Desert Jewels eye 2023 World Cup

October 28, 2019, 3:00 pm

Desert Jewels eye 2023 World Cup

The Desert Jewels of Namibia are eyeing a spot at the 2023 Netball World Cup, which will take place in South Africa, after their exploits in Singapore.

Assistant coach Chrisna Alberts said this at a media conference yesterday following the return of the team from the tournament where they emerged as winners.

Alberts explained that their decision to take part in the Six Nations Cup was solely to play higher-ranked nations, and thus work their way up the world rankings.

They also wanted to expose the team to a top-class international battle, before hopefully playing in the Netball World Cup.

She attributed their success to the analyses they did on their opponents as a technical team.

They also gave the players time to do this on their own.

Alberts added the tournament offered a boost to their ranking and also gelled with the development route they are taking as a team.

She said the team has a good mixture of players and that nine out of the 12 players are new.

“We have great, hardworking players. Everything started with the technical coaching for two months.

“Going into the tournament as a lowly ranked nation certainly played on the players' nerves as they didn't know exactly what to expect, and in a way that helped.”

Alberts added that going forward they would like to take part in the Telkom Cup in South Africa, as this is all part of the roadmap under discussion. The captain of the team, Jatjinda Kambatuku, said they were focused throughout the tournament, even though they received tough competition.

“Every match was hard, but we had great coaching and great game analyses, and I'm really proud of our achievement,” said Kambatuku.

Team Namibia won the cup after beating Singapore in the final on Saturday.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

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'Daylight robbery'

October 28, 2019, 3:00 pm

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'Daylight robbery'Executioner's loss to be reported to WBO The MTC Nestor Sunshine Tobias Boxing and Fitness Academy has vowed to report Walter 'The Executioner' Kautondokwa's loss over the weekend to the WBO.

Walter 'The Executioner' Kautondokwa's controversial loss to Kazakhstan's Kanat Islam will be reported to the World Boxing Organisation (WBO).

The MTC Nestor Sunshine Tobias Boxing and Fitness Academy, as well as a top boxing website, have called the points' decision in favour of Islam in the middleweight international title fight “daylight robbery”.

According to Boxing Scene, Kautondokwa was ahead on all the judges' scorecards, but emerged as the loser to everybody's surprise.

Experts who spoke to the boxing website said Islam started the fight well and dropped Kautondokwa in round five, but was nowhere to be seen after that, as the Namibian dominated proceedings.

They said that Islam looked tired and defeated, and tried by all means to survive and avoid a knockout.

“Boxing Scene scored the fight 95-94 in favour of the Namibian. However, the Kazakhstan judges took everybody by surprise, scoring the fight 99-92 (to Islam), which means that even if Kautondokwa knocked Islam down, he would still have lost based on this wide score by the judges,” said Kautondokwa's promoter Nestor Tobias.

“Boxing has seen many controversial decisions, but this was clear robbery and we will report this matter to the WBO with immediate effect. I'm not sure what fight the judges watched, but clearly they decided that Islam was going to win, come what may, which is unfortunate.” Tobias added he is proud of Kautondokwa.

“He gave a good account of himself and should have won, but we will leave this matter in the WBO's hands,” he said.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

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Players light up the court

October 28, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Players light up the courtWindhoek to host regional 3x3 Basketball Quest Basketball has shown significant growth and players continue to excel on the court. Jacobina Uushona

The Namibia Basketball School League (NBSL) hosted an under-18 and u-23 3x3 tournament at the Basketball Artists School (BAS) this past weekend.

The tournament was held ahead of the upcoming u-18 national team qualifiers that will take place on 2 November.

Fourteen boys’ teams and six girls’ teams competed.

NBSL director Mantius Amukoshi said it was great seeing the girls show up for this tournament.

Basketball has shown significant growth and its tournaments such as these that will ensure that this growth is ongoing, he said.

These winners were as follows:

U-18 females

The Young Beasts (first)

The Elite (second)

U-18 males

The GVGs (first)

The Government (second)

U-23 females

Lady Samurai (first)

The BlackHoopers (second)

U-23 males

Sportsbund Rosenheim (first)

Ezdan Disciples (second)

All the winners received N$1 500 and the second-place finishers N$500.

Special certificates were awarded to Ashley Linda as the best u-18 female shooter, Titus Ntaagona as the best u-18 male shooter, Jinola Garises as the best u-23 female shooter, Tiree Toromba as the best u-23 male shooter and Samuel Waendama as the best dunker.

The top three u-18 top finishers have progressed to the regional games, where they will compete with other regions in November to stand a chance to represent Namibia at the U-18 3x3 Young Lions Cup in Gaborone, Botswana.

Other regions have also hosted their u-18 quests and will all make their way to Windhoek for final national team qualifiers.

The event was made possible through the support of the Namibian Basketball Federation (NBF), Pako Kids Magazine, Deutsche Basketball Bund, OTB Sport Namibia and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).

The NBSL is an annual league that was started in 2018. The league has produced national team players and provides competitions that allow its players to qualify for such opportunities.

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Omulongiskola a yi momeya omapyu

October 28, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Omulongiskola a yi momeya omapyuOmakwatathano gopaihole pokati kaalongi naanaskola inaga pitikwa Omulongi gwomosekundoskola yaIipumbu mOshakati okwa taalela uupyakadhi sha landula omafekelo kutya okwa gandja etegelelo komunaskola na okwa kambadhala okukutha mo etegelelo ndyoka ihe okwa ndopa.

Omunambelewa omukomeho gwelongo moshitopolwa shaShana, Hileni Amukana okwa lombwele oNamibian Sun kutya okwa tegelela olopota yuudha okuza komukuluntuskola poskola ndjoka, Hendrina Armas omanga ina gandja olopota ndjoka komunambelewa omukuluntu melelo lyuuministeli welongo, Sanet Steenkamp.

Otaku lopotwa kutya omulongiskola ngoka okwa kala mekwatathano lyopahole uule wethimbo nomunaskola ngoka, sha etitha sigo omunaskola a ningi etegeleleo naasho a nongele kutya omunaskola okwa ningi etegelelo okwa pula omunaskola a kuthemo etegelelo meyambidhidho lye.

“Shika osha ningilwa pehala lyoskola mehuliloshiwike lyomasiku 19 no 20. Onkambadhala ndhoka oya ponyo nomunaskola okwa ka yi moshipangelo,” onzo ya holola.

Sho a ningilwa omapulo, Armas ina vula okuya muule wehokololo ihe okwa koleke kutya shoka osha ningwa shili na kwa ukitha omapulo kombelewa yomupeha omukomeho gwelongo moshitopolwa.

Amukana okwa popi kutya omakwatathano gopaihole pokati kaanaskola naalongi inaga pitikwa naashoka osha etitha oshipotha shoka shi kale oshinene nopolisi otayi ningi omakonaakono.

Amukana okwa ppi kutya nonando okwa lopotelwa oshipotha shoka ita vulu okuya muule washo molwaashoka oshi li ngashiingeyi momake gopolisi, na uuna owala ya yakula oolopota dha gwana moshipotha opo taya vulu okutya sha nokuninga woo omakonaakono gawo.

ILENI NANDJATO

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Omunadholongo ta futitha epangelo oomiliyona hamano

October 28, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Omunadholongo ta futitha epangelo oomiliyona hamano

Omalelo goodholongo gaNamibia oshowo omalelo gelongo otaga vutithwa oshimaliwa sha thika poomiliyona 6 komunadholongo ngoka a popi kutya okwa tindilwa uuthemba we welongo na okwa ningi oshiyolitha kaanadholongo yakwawo sho ina vula oku ka shanga ekonaakono lye nonando okwa kala tiilongo.

Kassian Mukuve Mbathera (41) okwa tulamo olugodhi lwompangu mOmpangu yoPombanda mo2017 sho a tula mo oshipotha ta popi kutya omalelo oga ndopa okugwanitha euvaneko opo a kiishangithe omakonaakono gwe noNamcol. Okwa kuthamo oshipotha she muFebruali gwomvula yo 2018 ihe okwa tulamo natango oshipotha muSepetemba gwo 2018 moka a hala okufutwa oshimaliwa shooN$620 000.

MuKotomba, Mbathera okwa ningi eindilo opo a gwedhele omwaalu gwoshimaliwa okuza pooN$620 000 okuya poomiliyona hamano.

Okwa gwedha mo woo momusholondondo gwaamboka ta futitha, sho a gwedha mo uuministeli welongo, pamwe nomukomeho gwomalelo goodholongo oshowo oshikondo shopolisi.

Mokuyamukula koshipotha shoka omalelo goodholongo muFebruali oga yamukula kutya kage na ondjo ya sha mwaashoka.

Oyiipopile kutya egandjo lyomukanda gwokupitika eshango lyekonaakono oli li oshinakugwanithwa shuuministeli welongo ihe kali li oshinakugwanithwa shawo. Mbathera okwa popi kutya oku li modholongo kegeelo lyoomvula 19 moshipotha shedhipago.

MuJanuari okwiishangitha onga omunaskola gopaumwene noNamcol miilongwa ngaashi Oshiingilisa noBiology, omanga a li mendiki lyodholongo mOluno popepi nOndangwa.

MuFebruali okwa lundululilwa kendiki lya Evaristus Shikongo oTsumeb na okwa tseyithile mbala aanambelewa yoodholongo kombinga yeilongo lye.

Okwa popi kutya nonando oye mu tseyithile kutya otaye ke mu shangitha pehala lye oya ndopa okushininga noku mu tseyithila pethimbo. Okwa tseyithilwa aniwa kutya oku li momusholobdondo gwaamboka taya ka shanga ekonaakono, na okwa kala a tegelela nenyanyu ekonaakono lye keena owino kutya iimaliwa ye yekonaakono inayi futwa, nomesiku lyokushanga ekonaakono okwa nongele kutya edhina lye kali mo momusholondondo gwaamboka taya shanga ekonaakono.

Mbathera okwa tsu omuthindo kutya okwa tindilwa uuthemba we welongo kaanambelewa yoodholongo, naashoka osha etitha a kale ta yolwa kaanadholongo yakwawo. Oshipotha osha undulilwa komasiku gane gaNovemba, moka tashi ka pulakenwa kOmupanguli Herman Oosthuizen.

Jabulani Ncube ota kalelepo epangelo.

JANA-MARI SMITH

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Wap veg teen waternood

October 28, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Wap veg teen waternood Wap se graad 8’s het onlangs die Windhoek Waterwise Campaign en Waterwise@WAP van stapel gestuur. Deborey Bougaardt – Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaatskool (Wap) se graad 8’s het besluit om Windhoek se waterkrisis te pak.

Die leerlinge het ’n waterbewusmakingsveldtog van stapel gestuur omdat hulle bekommerd is oor dié krisis waarin die stad tans verkeer. Hulle besef dit beïnvloed hul lewensgehalte en hulle kán ’n verskil maak.

Elize van Niekerk, Wap se sosiale studies-onderwyser, het besluit die veldtog is die leerlinge se termynprojek, waarin hulle geëvalueer sal word.

Die kinders moes ? hipotese vir en doel van die projek omskryf. Na afloop van die projek sal hulle ’n verslag daaroor indien, wat die projek sal evalueer. Die hoofdoel is om waterbesparingsbewustheid te skep.

Die projek is tweeledig: Waterwise@WAP fokus op die skool, en Windhoek Waterwise Campaign fokus op die breër publiek.

Leerlinge het van 14 tot 18 Oktober ? beplannings- en werksweek gehad.

Daar is hard gewerk om alles gereed te kry. Leerlinge het tonele geoefen, plakkate geteken en ontwerp, praatjies voorberei, vetplante geplant, sleutelhouers gemaak en vlaggies met ? boodskap by die vetplante gemaak.

Die graad 8’s het vir seker hul jaarlikse kwota knip-en-plak ingekry!

Die projek is tydens die week van 21 tot 24 Oktober van stapel gestuur. Dit het afgeskop met ? video waarin Kobus Espach (die hoërskoolhoof), Elna de Jager (die laerskoolhoof) en Monica “Suzie” Steenkamp (’n leerling) wys hoe water gespaar kan word.

Die leerlinge het ’n toneel opgevoer om die Treintjieskool van waterbesparing bewus te maak en vir hulle ? liedjie geleer. Die jongspan was baie beïndruk met WaterWaffie, die skool se watergelukbringer. Die kleintjies het ook lekkers gekry.

Waterbesparingswenke en die video is met die laerskool- en hoërskoolleerlinge gedeel. Elke laerskool- en hoërskoolleerling het borswapentjies of sleutelhouers gekry wat hulle daaraan sal herinner om water te spaar.

Om die breër publiek van waterbesparing bewus te maak, het leerlinge op Hartklop FM, Kanaal 7 en Kosmos 94.1 oor besparing gepraat.

Dit was ? groot ervaring. My Zone het ook met leerlinge gesels.

Die graad 8’s het Dinsdag by Eros-winkelsentrum en Donderdag by

Ae Gams se parkeerterrien vetplante, sleutelhouers en pamflette gaan uitdeel.

Maandag-, Dinsdag-, en Woensdagoggend is vetplantjies ook uitgedeel aan ouers wat hul kinders by die skool aflaai.

“Goliat”, wat die droogte verteenwoordig, en die vyf “Dawid”-waterdruppeltjies, wat waterbesparingswenke voorstel, was ook by dié aksie betrokke .

WaterWaffie was natuurlik ook daar.

“Daar is soveel moeite gedoen – elke graad in die laerskool is betrek en bewus gemaak van ons waterkrisis. Die vetplantjies wat voor skool uitgedeel is aan die ouers was so ’n oulike idee. Julle het regtig hard gewerk en ek glo julle het jul doel bereik. Well done!” het Corrie Ludwig, nog ’n onderwyser, gesê.

Mandi Williams, Ludwig van Rooyen en Merwe van Wyk, leerlinge in graad 6C, het drie goeie wenke gedeel. Hulle sê Windhoek moet vetplante plant, vinnig stort, en waterbottels in hul toiletbakke sit sodat minder water wegspoel.

Die graad 1-leerling Adrian Coetzee sê wat hy onthou van die projek, is: “Ons moet water spaar!”

Monica, oftewel “Suzie”, is in graad 8B en sê sy het baie nuwe maniere geleer om water te spaar en sy verstaan nou hoe ernstig Windhoek se waterkrisis regtig is.

Die projek het vir seker in sy doel geslaag en die skool sal voortaan saamstaan om meer water te spaar.

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Terug by die begin

October 28, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Terug by die begin Wedersydse respek bring jou ver Evany van Wyk

Nadja Breytenbach het onlangs haar alma mater, Hoërskool Delta, besoek om met die kinders oor respek te gesels.

Toe Mej. Namibië 2019, Nadja Breytenbach, in graad 1 was, het Michelle McLean se besoek aan die skool ’n groot indruk op haar gemaak. “Ek het daardie dag huis toe gegaan en my ma vertel ek wil nes Michelle wees wanneer ek groot is. En kyk, nou is ek op pad Miami toe om by haar te gaan kuier,” sê Nadja. Sy sê dié ervaring en waar sy vandag is, het haar laat besef watter groot impak rolmodelle op ’n kind se lewe het. Haar grootste droom was om ook ’n rolmodel vir ander te wees. As deel van die Diamond Generation Drive, in samewerking met Namibia Diamond Trading Company (NDTC), doen Breytenbach motiverings-praatjies by skole oor verkeie onderwerpe. “Ek praat meestal oor onderwerpe waarby die skool voel die kinders sal baat,” sê sy. Nadja het al verskeie streke in Namibië besoek waar sy kinders van verskillende agtergronde toegespreek het. Sy glo Namibiërs leef in ’n beskermde borrel waar hulle nie die werklikheid beleef nie. “Die werklikheid is dat daar mense is wat swaarkry, mense sonder water, kinders wat met stukkende klere moet loop en honger gaan slaap. Ons moet almal hand bysit en mekaar ondersteun en help. Ek moet sê die grootste les wat ek geleer het deur hierdie reis is die mense wat die minste het, is eintlik die gelukkigste,” sê sy. Nadja het leerlinge aangemoedig om almal te respekteer, ongeag hul ouderdom. Sy het die leerlinge en onderwysers uitgedaag om jammer te sê indien hulle onbeskof teenoor iemand was. “Ek glo respek begin by jouself. Dit is iets wat jou baie ver in die lewe kan bring,” sê sy. Nadja het ’n sagte plekkie vir minderbevoorregtes en wil ’n liefdadigheidsorganisasie vir dié mense stig. “Ek wil veral minderbevoorregtes op Opuwo help,” sê sy. Sy meen haar drome is groot, maar as sy net in een kind se hart ’n saadjie kan plant, sal dit ’n groot verskil maak. Haar raad aan jongmense is om nooit op te hou om in hulself te glo nie. “Ek het daardie les eers baie laat in my lewe geleer. Die wêreld het so baie om jou te bied. Jy is ’n diamant,” sê sy. Carol-Ann Schoonbee, Hoërskool Delta se hoof, het gesê die skool is baie trots daarop om een van hul oudskoliere weer in hul midde te hê. “Die kinders het haar baie goed ontvang en dis al wat tel,” het sy gesê.

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ECN promises 'watertight results'

October 28, 2019, 3:00 pm

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ECN promises 'watertight results'Electoral body vows transparency and openness The ECN says the systems to be deployed during the upcoming general election will have all the hallmarks of integrity and the nation has nothing to worry about.

Despite persistent misgivings about the efficacy of electronic voting machines (EVMs) amongst political parties and voters alike, the Election Commission of Namibia (ECN) is adamant that the machines will deliver credible and watertight results in the upcoming presidential and National Assembly elections.

EVMs will again be used without a voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) this year, which opposition parties are unhappy about.

ECN chief electoral and referenda officer Theo Mujoro said the fact that the VVPAT technology will not be rolled out for the elections is not because of cost considerations.

“The consideration was around technical issues regarding the version of VVPAT we have seen. We noted a number of glitches,” Mujoro said last week. The VVPAT has to be linked to the control and ballot units, but Mujoro said the ECN has noticed instances in the prototype where the units could not communicate with the VVPAT. “There were such situations and that was not a good thing to see,” Mujoro said. Secondly, he said, paper jams would occur after voters have cast their votes.

“When a paper jam occurs, it would require the intervention of other individuals, and if that happens, the secrecy of the vote could be compromised,” Mujoro said.

Another instance observed in the Indian experience, he said, was that some voters “for one or the other reason” caused a scene and claimed that what was printed out was not what they voted for. “There are a number of situations that we have carefully assessed, and based on that, we have decided that it would not be appropriate. It is not the right time for Namibia to be able to introduce VVPAT technologies until some of those issues are ironed out,” Mujoro said.

EVMs have paper trail functionality

Mujoro was at great pains to point out that the EVMs used in Namibia in fact do have a paper trail functionality. “What this means is that if the results generated by a particular machine at any given polling station are disputed for one reason or the other, any competent court can order the ECN to produce a printout, in other words a paper trail that would clearly show how votes were cast on that particular machine,” he emphasised.

This functionality clearly points which presidential or National Assembly candidates were voted for.

“People tend to say we do not have a paper trail and they do not like the EVMs. That is incorrect and that is misinformation. Our EVMs have a paper trail functionality, but we have said for now we will not be able to roll out the VVPAT technology alongside the EVMs.”

Handling of votes

Mujoro explained that once polling stations close at 21:00 in the evening on 27 November, the result of all votes cast on a particular EVM will be generated when the result button on the control unit is pressed.

Once this process is completed, the control unit is connected to a printer to print out the results.

The results at each polling station have to be signed off by political party agents and are printed out in triplicate.

One copy of the results is then pasted on the outside of the polling station, another is taken by the presiding officer (the electoral leader at every polling station) and the third copy is handed to the returning officer (head of each constituency).

The returning officer then collates all the votes from all polling stations in a particular constituency to produce consolidated results.

These results are then transmitted through to the central election results centre in Windhoek at the ECN's head office, where all results from across the country are collated before being announced to the nation.

MTC

Mujoro said the ECN will use MTC's services to transmit the results from the close to 2 400 polling stations to the 121 collation centres in all constituencies, and then on to the central results centre.

“We have enough experience and we have learnt hard lessons, especially from the 2014 experience. With this wealth of knowledge, we do not expect to be sitting with the same challenges again. We have noted that MTC has expanded its coverage over the last five years,” Mujoro said.

“There is no way in hell that anybody can try to intercept our results during the transmission process, just forget about that.

Even if someone tries to do that, there are other layers and levels that will allow the detection of any such attempt.”

Mujoro said a secure transmission channel will be developed for the transmission of the results.

“It is a watertight system and we will try the best we can to demonstrate this transparency and openness to our political parties,” he said.

“I have no doubt there will be full integrity in terms of the systems we will deploy and no one should be worried about anything.”

CATHERINE SASMAN

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Getting down to business

October 28, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Getting down to businessBassingthwaighte excels at Saxion University Natasha Bassingthwaighte is highly ambitious individual who is working towards thriving in the business field. She shared her experience at Saxion University of Applied Sciences in Deventer, Netherlands. Justicia Shipena

People go to university for a variety of reasons. It might be for a degree or simply to take the next step in life.

Or maybe your parents expect it from you or you want to make the most out of life.

Whatever the reason, university experiences are different for everyone.

Natasha Bassingthwaighte is pursuing a bachelor's degree in international business and management studies at Saxion University of Applied Sciences in Deventer, Netherlands.

She enrolled at the university in 2016 and is now in her final semester - the thesis phase.

Speaking to The Zone, Bassingthwaighte said since secondary school she was keen on pursuing a degree within the business field, especially abroad.

Before enrolling at Saxion she did detailed research on a variety of universities that offer degree courses in the business field.

“What attracted me to Saxion University was that the course they offered had an international focus, which is increasingly valuable in this era of globalisation,” she said.

Additionally, she found the subjects interesting, as they had areas she wanted to gain knowledge in. The university also offers scholarships and is highly accredited.

Bassingthwaighte said the application process was quite simple.

Saxion's international office was very helpful in terms of making all the necessary arrangements with regard to applying for the course, as well as applying for a scholarship. Saxion only required her to have a high school diploma and proof of English language competency.

Many universities require one to take a language test when applying, but she did not have to take any language tests, because she had English as a first language.

The first thing she liked about Saxion was its multicultural environment. The student population consists of individuals from various countries across the globe.

“By always interacting with individuals from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds, I have been able to increase my knowledge on different cultures and my ability to work with different people, while overcoming cultural differences and barriers,” she said.

She said lecturers are always willing to help and assist in whichever manner they can.

Saxion focuses on shaping students and preparing them for their role as conscious businesspeople, while making them aware of global citizenship.

Bassingthwaighte explained that the course includes partnering with multinational firms to provide students with research projects.

They also have an opportunity to complete one semester at a partner university in another country and two internship semesters. There is a good balance between theoretical and practical education, she said.

She said the course has many practical aspects and opportunities to build and grow a professional network.

She was also surprised by the large amount of group work they do.

“My eyes have been opened to so many new things and all the experiences I have had during these past four years have impacted my life greatly. I do not regret this decision.

“Make sure you do your research about the country (you want to study in) and all other requirements prior to travelling abroad. This will help you to avoid finding yourself in any sticky situations,” she said.

Bassingthwaighte said one should choose a field of study you love and truly have an interest in.

“No one wants to be abroad, far away from your family, doing something you don't like or have no interest in. Save yourself the misery and choose something that will make waking up in the morning a little easier.”

When asked if there is anything she would do differently, she said if she could go back in time, she would make more of an effort to maintain a better balance between work and play, and make more time to do things she enjoys outside her studies.

“I put a lot of pressure on myself when it came to my studies, because I've always believed in giving your all or nothing. It is important to do your best, but don't push yourself to the point where you are at risk of being burnt out.”

After graduating, her next step is pursuing a master's degree and thereafter she would like to gain more work experience before moving back home and continuing the rest of her journey. Her main goal is to eventually start her own company.

Her favourite spots in the city is the market square called The Brink, which is in the heart of the city. Every Friday and Saturday, locals gather there to buy fresh produce like cheese, locally grown fruit and vegetables, fresh fish and local delicacies, etc. All stores and restaurants are also within walking distance from this area. There is also a park close to Deventer Central Station which is nice spot to go and hang out with friends, go for a walk or relax and read a book.

Did you know?

The roots of Saxion University can be traced back to the 1875. A merger of two educational institutions, the Hogeschool Enschede and Hogeschool IJselland, in 1998 paved the way for the university in its present form.

Bassingthwaighte facts

· She enjoys cooking and baking.

· She enjoys travelling and exploring new places.

· She recently developed a love for photography.

· She enjoys going on unplanned adventures.

· She loves reading self-help books and watching self-help seminars. She is an open-minded individual who enjoys learning.

· She loves laughing, so to relieve stress, she often watches stand-up comedy.

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Namibia drops the ball on women's rights

October 28, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Namibia drops the ball on women's rights

Namibia has plunged 14 places and lost its spot as the best performer in Sub-Saharan Africa on an index that measures women's well-being and empowerment in homes, communities and societies.

The Women, Peace and Security Index by the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Safety slashed Namibia's ranking from 48th in 2017 to 62nd this year.

This resulted in Namibia losing its spot as the best performer in the region to Mauritius, which was ranked 60th. Mauritius was ranked 67th in the previous index of 2017.

The index, released yesterday, ranks 167 countries in terms of inclusion, security and justice for women.

Those three areas are broken down into specific categories, such as whether a woman has access to a mobile phone, feels safe walking home at night, or is surrounded by men who find it unacceptable for her to hold a paying job.

It drew data from international organisations such as the International Labour Organisation, the United Nations, the World Bank, and others to provide comprehensive insights into women's well-being and empowerment in each country.

According to the index, slightly more than 37% of women in Namibia feel safe in their neighbourhoods at night, up from 25% in the previous index. Intimate partner violence experienced by women during the past year slightly decreased from 25% to 20.2%.

Namibia has a fairly high average for women's schooling of 7.2 years when compared to the global average of eight years. In 2017 Namibia's average for women's schooling was 10.3 years, though.

The rate of women's financial inclusion in the country is also high at 80%, while in the previous index it was merely 56%.

The employment rate of women aged 25 and older stands at 54.1%, which indicates a slight drop from the 55.1% in 2017.

According to the index, close to 86% of women aged 15 and older now use a mobile phone compared to 83% in 2017, while the index says the parliamentary seats held by women have dropped to 23% from 39% in 2017.

About 16% of Namibian men aged 15 and older find it unacceptable for a woman to hold a paying job. The figure is the same as in 2017.

In the region, Rwanda was ranked 65th globally, South Africa 66th and Zimbabwe 74th.

Globally, European countries dominated the top ten, with Norway ranked first, followed by Switzerland, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Austria, the United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

The worst performers were Yemen, Afghanistan and Syria.

ellanie@namibiansun.com

ELLANIE SMIT

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Zambezi women find their voice

October 28, 2019, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Uplifting those with Down syndrome

≪ Previous: Namibia drops the ball on women's rights

Zambezi women find their voiceSaying 'no' to harmful cultural practices Discarding toxic practices that expose women to sexual and physical abuse, unwanted marriages, pregnancies and illness will not destroy their cultures, but improve them.

JANA-MARI SMITH

A handful of determined women are empowering Zambezi women to say no to customs harmful to their bodies and minds and teaching them to see themselves as human beings instead of voiceless and submissive wives and daughters.

“We have taught the girls to say no. They have a choice,” human rights activist Patience Mutabelezi (29), a community facilitator with the Women’s Leadership Centre (WLC) from Chinchimane village, told Namibian Sun.

Mutabelezi and her colleagues, Daphne Siyunda (30) from Libula village and human rights advocate Mimi Mwiya, are educating women in the region about their universal human rights in order to help abolish harmful cultural practices.

Their work is not easy. They face a slew of challenges, including lack of funding, criticism that they are destroying customs and meddling with taboo subjects, and threats from men and women who ardently disagree with the work they do.

Yet all three underline that transforming toxic practices that expose women to sexual and physical abuse, unwanted marriages, pregnancies and illness will not destroy their cultures, but improve them.

Evolve

“It’s not about abolishing culture. It’s about transforming culture,” Mutabelezi says. She believes violence has long been condoned “in the name of culture.”

Mwiya says it is natural to defend what is yours, but underlines that the WLC programme to abolish harmful cultural practices is a home-grown project arising out of the needs of women.

“My favourite thing about the WLC project is that it came from the people at home.”

She says the project was borne out of discussions with women who shared what was happening to them in their homes and villages “under the guise of culture.”

And, because the region is deeply patriarchal and traditional, the sense that a specific way of life is under attack by the WLC project is understandable.

She stresses however that everything evolves, including cultures. “Why do we decide now this is it, that we are done evolving, and we won’t question anything further? Why can’t we objectively take the good and leave the bad?”

Success is hard

Siyunda’s work with women and girls in her village led to a milestone achievement two years ago when the village banned ‘sikenge’, the initiation ritual through which girls are “prepared to become women according to the norms and values of their traditional culture.”

The change, she says, was achieved after many conversations with women and the lesson that they “can make their own decisions”.

The WLC tackles taboo and difficult subjects chiefly through explaining that Namibia’s constitutional rights and laws, as well as universal treaties on human rights, apply to everyone and override practices that may have been in place for centuries but ultimately violate these rights.

And, although many were pleased with the decision to end initiations, it was inevitable that some “men were angry, even though we tried to involve them. Men are often confused; they don’t know what is happening.”

Hurt

Harmful cultural practices, which are still observed despite arguments that they are a thing of the past, expose girls and women to emotional and physical abuse and put them at high risk of contracting HIV or other diseases.

Many of the practices involve making the bodies of young girls sexually available to men, and expose them to pain, humiliation, violence and sickness.

An insidious side-effect of the initiation according to the WLC is the increased risk of HIV for girls and women, with statistics consistently indicating the higher prevalence of HIV in the region compared to the rest of Namibia.

Moreover, the culture teaches girls they have no say in their lives.

“The enforced silence and obedience rob women of the power of their voice, their freedom of speech and opinion, and their right to speak out and negotiate to protect their own interests.”

Mwiya says the work is primarily to push for women to gain confidence to use their voices, and to empower them.

“Be strong, speak out, make noise. Be heard, be seen. Understand your rights and use them.”

Forward

While funding troubles have for long limited the WLC’s reach in the region, Mutabelezi, Siyunda or Mwiya continued their work with no pay, offices or any other funding support.

Happily, a recent fresh injection of funding enabled the induction of 20 new community facilitators in September this year.

The women who took part represent all four main traditional authorities.

Among the trainees were the headwoman and other community members from the Masubia Traditional Authority, which is run solely by women.

The WLC says there is a need to involve more men in their discussions.

The WLC has a good rapport with traditional headmen and advisors and Mwiya says they plan to teach men about toxic masculinity and how that contributes to harmful cultural practices.

Message

“Feminism is the radical idea that women are human beings.”

Mwiya shares this quote by women’s study professor Cheris Kramarae when asked what her message to Namibians is on the issue of women’s rights.

“Often, even when men are allies, they will say ‘we should respect women because they are our mothers, sisters.’ I am not your mother, I am not your sister, I am a fellow human being, and this is why you should respect me. This is the fight for equality.”

Siyunda urges women to keep on educating themselves about their rights, and she urges men to “love us the way we are, despite culture.”

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Uplifting those with Down syndrome

October 28, 2019, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Pupkewitz Foundation invests in education

≪ Previous: Zambezi women find their voice

Uplifting those with Down syndromeCrafting a safe society for differently-abled people Instead of being shunned, those with Down syndrome should be celebrated and embraced. Ester Kamati

The third annual Down Syndrome Day was celebrated on Saturday at St George's Diocesan College, which provided an atmosphere of love and acceptance.

The event was organised by the Down Syndrome Association of Namibia (DSAN) and was sponsored by the FirstRand Namibia Foundation Trust, which was represented by Revonia Kahivere.

She shared the value of information when caring for a person with Down syndrome and commended the DSAN for its commitment to sharing this information.

First National Bank (FNB) Namibia, through the FirstRand Namibia Foundation Trust, sponsored the event to the tune of N$150 000.

Music and fun activities such as an egg and spoon race, a jumping castle and soccer games, among others, kept energy levels up, as the children enjoyed the day.

Edda Bohn, acting executive director for formal education, said she was honored to celebrate the event under the global theme ‘Leaving no one behind’, which brought everyone together to raise awareness about the needs and attributes of children with the genetic condition.

Bohn added that events such as these are encouraged, as they break the isolation that exists between society and children with Down syndrome.

Inspiration

Kahivere mentioned iconic individuals who are inspiring the differently-abled and continue who continue to do great things.

“Madeline Stuart, an 18-year-old fashion model is paving the way for people with disabilities by becoming one of the few models with Down syndrome to walk the runway during New York Fashion Week,” Kahivere said.

She also mentioned Namasiku van der Linden, a Namibian born with Down syndrome in 2007. At a young age, she has showcased her fighting spirit and does not give up. “She falls, she gets up. Even if it means falling seven times and getting up eight times.”

Kahivere also mentioned Ella Thomas, an 11-year-old pupil at Môreson School in Windhoek, who she said has a remarkable personality. Thomas and Van der Linden both took in the recent Miss Face of Namibia competition, which showed other children with Down syndrome that they too can take in activities such as beauty pageants, among others.

Raising a child with Down syndrome

“The biggest responsibility we have to our children is to love them,” said Nangula Amoonga, Ella’s mother.

She explained that children often radiate the energy given off by their parents.

“This condition does not mean anything or carry any weight unless given that prerogative.”

She added that Down syndrome does not make children different and parents should love their kids.

Equal treatment

Amoonga explained that she treated all nine children under her care the same and didn’t detach her daughter from the other children or make her feel any different from them. She regularly takes her along to weddings and other outings and never hides or isolates her. “I didn’t separate her from others.”

Support

She explained that she corrects her daughter when she is wrong and uses the same disciplinary actions she would on the other children.

She also reflected on the day she gave birth to Ella. She said the doctor was hesitant to tell her that her daughter had Down syndrome, which Amoonga didn’t see as a major challenge. “Even if I gave birth to a Down syndrome [child] I don’t really care,” she said, adding that Ella loves attention and she gave her as much attention as the others and taught her valuable skills while she was still young.

Confidence and development

“From birth I didn’t teach her that she is different; that’s why she also knows that she is normal. In the house I also taught the others not to separate her.”

She further explained that Ella’s siblings were never told or encouraged to go out and play without her.

They either all went or all stayed at home.

“Ella likes to dance. She’s a little bit shy, but I taught her not to be shy.”

She added that Ella is a free spirit and doesn’t need her mom to be around all the time.

Bullying

Amoonga shared that in their neighborhood some people tell the other children not to play with her daughter, because she is “not like them”.

Amoonga constantly reassures Ella’s peers that she is no different from them, and even if their parents tell them otherwise, they should respond: “Ella is just a child like me.”

Cultural norms

Franklin Newman, Ella’s brother, shared that cultural norms link Down syndrome to “bad luck” or “being bewitched”.

“Events like this is what we don’t have, especially in communities that are faced with stuff like this.

He explained his sister had developed better speech due to her interactions with fully-abled individuals.

“I would like to see people with Down syndrome integrated into mainstream circles, because ultimately when they finish school, they would have to get into the actual work market, he added.

“These kinds of children have extra abilities that we do not have. I think they need to be celebrated and embraced.”

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Pupkewitz Foundation invests in education

October 28, 2019, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Nust hosts Student Financial Aid Expo

≪ Previous: Uplifting those with Down syndrome

Pupkewitz Foundation invests in educationFive new classrooms donated in Kunene Acting education minister Martin Andjaba thanked the Pupkewitz Foundation for collaborating with the ministry. The Pupkewitz Foundation handed over a block of five new classrooms worth N$1.550 million to the Etoshapoort Junior Secondary School in Outjo last Thursday.

The five new classrooms were constructed as per the request of Kunene governor Marius Sheya.

The Kunene education directorate selected Etoshapoort Junior Secondary School as the first beneficiary of the classroom project in the region. The Pupkewitz Foundation has been playing a big role in maintaining educational facilities. To date, the foundation has handed over 23 classrooms, one multipurpose room and one storeroom. The Pupkewitz Foundation is supporting the ministry of education to achieve its infrastructure goal of adequate and quality classrooms.

The keynote address was delivered by acting education minister Martin Andjaba, who thanked the Pupkewitz Foundation for collaborating with the ministry.

“There is no better way to invest in the future then investing in the Namibian child. The donation of classrooms will go a long way and there is no doubt that the classrooms will mitigate the lack of classrooms at Etoshapoort Junior Secondary School in Outjo,” Andjaba said. Pupkewitz Foundation CEO Meryl Barry said they remain committed to supporting the project.

Barry announced that the next Kunene building project will be in Okapembambu at the Ondao mobile school unit, where there is a serious need for classrooms and hostel facilities to accommodate 400 learners who currently live in tents and receive their education under trees.

The initial phase of this project will cost N$3.5 million.

“We commit to improving teaching and learning at this rural school, thereby delivering equitable education to Namibian learners missing out due to remoteness and mobile lifestyles,” Barry added.

The Pupkewitz Foundation has touched the lives of over a million Namibians in need, through close alignment with the Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPP) and the national development plans. The Pupkewitz Foundation’s strategy remains deliberate partnerships with government and reputable non-profit organisations, whose development goals are aimed at supporting education, poverty eradication as well as various initiatives in early childhood development, culture, sport and health, to name a few.

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Nust hosts Student Financial Aid Expo

October 28, 2019, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Safety and learning goes hand in hand

≪ Previous: Pupkewitz Foundation invests in education

Nust hosts Student Financial Aid Expo The Namibia University of Namibia Science and Technology (Nust) held its first-ever Student Financial Aid Expo last Wednesday. Justicia Shipena

Financial constraints result in high dropout rates and poor performance, amongst other unfavourable outcomes.

The expo is a collaboration between institutions of higher learning in the country and the Namibia Students Financial Assistant Fund (NSFAF). It gave exhibitors a chance to make available crucial financial aid information to students and grade 12 learners. This is inclusive of scholarships, study loans and any other financial-related opportunities.

According to Nust director of student services, Donovan Zealand, the idea to set up a financial aid expo was born out of the frustration that the institution is currently experiencing.

“Currently we have an almost 30% dropout rate of first-year students and research is showing that most of the dropouts are due to a lack of financial support,” Zealand stressed.

He said the reality is that all students want to study, but they don’t plan properly.

He said not all students will be funded by NSFAF in the future and receiving a loan from the fund does not cover all your expenses.

Zealand said there will always be financial shortfalls, so the expo is set to become an annual event.

“We hope to have the Student Financial Aid Expo early next year, so that students can plan properly,” he said.

Zealand added they have realised that sometimes financial institutions do not understand the realty in which students find themselves.

“There will be a need for us to create dialogue where students and parents can engage with financial institutions, because education is becoming more expensive by the day.”

Sanlam investment specialist Marizaan David said when it comes to finances, Sanlam wants everyone to be on the same page and be financially literate.

David shared pointers with the students on how to treat their money right.

She urged students to take action and make financial literacy a part of their day-to-day routine.

She added that 70% of students are overwhelmed by student debt, even before they are able to earn their first paycheque, adding that 40% of married couple arguments are due to financial stresses.

David said household debt in Namibia is currently at a staggering N$54 billion.

She also shared with the students how a credit rating score works.

“It is vital to know how these statistics will affect each and every one of you; therefore, take charge by following some financial gurus on social media, reading a book on finance as well as attending financial literacy sessions.”

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Safety and learning goes hand in hand

October 28, 2019, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Education revolutionised

≪ Previous: Nust hosts Student Financial Aid Expo

Safety and learning goes hand in hand According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), worldwide over 1.35 million people are killed in road crashes every year. Michelline Nawatises

Africa has the world’s highest road traffic injury rates and Namibia has one of the highest levels of road traffic injuries on the continent.

Road traffic injuries are a huge burden on our economy, and more importantly, on our people.

Last year in Namibia, 571 people were killed on the country’s roads. Among the most vulnerable are child pedestrians, who face grave risks just walking to and from school every day.

At AI Steenkamp Primary School, situated in Windhoek, six pupils have been injured in road traffic incidents over the past five years.

This is why the Private Sector Road Safety Forum (PSRSF), the international road safety NGO called Amend, the Puma Energy Foundation and the FIA Foundation are working in partnership on an important road safety programme at the school.

An improvement in infrastructure was launched on 24 September at the school.

AI Steenkamp principal Rudolfine Kamahene said most accidents occur when children commute to school.

“Schools are meant to be a safe place in and around the premises and the greatest priority for us is the safety of the learners,” she said.

Windhoek mayor Muesee Kazapua believes the programme will be a great success and ensure that the safety of the country’s future leaders is a priority.

“Holistically in Namibia it is worrisome when it comes to road safety, as most victims are learners. An initiative of this magnitude is important to expose this awareness to the learners and road users, as they are careless when it comes to road safety,” he said.

He said the City of Windhoek has approved a non-motorised transport strategy that provides pedestrian and cycling lines.

The PSRSF was established in 2013 as a link between the private sector and government organisations that are active in the road safety sector. In partnership with Amend, it provides basic road safety education training to primary learners and has trained 19 000 learners to date.

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Education revolutionised

October 28, 2019, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Teenager flees domestic slavery

≪ Previous: Safety and learning goes hand in hand

Education revolutionised Edulution strengthens math skills through ICT The FirstRand Namibia Foundation Trust has shown generous support to make the programme a success. Ester Kamati

The Katutura-based St Barnabas Primary School recently launched the Edulution programme, courtesy of First National Bank (FNB) Namibia, which donated N$211 680.

Edulution is a global programme that originated in Zambia, which aids scholars to strengthen their mathematics skills through transformed systems, including the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in the form of tablets.

Although the programme has been active at the school since March, the official launch took place on 22 October.

Edulution currently has 10 centres at local primary schools, with about 2 600 children between grades 4 and 7 taking part in the programme.

Edulution Namibia marketing and communications officer Mike Clarke said each learner gets their own tablet to use during lessons, for online programmes and exercises.

Learners attend Edulution lessons twice a week for two hours after school.

Clarke added that they work closely with the school and math teachers to identify children who are struggling.

“They all work at their own pace; that is what’s special.”

The learning process is facilitated by grade 12 learners who act as coaches.

They are paid based on the performance of the learners they teach or tutor.

In this way they are incentivised. There are three coaches per centre and 30 coaches in total.

“It is a reality that in Namibia school learners lag significantly behind their peers from elsewhere in the world, with regard to numeracy and literacy skills,” said Nahason Mbangura, the school principal.

He added that the FirstRand Namibia Foundation Trust has shown generous support to make the programme at the school a success.

“FNB Namibia strives to play a big role in offering a helping hand, in ensuring that every child has an opportunity to reach their full potential,” said Clara Bohitile, chairperson of the FirstRand Namibia Foundation Trust.

She further urged teachers and parents to support the children, as they use this opportunity to learn and embrace technology.

Caption 1: Parents look on as children complete mathematics tasks on their tablets at maximum speed.

Caption 2: Edulution coaches are always ready to help, even if it means going back to basics.

Photo 3: School principal Nahason Mbangura, director of education Victoria Shikwambi, Edulution COO Manfred Rittmann, Revonia Kahivere from FNB and teacher Annie Mwangala in front of the FNB Edulution centre at St Barnabas Primary School.

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Teenager flees domestic slavery

October 28, 2019, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Agribank keen to restart Witvlei abattoir

≪ Previous: Education revolutionised

Teenager flees domestic slavery

A case of human trafficking is being investigated by the Namibian police after a 13-year-old Angolan girl allegedly escaped from a house in Oshakati where she claims she had to do domestic work without pay.

The girl, who is currently in the care of the police, was discovered by a member of the public at Omungwelume last week when she was spotted walking towards the Angolan border.

She told police “she got tired of suffering and then escaped”. She said she was never paid.

The police say the girl told immigration authorities that she lived in Lobito in Angola, and that her mother had given her to the unnamed woman who brought her to Oshakati to work as a domestic slave.

Police spokesperson Chief Inspector Kaunapawa Shikwambi told Namibian Sun yesterday that no arrests had been made and the investigation continued.

She said the girl was taken to a safe haven.

In Namibia, the employment of a child is considered a form of human trafficking. Moreover, employing any person through coercion and without pay amounts to slavery.

Meanwhile, the Oshikango police are investigating the rape of a six-year-old girl, allegedly by a 22-year old neighbour, at Onengali village on Sunday. The suspect is in custody.

A case of culpable homicide is being investigated after an Iveco bus transporting 27 passengers between Otjiwarongo and Otavi crashed on Saturday.

The driver lost control when he tried to overtake a truck. Three people died on the spot, including a five-year-old girl, identified as Sylvia Mekulilo Stefanus.

Inspector Maureen Mbeha of the Otjozondjupa police told Nampa that the driver, Hofeni Uhanda (36), and a passenger, Leena Tuwilika Kasino (32), were also declared dead at the scene.

Legally, the Iveco bus is permitted to carry no more than 16 passengers.

Several other occupants in the bus sustained minor to serious injuries and were taken to the Otavi Health Centre for treatment. The 43-year-old truck driver escaped unhurt.

Two men were arrested at Groot-Aub on Saturday night and charged with murder after they attacked Ricky Booi Kock (29) with a knife and pieces of a broken bottle, stabbing him in the neck and head multiple times.

The police say the three men were allegedly drinking and playing dominos at a house when an argument erupted.

Police are investigating an armed robbery and attempted murder of a 23-year-old man who was shot and robbed in the Arebbusch River in Khomasdal on Saturday night.

The incident occurred on Friday night near Shanghai Street. The unidentified victim and another person were searching for a friend when they were approached by six men armed with machetes and a firearm.

The man was shot when he tried to flee. The armed robbers stole a cellphone and a pair of All Star shoes he was wearing. No arrests have been made.

JANA-MARI SMITH

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Agribank keen to restart Witvlei abattoir

October 28, 2019, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Presidential re-run is allowed

≪ Previous: Teenager flees domestic slavery

Agribank keen to restart Witvlei abattoir

Agribank is keen to restart operations at its Witvlei abattoir after the Windhoek High Court ruled that Witvlei Meat, which had occupied the facility, should be evicted.

Judge Herman Oosthuizen ruled this past Friday that Witvlei Meat be evicted from the property.

Witvlei Meat, which is owned by Windhoek-based businessman Sydney Martin, was supposed to have exercised an option to acquire the abattoir by 21 June 2015.

This, however, did not materialise, leading to the closure of the abattoir and the loss of 160 jobs.

Witvlei Meat was supposed to buy the abattoir for the then market value of N$15 million. It had rented the facility since 2006.

“We would love to get to a situation where it is available for somebody to use this abattoir, but of course, we had to go through a legal process to evict Witvlei Meat,” Agribank CEO Sakaria Nghikembua said.

“We are just as concerned that the abattoir is not being used for the purpose that it can to add value to the economy. It is a concern that the abattoir, which is an asset of the bank remains closed.”

Agribank secured an eviction order against Witvlei Meat in the High Court in March 2013, having sued the company in an effort to have it evicted from the abattoir it had been renting since August 2006.

Witvlei Meat had argued it had a legal right to exercise its option to buy the abattoir in August 2009 and made a N$15 million offer.

Its position was supported by a May 2014 Supreme Court decision, when the country's highest court ruled that Agribank was wrong in its view that Witvlei Meat no longer had a valid option to buy the abattoir. In its glory days, the abattoir was a European Union (EU) beef exporting abattoir, with its produce ending up as far away as Norway.

OGONE TLHAGE

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Presidential re-run is allowed

October 28, 2019, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Yes, I am crazy enough

≪ Previous: Agribank keen to restart Witvlei abattoir

Presidential re-run is allowedIf no candidate wins an absolute majority There will be no sharing of votes to get anyone over the line, the ECN says.

The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) says if none of the candidates in the upcoming presidential race wins 50+1% of the votes, the law dictates a re-run.

There will be no sharing of votes to get anyone over the line, the electoral body told Namibian Sun.

Also, candidates will be allowed to withdraw from the re-run, and will then be able to advise their supporters to vote for someone else if they so wish.

ECN's chief electoral officer Theo Mujoro explained that the law is very clear that the candidate who obtains 50% plus one vote is declared the winner.

According to him, only the first and second candidates will be allowed to participate in the rerun if no candidate obtains the 50 plus one vote in the first round.

“Every candidate is contesting on their own as individuals and there is no 'block or alliance'. Unless political parties can have their own inter-party arrangements where a particular party encourages their followers to vote for a particular candidate in the presidential election,” Mujoro said.

President Hage Geingob of the ruling party Swapo is up against 10 other aspirants for the position he currently holds.

These include McHenry Venaani of official opposition Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), independent candidate Panduleni Itula and former //Karas governor Bernadus Swartbooi.

Also challenging for the state presidency next month are Mike Kavekotora (Rally for Democracy and Progress), Nudo president Esther Utjiua Muinjangue, All People's Party (APP) leader Ignatius Shixwameni and United Democratic Front (UDF) leader Apius Auchab.

Dr Tangeni Iijambo of Swanu, the Namibian Economic Freedom Fighters' (NEFF) Epafrans Mukwiilongo and the Republican Party's Henk Mudge are also in the race.

According to political commentator Ndumba Kamwanyah, chances do exist that Namibia may not have an outright winner after next month's presidential election and may see a second run-off.

Iijambo is one such candidate who is willing to ask his voters to rally behind another candidate.

However this decision may be difficult for the Swanu leader, a staunch socialist.

“Most of the parties in this country are reactionary. So it would be difficult for me to just rally my supporters behind any Tom, Dick and Harry,” he said.

Mudge however has mixed feelings about giving up his support, saying the concern is that the political opposition is too fragmented and in most cases most politicians are too self-centred.

Although he may give up his support, it would require to think long and hard.

“If I do not get enough votes, I will rally behind somebody else for the sake of the opposition. But that is farfetched. That will not happen. I cannot see that any opposition candidate can really make a strong candidate,” he said.

jemima@namibiansun.com

JEMIMA BEUKES

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Yes, I am crazy enough

October 28, 2019, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Tackling the serious problem that is bullying, The Zone visited A I Steenkamp primary school to find out what they would say to a bully if they had a one on one conversation and here...

≪ Previous: Presidential re-run is allowed

Yes, I am crazy enough It’s a dangerous place to be in when your ‘no’ is not really regarded as your ‘no’ anymore - when the lines between black and white become blurry. When we work within grey areas, we use circumstances as a way of justifying what we do. Mariselle Stofberg

As a female living in a world where femicide has become our reality, I want to become a part of the dialogue. I want to change that so-called reality that we accept.

I hate living in a world where fear rules the way we think. I hate that we try to find excuses for the things people do, because hey, it is a part of the way things are. This is our reality and we need to accept it.

I hate that I am constantly looking over my shoulder. I am told not to act a certain way, because it might provoke others. I’m told to dress a certain way, because what I wear might be a trigger for someone. Take care of your glass at a party honey, because leaving it unattended is regarded as reckless.

Don’t walk alone, because you might become a target.

Don’t drink too much, because then you are putting yourself in danger.

Take the cat-calls as a compliment, because that means people find you attractive.

Don’t be too emotional, because then you are seen as weak, but please don’t not be too confident, because then you have an attitude. Don’t be a tease and don’t be a prude. If something happened to you against your will, you were most probably looking for it.

We dream of a world where violence is not determined by gender, but we still teach girls what they should do not to get raped. As if it is a choice. We give self-defence classes on how to protect the girl child or women, but we forget to teach society why people should not hurt others. We become reactive, because being proactive and going against the norm is too hard. We want females to enjoy the same rights as men, and be treated equally, but we still teach them what they should not do in order to protect themselves.

“Yes, be a strong independent woman, but remember the world you live in.”

Why? Why should I become content with the status quo? Why should I be shamed and made to feel that I did something wrong, when someone took something that was not theirs to take.

When has it become okay to shame victims of abuse or make them question the severity of what has happened to them. Why do we judge people in abusive relationships and see them as inferior or weak for not leaving.

When have we been given the right to judge pain, as if pain can be measured on some scale?

The best argument I constantly hear is: What can we do to possibly change this deep-rooted problem society faces? The argument is made that we will never be able to change how things are and therefore we should adapt to how we act to make ourselves less vulnerable.

Do I have a grand plan or idea that can be our solution? No. Do I have answers or some hidden insight to help us understand why things are happening? No.

What I can offer, however, is my voice. I can stand up and say ‘no’. I can start to fight to break free of the chains. I can fight violence without violence, because fighting fire with fire is not the solution. I can become a part of the dialogue that continues, and does not simply calm down when enough noise has been made.

I can put an end to the stereotypes that only girls get raped, because the world I want to live in does not discriminate on the basis of gender.

I can encourage males to participate in the dialogues we are trying to have, to show that this is a universal issue that needs to be addressed now.

I can stop sending memes and making jokes about issues that are by no means funny.

I can say ‘no’ to this so-called reality of ours and proudly say I reject your reality you try so hard to force down my throat.

I am tired of simply surviving, when I can thrive. I am crazy enough to challenge the norm, because like Rob Siltanen said, we need a bit of crazy to bring about real change.

“Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can't do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”

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