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Meatco ready to export to USA

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Meatco ready to export to USA Meatco ready to export to USA Meato has announced that it is ready to start exporting beef to the USA, but that it is still finalising brand development and packaging before the actual export will start in about a month’s time.
According to Meatco 12 September officially marked the implementation date when Namibia could start exporting meat to the USA.
Meatco began the application process to export meat to that market in 2002 when government requested approval to export meat (beef) products to the United States.
Namibia stated that, if approved, its immediate intent was to export boneless raw beef products like primal cuts, chuck, blade and beef trimming. For us to export other beef products such as bone-in beef cuts or other types of livestock to the US, Namibia would need to submit additional information for review before the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
On 14 July 2016, the FSIS added Namibia to the list of countries eligible to export meat and meat products to the United States. Meatco is now busy finalizing a few things, such as brand development, packaging and labelling approval.
The entire process will take approximately three to four weeks before the first actual export takes place.
Meatco is excited about this milestone that has put Namibia on par with other major world-class players in the beef trade.

STAFF REPORTER

Veg and grains doing well

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Veg and grains doing wellVeg and grains doing wellNamibian’s horticultural production continues to increase and the NAB says that growth was recorded in 2015 as well, despite the drought. Growing Namibia’s food production Namibia is becoming more self-sufficient in terms of food production as it grows its local horticultural and crop production.
In its latest annual report, the Namibia Agronomic Board says that the total value on producer level that was obtained for horticulture products through the formal market increased to N$621 million in 2015 compared with N$549 million in 2014, with a total tonnage of 75 000 achieved in 2015.
The domestic formal market purchases increased with 20% from 2006 to 2015, and achieved an increase from N$9.6 million in 2006 to N$207 million in 2015.
This growth is achieved by the successful implementation of the Namibian Market Share Promotion (MSP) which creates a more favourable market environment for local producers.
Due to MSP the reduction in marketing risk stimulated import substitution, whereby existing producers increased the area under production, new producers started planting for the formal market and the Green Schemes increased horticultural production output.
In total 27 122 tonnes of horticultural products were sourced locally while 47 384 tonnes were imported.
The horticulture products with the highest demand in Namibia are potatoes, onions, apples tomatoes, bananas, carrots, lettuce cabbage, oranges and sweet peppers.
Domestic production of potatoes increased from 7 911 tonnes in 2014 to 9 328 tonnes in 2015. Namibia imported 19 125 tonnes of washed and unwashed potatoes in 2015, and exported 2 715 tonnes of unwashed potatoes when seasonal surpluses exceeded the market demand.
According to the report the potato market continues to be an opportunity for producers, although Namibian production conditions are challenging during months of high temperatures and frost.
Meanwhile the domestic production increased from 13 308 tonnes in 2014 to 15 619 tonnes in 2015, of which 6337 tonnes were traded in the domestic formal market, and 9 288 tonnes were exported in 2015 during the time of overproduction.
Over the last couple of years maize consumption in Namibia has increased quite significantly from 112 899 tonnes in 2007 to 151 960 tonnes last year.
However the production of maize locally has also increased and dryland production in Namibia has grown from 16 622 tonnes planted in 2007 to 35 308 tonnes planted in 2015 and the production of irrigated maize has also increased from 27 743 tonnes to 34 125 tonnes.
During the 2014/15 financial year Namibia still imported 82 527 tonnes of maize while in 2007/8 it imported about 72 534 tonnes.
The report notes though that the effect of the drought on rain-fed crop production is a major concern especially for the production of mahangu and white maize.
According to the report by 2015 there was 225 831 hectares of mahangu planted in comparison with 2006 when 194 788 hectares were planted, however the actual production during the period dropped from 44 450 tonnes to 28 584 tonnes.
Since 2006 the harvest that was procured locally decreased slightly from 1 650 tonnes to 1 014 tonnes in 2015.
With regards to wheat production in Namibia local production has slightly decreased from 12 163 tonnes in 2007 to 11 600 tonnes in 2005. The domestic consumption of wheat has however grown from 70 361 tonnes to 114 635 in 2015 while Namibia imported 103 035 tonnes in 2015.

Congolese want Kabila out

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Congolese want Kabila outCongolese want Kabila outThe DRC has seen an upsurge in violence following the delay by President Joseph Kabila to schedule presidential elections. No date for DRC presidential elections More than 50 people were killed on Monday in clashes between protesters and security forces in the Congolese capital Kinshasa, opposition groups said, calling for further anti-government demonstrations.
“The coalition (of opposition groups) deplores the number of victims, more than 50 dead at this point, victims of the firing of real bullets by the police and the republican guard,” it said in a statement.
It also called on people to gather on Tuesday “to keep up without hesitation the demands made today.”
The rally, which the authorities cancelled, had been called to demand the resignation of President Joseph Kabila, who has ruled the Democratic Republic of Congo since 2001. Opponents fear he is planning to extend his rule unconstitutionally.
Interior Minister Evariste Boshab described the violence as an attempted “uprising” and said the victims included three police officers.
The main opposition parties had called for a nationwide demonstration to “give notice” to Kabila, whose mandate expires on December 20.
Although Kabila is banned by the constitution from running again, he has not made any move to schedule elections, fuelling fears he will seek to extend his stay in office.
In May, the Constitutional Court said Kabila could remain in office in a caretaker capacity until an election is held, triggering a wave of angry protests.

‘Not acceptable’
France on Monday described the unrest as “very dangerous and extremely worrying” and urged Kabila to lay out a clear timetable for a vote.
“What matters is the date of elections,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault told reporters in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
“If they’re delayed endlessly, that means that Kabila intends to stay in power,” he said.
Former colonial power Belgium called in a foreign ministry statement for “restraint” and urged all political groups to “quickly” organise elections.
A fringe opposition group has been meeting with the government in a bid to organise a schedule for elections, but veteran opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi has refused to participate in the talks which are due to end on Saturday.
Monday’s rally had been due to start in Kinshasa in the early afternoon, but during the morning, scuffles broke out between stone-throwing youths and anti-riot police.
Police fired tear gas to disperse hundreds of stone-throwers as they tried to march on parliament ahead of the demonstration, which was promptly cancelled by the authorities.
A Catholic nun said one of the policemen had been “burnt alive”.

‘Kabila, get out!’
Earlier, youths were seen hurling stones at police on the city’s main avenue as plumes of smoke rose into the air from burning tyres and from a car and a minibus that had been set alight.
“Kabila, get out!” they shouted as they waved the blue-and-white flags of the opposition Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), which is headed by Tshisekedi, 83.

SA’s student riots

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SA’s student riotsSA’s student riotsSouth African universities saw a suspension of lectures, tests and activities in the wake of a call to shut down campuses after an 8% fee increase was announced. Protest action turned violent at WITS Students must avoid being fooled into joining protests that have nothing to do with them, University of Johannesburg’s convocation president Mbali Mkhonto warned.
“We encourage students to contemplate the minister’s announcement to ensure that they are not hoaxed into joining protests that have got absolutely nothing to do with them.
On Monday, Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande announced that universities in the country could increase fees for 2017 but they could not exceed 8%. The poor and “missing middle” students would be subsidised.
“It will be mendacious to think that free education can be rolled out instantaneously, it is a process which may be protracted as government looks at sustainable funding models for this far reaching, immense project,” Mkhonto said in a statement.
Mkhonto urged students to be aware of those who appropriate legitimate student causes for their personal political ends.
He said students must focus on their studies during this crucial time in the academic calendar.
Mkhonto commended the announcement by Nzimande as ground-breaking and a positive stride toward free education.
“This is in all regards a feasible concession while the commission charged with looking at the feasibility of free education wraps up its work.”
Nzimade said the ministry looked at the challenges at hand from all sides and concluded that the best approach would be to allow universities to individually determine their own increases.
Shortly after his announcement students at universities across the country began protesting.
Most universities suspended all activities and lectures with the University of the Free State announcing this as early as Monday evening.
UCT student protesters made their way through empty lecture halls at the institution on Tuesday morning after the university decided to suspend classes.
UCT announced on social media that classes, lectures and tutorials were suspended for Tuesday and Wednesday, advising students to check its website for updates.
Earlier on Tuesday morning, police warned about 30 students blockading the road leading to upper campus with two canoes, a car, a bench and a tree branch that they were obstructing a public road and would face “procedure” should they not remove the objects.
The students, in turn, demanded a court order and remained seated before making their way to the lecture halls.
No clashes with police were reported in Cape Town but at the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS), some 30 students were arrested and later released without charge and around midday, clashes intensified with reports of security guards using stun grenades to disperse protesting students. This followed the students pelting guards with stones, demanding access to the Great Hall on campus.
Elsewhere, students showed their peaceful intent while marching through campuses and blocking routes in and out of campuses across the country.
There has been a nationwide call for students to shut down universities following the announcement by higher education Minister Blade Nzimande that the department recommends a 2017 fee increase capped at 8% for those who can afford it.

Russia says United States ‘conniving with Daesh’

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Russia says United States ‘conniving with Daesh’Russia says United States ‘conniving with Daesh’

The Russian foreign ministry released a sternly worded statement following a tense 24 hours of diplomacy after an allegedly “unintentional” US airstrike killed 80 Syrian army forces “paving the way” for a Daesh offensive.
The Russians doubled down Sunday on suggestions that the United States may be aiding Daesh (ISIS) terrorists in Syria after an airstrike by the US-led coalition decimated a Syrian army base killing at least 80 and “paving the way” for a major offensive by the terrorist group against Assad regime forces.
The attack came only days after the US and Russia brokered a breakthrough ceasefire deal that called for the two parties to ultimately coordinate airstrikes in order to prevent inadvertent strikes like Saturday’s.
“The action of coalition pilots border on criminal negligence and connivance with Islamic State terrorists,” the Russians said in a statement. This mirrors remarks by the Russian foreign ministry’s spokesperson suggesting that the “White House is defending ISIS” like they have allegedly been defending al-Nusra terrorists. The remarks allude to the Obama administration’s policy of supporting the so-called “moderate” rebels against the Assad regime who have in recent months joined forces with the former al-Qaeda affiliate placing the White House in a tricky situation.
“We strongly urge Washington to exert the needed pressure on the illegal armed groups under its patronage to implement the ceasefire plan unconditionally. Otherwise the implementation of the entire package of the US-Russian accords reached in Geneva may be jeopardised,” said the foreign ministry.
The escalation of Moscow’s rhetoric follows comments by US Secretary of State John Kerry saying that Russia is at fault for not doing more to support the ceasefire and that the country should “stop the grandstanding, stop the showboating and get the humanitarian assistance going.”
The US Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power made similar remarks effectively excusing the US-led coalition’s strikes and blasting Russia and Syria for engaging in a “stunt” suggesting that peace in Syria is not a “game” - a statement that was received with some offense after the deaths of 80 Syrian army forces.
The United States also drew the ire of Russia diplomatically in the last 24 hours after the US Central Command in the process of acknowledging that the strike was inadvertent claimed that they had offered Russia prior notification of the strike location - something that the Russian defence and foreign ministries both categorically deny.

ATI needs effective implementation

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ATI needs effective implementationATI needs effective implementation If the words of deputy minister of information Stanley Simataa are anything to go by, then the long-awaited Access to Information law will be a reality around this time next year. Credit should go to government for working on this piece of legislation, which really augurs well for our democracy. It has been long overdue. Albeit a little too late, it is good news nevertheless, especially for members of the Fourth Estate, who have been petitioning government and lawmakers to introduce such a law. The Access to Information law is not only going to benefit the media, who will now have to access to state-held information, but also the citizens who will able to make informed decisions and hold government and elected representatives directly accountable. In fact, government will have no longer have a monopoly on the information that informs its actions and decisions. It is true that several politicians, including ministers, have always maintained an open-door policy when it comes to sharing information with journalists. There are very few of these politicians who really understand the media’s role in a democracy. However, the culture of secrecy in government is well-documented, with officials often stingy with information that is in the public interest. At this stage we can ill-afford to have an uninformed society where citizen participation is left wanting due to the lack of access to crucial government information. And as Advocate Pansy Tlakula, chairperson and special rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa said, the most important thing here is how government will fare in the implementation of such a law. Indeed political commitment is required for effective implementation and we support her call that an independent body must be established with proper enforcement powers where members of the public who have been denied information can report their grievances. Finally, it is our sincere hope that government information will be immediately and unconditionally available in upholding the constitutional values of transparency, openness, participation and accountability.

Shot of the day

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Shot of the dayShot of the day NOT TODAY: A large crocodile attacks a wildebeest during the migration in the Masai Mara game reserve. The daring wildebeest returned after the first attempt by the crocodile and was attacked again, but walked away unharmed. Photo: NAMPA/AFP

Katima to evict land grabbers

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Katima to evict land grabbersKatima to evict land grabbersWhile the town council has admitted it has no funds to service land, it said it will not tolerate illegal land grabs. Hundreds expected to be homeless The Katima Mulilo Town Council will this week forcefully remove hundreds of people who are illegally occupying unserviced plots in different parts of the town.
On Monday, Katima Mulilo Mayor Georgina Mwiya-Simataa issued a stern warning to those who have grabbed land and those intending to do so to stop immediately, as the council will soon be taking legal action against them.
“This practice is illegal. We have been calling on those who need land to come to the council and register but none have come to do so. This is why I am now issuing a final warning that the town council will take legal action and evict or destroy structures.
“Anybody found clearing land or grabbing a plot without town council permission or authorised letter, will face the music with the law,” Mwiya-Simataa said.
She told the media that the areas where land had been illegally occupied are earmarked for development in the near future.
These include Mahohoma, Cowboy, Dairy and parts of Chotto settlements.
The mayor added that at this stage, council does not have enough money to service land and put up houses, as there are cost implications involved, but in the absence of this, those in need of plots can apply through programmes such as the Shack Dwellers Federation, Build Together Programme, Mass Housing Project and credit housing with the National Housing Enterprise.
“If these people are fit and qualify in this programme, council has got a way to solve these housing backlog problems. Council is lobbying behind the line minster’s call that landless people apply through the mass housing programme.”
Mwiya-Simataa also cautioned that those who have grabbed land at the Dairy settlement, which lies opposite the Katima Mulilo Cemetery, are encroaching on unmarked graves that lie in an unfenced area.
“There is danger of exhuming skeletons or even building a house over them. The people who buried their loved ones there are threatening to take legal action as this is inhumane and undignified.”
Mwiya-Simataa said the eviction and destruction of illegal structures will be done with the assistance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry and the Namibian Police Force.

First admission to cops is evidence

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First admission to cops is evidenceFirst admission to cops is evidence The Windhoek High Court has ruled that the sworn statements made by a 22-year-old rape suspect to the police when he was arrested are admissible as evidence and will be used against him in the trial.
At the end of a trial-within-a-trial, Judge Boas Usiku stated that the court is satisfied that the state proved beyond reasonable doubt that Rudolf Goagoseb who is facing rape, assault and attempted rape charges, had made the statements freely and voluntarily.
Goagoseb is accused of raping three minor girls, one aged 12 and two aged 14 on 29 September 2010. The accused allegedly attacked the minors while they were walking through a bushy area near Nau-Aib at Okahandja on their way from school.
The accused was 17 years old at the time he committed the alleged rape and was out bail for another rape allegation.
The state alleges that Goagoseb threatened to harm the victims with a broken bottle and allegedly tied the girls up before raping them, two of them twice.
The 12-year-old girl was taken to the hospital after she was found naked and bleeding.
The assault charge arises from allegations that the assailant struck one of the victims with a clenched fist on the chest causing severe injuries.
At the beginning of his trial, his lawyer Titus Ipumbu objected to the admissibility of a statement his client made to the police on the grounds that Goagoseb was assaulted by three police officers before he made the statement on 30 September 2010.
Ipumbu had argued that the information contained in the statement, especially regarding his client’s right to legal representation and his constitutional rights had not been clearly explained to him.
“There is nothing in the evidence to indicate that the accused did not understand the instructions on his right to legal representation that were explained to him before he made the statement to the police,” Judge Boas said.
The court further found the allegation by Goagoseb that he was assaulted and threatened were false and unfounded and the court found that the state had proved beyond reasonable doubt that Goagoseb made the statement freely and voluntarily and the information he gave to the police will be used as evidence against him.

FRED GOEIEMAN

PG decision awaited in croc hide case

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PG decision awaited in croc hide casePG decision awaited in croc hide case

The trial of a Chinese national facing charges of dealing in or possessing a product of a protected game species, was remanded to 28 October pending the decision of the prosecutor-general.
Jianwei Zheng last week pleaded not guilty to the charge when he appeared at the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court. Zheng was found in possession of crocodile hides and he told the court that he understands the charge levelled against him, and explained that he bought the hides as a tourist product.
“The seller did not give me a receipt thus I do not think that I am guilty of this offence,” he said.
Magistrate Alweendo Sebby Venatius entered a plea of not guilty and stopped the proceedings pending the decision of the prosecutor-general.
Attorney Kadhila Amoomo, defending Zheng, told the court that the plea is in accordance with his instructions.
“My client will not give a substantive explanation in terms of the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Act and we will also provide names of the witnesses to the state later,” Amoomo said.
He informed the court that his client will need the service of a Chinese interpreter because Zheng speaks Mandarin only.
Magistrate Venatius last week refused to grant the accused bail saying it would not be in the interest of administration of justice to release him.
In his ruling, Venatius dismissed Zheng’s plea for bail after Zheng said that he needed to prepare traditional food and aid in the spiritual healing of his cousin.
“This is not an exceptional circumstance for the accused to be granted bail. His cousin is not a baby, otherwise he would not have left China to come to Namibia where he would be without family to support and cook for him. That reason does not hold water,” Venatius argued.
The court also heard that Zheng’s visa is about to expire.
“The applicant might escape due to the easily available transport to all the corners of Namibia and our security is fragile at the borders which are not properly manned. For these reasons the bail is refused,” Venatius ruled.

Water advisory council floundering

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Water advisory council flounderingWater advisory council flounderingThe agriculture minister has called on Namibians to apply for membership of the water regulatory body which will soon be established. Establishment of water regulatory body announced The Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, John Mutorwa has announced the establishment of a five-member water regulatory body that will set water tariffs and water prices.
He said a public notice will be shortly published in the newspapers calling for suitably qualified Namibians to apply to serve on the regulatory body.
Mutorwa stressed that the positions are open only to Namibians. He further said those who apply must have the relevant experience and expertise in water service delivery that includes costing, calculating prices or setting tariffs and the assessment of the operational efficiency of service providers.
According to the notice, the candidates must also have experience in law, water management, water engineering, finance, trade and water conservation.
Mutorwa made this announcement when he announced the first members of the Water Advisory Council which was established in terms of the Water Resources Management Act.
Mutorwa said the 11-member council is an advisory body to the minister of water and government on water-related issues. He added that members of the council are appointed based on skills, knowledge and experience appropriate to the functions of the council.
While several of the appointed members were not present at the announcement, Mutorwa said he expected all the members, and not alternate members, to be present at the first meeting that will take place on 5 October.
“Anybody who is not at the first meeting will be replaced,” he warned.
The minister said although alternative members have been appointed to ensure that the council’s activities are not stifled when members are absent and the council is unable to form a quorum, he further warned that members that are absent without a valid excuse for a certain period, will be replaced.
The chairperson of the council will be announced during the first meeting, as well as members from institutions who have not yet nominated their representatives.
The members who have thus far been appointed are Peninia Ingaita and Raphael Mokaleng from the Association of Regional Councils in Namibia.
Katrina Shimbuli and Muesse Kazapua from the Association of Local Authorities in Namibia were also appointed.
Mutorwa said from water services, Onni Iithete was appointed and Betty Muyatwa from the Water Basin Committees while Gernot Eggbert was nominated from the agricultural sector.
From the commercial sector, Lapitomhinda Hashingola was appointed while the mining sector still has to nominate a candidate.
Mutorwa said the Engineering Council did nominate someone but the term of the council needs to be renewed. Alfons Mosimane is representing the academic institutions on the council.

ELLANIE SMIT

Accident victims named

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Accident victims namedAccident victims named The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA Fund) has extended its condolences to the families of the six people who perished in car accidents on the B2 on Monday. In a statement, the CEO of the MVA Fund, Rosalia Martins-Hausiku urged relatives to contact the branch closest to them for funeral and loss of support claims as a result of the deaths.
In the meanwhile the police in Erongo released the names of three persons that were killed when an Isuzu bakkie carrying 14 passengers overturned between Karibib and Usakos.
Chief Inspector Moses Uwe Kheib named the deceased as the driver, Brian Salmon Tjongarero (36) and two learners Ivorlin Lea Guises (11) and Jeroline Seibes (18).
He said the children were travelling to Erongosig Primary School from Usakos and the accident happened at 05:30 about 15 km outside Karibib.
“Preliminary investigations indicate the vehicle experienced a rear right-tyre burst and this resulted in the driver losing control. The bakkie left the road and rolled numerous times before coming to a standstill on its side.”
The driver and two children died on impact.
Commissioner Andreas Nelumbu added that the 12 surviving occupants sustained serious injuries and were admitted to the Usakos hospital.
“Four of the survivors were transferred to Windhoek for further treatment due to the nature of the injuries they sustained. We need to change the mind-set of motorists and will definitely intensify highway patrols. Accidents and the loss of lives are becoming a norm on our roads,” he said.
Nelumbu advised motorists to regularly check the roadworthiness of their vehicles especially before undertaking long trips and cautioned against overloading.
He also called on motorists to adhere to the rules of the road.
The MVA Fund echoed this call and asked the public to be more vigilant so as to improve road safety.

OTIS FINCK

Two of five rhino horn accused sentenced

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Two of five rhino horn accused sentencedTwo of five rhino horn accused sentenced Two of the five men arrested in Opuwo last year for being found in possession of rhino horns were on Friday sentenced to 11 years and six months’ imprisonment in the Opuwo Magistrate''s Court.
They were however given the option of fines to some of the counts against them.
The two are Samuel Gideon, 30; and Ndume Nakakuwa, 34; who appeared on four counts each.
Nakakuwa however had an additional charge of contravening traffic regulations by driving a vehicle without a licence.
As such, he got an additional sentence of 15 months in prison or alternatively a N$1 500 fine for driving without a licence.
The four counts they share are; the hunting of specially protected game; being in possession of controlled wildlife products (rhino horns); being in possession of firearms without a licence and unlawful possession of ammunition.
Magistrate Leena Iyambo sentenced the two to six years each on the count of hunting protected game, and three years’ imprisonment or a fine of N$15 000 on the second count of being in possession of controlled wildlife products.
On the third count, they each got a fine of N$2 000 or two years and six months in jail, while they were slapped with a fine of N$1 000 on the fourth count.
The other three accused persons in the matter are Benjamin Shikongo, 22; Uaparakana Kapuree, 28; and Tjizemba Kambamba Maverukuuni, 22. They are still in custody.
According to State prosecutor Obrey Ndlovu, the three accused could not be convicted as they pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the charges laid against them.
NAMPA

Puma accused of price gouging

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Puma accused of price gougingPuma accused of price gougingNamibia’s anti-monopoly watchdog last week raided the local headquarters of Puma Energy as part of a probe into possible excessive pricing. Pricing of aviation fuel ‘excessive’ The Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC) conducted its first ever entry, search and seizure operation at the headquarters of Puma Energy Namibia last week.
The operation was part of an investigation by the commission into claims by pilots and aircraft owners that Puma’s pricing of aviation fuel at the Eros and Ondangwa airports was excessive, threatening the sector.
“Excessive pricing is a concern especially in this case, due to the fact that when charged to aircraft operators and owners at airports it will ultimately be passed on to consumers in the form of higher ticket prices,” the NaCC said in a statement issued yesterday.
“Excessive pricing could also undermine the ability of aircraft owners and operators to have free capital which could otherwise be invested in helping create and explore opportunities which could help derive benefits for the economy, such as the creation of additional employment opportunities and the procuring of better quality products”, the commission’s Restrictive Business Practices Unit said.
The NaCC conducted its dawn raid on the Puma premises on Thursday and Friday last week, with the goal of obtaining documentary and electronic evidence in respect of Puma’s pricing system.
The commission stressed that the swoop was a preliminary inspection and the seized information would now be assessed.
“The commission affirms that the investigation and the conducting of the dawn raid does not mean that Puma is guilty of anti-competitive behaviour, nor does it prejudice the outcome of the investigation itself,” the NaCC said.
It invited the company to make a written submission stating its position on the matter.
The commission said the duration of the investigation would depend on factors such as the complexity of the case and the extent to which those approached would cooperate.
Asked for comment yesterday, the company referred Namibian Sun to Puma Energy’s head of corporate affairs in Johannesburg, Zohra McDoolley-Aimone.
“Puma Energy has a strict policy of complying with the requirements set by national regulatory authorities. Namibia is no exception,” McDoolley-Aimone said in an emailed response.
“Puma Energy is fully cooperating with the authorities with regard to their official investigation.”

One person attends liquor bill session

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One person attends liquor bill sessionOne person attends liquor bill session

Only one Keetmanshoop resident attended a public hearing of the much-talked-about Liquor Amendment Bill in the town’s Tseiblaagte residential area on Monday.
That person was local Lutheran Church Reverend Simon Tiboth, who told Nampa he was disturbed by the proliferation of shebeens in residential areas.
“Shebeens are among schools, churches and homes. Violence prevails, children are run over by drunk drivers and broken glass bottles litter the streets,” he said.
Tiboth supported motions by Keetmanshoop Divisional Magistrate Philanda Christiaan, Keetmanshoop municipality local economic development manager Jegg Christiaan and town councillor Johannes Esterhuizen for the relocation of shebeens to rezoned business areas.
Esterhuizen told the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Accounts and Economy that shebeens would be best regulated and controlled in designated business zones.
“Shebeens will then comply with operating times and business practices and we will succeed by removing unbecoming social behaviour from the midst of law-abiding communities and their children,” he said.
He added that the relocation would allow the government to put measures in place, compelling shebeen owners to pay taxes which would contribute to the advancement of the country.
“Right now, shebeens are a main cause of poverty in Namibia. Operators say they feed their families with that income, but the bigger problem is the families who lose hard-earned money to alcohol that could be spent on food,” said Esterhuizen.
Magistrate Christiaan proposed a grace period for shebeens’ relocation and the demarcation of operating zones.
The municipality’s economic development manager said it was possible to demarcate zones for shebeens, but he expressed doubt about the implementation process.
“There could be opposition in execution from both shebeen operators and drinkers. People want to drink where they are, but the best option would be to remove shebeens from residential areas,” said Jegg Christiaan.
He said the municipality struggled with problems of littering, noise pollution, illegal dumping, traffic and safety around shebeens.
On 1 August, the National Council referred the Liquor Amendment Bill to the standing committee to consult with stakeholders in the regions. Parliamentarians Joseph Mupetami, Peter Kazongominja and Gerhard Shiimi facilitated the session in the //Karas Region.
The findings and recommendations are expected to be presented to the NC on 20 October.

Oshakati plots nearly ready

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Oshakati plots nearly readyOshakati plots nearly ready

Roughly 807 serviced plots will be ready for allocation at Oshakati following swift progress by the Massive Urban Land Servicing Project.
The installation of services such as water, sewerage, storm-water drainage, roads and electricity supply at Ehenye is costing the Urban and Rural Development Ministry N$139 million.
The work is being done by the Nexus Group. The partners in the project are Windhoek Consulting Engineers (WCE), Lithon Project Consultants and Conselect Engineering, which offered their services at a 40% discount.
The Oshakati town council made land available for the project in Ehenye and Ompumbu following President Hage Geingob’s blitz visit in 2015 to identify sites to reduce the housing shortage. The project is expected to create 2 932 erven in the two townships.
The work currently under way at Ehenye is expected to provide 326 plots at Extension 2 and 7, 320 plots at Extension 3 and 8 and 161 plots at Ehenye proper.
Oshakati town council spokesperson Katarina Kamari said the council was confident that the plots would be ready for allocation by January 2017.
“The project is progressing well and currently the contractor has completed 52% of the work at Extensions 2 and 7, 54% at Extensions 3 and 8 and 48% at Ehenye proper. We are confident that by January work will be completed and allocations will start,” Kamari said.
During the site handover at Extensions 3 and 8 last year, Minister Sophia Shaningwa said the aim of the project was to make serviced urban land available to people at affordable cost. That would only be possible if the costs were minimised through contributions, such as reduced charges by consulting professionals and contractors, bulk procurement of materials, and volunteer work by the community, she said.
Once these plots are completed they will be followed by land servicing at Ehenye Extension 1, Ompumbu Extensions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 and Ompumbu proper. That will provide a combined 2 125 plots.

The 11 million buck question

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The 11 million buck questionThe 11 million buck question

Questions have been asked how the Social Security Commission transferred close to N$11 million meant for social development to state coffers, with an apparent view to be used as training for 1 000 struggle kids.
Namibian Sun has in the past week sent out questions to the ministry of labour, Social Security Commission, as well as the Cabinet secretariat to explain the basis of the transfer of the money, but to no avail. Just after 17:00 yesterday, Secretary to Cabinet George Simataa released a statement.
This follows the leaking of documents on social media, which were trending the entire Tuesday afternoon.
The one document suggested that President Hage Geingob directly wrote to the minister of labour Erkki Nghimtina, requesting the release of the funds in a letter dated 5 September 2016.
In the letter Geingob wrote that “an amount of N$11 325 000 be released from the Development Fund of the Social Security Commission for use towards the plight of the Children of the Liberation Struggle.”
The requisition of payment was issued by the Social Security Commission on 7 September with reference, Office of the President. On the same day, a new account was opened at the SME Bank in the name OPM – Children of the Liberation Struggle. SME Bank addressed the letter of account confirmation to Simataa, who is also the chairperson of the SME Bank Board.
The amount of the requisition for payment is N$11 325 000. The documents leaked on social media and have attracted scrutiny and criticism.
Simataa has defended the transaction saying in terms of Section 37 (4) (a) of the Social Security Act 34 of 1994, the Act gives power to the president to approve training or employment schemes.
The Act, however, does not authorise the president or the line minister to authorise the release of funds from the Social Security Development Fund. “In terms of this statutory provision, the president approved the donation of N$11 million for the training of
1 000 Children of the Liberation Struggle to undergo training at Berg Aukas and NIMT.
“The money is to cater for training, uniforms, catering services, training equipment, accommodation and allowances for six months,” Simataa stated. “Let it be clearly stated that due diligence and accountability is exercised towards the management of these funds. As a result, the SME Bank has been identified as the manager of these monies.
“Therefore, all statutory requirements will be satisfied as far as the management and accountability of these monies are concerned.”
A few months ago, government had announced the struggle kids would be sent for training to Berg Aukas and Du Plessis Farm.

From dust to gold

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From dust to goldFrom dust to goldOur sprint sensations Ananias Shikongo and Johannes Nambala have been leading humble lives in a shack for years, but their living conditions could soon change for the better following their Rio exploits. The incredible story of Namibia’s top paralympians The story of Ananias Shikongo will amaze you.
Shikongo has become the toast of the nation after bagging three medals at the just-ended Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
The gold, silver and bronze accolades mean that Shikongo was Namibia’s best athlete at the Rio Games.
His close friend Johannes Nambala also did the nation proud by winning two silver medals to ensure Namibia’s respectable finish at the global showpiece.
By winning five medals at the Paralympics, the two elite athletes have not only become instant national heroes, but their exploits also brought hope to the community of the Goreangab informal settlement in Windhoek, where Shikongo and Nambala share a shack.
With no electricity or running water at their home, the two athletes are accommodated by Shikongo’s brother Thomas Jason, who is saddened by the fact that he has not been able to follow the two athletes in Rio because he doesn’t own a television set.
“My heart is filled with so much joy to know that my sons are coming home, back to their shack with medals,” he said.

Golden dream
Jason, who runs a small shop selling fruit and fish, said he was over the moon to hear that Shikongo got a gold medal, which was his dream.
“I unfortunately did not have the chance to watch my sons run because we do not have television and you can’t go to people’s houses and demand that you want to watch athletics when they are watching football, for example, but I have been receiving updates from people on how the two are doing,” he said.
He said Shikongo had been talking about getting a medal and how ready he was for gold.
“He (Shikongo) told us to keep praying and be confident that he will bring a medal with and we have been doing so,” he added.
“I grew up in other people’s houses and have learned to share the love and the little that is there with everyone and when my sons are struggling with transport to make it for training I get money from my little shop or transport them myself with my car but it has broken down now,” he said, adding that the two athletes have been living together since 2003.
Jason, who is 43 years old, has performed the role of guardian for both Nambala and Shikongo.

A long battle

Originally from Okankolo in the Oshikoto Region, Shikongo lost his eyesight in one eye after he was shot with an arrow. That was followed by another tragedy when a donkey kicked him in the other eye, rendering him completely blind.
Nambala is partially sighted and can only see objects that are close to him.
Jason describes Shikongo as a kind and loving person and says the brotherly love between him and Nambala is always evident. Although Shikongo and Nambala’s room is not in the main shack, they use a candle for light like everyone else in the area. Jason said it is unfortunate and sad that when nature calls the two men have to walk to nearby houses to use the toilet.
“We only have the bathroom that everyone else here is using and when they need to use a toilet, we have to take them to other houses and ask them if he may use their toilet,” he said.
Even with the odds stacked against them, the two have gone to represent the country with pride and emulated the 2012 Paralympic success of Johanna Benson by winning medals for their country. Jason wants to see them rewarded for putting the country’s flag on the global map.
“They have done Namibia proud and therefore I want government to reward them for the job well done,” he said.
The Team Namibia athletes are scheduled to touch down at Hosea Kutako International Airport tonight at 21:30 and Jason can’t wait to see his “sons”.
“I want to see my sons arrive and I will make sure I am there. I will arrange with brothers who have cars if we can go or will see if I can get transport to go because a lot of people here also want to welcome them so even if we get a bus to take us there, we will be very grateful,” he said.

KAINO NGHITONGO

Family left homeless after homestead burns

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Family left homeless after homestead burns Family left homeless after homestead burns A family of 20 - three pensioners, six adults and 11 children - was left homeless after 14 huts at their traditional homestead went up in flames along with all their belongings, food and national documents.
Luckily no one was injured.
According to the family from Onangama village in the Ongenga Constituency of the Ohangwena Region the incident happened last week Thursday around 16:00 when a 15-year-old boy from the house was burning rubbish less than a metre from the homestead’s fence.
A strong wind blew sparks from the fire to one of the huts, which caught fire.
The wind fanned the flames from one hut to the other.
The family lost their food stores and all their clothes and shoes.
They managed to save some partly burned blankets and their just-harvested mahangu, which was kept under wet sand.
The family has been living at the homestead for more than 40 years
They are now sleeping in some of the huts which were not totally destroyed.
“There was nothing we could do. It happened so fast and because I cannot walk without my crutches one of my grandchildren assisted me to go in the mahangu field and I stood there hopeless observing how my family’s belongings were going up in flames,” 79-year-old Jolonimo Ngholoimune said.
Ngholoimune said the neighbours rushed to help them but there was nothing they could do.
“The fire destroyed a lot and there were items I had for years and I will not get them back,” Ngholoimune said.

Call for assistance

The family say they would appreciate any assistance.
“We will accept anything people will offer. As you can see the clothes I have on I was given by a neighbour. I lost everything in the fire,” 75-year-old Elizabeth Vatilifa said.
Village headman Cleophas Daniel said the constituency councillor’s office has donated three bags of maize meal.
“I also spread the word in the community for the family to be assisted by fellow community members,” Daniel said.

KENYA KAMBOWE

Gun dealer commits suicide

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 Gun dealer commits suicide Gun dealer commits suicide Gun dealer commits suicide Sven Ahrens, 42, a prominent gun expert and dealer committed suicide early this morning. Nampol spokesperson Kauna Shikwambi confirmed the incident which took place on Finkenstein Estate, where Ahrens and his family had recently moved to.
“The body was discovered by a newspaper delivery person at about 05:00, a few metres from his house,” Shikwambi said. It is alleged that he drove his car to the chosen spot, got out of the vehicle and shot himself through the mouth.
The weapon was a licensed pistol he owned.
Ahrens, the older brother of Namibia's Olympic Trap shooter Gaby Ahrens, left a suicide note, addressed to his wife.
Ahrens was the owner of Ahrens guns and ammunition, a popular wholesale dealership located in Windhoek.
JANA-MARI SMITH
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