88 000 livestock die in a year

January 6, 2020, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: PM denies storage facility stink

≪ Previous: New MPs sworn in

$

0

0

88 000 livestock die in a year Over 88 000 livestock deaths have been recorded from October 2018 to September 2019 as a result of the devastating drought in Namibia.

Over 56% of the deaths reported were cattle, 31% goats, 12.3% sheep and donkeys, while horses recorded less than 1% of the livestock deaths.

According to the Agricultural Inputs and Household Food Security Report that was recently released by the agriculture ministry, from October 2018 to September last year, a total of 49 235 cattle, 27 101 goats, 10 845 sheep, 715 donkeys and 323 horses died. The report indicates that the regions that recorded the highest number of livestock deaths were !Kharas (17 955), Erongo (16 901) and Khomas (15 821).

The lowest number of livestock deaths were recorded in the Kavango East (zero), Hardap (20) and Zambezi Regions (76).

According to the report, livestock body conditions have been worsening as the drought strengthened, with livestock mortalities as a result of severe malnutrition being on the rise.

“The entire country is almost equally affected except in a few areas in the Kavango East and Zambezi regions where there is few grazing and in the commercial areas due to intensive supplementary feeding.”

However, the report says that with the recent good rainfall reported in various parts of the country as well as more good rainfall predicted, livestock conditions are expected to improve as the season progresses.

The report adds that grazing conditions have been deteriorating severely throughout the country following the severe drought conditions experienced last season.

In the Omaheke Region, the situation was noted to be bad with only a few spots of fair grazing in areas such as Eiseb block and Otjinene.

It is reported that in the Kunene, /Kharas, Hardap, Erongo, Khomas, Otjozondjupa, Omusati, Oshana, Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions, grazing is critical, with high livestock mortalities. Some farmers reported to have lost all their livestock.

“The unevenly distributed rains, heat waves and prolonged dry spells experienced in the previous season resulted in poor grass production and livestock are surviving on the woody materials for fodder.”

Furthermore, the report says that many farmers have been seen moving their livestock from one area to another in search for better grazing. At the time of the report, rainfall received did not make any significant improvement on the grazing.

Meanwhile in the Zambezi region, grazing was noted to be generally poor in areas along the rivers and fair to good inland.

ELLANIE SMIT

---

PM denies storage facility stink

January 6, 2020, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: We need a strategy

≪ Previous: 88 000 livestock die in a year

$

0

0

PM denies storage facility stink Prime minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila yesterday poured cold water over allegations she pulled strings to ensure her associates benefited handsomely from two multi-billion state contracts.

The N$5.6 billion tender to construct the strategic fuel storage facility at Walvis Bay and the construction of the ministry home affairs' new headquarters for N$1 billion in Windhoek are cited as having benefited Kuugongelwa-Amadhila's associates.

She vehemently denies the allegations and challenged her accusers to produce the dirt they have on her.

The prime minister has come under increased scrutiny recently and has been accused of using her office as finance minister at the time to advantage close associates who benefitted handsomely from the construction of the two facilities.

Kuugongelwa-Amadhila was in 2017 accused of having pushed through the construction of the strategic fuel storage facility project which saw the price of construction balloon from an initial N$910 million to N$5.6 billion.

Responding to these allegations yesterday, Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said the allegations are unfounded.

“I have indicated that not only are the allegations of impropriety made about me false and malicious, but the allegations that I, as a political office bearer, or Treasury as the state's financial authority, is involved in the allocations of tenders, are also false,” she told Namibian Sun yesterday.

“These allegations are either based on a lack of understanding about the process of allocation of tenders in government, or they are just an attempt by those who are making them to tarnish my image for reasons known only to themselves,” she added. The PM pointed that the tender process is an autonomous process and rumours that she is involved were baseless and malicious and are rejected with all the contempt that they deserve.

“I challenge those making such allegations to present whatever they think is evidence that they have to support their allegations to the appropriate authorities,” she said.

jemima@namibiansun.com



JEMIMA BEUKES

We need a strategy

January 6, 2020, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Stubborn Hepatitis E still soaring

≪ Previous: PM denies storage facility stink

$

0

0

We need a strategy Namibian companies are changing hands at an arguably unseen pace. With both the givers and receivers being foreign, locals continue to be spectators to this hive of activity.

The latest such move is the intention by West China Cement to acquire Schwenk Namibia's 69% stake in Ohorongo Cement for approximately N$1.5 billion.

Last year, the Rössing Uranium Mine was sold to China National Uranium Corporation (CNUC), also for N$1.5 billion.

The irony in both situations is that neither the sellers nor buyers are Namibian. Ohorongo is, essentially, German-owned, while Rössing belonged to Anglo-Australian multi-national Rio Tinto.

Namibia seemingly does not have a strategy on how to ensure that the country acquires stakes in entities it deems profitable and beneficial. We do not necessarily think government should be involved in businesses such as cement production. But when it comes to the extraction of strategic minerals like uranium, diamonds, copper, and gold, active state involvement is imperative.

If the state cannot be involved itself, it must create conditions for individual Namibians to be. At individual level, it is clear that Namibians simply do not have the capital required to acquire stakes in the likes of Ohorongo, Rössing or the Navachab mine, which was also sold to the British not too long ago.

Not even Epangelo Mining, a state vehicle established to usher the nation into active mining, could afford what Rössing, Navachab and other mines were offered for.

This means whatever approach we have been using for the past 30 years is not working. And we cannot stick to the same model and expect different results.

Namibia's mineral riches are not infinite. A day will come when all of them will no longer exist. But on this evidence, there will be nothing to show future generations that this country once boasted such riches.

We continue to borrow money from China, the African Development Bank and other global lenders while billions leave our shores daily to enrich other nations.

Unless we act decisively to rectify this, we will continue whining until the cows come home.

Stubborn Hepatitis E still soaring

January 6, 2020, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Another Chinese firm eyes Ohorongo

≪ Previous: We need a strategy

$

0

0

Stubborn Hepatitis E still soaring Namibia's hepatitis E outbreak shows no signs of abating since it first erupted more than two years ago.

Nineteen people were killed by the disease in 2019 and a 65% rise in new infections saw close to 7 000 reported cases by the end of last year.

At the start of January 2019, a total of 40 deaths had been recorded, which increased to 59 by 15 December.

Moreover, between January and December last year, the total number of infections rose by 2 747, increasing from 4 227 reported cases on 6 January to 6 974 cases reported by mid-December 2019.

The latest report on hepatitis E warns that the primary obstacle hampering efforts to stop the outbreak continue to be limited sanitation facilities and poor access to water.

The report states that the number of toilets and latrines available to communities “remains low and many people are still practicing open defecation”.

Furthermore, a serious concern is the financial barrier to access to clean water.

“Available water at communal taps is not accessible to everyone, because one has to buy the water and most of the community members cannot afford to buy the water, hence the use of water from riverbeds,” the report states.

Last year, Dr Bernard Haufiku, who heads the emergency team tackling the outbreak, stressed that hepatitis E is more than a health sector issue.





“I have said it time and again that hepatitis E is a disease of poverty and low socio-economic status where there is a lack of clean water and poor personal hygiene.” He stressed the outbreak “begins with sanitation, water provision and personal hygiene. And it will end with us addressing those three challenges.”



Impact

The report confirms the majority of the 6 974 infected persons are men (59%), while 72% of all reported cases were persons aged between 20 and 29 years old.

Amongst the 59 deaths reported since the outbreak erupted in September 2017, 24 involved pregnant women or women who had recently given birth.

Dr Lilliane Kahuika-Crentsil, a former member of the national response team to the outbreak, last year confirmed that “since the onset of the outbreak, the leading cause for maternal deaths was found to be viral hepatitis E”.

The December report further notes that most of the reported hepatitis E cases were recorded amongst unemployed persons, while 74% of those infected are dependent on communal taps.

The report highlights that there was a 'drastic decrease' in new infections between 2 and 15 December, compared to the prior two weeks.

A total of 51 hepatitis E cases were reported during that time, compared to 92 cases between 18 November and 1 December.

The Khomas region's poorest informal settlements, including Havana and Goreangab - where the outbreak first erupted - remain the hardest hit, with 4 311 (62%) cases reported in the Khomas region, followed by 1 551 in Erongo and the remaining cases reported in most other regions of the country.



Far and wide

The widespread reach of the disease is a notable feature of Namibia's outbreak.

Last year, Dr Eric Dziuban, Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) country director to Namibia, said the outbreak is the “only instance of a nationwide outbreak of hepatitis E. Usually outbreaks are contained in the geographic areas where they occur.”

While the disease has not yet become endemic, experts have warned that unless the cycle of infection is broken through urgent and wide-scale sanitation upgrades in vulnerable areas, the outbreak will continue unabated.

Amongst the progresses noted in the latest report is a protocol for a hepatitis E vaccination intervention response, which was submitted to the health ministry in December.





PIC







JANA-MARI SMITH

Another Chinese firm eyes Ohorongo

January 6, 2020, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Cabinet trimming sparks panic

≪ Previous: Stubborn Hepatitis E still soaring

$

0

0

Another Chinese firm eyes Ohorongo West China Cement has made a bid to acquire Schwenk Namibia's 69% stake in Ohorongo Cement for approximately N$1.5 billion in a recent submission to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

This follows a similar bid last year by Singaporean firm International Cement, whose bid Ohorongo owners turned down.





The latest bid was submitted to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange last week Friday [3 January].

Should its bid succeed, China will hold a majority stake in all of Namibia's cement factories. Another local cement manufacturer, Whale Rock Cement is already majority owned by a Chinese company.

“The board is pleased to announce that after trading hours on 3 January 2020, West China Cement and Schwenk Zement entered into the sale and purchase agreement, pursuant to which the West China Cement agreed to acquire from Schwenk Zement the target shares and the its loan in respect of Schwenk Namibia for an aggregate consideration of approximately US$104 410 774,” West China Cement said in a statement.

West China Cement highlighted Ohorongo's dominance in the local cement market as a motivation to buy out Schwenk Namibia.

“Currently, Namibia has only two cement production companies, one of which is Schwenk Namibia Group. In view of the existing supply and demand situation of cement in Namibia and the market demand for cement driven by the aforementioned infrastructure constructions to be developed vigorously in the future, the investment in and the acquisition of Namibia cement production line will be able to improve our Group's profitability in the cement business,” West China Cement said.

West China Cement features on its board Zhaoyang Ma as a non-executive director whose firm International Cement made a bid for the stake in Ohorongo.

Ma's International Cement had a bid turned down by the Singapore Stock Exchange to buy out Schwenk Namibia's shareholding in Ohorongo.

“The company does not have sufficient cash resources to fund the purchase consideration. It intends to possibly obtain significant external loans from financial institutions and shareholders. Such loans, when considered with the potential losses of the target business, will result in a material adverse financial impact on the group,” the stock exchange said at the time of the rejection.

The planned transaction was also flagged for possible money laundering at the time.

“The audit committee and the board is to undertake that so long as the group operates in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Namibia and/or any other developing jurisdictions, the company is to put in place adequate and effective systems of internal controls and risk management controls relating to the company's sources of financing of acquisitions,” the stock exchange said.

Silence on local front

The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN), which is a 9% shareholder in Ohorongo Cement, said it was evaluating the planned purchase of Ohorongo Cement by West China Cement.

“DBN will at this stage not comment on the reported share transaction between Schwenk and the buyer, West China Cement. We can however confirm that DBN's shareholding in Ohorongo remains as it is,” its CEO Martin Inkumbi said.

DBN did not respond to questions posed to it when asked whether it would consider upping its stake in the cement manufacturer, a move previously considered by another minority shareholder in Ohorongo, the Industrial Development Commission (IDC).

The Namibia Competition Commission did not respond to a query when asked whether a submission on the part of West China Cement had been made regarding the planned acquisition.

Local economist Klaus Schade said given the size of the investment, it would be difficult for a single local investor to buy into Ohorongo Cement.

“It is quite a significant investment and would need a group of investors to come together. I am not sure if there is an individual that would be prepared to take the risk,” Schade said.

UP FOR SALE AGAIN: West China Cement wants shareholding in Ohorongo Cement. Photo: FILE

OGONE TLHAGE

Cabinet trimming sparks panic

January 6, 2020, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Mbidi’s clique plots presidency

≪ Previous: Another Chinese firm eyes Ohorongo

$

0

0

Cabinet trimming sparks panic President Hage Geingob told the Swapo central committee in December that his 'legacy term', as his last five-year term has been dubbed by ruling party insiders, will not be characterised by filling job positions for the sake of appeasing individuals, sources said.

It was at the 16 December central committee meeting where Geingob also revealed his plan to downsize Cabinet, a message that sent shivers down the spines of some in attendance.

During discussions, some central committee members advised Geingob to reconsider his position, saying the party already lost 15 seats in parliament following its dismal performance in the 27 November general election and therefore many party leaders would be left jobless.

Others advised the head of state to consider these 15 MPs when he names his non-voting appointees to parliament, insiders said.

It was to this flurry of requests that Geingob apparently responded that the days of appointing party leaders meaninglessly were over.

Namibian Sun understands that Geingob has no intention of re-appointing presidential advisors when their contracts end this year.

It is believed that some of the advisors may be appointed to his new-look Cabinet, which will be cut to between 15 and 17 ministries, according to officials in the know.

The current Cabinet originally had 31 members, although some have since resigned due to illness or corruption scandals.

“The President wants to leave a legacy and feels his second term provides him with an opportunity to do that,” said an official who preferred to remain anonymous.





“He has made up his mind insofar as the appointment of Cabinet is concerned. The challenge, obviously, is on who to remove and what the implications are of that removal.”

“Geingob is feeling the heat and it is not enviable to be in his shoes right now.”

Another official, a former state house aide, said: “This is a legacy term, remember. President is clear in terms of how he wants posterity to remember and judge him. Less will be more.”

It is believed Geingob will appoint people he believes will help him achieve the legacy he wants to carve for himself as president, hence his reluctance to appoint anyone for the sake appeasing them or their constituents.

There remains a tight lid on how much Geingob will downsize Cabinet, although it is predicted he will not have more than 17 ministries.

“What we are hearing is that some ministries, especially those viewed to have outlived their purpose, will be merged with others,” another official said.

Last March, Geingob hinted he would downsize Cabinet as part of his effort to arrest the escalating public wage bill.

Currently, about 50% of the national budget is spent on public servants and politicians' salaries, something Geingob described as 'unsustainable'.

“The biggest elephant in the room is the government wage bill. Something has to be done. It's not affordable – it takes up close to 60% of the national budget. It's the one area government must tackle,” he said in an interview with New Era.

TOIVO NDJEBELA

Mbidi’s clique plots presidency

January 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Young Generation reigns supreme at Okapya

≪ Previous: Cabinet trimming sparks panic

$

0

0

Mbidi’s clique plots presidency Haingura in the mix

It has emerged that former Namibia Football Association president Frans Mbidi has managed to work his way back into the favour of football administrators.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Speculation is rife that former Namibia Football Association (NFA) president Frans Mbidi is the favourite to retake his position.

Well-placed sources have alleged that Mbidi has the aid of Fifa and most of the regions.

The elective congress of the NFA, which will usher in a new executive committee to run football in Namibia for the next five years, will be held on 22 February.

Members have until 14 January to nominate potential executive members, presidents and vice presidents.

This time around, interested candidates will be subjected to ITC and criminal record checks.

With a month to go before the NFA congress takes place, a few names have emerged for the hot seat.

Former NFA executive member Mpasi Haingura, former NPL chairperson Johnny Doeseb, Mabos Vries and Mbidi are all alleged to have keen interest in the presidency.

“I was approached by members to vie for the position and I am willing to bring change in Namibian football,” Haingura said.

Namibian Sun is however reliably informed that Mbidi could potentially retake the presidential seat given the support he has lobbied from various regions.

Mbidi’s influence

Dismissed by the NFA executive committee last year amid an ongoing turf war within the association, Mbidi is said to have been paving his way back.

It is believed that he has already lobbied most of the support he needs to put him back at the top.

The former president is also said to have the support of the current minister of sport Erastus Uutoni and several prominent club owners.

It has been speculated that Mbidi and a group of other influential football administrators have held secret meetings to plan for a campaign and to mobilise individuals.

“I am honestly surprised that there is speculation that I have this much support.

“I was approached by an individual who wanted me back at the top and I had to consult my family first because they were badly affected by how things turned out last time around.

“They however gave me the green light and that is why I decided to declare my interest,” Mbidi said.

He however rebuffed allegations that Fifa and the minister of sport are behind him.

“Fifa does not vote and politicians can also not get involved in the matter.

“People are maybe speculating that because I have earned respect from these individuals.”

Kauta out

The chairman of Namibia Premier League (NPL) Patrick Kauta is also alleged to have had interest in the position.

Sources however understand that top football administrators have been plotting to oust Kauta before the congress in order to keep him out of the running.

This is allegedly because those vying for the top positions fear that Kauta may influence the NPL not to vote for their favourite candidate.

The source further claims that this is one of the main reasons why the NPL and the Fifa normalisation committee were at loggerheads in 2019.

Committee in charge of elections

In 2018, the previous NFA executive committee led by Mbidi failed to hold elections, leading to the appointment of a normalisation committee by Fifa, which will act as an electoral committee.

According to Fifa rules, none of the normalisation members will be eligible for any of the open positions on the NFA executive.

The constitution

The NFA constitution states that the organisation’s executive committee will consist of 11 members: The president, first vice-president, second vice-president and six other members, with at least one being a woman.

The chairperson of the NPL executive committee and one representative from the nationwide first division streams, selected from the chairpersons of these streams, are also supposed to serve on the NFA executive.

BACK: Former Namibia Football Association president Frans Mbidi.

PHOTO: FILE

Young Generation reigns supreme at Okapya

January 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Swapo a hala okukwata ko oshikandjo shaKhomasdal

≪ Previous: Mbidi’s clique plots presidency

$

0

0

Young Generation reigns supreme at Okapya Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Young Generation was crowned the champion of the second annual Okapya tournament held during the festive season in Ondangwa.

Graced by many locals who witnessed a display of incredible football talent, the tournament took place at the Eleven Morning Stars Sport Field near Ondangwa Airport, and attracted teams from as far as Windhoek. More than 10 Namibia Premier League players were spotted in action.

In total, 28 teams participated, compared to 2018’s 20.

Young Generation from Windhoek walked away with N$10 000, 18 gold medals and a floating trophy.

Iipumbu Shiimi FC from Iipanda Ya Miti was compensated with N$5 000 and silver medals for losing in the final, while Onembenge FC from Windhoek got N$3 000 for their third place finish.

The veterans football category saw United Legends from Oshakati crowned as the overall winners, receiving N$5 000, a trophy and medals.

Forum FC from Oshakati came close to winning the tournament but lost in the final. The team received N$3 000 and 18 silver medals.

Travelling all the way from Windhoek, GwaPau FC only managed a third place finish and got N$2 000 and bronze medals for their efforts.

Mayor of Ondangwa Paavo Amweele, Governor of Bank Namibia Iipumbu Shiimi and former Council of Okaku Constituency Joseph Kapya Endjala were all in attendance.

The third edition of the tournament is scheduled to take place from 18 to 20 December this year.

WINNERS: Young Generation at the Okapya tournament.

PHOTO: Contributed

---

Swapo a hala okukwata ko oshikandjo shaKhomasdal

January 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Aanona ya silwe mondjila kenota

≪ Previous: Young Generation reigns supreme at Okapya

$

0

0

Swapo a hala okukwata ko oshikandjo shaKhomasdal OGONE TLHAGE

Omukwatakanithi gwongundu tayi pangele moshitopolwa shaKhomas, Elliot Mbako okwa pula ehwahwameko lya kwata miiti moshikandjohogololo shaKhomasdal omolwa omahogololo guukansela ngoka taga ningwa momasiku 15 omwedhi nguka.

Swapo okwa li a kanitha eyambidhidho enene moshikandjo shoka momahogololo gopashigwana ngoka ga ningwa moomwedhi dha piti.

Mbako okwa li ta popi poshigongi oshishona shoSwapo shoka sha ningwa moKhomasdal mehuliloshiwike lya piti.

Aanapolitika otaya ilongekidhile omahogololo guukansela moshikandjohogololo shoka, sha landula eikutho miilonga lyaMargaret Mensah-Williams okuza muukansela moshikandjo shoka.

Mensah-Williams, pamwe nookansela ye li 16 yoSwapo yiikandjohogololo yilwe oyiikutha miilonga opo ya vule okutaamba ompito yiilonga onga iilyo yOmutumba gwoPaliamende, nokugwanitha po ontopolwa onti 47 yEkotampango lyaNamibia, ndjoka tayi utha aaniilongayepangelo yiikuthe miilonga ngele otaya taamba okuya mOmutumba gwoPashigwana onga iilyo.

Mbako okwa pula kutya na ku ningwe omahwahwameko omanene opo Swapo a mone esindano unene miikandjo moka tamu kuthwa ombinga kaahogololwa yiithikamena.

Mbako okwa popi kutya omuhogololwa gwongundu momahogololo ngoka omunamimvo 53 Angolo Samuel, ngoka a popi kutya okwa pyakudhukwa okutunga po oongudhi dhongundu moshikandjohogololo shoka unene momalukanda ngaashi 7de Laan oshowo 8ste Laan ngoka geli oshitopolwa shoshikandjohogololo shoka.

Omahogololo gamwe otaga ningwa mesiku ndyoka miikandjohogololo ngaashi Keetmanshoop Urban, Gobabis oshowo Walvis Bay Urban. Moshikandjohogololo shaShikuku itamu ningwa omahogololo molwaashoka Swapo oye owala a li a gandja edhina lyomuhogololwa gwe.

METHIGATHANO: Oshilyo shongundu yoSwapo, Angolo Samuel ngoka e li omuhogololwa momahogololo guukansela moshikandjohogololo shaKhomasdal.

ETHANO: NAMPA

Aanona ya silwe mondjila kenota

January 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Iipongolo yaShomwele ya fumvikwa pOndjadjaxwi

≪ Previous: Swapo a hala okukwata ko oshikandjo shaKhomasdal

$

0

0

Aanona ya silwe mondjila kenota OGONE TLHAGE

Oshiningwanima shoka osha kolekwa koNamibian Sun, kuDetective Chief Inspector Jesaias Higoam gwOpolisi yomoshitopolwa sha/Karas.

Uunona okakadhona koomvula 10 Laurentius Thobias oshowo koomvula ntano Lentina Kooper oya hulitha omanga yina yokanona kokakadhona Theresa Kooper gwoomvula 50, e li monkalo ya nayipala moshipangelo shepangelo moKaiti.

Aantu yaali mboka ya hupu omunamimvo 15 Germina Thobias oshowo omunamimvo 13, Immanuel Thobias, mboka ya li ya pangwa na oya lalekwa mo moshipangelo.

Pahapu dhomukondjithi gwiimbuluma moshigwana, Sean Naude, ofamili oya li ya kongo olefa okuza moKaiti okuya koTses momasiku 31 gaDecemba 2019, ihe inaya mona olefa oshe ya thiminike okuya koompadhi molweendo lyoshinano shookilometa 51.

Olukongo lwawo olwa tameke sho inaya thika kofaalama hoka ya li yuuka.

Momasiku gatatu gaJanuari mboka ya li molukongo oya adha omukulupe e li monkalo ya nayipala kohi yomuti hoka aanona ye mu thigi, ya tokola okukakonga ekwatho.

Pahapu dhaNaude, okakadhona koomvula 10 oka adhika ka hulitha omanga okamati koomvula ntano ka li ka ke wetike.

“Esiku lyalandula momasiku gane gaJanuari otwa tumu natango olukongo nokanona kokamati oka adhika kaake na omwenyo kohi yontopa popepi nondjila, olutu lwe olwa adhika nale talu ningi nayi,” Naude a popi.

Naude okwa gandja omahekeleko kofamili ndjoka na okwa pandula woo mboka ya li yiiyamba okuya molukongo lwofamili ndjoka.



EHULILO EWINAYI: Ofamili oya kambadhala okuya molweendo lyoshinano shookilomeya 51 kolupadhi okuza moKaiti okuya koTses sha etitha eso lyaLaurentius Thobias (methano) oshowo okanona kamwe.

ETHANO: NAMPA/FACEBOOK

Iipongolo yaShomwele ya fumvikwa pOndjadjaxwi

January 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Man stabs ex-girlfriend eight times

≪ Previous: Aanona ya silwe mondjila kenota

$

0

0

Iipongolo yaShomwele ya fumvikwa pOndjadjaxwi Oomvula 51 sho ali a dhipagwa

Otakufekelwa kutya Pastoli Shomwele okwali a dhipagwa kOmakakunya pethimbo lyiita mo-1968.

ILENI NANDJATO

Iipongolo yaSimon Haufiku Shomwele, ngoka a hulitha oomvula 51 dha piti, oya fumbululwa mo mEtitano lya piti nokufumvikwa pOndjadjaxwi moshitopolwa shaHangwena mOlyomakaya.

Shoka osha ningwa konima sho Ompangu yoPashitopolwa shaHangwena ya gandjwa epitiko opo iipongolo mbyoka yi fumbululwemo yo yi fumbikwe ishewe nelalakano okugandja efumbiko lyopauntu kunakusa ngoka kwa hololwa a li a fumbikwa miihwa.

Ofamili yanakusa oya fumbulamo iipongolo mEtitano nokuyigandja kehangano lyokulongekidha omafumbiko na oya fumbikwa mOlyomakaya.

Shomwele, ngoka a li omusita pOndjadjaxwi, okwa dhipagwa omanga a Ii molweendo okuya kegumbo okuza koshinagoga shomomudhingoloko ngoka na okwa fumbikwa miihwa momvula yomo 1968. Kakele kiipongolo mbyoka ya adhika mombila moka a li a fumbikwa, omwa adhika woo ongaku dhoka a li a zala esiku ndyoka a dhipagwa.

Pahapu dhaHendrina Nabot, gumwe gwomaanona yaShomwele,ofamili oya kala yahala okugandja efumbiko lyopauntu kuye, nangashiingeyi oye na ombili sho ya tungile woo he emanya kombila ye.



Ofamili oya popi kutya, Shomwele, okwa valwa momvula yo 1915, na okwa dhipagwa mOsoondaha yomasiku 15 gaApilili momvula yo 1968 konima sho a li a ningi elongelokalunga mOhalushu.

Ofamili oya pula epitiko okuza komalelo opo yi vule okufumbululamo iipongolo ye yo yi vule oku mu fumbika pasimaneko. Eindilo lyawo olya yambidhidhwa kElelo lyoPamuthigululwakalo lyUukwanyama oshowo aakwashigwana yomOhangwena.

Mombapila ndjoka a shanga momasiku gatatu gaDecemba 2019, Mangestrata mOmpangulilo yoPashitopolwa yaHangwena, Leopold Hangalo okwa gandja ezimino opo ofamili yi pule komeho nomalongekidho ngoka.

“Sho nda lesha omukanda ngoka gwa shangwa kElelo lyoPamuthigululwakalo lyUukwanyama momasiku 17 gaJuli 2019, ezimino otali gandjwa mpaka kwiikwatelelwa kontopolwa ontiyali yOmpango yoBurial Place Ordinance 27 yomo 1966, opo ku vule okufumbululwamo iipongolo yanakusa Shomwele yi vule okufumbikwa,” Hangalo a shanga.

caption

A PEWA EFUMBIKO LYOPAUNTU: Iipongolo yaSimon Haufiku Shomwele, ngoka a hulitha momvula yo1968, oya fumbululwamo na oya fumbikwa mehuliloshiwike lya piti pOndjadjaxwi.

ETHANO: ILENI NANDJATO

Man stabs ex-girlfriend eight times

January 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: 7 800 wildlife attacks in 2018

≪ Previous: Iipongolo yaShomwele ya fumvikwa pOndjadjaxwi

$

0

0

Man stabs ex-girlfriend eight times A 29-year-old woman was stabbed eight times last weekend allegedly by her ex-boyfriend at the Palmwag location in the Kunene region.

According to the police, the stabbing occurred last Saturday around 18h00 after an argument with her 31-year-old ex-boyfriend erupted. He has been arrested.

The woman was taken to the Bergsig clinic and was later transferred to Khorixas for further medical treatment. She is in a stable condition.

In a separate incident, a 27-year-old woman was assaulted and raped by a 31-year-old man last Friday at the Kangenya location in Nkurenkuru. He allegedly pulled her into his tent and raped her. The man has been arrested.

At Uukwandongo village in Okahao, two suspects allegedly broke into a 42-year-old woman's bedroom and tied up her arms and legs with palm leaves.

They then demanded her cell phone, keys to a cuca shop and money. While one of the suspects allegedly left for the cuca shops, the other raped the woman. Two men aged 22 and 24 were arrested.

At Tutaleni in Walvis Bay, a 21-year-old man tried to rape a 34-year-old woman at a local bar. It is alleged that the man followed the woman into a toilet, ripped her clothes off and attempted to rape her. The man was arrested.

In another incident in the Kavango East region, a 32-year-old man allegedly threatened to kill his 20-year-old male partner with a panga last Friday.

The incident occurred in Ncaute and the suspect has been arrested.

Meanwhile, three suicides were also reported last weekend, while in Ongha at the Oshikwiyu village, a three-year-old girl's body was discovered last Sunday in a pond. The child was reported missing the previous day and it is suspected that she drowned.

ELLANIE SMIT

7 800 wildlife attacks in 2018

January 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: More loan options coming

≪ Previous: Man stabs ex-girlfriend eight times

$

0

0

7 800 wildlife attacks in 2018 A total of 7 862 human-wildlife conflict incidents were recorded in Namibia's conservancies during 2018.

These were however only recorded in 81 of the 86 registered conservancies in the country and indicate that the figure might be an under-estimation of the situation on the ground.

The figure has decreased slightly since 2017 when 8 067 incidents were recorded in 71 conservancies.

However, comparing the 2018 figure to that of 2004, human-wildlife conflict has more than doubled. A total of 2 936 incidents were recorded in 31 conservancies in 2004. This could be attributed to the fact that more conservancies have been registered over the past 14 years and started reporting these incidents.

In 2016, the figure stood at 6 331 reported by 69 conservancies, while 55 conservancies reported 7 117 incidents of human-wildlife conflict in 2015.

This is contained in the 2018 State of Community Conservation Report the environment ministry and the Namibian Association of Community-Based Natural Resource Management Support Organisations recently launched as a website.

The 2018 report printed is in production and will be available later this year.

The report says human-wildlife conflict appears to have increased over the long-term, but in reality, this is because over time more and more conservancies are collecting information and reporting on conflict.

“By far the largest number of incidents reported are attacks on livestock, averaging approximately 6 000 incidents per annum since 2015. Many of the incidents are cattle-related and this is becoming increasingly severe with the worsening drought conditions in the Kunene Region.”

In 2018, there was an average of 97 wildlife attacks and 0.3 attacks on people per conservancy.

That year, the average number of attacks on livestock per conservancy was 76.1 and crop damages averaged 17.7.

The highest number of human-wildlife incidents were reported in 2013 with 9 228 incidents, when 79 conservancies held audits.

The report indicates that in the Zambezi Region, animals that caused the most conflict in 2018 were elephants, with about 400 incidents recorded, while about 100 incidents were caused by crocodiles and about 90 by hippos.

“In the more humid north-east of Namibia, crop farming in addition to livestock pastoralism are important livelihood activities. In this landscape, elephants are normally responsible for most of the human-wildlife conflict incidents such as crop raiding, but during 2018, large predators caused most of the incidents,” the report says. It explains that this was because many crops failed or were not established as a result of the drought

In the Erongo and Kunene regions, about 680 conflict incidents were recorded with hyenas, about 600 with cheetahs and around 430 with jackals.

“In the arid north-west of Namibia where there is little crop-farming, large predators are the source of most of the conflict, although elephants are also an important problem-causing species as they break water infrastructure and pose a danger to both humans and livestock.”

Elephants were reported to cause 230 of conflict incidents.

The report indicates that while there were about 160 conflict incidents with lions in the Kunene and Erongo regions, 12% of these lions were killed.

According to the report, as in previous years, lions were disproportionately targeted because of the danger or perceived threat they pose to farmers, people and livestock.

“It is often the poorest and most marginalised people living far from urban centres without job creation opportunities who bear the brunt of living with wildlife.”

ELLANIE SMIT

More loan options coming

January 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Good rainfall continues to shower north

≪ Previous: 7 800 wildlife attacks in 2018

$

0

0

More loan options coming The Bank of Namibia plans to introduce securitisation, which will allow investors to design debt instruments that it will be able to repackage and sell.

Securitisation is a procedure where an issuer designs a marketable financial instrument by merging or pooling various financial assets into one group.

The issuer then sells this group of repackaged assets to investors.

Securitisation offers opportunities for investors and frees up capital for originators, both of which promote liquidity in the marketplace.

Providing an update, central bank spokesperson Kazembire Zemburuka said the plans had been released on the bank's website, with implementation in the works for June.

According to him, securitisation is a process by which relatively standard loans are pooled together and sold off to a special-purpose entity or vehicle, which will, in turn, issue marketable or tradable debt securities or debt instruments against the pooled assets to raise funding.

The central bank sought public opinion on the matter when it asked for written submissions to be presented towards the end of last year. The deadline for public commentary has since passed.

In order to provide guidance to the industry, the Bank of Namibia drafted a general notice to be issued by the minister of finance that will enable securitisation transactions to be facilitated by banks and non-banking commercial institutions in Namibia.

“In light of this, public consultations were launched and concluded on 31 January 2017,” Zemburuka said.

“By making immobilised long-term loans more liquid, securitisation could be a better way to spread the market, credit and liquidity risk to which banking institutions are exposed,” he said.

The central bank studied the concept of securitisation in an occasional paper that was published in March 2008.

According to the paper, securitisation could increase the number of investment instruments and thus contribute to the development of the financial sector.





OGONE TLHAGE

Good rainfall continues to shower north

January 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Dam levels remain low despite good rains

≪ Previous: More loan options coming

$

0

0

Good rainfall continues to shower north ILENI NANDJATO

Good rainfall has been recorded for about seven consecutive days in the northern areas of Namibia.

Many are preparing their mahangu fields for the crop season, while those who started tilling the land as of November are already in full swing.

Paulina Mufeti, the head of the hydrology unit at the agriculture ministry, told Namibian Sun yesterday that despite the good rainfall, no signs of floods have been detected yet.

In some parts, rain has been recorded every day of the New Year, while many areas also received good rainfall in December.

According to information received from the Namibia Meteorological Service, the Ondangwa area tops the range as it recorded rainfall for 12 days in December and also recorded the highest rainfall of 65.2mm, followed by Oshakati with 51.6mm.

Ondangwa recorded its first rainfall for last month on 1 December, which was 4.5mm, followed by 65.2mm on 4 December and 18.5mm the next day.

The town also recorded high rainfall towards the end of last month, with 33.3mm, 21mm and 11.4mm on the last three days of December respectively.

Oshakati recorded its first rainfall for last month, 15.4mm, on 2 December, followed by 51.6mm on 5 December and 6.2mm the following day.

Okongo in the Ohangwena Region recorded its highest rainfall of 32mm on 2 December, followed by 31mm on 6 December, 15.5mm on 17 December and 24.5mm on 18 December, while Eenhana recorded less than a millimetre on 5 and 16 December.

In the Omusati Region, Okahao recorded the highest rainfall of 27.4mm on 5 December and 10mm the following day. On 1, 2, 19 and 20 December, it recorded less than 10mm, while Outapi only recorded 0.3mm on 3 December.

Omuthiya in the Oshikoto Region recorded rainfall of 9mm on 6 December, 0.6mm on 19 December and 16mm on 20 December.

IN FULL SWING: Subsistence farmers in the north are preparing for the 2020 crop season as rain continues to pour in the area.

PHOTO: ILENI NANDJATO

---

Dam levels remain low despite good rains

January 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Conservancies contributed N$880 million in 2018

≪ Previous: Good rainfall continues to shower north

$

0

0

Dam levels remain low despite good rains Some inflow over past week

The latest dam bulletin indicates Namibia’s reservoir levels are at 18.2%, less than half of last season’s 41%.

ELLANIE SMIT

Despite good rainfall received recently across the country, dam levels of Namibia’s reservoirs remain very low.

The latest dam bulletin issued by NamWater indicates that the average level of Namibia’s dams currently stands at 18.2%, down from 20.4% last week.

Last season, the dam levels were about twice that, with an average level of 41%.

However, several dams have received some inflow during the past week.

The Von Bach Dam in the central area of Namibia received an inflow 1.671 million cubic meters of water and is currently 39.8% full, while last season it was at 59.6%.

The Omatako Dam received 2.853 million cubic meters, increasing its levels from 7.4% to 14%. Last season, it stood at just 0.2%.

According to the dam bulletin, the sub-total of the dams in the central area of Namibia, which also includes the Swakoppoort Dam, currently stands at 18.9%. This compared to the previous season’s 35%.

Goreangab Dam also received an inflow of 0.470 million cubic meters of water. This pushed the level up to 100% from the previous week’s 87%. Last season, the levels stood at 98.2%.

In the Gobabis area, the Otjivero Main Dam received 0.075 million cubic meters, increasing from 7.4% to 8.2%. The dam was 12.5% full the previous season.

The Tilda Viljoen Dam received 0.103 million cubic meters, increasing its levels from 22.1% to 30.5%. The previous season, the dam was 44.4% full.

The Daan Viljoen Dam also received an inflow of 0.021 million cubic meters and currently stands at 65.5%, up from last week’s 60.6%. Last season, the levels stood at 29.1%.

Meanwhile, Namibia’s second largest reservoir, the Hardap Dam, stands at just 7%, while last season it was 44.2% full.

According to the Agricultural Inputs and Household Food Security Situation report released by the agriculture ministry, water supply in Namibia has been a challenge across the country during the course of the drought period.

The report says that poor water supply was reported in the north central regions (Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana and Oshikoto) as most water catchments did not receive sufficient inflow during the previous rainy season. “As a result, many farmers were dependent on pipelines, wells and boreholes to supply their livestock, which is a costly exercise.”

In the north east (Zambezi, Kavango East and Kavango West regions), water supply was noted to be satisfactory with rivers and streams being the main source alongside boreholes and wells in the inland areas.

According to the report, in the southern and western parts of the country, the underground water table level has dropped below normal pumping levels, resulting in low yields and frequent breakdowns of boreholes.

Furthermore, the communal areas of Karasburg, Berseba and Bethanie in the //Kharas region are severely affected by water shortages.

“Several boreholes are reported to have dried up due to insufficient replenishment of the underground reserves in the past years. In addition, fountains in the Kunene Region are also affected as they are now yielding low and some have totally dried up.”

The report says that the Khomas, Otjozondjupa and Erongo regions have also experienced water shortages due to a decrease in the underground water level, with most ephemeral rivers dry.

In the Omaheke Region, the water situation was noted to be a challenge due to low yield of boreholes as a result of dropping of water table. Otjombinde, Otjinene and partly Epukiro constituencies are the worst affected areas.

STILL TOO LOW: Dam levels in the country remain dangerously low.

Photo: FILE

Conservancies contributed N$880 million in 2018

January 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: SPYL, LPM differ with govt over Grade 10 part-time stance

≪ Previous: Dam levels remain low despite good rains

$

0

0

Conservancies contributed N$880 million in 2018 A total of N$8.375 billion has been contributed to Namibia's net national income through community conservation since 1990 to the end of 2018, while in 2018 alone, the contribution stood at N$884 million.

Community conservation continues to expand, increasing the number of people who benefit from natural resources as well as the areas under conservation.

Communal conservancies now cover more than 20% of the country with an estimated 222 871 residents, while providing 4 926 jobs.

Comparatively, N$2.5 billion has been invested into the conservancy programme since 1990, of which the majority of the funding came from donors.

This is according to the 2018 State of Community Conservation Report that the environment ministry and Namibian Association of Community Based Natural Resource Management Support Organisations recently launched as a website.

The 2018 printed report is in production and will be available later this year.

“The total cash income and in-kind benefits generated in ­conservancies (including the Kyaramacan Association) grew from less than N$1 million in 1998 to more than N$147 million in 2018,” says the ­report. Of this, tourism generated slightly more than N$100 million and conservation hunting generated N$30 million. This included 397 722kg of game meat that was distributed to conservancy residents, valued at N$9.5 million.

Indigenous natural products generated N$4.58 million and miscellaneous income (including items such as interest) totalled N$ 2.82 million.

According to the report, conservancy residents earned total cash income of N$77.5 million from enterprise wages, of which N$48.6 million was from joint-venture tourism, N$20.8 million was from conservancies, N$4.3 million from conservation hunting and N$3.6 million from SMEs.

Conservancy residents earned cash income of N$3.1 million from indigenous plants and N$1.7 million from crafts.

A total of N$15.3 million in cash benefits was distributed to conservancy residents and used to support community projects.

According to the report, at the end of 2018, there were 86 registered communal conservancies where more than 220 000 residents were benefiting from the wildlife-based economy.

There are also 42 community forests in the country, most of which overlap conservancies and are jointly managed, and one community association located inside Bwabwata National Park - Kyaramacan Association. This community association is constituted and works like a conservancy.

A total of 169 756 square kilometre of land was encompassed by the conservancies and community forest conservancies at the end of 2018. This represented 55.4% of all communal land in Namibia.

Of this area, conservancies manage 166 179 square kilometres, which comprises 20.2% of Namibia.

“At independence in 1990, there were no registered community conservation areas and a mere 14% of land was under recognised conservation management.

At the end of 2018, land under gazetted natural resource management covered 38.2% of Namibia,” the report says.

With regards to employment, the report says that at the end of 2018, there were 38 conservancies directly involved with tourism activities and 61 joint-venture tourism agreements with enterprises employing 1 174 full-time and 50 part-time employees.

Furthermore, 159 full-time and 119 part-time employees were employed through 48 conservation hunting concessions and 22 SMEs employed 82 full-time and 22 part-time employees.

Conservancies employed 943 staff, while 890 conservancy representatives received allowances. Another 1 083 members benefited from being indigenous plant product harvesters and 414 members were craft producers in communal conservancies in Namibia.

ELLANIE SMIT

SPYL, LPM differ with govt over Grade 10 part-time stance

January 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: MTC battling software bug

≪ Previous: Conservancies contributed N$880 million in 2018

$

0

0

SPYL, LPM differ with govt over Grade 10 part-time stance The Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) and Landless People's Movement (LPM) have come out guns blazing against government's decision to prohibit learners who have finished Grade 10 on a part-time basis to re-join school full-time.

With the introduction of the new high school curriculum this year, learners who had passed Grade 10 on a part-time basis are no longer eligible to return to high school full-time.

This development was announced by education executive director Sanet Steenkamp last week.

Weighing in on the controversy was the SPYL, who said the move could result in many learners ending up on the streets and not furthering their education.

The league's secretary for Information, Publicity and Mobilisation Gerson Dumeni said the move would potentially leave many learners without an attractive option to finish school.

At senior secondary level, one of the most significant changes is the phasing out of the Grade 10 exit-point system.

This means the senior secondary phase will start at Grade 10 and the National Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary Level (NSSCO) will be a two-year course, covered in grades 10 and 11.

“The directive and national circular issued by the executive director on behalf of the ministry of education has the potential to send many pupils into the streets, mostly the part-time students who had passed Grade 10 in 2019 via the Namibia College of Open and Lifelong Learning (Namcol) and other part-time institutions,” Dumeni said.

According to him, the ministry of education should consider placing the Grade 10 cohort of learners who have passed part-time in the legacy curriculum to be incorporated into the revised senior secondary curriculum offered on a full-time basis. “The content of the legacy curriculum for Grade 11, which has phased out about 85%, is now taught in Grade 10 for the new curriculum. Thus, instead of denying the part-time learners full-time studies by compelling them to continue with the old curriculum, it is beneficial to place them in the Grade 10 current curriculum and continue with advanced subsidiary level,” he said.

LPM's Duminga Ndala blasted the move, calling it disastrous.

“It reflects the loopholes and the incompetence of the revised curriculum to incorporate these learners,” she said.

According to her, under the new curriculum, there was no guarantee that the cohort of learners who will have to finish school on the new curriculum would be able to attain 25 points in five subjects for university admission if they will have to finish a two-year course in less than nine months, given that the passing rate had ­deteriorated.

OGONE TLHAGE

MTC battling software bug

January 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: The true meaning of self-sacrifice

≪ Previous: SPYL, LPM differ with govt over Grade 10 part-time stance

$

0

0

MTC battling software bug Frank Steffen

Members of the public have been complaining about making payments to mobile operator MTC without their accounts being credited since 2 January. During telephonic inquiries and in person, customers were informed that the company's computer programme had crashed and that the IT department was busy restoring the systems.

Fikameni Mathias, corporate communications officer of MTC, admitted on Monday in an interview with an NMH publication that there have been significant problems since the beginning of the year.

“This is not a so-called crash. We were surprised by a normal system update. Just like any other company or your PC at home, our system needs to be updated from time to time. But this time, a lot went wrong when we uploaded the latest software version of our main programme. This caused other programmes to be denied access and so they failed one by one. We are only now approaching the end of this problem."

Unfortunately, the system failed to such an extent that MTC had to reset the entire programme, relying on existing data back-ups and copies, said Mathias.

He added that members of the public should not assume that MTC did not want to assist its customers during this time.

“You cannot imagine what was going on in our customer service centre when this problem raised its head, with 500 or more customers calling at any time. It was to be expected that huge queues formed in our telephone service system. Often the disgruntled customers were understandably not interested in our explanation by the time we were able to take their calls. Initially, we planned to assist each customer individually until we realised that the problem was simply becoming too big. We had to revert to the data back-ups."

Asked about the cost implications for some customers, Mathias said once the system has become fully functional again, it will be subject to management’s discretion to take a decision to reimburse customers for costs or damages, if any.

He acknowledged that there will likely be customers who paid for additional data and are now faced with a depleted account because the data had not been credited to their account. This would likely have resulted in data consumption being charged at a normal telephone fee, which is much more expensive.

“I cannot tell you how this will be solved. I am just glad that the problems have diminished since Saturday afternoon and I'm currently waiting for confirmation that the network is 100% working again,” Mathias said.

All payments and purchases of data as well as transactions to convert airtime to data were affected by the outage.

The true meaning of self-sacrifice

January 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Khorixas entrepreneur donates to vulnerable

≪ Previous: MTC battling software bug

$

0

0

The true meaning of self-sacrifice Before every election in southern Africa - and often intermittently during public holidays - we are reminded of their blood that waters our freedom, and how democratic nations in the region owe their gratitude and undying support to former liberation movements.

We are told to harken back the glory days, when battles were fought for our freedom and when those now plumb with power were fighting wars in faraway places, and being educated in tropical climes.

For this we are supposed to be eternally grateful, while overlooking current transgressions and a lack of integrity.

We are reminded by their actions that they did not fight the struggle to be poor, as treasuries in southern African nations become looting pools, and a competition unfolds to see who can fatten themselves the quickest.

It genuinely seems as if there is a contest to decide which political parties are the best siphoning machines, as they brazenly plunder their nations' resources for their own self-aggrandisement – regarding government resources, including land, as their own personal property, while the majority of the populace is left in abject poverty.

Now what are we to do, as they deploy their barbs at some imaginary ideological enemy, and tell us that some bogeyman from the West is after them and wants 'regime change'.

We should remind them what true self-sacrifice is.

They should know that selflessness is found in appreciating that they are owed nothing for the fight against colonialism and apartheid.

There should be no sense of entitlement.

If one does something for someone because you honestly want the best for that person (in this case your country); then you should not expect, let alone, demand any form of gratitude or loyalty. It is this lesson that has been sadly lost when it comes to our former liberation movements.

And as some have eloquently expressed: Their greatest enemy can be summarised as a blatant refusal to progress, and give way to the new global village.