Desert conquered

September 22, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Desert conqueredGoeieman, Roland win Dunes X-Trail The Standard Bank Dunes X-Trail was won by Eric Goeieman and Stephanie Roland, who triumphed in the 16km men and women's races, respectively. The Standard Bank Dunes X-Trail, which consisted of 8km and 16km runs in the Namib Desert, took place in Swakopmund over the weekend. In the men's 16km race, Eric Goeieman emerged victorious. He clocked a time of 1:00:09. Thomas Miller finished second and Carl Jooste third.

“I feel very happy with myself for winning this event. It was not an easy race. It was a bit hard for me, but I managed to win it,” Goeieman said.

He added that he is preparing hard for more running events.

“This year I look for forward to running the Hangana Marathon from Swakopmund to Walvis Bay. My main aim is… I want to qualify for the 2020 world championships and the 2020 Olympic Games, but that needs more hard work,” he said.

Stephanie Roland won the women's 16km race. She crossed the finish line in a time of 1:21:01, ahead of Zilke Putzen and Wilmari Shalver.

Roland prepared well for the race, as she usually runs longer distances during practice.

“I'm an ultra-distance runner, so I run between 60km and 100km per week as part of my normal training.

This was a very tough race in the dunes and I have never run in thick sand before, so it was a completely new experience, but it was nice.

“I am going to run the Hangana Marathon in two or three weeks' time and a couple of ultra-distance races, which I still need to decide,” said Roland.

In the men's 8km race, Albertus Goeieman was victorious. He crossed the finish line with 33:48 on the clock. He outpaced Herman Katima and Lesley Gawaseb, who finished second and third respectively.

Ndahambelela Shelikita won the women's 8km race in an impressive time of 42:28.

She was followed home by Monika Lasarus in second place and Jo-Andri Pretorious in third.

Adolf Kaure

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Kaisosi houses still unrepaired

September 22, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Kaisosi houses still unrepaired Several houses constructed under government's Mass Housing project at Kaisosi in Rundu are still unrepaired, after they were damaged by a storm in December 2017.

Government says it is in the process of procuring a contractor to repair the houses.

The roofing blown off in 2017 is still in backyards and the houses are being guarded by security personnel.

Urban and rural development ministry executive director Daniel Nghidinua told Namibian Sun the houses will be repaired once a contractor has been appointed.

“The ministry is in the process of procuring the services of a contractor to fix the houses,” Nghidinua said. In 2017, 34 out of the 318 houses were damaged.

In November 2018, Namibian Sun reported how it was still unclear who should take responsibility for the repairs, as both the National Housing Enterprise (NHE) and the contractor refused to comment on the matter, while directing questions to the line ministry.

Some of the housing beneficiaries took it upon themselves to repair their homes at own cost, while some are still waiting on government.

Nghidinua said an assessment on the damaged houses was carried out by the principal agents and the works ministry, and the finding was that the damage was caused by the storm.

The 318 houses were constructed by Green Circle Investments to the tune of N$89 million,

The nationwide Mass Housing project was launched in 2013 by former president Hifikepunye Pohamba, and was to have built 185 000 houses by 2030.

However, in 2015 cabinet took a decision to remove the project from the NHE and place it in the hands of the urban and rural development ministry.

It was also said at the time that contractors had inflated construction prices.

KENYA KAMBOWE

Timber transport ban lifted

September 22, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Timber transport ban lifted The agriculture and environment ministries have announced that the ban on timber transportation in the country has been lifted.

Agriculture executive director Percy Misika said since the beginning of April there has been a moratorium on both the harvesting and transportation of timber in the country.

“The said moratorium was triggered by an increase in illegal timber harvesting activities in the Kavango East and Kavango West regions, as well as the Zambezi Region,” he said.

Misika said it was also observed that provisions of the Environmental Management Act were not adequately taken into consideration when the agriculture ministry authorised harvesting.

“After a thorough consultation with different stakeholders, it was agreed to authorise the timber that was already harvested in the abovementioned regions to be transported to any wood factory in the country.”

Misika said it was also agreed that timber transportation should take place, but that several conditions should apply.

These include that no fresh trees should be harvested and that all logs must be loaded in the presence of agriculture and environment officials. It was also agreed that officials from the two ministries may be supported by law-enforcement agencies, including the police.

“The forestry officials will inspect any wood factory to obtain any required information from such an institution,” said Misika.

He added that no unprocessed timber shall be exported from Namibia, while timber processed to the final stage of use may be exported under an export licence issued by forestry officials.

“Timber coming from other countries may be allowed to be processed in Namibia or to be in transit through Namibia, and this is to be done with close supervision of the forestry and other relevant authorities, like customs and the environment ministry.”

Environment ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said they don't believe there will be a flare-up in illegal harvesting activities due to the lifting of the transport moratorium.

“The measures will be sufficient to halt the illegal harvesting of timber. However, these illegal activities will still be looked out for by the relevant officials and authorities, and we urge the public to report any illegal harvesting of timber.”

Muyunda also stressed that officials will verify whether the timber being transported had been cut recently and the police are still on alert to check and verify all the necessary documentation and permits, to ensure no illegal transportation takes place.

ellanie@namibiansun.com

ELLANIE SMIT

Show them we are brave!

September 22, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Show them we are brave! Sometimes you've got to go through hell to get to heaven.

This quote by Dean Karnazes, an American ultramarathon runner and author of 'Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner', best describes the situation the Namibian national rugby side are in at the moment.

They battled Italy yesterday and now face the Springboks, New Zealand and Canada at the 2019 Japan Rugby World Cup, which kicked off at the weekend.

The Namibians must surely feel like they are walking through hell on hot coals.

They are going to war - so to speak - against better-ranked nations with exceptional professional players.

Their opponents eat and sleep rugby, compared to most of the Namibian players, who have full-time jobs. The luxury of having only rugby as their profession is not something they currently enjoy. They are not household names and yet they carry us on a global stage. But the Namibians are building a house.

The foundation has been laid, and now brick by brick they stack. They are determined to claim their first-ever win at a Rugby World Cup.

Twenty years after making their debut at the global spectacle, they are once again determined to avoid the wooden spoon position in their group.

But despite the best laid plans, things can go wrong.

In their remaining matches, they face arguably the two favourites for the world crown - the Boks and the All Blacks.

They also face tier-two rugby nation, Canada.

It certainly looks like an uphill battle for our boys.

There simply aren't enough Namibians playing in quality competitions around the world, and as a result, reaching that peak necessary to compete at the highest level could prove a bridge too far.

They are also no longer able to call on the inspirational Jacques Burger, who had his swansong at the 2015 edition.

Namibia have effectively gone into the 2019 edition light on experience, while their determination and sheer survival instincts will be tested to the limits.

Their only realistic chance of a victory will come in their last pool game against Canada. They will now be looking to players like Torsten van Jaarsveld to provide that inspiration and quality upfront.

Be that as it may, whatever happens in the weeks ahead, the Namibian players will have nothing to be ashamed of.

They have made the journey to Japan and are contesting. They should remain focused and brave.

Flyhalf Cliven Loubser gave us a taste last week of the mental preparation the team has undergone.

“We've learned something from our mental coach we call 'red to blue'. So when I prepare to kick, I think red to blue, red to blue, just to do my processes and kick through the ball,” he said.

Whether it's 'red to blue' or whatever it takes, we have to keep trying at the World Cup.

If we don't win a match this time around, that's also okay.

Namibia is a land that knows hurt, brokenness and despair. We are the Land of the Brave, and what we know best is to get up and try after everyone else has written us off.



limba@namibiansun.com

Moses stumbles in Russia

September 22, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Moses stumbles in RussiaNdafoluma also humbled Things didn’t go as planned in Russia for two-time world champion Paulus ‘Hitman’ Moses and Lukas ‘The Demolisher’ Ndafoluma. Limba Mupetami

Paulus 'Hitman' Moses failed to impress in Russia last Thursday, and was soundly defeated on points by Adlan Aburashidov.

His trainer and brother Immanuel ‘Ace’ Moses said the boxer fought well, but that “you win some and you lose some”.

He said they will now sit back and think about the way forward.

“I need him to rest and think about what he wants to do,” the trainer said.

Moses has now suffered his sixth loss in an otherwise glittering career of 46 fights and 40 wins.

There were initially plans for Moses to fight in Botswana in October on the same card as Sakaria 'Desert Storm' Lukas.

However, his trainer said those plans have now changed.

Lukas ‘The Demolisher’ Ndafoluma fought on the same card as Moses in Russia.

He was defeated by Apti 'The Tiger' Ustarkhanov. Ndafoluma’s record is now 19 fights, 16 wins and three losses.

It was Ndafoluma's second fight in Russia this year, after he lost to Aidos Yerbossynuly on points.

City steps in after eviction

September 22, 2019, 3:00 pm

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City steps in after evictionFamily given temporary shelter The city council is concerned about vulnerable residents who are being targeted by “swindlers and schemers”. The City of Windhoek is in the process of nullifying a sales agreement that led to the eviction of 78-year-old Joel Araëb and his family from their home.

This was revealed by Windhoek CEO Robert Kahimise at a media conference dealing with the trend of vulnerable residents losing their properties.

Araëb and his family were recently evicted from their home in Otjomuise after he signed over Erf 3259 to businessman Desmond Howard. The Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement lifted the veil on the saga.

The city said restrictive resale conditions were omitted from the final deed of sale, despite the fact that clear instructions were given to the conveyancing attorneys to ensure that such pre-emptive rights were registered.

“This is being investigated internally.”

The city explained it has the Build Together programme and the Windhoek housing scheme, which targets low-earning residents in western suburbs to reduce the housing backlog.

“Unfortunately these very same people are targeted by swindlers and schemers, with an intended purpose of self-enrichment driven by greed,” the city said in a statement.

“This conduct by swindlers also frustrates the good intention of central government and the council of reducing the housing backlog and poverty of our people.”

The city said, as standard practice, it invokes stipulations in sales agreements for properties meant for targeted groups.

More particularly, these properties may not be sold to any third-party within a period of seven years.

In the Araëb matter, the house he and his family live in was allegedly built by Howard, with the agreement that they will pay the businessman back.

The erf was applied for through his daughter.

According to the city, Howard concluded a purchase agreement with Araëb on 3 September 2011 for the erf, which was earmarked for low-cost housing.

On 14 September 2011, Araëb and his wife concluded a sales agreement with the city council.

“Clearly, when this agreement was signed they had already sold the immovable property to Howard on 3 September 2011,” the city said.

Howard paid the purchase price to the city on 15 September 2011.

“The purchase price was not paid for and on behalf of the said Araëb couple to obtain ownership of the immovable property, but for Howard to obtain ownership of the immovable property after seven years from 3 September 2011,” the city said.

According to the council, Howard always had the intention to acquire the erf to construct many dwellings and apartments.

The city has in the meantime provided the family with temporary shelter.



ELLANIE SMIT

Femicide a national crisis

September 22, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Femicide a national crisis The recent of spate of killings and the brutal violence being meted out to women and children in our country cannot be allowed to continue.

It is clear that domestic abuse is widespread and prevalent across the country, with many news reports detailing the trials and tribulations of Namibian women, who suffer cruelty, in most cases at the hands of their jealous lovers. On Friday, a 29-year-old man killed the mother of his two children and her sister.

He slit their throats before taking his own life.

At the coast, a police officer allegedly shot and wounded his ex-lover on Thursday evening. Disappointingly, there has been deafening silence from the powers that be authorities and other influential sectors of our society. Most Namibian men have seemingly also elected to keep quiet and not speak out against the devastating scourge of violence against women and children.

This small but vast country of ours, with a tiny population, has undergone a frightening moral decline over the years, and one has to ask whether we are fighting a losing battle against gender-based violence. In the face of staggering violence statistics, policies have been designed to curb this scourge.

As a nation, we need to stand together to stop this social and moral decay, while ensuring that our women and children do not become soft targets for thugs committing heinous crimes.

We have decried moral decay for so long, and the culture of widespread sexual violence and rape must stop. Sexual violence and the killing of women has reached crisis proportions and we can no longer pretend.

As much as we agree that moral regeneration is urgently required for our nation, we cannot allow ongoing attacks against women to continue unabated. We are sitting with a major crisis on our hands and the time to act is now. A holistic and multi-pronged approach is needed as a matter of urgency. Enough is enough!

Remove soldiers

September 22, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Remove soldiersWalters enters Operation Kalahari Desert fray The ombudsman says it is clear that many in the military are not competently trained on the correct and safe use of lethal force. In the wake of the second killing of an unarmed civilian, ombudsman John Walters has called for the temporary removal of soldiers from Operation Kalahari Desert, so they can receive expert training.

He said this will ensure they can be safely deployment among civilians.

“Take them off the streets and let experienced and competent persons outside the police force provide them with expert training,” advocate Walters said.

He added it is necessary to “consider whether it is indeed necessary to arm our forces with such lethal weapons”.

He stressed that although joint anti-crime operations are crucial to reduce high levels of crime, it is clear that many in the military are not competently trained on the correct and safe use of lethal force.

Under the Police Act, armed officers may use lethal force under strict and limited conditions.

Critics say it is worrying and questionable whether the killing of Benisius Kalola (32) this month, or that of Zimbabwean taxi driver Talent Fambaune (22) in June, took place under these limited conditions.







In both cases, the implicated soldiers remain in custody on charges of murder.

Walters said in both cases, it was more than likely the soldiers “were not properly trained in when to use lethal force”- an issue many critics have repeatedly warned is a major concern in terms of Operation Kalahari Desert.

Walters praised efforts to curb the high crime rate, but warned that no one is “above criticism”.

“And we must deal with criticism if that criticism is correct and change our behaviour or act correctly.”

He underlined that it's not only an issue of training soldiers, but also that citizens should cooperate and respect the police and soldiers in the difficult work they do.

“It goes both ways. It's a two-way street.”



Unarmed blamed

Legal experts further agreed that Kalola, who was fleeing from soldiers and police after he recorded footage of a house search, had not committed an offence, as claimed by defence minister Penda Ya Ndakolo last week.

“The minister was ill-advised in that regard,” Walters said.

Namibia's Defence Act 1 of 2002 only prohibits people from photographing or filming military installations, including barracks or other premises, but not military personnel.

Walters added that while the law does not prohibit taking footage of military personnel or the police, the public has also never been warned not to capture activities undertaken during Operation Kalahari Desert or its predecessor, Operation Hornkranz.

“If you start with such a public operation, you should clearly spell out and inform the general public of the do's and don'ts. Nobody warned the general public that (recording soldiers and the police) should not happen.”

In a parliamentary statement last week, Ya Ndakolo said this type of footage could be used to take “revenge” on soldiers and police officers involved in anti-crime operations.

While he didn't clearly specify why Kalola would take revenge against soldiers or the police, the minister said Kalola, at the time of his death, was facing two criminal charges related to robbery.

He said this showed “what kind of a person” the deceased was.

He added that while the ministry has no “deliberate policy” to shoot and kill unarmed civilians, “some rotten eggs are contributing to these incidents”, by, among other things, fleeing from the police and soldiers.

He urged the public to “obey” soldiers and the police, and said they may not take videos of anti-crime operations.

Toni Hancox, the director of the Legal Assistance Centre (LAC), said the minister's statement seemed to be an attempt to justify the killing of an unarmed civilian.

“Think of the message that sends. So, if you have a charge laid against you, then you deserve to be shot?”

She added that Namibia's highest laws guarantee a person is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Hancox said it is “irrelevant” whether Kalola was facing criminal charges, and that no one knew this at the time of the shooting.

“The only reason for shooting someone is if the shooter or anyone else's lives are in imminent danger. Whose life was in imminent danger when this person was running away?”

Walters warned that “you can only label a person a criminal once they are convicted.

“Do not label a person when they don't deserve it.”

Ya Ndakolo also took aim at Operation Kalahari Desert's public critics, deriding them for “sensationalising the incidents and using them to mislead and inflate the feelings of the public”.

Walters said it is the “right of every citizen to criticise wrongdoings and praise good things”.



JANA-MARI SMITH

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Sisters slaughtered, suspect commits suicide

September 22, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Sisters slaughtered, suspect commits suicide The Ohangwena police are investigating a double-murder after a 29-year-old man killed the mother of his two children and her sister, before taking his own life this past Friday.

According to Ohangwena police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Abner Itumba, the incident happened at Omahenge village at around 15:30, when Samuel Venondubo attacked the two women with a panga.

The victims are Ndamonghenda Tateoshoati Nafuka (23) and Martha Nafuka (32).

They were both from Oshaango village, while the suspect was from Onandete village. “The suspect attacked the two women. He started with the younger one, whom he chopped on the arm with a panga, before slitting her throat. While he was doing that, the older sister ran away.

“He then ran after the older sister and cut her on the back and jaw, and slit her throat. After that he moved away from the scene and hanged himself with a wire,” Itumba said.

Itumba added days before the incident the suspect had allegedly attacked Ndamonghenda, with whom he has two children. He arm was fractured during this attack, which was never reported to the police.



Cop allegedly shoots ex

In an unrelated case, a Walvis Bay police officer allegedly shot his ex-girlfriend this past Thursday afternoon in Kuisebmond.

A case of attempted murder has been opened against the police officer, who was on-duty at the time.

The victim is in a stable condition in the Katutura State Hospital.

According to Deputy Commissioner Erastus Iikuyu, the incident occurred at about 16:20.

The officer allegedly shot the 22-year-old victim in the chest and twice in her arm with his service pistol.

“On the same day the victim had registered an assault by threat case, read with the Combatting of Domestic Violence Act, against the suspect. This matter was under investigation at the time of the shooting incident. The suspect has been arrested after he surrendered himself to his duty station at the Walvis Bay port police station.

“The victim was taken to the Walvis Bay State Hospital in a critical but stable condition on Thursday, from where she was transferred to Windhoek for further medical treatment.”

The police officer will make his first court appearance today.



KENYA KAMBOWE AND LEANDREA LOUW

Dash fever on the rise

September 22, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Dash fever on the riseInternational cyclists flock to Nedbank event International riders, including from Germany, Belgium, Canada, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Australia, are expected at this year’s event. SPORT REPORTER





There can be very little doubt that 2019 has already been an eventful cycling year in Namibia, even before the Nedbank Desert Dash essentially closes off the annual cycling activities in December.

This year, local cycling enthusiasts had the good fortune to see some of the continent’s very best riders in action during the African Continental Mountain Bike Championships, which was hosted by the Namibian Cycling Federation (NCF) through a N$375 000 sponsorship from Nedbank Namibia.

The championships served as a great platform for honing local cycling talent, but also had immense returns, as Alex Miller and Michelle Vorster managed to secure the two spots and qualifying for Namibia at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

Similarly, the cycling team at the African Games in Morocco returned with medal spoils, thus reinforcing the generally-held view that Namibian cycling is on the rise.

Nedbank Namibia managing director Lionel Matthews said that heroes will once more emerge from the Desert Dash.

“The sheer fact that we will have a large contingent of South African cyclists participating in the 2019 edition of the Nedbank Desert Dash, joined by riders from Germany, eSwatini, Belgium, Canada, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Australia and Spain, is testimony to the drawing power of the event itself,” he said.

“Early accounts following the closing on entries indicate that the 2019 edition will amass the largest number of participants ever seen for the event.”

An interesting aspect has been the number of additional entries in the solo and two-person team categories.

An additional 32 two-person team entries, as well as 54 solo entries were received, which illustrates the popularity of the race. The available 100 slots for four-person teams have again been snapped up, and one team that will certainly be vying for podium honours will include the likes of multiple national and continental champions Miller and Tristan de Lange.

The organising teams have been working hard over the past few months to ensure that the 2019 edition is the best ever. Both the Swakopmund municipality and the City of Windhoek, as hosting towns, have been magnanimous in their support, and Matthews applauded their direct involvement in support of the event.

“We have great appreciation for the enthusiasm of all our co-sponsors, and particularly Indongo Toyota, Gondwana Collection Namibia and SuperSpar Maerua and The Grove.

“As Friday, 6 December draws ever closer, all of us at Nedbank Namibia wish all the participants only the very best with their preparations. A warm-up race into the evening will take place at The Grove Mall in Windhoek on Tuesday, 12 November and we look forward to seeing many of the dashers at the event,” Matthews added.

My Zone appreciates

September 23, 2019, 3:00 pm

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My Zone appreciates As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to say “thank you”. The My Zone team appreciates hard work and says thank you to the various media teams of the schools that are part of the Namibia Media Holdings newspaper project. Seen here is the editorial team of SSS Times, which is the school newspaper of Swakopmund Secondary School, as well as Leandrea Louw from My Zone. Photo Irene-Mari van der Walt.

Learners expand their horizons

September 23, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Learners expand their horizons Duinesig Combined School learners visited an Indian navy ship, the INS Tarkash, which paid a visit to the Port of Walvis Bay last week. The INS Tarkash is a stealth frigate and is part of the western fleet of the Indian navy based in Mumbai under the western naval command. It is currently on a long overseas deployment to the Mediterranean Sea, Africa and Europe. The INS Tarkash earlier visited several other countries and had friendly engagements with the navies there. In Africa, its port calls included Djibouti (Horn of Africa), Alexandria (Egypt), Tangiers (Morocco), Lagos (Nigeria), and Dakar (Senegal). During its visit to Walvis Bay, the commanding officer of the ship paid courtesy calls on local leaders and senior defence officers to discuss bilateral cooperation. Officers and sailors of the Indian warship also interacted with members of the Namibian navy, including playing friendly volleyball matches and doing yoga aboard the ship.

Namport lends a helping hand

September 23, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Namport lends a helping hand The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport), through the Namport Social Investment Fund (NSIF), recently donated stationery and educational materials to the Queen Sophia of Spain Primary School, situated 80 kilometres from Otjiwarongo towards Otavi in the Otjozondjupa Region.

The donation, valued at N$50 000, will be used by the 200 learners enrolled at the school.

The school serves the marginalised farming community and is situated on a resettlement farm.

School principal Patrick Sishwashwa said they cater for the neediest of people in the community.

“Most of the parents are either employed as farmworkers or are unemployed and survive on social grants from government”.

He reiterated that “although the school gets financial assistance from government, the funds can never cater for all their needs, and donations such as this one from Namport is always a welcome relief”.

The school currently accommodates grade 0 to grade 7 pupils and the teaching aids and stationery received will be used for all grades.

Sishwashwa thanked Namport for their willingness to share with those who do not have. He further appealed to other entities to follow the outstanding example set by Namport, as the school has future projects it intends to embark on.

Since its inception in 2006, the NSIF focuses on the four pillars of entrepreneurship, environment, health and education.

It has left its footprint in all 14 regions of the country by ensuring that it makes a positive contribution to the upliftment of communities.

The fund has so far spend close to N$20 million in its focus areas. It recently also donated science kits valued at N$34 000 to Flamingo Secondary School in Walvis Bay, amongst other donations.

Appointment delayed

September 23, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Appointment delayedNew Warriors mentor will only be announced after November The Brave Warriors coaching post will only be filled after November. Fifa normalisation committee (NC) chairperson Hilda Basson-Namundjebo says the Brave Warriors coaching position will only be filled after November.

The committee is yet to appoint a technical director and will therefore not be able to appoint a coach before this happens.

It is understood that interviews for the technical director position will take place after a shortlisting process. The coaching position, which was held by Ricardo Mannetti for six years, is currently occupied by Bobby Samaria on an interim basis. It unclear who the frontrunners are for the post.

The NC has maintained a veil of confidentiality over the process and is wary of any leaks that may disrupt the recruitment process.

“It is a bit complicated because we are currently focused on filling the technical director position.

“We will not be able to appoint a coach before we appoint a technical director, as this person will work closely with the coaches.

“This means that the technical director must be in office and interview his or her own coaches, along with a panel of identified personalities,” Basson-Namundjebo said.

Several coaching posts at the Namibia Football Association (NFA) were declared vacant in August.

The Brave Warriors coaching job is also up for grabs, after Mannetti's contract expired on 31 July.

The normalisation committee encouraged Mannetti to reapply, but speculation is rife that the former coach has decided not to do so.

A source within the NFA, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that the committee is set to appoint Brave Warriors interim assistant coach Woody Jacobs as technical director.

It is also widely speculated that Samaria is the favourite to get the nod as permanent coach.

“I believe that the committee is at crossroads with some decisions, because they apparently want Woody Jacobs as technical director.

“There is also speculation that the committee has somehow already made up their mind on the coaching position and could possibly give it to Bobby Samaria on a permanent basis, even if others have applied,” the source said.

The normalisation committee rebuffed any speculation concerning the two positions.

It stated that many have applied and there are no frontrunners, as selections will be based on merit.

“As a principle, I do not respond to faceless and nameless people,” Basson-Namundjebo said.

Timo Tjongarero has been occupying the technical director post since 2015, on acting basis, since Klaus Starke left the position and returned to Germany.

A technical director is normally appointed to improve football development and human resources management.

They also consider technical aspects that would help to achieve development objectives.

Coaching programmes, youth development, coordinating courses for coaches and referees, women's football and all activities of the national teams, are among some of the priorities of a technical director.



Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

All Blacks to show Namibia 'little mercy'

September 23, 2019, 3:00 pm

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All Blacks to show Namibia 'little mercy' New Zealand assistant coach Ian Foster has promised to show Canada and Namibia little mercy when they clash at the Japan Rugby World Cup.

The defending champions moved to picturesque Beppu in southern Japan today to begin eight days of training before they take on Canada in Oita.

But Foster insisted on Monday that New Zealand, who overpowered the Springboks 23-13 in their Pool B opener, would not be there for the expensive spa treatments.

“I'm assuming people think we might (switch off) and that's the danger of it,” he told reporters.

“But the reality is we have got three more opportunities to hone our game and get it to the point we need it to be at,” warned Foster, which is also ominous for Italy, who face the All Blacks in their final group match.

“The minute we think we've had one good game and we've made it, we're going to get smacked,” he added.

“Certainly there will be no loosening of the reins.”

Worryingly for their rivals, the treble-chasing All Blacks were below their rampaging best against South Africa, but still had too much in the tank for the Boks, who are one of several teams who were tipped to challenge New Zealand in Japan.

“We were delighted with the win, but it was far from perfect and we all know that,” admitted Foster.

“There's still plenty of work to do, but when the intention is there, and the desire to play rugby, then we've got to gamble that we're going to get more right than wrong,” he added.

“We put ourselves under a lot of pressure in that game, because it was obviously a big one for the pool. But we loved having that massive game early, because it gives us a clear picture of where we're at.”

Foster noted the All Blacks had “a lot of battered and bruised” players, but offered a glimmer of hope that influential lock Brodie Retallick could return from his shoulder injury to play some part in the pool games.

“He's progressing ahead of schedule and going really good,” said Foster. “He's a world-class lock and he's very important to us.”

New Zealand's victory over South Africa put them on course to face the runners-up of Pool A, which is likely to be Scotland or hosts Japan, after Ireland smashed the Scots 27-3 at the weekend, in what Foster described as a “very ruthless performance”.

Meanwhile, Anton Lienert-Brown provided some levity before the All Blacks left for the southern island of Kyushu, when asked if he had bought a birthday gift for fellow centre Ryan Crotty, who turned 31 yesterday.

“He told me he was 25!” he joked. “I might give him a cuddle.”

Lienert-Brown also poked fun at Scott Barrett's try-scoring dive against South Africa, calling it “terrible, an old man's dive”.

But on a serious note, he insisted the All Blacks would be at full-throttle against Canada, Namibia and Italy.

“It doesn't matter what team we play, we always turn up,” said Lienert-Brown.

“That's what the black jersey demands of us. We expect ourselves to turn up, and if we don't, it will be a tough day at the office.”

NAMPA/AFP

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Chasing that trophy

September 23, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Chasing that trophyA kick and a throw away from victory The second edition of the Varsity Sports Championship concluded over the weekend, with the Nust soccer team and Unam main campus netball team being crowned champions. Justicia Shipena





The Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) hosted the second edition of the Varsity Sports Championship for all tertiary institutions in Namibia on 20 and 22 September at the University of Namibia (Unam) stadium in Windhoek.

Various institutions competed in netball and soccer, starting off with the group stages that featured 30-minute games with five minutes intervals.

The universities that took were the Unam campuses, Nust, the International University of Management (IUM), the Windhoek Vocational Centre (WVTC) and the International Training College-Lingua.

According to Nust sport administrator Werner Haipumbu there was a need to establish a platform for networking between the institutions of high learning in Namibia and build stronger skills in sport.

“This provides opportunities and life experiences for young men and women through sport and shares the love of sport with others, to help it grow at home and nationally,” he said.

The highlight of the tournament were the semi-finals and finals that were played on Sunday.

In the soccer semi-finals, the first match was between Nust and the Unam southern campus. It ended 2-1 in favour of Nust.

Unam main campus then took the field and played against WVTC, who they 4-1.

In netball semi-finals, IUM lost against Nust 9-17. The Unam Jaguars battled it out against Unam northern campus in the other semi-final.

The game ended 27-20 in favour of the Unam Jaguars.

The Nust soccer team beat Unam main campus in the final 3-0, while in the netball section Nust lost against Unam main campus 14-16.

Netball results

First place: Unam main campus (gold medals and N$6 000).

Second place: Nust (silver medals and N$3 000).

Third place: IUM (bronze medals and N$1 000).

Soccer results

First place: Nust (gold medals, N$10 000 and trophy).

Second place: Unam main campus (silver medals and N$5 000).

Semi-finalists: Unam southern campus and WVTC (bronze medals and N$1 500).

Almal kry ‘n kans

September 23, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Almal kry ‘n kansLaerskool bied spesiale onderrig ? Skool op Otjiwarongo is gevestig met die uitsluitlike doel om aan kinders met spesiale behoeftes die bes moontlike onderrig te bied. Michelline Nawatises

Train Occasion is ’n laerskool wat voorsiening maak vir kinders met verskillende spesiale behoeftes soos spraakprobleme, disleksie, dispraksie, outisme, aandagafleibaarheid en ander leerprobleme.

Dit is in Januarie 2012 gestig deur me. Jenny Korstel, wat van toe tot April 2017 die skoolhoof was. Sy moes na Duitsland terugkeer en sedertdien is me, Antonetor Paxma Midzi, aan die stuur. Midzi is bykans 20 jaar in die onderwys betrokke.

Korstel is steeds 'n aktiewe lid van die skoolbeheerraad en verantwoordelik vir die werwing van vrywillige onderwysers en terapeute uit Europa vir die skool. Die meeste kom van Duitsland, Frankryk en Switserland.

Train Occasion bied internskappe aan finalejaarstudente wat spesialiseer in onderrig vir leerlinge met spesiale behoeftes. Die internskappe word vrywillig gedoen omdat die skool dit nie kan bekostig om dié spesialiste ‘n vaste salaris te gee nie.

Korstel gaan na oorsese universiteite en instansies en bemark dié vrywilligersprojek. Die skool huisves gemiddeld drie vrywilligers op 'n slag wat vir drie tot ses maande klasse vir kinders in die kleuterskool tot in graad sewe gee.

Die leerlinge kom uit verskillende dele van die samelewing, maar meestal uit minderbevoorregte huishoudings. Die skool maak baie staat op skenkings, waarvan die meeste van Europa kom.

Train Occasion sou graag steun van plaaslike ondernemings en individue wou geniet. “Ons kan nie altyd afhanklik wees van die vrygewigheid van vriende in Duitsland nie. Ons is 'n privaat skool en ontvang tans geen geld van die regering nie,” het Midzi gesê.

Die deurlopende interaksie met vrywilligers uit verskillende wêrelddele het ‘n uitstekende invloed op die kinders omdat dit hulle gedagtes prikkel en meer van ander kulture leer.

Train Occasion-laerskool se uiteindelike doelwit is om geskikte ondersteuning aan kinders te verleen deur hul individuele behoeftes te bevredig, en hulle met behoorlike opleiding voor te berei om na hoofstroomskole terug te keer.

Interessante skoolgeleenthede

• Besoek aan die arkade met die jonger kinders (September)

• Jaarlikse drie dag lange spanbousessie op Okondjima (Oktober)

• Train Occasion se optog vir bewusmaking oor outisme en spesiale behoeftes (Oktober)

• Jaareindkonsert en prysuitdeling (November)

Die naam van die skool beteken dat leerlinge die geleentheid kry om hul volle potensiaal te ontwikkel teen hul eie pas en volgens hul individuele behoeftes.

Die skool het ongeveer 25 leerlinge wat baie aandag vereis wat betref ondersteuning om hul akademiese loopbane te voltooi. “Ons personeel bestaan ??uit vyf voltydse onderwysers wat almal voldoende toegerus is en in die veld van spesiale behoeftes studeer, veral kinders met outisme,” het Midzi gesê.

Clifford de Klerk, ’n graad 7-leerling, het met groot opgewondenheid vertel van sy goeie jaar: “Ek kon myself ten volle voorberei vir die volgende jaar in 'n nuwe skool. Ek is in graad sewe en gaan volgende jaar na graad agt aanbeweeg.

Volgens hom is die moeilikste deel van die skool verlaat is om met kinders van elders te meng. “Sommige kinders het soms lelike opinies oor ons. Maar ek blameer hulle nie, want hulle verstaan nie regtig dat ons op ’n ander manier leer nie.”

NPL kickoff in November

September 23, 2019, 3:00 pm

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NPL kickoff in NovemberUnanimous decision taken to move forward The premier league will start in the first week of November, it was decided at Saturday's NPL congress in Windhoek. The Namibia Premier League (NPL) will commence 1 November.

The NPL congress, which is the universal decision-making body of the league, decided this over the weekend.

It was attended by 26 representatives of the current 13 NPL clubs and resolved issues around promotion and relegation.

These representatives came to the conclusion that before the league starts, and before they can consider the proposed promotion of Orlando Pirates and Civics for the upcoming season, members who wish to deliberate on their admission have to comply with article 63 and submit proposed amendments to articles 10.2 and 64.1 of the NPL constitution by tomorrow.

This is because the NPL constitution does not permit congress to admit any member not promoted from the first division.

Moreover, the congress attendees also requested the NFA to extend player registration until 31 October.

In addition to this, the relegation of Young African by the NPL was appealed to the Namibia Football Association (NFA), and by virtue of the NFA constitution, the matter is to be subjected to mediation by an independent appeals committee, to be set up by the NFA and endorsed at the NFA congress, which is slated for next month.

It was also decided that the NPL will write to the Fifa normalisation committee and request to be provided with the rules and methods to be used to promote and relegate clubs to and from the different NFA leagues for the 2019/20 season.

It was, however, not decided whether the lower streams will kick off at the same time. According to Andre Gariseb, spokesperson of NPL, a proposal was made to assist with financing and offer administrative support to the first and not the second division.

“The proposal, however, is subject to the NC's approval.”

LIMBA MUPETAMI

An open letter to the NPL

September 23, 2019, 3:00 pm

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An open letter to the NPL Who is fooling who here, seriously?

As members we were all recipients of the latest correspondence from the Fifa normalisation committee (NC), a self-explanatory letter.

The executives of the Namibia Premier League (NPL) were supposed to adhere to what was expected from them, but to no avail. Who is manipulating the current structures of the NPL for that matter? Not to mention the disregard and disrespect towards the NC, appointed by Fifa, which further confirms how the NPL executive remains in disagreement with directives coming from the NC.

I fail to understand how people who are supposed to be highly intellectual, and with discipline, are continuing to bring our beautiful game into disrepute. These are the same people entrusted to uphold and follow the constitution, the manual on rules and regulations of the NFA, the code of ethics and the disciplinary code.

A little advice to the NPL executive: If you think you are bigger than football, my colleagues, you are making a very huge mistake, which will cause you real embarrassment and shame.

As members of Namibian football, we have our football at heart and know exactly what is going on in the corridors of the NPL. The NPL executive is functional in disunity and disagreement, which is a concern to our football fraternity at large.

And for that matter, those making decisions on behalf of the NPL executive, board of governors (BoG) and NPL clubs are doing so out-of-context and unconstitutionally.



The facts of promotion and

relegation

Firstly, there should be a declaration from clubs that they received and signed off the rules governing the method to be used for the promotion and relegation of teams to and from the different NFA leagues for the 2018/19 season.

Such signed confirmations should have reached the NFA secretariat. No league is allowed to kick off before that is in place, and any matches taking place in violation of the abovementioned condition shall be nullified.

NPL executive, was this in place? The endorsement by the executive, as required by the NFA rules and regulations in 2018, says the NPL shall consist of 16 clubs, so we are not aware of any signed off bylaw, if any, stating that NPL shall consist of 13 clubs.

Read my lips: There cannot be relegation if there is no promotion; very simple, highly logical. What does one not understand? The current extent to which things are circulating is getting out of hand and is seriously not needed in our football.

We can't entertain personal agendas and vendettas of persons or individuals. We really need a sense of differentiation from decision-making bodies in whatever they do. My understanding is that the BoG is a very serious structure of the NPL. The executive must present proposals to the BoG for which a submission to congress must also be constituted on the BoG agenda, for consideration.

The BoG shall deliberate on all those and make recommendations to the congress. So please, the BoG and congress must have a clear division of powers, which I lately observe was done by having them separately, definitely not on the same day.

The recently held BoG meeting was supposed to be seen as a formality, in preparation for the upcoming congress, but seems to have taken another route.

We also noted with great concern that the police were called in to interfere with matters, and were instructed by the NPL chairman. Now for your information, the police fall under government, and what happened there is not allowed; it's against Fifa regulations because it is tantamount to government interference.

It also further signals a risk-hazard to the NPL executive's leadership qualities and competencies. The latest development is that members (wrongfully relegated clubs), affiliated to NPL, were refused permission to partake in meetings. My greatest concern here is that the NC allowed that loophole to continue at the recently-held meeting, jointly with the NPL executive and BoG.

The matter of promotion and relegation is non-negotiable, with reference to the manual on rules and regulations 3.1.1 and 3.2.4. The clubs are entitled to their rights as members; I mean there is a very clear directive from the NC regarding promotion and relegation and there are no technicalities around that matter, so who needs further platforms for debate? Not at all!

You adhere or face the consequences, period. We can't allow the NC to be intimidated by the NPL executive, with their absolute non-compliance or ignorance. I have learned with great shock from the NPL congress of Saturday, 21 September that the NPL executive failed to differentiate between standing orders of the congress and the manual on rules and regulations. They have decided to make amendments to the constitution of the NPL. This is a big joke; what a mockery indeed.

We also observed that the NPL executive is very good at playing with words. For your information, football is readable, understandable, self-explanatory and to the point. Time now has lapsed for the NPL executive to make demands here. The time has arrived for the NC to invoke the articles, quoted in the latest communication, and we will have no playing around anymore.

Another great challenge in our football we face as leaders is the ability to distinguish, understand and interpret. We fail to do just that, and that's where we fail to deliver. We fail to be honest, to be in compliance, have zero integrity, become easily arrogant, lose focus and operate in conflict of interest.

Finally, NPL, if you are operating in a vacuum, please be warned, we are definitely not part of your stream. It's becoming heavy and a nuisance to the football family of Namibia.

For the record, there are two pending cases, a national dispute from the NPL and the matter of Young African, which resulted from the previous season, which need to be resolved first before planning the way forward.



I am, by way of this, obligated to give three options to the NPL:

1. Go to the table as professionals and be conclusive.

2. Your league to be declared null and void for the past season (2018/19); hence, the first division, as the NPL failed to bring on board sponsors for it to kick off, and the matter of the Zimbabwean national.

3. You face suspension as a member of the NFA for non-compliance, conduct of officials and bringing the game of football into disrepute.

This is not a threat, we are just informing you as fellow members of Namibian football to stop with what you are busy; things might get worse, if you don't approach it from another angle.

*Isak J Fredericks is the chairman of the //Karas Football Region

Omulumentu a dhipaga aamwayinathana yaali nokwiidhipaga

September 23, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Omulumentu a dhipaga aamwayinathana yaali nokwiidhipaga Opolisi moshitopolwa shaHangwena otayi konaakona oshipotha shomadhipag gopaali, konima sho omulumentu gwoomvula 29 adhipaga yina yaanona ye yaali opamwe namumwayina nokonima okwiidhipaga.

Kwiikwatelelwa komunambelewa omupopiliko gwopolisi moshitopolwa shaHangwena, Warrant Officer Abner Itumba, oshiningwanima shoka osha ningilwa momukunda Omahenge lwopotundi onti 15:30, mEtitano, sho Samuel Venondubo a ponokele aakiintu mboka yaali nekatana.

Oonakuninga iihakanwa oNdamonghenda Tateoshoati Nafuka (23) oshowo Martha Nafuka (32). Ayehe aakalimo yomomukunda Oshaango omanga omufekelwa a za momukunda Onandete.

“Omufekelwa okwa ponokele aakiintu mboka yaali. Okwa tameke naangoka omushona sho e mu tete nekatana mokwaako omanga ine mu teta omuligu. Omanga ta ningi ngaaka omukiintu omukwawo okwa yi ontuku. Okwe mu lamba na okwe mu tete omuligu. Konima okwa zi po pehala lyoshiningwanima na okwiimangeleke nondhalate,” Itumba a hokolola.

Itumba okwa gwedha po kutya konima yomasiku omanga oshiningwanima shoka inashi ningwa omufekelwa okwa li a ponokele Ndamonghenda, ngoka e na naye aanona yaali. Okwa li a dhomoka mokwaako na inashi lopotelwa opolisi.

Moshiningwanima shimwe, omunambelewa gwopolisi mOmbaye okwa yaha omukadhona gwe nale mEtine lya piti moKuisebmond.

Oshipotha shedhipago osha patululilwa omunambelewa ngoka a li miilonga pethimbo a longo oshimbuluma shoka.

Nakuninga oshihakanwa okuli monkalo ohwepo moshipangelo shaKatutura. Pahapu dhomupeha komufala, Erastus Iikuyu, oshiningwanima shoka osha ningwa lwopotundi onti 16:20.

Omunambelewa ngoka okwa yaha omunamimvo 22 montulo oshowo mokwaako iikando iyali nombistoli ye yiilonga.

“Esiku lyo tuu ndyoka, omukadhona okwa tulamo oshipotha sheningilo lyomatilitho kohi yompango yoCombatting of Domestic Violence Act, omolwa omatilitho ngoka a li ta ningilwa komufekelwa. Oshikumungu shoka osha li tashi konaakonwa pethimbo kwa longwa oshimbuluma shoka. Omufelekwa okwa tulwa miipandeko konima sho iigandja kopolisi posasiyona yopolisi yaWalvis Bay port.

Nakuniga oshihakanwa okwa falwa moshipangelo shaMbaye e li monkalo yanayipala mEtine na okwa tuminwa kOvenduka opo a ka mone epango lya gwedhwapo.”

Omunambelewa ngoka gwopolisi ota holoka mompangulilo mOmaandaha.





KENYA KAMBOWE NALEANDREA LOUW