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Almal kry ‘n kans

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Almal kry ‘n kansAlmal 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.”

Aaniilonga ya hala aahona yawo ya shunwe miilonga

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Aaniilonga ya hala aahona yawo ya shunwe miilongaAaniilonga ya hala aahona yawo ya shunwe miilonga LEANDREA LOUW



Aaniilonga yehangano lyEmbwinda Fishing otaya kondjitha opo aakomeho yawo miilonga ye li 21, mboka ya kuthwa miilonga shaaheli paveta opo ya shunwe miilonga.



Mboka oya kuthwa miilonga momasiku 30 gaAguste.



Aaniilonga oya ningi ehololomadhilaadhilo lyopambili mEtine lya piti na oya gandja omukandanyenyeto gwawo kelelo lyehangano.

Omukalelipo gwaaniilonga Julius Taapopi Hambo okwa popi kutya aaniilonga inaya nyanyukilwa omukalo moka taya ihumbatelwa kehangano.

“Ehangano olya tidha miilonga aakomeho yeli 21 momasiku 30 gaAguste molwaashoka aniwa inaya longa momasiku 18 gaAguste omanga kakwali iilonga yaaniilonga mofakitoli,” Hambo a popi.



Gumwe gwomoonakutidhwa miilonga, Victoria Ruben, okwa yelitha kutya oya thiki piilonga momasiku 18 ye li miikutu yawo yopaumwene na kaya li ya zala omizalo dhawo dhokwiigaamena miilonga.

“Otwa pulwa twiilopote miilonga potundi onti 08:00 na otwa dhilaadhila kutya otayu ka pewa omadheulo. Mesiku ndyoka otwa pulwa tu ka tameke iilonga na otwa ningile etokolo ndyoka omapulo molwaashoka ka twa li twa zala omizalo dhetu dhegameno miilonga.

Otwa tidhwa miilonga sho twa ningile omapulo etokolo ndyoka na otwa tsikile niilonga nonando otwali tuli momizalo dhopaumwene. Ohatu zala omizalo dhiilonga opo twiigamene kuutalala mboka wuli mofakitoli, omolwa uutalala mboka aakiintu yamwe oya gongoka.”



Momasiku 30 konima sho ya longo oowili 9 oya pewa omikanda tadhi popi kutya oya kuthwa miilonga omolwa oshikumungu shoka sha holoka kuyele omwedhi ngoka.

Momukandanyenyeto ngoka, aaniilonga oya pula Embwinda opo li shune miilonga aakomeho mboka meendelelo.



Aaniilonga oya nyeyeta woo onkalo yawo yiilonga kayi li nawa molwaashoka aaniilonga aashona na otaya longo iilonga yaantu ooyatatu nongele oya nyenyeta nena otaya lombwelwa kutya inaya hala okulonga.

Aaniilonga yamwe ohaya longo uusiku na otaya futwa owala oshimaliwa shooN$1 000, naaniilonga mboka ya longela ehangano ndyoka uule womimvo dha thika po 10 natango oyeli owala aaniilonga yopakathimbo.



Oya popi kutya omukomeho gwehangano ndyoka, Jose Reyero iha pulakene kaaniilonga AaNamibia uuna ye na uupyakadhi ihe aluhe oha pulakene kaaniilonga AaSpaina.

Reyero okwa yakula omukandanyenyeto ngoka okuza kaaniilonga ihe okwa tindi okutya sha.

Kutheni mo aakwiita momapandanda manga - Ombudsman

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Kutheni mo aakwiita momapandanda manga - OmbudsmanKutheni mo aakwiita momapandanda manga - OmbudsmanEdhipago lyaakwashigwana inaya homata kali li mondjila Ombudsman oya popi kutya otashi ulike kutya aakwiita oyendji inaya dheulwa mondjila negameno mokulongitha oonkondo uuna ye li mokati koshigwana. Sha landula edhipago lyomukwashigwana omutiyali kaakwiita, ombudsman John Walters okwa pula ekuthomo pakathimbo lyaakwiita okuza mopatolola tayi ithanwa Operation Kalahari Desert, opo ya vule okupewa omadheulo.

Okwa popi kutya shoka otashi ka kwashilipaleka opo ya vule okutulwa pagameno mokati koshigwana.

“Yakuthenimo momapandanda e ta mu etha omuntu e li kondje yetanga lyopolisi opo e ya pe omadheulo,” advocate Walters a popi.

Walters okwa popi kutya nonando opatolola ndjoka oyi na oshilonga mokukaleka pevi iimbuluma, osha yela kutya aakwiita oyendji inaya dheulilwa omukalo gwomondjila na ogwa gamenwa mokulongitha oonkondo.

Kohi yOmpango yOpolisi, omunambelewa okwa pitikwa okulongitha oonkondo pe na omilandu dhontumba.

Otaku nyanwa ngele edhipago lyaBenisius Kalola (32) omwedhi nguka oshowo omukwashigwana gwaZimbabwe omuhingi gwotaxi muJuni, Talent Fambaune (22) osha ningwa kwa landula omilandu dhoka dha ngambekwa.

Miipotha ayihe aakwiita mboka oye li modholongo molwa iipotha yomadhipago.

Walters okwa pandula oonkambadhala okushunitha pevi iimbuluma ihe okwa kunkilile kutya kape na ngoka e li pombanda yompango.

Okwa popi kutya uupyakadhi kawu shi owala omadheulo gaakwiita ihe okwa pula aakwashigwana ya simaneke opolisi naakwiita.

Aatseyinawa yoveta oya popi kutya Kalola ngoka a li tayi ontuku konima sho a ningi okavideo kaakwiita naapolisi taya hadha egumbo, ina yona ompango ya sha ngaashi tashi popiwa kuminista Penda Ya Ndakolo.

Ompango yegameno yotango yomomvula yo 2002 oya indika owala aantu ya thaneke omadhano nenge uuvideo wiikwaniipangitho yomilitali, mwakwatelwa ookamba oshowo omahala gamwe ihe ha aakwiita.

Walters okwa gwedha po kutya omanga ompango inayi indika ethaneko lyaakwiita nenge opolisi, oshigwana inashi kunkililwa woo opo kashi thaneke aanambelewa mboka omanga taya longo iilonga yawo mopatolola yo Operation Kalahari Desert oshowo Operation Hornkranz.

“Ngele oto tameke noopatolola dhili ngaaka owa pumbwa okutseyithila oshigwana shoka tashi ningwa naashoka itashi pitikwa. Kape na ngoka a kunkilile oshigwana kutya ethaneko lyaakwiita nenge opolisi inali ningwa.”

Momutumba gwopaliamende oshiwike sha piti, Ya Ndakolo okwa popi kutya omathano goludhi ndoka otaga vulu okulongithwa miikonene tayi ningilwa aakwiita naapolisi mboka taya kutha ombinga mopatolola ndjoka.

Nonando ina yelitha kutya omolwashike Kalola taka ningila aanambelewa mboka iikonene, minista okwa popi kutya pethimbo a dhipagwa, Kalola okwa li e na iipotha iyali yomuyeka kwa homatiwa.

Okwa popi kutya shoka otashi ulike kutya nakusa okwa li omuntu a tya ngiini. Okwa gwedha po kutya uuministeli kawu na omulandu gwokudhipaga aakwashigwana inaya homata, ihe iinima yimwe otayi etitha onkalo ndjoka ngaashi okuya ontuku yaakwiita nopolisi.

Toni Hancox, omukomeho gwoLegal Assistance Centre (LAC), okwa popi kutya omapopyo ga minista otaga popile edhipago lyaakwashigwana inaya homata.

“Dhilaadhila etumwalaka ndyoka ta gandja kutya ngele owu na oshipotha owa pumbwa okuyahwa?”

Okwa gwedha po kutya ompango yaNamibia otayi utha kutya omuntu ke na ondjo omanga ina monika ondjo mompangulilo.

Hancox okwa popi kutya eyaho lyomuntu otali vulu owala okuningwa ngele omwenyo ganakuhaya oguli moshiponga nenge gwomuntu gumwe, na kape na omwenyo gwomuntu gu li moshiponga ngele omuntu otayi ontuku. Walters okwa kunkilile kutya oto vulu owala oku ithana omuntu ongangala ngele a monika ondjo. Ya Ndakolo ita popile woo omanyano taga ningilwa opatolola ndjoka ta popi kutya otaga gandja omaiyuvo kage li mondjila moshigwana.

Walters okwa popi kutya oshi li uuthemba womukwashigwana kehe okunyana omapuko nokupandula shoka shi li mondjila.





JANA-MARI SMITH

Creating beautiful smiles

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Creating beautiful smiles Creating beautiful smiles Delight shares her Malaysia experience Delight NP shares her university experience at the University of Malaysia in Southeast Asia. Delight NP



Growing up, I always loved smiling and having perfect teeth; it became a beautiful obsession.

I am currently a second-year dentistry student at the University of Malaysia in Southeast Asia. Before I enrolled I had to write an IELTS test, which was recommended by the university. Most people find the test experience not to be a great experience, but for me it was a great milestone to have done it.

The thing I like about my university is that there is a great sense of respect and equality. Everyone is really nice, and I mean really nice. We all respect each other. Skin colour is one thing they don’t look at and we are all treated equally. Of course it is a very peaceful area to live in.

Dentistry has always been a passion of mine and I am honoured that my dreams are surely coming true This is the real power of university, as it forces you to find yourself and ask what you want to accomplish, not only in the next four years, but also in life. You see, the point of education is not to fill our minds with useless facts, many of which we will never use again, but rather to inspire us to love learning, and more importantly, to help us find what we'll do with our time as students.

University is where the people you meet come into play. Every fellow student, every professor, every party lover, every hated and loved friend, every acquaintance and every single awe-inspiring leader, who you meet in your first semester, changes you. Why? They're going through the same self-finding process that you are. They're asking themselves about the purpose of their lives. It's apparent now that university isn't the best time of your life because of your classes or because of your activities, or even because of the school you go to, but rather it's because university groups together a few thousand people trying to find themselves, each of whom inspires you. It really doesn't matter where you go; the experience will fundamentally be the same.

Now don't get me wrong; university isn't as rosy as I've painted it. Bad stuff happen too, but this does not mean you should not enjoy your time there; hence you'll work hard, you'll have fun, you'll graduate and everything will work out at the end.

My advice would be that if you study abroad you should not lose focus of why you are here. Many temptations will come your way, but in order to fight them, you should remember where you come from and your dreams, but most importantly never forget Almighty God and let Him guide you every step of the way

I have many plans after graduation, but I am also a firm believer that I should work for them and not talk about them, so after five years, I am sure you will be reading great things about Dr Delight located in Kuala Lumpur.

Did you know?

In October 1949, the merger of the King Edward VII College of Medicine and Raffles College created the University of Malaysia.

Facts about Delight:

· She is funny.

· She is a good singer.

· She loves fashion and doing make-up.

· She reads a lot and hopes to write a book one day.

· She is a dreamer.

Job visa not required for conservation tourism

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Job visa not required for conservation tourismJob visa not required for conservation tourism Employment permits will no longer be required for individuals who wish to enter Namibia for conservation tourism, but they will have to apply for holiday visas.

The home affairs ministry last week released a statement in this regard saying that conservation tourism will from now on be regarded as normal tourism and therefore not require employment permits or work visas. According to the ministry, individuals who intend to enter Namibia for conservation tourism and who would ordinarily require holiday/tourist visas to enter Namibia, should henceforth apply for ordinary holiday visas and not employment permits or work visas. “The ministry is aware that this is an emerging form of tourism in the tourism sector. It is for this reason that the ministry took into consideration, after extensive consultations, the direct benefits to operators in the tourism industry and so effected this change in regulation.” Conservation tourism comprises of tourists paying to stay at conservation farms and as part of the experience, accompany teams that are feeding animals and caring for animals, for them to experience closeness to wildlife. “However this classification as normal tourism/holidays does not apply to research, and those individuals coming for veterinary purposes,” said the ministry. The conservation tourist is regulated in terms of Section 24 of the Immigration Control Act, subject to the provisions of section 35.

ELLANIE SMIT

Alleged Walvis ivory smugglers granted bail

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Alleged Walvis ivory smugglers granted bailAlleged Walvis ivory smugglers granted bailVery strict conditions imposed The accused in the Walvis Bay ivory matter say they were under the impression that the owner had a permit. Alleged ivory smugglers Dirk Vermeulen, Edgar Clark and Michael Lusse were granted bail by the Walvis Bay Magistrate's Court on Friday. Bail was set at N$30 000 each.

During the two-day bail hearing all three suspects testified that they never knew the origin of the tusks. The two tusks were found in the possession of Clark and Vermeulen during an undercover operation earlier this month. Lusse was arrested later on. The tusks weighed about 64 kilograms and were estimated to be worth N$103 072.

The three testified on Thursday that they were under the impression that the previous owner of the tusks had a permit to own the ivory.

Vermeulen testified that he had lost his job seven months ago and was without any source of income.

“Michael told me that he had tusks in his possession that he wanted to get rid of. I approached him and offered to assist him in getting rid of the tusks. I thought I would be able to make some money by selling them. I approached Edgar to help search for buyers for the tusks,” Vermeulen testified.

Lusse testified that that he had obtained the tusks from a friend, whom he identified as Bryce Edwards, a former mayor of Walvis Bay.

“He told me that the permit for the tusks had expired and asked me to keep them for him while he organised a new permit. During this time he moved to Cape Town and passed away shortly after leaving me with the tusks. I did not know Edwards's family and could not contact any of them to give the tusks back to them.

“I never traded in elephant tusks. I had them in my possession since 2012 and if wanted to I could have sold them. Instead I gave the tusks to Vermeulen to do with what he wanted,” Lusse told the court.

The investigating officer, Sergeant Stefanus Frans, testified that the tusks were traced to their original owner in Cape Town, who had died in the early 2000s.

“The tusks had a permit at one stage but it expired after the death of the original owner. The original owner took the tusks as a trophy in Maun, Botswana, 20 years ago and worked at the same fish factory as Edwards did,” Frans said.

“When the owner moved to Cape Town he requested Edwards to bring the tusks to one of the factory's fishing vessels. The tusks were loaded aboard the vessel. When it stopped off at Lüderitz the police arrested the skipper and the crew of the vessel when they found the tusks.

“During this time the tusks still had a valid permit and after spending some time in the police holding cells in Lüderitz, the matter was withdrawn and the tusks signed over to the lawyer that represented the boat crew. This lawyer handed the two tusks to Edwards, who kept the tusks in Walvis Bay until he moved to Cape Town in 2012.”

Frans indicated that he needed two more months to determine the exact movement of the tusks between Walvis Bay and Lüderitz. Magistrate John Liwayo set bail at N$30 000 each, with strict conditions. All three accused must hand over their passports to the investigating officer and may not apply for new travel documents pending the finalisation of the case. They must also report at the Walvis Bay police station three times a week. The case was postponed to 28 November. Tuihaleni Hilikuete was the prosecutor, while the accused were represented by attorney Jan Wessels.





LEANDREA LOUW

Different countries, same struggles

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Different countries, same strugglesDifferent countries, same strugglesDon’t lose yourself in the far-off There are many students who find themselves in sticky situations when they study in another country. Elizabeth Joseph







Being in another country and in trouble can be very overwhelming, especially when you have your studies to focus on.

There are several precautions one could take to stay away from troublesome activities like drugs and be more aware of warning signs of sexual exploitation or other abuse.

Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) international relations officer Nico Smit said being strong-willed and open-minded helps when it comes to protecting yourself in a foreign country.

“The university has very strict criteria when choosing who we send abroad. We choose the strong students, both character-wise and academically. It is also very important to send students in pairs and give them a good exit briefing. One can never have too much advice to keep you safe in a foreign country,” he said.

Recently Namibia saw one of its own, trialled for possession of cocaine in Brazil.

This is not something new and will always be a stumbling block for students, wherever they find themselves.

There are so many things that students need to do in order to make sure that they don’t find themselves in situations that might jeopardise their future. Here is some advice that could keep you safe, while you cement your feet in your future.

Educate yourself before you travel

Pay specific attention to any government cautions or travel advisories that have been issued by both your country and the country you wish to travel to.

That doesn’t only mean heeding the warnings on crime or terrorism; also pay attention to any health advisories that may be issued. Also make sure you know where exactly your embassy is and whether you can easily access it.

Technology is your friend

There are several travel apps available that you can download on your smartphone to help keep safe. Some of them provide frequently updated announcements and advisories for the country you’re visiting, while others will send information on your location to authorities in case of an emergency. There are also apps that will help with transport; for example, the Uber app.

Stick to your programme

If you’re studying abroad for an entire semester, you probably won’t have a pre-planned itinerary for every single day. However, if you’re on a shorter study programme abroad, such as over the summer or during a winter break, your activities are likely to be more strictly scheduled.

It’s important that you stick to the itinerary, so that you are where you are supposed to be if there is an emergency or someone needs to get in touch with you. Smit says that the basis for all caution is in the exit briefing, which students get before they leave Namibia.

Maintaining a low profile

You don’t need to keep the fact that you’re a foreign visitor a secret, but you shouldn’t broadcast it to the world either (i.e. like wearing a shirt with a Namibian flag on it), as it could make you a prime target for scam artists and pickpockets. Also with the recent xenophobic attacks all over the world, everyone is prone to becoming a victim. Do intensive research on local customs and expectations before your visit, particularly as it relates to dress and deportation.

Talk to the locals

The people who live in the area where you’ll be travelling to know the area best. As you make friends among the locals or get checked into your accommodation, ask them questions about the area.

They’ll be able to tell you which places are safe and which to avoid, and will be able to give you information about specific hazards you may encounter during your stay in the area.

Although you may feel safe around some people, it is important to remain vigilant, as some of these people may use you as a mule or victimise you in many ways, because you are vulnerable.

The Buddy System

According to Wikipedia, the Buddy System is a procedure in which two individuals, the buddies, operate together as a single unit, so that they are able to monitor and help each other.

In many cases, you will be befriending other students that are studying abroad. Whether you are attending a short-term seminar, a semester or an exchange programme, it is safest to travel in groups when you are visiting unfamiliar countries, cities or even neighbourhoods.

Not only can you expand your collective knowledge and have fun while doing so, this will also help to decrease your perceived vulnerability and further deter others from marking you as a target.

When you stick to these guidelines and keep in contact with your loved ones back home, your stay in a foreign country will be pleasant.

Namibia tourism 4th in sub-Sahara

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Namibia tourism 4th in sub-SaharaNamibia tourism 4th in sub-SaharaRanking has been maintained Tourism continues to perform well in Namibia and the country has maintained its position at 81 globally. Namibia's tourism sector has maintained its rating at fourth place in sub-Saharan Africa on the global Travel and Tourism Competiveness Index for 2019.

Globally Namibia was ranked at number 81.

The World Economic Forum releases the index every two years. In 2017 Namibia was ranked 82nd and in 2015 the country was rated 70th globally.

Beating Namibia this year to take the top three regional places were Mauritius (54th globally), South Africa (61st globally) and Seychelles (62nd globally).

Kenya was ranked fifth after Namibia and 82nd globally.

The top global slot is occupied by France, followed by Spain and Germany.

The report also contains detailed country profiles, benchmarking for the 140 economies featured in the study. It includes a comprehensive summary of their overall positions in the index and a guide to the most prominent travel and tourism advantages and disadvantages of each.

Also included is an extensive selection of tables that cover each indicator used in the index's computation.

For instance, Namibia was ranked 44th globally for its business environment, 103rd for safety and security, 114th for health and hygiene, 85th for its human resources and labour market, and 90th for its information and communication technology readiness.

Namibia's prioritisation of the travel and tourism sector was ranked 65th, its international openness 98th, price competiveness 38th and environmental sustainability 68th.

Namibia's air transport infrastructure was rated 67th, and for ground and port infrastructure, it was placed at 65th, while tourist service infrastructure was rated 52nd globally.

But Namibia's natural resources were ranked 46th and cultural resources and business travel earned a 126nd position.

The country's travel and tourism policy and enabling conditions is rated 66th.

“While the region has improved since the 2017 edition of the report, sub-Saharan Africa ranks at the bottom of the TTCI, lagging behind the rest of the world across all pillars, with only Mauritius, South Africa and Seychelles scoring above the global average on the index,” says the report.

It points out, though, that the region continues to outpace the global average in international tourism arrivals and receipts growth and the World Travel and Tourism Council forecasts Africa economies covered by this year's index to have the second highest rate of growth in Travel and Tourism GDP in the 10 years from 2019 to 2029.

“As a result if the region manages to pick up the pace of improvement, investors will be more likely view the region as an attractive investment opportunity to diversify away from more mature markets.”

The report states that travel and tourism (T&T) industry plays a vital role in the global economy and community.

In 2018, the industry helped generate 10.4% of world GDP and a similar share of employment, and has shown enormous resilience over the last decade.

ELLANIE SMIT

PDM/UPM Coalition meeting held in Rehoboth

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PDM/UPM Coalition meeting held in RehobothPDM/UPM Coalition meeting held in Rehoboth The Popular Democratic Movement/United People's Movement (PDM/UPM) Coalition on Sunday held its inaugural meeting at Rehoboth.

The two parties signed a coalition agreement on 28 August, stating their parties have the common goals of representing the philosophy and interests of the masses, while at the same time bringing unity to politics, with an accord to support PDM president McHenry Venaani during the presidential elections to be held on 27 November. As part of the agreement, the UPM and PDM will continue to exist as separate entities, but under one umbrella to be called UPM/PDM Coalition.

The two parties' presidents, Venaani and Piet Junius, were among the people who attended the meeting along with UPM vice-president Jan van Wyk and PDM chief whip Jennifer van den Heever.

Junius said the time for Namibian opposition parties to form a single force against the political might of Swapo is now.

He said theft has become the norm at government institutions, highlighting the waning health and education sectors, high unemployment and poverty levels.

“It is meaningless to have multiple political formations that are all fighting for the same issues and have a common enemy. We fought against apartheid from South Africa, yet we are treated as outsiders by our own people. That is one of the reasons to come together to form a coalition and we believe the voters out there will see it as such,” Junius said. Venaani said for the past 29 years, people have sold their souls for a “plate of soup” that has not landed in their hands yet.

“You have been lied to for the past 29 years to better your living standards, but nothing has changed. It is time to change the landscape in Namibia for a better future. Your needs are not important to those in power, compared to their own needs,” Venaani said.

He mentioned that more money is pumped into the army, instead of housing for the homeless, more money is used to buy arms, than on providing sanitation to the people.

“The least important things are getting more attention and the more important are ignored. I therefore call on you to make the right decision come the elections and vote for change,” Venaani added.

NAMPA

Grooming young job-creators

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Grooming young job-creators Grooming young job-creators Namibia’s youth unemployment rate increased from 34.32% in 2012 to 45.5% in 2018, which is the fourth highest rate of youth joblessness in Africa. Justicia Shipena



In keeping abreast with Vision 2030, the Namibian University of Science and Technology (Nust) is driven to empower youth to command 21st century skills, in an effort to combat the mismatch with industry skills, and additionally, to groom youth to become job-creators rather than jobseekers.

In this vein Nust on 18 September, through the Nust Start-Up Club and faculty of management sciences, hosted Entrepreneurship Day under the theme ‘Transforming Lives through Entrepreneurship’.

The day’s activities included motivational talks and exhibitions by students with start-ups.

According to Bernice Ndungaua, the manager of Namibia Business Innovation Institute (NBII), the best time for students to go into business is now, as they have less responsibilities.

However, one needs to have the right team.

“University is the perfect hunting ground for a business start-up, as it may encourage students from different faculties to communicate and bring their ideas to life,” she said.

She emphasised the importance of networking and also urged the students to find themselves a mentor.

Ndungaua added that for the past five years NBII has been running the Sanlam Innovation Works competition and have received start-up ideas from various students.

However majority of these business are not run by Nust students.

“These are normally students from the University of Namibia (Unam) and the International University of Management (IUM),” she said.

Many of the student exhibitors were excited to showcase their products and have an opportunity to explore their entrepreneurship skills.

The event ended with the launch of the Nust Start-up Club.

Understanding your roots

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Understanding your roots Understanding your roots Following the Namibian beat in a week Namibian Heritage Week plays an important role in nation-building and nurturing unity in diversity. Justicia Shipena



While encouraging Namibians to appreciate and visit heritage attractions, Namibian Heritage Week strives to provide an opportunity for citizens to participate in a celebration of our natural and cultural heritage.

Hosted by various art institutions under the theme ‘Namibiab /no/auba sao’, a Khoekhoegowab phrase translating to ‘follow the Namibian beat’ the weeklong event took place from 16 to 22 September. This year, events took place in 10 regions across the country, an improvement from the eight last year.

With the aim of encouraging every Namibian citizen to participate in celebrating and learning about the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage, some of the activities included music-making workshops, movie nights, exhibitions, art competitions, storytelling, visiting heritage sites, basic drawing and cardboard printing workshops, as well as cultural festivals with traditional cuisine.

Speaking at the launch event, Desiree Mentor, chairperson of Namibian Heritage Week, said it started as a one-day event in 2000 and is now a weeklong affair.

Mentor said they hope to, in future, host a month-long event celebrating Namibian heritage.

“The Namibian beat is as diverse as we are; this is one of the countries that enjoys diverse cultures. And to protect this fusion of heritage, one needs to partake in the Heritage Week activities,” she said.

Deputy arts and culture minister Anna Nghipondoka said in recognition of the importance of arts, the directorate of arts was established in the ministry.

She said they are cognisant of the work that must be done to ensure that youth can contribute meaningfully to the nation as a brand, while being able to access opportunities that freedom and democracy have brought to the fore.

“I plead with each and every one, that if you are in a position to help young cultural groups in whatever way, do not hesitate to do so, as they are our hard drives, storybooks and television that will preserve our culture and make sure it continues for many years to come,” she said.

According to Ndapewoshali Ashipala from the Museums Association of Namibia (MAN), culture is being sidelined.

Many people have negative views on culture. If one does not know something, people can easily mislead them. If you have enough knowledge, then you can make your own choices, Ashipala said.

“This year we had museums, galleries, heritage institutions, researchers, individuals and private companies taking part,” she said.

Ashipala added that many of the activities involved youth and helped to accentuate the importance of culture.

“We are living in a modernised world and it is true that culture is slowly starting to die out. We believe that if you educate the youth, they will educate one another. Our future generations must learn about heritage,” she added

Good news for students

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Good news for studentsGood news for studentsNanso continues education battle Quality and free tertiary education remains Nanso’s generational call. Ester Kamati





At a recent media conference held by the Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso), it was announced by its president Ester Simon that among the student issues being solved is non-tuition fees that are still outstanding, which will soon be paid by Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF).

Following NSFAF’s decision to fund the more than 12 000 students that were initially turned away, the good news keeps flowing for students.

According to Simon, NSFAF representatives will be dispersed to local institutions of higher learning this week to attend to any queries regarding the processing of payments, as well as issuing of cards, in addition to assisting with the signing of new contracts.

Simon was speaking after a joint media conference with the ministry of higher education, as well as other stakeholders. It was announced that 100% of tuition fees will be funded, as well as full contractual non-tuition fees.

“Quality and free tertiary education remains our generational call,” Simon said.

She said through policy engagement and radical intervention, the higher education sector can be enhanced.

She reminded the private sector of the role it has to play within the education sphere, adding it is not solely the responsibility of the government.

“Once these students graduate, some of them go into government institutions and others are absorbed by the private sector, and therefore we need to meet each other halfway and have a collective effort,” she said.

Another issue that was resolved, according to Simon, was that of the 58 Namibia Institute of Technology (NIMT) students, who were studying a particular course at level 3 for an entire year, only to find out after receiving their certificates that it is not accredited by Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA).

After the completion of this qualification, the students had to move to other institutions to study the same course, where it is accredited by the NQA.

The NSFAF-funded students then requested that their student loans be transferred to cater for their costs at their new institution, but were turned down due to policy constraints.

“Through consistent interrogation, dialogue and continuous engagement, the fund has given in and the loans will be transferred,” Simon said.

A challenge at the Windhoek Vocational Training Centre was also disclosed. “There is a serious crisis at the WVTC,” said Simon, explaining that students receive funding from NSFAF, and from that funding, money is deducted for equipment that students never receive. “We are left to question; where is the money going and who is accountable?” Simon revealed that if no answers are given, Nanso would be forced to take a “radical approach”.

“This is a direct call to those at the WVTC. We are coming in full swing. For us the struggle continues for students,” said Simon Taapopi, Nanso secretary-general, who he reiterated that the organisation has been there for 35 years and will continue fighting for students.

Trigger-happy cop denied bail

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Trigger-happy cop denied bail Trigger-happy cop denied bail LEANDREA LOUW Herman Abed (31), a police officer who allegedly shot his ex-girlfriend last week, was denied bail by the Walvis Bay Magistrate's Court yesterday.

Abed allegedly shot Selma Uupindi (22) three times with his service pistol in Kuisebmond last Thursday. Earlier that day Uupindi had opened a case of assault by threat against him, claiming that he had threatened to shoot her.

Uupindi was transferred to a Windhoek hospital for treatment of wounds to the stomach, back and arm.

Abed handed himself over at his work station, the Walvis Bay port police station. Prosecutor Maggy Shiyagaya opposed bail because of the seriousness of the matter, the possibility that Abed might interfere with the witnesses, as well as for the safety of both the complainant and the accused.

Abed indicated that he would engage the services of a private lawyer. Magistrate Rhivermo Williams Williams postponed the case to 4 November for further investigation. Uupindi told Namibian Sun in an interview from her hospital bed that Abed had started threatening her in July.

She said she ended the relationship with him in August but he kept phoning her.

“I started avoided him and not picking up his calls,” she said.

Uupindi said last week Monday he demanded N$900 from her, which was payback for clothes he had bought for her in 2017.

On Wednesday, Uupindi said, he threatened to shoot her and once again demanded money.

The next day Uupindi opened a case against him at the Tutaleni police station.

“I went in the morning to open a case against him but it was as if the police were protecting him. They told me I should come back at two, as they would first call him to hear what he had to say. When I got back to the police station, he was there asking the police what I was doing there. I opened the case and went home.

“I called my brother to tell him what happened. I also called my sister and during this call he arrived at the house.”

She said Abed shot her once from the police vehicle and when she ran away he shot her again. The third bullet hit her while she was lying on the ground.

LEANDREA LOUW

MTC hush-hush on listing, JV partner

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MTC hush-hush on listing, JV partnerMTC hush-hush on listing, JV partner MTC, which was supposed to be the poster child for a cash-strapped government looking to list its commercial state-owned enterprises on the Namibia Stock Exchange, says it will not give in to pressure to pronounce itself on its planned listing on the local bourse.

Two years since the announcement of the planned listing by then acting CEO Thinus Smit, there has been no further word on the plan.

MTC board chairperson Elvis Nashilongo was tight-lipped when asked to provide an update on the planned listing.

Nashilongo would also not comment when asked whether the mobile operator would rope in the expertise of a technical partner.

It had not operated without the assistance of a technical partner since its launch in 1995.

“MTC will not be pressurised to publicly pronounce itself on matters of commercial nature in a competitive market environment. The company, in consultation with the shareholder, will communicate if and when it is appropriate to do so,” Nashilongo said.

The mobile operator kicked off its listing process in January when it placed a bid in local media through Namibia Post and Telecommunications Holdings (NPTH). NPTH owns Telecom, MTC and NamPost on the government's behalf.

Government had first announced the planned listing of MTC in 2016. Government had at one point also flirted with the idea of buying Samba's 34% stake with a loan from the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF).

IJG Securities and PSG Wealth Management Namibia were announced as joint sponsoring brokers for the listing project in May. MTC executive Tim Ekandjo said the mobile operator expected listing on the NSX by July 2020.

Nashilongo was equally tight-lipped when asked about the appointment of a new CEO.

“The process of recruiting the MTC CEO is ongoing and the board shall pronounce itself once all stages are concluded,” Nashilongo said.

MTC has not yet appointed a permanent CEO to replace Portuguese national Miguel Geraldes, who left MTC in February 2017.

OGONE TLHAGE

N$62m hospital project stands idle

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N$62m hospital project stands idleN$62m hospital project stands idleContractor abandoned site An expansion project at the Onandjokwe Lutheran Hospital has been dragging on since 2015. Government and a contactor are in talks about unfinished upgrades at the Onandjokwe Lutheran Hospital, after a tender was awarded in 2015.

The N$62 million project is standing idle after Amupolo Building Construction allegedly abandoned the site without finishing the work.

Government took over the hospital from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (Elcin) in 2015 and Amupolo was appointed to renovate the hospital's casualty section and outpatient department. A new maternity ward is also part of the project.

Acting Oshikoto health director, Dr Helena Nkandi-Shiimi, told Namibian Sun Amupolo was given two years to complete the work, but failed.

“After the government acquired the hospital, we wanted to improve the outpatient department and the maternity ward. As you know, baby deliveries are very high in the north and Onandjokwe is one of the oldest hospitals with a good reputation, and many want their babies delivered at Onandjokwe. We, therefore, wanted to have modern maternity facilities,” Nkandi-Shiimi said.

“The contractor was awarded a contract and was expected to finish the work by August last year. However they could not finish the work and asked for a 12-month extension. As we are speaking, the extension lapsed last month and still they could not complete the work.”

The casualty section renovations are said to have cost N$929 000, while those in the outpatient department came with a price tag of over N$1.3 million.

The bulk of the project cost (N$59 million) is linked to the new maternity ward.

Nkandi-Shiimi said government honoured its obligations by paying the construction money to the Onandjokwe hospital every month, in order to make sure there were no financial difficulties or debts after the work was completed, but the contractor failed to finish the work on time.

She said government and the contractor are currently in talks on the way forward.

Efforts to contact Amupolo Building Construction failed as the owner Erasmus Amupolo repeatedly ended phone calls made to him.

The business was also unreachable on its landline numbers and also did not respond to emails.

Sources at the hospital said the company is demanding payment to complete the work.

“How could we give them money if that is not part of the agreement? Government has availed the money, but we will not pay them until the work is completed. In fact, it will be good if government appoints a new contractor,” the source said.

Nkandi-Shiimi said the delays have impacted the hospital negatively.

“The health ministry transferred the hospital ownership from Elcin to the government, with the idea to improve its services and ageing infrastructure. Government could not spend money to renovate a facility that is not theirs. We started with the maternity ward, because it is one of the essential services offered at the hospital.

“Currently the ward is in a bad state and we wanted to give mothers and their babies a dignified environment,” Nkandi-Shiimi added.

ILENI NANDJATO

The art in-between

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The art in-between The art in-between Justicia Shipena



Would we need leadership or management in utopia? Isn’t utopia finally the place and the moment where we can get rid of all of these leaders and live free? Well, I don’t know. I think in a utopia there will be humans, hopefully, and if there are humans, they will still be social beings as well.

Everything requires leadership, so the question is: What kind of leadership should we look at? Should we look at the hero model of leadership, where the shining star is the ideal person? I do think leadership is an interesting thing and sometimes it is over-glorified. Whenever you become a leader, you have a rendezvous with reality.

Leadership and management are terms so frequently interchanged that they have almost lost their distinguishing characteristics. The images each word evokes, however, could not be more different. ‘Managers’ are uninspiring sources of aggravation at low-paying jobs.

‘Leaders’ are generals who have bronze statues cast in their honour. While leadership and management are not exactly interchangeable, they are also not mutually exclusive, and the differences between the two skill portfolios should not be confused.

When exploring the distinction between leadership and management, it is equally important to understand that effective leaders and managers are observant enough to recognise which circumstances call for leadership and which require management.

This is a true art, as it requires self-awareness to know whether one is better suited to lead or manage.

Too often self-styled serious students of leadership devote thousands of hours to attending training seminars and building a paper trail which validates their self-image as a leader. A culture of professional leadership validation through everything from leadership badges to certification programmes, originally intended to communicate one’s leadership or management qualifications to the outside world, has become cluttered.

If one characteristic serves to demystify the opacity of the ‘leadership industry’ and distinguishes leadership from management, it is that leadership is similar to management, but significantly more dependent upon personal characteristics. While not an ironclad maxim, the assertion can be made that all leaders must manage, but not all managers must lead.

Generals and admirals must effectively manage millions of dollars, facilities and human resources, before they can begin to apply their own unique leadership styles. Politicians must manage broad portfolios of relationships, risk and trade-offs.

Every organisation seems to have its own theories about which leadership styles best suit organisational missions. Given the complexity of interpersonal communications, searching for a unified theory of leadership seems almost a fool’s errand.

Whether it be employing a participative leadership style over a series of months to help an organisation develop its strategic plan or using an authoritative leadership style to lead a unit in pitched combat, a leader’s success toward achieving the organisation’s mission relies heavily on a few essential characteristics.

A manager must be an excellent communicator and a shrewdness factor in terms of resources and personnel. A leader either must be a steward or be self-aware enough to know how to lead those who are. The paramount difference that distinguishes leaders, though, is recognising the dynamic, complex nature of their human resources. Human resources are most effective when they are given purpose, motivation and direction.

I hope someday when you have to choose between the two, you will make the right choice for yourself to manage the things you need to manage, but also lead the people you are supposed to lead.

At the end of the day, leaders are essentially managers who communicate clearly and candidly, foster mutual respect, share hardship and strive to improve the organisation with their most valuable resources - their human resources.

Where is our poll fever?

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Where is our poll fever?Where is our poll fever? With the notice announcing the availability of the final voters’ roll to be published in the Government Gazette on 6 November and the period for the submission of candidates for the National Assembly and presidential elections taking place from 1 to 18 October, maybe election fever will finally now be upon us.

The date for the nomination of independent candidates is 16 October. On 18 October the ECN will receive the political party candidates for head of state and National Assembly. On 13 November, voting will take place at Namibia’s foreign missions. Sea-going personnel will also vote on this date. Defence force members, who will be performing duties on election day (27 November), will also cast their votes on 13 November. Having said all that, and with preparations forging ahead, does it really feel like we are going to the polls in a few months? It has been quite a subdued pre-election period so far, by any standards. Will voter apathy be the big winner this time again, as we have seen in recent by-elections? The fact of the matter is that ordinary Namibians are fighting daily battles that have seen elections being pushed to the backburner. And who can blame them. Amid the economic suffering and politicians, as usual, talking a good game and nothing more, what would the best approaches be to ignite some sort of impetus ahead of the 2019 polls? As self-absorbed as politicians are, we have a system of government whose tentacles are felt in every corner of our lives. This is the conundrum we face. We know that politicians are generally full of nonsense, yet when they come with their honey-lipped promises, we are cognisant of the fact that a lack of proximity to power or the right political membership card may have dire consequences. Even basic government delivery is treated as personal packet of sweeties by politicians. Nevertheless, election day is coming, so let us vote wisely and with the future of our country in mind.

Cotton candy fairies

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Cotton candy fairiesCotton candy fairiesFlossi takes care of your sweet-tooth needs Two sisters have turned their love for a childhood treat into a successful business. Pull quote: “We wanted to do something we enjoyed indulging in and also obtain an income from it,” -Tupopila Pilatus. Michelline Nawatises

On a particularly day, sisters Nancy and Tupopila Pilatus were reminiscing about how they used to enjoy eating candy floss when they were young.

The two young ladies, who are currently studying accounting at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) wondered what happened to their habit of eating candy floss and why the product seemed to have become scarce.

They then decided to do some research to find out how candy floss is made from scratch.

They made their own, infused with a variety of uncommon flavours that are different from the usual pink and blue candy floss. Their product is also free from all the additives packed in store-bought floss sugar.

The name Flossi is derived from the word candy floss, as they were looking for a name that was catchy and would complement the product. Their product is freshly-spun gourmet candy floss.

It consists of plant-based, vegan-friendly, kosher-friendly and GMO-free ingredients. The ingredients they make use of are sugar, all-natural plant-based flavourants and colourants.

Flossi was initially registered in March 2019, but officially started with its operations in late June this year. The two sisters explain their target market is individuals of all ages, who would like the product for personal consumption, and party or event planners. They use this product to beautify events as well.

They said candy floss adds flare to an event’s dessert table and champagne glasses.

“Candy floss has that nostalgic effect. It brings back great childhood memories and it is a different treat to offer to your guests as a thank you gesture for their attendance,” they said. Approximately 20 containers can be made out of 500g of floss sugar.

Beautifying a certain event does not take long, as champagne glasses simply need to be topped off with candy floss. The time needed is thus dependent on the number of glasses. For customised party favours, Flossi pre-packages everything before they get to the venue.

Flossi is motivated by seeing the joyful expressions on the faces of customers when they consume the product and the nostalgic effect it has on them.

Prices

For individual consumption, there is a minimum order of three medium tubs at N$20 each and large tubs at N$30 each.

For customised party tubs, there is a minimum order of 10 at a standard N$20 each (the price may change according to design).

The founders said establishing Flossi is their major achievement.

Another was having an opportunity to work with event planner and dessert table creator Brown Sugar Parties.

“We have always admired Brown Sugar Parties for their eye for styling events.”

One of the challenges Flossi faced was marketing.

There are up to 10 flavours available which you can choose from. These include lemon, coconut, cookies ‘n cream, strawberry, mixed berry, mango, vanilla toffee, litchi, strawberry kiwi and watermelon. Candy floss has only one texture - fluffy and soft to the touch.

The Zone asked the ladies if they attended a training course to perfect their skills.

“All that we do or know about candy floss comes from research. The business side to it comes from attending a free business seminar that was offered at our place of fellowship, Life Changing Christian Church.”

The candy ladies want to transfer the knowledge they have to their peers, so that they can also become innovative young individuals.

They explained their views on the concept of ‘job creator’ versus ‘job seeker’. “Well, a job creator, from a student’s perspective, is taking the knowledge you have acquired from the lecture room and seeing how you can incorporate that knowledge with your interests and skillset and turn it into a business venture. As the business grows you employ employees.”

They said if one is not comfortable with opening a business fresh out of varsity, you should then seek a job in your field of study or interest and obtain all the experience and knowledge needed, and then later branch out and open up a business.

“Small businesses play a role in the economic growth of the country. If we, the youth, can encourage and support, support, support each other’s business ideas, there will be growth and opportunities for employment, which will help reduce the unemployment burden our country is facing.”

Facebook: Flossi-Candy floss

Instagram: Flossi_na

Unusual facts about cotton candy

Believe it or not, a dentist named Dr William Morrison invented the sugary treat in 1897.

A thread of cotton candy is thinner than a human hair.

Cotton candy comes in many different flavours, including bubble gum, banana, chocolate, vanilla, watermelon and maple syrup.

The longest cotton candy was created on July 2009 and measured 1 400 metres - about the same length as 13 football fields! It took six hours to make the gigantic treat.

New lease on life

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New lease on lifeNew lease on life Over a month after complaining at a presidential town hall meeting in Rundu about the lack of artificial limbs at the town's state hospital, 49-year-old Lukas Mpandu yaMpandu was overjoyed yesterday when he received a free limb through an Indian embassy project.

He is one of the beneficiaries of the Jaipur foot project, being run by the Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS) organisation, which is providing artificial limbs to over 500 Namibians free of charge in Rundu.

YaMpandu, from Sambyu village, is a former mathematics teacher at Maria Mwengere Secondary School.

He could not contain his excitement when he shared his story with Namibian Sun.

“I feel very excited to have received this artificial limb, as it will enable me to do the things I was able to do before I lost one of my legs,” he said.

His left leg was amputated in 2016.

Ever since, he has relied on crutches and a wheelchair to move around.

When he was granted an opportunity to speak on issues facing people living with disabilities during President Geingob's town hall meeting in Rundu, which was held on 9 August, YaMpandu did not shy away from informing the head of state how difficult it was for him to get an artificial limb.

He requested the health ministry to address this.

“I am very thankful for the government for having responded to our call. With these free limbs, people who live with disabilities will be considered, just like any other person in society,” he said.

YaMpandu said he will do the exercises prescribed by a specialist, and once he masters how to use the limb, he will look for a job.

“The next step is to look for a job, and hopefully this time around, I will not be discriminated against. There were jobs I could not apply for, because I was using crunches, but that will soon be a thing of the past,” he said.

The official campaign launch was graced yesterday by deputy health minister Juliet Kavetuna, who read a speech on behalf of health minister Kalumbi Shangula.

It was explained how the Indian high commission in Namibia had approached the ministry and offered orthopaedic technical services, including rehabilitation support.

This comes in the form of the fabrication and fitting of artificial limbs for 550 Namibians during a six-week camp.

In Namibia, orthopaedic technical services are only provided at the Windhoek central and Oshakati and Rundu intermediate hospitals.

With the project running for the next six weeks, Shangula called on community leaders to inform those living with disabilities to register and benefit from the initiative.

It was revealed that a Jaipur artificial limb costs about N$16 000, while limbs from western countries can cost between N$160 000 and N$250 000.

The Jaipur artificial limb weighs less than three kilograms and permits one to sit, run, squat, climb, walk and swim.

Depending on how one handles and uses the limb, it can last for about four years.

A number of people, who are living with disabilities, have benefitted from the project since its commenced last Friday.



KENYA KAMBOWE

Anger and arrogance

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Anger and arroganceAnger and arroganceExperts say Namibian men can't deal with rejection Experts are trying to get to the root of the growing epidemic of domestic murders in Namibia. Anger and an inability to deal with rejection are among the causes of why Namibian men, some of whom have superiority complexes, continue to brutally maim and kill the women in their lives.

This is according to commentators who were reacting to the latest string of partner violence and murder cases that have rocked the country.

In the latest incidents last week a 29-year-old man killed the mother of his two children and her children and then took his own life.

The man repeatedly chopped the woman with a panga before slitting their throats at Omahenge village in the Ohangwena Region. The man committed suicide afterwards.

In Windhoek, a 35-year-old man killed a woman in their shack in Wanaheda in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The woman's body was found with an axe in her neck and the boyfriend allegedly set the shack on fire after he murdered her.

In another incident on Thursday a Walvis Bay police officer allegedly shot his ex-girlfriend in Kuisebmond with his service pistol. He was arrested after he surrendered himself. Pastor Ngeno Nakamhela told Namibian Sun that there is a hidden anger among some Namibian men causing this violence.

“Some of our men have a hidden anger and they cannot express it in another way than take it out on women. It is a sad reality.”

He said one thing that is also contributing to these violent acts is that some men do not welcome the emancipation of women.





“They do not welcome women being given the freedom to be equal to men. That emancipation of women becomes a threat to men.”

According to Nakamhela men have not been properly prepared for this change and therefore do not know how to deal with women standing up for themselves.

“During various meetings I have come to the conclusion that men do not know how to deal with the situation when women use their own words. When they come out of their cocoon.”

He explained that when there is an argument men feel threatened by women and feel that the only way that they can place women back in that cocoon is by violence or total destruction.

Nakamhela said unless programmes are put in place to help men to work on their anger the problem and their superiority complex will not be addressed properly.

According to him programmes must be put in place where can be encouraged to talk on a platform about their feelings and are willing to participate openly.

The acting secretary-general of the Council of Churches in Namibia (CCN), Ludwig Beukes, said one of the contributing factors is that men especially find it difficult to deal with rejection and do not communicate about their feelings.

“They will coop up their feelings up to the extent of violence.”

He further said when men are rejected it is their ego that is hurt and they want to demonstrate power instead of just accepting and letting go.

Referring to a case Beukes was involved with, he said he was giving pre-marriage counselling to a couple when the woman decided she wanted to break off the relationship. However the man went to her house and demanded that she should give everything back that he had bought her.

Beukes said although she complied the man still broke down the door and shot her in the back before committing suicide.

“He asked for everything back, but still was not happy, because he could not deal with the rejection and accept that the relationship was over.”

Beukes said men should accept that when women break off a relationship it is not because they are a failure, but just because they do not want to be in that relationship any longer.

He further said that society is also contributing to men having the idea that they should be strong and in power, the head of the household, while fatherless children who do not have a role model can also be contributing factors.

“Gender-based violence is continuing the same pattern. There are women who want to get out, but are threatened and then stay because they fear for their lives.”

He said programmes should focus on schoolchildren as violence can already be seen among young children.

“Campaigns are just a money-making business. We must focus on children and have group discussions. Otherwise we are just an ambulance, waiting to react when it happens.”

The project manager at White Ribbon Namibia, Elina Mujuda, said there is a misunderstanding between couples and that some men think that just because they provide for women they have the right to treat and abuse a woman as they want.

She said there is ignorance among certain cultures and that more programmes need to be put in place to train and engage men.

“Currently there is just talk, talk, talk, but no action.”

ellanie@namibiansun.com

ELLANIE SMIT
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