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...

October 28, 2019, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Vox Pictures

≪ Previous: Yes, I am crazy enough

$

0

0

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... Dina Elias

I would talk to the bully to try and find out why he or she is doing it. I believe that bullying is a crime and it makes people feel bad about themselves. This will make the learners not want to attend school and will negatively influence their grades.

Daniela Kgobetsi

I will tell the bully to stop hurting people. It could lead to children becoming depressed and committing suicide. No one likes being treated badly so you have to treat people like you wish to be treated.

Novelene Kavandje

I would basically tell the bully to leave me alone because the reason he is bullying is because he is trying to hide his own pain. I would try and be his friend and help the bully become a better and caring person.

Zinekke Hansen

I will tell the bully to stop and start being helpful instead of hurtful. I will also help the bully realise that he or she will not get far in life with this type of negative behaviour. Being a bully will drive away all possible friends that you might have had.

Carlos Dax

People who bully other people need help. They need to be told that bullying is hurtful and could ruin your reputation and future. Also they need to understand that there are consequences when you are being rude towards others.

Pamela Kalopa

People only bully because they are insecure with themselves and are trying to take out their anger on other people. Thus I will tell the bully to find other ways of expressing themselves which will be less hurtful.

Stephany Owoses

Bullies like to talk bad about other children, they beat others and they don’t take responsibility for their actions. I would advise them to stop bullying because it is bad. Such behaviour may result in criminal activity one day.

Devina Hamases

I would tell them the way the other person is feeling due to their actions. I would also tell them that bullying is not good because if that is the way you identify yourself, people will not like you at all because they will only know you as a bully.

Emma Mujoro

Stop bullying people, especially kids. You are the reason someone else is not coming to school. You make other people cry and some even end up killing themselves. Do not do something to someone else that you would not want to be done unto you.

Helena Namwandi

I would tell any bully to stop what he/she is doing and to respect others and their rights. I would remind them of the bad that comes with bullying and the effects that it may have on the next person.

Amor Shinonge

I would tell the bully to stop bullying me because he would not like it if he was in the same situation that he is putting me in. It is not nice to bully each other. Bullying has serious consequences.

Salome Estrays

Bullying might get you into a lot of trouble and not only that but it is something that makes people uncomfortable. Bullies need to stop and think about other people and their feelings and change their way.

Pamela Kalopa

I would tell the bully that the only reason they do what t6hey do is to satisfy their friends. You don’t need to bully to look brave and it is not fair. Bullies just want to look tough in front of other people. I would ask him/her to become a better person.

---

Vox Pictures

October 28, 2019, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Let's not get personal

≪ Previous: 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...

$

0

0

Vox Pictures

Let's not get personal

October 28, 2019, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Maike shines in Tunisia

≪ Previous: Vox Pictures

$

0

0

Let's not get personal While President Hage Geingob returned to his mantra of “playing the ball and not the man” and urging contestants in the upcoming general election to refrain from insults, social media remains awash with propaganda, not least of all targeting independent presidential candidate Dr Panduleni Itula.

Although Itula supporters are no angels, we have been noticing disturbing references to the race his wife, as well as him being a supposed “sell-out” to Western powers. It is once again the usual Harambee social media squad that is attacking the president's opponents, which is the same trend that emerged in the run-up to the 2017 Swapo congress.

Politicians by their nature should have thick skins, but it was rather pleasing to hear Geingob's utterances over the weekend at a Swapo star rally, where he said election contestants should focus on issues.

“Talk about our failures and what you are offering. That way people will see who has a better programme. Come with ideas. We launched our manifesto, which is our CV saying what we have done. We will continue with what we have done if you give us five more years,” Geingob said in Keetmanshoop.

This is the correct spirit from the incumbent president and should be emulated by those who support him.

Elections are not about creating enemies, but about a battle of ideas that can take the country forward. For too long we have become stuck in the rhetoric of liberation politics, where people are our enemies simply because they hold different views on what should happen in Namibia. Let us be careful of the language we use and the emotions we may willy-nilly want to inflame.

This election should be about plans and efforts to take our beloved motherland forward and to deal with growing poverty and inequality. It should not be about mudslinging and deriding each other or about spreading vicious gossip and false tales. Let the true character of our nation be revealed in the level of political debate.

Maike shines in Tunisia

October 28, 2019, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Swapo not an Owambo party - Geingob

≪ Previous: Let's not get personal

$

0

0

Maike shines in TunisiaRower qualifies for 2020 Tokyo Olympics After walking away with gold, Maike Diekmann proved she is a force to be reckoned with. Tunohole Mungoba



Maike Diekmann (25) made Namibia proud by securing qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

She did this by taking gold at the FISA African Olympic and Paralympic qualification regatta in Tunisia.

“I have had a great year of training and racing and felt confident going into the competition,” Diekmann said.

Diekmann grew up on a farm just outside Otjiwarongo. “I went to a German primary private school in Otjiwarongo and then attended Otjiwarongo Secondary School, where I matriculated in 2012.

“I have always loved sport and being competitive, so I did athletics and played inline hockey during my school career,” says Diekmann.

“Right after matric, I attended Rhodes University in Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape in South Africa, where I graduated with a bachelor of science and then did my honours in geology.”

Diekmann is currently based in Pretoria for her training. She trains at the University of Pretoria (Tukkies) and at the Roodeplaat Dam.

“I was introduced to rowing for the first time at Rhodes University at the end of 2014 and started properly in January 2015, so I have just been rowing just short of five years.

“I was encouraged by rowing club members to join the club at the yearly sports expo. I was quite intimidated at first, and did not join, as I did not think it was a sport I could learn that easily.

“But then I was given a chance to be part of a fun crew with a bunch of beginners to race at the annual university boat races in Port Alfred,” Diekmann said.

After winning their race, Diekmann felt such an adrenaline rush and loved the competitiveness. The Rhodes rowing coach then taught her the basics and she attended a month-long training camp the following year.

“I love the challenge and of course the fact that I get to exercise outside most of the time, in nature. I love the outdoors and out on the water it is very peaceful and great to clear your mind. I also love the environment around rowing and the dedicated and driven athletes that put so many hours of training into it, to chase after their dreams, no matter how big or small they are,” she says.

“After winning the final and grabbing an Olympic qualification, I felt a great sense of relief and happiness overcoming me. At the medal ceremony, when the Namibian flag was raised and the anthem was playing, tears of joy ran down my face. Everything just made sense in that moment,” she said.

Diekmann was nominated for 2019 Sportswoman of the Year and has participated in international rowing competitions in Austria, the Netherlands and Italy.

According to Diekmann, her biggest challenge has been finding a support system to help her train at an elite level, as well as financial constraints.

“It was difficult to find a team to train with, as I am a Namibian in South Africa. It is not easy to train with the national team… I had to therefore make my own team and find people to train with me, from Tukkies, for example. I was lucky to find a great coach in Pretoria who took an interest in helping me out and he had good connections to doctors and biokineticists, and after a while, we created or own ‘national team’,” she says.

“The financial side has also been a challenge, as I have not received any kind of funding from Namibia during my preparation for the qualification.

“The only source of external money that I received was from the International Olympic Committee and I received the Olympic Solidarity scholarship.

“This money helped me cover my monthly expenses in South Africa, but the bigger expenses such as travel costs to overseas tours were mostly funded by my family.

“I hope with me qualifying for the Olympics it will help me find more sponsors and that I will receive more support from the Namibian government.”

Diekmann said sport brings together people, takes children off the street, and produces healthy, strong-minded individuals, who will be a benefit to the country and its economy.

“Athletes develop important skills throughout their sporting careers, which help them in their academic and business pursuits.

“I would like to encourage young Namibian girls in sport to go after their dreams and goals, even if they seem so far away... It’s a dream of mine to be a role model to others and show that anything is possible if you put the work and effort into it; but especially if you do it with the love and passion you have for your sport and country.”

Swapo not an Owambo party - Geingob

October 28, 2019, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Teacher in hot water over schoolgirl sex

≪ Previous: Maike shines in Tunisia

$

0

0

Swapo not an Owambo party - Geingob President Hage Geingob says Swapo is not an “Owambo party” and must be a home to all Namibians.

Speaking at a Swapo star rally in Keetmanshoop over the weekend, Geingob urged Namibians to “play the ball” and talk about ideas and issues, while refraining from personal attacks.

“Talk about our failures and what you are offering.

That way people will see who has a better programme.

Come with ideas. We launched our manifesto, which is our CV saying what we have done. We will continue with what we have done if you give us five more years,” Geingob said.

He said Swapo adopted a policy of national reconciliation because it did not want anybody to feel left out and not because of weakness.

“Those who do not want to come [onboard], that is their business. We are saying we want to unite Namibia's people, whether you are black, white or yellow. No one must feel left out, unless they lock themselves out.

“Now we are coming back with OPO (the Ovamboland People's Organisation). OPO was transformed into Swapo. With OPO we thought only Oshiwambo-speaking people were oppressed and we realised all of us were oppressed. We changed to Swapo,” he said.

Geingob's remarks come in response to Landless People's Movement (LPM) leader Bernadus Swartbooi's utterances that Swapo is only promoting the interests of the Aawambo.

In 2017 Swartbooi, a former Swapo governor, deputy minister and MP, said he was proud to leave the “Ovamboland People's Organisation”. “When you meet me next time, I am neither an honourable nor a comrade. I am, I was, I will be, till death does me apart, Bernadus Swartbooi.”

jemima@namibiansun.com

JEMIMA BEUKES

Teacher in hot water over schoolgirl sex

October 28, 2019, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Shanghala back in Kora frying pan

≪ Previous: Swapo not an Owambo party - Geingob

$

0

0

Teacher in hot water over schoolgirl sex ILENI NANDJATO



An Iipumbu Senior Secondary School teacher is in hot water after a learner he is suspected to have impregnated attempted to abort the baby with his help, but failed.

Oshana education director Hileni Amukana told Namibian Sun she is waiting for a detailed report from school principal Hendrina Armas before reporting the matter to education ministry executive director Sanet Steenkamp.

The teacher and schoolgirl are allegedly involved in a long-term sexual relationship.

After the teacher found out the learner was pregnant, he urged her to abort the baby and told her he would assist her.

“This was then done on the school premises during the weekend of 19 and 20 October. The attempt went wrong and the learner ended up in hospital,” a source said.

When contacted for comment, Armas confirmed the incident.

“Please consult with the office of the deputy director for education. As we are speaking the issue have been reported to the police for investigation,” Armas said.

Amukana said teacher-learner sexual relationships are not allowed at schools and they have to wait for the police to conclude their investigations first.

“The case has been reported to me, but it is also being dealt with by the police, so I cannot delve much into it now, because we are waiting for concrete information. It was only verbally reported to me, so I am still waiting for official communication before we process the report to the executive director, who will pronounce herself on the matter,” Amukana said.

“Only after we obtain all the statements, will we be able to say much. Once the police are done with their investigations, then we will do our part. The most critical part is that teachers are not allowed to have affairs with learners.”

Shanghala back in Kora frying pan

October 28, 2019, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Ultimate girl power

≪ Previous: Teacher in hot water over schoolgirl sex

$

0

0

Shanghala back in Kora frying panFormer AG removed conditions that could have stopped N$23m payment It is being alleged that the former AG stepped in to offer his services to mediate and finalise the agreement to save legal costs, leading to private lawyers being dropped. ELLANIE SMIT



Former attorney-general Sacky Shanghala has emerged at the centre of the removal of conditions in the Kora awards deal that would have protected government from losing N$23 million in the scandal.

Documents seen by Namibian Sun show that Shanghala, who is now the country’s justice minister, removed suspensive conditions from the agreement between the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) and Mundial Telecom Sarl.

A source said yesterday the former AG stepped in to offer his services to mediate and finalise the agreement to save legal costs, leading to private lawyers being dropped.

“Festus Weyulu from the AG’s office was assigned to assist with the final drafting of the contract. It is clear that the AG had struck out the suspensive clause that the NTB demanded for inclusion in his advisory note to tourism minister Pohamba Shifeta and the reasons for that are unknown. Mr Shanghala can possibly asked to explain the reasons for this. This had gravely compromised the bargaining position of the NTB,” the source said.

Suspensive conditions are certain criteria that must be met in order for a contract to come into force.

In a letter dated 2 December 2015, Shanghala informed environment minister Pohamba Shifeta of certain changes that were made to the agreement.

“Pursuant to the hosting of the Kora awards ceremony in Namibia on 20 March 2016, your office requested the Office of the Attorney-General to provide scrutiny and certification of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between NTB and Mundial Telecom Sarl. After having read the MoU, we have made some changes…” Shanghala wrote to Shifeta.

The suspensive conditions would have made the agreement subject to the fulfilment of these conditions.

Among the conditions that were removed were that Mundial should have entered into deals with certain television and radio channels on or before 20 December 2015, with the aim of ensuring that the interests of the NTB regarding promotional features were duly protected.

Mundial also had to provide the NTB with promotional benefits as set out in the agreement, with the aim of ensuring that the interests of NTB were duly protected.

This included the allocation of invitation cards for the Kora awards ceremony for 36 VVIP seats, 48 middle row VIP seats, 60 back row VIP seats and 150 gallery seats.

Furthermore, space had to be allocated to the NTB in the Kora magazine.

The conditions further stated that should these not be fulfilled by 20 December 2015 or not more than 14 days after this date, the agreement shall be of no force or effect and neither party shall have any claim against the other.

Approval must however be given by a party for the extended period following a written notice.

Because of the suspensive conditions that were removed from the contract, there was apparently concern regarding whether the money the NTB was paying will indeed go towards the intended promotional package.

Namibian Sun is informed that Shifeta demanded a written letter of confirmation from Kora awards founder Ernest Adjovi to clarify the concerns he raised on the matter.

Adjovi, in a letter to Shifeta, said that as per the contract stipulations signed between the NTB and Mundial Telecom, the package that NTB committed to would exclusively be used for the purposes of marketing and promoting the country.

“With regard to television stations, I can also confirm to you minister that we have already secured 44 television stations through our partnership with CMA. This is a fact that is stipulated in the contract and already shared with your senior officials at both your ministry and the NTB,” Adjovi wrote.

He further stressed that further delays in the disbursements of the committed funds will jeopardise the event from taking place in Windhoek, which he said is a situation they had worked hard to prevent.

Meanwhile, Shanghala said in a statement last week he is not responsible for the Kora monies being unrecoverable or that the agreement he drafted led to NTB advancing the N$23 million to Mundial Telecom for hosting the awards

“I am not the one who directed that payment be made in advance and it would be prudent for all involved to take responsibility for their own deeds. I would like to caution that even ‘sources’ have agendas and interests too.”

A source said: “The contract was signed on 4 December 2015. And the first payment was made as per the witness statement of NTB around 15 December 2015. This is in direct contradiction of Shanghala’s press release that the money was paid in advance before the contract was even signed. He needs to explain.”

As per the contract that was signed on 4 December 2015, the NTB had to pay N$23.5 million on or before 10 December 2015.

However, court documents show that the first payment of N$5 million was made on 22 December 2015 and the second (N$5 million) was made on 23 December 2015.

On 7 January 2016 another N$5 million was transferred and on 17 February 2016, N$8.5 million paid.

The money was paid into the bank account of Mundial Telecom in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

The last payment was done about a month before the awards was to take place in Namibia, while the promised promotional package guaranteed promotional television clips featuring Namibia would be on all participating African television stations by at least 20 January 2016.

Shifeta told Namibian Sun yesterday he was unable to comment on the agreement, as it was a confidential matter.

Efforts to get comment from Shanghala proved futile, as his cellphone remained off.

The Kora matter is serving before the Windhoek High Court and is between NTB and Mundial Telecom Sarl, which owns the rights to host the Kora awards, while Adjovi acted as the president of the company.

Ultimate girl power

October 31, 2019, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Self-awareness, authenticity and vulnerability

≪ Previous: Shanghala back in Kora frying pan

$

0

0

Ultimate girl powerCreating a masterpiece Sally Boss Madam is taking Namibian sound to the next level. The road to success is never easy and smooth.

This is a common statement, which one would think the majority of people understand, but it is not really the case. Music fans have always enjoyed the luxury of witnessing the glorious stages of artists who have hit the scene, and they do not necessarily care too much about the hardships or process that these artists go through to deliver desirable experiences. One such musician who we think embodies an unpolluted artistic character is Sally Boss Madam, because today music fans enjoy her so much, to a point where it just seems as if she popped up out of nowhere. On her forthcoming album, slated for release at the end of November, Sally Boss Madam reflects on how hard work and staying true to herself has made her a “lucky girl” in such a challenging industry. She is a bastion of undeniable music talent. Her music has been reigning in the industry ever since she unleashed her debut album a few years ago. While wrapping up her new album titled Lucky Girl, the singer made time to brief tjil on what to expect from the project. Speaking on the sound direction she took, the singer mentioned that Lucky Girl has a very urban sound and emphasised that it is going to sound different from her previous albums.



“I am the type of artist that takes their time when it comes to working on albums.

This one took me about two years.

“I have no intention of recreating Boss Madam, and it is one thing I want people to understand, because I can't be wearing the same hat all the time. I am really excited for my fans to hear what I have been working on.”

She divulged that she had to do a lot of soul-searching for the album, adding it took a lot of rerecording and scrapping. There was a certain way she wanted to sound and admitted she could not bring it across last year.

“I could not do it vocally and that is because sometimes you have to allow growth to happen. There are certain things that I can do now, vocally, that I couldn't do a few years back,” Sally Boss Madam said.

She maintains that Lucky Girl is probably the most honest album she has done in her life, because there are songs on it that are probably going to be viewed as explicit by many. There are so many boundaries that limit musicians from exploring certain themes and topics in their music, because they have brands and reputations to uphold, but for Lucky Girl, Sally Boss Madam revealed she did not let that alter her creativity in terms of speaking her mind. “I have so many people looking up to me and my fans are made up of both young and old people, but I acknowledge that you can't make everyone happy, so I let my creativity be my compass when I was making this album.

“You can't live in a prison; you have to be free and I feel the content on this album will speak to who it is suitable for.”

Sally Boss Madam is known for not bombarding her albums with a lot of featured artists, but she shared that some of the artists she worked with on her fourth album include Skrypt, King Elegant and Don Kamati.

“Skrypt I met at the NAMAs; I think he's a great rapper. He is so talented and I really had to get him on a song. I admire Don Kamati's work ethic, and as for King Elegant, he is an explosion of talent, humility and true artistry, and reminds me of myself. Those are some of the artists I featured on this album,” she said.

Set to be released on 30 November, the rollout plan for the album entails a national tour, which she said her team is busy organising. She also plans to tour countries like Ethiopia, Gambia, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia to promote the album. “I will be planning trips to these countries and more because I think we have a good reception to my music in these countries, so I would like to incorporate these countries into our new album launch,” she added.

---

Self-awareness, authenticity and vulnerability

October 31, 2019, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Repeat offenders arrested for wildlife crimes

≪ Previous: Ultimate girl power

$

0

0

Self-awareness, authenticity and vulnerabilityOld Mutual Women’s Summit Lean-In Circles The Lean-in Circle hosted by Old Mutual provided a much-needed platform to women in leadership positions to assist them in their journey to self-actualisation. MARISELLE STOFBERG

On Friday, 25 October Old Mutual held the Women’s Summit Lean-In Circle in Windhoek. Under the theme ‘Self-awareness, Authenticity and Vulnerability’, the attendees had the opportunity to ask the questions they had in regards to these topics and engage in meaningful conversations.

“We want to make a difference where it really matters,” said Mauriza Fredericks, the communications and social responsibility manager at Old Mutual.

Old Mutual has done some research in order to understand the needs women have in areas they want to grow in, the support they need and what topics they feel need discussion.

They then utilised the insights from the research to develop programmes to address these needs. The Lean-In Circles is a specific programme that was designed to offer women in leadership positions the support they need.

The circles are groups of women who meet regularly to learn new skills, network, and encourage each other.

Patricia Oliver, the chief executive officer of the Corporate Segment at Old Mutual, shared the importance of taking care of oneself as part of the journey of the programmes created by Old Mutual.

“We can really talk about women in leadership positions at these events. The theme of our women summit this year was this whole concept of self-actualisation. When we self-actualise, we need to take care of ourselves, because that will allow us to take care of others. As women we need to support one another, and these events allow us to help and support women, because as women we can make a difference in this world.”

Not only did the programme offer the opportunity to ask questions, but provided the attendees with a skilled facilitator to help them address some of the struggles and uncertainties they might have.

Isaki Lungu, a systems thinker and the co-founder of Greenfolk Management Consultancy, a fast-growing company in Namibia with a focus on business strategy, business performance management and systems thinking, acted as the Lean-in facilitator during the event. Lungu encouraged the attendees to try to really come to terms with who they are as a person, and to not be the version of themselves they believe others want to see.

“Being real and being true to yourself is being vulnerable, and to be vulnerable you need to know who you really are,” concluded Lungu.

The next Lean-In Circles will be hosted in February 2020 at the Mutual Towers in Windhoek.

CAPTIONS

Photo 1: Patricia Oliver, the chief executive officer of the Corporate Segment at Old Mutual, spoke at the event about self-actualisation.

Photo 2: Isaki Lungu acted as the Lean-in facilitator during the event.

PHOTOS JUSTICIA SHIPENA

Repeat offenders arrested for wildlife crimes

October 31, 2019, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Pakistan's elephant deal cancelled

≪ Previous: Self-awareness, authenticity and vulnerability

$

0

0

Repeat offenders arrested for wildlife crimes Several suspects, some of whom are repeat offenders, were arrested for wildlife crimes last week and five new cases were registered.

According to statistics provided by police and the environment ministry, four wildlife products were also seized last week - one giraffe tail, a live pangolin, an eland carcass and one live tortoise.

Of the nine suspects arrested, one is a Zambian national and the rest are Namibians.

Two Namibians, Makushe Frans Limbare and Muronga Timoteus, were arrested last Tuesday at Ndiyona for the illegal hunting of an eland.

Three more suspects, Moyo Alexander, Muyenga Shipipa and Shitemo Shipipa, were arrested last Thursday in connection with the same case. These three, all of them Namibians, were also found with one giraffe tail in their possession.

At Ngoma, a Zambian national, Muyangwa Olivier Sitali, was arrested last Friday for being in possession of a live tortoise.

At Omuthiya, two Namibians were arrested on Sunday for conspiring to hunt specially protected game and entering a game park without a permit. They are Tsililinus Ferndsc and Naftali Kandenge.

According to the crime report, three men were arrested inside the Valencia Mine area in the Dorob National Park last Saturday. It is alleged that the men unlawfully killed two mountain zebras and a kudu.

All the carcasses were recovered. Two hunting rifles, live ammunition and spent cartridges were recovered from the scene. A vehicle was also impounded.

ELLANIE SMIT

Pakistan's elephant deal cancelled

October 31, 2019, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: CoD's long goodbye kiss

≪ Previous: Repeat offenders arrested for wildlife crimes

$

0

0

Pakistan's elephant deal cancelled The environment ministry has confirmed that there is no longer any application under consideration to export elephants to Pakistan.

Ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda told Namibian Sun yesterday that a permit to import elephants from Namibia had been revoked.

The ministry earlier this month confirmed that it was reviewing an application by Pakistan to import ten elephants, but that no export permit had been issued yet.

“One of the conditions for us to issue an export permit is for Pakistan to have an import permit. As this has been cancelled there is no application anymore,” Muyunda told Namibian Sun.

A Pakistan daily newspaper, The Express Tribune, first reported at the beginning of October that the Lahore High Court in Pakistan had directed the Punjab Environment Protection Department to issue a no-objection certificate (NOC) for importing an elephant for the Lahore Zoo.

“Earlier, Namibia's government had granted a licence for the animals, but the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites) permit was not issued by the Pakistani government,” according to the newspaper.

Lahore Zoo's only female elephant, Suzi, died in May 2017. Since then it has been trying to procure another elephant for the zoo. In May this year it was reported that there were only five elephants in Pakistan; one Asian and four African elephants.

All four of the African elephants are at zoos in Karachi, while the Asian elephant is housed at Islamabad Zoo.

Following the reports that Pakistan wanted to import elephants from Namibia there has been growing concern from conservation groups.

A group of 35 global specialists in elephant biology, husbandry, elephant management, legal and policy analysis, economics and conservation, most of whom are based in Africa, expressed their concerns to both the Namibian and Pakistan governments.

The Elizabeth Margaret Steyn (EMS) Foundation said in its letter that globally public sentiment was running against the keeping of this iconic African species in captivity.

According to the group previous exports of wild elephants from Africa generated considerable public backlash around the world, and continued actions in this regard would damage Namibia's reputation as a legitimate voice in nature conservation

“We call on the government of Namibia to act in accordance with elephant biology, international and national legislation, and widespread and ever-increasing worldwide public opinion, and not to approve any application for the export of elephants into captivity,” the group said.

Cites recently decided to impose a near-total ban on sending African elephants captured in the wild to zoos.

Representatives agreed that elephants should remain in their “natural and historical range in Africa, except in exceptional circumstances where … it is considered that a transfer to ex-situ locations will provide demonstrable in-situ conservation benefits for African elephants”.

In such cases, decisions should only be made in consultation with the Cites animals committee, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature's elephant specialist group.

African elephants caught in the wild and already in zoos could be transferred to other facilities outside Africa, Cites said.

However, the importing country must come up with solid reasons for procurement of wild animals and prove that the importer country has safe and friendly habitats for the elephants.

ellanie@namibiansun.com



ELLANIE SMIT

CoD's long goodbye kiss

October 31, 2019, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: FNB invests in health

≪ Previous: Pakistan's elephant deal cancelled

$

0

0

CoD's long goodbye kissUlenga's former party staggers towards obscurity In the Namibian political context, CoD definitely does not stand for 'cash on delivery'. But what the now ailing and all but irrelevant Congress of Democrats did promise to deliver, at its genesis, was a truly reconciled Namibia built around the aspirations of its world-class constitution. They say a week is a long time in politics, as it ebbs and flows in this or that direction, but in the same breath Namibia's amnesiac voters seem to have forgotten the history of the once feared Congress of Democrats (CoD).

As the novelty of an independent presidential candidate, who is choosing to stick to his Swapo colours, seems to be getting more shine, there was in fact a time when those unhappy with the then Swapo leadership had the courage of their convictions to forge their own way in the political maelstrom.

One such man was Ben Ulenga, who left Swapo amid a flutter to establish the CoD.

It may be hard to believe now, but there was a time in Namibia where some thought Founding President Sam Nujoma was eyeing the emulation of his African peers who refuse to relax their grip on power, such as Paul Biya, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, Denis Sassou Nguesso, and closer to home, Nujoma's friend Robert Mugabe, who only gave up power when staring down the barrel of a gun.

These are men who have created dynasties of friends and cronies, and whom only death will recall them from the thrones they are firmly glued to.

With Nujoma's henchmen having convinced him to stay for five more years, having already served his first two terms, Ulenga protested.

The former Robben Island prisoner was so angry that he relinquished his cushy government job as Namibia's high commissioner to the UK to form what the media and analysts said would break Swapo's two-thirds majority, if not smoke it out of power altogether.

Ulenga's CoD started off with steam. It robbed Swapo of some of its sharpest talents, such as then deputy minister of information Ignatius Shixwemeni, a rising youthful star then.

They couldn't stand that a country's constitution was being amended to stroke the ego of one man – perhaps a good stance.

Ulenga contested the 1999 presidential election against Nujoma and received 10.5% of the vote. In the parliamentary election the CoD gained seven seats, replacing the then DTA as the official opposition.

In the 2004 election, the party won 7.2% of the popular vote and five out of 78 seats, before plummeting in 2009 and securing only one seat along with the All People's Party (APP), which came from its own rib as an off-ramp born out of factionalism.

The APP was born out of a falling out between an Ulenga faction and one led by his former blue-eyed boy Shixwameni.

Their poll performances have been increasingly dismal, as first the Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) and then the DTA became the official opposition in subsequent elections.

In 2014, CoD failed to win a seat in the National Assembly.

In 2015 Ulenga tendered his resignation from the party he had founded.

“I am no longer in that field. I cannot say much. I will leave it to the party as they have people who speak for them. I am no longer relevant,” he told The Namibian at the time.

Ulenga brought about, according to analysts, a vibrancy when he launched his party, but like all other opposition parties, its challenge to Swapo faded.

Rumours then spread that Ulenga, undoubtedly a decorated soldier of the liberation struggle, had rejoined Swapo.

Not true, he told Namibian Sun yesterday. “I am a member of the CoD,” he declared, but hastening to add that he is now an ordinary member of the once feared movement, with no formal position in its shaky structures.

The CoD's good policies and strong reconciliation leanings drew commendations in its heyday.

However, the old story of infighting and subsequent smaller splits milked the party's support dry.

Political commentator Graham Hopwood said one of the problems with the CoD was that it was set up to channel protest against certain developments during the third term of President Nujoma, but did not have a longer-term vision.

“Most of the issues that it took on were time-limited, such as the third term issue, Namibia's involvement in the DRC war, and the spillover of the Angolan civil war into northern Namibia.

“The party didn't find new issues to focus on once the third term was over.

“There was also a clash of personalities among the top figures in the party - mainly between Ben Ulenga and Nora Schimming-Chase,” Hopwood said.

He added that for small parties these divisions could often prove very damaging, “as we have seen subsequently in RDP”.

“It's difficult to garner public support when many of the headlines in the media are about the party's internal arguments, rather than what the party thinks on the issues of the day, and what policies it would like to introduce.

“In 1999 the party gained 10% of the vote, which was a creditable and encouraging start, but they were not able to build on this due to the factors I've outlined earlier.

“I don't think they will ever get back to their 1999 level of support. Namibia's generous electoral system could conceivably result in them gaining one seat, by attracting a few thousand votes, but I don't think that will happen at this election,” Hopwood added.

TOIVO NDJEBELA AND ASHLEY SMITH

FNB invests in health

October 31, 2019, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: N$2.5m salaries bailout for Agribusdev

≪ Previous: CoD's long goodbye kiss

$

0

0

FNB invests in health Committed to helping the community ESTER KAMATI



First National Bank Namibia donated a blood-gas analyser worth N$282 000 to the Windhoek Central Hospital's cardiac unit this month.

The unit, which treats children as well as adult patients, is fairly small but according to Dr Alfred Mureka the vision is to expand the unit.

He says sometimes the aging equipment become a limiting factor to service provision and that the blood-gas analyser, which they have been struggling with, is central to the management of critically ill cardiac patients.

The machine guides the doctors in treating patients by determining through a blood sample whether the patient needs to be put on a drip or to be ventilated.

The ministry of health will be responsible for the maintenance of the machine as well as ensuring that the doctors receive the necessary training.

Dr Mureka thanked the bank on behalf of the cardiac unit, saying that the unit had been using the same equipment since it opened in 2008.

“Sometimes this hinders our ability to provide services to the fullest. Getting support in this form will only help our service to do better,” he said.

Bolle Hans of FNB's public sector banking department said a new foundation is being built in public health despite the harsh economic times.

Hans urged other companies to join hands with the ministry of health and social services to address some of the health challenges being faced in the country.

“This is an indication that health is at the top of the agenda of the FirstRand Namibia Foundation Trust,” said Hans.

The executive director of the health ministry Ben Nangombe received the donation on behalf of the hospital's cardiac unit, which consists of eight sub-units.

He said the objective of the unit was “to provide affordable, quality cardiology services that cater to the needs of the Namibian nation; both private and state patients.”

He added that the donation complements the ministry's process of closing the gap in the provision of various health care services currently not available at health facilities, including paediatric intensive care units, and thanked FNB as a “partner in health” for aiding the ministry.

He concluded by applauding the team of doctors for their hard work as well as relieving the country of the financial strain that comes with having to send patients to other countries for treatment.

N$2.5m salaries bailout for Agribusdev

October 31, 2019, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Govt in settlement talks over defective passport

≪ Previous: FNB invests in health

$

0

0

N$2.5m salaries bailout for Agribusdev The agriculture ministry will seek treasury approval in order to divert N$2.5 million that will be used to pay Agribusdev staff, who are yet to receive their September salaries.

Agribusdev workers this week threatened to go on strike if they do not receive their September and October salaries in the next week.

According to staff members, who spoke on condition of anonymity, they were promised for two months that government had secured funds to assist them.

With their third-party payments for medical aid, pension and housing not being paid, several workers are facing the repossession of their cars and foreclosure of their homes.

At least four people said they have been kicked out of places they rent.

Agriculture ministry executive director Percy Misika emphasised they had previously allocated N$35 million to the troubled entity to operationalise farms and green schemes under its management.

“That N$35 million is not for salaries. The ministry is trying to see how we can assist them and it is difficult if we do not have the funds.

“We have for now identified an area where we can take the N$2.5 million from, which they need to pay their salaries. And for that we need treasury approval and we do not know how long it will take,” he said.

Misika also said Agribusdev must be able to stand on its own feet and sustain itself.

Agriculture minister Alfeus !Naruseb also said Agribusdev should be able to generate its own funds.

“We have asked them to provide us with a business plan and we are assisting to look at it, in order to determine how they can streamline their business to become self-sustainable,” he said.

Agribusdev CEO Petrus Uugwanga said yesterday they had received the N$2.5 million from government.

He also sees no problem with making the entity self-sustainable.

“We have the capacity; once we do what we must, we are home and dry,” he added.

jemima@namibiansun.com





JEMIMA BEUKES

Govt in settlement talks over defective passport

October 31, 2019, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Uanguta seconded to Namra

≪ Previous: N$2.5m salaries bailout for Agribusdev

$

0

0

Govt in settlement talks over defective passport A father is in settlement negotiations with home affairs officials after suing the ministry for N$276 000 after a terrifying ordeal in which his 18-year-old son was jailed in Thailand for being in possession of a fake passport.

Michael Geiseb, now 19, and his father Petrus Geiseb, a regional manager of Pick n Pay Namibia, place the blame squarely on home affairs for issuing a defective passport in 2016, in which a ghost image needed to verify the passport as genuine was botched.

They state in court papers that the entire ordeal could have been prevented if the passport had been issued without the faulty security marker.

Papers filed by the ministry of home affairs accepts partial liability to a “certain extent” for the defective document, but indicated they would only pay a small portion of the amount the Geisebs are suing for.

The incident happened in August 2018, when 18-year-old Michael Geiseb arrived at the Bangkok airport after spending a few months in the country to pursue his studies.

Immigration officials discovered the incorrect ghost image “and arrested and detained him on suspicion of being in possession of a falsified travel document”.

He was jailed on the spot.

With his son behind bars in a foreign country, Geiseb senior immediately bought a ticket and flew to Thailand to help his son and secure his release.

He had to hire a local lawyer and paid N$36 000 for bail.

The Geisebs are asking the court to order home affairs to repay all expenses incurred during this distressing period of their lives.

This includes a refund of the N$135 200 fine for being in possession of an invalid passport, and a N$10 000 fine for overstaying in Thailand.

The Namibian authorities have offered to pay back only N$10 000 of the money spent on fines.

Moreover, the Geisebs are asking for a refund on airline tickets that cost more than N$43 000 during that period.

Lastly, they are asking the court to award them N$50 000 in damages suffered during the ordeal, including for Geiseb junior's arrest and detainment.

The ministry filed a notice of intention to defend the matter in August.

In its plea, the ministry said it was willing to admit liability “to a certain extent” to the tune of N$45 084 of the more than N$276 000 being asked.

This week the parties informed Judge Nate Ndauendapo that they were negotiating a possible settlement.

Ndauendapo agreed to their request to postpone the matter to 5 December for a status hearing.

Lawyer Norman Tjombe is representing the Geisebs while government lawyer Lindrowski Tibinyane is working on behalf of the defendants.

JANA-MARI SMITH

---

Uanguta seconded to Namra

October 31, 2019, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Why survive when you can thrive

≪ Previous: Govt in settlement talks over defective passport

$

0

0

Uanguta seconded to NamraBoN deputy governor appointed for six months The finance ministry is finding it difficult to find a suitable candidate to head its new tax agency on a full-time basis. Bank of Namibia (BoN) deputy governor Ebson Uanguta has been appointed to serve as the temporary CEO of the soon-to-be established Namibia Revenue Agency (Namra).

This comes as treasury found it hard to appoint a suitable full-time candidate to head the new agency, finance ministry Calle Schlettwein said this week.

The ministry had initially committed to appointing a CEO by August 2018.

An external recruitment firm had been appointed last year to assist the ministry to appoint a CEO, but even that exercise failed to yield a suitable candidate, with Schlettwein pointing out the candidates that had been shortlisted “did not cross the finish line”.

Explaining the delay, Schlettwein said government exercised caution to ensure that the preferred candidate would not to be perceived as a political appointment.

“The approach we had, we anticipated the perception that there would be political interference. We appointed an external recruitment firm. We distanced ourselves from the process to have the best shot at appointing a CEO on merit,” said Schlettwein.

“Names were shortlisted, it's true, but none of those who were shortlisted crossed the line to be fully accepted,” he added.

The entire process to appoint a new CEO would now have to be restarted, with the assistance of Uanguta and the Namra board, explained Schlettwein.

According to previous reports, three candidates had been shortlisted to head the new tax agency, including inland revenue commissioner Justus Mwafongwe, former Namibia Competition Commission (NaCC) CEO Mihe Gaomab II and PwC tax leader Chantell Husselmann. Uanguta started his career at the now defunct Namibia Economic Policy Research Unit as a research assistant in 1996. In the mid-2000s, he joined the central bank as an economist and moved through the ranks to become its director of research. He then moved to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington DC, where he served as an advisor to the executive director for the Africa Group 1 Constituency.

He returned to the country's apex bank in January 2002 to serve as deputy governor, a post he still holds. He holds a Master of Science (MSc) degree in economics from Addis Ababa University and a Bachelor of Economics (BEc) degree from the University of Namibia (Unam). He has also completed a senior management education programme at the University of Stellenbosch's Graduate Business School and was a senior fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, according to his LinkedIn account. Uanguta describes himself as a central banker with more than 18 years of professional experience.

When approached for comment regarding Uanguta's absence from the central bank, it expressed no worry with Uanguta's appointed reasoning that it was only a temporary move. “Rest assured that this temporary arrangement will not, in any way, impact the operations of the bank. In the meantime, the executive leadership and staff of the bank shall continue to assist the governor in the execution of the mandate of the central bank as usual,” the bank said.

OGONE TLHAGE

Why survive when you can thrive

October 31, 2019, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Loyalty, hard work and growth

≪ Previous: Uanguta seconded to Namra

$

0

0

Why survive when you can thriveFour decades of hard work Marylin Dick has been an employee at Pick n Pay Namibia for almost 40 years. She has and will forever be loyal to the company that has allowed her to grow her skills. MARISELLE STOFBERG

Being successful in life is no accident. It takes a great deal of perseverance, determination, sacrifice and willingness to learn for one to become successful. To maintain that success is even more difficult, but this has not stopped the humble and dedicated Marylin Dick.

Dick has proven that she will commit herself to any task she is given and will put in the hours needed to be successful. For 39 years her perseverance, diligence, hardworking nature and dedication towards her career and company have been clearly visible.

Starting as a sales assistant, Dick has worked herself up in the ranks and today she is the proud administration controller at Pick n Pay in Walvis Bay.

Dick has been a part of the Pick n Pay family for so long because of the core values of the company that she is able to identify with. “I have been loyal towards the company for almost 40 years, because of the honest and reliable nature of Pick n Pay,” she says.

Dick was born and raised in the heart of Walvis Bay and started her school career at Tamariska Primary School. “I still remember those years growing up and my love for netball. I played every position from centre to goal defender.”

She started working at Pick n Pay in 1980, which was then still known as the Model Supermarkets franchise in agreement with Woolworths.

Her duties as administration controller includes making up timetables, double-checking invoices, taking care of any queries and operating the switchboard.

“My biggest achievement in my career has been my ability to build my own house with the salary I received from the company,” she says.

Dick gives all the honour to her heavenly Father who provided her with the skills, patience and determination needed to be successful within her career.

“My superpowers come from God, who has been assisting and guiding me throughout these years. I am very blessed and truly happy to be one of the many employees at PnP in Walvis Bay, and I am excited about the journey and life ahead.”



Photo 1:

Marylin Dick values hard work and has shown perseverance and determination throughout her career.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Loyalty, hard work and growth

October 31, 2019, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: A crisis of epic proportions

≪ Previous: Why survive when you can thrive

$

0

0

Loyalty, hard work and growthUniquely brilliant in their fields Namport boasts with many long-service employees who have showed much dedication over the past 40-plus years. Russel Eyberg

Russel Eyberg has been working at Namport for the last 45 years. He has been an artisan at the Technical Division at the Port of Walvis Bay since he started and is a man with a wealth of knowledge. He looks forward to fishing and making fishcakes when he goes on retirement this month.

Eyberg says he will miss being part of the growth and developments at Namport, specifically with the new container terminal. When he is not at home, you will find him camping and fishing in his spare time, and he enjoys listening to old school underground music.

“I would not trade my experience as an artisan for any other career,” says Eyberg. He encourages all his colleagues to work hard, take the opportunities for self-development when they arise and get qualified because in the end, “that’s all that matters”.

Paul Bostander

Paul Bostander works at the Cargo Department in Lüderitz. Bostander has been in Namport’s service for 42 years and is very happy to be part of the Namport family. He finds that the entity over all these years still looks after its staff members and that it is a well-managed organisation.

Bostander, a father of three, enjoys listening to gospel music and attending church. The graceful gentleman, who goes by the name Oom Paul, is excited about the growth and modernisation that has taken place at Namport since he started there. “From having only three cranes at the Port of Lüderitz to a multitude of improvements and change in equipment is a good thing to see,” says Bostander. He says that having so much more than what they started with just goes to show the hard work that has been put in. “I hope that Namport continues to contribute positively to employment creation in Namibia,” he says.

Onesmus Shilunga

Onesmus Shilunga has been in the service of Namport for 41 years. The soft-spoken Shilunga started off as a general worker and worked his way up the corporate ladder to the position of CAT4 operator. He is looking forward to his last day with Namport so that he can finally be united with his family full time.

“I will miss the teamwork that I have enjoyed over the decades as well as all the learning gained,” he says.

Shilunga enjoys spending time with friends, as well as keeping fit. The regular churchgoer is also fond of listening to old school and gospel music.

If he could get a chance to be young again, Onesmus would like to become an operations supervisor in order to pass on all the knowledge he has gained over the years as well as to tell colleagues about the rich history of Namport.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Capt1- Russel Eyberg from the Port of Walvis Bay hard at work.

Cap2- Paul Bostander from the Port of Lüderitz.

Capt3- Onesmus Shilunga from the Port of Walvis Bay at his retirement party.

A crisis of epic proportions

October 31, 2019, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Reaping the fruits of hard work

≪ Previous: Loyalty, hard work and growth

$

0

0

A crisis of epic proportions Today we carry the latest statistics, collected on the ground by the Shack Dwellers Association of Namibia (SDFN), which show that nearly one million Namibians wake up in shacks every morning.

This comes at a time when political parties are getting into the full swing of campaigning for the upcoming general election. These latest statistics also follow a declaration by President Hage Geingob that shacks are a national humanitarian crisis and that he wants them eliminated in a matter of years.

The head of state said in January that shack conditions are a disaster.

“We have a crisis where human beings are staying in conditions that are unbearable. Some are even security officers who come and guard us in the luxury areas where we are staying. A person who would come from that condition, how will their mental state be? And they have guns also,” the president said.

The SDFN said this week that since 2008 the number of people living in shacks in small to large urban areas has doubled, from half a million in 2005 to 953 937 now. These figures exclude the Walvis Bay backyard shacks.

Who among us can forget the so-called mass housing project, which was launched with much fanfare ahead of the 2014 general election?

The intention was to build 185 000 houses at a cost of N$45 billion by 2030. The project, which had given so much hope to Namibians, came to a grinding halt amid accusations of contractors inflating prices. We once against stand on the eve of an election, and the housing situation has become progressively worse. The latest news on the mass housing project was delivered earlier this year when urban and rural development ministry executive director Nghidinua Daniel told Namibian Sun that the government was in the process of refining the project, which was put on ice in 2015. Housing, which has been used as a political football in the past, is at the very core of giving our people dignity. The current situation is therefore untenable.

Reaping the fruits of hard work

October 31, 2019, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Tapping into social welfare

≪ Previous: A crisis of epic proportions

$

0

0

Reaping the fruits of hard workNot dreaming about success but working for it. Despite a setback with her studies, Christall Farmer is proof that hard work, dedication and willpower can take you far. Evany van Wyk





Christall Farmer’s childhood dream was to become a lawyer. She realised, however, that being a lawyer could compromise her integrity and values, which she holds dearly.

She then decided that computing would be a great world to explore as becoming a digital genius was something she always wanted to do. She enrolled at Namibia University of Science and Technology to pursue her dream and study towards a qualification in information technology.

“I spent six months there but had to terminate my studies because my parents were not able to meet the financial obligation.”

She describes her disappointment as life-altering. Her first real job was as a receptionist at a bank in the home loans department and she continued delving deeper into the banking industry as it became a part of her.

Currently, Farmer is the branch supervisor at Bank Bic Ausspannplatz in Windhoek. Her work is about ensuring that the branch is in order when it comes to administration, operations, client service and employee wellbeing.

She says it is quite a challenging task, but one that she readily executes to the best of her abilities. Passion for her job is not something that Farmer lacks. She says meeting new people and experiencing life through other people’s eyes are the things that make her day.

“It’s also about growing the bank and adding value to the economy; offering solutions to customers and ensuring that they bank and lend responsibly,” she explains.

She says her position has revealed abilities in her that she never thought she possessed, such as perseverance and humility.

“I have met so many different people with so many different skills and I’ve learned from every one of them. Diversity is a spectrum we have not fully tapped into,” says Farmer.

She believes that sharing knowledge is an essential ingredient to success and with that, being part of a growing powerhouse. “Being part of a bank that makes a difference, thrives on excellent customer service and, most of all, that values each client.

Although there have been setbacks, Farmer has managed to work her way up in the different positions she has held over the years and says that it has added value to her professional life and career. A dedicated mother and wife, Farmer says it is a challenge to advance her career to a place she wants to be and at a pace that she wants to be moving.

“Time and energy are commodities that I cannot afford to waste. And at this stage family is very important and my career is still also on the list for advancement.”

If she could go back in time, she would try her utmost best to make sure that her tertiary education was not cut short. The best advice that she has ever received was to always listen when someone gives advice.

“Take what is beneficial and discard the rest. Never entertain negativity as it will cripple your growth,” she advises.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED