the singles competition with a lot of confidence.

“Nita Scholtz is probably our best chance and there's no reason that she can't win the gold medal. She is in great form and doesn't have anything to fear. Megan de Beer is another who can punch a deep hole in the competition,” Carson added.

NAMPA/ANA

Going tough for karate, tennis

August 26, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Going tough for karate, tennis Namibian athletes competing in karate and tennis found the going tough in their opening matches at the African Games that are being held in Casablanca and Rabat in Morocco.

The karate team, comprised of seven athletes, started with their competition on Saturday, but none of them progressed through to the next round of the competition.

Mechelle Tjimuku, Stefan van der Merwe and Michael Nakapandi managed to get a pass in the first round of the competition, but saw their dreams of qualifying to the next round cut short, when they stepped onto the floor at the Olympic Stadium at the Moulay Abdellah sports complex.

Namakau Mwiya, Suzelle Pronk and Bryan Nakambonde were not fortunate enough to get a pass in the opening round, but also saw their hopes of winning medals for Namibia fall short, as their opponents were too strong for them.

Nakambonde was the only fighter f who managed to register a win in the individual fights in the loser section, where he was relegated to when he lost his first fight after getting a pass.

Nakambonde won his fight 5-4 against a Botswana opponent, but went on to lose in the final face-off for a spot in the bronze medal fight against Cisse Abdou Lahad of Senegal.

The karate team, coached by Marchelle De Jager, were due to compete in the men's team event on Sunday.

The tennis team also found the going tough. Only one player managed to win a match at the tennis championships, which started on Friday.

Codie van Schalkwyk, Jean-Michel Erasmus, and Gideon van Dyk all failed to make their mark at the competition, as they lost their games in the men's singles preliminary round.

Linique Theron was the only athlete who won a game, when she beat Beverly Matsiwe of Zimbabwe in her opening match of the women's singles preliminary round, but she went on to lose her second match in the round of 16 to Lamis Salama of Egypt.

The men's team was due to compete in the team event on Sunday.

NAMPA

Chess team finish sixth

August 26, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Chess team finish sixth Namibia's mixed chess team on Sunday finished in sixth place out of 20 countries that competed in the mixed team events at the Africa Games underway in Casablanca.

The team of Nicola Tjaronda, Lishen Mentile, Charles Eichab and Dante Beukes lost their opening match on Saturday at the competition against hosts Morocco.

They, however, pulled themselves together after the defeat and went on to win two matches against Mali and Ethiopia.

Out of the five games they competed in on the opening day, they lost two more against Nigeria and neighbours Angola.

On day two (Sunday), the Namibian quartet played four matches against Cameroon, Mauritius, Malawi and Cape Verde, of which they won three matches. They only lost against Malawi and were within striking distance of the bronze medal, which was eventually won by Zimbabwe.

Team Namibia finished sixth on the log, level on 10 points with Botswana, but who were awarded fifth place, while Nigeria finished fourth on 11 points.

Egypt won the gold medal, after collecting 17 points from nine games, while Algeria took silver on 16 points and Zimbabwe occupied third spot with 12 points.

Speaking to Nampa on Sunday, Team Namibia coach Otto Nakapunda said the team punched above their weight.

“We are very excited about the results, because finishing sixth, above the heavyweights in Africa like Morocco, Ethiopia, Malawi and Kenya, is a big achievement for these players, as well as Namibian chess,” he said. Chess in Namibia, he added, has grown over the years, despite having minimum resources. He said one can only expect good things going forward, because the foundation that was laid 10 years ago is now yielding results.

“Our goal at the competition was to finish in the top 10, but being in the medal contention on our last day is a good step that we have to build on,” Nakapunda added.

NAMPA

Jonas reaches semis

August 26, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Jonas reaches semis Commonwealth gold medallist Junias Jonas reached the semi-finals of the 64kg lightweight boxing category at the African Games on Sunday evening.

The Namibian boxer, who won a silver medal at the 2015 African Games held in Congo-Brazzaville, beat Wahid Abdul Omar of Ghana 4-1.

Before his quarterfinal fight with Omar, he beat Ramadan Abdelkawi of Egypt 5-0 in the preliminary round, and then went on to beat Alseny Sylla of Guinea 5-0 in the round-of-16.

Jonas will now fight Abdelhaq Nadir of Morocco in the semi-finals this evening at the Al Amal indoor sports centre in Rabat.

NAMPA

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Buzzing with language

August 26, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Buzzing with languageWordsmiths battle it out at spelling bee The annual Sanlam Unam Spelling Bee is the only event of its kind at tertiary level and provides students with the opportunity to improve their language skills. Mariselle Stofberg

Language is a central part of communicating and helps one to express your opinions, hopes, dreams and aspirations.

Sanlam, in collaboration with the University of Namibia (Unam), hosted the third tertiary level spelling bee known as the Sanlam Unam Spelling Bee on 17 August at the Unam main campus in Windhoek.

Linea Kapofi of Unam ‘out-spelled’ her opponents and took first place, receiving N$5 000.

Kapofi also walked away with a floating trophy, an English dictionary, a participation medal and a stationery pack.

The spelling bee has been running since 2017 and students who participate have the opportunity to be exposed to new words, which allows them the opportunity to improve their spelling and their general language usage and vocabulary.

“With that being the case, we really hope all three universities in Namibian start taking part in the competition. This year only students from Unam and IUM took part. Next year, we hope students from Nust will also participate. From our side, as Sanlam, we want the spelling bee to become an important event on the university student calendar and wish that participation increases with even more students taking part,” said Hilaria Graig, the marketing and communications manager at Sanlam Namibia.

Jill Izaks, the acting director of the Unam Language Centre, said the spelling bee plays an important role in raising awareness of the power of words and language.

“The establishment of the Sanlam Unam Spelling Bee in 2017 by the language centre was primarily to raise awareness of the importance of words,” Izaks said.

She added that incorrect spelling by students and the use of wrong grammar in academic writing have become a great concern. “Research also shows that students have inadequate receptive and productive vocabulary knowledge to cope with the academic demands of tertiary education. The spelling bee is therefore an excellent platform to raise awareness of the importance of vocabulary knowledge,” she added.

Graig said while English is not the first language of most Namibians, it is the official language of the country. She stressed that students thus need to be exposed to English and use the language properly, especially when it comes to academic writing.

The 2019 Sanlam Unam Spelling Bee competition was fully funded by Sanlam to the value of N$60 000. All participants walked away with a participation medal and an Oxford English dictionary.

A Broad vision for the future

August 26, 2019, 4:00 pm

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A Broad vision for the future The #BeFree Movement hosted a public dialogue under the theme ‘Rebuilding the identity of a post conflict society’ last Tuesday at the NamPower convention centre. Hosted by Monica Geingos, Namibia's first lady, as a panellist, the lecture saw the attendance of Rwanda first lady Jeannette Kagame, who was the guest of honour. Kagame accompanied her husband, President Paul Kagame, for a two-day state visit to Namibia. The interactive dialogue saw experts from Namibia and Rwanda share innovative ideas and lessons learnt on engendering a national identity and nation-building. This event highlighted the critical building blocks of maintaining unity in a nation, especially among young people. In the pictures are Rwanda first lady Jeannette Kagame and Suzie Eises, who performed at the event.

Disability and possibility

August 26, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Disability and possibility Ndopu is a ray of hope Edward Ndopu says the words disability and possibility belong in one sentence Justicia Shipena



Diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy at age two and given only five years to live, Edward Ndopu has become a bonfire of hope and possibility for people living with disabilities around the world.

Ndopu, with the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), visited the Side by Side Early Intervention Centre in Goreangab informal settlement in Windhoek on 21 August.

His visit was aimed at motivating and educating parents of children living with disabilities and he also spent time with the little ones.

Addressing the parents, Ndopu said them being at the centre is testament to their resilience and belief that they have in their children; that one day they will grow up to become extraordinary people.

Ndopu added his journey to this point was possible because his mother believed in him and that a child with a disability can grow up to be a visionary adult.

At age seven Ndopu pressed his mother to enrol him at school and he eventually got into Van Rhyn Primary School.

He said people should start seeing the magic and beauty that people with disabilities represent, as they have so much value to bring to their communities.

"It’s about moving beyond survival. I just don't want people with disabilities to survive, I want to see them thrive, I want them to be absolutely magnificent people," he said.

Ndopu left the parents with the words: “The words disability and possibility belong in one sentence.”

Huipie van Wyk, the director of Side by Side Early Intervention Centre, shared her experience as a parent of a child living with a disability.

Van Wyk said over the last four years she did intensive research on what her daughter would need to have a quality life.

“During the process of keeping my family together, we found a little boy with a severe disability and who was malnourished. Using my daughter’s trust we raise enough funds to hospitalise him,” she said.

According to Van Wyk, Side by Side caters not only for children who live with disabilities, but for the parents and guardians who live with them.

“The centre offers a daycare and rehabilitation. Although a lot of children do attend our centre from 7:30 to 16:00, we focus on rehabilitating the whole family by educating them,” she said.

Van Wyk added that for about four months Side by Side was involved in a neuro clinic, where children who were born prematurely were evaluated again.

One of the parents said she was grateful and that Ndopu’s visit motivated her to not give up on her child.

Mine to cough up N$219m in taxes

August 26, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Mine to cough up N$219m in taxes The ministry of finance says Paladin Energy, the owners of the Langer Heinrich mine, will have to pay over N$200 million it owes in taxes to the receiver of revenue.

The tax stems from Paladin selling a 25% stake in the mine to the China National Nuclear Company.

Government lost N$219 million in taxes following the sale of the mine, with Paladin arguing that because it had used an offshore holding company in Mauritius, it was not liable to pay the tax.

“Any taxes due and payable to the government will be collected. The tax laws of Namibia are such that in the event that a company failed to pay taxes legally due, such taxes will be collected by the tax office,” ministry of finance spokesperson Tonateni Shidhudhu said.

The ministry said it was a priority for it to recover the N$219 million, but could not provide a due date at which Paladin would be liable to pay.

“The legal due date for the reported tax liability, as well as the accuracy of the Langer Heinrich transaction, considering the sale took place in December 2018, is of essence,” he said.

The ministry, he said, was still to decide on a due date.

“The due date for the tax payment on the Langer Heinrich transaction under the tax law will determine the date when Langer Heinrich is legally liable to make payment and any penalties to be enforced,” he said.

When asked what government would do in future to ensure taxes through the sale of local assets to multinationals, Shidhudhu said the ministry was working in close corporation with the Namibia Competition Commission (NaCC) to ensure full disclosure.

“The ministry of finance is working with various Namibian institutions, such as the Namibian Competition Commission, to ensure disclosure and compliance rules are adhered to, and set as conditions, before approval for a merger or sale is granted,” Shidhudhu said.

“The tax laws and requirements are reviewed from time to time and amended where necessary, to address weaknesses and loopholes in the tax system.”

OGONE TLHAGE

Reject tribalism - Geingob

August 26, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Reject tribalism - GeingobPresident preaches economic emancipation The head of state says those who ushered in the liberation of Namibia walked a path that subsequent generations will never know. President Hage Geingob says while commemorating Heroes' Day, Namibians should embrace the new narrative that espouses unity, transparency and accountability.

Speaking at a Heroes' Day commemoration yesterday at Otjiwarongo, Geingob also said Namibians must safeguard their hard-won freedom by rejecting all forms of hate speech, ethnicity, tribalism, racism and divisive language that incites violence.

Geingob said all Namibians should join hands to fight the scourges of poverty and corruption, while pursuing the goal of shared prosperity.

He further urged Namibians to commit to working together to bring about economic transformation.

“This is not only a day to commemorate the selfless acts of sacrifice, it is also a day for us to re-affirm our patriotism, to foster a true sense of pride and duty towards our nation,” the president said.

“This is our country, the only country we can call home. Protecting Namibia for our future generations is a shared responsibility.

“We must ensure that under no circumstances will we throw away the beautiful gift that was given to our people by God; the beautiful gift for which thousands of Namibians fought and died for.”

Geingob said the bravery of Namibia's heroes had ensured political independence, but heroism does not end with the hoisting of a flag and the singing of a national anthem.

“It is up to us to pick up the baton and continue the race, in order to deliver on the urgent promise of economic emancipation.”

According to him government, at independence, inherited a country that was fractured along ethnic and racial lines.

He said it is therefore that a policy of national reconciliation was adopted to heal the wounds caused by a past defined by a bitter struggle and to take the country down a new path of nation-building.

“We will continue to encourage Namibians to embrace each other and hold hands, to face the future together and work for the achievement of a prosperous and peaceful future for all our people.”

Geingob said following his recent series of town hall meetings across Namibia, the spirit of unity and patriotism is well-entrenched within society.

“I commend the many Namibians from all walks of life who participated with maturity, tolerance and empathy for one another.

Despite divergent views, we are holding hands to acknowledge our successes, face our challenges and pull in one direction towards a better future.”

He added those who ushered in the liberation of Namibia walked a path that subsequent generations will never know.

“Young men and women entered the arenas of battle to protect the freedoms of others, foregoing their own safety and well-being.

Their valorous deeds on the field of battle have guaranteed our nationhood and sovereignty.

“Their devotion to their people and country, their unwavering determination in the face of death, their willingness to make the greatest sacrifice of all, sets them apart as giants among humankind,” Geingob added.







ELLANIE SMIT

Namibia trounce Sharks XV

August 26, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Namibia trounce Sharks XV Namibia's senior national rugby team on Saturday outclassed the Sharks Invitational XV 43-0 in an exhibition match that served as a Japan Rugby World Cup warm-up.

The match took place in Durban at the home of the Bidvest Crusaders Rugby Club in South Africa.

Chad Plato gave Namibia a 5-0 lead eight minutes into the match with a try.

It took the Namibians 12 minutes to score another try through Wian Conradie, which was converted by PW Steenkamp, to give the Namibians a 12-0 lead.

PJ Walters extended Namibia's lead to 19-0, with Steenkamp slotting yet another conversion in the 34th minute of the match.

In the 45th minute Torsten van Jaarsveld gave Namibia an unassailable 26-0 lead, following another conversion by Steenkamp.

Rohan Kitshoff made his presence felt and scored a try for his country in the 53rd minute, to give Namibia a 31-0 lead, before PJ Walters followed up with a try of his own to bring the score to 36-0 in the 65th minute.

The visitors closed of the match with a 70th minute try by Thomasau Forbes, which Damian Stevens Converted to bring the score to 43-0.

The Namibian team was in South Africa for high-intensity training ahead of the 2019 Japan Rugby World Cup, which kicks off on 20 September.

Namibia will play in Pool B, alongside Italy, South Africa, defending champions New Zealand and Canada. They will play their first match against Italy on 22 September. Their second match will be against a rejuvenated South Africa on 28 September. New Zealand will be their third opponents on 6 October. Canada and Namibia will then clash on 13 October in their last group match.

There will be another friendly on 31 August against the Isuzu Southern Kings in Windhoek, followed by a second match in Walvis Bay on 7 September.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Samaria prepares for Eritrea

August 26, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Samaria prepares for EritreaWarriors geared up for big match Brave Warriors interim coach Bobby Samaria will continue to be in charge, until further notice. The Brave Warriors confirmed over the weekend that interim coach Bobby Samaria will also be in charge of the team ahead of their crucial 2022 World Cup qualifier against Eritrea.

The former African Stars coach, who was tasked to take care of the team ahead of the African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifier against the Comoros, which was successfully navigated, will be hoping for a similar vein of form against Eritrea. Samaria has named a provisional 35-man squad for the World Cup qualifier, with the first leg away on 4 September.

He will also be in charge of the team for the second leg at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek on 10 September. Speaking to the Namibia Football Association (NFA), Samaria said: “The professional players will arrive from 29 August and Peter Shalulile will be the last one to join us the day we leave on 1 September to go and do the job away from home.”

Samaria also explained the absence of some key players from the training squad.

“The two European-based players, I have spoken to Ryan Nyambe and Manfred Starke, and we agreed that for now they fight for places at their respective clubs and later on we will consider them.

“Riaan Hanamub, our thoughts and prayers are with him, as he lost his mother and sister in a car accident this weekend and we also agreed with him to leave him out for now,” Samaria said.

He added the team has about 11 locally-based players who he will also use against Madagascar in the final round of the Chan qualifiers.

“We need to keep the guys active, hence this balanced and big squad. We will be going with 23 players to Eritrea and so ahead of this we will have a good fight for places and that can only make things a little easier for the technical team, in terms of the importance of all four matches.”

The locally-based players reported on Sunday and training started yesterday morning at the NFA Technical Centre, while the foreign-based players will report from 29 August.

The team of 23 players will depart on 1 September to Asmara, Eritrea and the match will take place on 4 September, with the return match slated for 10 September at 19:00 at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.



Caption

The 35-man squad is as follows: Virgil Vries (unattached), Loydt Kazapua (Baroka FC, SA), Junias Theophilus ( Tura Magic), Aprocious Petrus (Eleven Arrows), Charles Uirab (Unam), Ratanda Mbazuvara, Ivan Kamberipa, Obrey Amseb, Marcel Papama and Gustav Isaak (all African Stars), Dynamo Fredericks, Vitapi Ngaruka, Emilio Martin, McCartney Naweseb, Immanuel Heita, Wendell Rudath and Kamaijanda Ndisiro (Black Africa), Mapenzi Muwanei, Llewelyn Stanley and Absalom Iimbondi (Tigers), Isaskar Gurirab (Life Fighters), Elmo Kambindu (Mighty Gunners) Panduleni Nekundi, (unattached), Gregory Aukumeb (Blue Waters), Willy Stephanus and Petrus Shitembi (Lusaka Dynamos, Zambia), Denzil Haoseb ( unattached), Peter Shalulile (Highlands Park, SA) Chris Katjiukua (Black Leopards, SA), Calvin Spiegel (Okahandja United), Benson Shilongo (Ismaily, Egypt), Hendrik Somaeb (unattached), Deon Hotto (Bidvest Wits, SA), Joslin Kamatuka and Teberius Lombard (Zanaco, Zambia).

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

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Cry standing up

August 26, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Cry standing up Elizabeth Joseph

The year is almost over and though it is going by quickly, it has been challenging.

I recently came across this catchphrase: Cry while standing up. This speaks to facing adversary with resilience and courage.

True introspection is what got me to use and realise this phrase in all corners of my life. Plenty of times we allow ourselves to dwell on the things that we can’t necessarily change at that moment. This causes us to feel more and more drained, and unable to focus on the stuff that can and should be changed.

Take my confidence, for example. I was at level nine on the confidence spectrum less than two years ago, and now I can with all honesty say this has dropped by 50%. Can I change this? Yes. Does it need to happen immediately? That is debatable. I see it as a journey - a reprogramming of the mind.

So I can give it time. Instead of giving myself time to learn to love my 65kg self and see beauty in my love handles and short hair, I want to rush things.

I have thought of every single hair growth product under the sun, while watching my starch intake, because that is what causes a big tummy. I have deprived myself of simple pleasures, because I am afraid to pick up a size 32 jean at Identity.

I forgot that this is a journey - a beautiful story that is still in motion.

Now, on to the things that need urgent attention. Going back to school and getting a licence. Why is it so difficult for me to even get my learner’s? I am literally the only one among my peers who is slacking in this regard, and thank God, this puts the necessary pressure on me to get my s**t right.

In this case I will say that I cry while standing up and I will not allow the setbacks to become too comfortable in my life. I am learning that every risk you don’t take yields a 100% failure rate. Instead, I should keep taking that test, even though I have failed twice (inward sigh).

It is important to take a mental inventory of where you were and where you are. Remember that you are your own worst critic, so be easy on yourself. Even if it seems irrelevant to you, because of the huge expectations you place on yourself, it still counts.

Realise who you are and what you want to achieve. Focus your energy on the most compelling challenges first, then you will build up the courage to tackle the not-so-nice tasks.

I love how God works with the universe, and just at the moment when everything seems dark, then something spontaneous happens and that brings you back on track and back to a position where you are in charge of those feelings and your life.

Knowing what you want, and constantly working towards it, may seem selfish to some people, but so what? Yes, so what? Why shouldn’t we have it all? Why shouldn’t we demand to be treated a certain way?

The moment you put yourself second, is the moment you teach everyone else this is where you belong. And then you want to later force people to put you first? This won’t slide.

Fear will make you lose all parts of your freedom and whatever courage might have been left in you. People often think I am selfish and/or stuck up. If you don’t know me, you will think that I am too far up my own behind and that I am too overconfident. Please. I don’t really care.

If you don’t hype yourself up, guess what? No one else will.

You will remain with a wounded ego every time people voice their opinions. Now don’t go disrespecting people’s voices, but don’t dim your sparkle to accommodate other people’s self-esteem.

As per usual, this is another column about my daily thoughts. Please don’t go bash me on social media. During the last stretch of 2019, join that club, start your business or leave that man. Whatever you do, make sure that it is something that you can carry with you into 2020.

Remember, be good to yourself, and others.

Football's tribalism illness

August 26, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Football's tribalism illness I have observed over many times that some major decisions in our football have been based on the evil of tribalism.

I know well that it is a sensitive matter that needs to be approached with caution, but one must not shy away from the fact that tribalism does exist in the midst of our beautiful game.

I believe in equality and that is why I am writing this, knowing very well that there will be those who judge me.

Nothing, however, makes me happier than seeing a united nation, where people stand together in unity as Namibians and not as tribes.

It appears clear to me that the infighting within our football has become more of a tribal battle than anything else.

I base my observation on social media claims that the Brave Warriors were full of Ovaherero during Afcon 2019, and that is why we underperformed.

It is no secret that some tribes have been feeling left out of football administration and want to “take over”.

It is something that is sickening because I believe in the fact that people must not be judged based on their tribe, but on performance.

A national team coach is there to select players based on their abilities and not their tribes.

There have also been sensational claims that the Namibia Football Association (NFA) is run by Ovaherero and that this must be changed.

I am well aware that former NFA secretary-general Barry Rukoro is from that specific tribe and so was some other members within the organisation.

In 2016, former NFA president Frans Mbidi warned people on social media against using tribalism to create divisions in football.

This was after many felt that the people that were part of the Cosafa volunteering team were mostly Ovaherero.

There have also been many tribal tantrums thrown at the former secretary-general during his tenure.

It is sad to hear that after 29 years of independence there are people with the mentality of labelling each other according to tribes, and not in terms of being Namibian.

I believe in togetherness and will therefore not tolerate anything that I see as tribalist.

From my own understanding, no tribe is more important than the other, as we are all equal.

We have to remain loyal to the course of developing the beautiful game, which we all love so much.

Tribalism is a dangerous thing, because it can instigate instability within our football.

How do we expect our football to reach a professional level if we remain divided as a nation?

It is our duty to despise the evils of tribalism and hold those accountable who have made it their mission to spew insults, name-calling and throwing irritating tantrums.

We have different and rich cultures in our beautiful country and none is superior. We are all equal. And working together to build a just society requires us to embrace each other as hardworking and loving Namibians.

This is a Namibia for all, where equal opportunities, regardless of race, tribe and colour, must become a common norm.

Our main focus must remain on ensuring that development in all sectors trickles down to all corners and communities of this beautiful country.

Every son and daughter of this soil disserves to hold a high position in office, be it in sport or any other sector.

We have to work towards a common goal, which is to make sure that our football flourishes.

Cut out the infighting and let the game be played on the pitch, and not in courtrooms and boardrooms.

This is our Namibia, and not your Namibia.



jesse@namibiansun.com

Stars mediation fails

August 26, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Stars mediation fails Settlement negotiations underway Settlement negotiations between African Stars and a travel company they owe are still ongoing. Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

The mediation held between African Stars and Welwitschias Travel CC on 16 August has failed, court documents reveal.

African Stars allegedly owe the company an outstanding amount of N$170 758.89, as per the court documents

The two parties are currently engaged in settlement negotiations and therefore requested a postponement of the case until 5 September.

This is after the two parties informed High Court Judge Hannelie Prinsloo that their mediation held on 16 August failed.

The travel company claims that despite demands on 14 May for African Stars to pay the outstanding amount, the club failed to do so.

Prinsloo referred the matter to mediation, after African Stars gave notice of their intention to defend the action.

On 15 November 2018 at Windhoek, Welwitschias Travel CC, represented by Megan Peterson, and African Stars, represented by Patrick Kauta, entered into an oral agreement.

The agreement was that African Stars acquire the services of Welwitschias Travel as their travel agent on a tour to Ethiopia from 24 to 29 November 2018.

On 26 November 2018, the company sent an invoice to Patrick Kauta and Salomo Hei, detailing a total amount payable of N$612 835.

African Stars made payments to the company on 21 November, 14 December and 20 December 2018, as well as 16 February 2019, but N$170 758.89 remains outstanding.

The travel agency is demanding payment of the outstanding amount, as well as for the cost of the lawsuit and any further alternative relief.

African Stars have appointed Dr Weder, Kauta & Hoveka Incorporated to represent them.

The club was represented in the mediation proceedings by Vanessa Kauta, while Welwitschias Travel CC was represented by Barend van der Merwe.

Melanin popping

August 26, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Melanin popping Lolo doll is your best friend The Lolo doll flaunts her breathtaking African attire in head wraps and jumpsuits, and the response has been overwhelming. Elizabeth Joseph



After recognising the need for her daughter and other little girls to have a doll that represents their skin colour and beautiful natural hair, Laimi Elago, in partnership with Afrolicious, decided to make this dream a reality.

Elago is a jack of all trades and decided that she might as well venture into this project, because she understood that her four-year-old daughter needed a doll whose hair is similar to hers and whose skin colour she could relate to.

Although Lolo is not manufactured locally, she is very much a Namibian. She flaunts her breathtaking African attire in head wraps and jumpsuits. Her curly hair is “self-synthetic”, which gives it a soft texture.

Elago says that the name came from her partner, who chooses to remain anonymous.

Although Lolo is what the first range of dolls are called, you can give your individual doll any name you so wish.

Lolo is manufactured in China and then sold over Facebook. “We sell by word-of-mouth and on social media platforms for now. The response from the public has been extremely overwhelming and we are already thinking about the second range,” Elago said.

Afrolicious is an Afrocentric, vibrant and local brand, which manufactures everything from hair creams to hair growth serums. They approached Elago with the idea to manufacture and distribute the Lolo doll. This will give especially black women and girls the confidence they need to embrace their gracious curls.

Elago says Lolo’s hair is very versatile and can be styled according to your mood that day.

Although they faced some adversity, they remained hopeful and pursued their goal to see young black women feel proud of their darker skin.

They dream of filling the shelves of retailers with Lolo dolls and say they are excited to see the results.

“We all understand how important the concept of representation is and seeing young black women and girls trying to find a doll that looks like them can be challenging. We wanted something that our children can identify and play with, “she said.

The future is very bright for Lolo. Elago and her partner says they are yet to start with the full marketing and the process towards the second range.

It is crucial to teach our children to be proud of their whole being and to flaunt it, and the Lolo doll is the perfect way to start.

For orders you can send a message to +264 81 399 7418 or follow @Afrilicioushairproducts on Instagram.

Namibia can't sell N$125m ivory stockpile

August 26, 2019, 4:00 pm

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Namibia can't sell N$125m ivory stockpile The international trade in elephant ivory has been rejected in Switzerland at the World Wildlife Conference, known as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe proposed that they should be allowed a one-time sale of government-owned ivory stockpiles, followed by a six-year moratorium.

The proposal was, however, defeated with 101 countries opposing it and 23 countries in support, with 18 abstaining.

Countries also rejected a motion that would have put all southern African elephants on Appendix I, offering the highest protection level, which would have banned all trade.

The trade proposal sought to amend the annotation to the Appendix II listing of African elephants, to allow the trade in “registered government-owned stocks” of ivory to trading partners verified by the secretariat in, consultation with the standing committee.

According to a report by the Elephant Trade information System, Namibia is a source country for illegally-worked ivory, while the 2016 the International Union for Conservation of Nature African Elephant Status Report documented an increase in poaching since 2006 in the Zambezi Region.

Namibia recently expressed concern over the cost and security implications of holding large ivory stocks and reiterated the country's stance towards legal international trade of ivory, from which the proceeds – N$125 million in Namibia's case - would be utilised to support elephant conservation and rural conservation programmes.





Last year, the environment ministry said that the current size of Namibia's ivory stockpile is 69 391.71kg (69.4 tonnes) valued at N$125.48 million.

Out of the 69.4 tonnes, a total quantity of 29 964.64 kg (29.9 tonnes) represented legal ivory and 39 427.07 kg (39.4 tonnes) illegal ivory.

The legal ivory stockpile is valued at N$54.2 million while the illegal ivory is worth N$71.3 million.

Kenya and several other African countries opposed the proposal to lift the ban on ivory sales, arguing that even restricted, legal sales would fuel greater demand for elephant ivory on the international market. The African Elephant Coalition, representing 32 African countries, opposed any ivory sales.

Zambia also abandoned a bid to sell its ivory stockpiles as part of a proposal to downlist its elephants to Appendix II, which would have loosened protection for the animals.

The European Union was among those saying the move did not meet “biological criteria”.

All African elephants were given the highest listing in 1989, but the protection was weakened in 1997 and 2000, when populations in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe were downlisted to Appendix II - a less endangered status - to allow the sale of ivory stockpiles to Japan and China.

The latest decision means no international commercial ivory trade is permitted.