School devastated by fire

December 29, 2019, 2:00 pm

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School devastated by fireTents to be used until classroom is rebuilt Based on the nature of the damage, the entire classroom block will have to be demolished. KENYA KAMBOWE



The Kavango West education directorate is in a race against time to rebuild a five-classroom block at Sinzogoro Senior Primary School, which was gutted by a fire recently.

Regional education director Teopolina Hamutumwa said they are busy engaging a number of stakeholders.

“We are busy trying to see how best we can deal with the matter. We have started engaging different stakeholders; in fact we have started with the procurement process as we are busy assessing the damage caused,” Hamutumwa said.

The incident happened in the early hours of 20 December.

Villagers observed smoke coming from the direction of the school, after which they alerted the school management.

When Namibian Sun visited the school, which is situated at Sinzogoro village about 30 kilometres west of Rundu, it found that the roofing, classroom furniture, windows, doors and electrical wiring was completely destroyed.

Attempts to get comment from school principal, Joseph Sikongo proved futile, as his phone remained unreachable. He also did not respond to a text message.

Sikongo was, however, interviewed by NBC on the day of the incident. He said he suspected the fire was caused by a faulty electrical wiring system.

He alleged the matter was reported to the regional education directorate and the works ministry, but no action was taken.

“This situation has been reported through the directorate of education and through the ministry of works and transport; they know about this situation. Actually the electrical cable is not well, because sometimes it goes on and off sometimes,” Sikongo told the national broadcaster

Hamutumwa said the problem with the wiring could have been reported by Sikongo, but it never reached her office.

Hamutumwa said with no forensic investigation carried out as yet, it is not yet known what caused of the fire.

The school, which offers classes from Grade 1 to 8, enrols about 500 learners per year. This number is expected to increase next year because of the introduction of Grade 9 at the school.

Hamutumwa said temporary structures will be constructed, which includes tents, while the classroom is being rebuilt.

She said based on the nature of the damage, the entire building will have to be demolished.

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Haufiku unleashes race battle

December 29, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Haufiku unleashes race battleTwitter storm over 'whites only' Henties South African musician Steve Hofmeyr was among those who replied to a tweet from former health minister Dr Bernhard Haufiku that went viral on Family Day. Former health minister Dr Bernard Haufiku dropped a proverbial bombshell on Family Day when he claimed that the 99.99% white dominance in Henties Bay is a painful reminder of economic apartheid in Namibia.

Haufiku's tweet went viral and by yesterday had collected 453 likes, 145 retweets and 249 replies, including one from controversial Afrikaans singer and South African rightwing activist Steve Hofmeyr.

Adding fuel to the fire was an allegation by deputy information minister Engel Nawatiseb that he was confronted in Henties Bay for using his government vehicle to store fish he had caught at the town on Friday.

However, it was Haufiku's tweet that landed the first blow.

According to him white dominance has been aggravated by systemic and high-level corruption in Namibia and it seems as if “whites” have created their own economic and social ecosystems.

Ohlthaver & List (O&L) CEO Wessie van der Westhuizen replied to Haufiku's tweet by saying the gathering the former minister was referring to is called the Henties Bay Fishing Bonanza, which is open to each and every single person in the world.

Van der Westhuizen urged people not make the bonanza into something it is not, while adding that all Namibians should be against corruption, as it deprives Namibia of economic and social growth. It was then pointed by another person who responded that the event is “racially monolithic”, which points to a failure of corporate leadership, adding that as O&L head, Van der Westhuizen should proactively seek out ways to be more racially inclusive.

Van der Westhuizen then responded that he agrees with these sentiments.

“That's why we sponsor the Brave Warriors, classroom projects, orphanages, breast milk banks etc. etc. I'm not picking a fight with you guys, I'm just saying don't make something out of a simple fishing bonanza,” Van der Westhuizen wrote.

Political analyst Henning Melber responded that free choices require financial prerequisites to be able to afford what people would like to do.

“Most Namibians have not the means to fish for fun at a coastal town where they do not live. It's a class-based privilege to spend time there,” Melber tweeted.

He added that those who can afford to participate in such events in one of the most unequal societies in the world should show some awareness that they belong to the privileged ones, and not take it for granted that it's only a matter of free choice.

Political commentator Ndumba Kamwanyah said yesterday to Namibian Sun that while there is some truth in Haufiku's white privilege remarks, the reality is that Namibia's economic apartheid is no longer based on colour lines, but on elitism.

“I am sure we still think white people thrive economically, which is true to some extent, but if we do an audit we will see that some of the black political elite have joined that group and created further divisions - one side is thriving and another side is struggling,” said Kamwanyah.

Another person who responded to Haufiku on Twitter said groups naturally form “their own economic and social ecosystems” worldwide to varying extents, to which Hofmeyr responded that this is not what Haufiku wants to hear.

“Don't say that. Not what he wants to hear. It means he can't lay claim to other people's income and freedom to gravitate to places of choice,” Hofmeyr tweeted, who is infamous for singing the apartheid national anthem 'Die Stem' at his concerts and is often invited to Namibia to perform.



Nawatiseb wants police protection

In a letter written to the Henties Bay police, Nawatiseb requested for protection against possible harm and further embarrassment from white operators and a certain Paul Smith at the town.

In the letter, he alleged that he and his family has been exposed to ongoing harassment by an unidentified white person who had instigated hate speech towards the Nawatiseb family.

“The oppression by fellow white people against black Namibians is still fresh in our minds, particular some of us who were directly exposed to white brutality; hence any provocation of this magnitude has the ability to open up wounds of historical suppression, oppression, brutality, hate, racism and all the vices that are counterproductive towards nation-building,” he wrote.

jemima@namibiansun.com



JEMIMA BEUKES

Huang in counterfeit kwanza storm

December 29, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Huang in counterfeit kwanza storm OGONE TLHAGE

Chinese businessman Jack Huang has been arrested in Angola for allegedly being in possession of counterfeit money.

Huang is a self-declared friend and former business partner of President Hage Geingob.

He was reportedly arrested last week after authorities in Angola raided the Hua Dragão 'City of China' shopping centre in Viana.

Huang is the chairperson of the shopping centre where the counterfeit money was being produced, before it was allegedly released onto the market.

It was reported that 58 million kwanza, allegedly in counterfeit bills, was found during the police operation.

Huang is also facing tax evasion, fraud and money laundering charges involving about N$3.5 billion in Namibia.

He and seven other suspects, namely former customs officer Laurentius Julius and Chinese citizens Tao Huizhong, Gua Zhihua, Jia Hongying, Cao Shuhua, Li Dadi and Zhang Ying are alleged to have committed fraud and money laundering between 2013 to 2016 by presenting documentation to Nedbank Namibia in which the value of the goods claimed to have been imported into Namibia was overstated.

This was allegedly done with the aim of sending inflated amounts of money out of Namibia to supposedly pay the suppliers of the imported goods.

Two businesses operated by Julius – Extreme Customs Clearing Services (XCCS) and Organise Freight Services – were acting as clearing agents for 105 importers in Namibia over the period, and in that time sent more than N$3.1 billion out of Namibia, ostensibly as payment for imported goods, it is alleged in the State's charges.

However, in documents presented to Nedbank Namibia for payments to be made to the suppliers of the imported goods, the costs of freight and other charges for shipments sent to Namibia were either overstated, so that increased amounts of foreign currency could be sent out of the country, or the value of imported goods had been understated in documents presented to customs authorities for the payment of import duty and value-added tax.

In respect of the 1 607 counts of fraud against the eight accused, the State is alleging that while a total value of about N$213 million for goods imported into Namibia was declared to customs authorities, the value declared to Nedbank Namibia to have payments made to the suppliers of the goods was about N$2.78 billion. It is also alleged that the accused deposited large amounts in cash, totalling more than N$3.2 billion, which did not tally with the nature and size of their businesses in Namibia, into the bank accounts of XCCS and Organise Freight Services.

Julius and XCCS received income of about N$35 million from processing payments made offshore from the bank accounts of his businesses on behalf of his co-accused.

Struggling West Ham turn to Moyes for second time

December 30, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Struggling West Ham turn to Moyes for second time Struggling West Ham said on Sunday they had appointed David Moyes as manager for the second time in a bid to safeguard their place in the Premier League.

Moyes, whose career has never recovered from a deeply unsuccessful spell as Manchester United boss in 2013-14, succeeds Manuel Pellegrini, who was sacked after a 2-1 defeat to Leicester on Saturday that left the Hammers just one point above the relegation zone.

The 56-year-old has been without a club since leaving West Ham after a six-month spell in the 2017-18 season.

Moyes guided West Ham to safety that season after Slaven Bilic was dismissed in early November and will be tasked with doing the same for a second time.

“It's fabulous to be back,” said Moyes in a club statement.

“I'm feeling very proud that I'm back here at West Ham. But I think more importantly I'll be looking to see what I can do and what I can make improvements to.

“I do believe that the squad of players I've got here is a better squad of players than when I took over before, so I am looking forward to working with them.”

The West Ham hierarchy were keen to make a swift appointment following Pellegrini's sacking ahead of Wednesday's crucial clash with fellow strugglers Bournemouth at the London Stadium.

“David proved in his short time with the club that he was capable of getting results and we believe that he will start moving the club in the right direction once again,” said West Ham's co-chairman David Sullivan.

“We are delighted to welcome David back - he knows the club well and he built strong relationships during that time which will be crucial for the work that needs to be done going forward.”

Moyes won nine and drew 10 of his 31 previous games in charge of the club.

He made his name in 11 successful years at Everton, but was sacked after less than a year as Alex Ferguson's successor at Manchester United.

Moyes also struggled in short spells at Real Sociedad and Sunderland before taking the West Ham job first time round on a short-term contract.

He was not offered a new deal despite comfortably keeping the club up by finishing 13th.

However, West Ham's ambitious appointment of former Real Madrid and Manchester City boss Pellegrini did not pay off as the Chilean was let go on Saturday after a run of seven defeats in nine Premier League matches.

NAMPA / AFP

Best Choice Gas Bottles win Henties Touchies

December 30, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Best Choice Gas Bottles win Henties TouchiesQuality rugby on display Best Choice Gas Bottles defeated Kudu Rangers 1-0 to win the Henties Bay Beach Touchies which took place on Thursday at the coastal town. The Henties Bay Beach Touchies ended with Aurelio Plato scoring a late try in the final after a crucial assist from Elton de Smit.

“It feels good to win because we have been chasing this cup for eight years now. It is a really good feeling because it is what we really wanted.

“Since 2011, this has been the day that we have been preparing for,” said Best Choice Gas Bottles' captain Leighton Kearns after the tournament.

Best Choice Gas Bottles featured Chad Plato, who is a Namibian national rugby team player who represented the country at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan and scored a try against Italy. The team was made up of Plato, Elton de Smit, Leighton Kearns, Keanu Weber, Paolo Andrews, Aston Mukwiilongo, Donell !Gonteb and Jadon le Fleur. Best Choice Gas Bottles walked away with N$10 000 in prize money for their exploits while Kudu Rangers took home N$7 000 for their runner-up finish.

On their way to the final Best Choice Gas Bottles beat Onduka Engineering 2-1 while Kudu Rangers defeated Can't Touch Us 4-3 in their respective semi-final matches.

According to co-owner of Lluvia Sugar Distributors Morne Grove, who sponsored the Best Choice Gas Bottles team, the company felt privileged to have a team that gave their all and he added that the company would continue sponsoring them for the rest of their careers.

“We respect them for their effort, perseverance and their positive attitude. Lluvia will support the Namibian community like they support us,” said Grove.

The organiser of the tournament, Verduh van der Watt, said that the Henties Bay Beach Touchies was a successful event.

“We had 14 teams that entered and the crowd entrance exceeded our expectations from last year.

“The level of rugby was good. There were four Namibian national rugby team players and a few Sevens rugby players that took part too,” said van der Watt.

The Henties Bay Beach Touchies plate section, which featured the losing quarterfinalists, saw Sparta Knights defeat Valltala Vikings 1-0 in the final.

ADOLF KAURE

Japan's Nishikori out of Australian Open and ATP Cup

December 30, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Japan's Nishikori out of Australian Open and ATP Cup Japanese star Kei Nishikori pulled out of the Australian Open and the inaugural ATP Cup yesterday as he continues to struggle with an elbow injury that has kept him out since the US Open.

The former world number four, who has slipped to 13, said he was disappointed not to be able to begin his season as hoped for in January.

“Unfortunately I have to pull out of the ATP Cup and the Aussie Open,” he said in statement.

“Today, together with my team, we have made this decision as I'm still not 100 per cent ready or healthy to compete at the highest level.

“This decision was not taken lightly as Australia is one of my favourite places to compete,” he added.

Nishikori's elbow needed surgery in October and he has not played since.

Yoshihito Nishioka will replace him as the top-ranked player in Japan's ATP Cup team in Perth. Yasutaka Uchiyama also withdrew from the event earlier this week, with Toshihide Matsui called up instead.

Nishikori's absence follows Britain's Andy Murray also pulling out of both tournaments over the weekend with a pelvic injury.

The innovative ATP Cup, from January 3-12, offers $15 million in prize money and a maximum of 750 singles and 250 doubles ATP rankings points in the new men's warm-up tournament for the opening Grand Slam of the year.

It will see 24 nations split into six groups, with eight teams emerging from the round-robin stage to compete in the knockout phase.

Sydney will host the finals, along with group games which will also be held in Brisbane and Perth.

NAMPA / AFP

Dortmund sign teen striking prodigy

December 30, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Dortmund sign teen striking prodigyHaaland off to greener pastures Borussia Dortmund has signed the highly rated striker Erling Braut Haaland. Teenage goal-scoring sensation Erling Braut Haaland from RB Salzburg is on his way to Borussia Dortmund after beating off a host of top European clubs, the German Bundesliga club announced on Monday.

Dortmund said the 19-year-old Norway forward Erling Braut, who scored eight times in the group stage of this season's Champions League, had signed a contract until 2024 but did not mention a fee.

Haaland has caught the eye of clubs around Europe, reportedly including Juventus and Manchester United, after scoring 28 goals in 22 games in all competitions so far this campaign.

Dortmund's Bundesliga rivals RB Leipzig had confirmed their interest earlier this month but Haaland said Dortmund were always his first choice.

“From the beginning I had the feeling I definitely wanted to switch to this club, to walk this path,” he said.

He will join up with his new teammates on January 3 for a training camp in Marbella before Dortmund resume after the Bundesliga's winter break with a visit to Augsburg on January 18.

In a video posted on the Dortmund website, Haaland wished Dortmund fans a happy new year as he pored over a 2020 to-do list topped with “learn German”.

Earlier in December, the forward had been spotted landing in the city to meet with club representatives.

Dortmund, currently fourth in the Bundesliga, have been looking for a new striker with Spain international Paco Alcacer and World Cup winner Mario Goetze struggling for consistency this season.

“Despite many offers from the very top clubs across Europe, Erling Haaland has chosen the sporting challenge at BVB (Dortmund),” chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke said in a statement.

“We can all look forward to an ambitious, athletic and physically strong centre forward at 4319; Erling is right at the start of what will hopefully be a great career.”

Haaland became the third youngest player to score a Champions League hat-trick when he netted three times in a 6-2 victory over Genk in September.

Only Wayne Rooney, England's record goalscorer, and Spain great Raul managed the feat at a younger age.

Haaland, the son of former Manchester City midfielder Alf-Inge Haaland, scored in his first five Champions League matches.

Despite his impressive form Salzburg failed to reach the last 16 following a 2-0 loss to defending champions Liverpool in their final group game this month.

NAMPA / AFP

Taya tyapulile omumvo omupe mokakuma

December 30, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Taya tyapulile omumvo omupe mokakuma Aalumentu yahamano mboka ya tulwa miipandeko shi na sha nelyenge lyefuto lyoombumbo moshikondo shoohi, otaya kala modholongo sigo omwedhi Februali gwo 2020, sha landula sho ngoka ta longo pehala lyomupanguli mOmpangu yoPombanda, Kobus Miller, eekelehi oshipotha shawo, shoka ya tula mo opo etulo miipandeko lyawo li kalekwe.

Oya lombwelwa opo woo ya fute iifuta yopaveta yaayamukuli moshipotha shawo, mwakwatelwa oAnti-Corruption Commission (ACC) oshowo Opolisi yaNamibia.

Ominista nale yOohi, Bernhardt Esau pamwe naatamanekwa naye mwakwatelwa ominista nale yuuyuki, Sacky Shanghala, omunashipundi nale gwoFishcor, James Hatuikulipi, omunangeshefa Tamson 'Fitty' Hatuikulipi, oshowo menindjela nale mehangano lyoInvestec Asset Management , Ricardo Gustavo oshowo Pius Mwatelulo oya li taya pataneke etulo lyawo miipandeko. Oye li modholongo konima sho kwa lopotwa na otaya fekelwa kutya oya tambula oombumbo dhoshimaliwa sha thika poomiliyona 150, mepingakanitho negandjo lyookota dhokukwata oohi kehangano lyaIceland lyedhina Samherji. Miller okwa tothamo mEtitano lya piti kutya, oya ningi eindilo lyokupataneka emangepo lyawo nethimbo lyawo na inashi ningwa meendelelo, na inaya ulikila Ompangu yoPombanda kutya omolwashike inaya ninga eindilo ndyoka meendelelo konima sho ya tulwa miipandeko momasiku 27 gaNovemba.

Okwa popi kutya mboka eindilo ndyoka olya li andola li na okuningwa momasiku 29 gaNovemba moka ya li ya ningi eindilo lyawo lyomboloha, neinekelo andola kutya otali ningwa momasiku gaali gaDecemba pamwe neindilo lyomboloha, ihe shoka osha pitikwa sigo omomasiku 14 gaDecemba moka eindilo ndyoka lya falwa mompangu yopombanda.

Pahapu dha Miller, omukalelipo gwaalumentu mboka gwopaveta ina yelitha muule kutya oshike sha e ta ekateko kakele kokupopya kutya aayakulwa ye oya tindilwa uuthemba wemanguluko.

Momasiku 19 gaDecemba, osheendo shaakalelipo yopaveta yaalumentu mboka taya ithanwa noshilukadhina 'Fishrot Six', mwakwatelwa aakalelipo yopaveta yopombanda aakwashigwana yaSouth Afrika oya popi kutya epangelo olya ningi iikengelela pakutulitha miipandeko aayakulwa yawo.

Shoka osha zilile kemangululo oshikando shotango lya Esau ngoka a li a mangululwa konima sho epangelo pamwe naakalelipo ye yopaveta ya zimine kutya etulo miipandeko lye kali li paveta. Omukalelipo gwawo gwopaveta a zilila koSouth Afrika, Thembeka Ngcukaitobi okwa popi kutya sho Esau a tulululwa miipandeko pamwe nayakwawo, inaku gandjwa omaumbangi omape.

Okwa popi kutya omukanda gwawo gwetulo miipandeko omutiyai inagu tothamo omaumbangi gasha, ngoka taga holola etompelo lyetulo miipandeko lyaamboka oshowo kutya aanambelewa inaya holola kutya omakonaakono oga kala taga ningwa okuza omvula yo 2014.

Pamaiyuvo ge oku wete kutya aayamukuli moshipotha shoka inaya holola kutya etulo miipandeko lyaayakulwa ye ogwo owala omukalo tagu kwashilipaleke eholoko kompangu lyawo, onkene etulo miipandeko lyawo kali li paveta.

jemima@namibiansun.com

JEMIMA BEUKES

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Olugodhi lwuukwamuhoko

December 30, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Olugodhi lwuukwamuhoko Ominista nale yuundjolowele, Omundohotola Bernard Haufiku okwa shanga kepandja lye lyoTwitter kutya ekalo lyaatiligane mondoolopa yaHenties Bay noopresenda 99.99, oshi li edhimbulukitho tali lulumike omuntu lyuukoloni wopaliko moNamibia. Oshinyolwa shaHaufiku osha nana omaiyuvo goyendji mwakwatelwa omuhikingalo gwoomusika dhomelaka lyoshimbulu gwaSouth Afrika, Steve Hofmeyr.

Okutula omulilo omahooli, osho omupeha minista gwomauyelele, Engel Nawatiseb a ponokelwa omolwa elongitho lyehauto lyepangelo sho a ka landa oohi mondoolopa ndjoka mEtitano lya piti.

Pahapu dhaHaufiku, ekalo lyaatiligane mehala moka oyo awike otashi hwahwamekwa komulandu oshowo onkalo yuulingilingi wuli pombanda unene moNamibia, na otashi ulike kutya aatiligane oya totapo omulandu gwawo gwopaliko.

Omunambelewa omukuluntu gwehangano lyo Ohlthaver & List (O&L), Wessie van der Westhuizen okwa yamukula Haufiku kutya, egongalo lyopamwe ndyoka minista nale a popi iikolelela kulyo otali ithanwa Henties Bay Fishing Bonanza, ndyoka lya mangulukila omuntu kehe muuyuni.

Van der Westhuizen okwa pula aantu opo kaya ninge egongalo ndyoka oshinima shoka shaaheshi elalakano lyegongalo ndyoka lyopamwe nokugwedha po kutya Aanamibia naya kondjithe uulingilingi, mboka tawu patele pondje ekoko lyeliko kuyamwe oshowo ekoko lyopankalathano.

Omuntu gumwe okwa yamukula kutya oshituthi shoka otashi holola uukwamuhoko, na osha holola endopo lyuuleli wopangeshefa dhopombanda, ta gwedha po kutya omukomeho gwa O&L, Van der Westhuizen na konge omikalo dhokwahapatela pondje yalwe.

Van der Westhuizen okwa yamukula kutya ota tsu kumwe nomatumbulo ngoka.

“Omolwaashoka hatu gandja omayambidhidho koBrave Warriors, koopoloyoka yokutunga oongulu dhoskola, koothigwa nokoombaanga dhomahini noshotuu. Itandi kutha olugodhi nane, otandi ti owala inamu nduluka sha okuza moshituthi showala shoohi,” Van der Westhuizen a yamukula.

Omunongononi gwopolotika, Henning Melber okwa yamukula kutya omahogololo goshali otaga pumbwa woo emanguluko lyopashimaliwa. Okwa popi kutya Aanamibia oyendji kaye na iiyemo tayi ya pitika okukatyapula oshituthi shoohi kondoolopa ndjoka yokomunkulofuta, hoka hako haya zi, na otashi pula aaniimaliwa oyo ya ka tyapule ethimbo lyawo hoka.

Ndumba Kamwanyah okwa lombwele oNamibian Sun kutya nonando omuna uukwashili momapopyo gaHaufiku, oshili ooshoka kutya uukwamuhoko paliko moNamibia, kawu li we palwaala ihe opangundu yaanashimaliwa.

“Ondi shi shi kutya natango otatu dhilaadhila kutya aatiligane otaya pula nawa komeho paliko naashoka oshi li uukwashili sigo opondondo yimwe, ihe ngele okwa ningwa omayalulo otatu mono kutya ongundu yimwe yaaluudhe oya wayinina ongundu ndjoka nokutota po etopoko. Ombinga yimwe otayi pula nawa komeho yimwe otayi nana nondatu,” Kamwanyah a popi.

Omuntu gumwe okwa yamukula koshinyolwa shaHaufiku kutya oongundu dhimwe dhaantu ohadhi totopo pashito omulandu gwawo gwopaliko oshowo onkalathano, hoka Hofmeyr yamukula kutya shoka osho Haufiku ina hala okuuva.



Nawatiseb okwa hala egameno lyopolisi

Momukanda ngoka gwa shangelwa opolisi yaHenties Bay, Nawatiseb okwa pula egameno lyopolisi nuutile weehameko oshowo esithahoni okuza kaatiligane yamwe po mondoolopa ndjoka mwa kwatelwa omukwashigwana gumwe gwedhina Paul Smith.

Okwa popi momukanda ngoka kutya ye pamwe nofamili oye oya kala ya taalela oluhindo okuza kaatiligane mboka ya kala woo taya ula ofamili yaNawatiseb omalaka omawinayi.

jemima@namibiansun.com

JEMIMA BEUKES

Food security continued to weaken in 2019

December 30, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Food security continued to weaken in 2019Food reserves have run out Some drought-affected households simply cannot afford to buy food because they have no income. Household food security continued to weaken this year, particularly in the rural areas, as most households are reported to have no food reserves left.

This is according to the Agricultural Inputs and Household Food Security Situation Report for December 2019, released by the Namibia Early Warning and Food Information Unit (NEWFIU) in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry on Friday.

The report is aimed at assessing the overall agricultural inputs situation at household and regional levels and to find out the extent to which farmers are prepared for the just started cropping season in terms of land preparation.

It also assesses the changes in household food security, the marketing of the previous season's harvest, as well as water supply, livestock and grazing conditions.

It said the cost of food in Namibia has been reasonably low in the last six months with average monthly inflation of 3.9 percent.

According to the Namibia Statistics Agency, food prices in the country increased by four percent at the end of October 2019 when compared to the same period last year.

However, some of the drought-affected households do not have the necessary means to access food, simply because they do not have formal sources of income other than agriculture which had failed last season or are not covered by the social safety nets, it added.

“As such, these people are given priority to receive the drought relief food assistance from the government, though the food quantity is said to be insufficient,” the report states.

Over 289 644 people were found to be food insecure and needed immediate food assistance, it added, noting that the number is expected to rise during the course of the 2019/20 consumption period.

It said households are heavily dependent on the market for food access with some households receiving government drought relief food assistance to supplement their food needs.

The report recommended that regional councils with the assistance of village or traditional leaders should continue monitoring the households' food security and respond accordingly.





NAMPA

UK family helps needy Tsumeb learners

December 30, 2019, 2:00 pm

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UK family helps needy Tsumeb learners The Mary Forsythe family from the United Kingdom (UK) has come to the help of needy children at Tsumeb's Tov multipurpose centre by donating N$151 775.

The beneficiaries are two learners at a local private school, the Tsumeb Home School Centre.

The Tov technical director, Reverend Edward Amadhila, told Namibian Sun that the Forsythe family is paying the tuition fees and other educational expenses of Emilia Vatilifa and Venecia Gaeses.

“Just for the 2019 academic year alone, Mary Forsythe and her family have assisted the centre with N$151 775, which was used in paying for Vatiliva's grade five and Gaeses's grade nine education.

“Vatilifa spent N$6 192 on stationary while Gaeses spent N$8 521. Their combined annual school fee for the 2019 academic year was N$36 000, and there was no way that their families or Tov could afford this kind of money,” Amadhila said.

“From the N$151 775, the centre has remaining cash of N$20 000 to help the two children at the beginning of the 2020 academic year.

“This is not the first time Mary and her family are assisting us. Over the past years they have spent thousands of dollars investing in Namibian children. We are grateful to them for helping us to help a Namibian child.”

Amadhila said the local community of Tsumeb also assisted the centre this year.

Donors included the centre's patron, Kauna Ndilula, who gave N$24 000; the Cornerstone International Fellowship which donated N$3 600; Afrina Property, which gave N$4 800; and an anonymous donor who gave N$1 200.

“Our current monthly donors are few, but they are making a huge impact. We have friends like Daniela, who bought us a cow, and Rebecca's family gave us chickens just to make sure that the children have something to eat. Our friend Marion and friends from Canada donated money to buy maize seeds,” Amadhila said.

ILENI NANDJATO

Itula 'schools' Swapo on his candidacy

December 30, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Itula 'schools' Swapo on his candidacyClaims party constitution does not bar independents The independent candidate feels that the ruling party's commitment to an exclusive candidacy of the president to run for election is a violation of the Namibian constitution. The independent presidential candidate in last month's general election, Panduleni Itula, says no clauses exist in the Swapo constitution that bar him from standing as an independent candidate while retaining his party membership.

He also feels that the ruling party's commitment to an automatic candidacy of the president of to run for election is a violation of the Namibian constitution and takes away Namibians' right to vote for an independent candidate.

According to him, that creates a situation whereby only Swapo members holding the title of party president may contest elections.

“In 2014, Hage Geingob achieved 87% of the votes. In 2019, it had been reported that Geingob received 56% and I received 30% with the opposition parties' share of the vote remaining relatively the same as in 2014.

“Implicitly, those, including members of Swapo, who voted for Hage Geingob in 2014 changed their votes to me. How then may they be disciplined for voting against party nominated candidate?

“It appears that those members who voted for me are guilty by association and should be subjected to the same measure intended for me. It is practically impossible to elicit those members who voted for me. It nonetheless, practically, impossible, in the absence of a paper trail,” he said.

Itula's response follows a letter that Swapo secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa wrote to him, demanding him to show cause why the party should not expel him for his decision to stand as an independent candidate despite the party's decision to endorse President Hage Geingob as its automatic candidate.

In a 28-page document, the dentist explained that it is not a mere response to point out challenges to Swapo's case and what exonerates him but also an effort to school Shaningwa and the party in general.

He also pointed out that the party has not stated clearly which part of the Swapo constitution was violated by his decision to stand independently and also did not make it clear as to who had brought the case against him and what their locus standi in the matter was.

Locus standi is the right or capacity to bring an action or to appear in a court.

“And the allegation appears to be premised on hearsay and extraneous factors. These are contrary to the principles of legality,” he said.

He therefore takes it that if a 'show cause notice' like in the present case indicates that a decision has already been taken by the Swapo Party Central Committee to expel him that there will be no fair hearing because of a premeditated conclusion.

Itula stressed further that the Namibian Constitution allowed him to run as an independent candidate, and therefore in his view Swapo's letter has a deleterious effect of loosening the integrity of the legitimate and valid vote cast by part of the sovereign people.

“The letter or show cause notice is defective in quite a number of areas and one can take exception to those parts although it is not an ordinary court pleading. It is not a proper notice for it does not disclose a cause of action as stipulated above. Although this is not a court case yet the principles set out by the courts in regards to the notices to make representations or to show cause why someone should not be disciplined apply squarely to this case. These cases are normally found in situations where employers write notices to employees asking them to show cause why disciplinary action may not be taken against them,” he said.

jemima@namibiansun.com

JEMIMA BEUKES

Henties, a disaster waiting to happen

December 30, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Henties, a disaster waiting to happen Our beautiful coastal town of Henties Bay is in the news again. It always does this time of the year, and sometimes during the long Easter weekend. Whether by default or design, it always does. Inevitably.

The town has seemingly become a breeding ground for racial confrontations between whites and blacks. It is never clear what fuels these fallouts but whatever it is, it must be addressed.

Without that background information, we will, for now hold our fingers and not wag them in anyone’s direction.

But here is the godly truth. Henties is neither a place for whites, nor is it for blacks. It’s a place for Namibians and outsiders who visits it and who live in it.

Thus, no individual or group has more right of access to the town than the other.

If this situation is not nipped in the bud real quick, Henties is a disaster waiting to happen. And when that bomb explodes, it would be too late to contain the skirmishes that emanate from it.

Too many people, including those who have nothing to do with these backward confrontations, would be caught in the crossfire.

If anything, Henties presents the best place to mould racial harmony. It is a small close-knit multi-racial town where everyone has interacted with almost everyone at one point or the other.

It is difficult to unite bigger populations, but in Henties we have a perfect platform for a ‘model town’ that can unite all those who live in it.

Racism has brought this country where it is today – segregated, unequal, poor and angry.

With so much glaring evidence of what racial divisions have done to us, one thinks it would be foolhardy of anyone to even contemplate going back into that space. Unless, of course, one is benefitting from the status quo and would thus want to perpetuate it for their own parochial windfalls.

Sober leadership needs to reign supreme in Henties. A leadership that promotes unity practically and not just by word of mouth.

Kunene south farmers concerned about late rains

December 30, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Kunene south farmers concerned about late rainsRegion braces for 8th consecutive year of drought Some cattle in the region are not even able to stand on their own and have to be fed the fodder government has contributed as drought relief. Farmers in Kunene south say even the late rains expected to fall in the new year would not be enough to save their livestock and crops.

The farmers say very little rain has been received in the southern part of the region over the past two months. A farmer at Smallscregen, Alpheus Awaseb, 65, told Nampa that his livestock still have not picked up weight and he expects they will die after the first good rains. “I am happy that Namibia is forecast to be getting rain, but I am afraid that in the process some livestock will have to die because they are too thin. Although we got some rain in the area so far, what we need to understand is that cattle are more likely to die during the rainy season because they are thin and weak,” he stressed.

Awaseb said some cattle in his kraal are so weak they are unable to stand and only the fodder the government has contributed as drought relief is keeping them alive.Manfred Goraseb, 71, who owns a garden at farm Landes, says his hopes of a large garden for household consumption and to generate income are slowly fading.

“Although we are expecting a fair rainy season in the region next year, we are not sure whether our crops will survive.

I am selling watermelon, pumpkin and cucumber that I plant in my garden but with late rains, I am not sure if the harvest will be good. What usually happens when the rain is late is that winter kills the small plants that have just started growing.”

Goraseb added that he mostly farms with small livestock and had already lost some of them during the rains that were received in the past two months.

Another farmer, Gerson Gurirab, 75, said there would be devastating effects and farmers need to prepare themselves ahead of the expected rains.

“Animals will obviously die, and crops won't give much for consumption. We just need to prepare ourselves as farmers that are living in one of the driest regions in the country. We need to start feeding our cattle in our kraals before the rains come. That way they will gain weight and will be able to survive,” he said.

Weather experts have predicted good rains for the country in the second part of the rainy season from January to March 2020.

NAMPA

Supreme Court to hear EVM case in January

December 30, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Supreme Court to hear EVM case in January The Supreme Court yesterday set 17 January 2020 as the date on which it will hear the challenge by independent presidential candidate Panduleni Itula over use of EVMs in the November 27 general election.

This was confirmed by the government attorney, Matti Asino. ECN declared President Hage Geingob the winner of the November 27 presidential election, garnering 56.3% of the presidential vote, while Itula secured 29.4%. Early this month Itula announced his intention to appeal to the highest court in the land and included a 126-page affidavit and annexures outlining why the presidential election results should be nullified and a re-run organised as soon as possible.

Itula cites the recent revelation by the ECN that EVMs booked out for the Swapo Party Elders Council (SPEC) congress in 2017 had gone missing.

“Since July 2017 up to the presidential election in 2019 there thus existed ample opportunity for gaining intimate knowledge of the machines' hardware and software.

“The risk of discovering means of tampering with the EVMs is real, as lawyers and politicians pointed out immediately when the news first broke in October 2019.

“They cautioned that the election could be rigged and the integrity of its outcome would become questionable.

“Yet, the self-same models of EVMs were used one month later during the 2019 elections. This without the safeguards parliament enacted, a verifiable paper trail,” said Itula in his affidavit.

Itula is being supported in his court bid by Republican Party (RP) president Henk Mudge, Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEEF) president Epafrans Mukwiilongo, All People's Party (APP) president Ignatius Shixwameni and Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) president Mike Kavekotora, who appear as applicants.

Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) president McHenry Venaani, the leader of the official opposition, said his party had in the meantime consulted its lawyers in preparation for challenging the National Assembly election results.

The PDM won 16 seats in the National Assembly after scoring 16.60% of the vote - its best electoral performance since the 1994 election.

jemima@namibiansun.com



JEMIMA BEUKES

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They 'disrespected authority'

December 30, 2019, 2:00 pm

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They 'disrespected authority' Nawatiseb insists Henties confrontation was racist Information and communication technology deputy minister Engel Nawatiseb says the group of white people that confronted him recently at Henties Bay disrespected government by opening the doors of his official Mercedes-Benz where he had loaded a box of fish.

The fact that a white man disrespectfully and forcefully opened the door of the vehicle in the manner that they did amounted to racism, Nawatiseb insists.

According to him, white bystanders who had confronted him at a local restaurant at the coastal town were not only racist but disrespected government as an authority that owns the car.

“If an ordinary citizen sees GRN vehicle they know it represents government. That is the image and brand of government, no other ordinary car is branded GRN,” he told Namibian Sun yesterday.

“It is government that they are disrespecting. How do you have the audacity to go and open the government vehicle, do you know who is inside the car? It is a sign of total disrespect towards government and authority,” the former journalist said.

The incident has divided public opinion, with some saying Nawatiseb was confronted for using the official vehicle to pick up fish from the shot while he is on holiday.

Others feel he was subjected to racially-motivated humiliation, which was deliberately caught on camera.

Asked why he sees the confrontation as racist and not simply a protest against perceived abuse of a government vehicle, Nawatiseb said it was racism because “it was a white man who opened a black man's car.”

He added that the incident was preceded by racist slurs hurled at him, including that “you black people are abusing government vehicle in this way.”

In the video, a white man is seen saying: “Let me open for you. Here [pointing to a box full of fish], thank you very much, thank you very much.”

In the background an identified woman remarked: “Our tax money. Our tax money, yes.”

Nawatiseb yesterday said he was not against white people in general and had many white friends.















He insists that the group not only disrespected him but also posed a threat to his life.

“There were drunk people that threatened my life. I was walking towards the car to go to the police to report them but they stopped me in my tracks by forcefully intimidating and harassing me, my life was at risk. I do not know those people,” he said.

Nawatiseb declined to comment on whether he had received permission from the Ministry of Works and Transport to use the vehicle during the festive season.

Asked why he preferred to use a government vehicle instead of his own private car while on leave, the minister replied: “Am I not entitled to use a government car? I do not want to answer that question first check with the Ministry of Works and Transport then you can come back and I will answer that.”

Bad memories

In a letter to the police in which he requested for police protection, Nawatiseb said he endured a very bad experience because the oppression of black people by white people was still fresh in his mind.

He also asked the authorities to take the matter seriously because black people were tired of oppression.

jemima@namibiansun.com





JEMIMA BEUKES

Councillor denied bail in assault case

December 30, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Councillor denied bail in assault case The Swapo councillor for Ndiyona Constituency, Eugen Likuwa, (49), who was arrested for allegedly assaulting and threatening to kill his wife on Christmas Day, was denied bail by the Rundu Magistrate's Court yesterday.

Magistrate Hellen Olaiya postponed the matter to 20 April 2020 for plea and trial as well as for further police investigations.

Likuwa faces one count of assault by threat and another of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Both counts are read along with the provisions of the Domestic Violence Act.

The State opposed bail on the basis that the offences related to gender-based violence are serious and that it would not be in the public interest to grant Likuwa bail.





The State further objected to bail on the grounds that the accused would interfere with police investigations and witnesses.



Likuwa informed the court that he would conduct his own defence.



According to the charge sheet, the incident happened at around 20:00 on 25 December near Vashweneka village when Likuwa allegedly assaulted his wife by pushing her head into the ground and punching her all over her body.



It is further alleged that Likuwa threatened to kill his wife.



While police investigations into the matter continue, Namibian Sun has established that the incident emanated from an altercation between Likuwa's wife and his sister.



A number of Swapo Party members, including several Kavango East Region constituency councillors, attended yesterday's court proceedings.

Many appeared gutted after Magistrate Olaiya dropped the bombshell that no bail would be granted.

KENYA KAMBOWE

Kipchoge to make return at April's London Marathon

January 2, 2020, 2:00 pm

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Kipchoge to make return at April's London Marathon SUPERSPORT

Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge has chosen April's London Marathon for his first race since becoming the first person to run a marathon in under two hours, organisers said on Sunday.

Kipchoge, who ran one hour, 59 minutes and 40 seconds in a special race in October, will be seeking his fifth London title in the 26 April event. His barrier-breaking run in Vienna did not count as an official world record due to the use of "in and out" pacers and a moving drinks provider.

Kipchoge already holds the world record with his 2:01:39 from winning the Berlin Marathon in September 2018. "I love running in London where the crowd support is always wonderful," the Olympic champion said in a statement.

"Breaking the two-hour barrier in Vienna was an incredible moment. It showed that no human is limited and that is a belief that continues to drive me on to set new objectives.

"Making history in London is my next target. I’m proud that I’m currently the only male able-bodied athlete to have won this great race four times and that no one, male or female, has won it more than that."

The 35-year-old is tied with Ingrid Kristiansen for the most wins in London by an able-bodied athlete. The Norwegian won four London Marathon titles between 1984 and 1988.

Kipchoge's London titles came in 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019.

Moses encourages athletes to step up

January 2, 2020, 2:00 pm

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Moses encourages athletes to step upThe year to shine Namibian boxing trainer Immanuel ‘AC’ Moses has urged Namibian sportsmen and -women to make 2020 the year of reckoning. LIMBA MUPETAMI

Local boxing trainer Immanuel ‘AC’ Moses believes Namibian athletes have what it takes to make it big internationally and should inject energy and hard work into their careers.

The trainer, who owns African Connection Fitness & Boxing Gym where he tirelessly nurtures young and veteran boxers alike, has a boxing event called ‘Rising Stars of Africa’ lined up for March which his brother, Paulus 'The Hitman' Moses, will headline.

Moses says being at the top requires hard work and persistence.

“If you want something, work for it relentlessly. If you want to be counted amongst the best, not just as a boxer or as a sprinter, put in the work and get people to help you get there,” he said.

“Look at the likes of marathon runner Helalia Johannes. Be like her. Put in work and go for your dreams,” he added.

Moses is grooming the likes of Shanika 'Mosquito' Alfeus and Flame Nangolo for future glory and has famous names like Sakarias ‘Desert Storm’ Lukas, Paulus Ambunda and Wilberforce 'Black Mamba' Shihepo training in his gym.

He says his boxers will go all out to make 2020 a year to remember, with the focus now on the boxing event scheduled for 15 March.

“Boxers never sleep. They work and that’s what we have been doing this festive season,” added Moses.

His brother, former WBA lightweight world champion Paulus 'The Hitman' Moses, will fight an undisclosed opponent at the event in March. Hitman has a record of 46 fights with 40 wins - 25 by knockout, and six losses. The boxer turned professional in 2002 when he fought Aaron Vilane of South Africa.

The Hitman has so far lost three fights by unanimous decision in the last two years. He lost to Russia's Adlan Aburashidov in a WBA/WBC Asia title fight on 19 September 2019. He then lost in February 2018 to Raymundo Beltran.

The event is scheduled to start at 19:00. There will be exciting undercards lined up with prospects from Botswana. Young talents such as Flame Nangolo (bantamweight), Hamuyela Matias (flyweight) and welterweight boxer Shanika 'Mosquito' Alfeus will fight on the undercard.

Caster, Wayde uncertainty casts shadow on SA athletics

January 2, 2020, 2:00 pm

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Caster, Wayde uncertainty casts shadow on SA athleticsUndetermined future waits As the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games appears on the horizon, South African track-and-field fans are perched on the edge of their seats with the fitness or readiness of some of their favourites still under question. SUPERSPORT

For years the sport relied heavily on the talents of Caster Semenya and Wayde van Niekerk but both athletes missed the 2019 World Championships and there’s no word yet on what the future holds for them.

Van Niekerk is back in training and his #QuietStorm and #WaydeWasHere hashtags accompanying pictures of him in training is the only clue fans have been given that he’s close to a return.

But few sprinters have suffered his kind of knee injury never mind made a comeback from it has been too long since the 400m world record-holder was in action.

For Semenya, meanwhile, the situation is tricky. She’s been banned from competing in events between the distances of 400m to 1500m unless she agrees to take medication to lower her testosterone levels, pending an appeal at the Swiss Supreme Court.

Semenya has refused to take the medication and her appeal is set to go ahead early in 2020. In the meantime she has signed for the JVW Football Club but has been unable to play because of transfer rules.

With her team of lawyers hard at work behind the scenes, Semenya has had some time to spend with family and consider her options but the athletics season is underway soon.

The first Grand Prix Series meet is scheduled for 9 April in Cape Town with the second and third events taking place on 14 April in Pretoria and the 18 April Potchefstroom before the National Championships which is set for 23 to 25 April in Pretoria.

Aside from Semenya and Van Niekerk, sprinter Akani Simbine and the long jump duo of Luvo Manyonga and Ruswahl Samaai are the other major hopes in track and field.

All three athletes have done consistently well in this cycle with Commonwealth Games medals, African Championship medals and top performances at the World Championships.

Simbine has broken 10 seconds in the 100m every season since 2015 and he placed fourth at the World Championship this year, just missing out on a medal.

Samaai and Manyonga were consistent in leaping over 8m this season but didn’t quite reach the 8.40s as they have before. Manyonga is adapting to a new coaching staff and base while Samaai competed with a niggling injury which required surgery at the end of the season.

All three athletes are expected to put in big performances next year. This is what they’ve been training for.

WHERE ARE THE WOMEN?

As always, there’s a distinct lack of representation on the gender front. So where are the women? Well, there are only a handful of women who have a chance of making the Olympics squad and even fewer who have a real chance of making a final or getting a medal.

Aside from Semenya, only 10 other women have been included in the training squad for individual events and not all of them will be included in the final Olympics squad.

Tebogo Mamathu (100m), Dominique Scott-Efurd (10 000m), Rikenette Steenkamp (100m H), Wenda Nel (400m H), Rogail Joseph (400m H), Lynique Beneke (long jump), Sunette Viljoen (javelin), Gerda Steyn (marathon), Nolene Conrad (marathon) and Zeney van der Walt (400m H) complete the training squad.

Van der Walt is a Junior World Championships gold medallist in the 400m hurdles and one of the most exciting prospects for the future. She finished her matric this year and has completely turned her focus to Tokyo. She edged Wenda Nel to the national title this year and both of them are vying for a spot at the Olympics. Add to the same event youngster Rogail Joseph who is the Under-20 SA champion the race is on.

Javelin thrower Sunette Viljoen is included in the training squad, but she’s 36 years old and training without a coach. She also finished 17th at the World Championships so she’s way off her best.

Comrades winner Gerda Steyn is someone to watch in the marathon after she signalled her intention to run in Tokyo following her 11th place finish in the New York marathon this year.

There are young prospects in the likes of Clarence Munyai and Thando Dlodlo in the 100m and 200m as well as Soks Zazini in the 400m.

Zazini is a Under-18 and 20 gold medallist but he’s had to change coaches and he’s battled a range of back and hip injuries which aren’t completely sorted out.

There are a bunch of junior athletes who’ve done well as age-group level and we’ll have to see if they’re able to step up.

Munyai qualified for the 2016 Olympics during his matric year and has put in some good performances since then.

EVENTS TO WATCH

The men’s 100m/200m and the men’s 400m hurdles are going to be tightly contested throughout the season as some top athletes vie for three spots in each event at the Olympics.

Simbine is the foremost 100/200 sprinter in the country but he’ll have tight competition again this season, and they’ll also be competing for a spot on the 4x100m relay team. Simon Magakwe, Thando Dlodlo, Clarence Munyai, Anaso Jobodwana, Luxolo Adams and Henricho Bruintjies, Chederick van Wyk, Dambile Sinesipho are all likely to contest the 100m/200m throughout the season with Van Niekerk expected to attempt the 200m/400m double. Jobodwana is likely to focus on the 200m with an eye on a 4x100m spot.

The 400m hurdles will see defending SA champion Lindsey Hanekom go up against Soks Zazini, the fit-again Cornel Fredericks as well as Le Roux Hamman and Constant Pretorius. Since the retirement of LJ van Zyl, this race has been left wide open.

But an athletics season is never predictable and with the Olympics in touching distance, some athletics may find an edge that will surprise us.\