N$650k for negligence

September 25, 2019, 3:00 pm

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N$650k for negligenceMother successfully sues health ministry A maternal death at the Walvis Bay state hospital has cost the taxpayer N$650 000 in a medical negligence lawsuit. The health ministry has been dealt a severe legal blow after the High Court awarded more than N$650 000 to a woman whose daughter had died shortly after delivering a stillbirth because of inadequate medical care.

Milka Lopez, the mother of Margaritha Sophia Nghinamwaami (20) who died in February 2015, was awarded N$651 042 in damages by Acting Judge Collins Parker this week.

During the trial Lopez told the court that what was “supposed to be the happiest day of my life turned into a nightmare,” when her granddaughter and daughter died within days of each other.

During judgment, Parker found that the doctor on call at the Walvis Bay state hospital on 15 February, and the nurses on duty, had failed to act reasonably in order ensure no harm befell their patient.

The judge said Lopez and her legal team from the Legal Assistance Centre (LAC) had shown that Dr Obey Nhiwatiwa had failed in his “duty to properly and timeously assess the condition of the patient when the opportunity to do so presented itself”.

Testimony during the trial revealed that although the doctor had been present to certify that the baby had died, he failed to assess the patient properly at the time.

Moreover, the judge noted that the nurses attending to the patient had failed in their duty to apprise the doctor on call of the true nature of the patient's condition.

Although a nurse had testified that the suturing to close a severe tear Nghinamwaami had suffered during labour looked in order, Judge Collins noted that “all was not fine, in my opinion”.

Collins stressed that while the doctor had certified the baby was dead three hours prior, he had failed, without any good reasons, to assess the mother.

“Common sense and human experience tell me that if the efforts of Dr Nhiwatiwa took in the theatre to stop the patient's bleeding at around 22:45 and the administering of Ketamin had been pursued at around 17:00, the complications that set in after 22:45 would have been successfully managed.

“Dr Nhiwatiwa had no good reason to only certify that the baby was dead, without properly assessing for himself the true situation about the patient.”

Collins added: “Lo and behold, barely three hours after certifying that the baby was dead, Dr Nhiwatiwa was called by registered nurse Shijabuluka to return in order to attend to an emergency.”

That emergency was the young mother, who had developed post-partum haemorrhage.



Sad win

Collins awarded Lopez N$300 000 for the emotional shock and trauma she had suffered.

Lopez was awarded a further N$200 000 in damages for the inconvenience and discomfort she had endured.





Collins awarded her a further N$100 000 for future medical expenses related to psychological counselling.

Lopez was also awarded N$51 042 for the two funerals she had to arrange.



Nightmare

Lopez told the court that her daughter died of cardiac failure as a result of haemorrhage due to an untreated vaginal laceration.

“Death is inevitable in life, [but] my daughter's death could have been prevented had the medical doctor exercised the minimum standard of care and skill expected,” she said in her witness statement.

A witness, Dr Nadine Agnew, concluded that according to the available medical records, “delivery of the deceased's baby and post-natal care was poorly managed and led to the death of the deceased”.

Lopez told the court that only hours after her daughter had given birth and continued bleeding, a doctor was finally called and Nghinamwaami was rushed into the theatre for a blood transfusion.

Nghinamwaami lost consciousness and never woke up again.

She was declared dead on 19 February, after she was transferred to the Windhoek Central Hospital.

jana@namibiansun.com

JANA-MARI SMITH

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Trustco starts trading in New York

September 26, 2019, 7:39 am

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Trustco starts trading in New York Trustco Group Holdings, a local company with segments in financial services and resources, today became the first Namibian company to qualify to have its American Depository Receipts (ADRs) trade on the OTCQX Best Market.
OTC Markets Group is an American financial market providing price and liquidity information for 10 000 over-the-counter securities. The group has its headquarters in New York City.
"We are pleased to welcome Trustco Group Holdings Ltd. to the OTCQX Best Market," said Jason Paltrowitz, EVP of corporate services at OTC Markets Group.
"Trustco joins fellow South African Stock Exchange listed company, Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd., on OTCQX. Trading on OTCQX provides an efficient US market experience that reflects the prestige of the Johannesburg market and allows Trustco to efficiently execute the company's US strategy," Paltrowitz said.
The managing director of Trustco Group Holdings, Quinton van Rooyen, said: “The company is delighted to begin trading on the OTCQX Best Market joining over 400 established, investor-focused US and international companies.”

New standoff hits NPL

September 26, 2019, 3:00 pm

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New standoff hits NPLFifa normalisation committee responds to 'rules' request The Fifa normalisation committee says there has been no communication about how many clubs will feature in the premier league this season. Fifa normalisation chairperson Hilda Basson-Namundjebo says they will not be providing rules and methods to the Namibia Premier League (NPL), which it claims it wants to use to finalise promotions relegations ahead of the upcoming season.

This follows an already lengthy standoff regarding a Fifa directive which said that no relegations and promotions should take place after the 2018/19 season, given that no first division football was played last season.

After Saturday's NPL congress, the league wrote to the Fifa normalisation committee requesting that it provides the league with rules and methods to be used to promote and relegate clubs to and from the different Namibia Football Association (NFA) leagues ahead of the 2019/20 season.

This request comes without the NPL having given proper information about how many clubs will feature in the league, which is scheduled to start 1 November.

“The NPL wrote a letter to us requesting that we issue them with rules before they kick off. There is no communication as to how many clubs will feature in the league, which is scheduled (to kick off in) November,” Basson-Namundjebo said.

“So we have responded to them asking who we are making rules for. We are not sure if it's 13, 15 or 16 clubs. So because of this reason, we won't issue rules, because we don't know who we are issuing them for.”

Basson-Namundjebo also rebuffed rumours that they had received a directive from Fifa to suspend the NPL as an NFA members, because it constantly defies directives from the global football body.

“I just returned from Milan, where I had meetings with Fifa. Fifa has the best interests of football at heart. However, we haven't had a discussion, as such (on suspending the NPL).

“All I can say is that we need to stop making emotional decisions and allow one member to cause havoc. We have given the NPL an original letter from Fifa with the directive that there won't be any relegations, but after several meetings with them they have gone against their word and still refuse to heed the call.

“Football needs to be played, not through emails and many letters, but through the amount of development taking place, how many referee courses we have organised and the level of effort going into improving the development of the women's game, and such,” Basson-Namundjebo added.

NPL spokesperson Andre Gariseb said they had received the letter from the normalisation committee and that no members have complied with article 63 and submitted proposed amendments to articles 10.2 and 64.1 of the NPL constitution. The due date was Wednesday.

These proposals would have aided the NPL to consider the proposed promotion of Orlando Pirates and Civics for the upcoming season.

Young African's demotion was appealed to the 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.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

Sexton to miss Japan clash

September 26, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Sexton to miss Japan clash NAMPA/AFP

Coach Joe Schmidt has stuck with 11 of the side who crushed Scotland 27-3 in their opening game of the Japan Rugby World Cup, but confirmed on Thursday that Johnny Sexton would be rested to give the World Player of the Year time to fully recover from a thigh strain.

"Johnny is never happy about being left out," said Schmidt, who has tapped Jack Carty to take over the playmaking duties against Japan in Shizuoka tomorrow.

"(Sexton) got a little mileage against Scotland and we thought about bringing him off the bench, but it's a case of being confident in the squad," he added.

"He keeps himself in good condition and he's a guy who can come back and hit the ground running."

Ireland skills coach Richie Murphy added: "When you get a bang in the quad as a kicker it can affect your kicking, so we're obviously not going to risk him in that part of the game."

Schmidt, who hinted that Sexton could return against Russia next week, predicted that Carty would rise to the occasion in only his second Test start.

"He's very calm and doesn't get ruffled easily," said the New Zealander.

"He doesn't get distracted by an error he might make or by people trying to put pressure on him. He stays in the zone incredibly well, so that gives us a lot of confidence."

Ireland, who have never progressed beyond the World Cup quarterfinals, will be firm favourites to beat the Japanese, who thrashed Russia 30-10 in the tournament opener.

But Schmidt insisted he would not underestimate the Brave Blossoms, who shocked the world of sport by toppling South Africa in their opening match four years ago on England's south coast.

"I think they're really well-prepared," he said. "They had between 180 and 200 days in camp this year and they've got guys who can change it up.

"I don't think they will be intimidated by the occasion - I think they will be motivated hugely by it."

Schmidt welcomes back fullback Rob Kearney and winger Keith Earls into the starting line-up, meanwhile, after both passed fitness tests.

Earls has scored eight World Cup tries, an Irish record, and trails only legendary centre Brian O'Driscoll in their all-time list for Test tries.

However, there is still no place in the squad for star centre Robbie Henshaw, as he continues to nurse a hamstring injury.

Rory Best is set to captain the side for the 36th time in Shizuoka, equalling fellow hooker Keith Wood.

Schmidt has also retained the pack that was so dominant against Scotland, keeping faith with the powerful second-row of James Ryan and Iain Henderson, backed by No 8 CJ Stander, who was voted man of the match.

Ireland, who came into the tournament as the world number one side, made light work of a disappointing Scotland to underline their title credentials in what is seen as the most wide-open World Cup ever.

However, the Irish have never won a knockout match at the World Cup and are likely to face either treble-chasing New Zealand or South Africa in the last eight.

The Ireland team is as follows:

Rob Kearney, Keith Earls, Garry Ringrose, Chris Farrell, Jacob Stockdale, Jack Carty, Conor Murray, CJ Stander, Josh Van der Flier, Peter O'Mahony, James Ryan, Iain Henderson, Tadhg Furlong, Rory Best (captain) and Cian Healy.

Replacements: Sean Cronin, David Kilcoyne, Andrew Porter, Tadgh Beirne, Rhys Ruddock, Luke McGrath, Joey Carbery and Jordan Larmour.

Urdapilleta at flyhalf for Argentina

September 26, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Urdapilleta at flyhalf for Argentina NAMPA/AFP

Flyhalf Benjamin Urdapilleta was handed his first Test start in six years, as Argentina made four changes yesterday for their Rugby World Cup game against Tonga, following their nail-biting defeat to France.

Urdapilleta, who scored two penalties after coming on as a replacement in their 21-23 loss in Tokyo, comes in for Nicholas Sanchez, who drops to the bench.

Leftwing Santiago Carreras will make his first Test start, while hooker Julian Montoya and number 8 Tomas Lezana are the other new faces for tomorrow’s game in Hanazono.

There was no place in the 23-man squad for Juan Manuel Leguizamon, who is just one Test appearance away from equalling Felipe Contepomi's Argentina record of 87.

Argentina will be gunning for a bonus-point win against a tough Tongan team, who gave England a physical workout, despite going down 3-35 last weekend.

The Argentina team is as follows:

Emiliano Boffelli, Matias Moroni, Matias Orlando, Jeronimo De La Fuente, Santiago Carreras; Benjamin Urdapilleta, Tomas Cubelli, Tomas Lezana, Marcos Kremer, Pablo Matera (captain), Tomas Lavanini, Guido Petti, Juan Figallo, Julian Montoya and Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro.

Replacements: Agustin Creevy, Mayco Vivas, Santiago Medrano, Matias Alemanno, Javier Ortega Desio, Felipe Ezcurra, Nicolas Sanchez and Bautista Delguy.

Namibia make sweeping changes

September 26, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Namibia make sweeping changesMinnows plan to give their all in African derby The Springboks will face a Namibian team that boasts 10 changes to the side that started against Italy in their opening Japan Rugby World Cup match. Only five players who started against Italy in Namibia's opening pool match will feature in the run-on 15 against South Africa tomorrow at the City of Toyota Stadium.

This is after Namibia's coach Phil Davies made sweeping changes to the team that lost 22-47 to Italy last Sunday.

Captain Tjiuee Uanivi, Cliven Loubser, JC Greyling, Chad Plato and Johan Tromp return to the starting line-up for the clash against the Boks. This is the second-highest number of changes the Namibians have made between Rugby World Cup matches - the highest being 11 ahead of their clash against Argentina at the 2015 edition.

Peter John Walters, who became the first player since 2011 to make his test debut for Namibia in a World Cup match, when he came on as a replacement against Italy, will start at inside-centre, while Eugene Jantjies will extend his national appearances to a record 68 caps. AJ De Klerk is in the starting 15 of a World Cup match for the first time. He has previously featured in three, while coming off the bench.

Rehoboth Rugby Club coach and former player David Philander had nothing but praise for the Namibian team, saying they played exceptionally well when they faced Italy in their opening match.

“The team that was fielded played exceptionally against a Six Nations Championship side. The score was also not too bad. The match against the Springboks will now again give a chance to those guys who haven't played yet. There are surely a lot of young guys to pick from,” Philander said.

“One thing we want is for the team to be competitive and to let their opponents know that they are just not there to make up the numbers, but to compete.”

The Springboks on Wednesday made 13 changes to the side that lost 13-23 to the All Blacks.

They will be captained by veteran hooker Schalk Brits, who replaces a benched Siya Kolisi as skipper.

Only outside centre Lukhanyo Am and wing Makazole Mapimpi keep their places after the All Blacks match.

Herschel Jantjies and Elton Jantjies are the halfback pairing, while the likes of Steven Kitshoff, Eben Etzebeth and Cheslin Kolbe join Kolisi on a high-quality bench.

“This gives us an ideal opportunity to rest guys who are vital for us in the big, big games,” said Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, who is eyeing a possible quarterfinal clash with in-form Ireland.



The Namibian team is as follows: Johan Tromp, Chad Plato, JC Greyling, Peter John Walters, Lesley Klim, Cliven Loubser, Eugene Jantjies, Adriaan Booysen, Muharua Katjijeko, Thomasau Forbes, Tjiuee Uanivi (captain), Johan Retief, AJ de Klerk, Louis van der Westhuizen and Desiderius Sethie.Replacements: Obert Nortje, Andre Rademeyer, Johannes Coetzee, Prince Gaoseb, Janco Venter, Wian Conradie, Helarius Axasman Kisting and Johan Deysel.



The Springbok team is as follows:

Warrick Gelant; S'Busiso Nkosi, Lukhanyo Am, Frans Steyn, Makazole Mapimpi; Elton Jantjies, Herschel Jantjies; Schalk Brits (captain), Kwagga Smith, Francois Louw; Lood de Jager, RG Snyman; Vincent Koch, Mbongeni Mbonambi, Tendai Mtawarira

Replacements: Steven Kitshoff, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, Franco Mostert, Cobus Reinach, Damian de Allende and Cheslin Kolbe.

-Additional info by Nampa/ANA

LIMBA MUPETAMI

PDM hones in on corruption, jobs

September 26, 2019, 3:00 pm

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PDM hones in on corruption, jobsPromises transformation In anticipation of the November elections, the PDM has released its manifesto. Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader McHenry Venaani has called on Namibians to “collectively sanitise our politics by breaking Swapo's two-thirds majority”.

He said this would usher in a new leadership that will “push our nation forward in unity and development”.

Venaani said under his presidency the wastage of state resources and corruption would be fought on every front, with vigour and determination.

These and other commitments were unveiled as part of the PDM's 2019 election manifesto launch on Wednesday.

The document, titled 'Strategy Namibia: Agenda for Change and Transforming the Nation', hones in on a number of issues on which the PDM wants to focus its campaign for the National Assembly and presidential elections slated for 27 November.

“I believe in the vast potential of Namibia and in our people's ability to continue moving Namibia forward to a bright future in which all shall benefit and share prosperity.

“There is and should be no limit to what we and our generation can achieve… Join us as we work for economic justice; for real relief and hope for every Namibian,” Venaani says in the foreword of the election manifesto.

“You deserve a leadership that is honest and good for the people. Be part of the change you want to see! Let's work together towards these noble ideals and put our party and my candidature at the forefront by voting for fresh new ideas that can move Namibia forward come November 2019.”

Venaani said the PDM has for years consistently raised concern about issues that “have taken our country backwards instead of forwards”.

“We have been at the forefront of fighting the bane of corruption and malfeasance in our government and state-owned enterprises.

“We have fought the agenda of impunity and procurement that has denied our own Namibian people jobs; we have lamented the housing and poverty crises that impugn the ideals of sovereignty and humanity of our people.

“We have called for a jobs summit to address job creation. On the other hand, we have been promised prosperity, but we have ended up with a failed economy moving in reverse… and promises of change that have come to nothing,” Venaani said. He said his party's vision was to give impetus to new ideas that would be game-changers for “our growth and survival”.

“It is a known fact that this country is semi-arid with very few water resources, coupled with various climatic challenges exacerbated by climate change.

“As president of Namibia I will stabilise water availability by investing in desalination plants to pump water from our 1 500-km coastline into the peri-urban and urban centres that would in turn revolutionise agriculture to ensure food security and reverse youth unemployment in our nation,” Venaani said.

“I shall revolutionise Namibia by making our country a renewable energy hub through solar and wind energy, through providing widespread support to scientists to be trained abroad in order to produce our own locally built solar panels.

“Homeowners will be encouraged to sell surplus energy to the energy grid, while providing storage facilities.

“Thus, under my watch Namibia's economy will be ensured of the essentials, namely the water and energy required for sustained growth for our country and its people.”

Venaani said it was his plan to build a stronger Namibia by building a stronger economy, stronger communities, a cleaner environment and more modern infrastructure.

“My priority is to build a stronger, more productive and diverse economy by lowering taxes, a leaner and efficient government and a more productive business sector that will deliver more jobs, higher wages and better service provision for all the citizens of our country.

“With a modernised economy and the right policies, Namibians can have competitive manufacturing industries, a dynamic service sector and a growing knowledge economy, a modernised agricultural sector and a value-added mining sector.

“We can achieve strong and vibrant small and medium enterprises creating better jobs for growth and less dependence on government.

“My government will put into place an education policy that is vital to both individual and national development; this will be a solemn priority of my presidency,” Venaani said.

He also pledged to provide free education from lower- to upper-primary level, while providing support to identified priority faculties at tertiary level.

“I will see to it that institutions of higher learning are built within regions to raise the quality of education at regional level, with a greater emphasis on vocational training skills development, better-trained teachers and well-equipped facilities to capacitate our youth with jobs in the long-term.

“I will further deepen our economic base by unlocking dead capital in rural areas and shall modernise agriculture and double the number of farmers by providing them with water infrastructure to secure robust production and food sustainability,” Venaani added.



STAFF REPORTER

Attempt to delay Möller murder trial fails

September 26, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Attempt to delay Möller murder trial fails An attempt by the key accused in the killing of Walvis Bay businessman Hans-Jörg Möller in 2016 to delay the start of proceedings of the murder trial for up to a year, failed in the High Court yesterday.

The 30-year-old Panduleni Gotlieb, through his Legal Aid-funded defence lawyer Jarmaine Muchali, on Tuesday brought an urgent application before court in which he asked presiding High Court Judge Dinah Usiku to put the start of the trial on hold for eight or 12 months because he wanted enough time to peruse the records of the State's disclosure before he could plead to the charges against him.

Gotlieb's request for a postponement was refused in a ruling handed down by Judge Usiku yesterday morning.

According to the court, the start of the proceedings of the trial has already experienced several postponements in 2018 and 2019 and Gotlieb's request to merely peruse the records of the State's disclosure is just another delaying tactic.

The accused's request for a postponement of eight or 12 months is unreasonable and is only meant to delay the proceedings of the trial, the judge said.

“This request is also meant to just frustrate the other four accused who are ready for the proceedings. Panduleni Gotlieb is not charged with an ordinary street crime. He is facing very serious charges which include murder,” said Judge Usiku.

Gotlieb is charged in the matter over Möller's death alongside 29-year-old David Tashiya, Malakia Shiweda, 28, David Shekundja, 27, and Ally Ndapuka Hinaivali, 29.

Gotlieb is accused number one in the matter and was out on bail for three other murder charges prior to the businessman's death.

The five accused men are now scheduled to return to the Windhoek High Court on 16 October 2019 for the start of the trial.

Furthermore, the court also seriously warned accused Tashiya to again apply to the Directorate of Legal Aid for another lawyer before the commencement of trial on 16 October, after he terminated the services of defence lawyer Mese Tjituri on Tuesday.

The late Möller was allegedly attacked and shot in the stomach during an armed robbery at his house in Walvis Bay between 16 and 17 June 2016, leading to his death in hospital a few days later.

The five accused are charged with counts of murder, attempted murder, robbery, possession of an unlicensed firearm and housebreaking with intent to rob, among other charges.

They remain in police custody at the Windhoek Central Correctional Facility's trial-awaiting section since arrest, with no option to post bail.

Defence lawyers Mposikeng Dube, Trevor Brockerhoff and Titus Ipumbu are defending accused Shiweda, Shekundja and Hinaivali.

NAMPA

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M-Gee's fourth album is ready

September 26, 2019, 3:00 pm

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M-Gee's fourth album is readyPushing an unconventional sound Musician M-Gee is determined to share his cultural heritage through his music. Two weeks ago, this versatile artist featured in our Fresh and Popping section and we have since learned that he is releasing his fourth body of work on Monday.

This talented musician from Rundu has been making his mark one step at a time.

With a hands-on approach, M-Gee's musical deliveries truly make use of a fusion of sounds that give him his own identity. tjil spoke to him to find out a little more about how it all started for him, and about his new album.



tjil (t): M-Gee, could you firstly tell your story and reflect on how you got into the music game?

M-Gee (M): I'm from Rundu - the beautiful town that breeds talent. I got into the music industry in 2009 and I released my first album 2011.

I followed it up with my sophomore album called Moments in Life after four years due to some shortcomings and that I could only record when time allowed. I have since gone on to release other albums that featured songs that got airplay on Trace Africa.



t: I think what stands out with your music is that it's pretty unconventional. What inspires you to make the sounds you make?

M: Growing up I was exposed to my tradition.

My music defines who I am and where I come from; a place of happy souls who are proud to embrace their cultural sounds called Matjikili No Nkurugoma.



t: You are about to drop your fourth album. Talk to us about the message in this album and what impact you want to make with it?

M: This album brings energetic and joyful vibes. It is my conduit to bring happiness to the world.

I have been slowly climbing the ladder, but this is the best album I have worked on. I have shared two music videos from the three lead singles I have released so far from the album.

t: Who did you work with on this album?

M: I worked with quite a number of talented local artists including Ya Mukongo from TKB, Iris, Gurd Grill, Zombie Explorers, Cool Kid and Shake Shone. Talent is not about popular names. Some of these artists are talented and hard workers and for me I would rather work with talented artists than those that are supposedly popping but lack talent. I am grateful to all the artists I have collaborated with in the making of Esimbi.

t: Four albums is not an easy achievement. What have been some of the challenges you have faced along your journey?

M: As an independent artist I struggled a lot with finding a producer who understands me and gives me what I want without limitations. In the past I would travel to Windhoek for beats and studio sessions; thank God I met J-Scoff, a young talented boy from my hometown.





MICHAEL KAYUNDE

Frodd shakes it up in BBNaija

September 26, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Frodd shakes it up in BBNaija The Sunday night live eviction show did not come with an eviction but it sure came with a twist from Biggie, as Frodd emerged as the ultimate veto power holder.

During the live show, Biggie instructed the housemates to gather in the arena for the ultimate veto power holder reveal whilst the head of house, Elozonam, was instructed to open the red box with the key to reveal the picture.

Frodd had the exact duplicate of the picture in the red box and hence was crowned ultimate veto power holder. He now has the sole power to nominate five housemates for possible eviction.

Earlier in the week, housemates were tasked with taking care of the red box, however Cindy, Elozonam and Diane were each given strikes for abandoning the box after 2Baba's visit to the house.

On Monday, Elozonam emerged as head of house after winning the suction challenge, where housemates had to move all the sweets on their plates to the cups next to their plates using only the drinking straws provided.

Meanwhile, Reekado Banks lit up the live eviction show with performances of his hit singles 'Problem' and 'Rora' while Abuja-based DJ TTB got the audience dancing to hit songs from some of Nigeria's best musicians.

There are still 10 housemates left in the race to win the 30 million naira cash prize and 60 million worth of prizes, courtesy of Big Brother Naija.

STAFF REPORTER

Winning boerewors nets an Isuzu

September 26, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Winning boerewors nets an IsuzuIt pays to take part in competitions Entities join forces in support of the boerewors competition. On Tuesday, 24 September, the 11th boerewors champion was crowned in the Shoprite Checkers Namibian Champion Boerewors competition at a finale held at Avani Hotel & Casino in Windhoek.

For the second time in a row, Auas Motors once again joined other brands like Castle Lite, the Namibian Chefs Association, Coca-Cola and Wellington's in support of the boerewors competition, which takes place from March to July, every year.

Since its inception in 2010, the event attracts over 2 000 entries who compete for the number one boerewors recipe.

This year's competition saw Ursula Malan driving off in an Isuzu D-Max single cab bakkie worth over N$260 000, which was sponsored by Auas Motors. The D-Max range has been applauded for having maximum durability, reliability and capabilities; a huge advantage for any type of business.

Moreover, her winning boerewors will be sold at Shoprite and Checkers supermarkets across the country.

STAFF REPORTER

It's almost beer o'clock!

September 26, 2019, 3:00 pm

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It's almost beer o'clock!All set for Oktoberfest 2019 Organisers held a media launch this week revealing all the details. On Wednesday night, the Windhoek Oktoberfest was launched at the headquarters of one of its founding sponsors, Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL), a subsidiary of Ohlthaver & List (O&L).

Marking the 61th consecutive year that the Windhoek Oktoberfest is taking place, the jubilee attracted a total of 6 670 people in 2018; conversely this year it is preparing for a larger group and is slated to take place on 25 and 26 October with the Sport Klub Windhoek (SKW) remaining the site of the event.

On Saturday, the fest will host the perfect mix of traditional games for all ages and traditional Bavarian cuisine.

The world-class original Oktoberfest band from Munich, Germany, the Kirchdorfer band, will be present for entertainment and will also be joined by Jaegermeister Brass Cartel. The schuhplatter and a group of local dancers will also form part of the entertainment programme with additional highlights including the special-brewed Festbier, a beer specially brewed for the Windhoek Oktoberfest.

The fest will include a cashless payment system facilitated by Howler, a service provider with an outstanding track record in Namibia, inclusive of the annual Jazz festival and Hop Heads festival.

Nico Gericke, Windhoek Oktoberfest member, said this year's Oktoberfest will also see more food choices and the beer bar has been extended by 10 metres, whereas the two traditional bars with beer and spirits are perfected with two additional bars, including a beer trailer.Tickets to the Windhoek Oktoberfest are available at any Pick n Pay outlet countrywide as well as online through Webtickets at the cost of N$140.



JUSTICIA SHIPENA

R. Kelly bond poster wants her US$100 000 back

September 26, 2019, 3:00 pm

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R. Kelly bond poster wants her US$100 000 back Earlier this year, Valencia Love put up US$100 000 of her own money to help her friend get out of jail. That friend was R. Kelly. Now, Love wants her money back, but a judge has denied her request.

R. Kelly posted bond with Love's US$100 000 after he was arrested in February on sexual assault and sexual abuse charges, CBS Chicago reports. Love paid the required 10% of Kelly's US$1 million bond to get him out of jail.

However, investigators were looking into additional allegations against Kelly at the time and in July, federal prosecutors in Chicago and New York brought new charges against him.

Kelly is now back in jail, being held without bail. Love's attorney, John Collins, says his client was unaware of additional investigations against Kelly when she posted his bond.

“There's been a substantial change of circumstances,” Collins said, according to CBS Chicago. “In this instance, he's held with no bond, so the purposes of the bond are frustrated in Illinois.” Collins argued that with Kelly back in jail, being held with no bond, there is no reason for the courts to keep Love's money.

However, Judge Lawrence Flood says Love signed a bond slip acknowledging that she could lose her money - even if Kelly met the conditions of his bond. A judge could order that bond money be used to pay attorney's fees, court costs and fines. So Flood ruled Love will not get her 100-grand back.

After new federal charges were brought against Kelly in July, Cook County prosecutors asked for an increase in Kelly's original bond. But Flood denied that request at a hearing on Tuesday, noting Kelly already is being held without bail on the federal charges. “It's kind of a moot point,” Flood said. “If there's a change in circumstances, and he is somehow released from custody, and you want to bring it back before me, I'll take a look at it at that time.”

Kelly is facing two separate hearings - one in December for the charges brought against him in Cook County, and another in April for the federal sex crime charges, CBS Chicago reports.

The federal indictment charges Kelly with 13 felony counts - including child pornography, enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity, and obstruction of justice.



CBS NEWS

Visible Talent Namibia gives status update

September 26, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Visible Talent Namibia gives status update Visible Talent Namibia hosted a cocktail corporate and media launch in Windhoek this week.

Speaking at the launch, Visible Talent Namibia's operations manager Rousa Shikoha mentioned that the entity is an initiative that targets the Namibian nation to raise its aptitude to the best of its abilities. “This is a platform for the creative Namibian audience to showcase their talent on a professional stage by mobilising the very best in each region to compete at a national level,” said Shikoha.

Visible Talent Namibia went on a national scouting road tour from early July to mid-September. Shikoha added that during the scouting process, the team scouted over 2 500 people out of whom 150 people received golden tickets to take part in the grand finale slated for Saturday, 30 November in Windhoek. “One of the most heartfelt moments during the auditions was when we would arrive at the venues early in the mornings and we would find young people who slept at the venue, eager to showcase their talent, eager to be a voice, eager to be a star,” reminisced Shikoha. Founder of Visible Talent Namibia Tate Buti, real name Abraham Mbangala, said that it was not an easy road and the journey still continues. “Let's push it to the next level. Maybe next year our official sponsor Indongo Toyota will sponsor us with a Toyota Etios for the winner,” he joked.

Hosted by Leena Shipwata, the judges include Tate Buti, Dion from PDK and Top Cheri. At the event sponsorship and pledge forms were handed outt for the public to pledge their sponsorship to the initiative. All sponsorship towards the grand finale should be made by Friday, 15 November. For more information visit the Visible Talent Namibia social media pages.

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

Taking you down memory lane

September 26, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Taking you down memory lanePatty's Heart put together an exciting line-up Party with a purpose at the Old School Benefit Concert next Friday. Party's Heart, a community outreach programme honouring the legacy of Priscilla 'Patty' Niilonga Geingos through food and clothing drives and other support initiatives, has revealed the line-up for this year's Old School Benefit Concert.

It includes Boli, Ras Sheehama, Gazza, Jossy Joss, Killa B, King Tee Dee, Frieda, Oteya, Jericho, Kanibal, Lady May Africa and many more. The event will take place at the Katutura Youth Complex Stadium.

In an interview with tjil, founder of Patty's Heart, Nangula Geingos, shared that to obtain tickets to the concert one needs to purchase non-perishable items at Shoprite or Checkers.

“After purchasing the item you take it to the Computicket counter, you give them your receipt and they will see where it says tinned fish, bag of sugar or other non-perishable items and they will give you a ticket in exchange.

“At the end of course you can imagine that Shoprite and Checkers will accumulate a good stock of these food items, which we will then hand over to the food bank in support of the government's effort to eradicate poverty,” said Geingos.

Prior to the music concert, Geingos shared that the foundation will have a charity week that will feature different charity events including visiting the children at the Windhoek Central Hospital who are battling cancer and give them gifts and toys.

On Wednesday the foundation will host an awards dinner at the Windhoek Country Club and Casino in honour of community heroes in various fields.

“With the awards dinner, the idea is to introduce corporate companies which have supported the foundation over the years to the beneficiaries,” she said.

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

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Chubby Beats: Musician and marketing whiz

September 26, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Chubby Beats: Musician and marketing whiz While in the process of working on his second album, Chubby Beats made time to engage tjil on the progress of that project.

His car stickers are littered on so many taxis in Windhoek and because of that many people often say he runs the streets of Windhoek. But besides being a marketing whiz for his merchandise, clothing brand and car stickers, Chubby Beats is also a musician whose career is blowing up.

He used to be part of the group Magogos and when the group disbanded he embarked on his solo career. With two music videos released in the last two months, the musician is setting the tone for his sophomore album titled My Crown slated for release in December. “As a group we had a successful run, we even got nominated at the Namibian Annual Music Awards in 2017 in the Best Kwaito category. Unfortunately we did not win but just the recognition alone meant a lot to us.

“I felt like my journey with the squad ended and I had my personal dreams to pursue. That is when I launched my solo music career, coupled with other business ventures,” he said.

Speaking about his forthcoming album, Chubby Beats shared that the album carries motivational lyrical content.

He added that it also touches on social issues and addresses what he goes through in life. “Even with my music videos, they are not staged. The bedroom that you see in my latest music video that is where I actually sleep. I just want to tell people that you do not have to sell an image that you are not.

“We are caught up in the hype of things where we feel like we all need to look flashy and successful, but I just want to keep it real and I'm confident it will resonate with a lot of people,” he said.

He disclosed that the album will have 13 songs, stating that he does not want to bombard people with a lot of songs that end up not getting the attention they deserve. “I have selected 13 hot songs, only because often at times artists have a lot of songs on their albums but those songs end up not getting enough airplay,” he said.

He mentioned that his first album was received well by the masses and promised not to let down his fans. “I want to keep impressing my fans. I was happy with how the first album was received, so I want to keep the momentum going. What is special about this album is the same day it will be released I will also launch Chubby Water, my new business venture,” he said.

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

A fresh talent to look out for

September 26, 2019, 3:00 pm

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A fresh talent to look out forShaping his itinerary to the top BlvcBoxx Entertainment's Slime discusses his latest EP. It amazes me to witness how music can transform an individual's life. Earlier this year I met Slime; he had accompanied his labelmate King Elegant to an interview he had with me. Fast forward to today and his name is featured on the line-ups of the biggest music shows in the country.

The BlvcBoxx Entertainment signee recently released his Extend Play (EP) titled While we Wait, so tjil reached out to its maker to dissect this new body of work. Speaking on what the project is about, Slime described While we Wait as an extended play record of a few songs that are going to be on his next tape, which he plans to release before November, if not sooner. “It is an extract that consists of four songs that I have released since I have not dropped in a while. Also, I just want to thank my fans for their love, support and patience that they have shown towards me while I work on my next tape,” said Slime.

On signing to one of the coolest record labels in the country, Slime shared that BlvcBoxx Entertainment came into the picture when he met King Elegant. “He was the one that introduced me to the BlvcBoxx family. I call him my brother because he motivates me and tells me to keep pushing, exactly how a big brother would,” he said. He added that BlvcBoxx Entertainment helps him in so many ways.

As an emerging artist, Slime said it is very hard to get booked for shows but being affiliated to the label has made that easier for him. “The record label has been around for a while and they have established good working relationships with several people who organise shows. BlvcBoxx helped me get shows and recognition in the mainstream music industry,” said Slime.

His sound is a subgenre of hip-hop called Trap music; with so many subgenres in hip-hop, tjil asked why he has decided to choose Trap as his medium of expression. “I chose Trap music because it is a genre filled with a hard attitude and you can feel it in the sound of the hit hats, loud kicks, snappy snares and low-end 808 bass. Trap music makes people move no matter what.

“Another reason why I chose Trap is because it is mostly the genre I listen to. My playlist is filled with a lot of Trap music but I like to categorise myself as a flexible musician. I do not only make Trap music, I actually make other genres too, such as Afro-pop and R&B,” he said.

He revealed that his forthcoming tape will be titled The Slime Cocktail because it will consist of different genres. He added that The Slime Cocktail will demonstrate to people that he can make any kind of music that comes his way, not only Trap.

Summing up the conversation with tjil, the rapper said that music started out as a hobby for him. He mentioned that he did not think one day people were going to buy into his music.

“Surprisingly, people love my music and I have no choice but to be an artist. Now that I am in the music scene, I'd like to leave a Slime legacy behind, I want Wambo Trap music to be known countrywide, I badly want to get a NAMA and I also want to take Namibian music abroad,” he said.

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

Filly-zo back with a new album

September 26, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Filly-zo back with a new albumHis latest album has potential of going big Afro-pop singer Filly-zo hopes to score a NAMAs nomination with his new album. After making headlines last year with a hit song titled Ondjodhi Ya Maria Nepembe, lifted off his Friends are Family album, Afro-pop musician Fillemon Angombe, popularly known as Filly-zo, is back with another body of work.

His latest album is titled Mombashu and is packed with 17 songs, which he maintains are all easy to listen to.

“The album is titled Mombashu, which means inside the shack, but the meaning is not literal as this is not just an ordinary shack, it has to do with music,” said Filly-zo.

On the album, Filly-zo worked with different producers including Andrew on the Beat, King Mex of YKMP Studios, Flame, Glo Solani and D-Square. Genres of the songs on the album vary from kwaito, Afro-house to Afro-pop as the singer wanted to cater for everybody.

This body of work features hit songs like Mobashu, Otendela, Suama, Taapula and Omukriste. In terms of collaborations, Filly-zo worked with D-Kandjafa, Longizo, Bantu, Makilla, Dama Monique, King Mex, Mamaliwa and Sharpshooter.

Released about a month ago, Filly-zo said the album has been received positively by the music market. “I sold-out my first stock of CDs in the first week of the album release, and the response is, overall, overwhelming,” said Filly-zo.

The singer also shot a video for the song Otendela, which is getting more views on YouTube every day. “I am still planning on shooting more videos especially for the songs Mombashu and Ostory Yandje, featuring Makilla, next month,” he announced.

Currently signed under Young Kasi Music, Filly-zo said he is busy working with his team to elevate art in Namibia. They are currently working on a movie titled Oshipwata Pwata, due for release in December. Moreover, Filly-zo is working on a collaboration album with K Dio and Makilla, which he says will be one of the best collaboration albums by Namibian artists.

Talking about Young Kasi Music, Filly-zo says at first the label was a group of five artists, but all the artists went solo, and created Young Kasi Music as a label.

He said his fans should expect more beautiful videos. He maintains that one of his major musical achievements so far is establishing a strong fan base in different corners of the country.

Next year he is looking forward to participate in the Namibia Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) with the album Mombashu. “I have applied for the past two years and I was not lucky enough to be nominated, but this time around I am positive with this album,” he added.

STAFF REPORTER

Apps put customers first

September 26, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Apps put customers first Africa's leading entertainment platforms' digital apps put customers first and empower them to manage their accounts for an elevated viewing experience.

DStv and GOtv customers have officially been given the power of managing their accounts, with over a million downloads for the MyDStv and MyGOtv apps across the continent already. Customers are now able to manage, pay their DStv and GOtv accounts and view their payment history, manage notifications, settings, change their subscription package, update contact details and fix decoder errors using their mobile devices.

In line with MultiChoice's digital transformation agenda, the launch of the MyDStv and MyGOtv apps in the respective markets on the continent, have allowed customers to enjoy the benefits they deliver through minimal data consumption and ease of use.

Barry Dubovsky, group executive head of digital at MultiChoice Africa, explained that when MultiChoice set out to develop its core services, they wanted to set up platforms that enrich the lives of their customers through an enhanced customer experience.

“We could not have achieved this fantastic milestone without the teams who not only helped build the apps that made a positive difference to the lives of the end-user, but also the MultiChoice teams who continuously work tirelessly to ensure that our business puts the customer at the heart of everything on every touch-point where they engage with us.

Watch this space as we are striving to deliver more and more digital innovation,” said Dubovsky.

Don't miss out on the benefits people are enjoying through the use of the self-service apps.

All DStv and GOtv customers on any package can download the apps on iOS and Android at no cost. There are two separate apps for each product.

If you are a DStv customer, download the MyDStv app to manage your DStv account.

You can fix errors, pay online, upgrade your package, update your details and rent the latest blockbuster movies all from one app. GOtv customers, try the MyGOtv app for complete control of your GOtv account in the palm of your hands where you can fix errors, pay online, change packages and update your details, all from one place.



STAFF REPORTER

Respect time

September 26, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Respect time I am a very impatient person and at almost every event I attend my patience gets tested. It is almost like they do it on purpose. One thing Namibian event organisers are excellent at is not starting on time, it's almost like a foreign concept to them.

You probably know this already but in this column I want to re-emphasise the importance of respecting other people's time, as well as your own. Fashionably late is a term I first heard when I started being a journalist a few years ago. I have no idea how it came about, but as my friends explained it to me, no one wants to be the first person to show up at an event. Besides, the organisers are often running around doing last-minute things, so giving them a little extra time is appreciated.

Often at times, some journalists would get to the venue at the stipulated time but the doors have to be shut so that organisers can finish their preparations. For me, this is so unprofessional and I do not know why Namibians in entertainment have normalised it. It is one thing not to care about your time, but it's another not to care about others.

You set a time because you want to start and finish at a certain time. If you delay the start it is automatic that you will finish late. This could mean that you delay us from getting to the next event on time, or worse, we end up missing it completely. I have covered concerts where artists were initially told to perform for 15 minutes but they end up performing for only five minutes because the event was delayed and the main act (headliner) has to come on. Music fans do not only pay to see the main act perform, they pay for the entire line-up, thus every artist on the line-up needs to get the time they deserve and this can be achieved by being on time.

It is not only about event organisers though, journalists, artists and the fans are equally guilty too. There are times event organisers have to delay starting on time because journalists from a certain media house still need to get to the venue, and I hate that so much. And the organisers deem them so important, that everyone has to wait. There are also times when artists show up late for interviews which is another thing I hate about my job – having to wait for an artist when we clearly agreed on a time. In the same light, there are times when artists have to delay starting performances on time because they have to wait for the venue to fill up, as they do not want to perform for an empty arena.

Offering an apology is not enough when you arrive half-an-hour late. It doesn't help that you always apologise for starting late. What we need to do is change our behaviour and start respecting time. Let us do away with the tendency of being too cool to be on time.



michael@namibiansun.com; @MichaelMKAY on Twitter