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Idle RCC strains emergency fund

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Idle RCC strains emergency fundIdle RCC strains emergency fundDormant company pays N$5m a month salaries from state reserves Despite not lifting a finger for nearly three years, RCC employees continue to be paid from the state fund meant for emergencies. Despite being currently dormant, state-owned Roads Contractor Company (RCC) continues to dip its hands into the government's contingency fund to pay salaries of N$5.4 million a month.

The company had about 400 workers when it went into dormancy, although some have since resigned.

Between 2017 and 2019, the company, which has placed its operations on hold due to financial difficulties, has received state subsidy amounting to N$41.4 million.

A separate N$42 million had been advanced from the contingency fund – between 2017 and 2018 - to service the RCC wage bill. This is contained in a spending document accompanying the 2018/19 budget documents tabled in parliament.

Works and transport minister John Mutorwa confirmed that RCC continues to use the contingency fund, meaning money used by the company from the fund has increasingly escalated. Officials refused to divulge an updated report on how much the fund has spent on RCC so far.

The fund is normally used to deal with emergencies like a shortage of state medicines, drought relief and to cope with other natural disasters.

RCC acting CEO Gerson Karaerua confirmed the N$5.4 million monthly salary bill to Namibian Sun earlier this week.

The parastatal's workers are receiving their salaries despite the company being in limbo, with no construction projects currently in progress – a situation that resulted from the ongoing impasse over what should happen to it.

The RCC was the subject of a proposed move to place it under judicial management in 2017 after its previous board, led by engineer Fritz Jacobs, had a turnaround strategy to rope in Chinese investors.





“The monthly wage bill of the company is about N$5.4 million. The status quo is still remaining,” Karaerua said, while also referring to the move to place the company under judicial management.

A judicial management bill was proposed to save the RCC from having to pay its creditors or having its assets attached while an attempt is made to save it from demise. This after a local commercial bank tried to attach its property last year over a debt of approximately N$200 million.

“Cabinet made the decision for the government to advance salary subsidy to RCC until such time that the government has made a final decision on the future status of the company,” Karaerua said.



Mutorwa recently told Namibian Sun during a telephonic discussion that there was nothing untoward about paying the RCC out of the contingency fund, and that a decision would be made about its future in due course.



A company insider told Namibian Sun that an agreement was signed with the Roads Authority (RA) to ensure that the RCC could generate revenue as it waits for a decision about its future.



“We signed an agreement with RA, which will start in March. We will only know in March what the scope of the work will be,” the source, who spoke off the record, said.



When asked whether RCC employees were now getting paid on time, the source indicated that payments had normalised.



RCC employees had not received their salaries last September when the ministry of works suspended payments.



Public enterprises minister Leon Jooste had suggested giving the RCC a sizeable bailout to save it from demise or close it down entirely when asked to weigh-in on the entity's future recently.



“What we should guard against is the usual 'piecemeal' approach where inadequate funding is provided as a 'stop-gap' rather than adequate funding to allow for a return to solvency,” he said.



“As to the merits of supporting such funding for the company, cabinet will once again have to weigh this demand against the multiple other demands for funding of the various social and development programmes and projects and associated opportunity costs as a result of allocating significant funding towards the company.”



He reasoned that a sizeable re-investment into the RCC would allow it to return to profitability.

OGONE TLHAGE

‘Daddy touched my cookie’

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‘Daddy touched my cookie’‘Daddy touched my cookie’ JEMIMA BEUKES



The stepsister of an eight-year-old girl who was allegedly raped by her 69-year-old father has revealed that the family had been hiding this dark secret for three years.

According to the girl’s stepsister, they had asked her three years ago why her private parts appeared red.

She had then responded: “Daddy touched my cookie.”

The father, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the child, applied for bail in the Rehoboth Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

He was arrested over the weekend, accused of having raped his daughter repeatedly between January 2015 and January this year.

According to the girl’s stepsister they noticed a vaginal discharge on her panties when was just five years old, and on inspection found that her private parts were red and swollen.

“My mom has a C-section scar, so on a particular day she had pain in that area and pressed and massaged there. My little sister saw she this and she ask: ‘Did Daddy also touch your cookie? You must not cry when Daddy touch your cookie’,” the sister related.

According to the stepsister, she visited her little sister in a different town when they were on a school trip and when she asked her how her parents were she said they were fighting.

“I asked her whey are fighting and she said: ‘They are quarrelling over my cookie’. I recorded that conversation and sent it to my mother. She also told me that Daddy would take her to the green car under the tree and touch her there,” she said.

According to the stepsister, the signs were there for a long time and at night the father would insist that he and his wife drink a cup of coffee and she would fall asleep immediately afterwards.

“Then he would take her (the girl) and carry her to the television room and after a while he would take her back. And they have been alone at home so many times before,” the stepsister said.

She also accused her stepfather of attempting to rape her and “making her life hell” when she resisted.

“I failed Grade 10. This drove me to drugs and alcohol, I even cut my wrists at some point because he told me he would make my mother unhappy. If the police do not find him guilty then I will kill him myself. Then I can go to jail but I will not have this on my conscience,” she said.

Although community members are in shock and unwilling to speak on the record, the majority said this was “old behaviour”.

Journalist Eveline de Klerk, who is a former pupil of the accused, said he had made sexual advances to pupils back then.

“He is a paedophile. We all know who he is; he was my maths teacher. The school knew about this. How on earth was he allowed to teach for that long seeing that he abused his powers as a teacher? He would demand girls to sit on his lap or demanded to be kissed if you get a math answer correct. Mind you, that was when we were in Grade 7. The poor netball girls, what else did he do to them?” she said.

Another of his former learners said he used to “touch our breasts at school or even ask that we kiss him”.

The accused told Namibian Sun yesterday that this was all just a ploy to get hold of his property, while claiming the rumours were spread by his stepdaughter.

“They will be happy to see the court send me to jail for ten years. I have diabetes and suffer from hypertension, and will surely die in jail and then they will get my properties and my cars,” he said.

According to him his stepdaughter is unstable and should not be taken seriously.

“This story started already in 2015 and no witnesses came to court, there is only one key witness and that is her (the stepdaughter)” he said.

The accused’s bail application will proceed today.

Risky

Yesterday prosecutor Hillia Munzenze opposed bail because the accused would return to the same house where his alleged victim lives.

The accused was represented by Christopher Stanley and the matter was heard by Magistrate Kandipawa Nangombe.

Million-dollar president

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Million-dollar presidentMillion-dollar presidentSet to earn massive salary, incentives and perks Namibia's top football position is perceived to be a gateway to a lavish lifestyle. The Namibia Football Association (NFA) presidency post comes with incentives and massive perks that see the incumbent easily earning over N$1 million a year.

This is according to former NFA secretary-general Barry Rukoro, when asked why the position, which is up for grabs next month at the association's national congress, is so sought-after in local football circles.

NFA presidents also enjoy a jet-setting lifestyle and rub shoulders with the elite of world football.

“It is difficult to have the exact amount the president makes per year because assignments and opportunities come as the year progresses.

“I can however say that the president makes over N$1 million a year,” Rukoro said.

The incentives come from Fifa and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) meetings, coupled with match commission fees.

The president also gets U$20 000 (N$288 000) from CAF for his yearly expenses.

The football boss is allegedly entitled to US$1 250 (N$18 000) per trip as an allowance.

Although presidents don't receive a salary from the NFA, they also get N$3 000 for attending meetings and travelling.



Bribe-prone position

It has also been revealed that some association presidents allegedly benefit from bribes offered by countries bidding to host competitions. The world over, many football associations and their leaders have been embroiled in bribery allegations over the years.

It was reported that in 2008 that the general secretary of Fifa Jérôme Valcke allegedly transferred US$10 million – given to Fifa by Danny Jordaan, the president of the South African Football Association – to accounts controlled by Jack Warner, then head of CONCACAF.

“The position can be a risk to someone who is cunning because they can be easily be bribed by those bidding for competitions.

“That is why you will need someone with strong ethics who is honest from the start,” Rukoro noted.



Fifa council benefits

The NFA incumbent could possibly also fill Fifa positions, provided he has a good educational background.

“There are many opportunities in Fifa and a president of an association can get a top position if he has the qualifications.

“That is why you find these prominent and educated people vying for the NFA position,” unionist Olsen Kahiriri said.



Candidates warned

Fifa normalisation committee vice-chairperson Franco Cosmos has however warned those vying for the presidency against dubious intentions.

Cosmos said that the next NFA president must aspire to fix football and not take the position in order to advance their own personal desires. “Yes, there are many benefits when you are a president of the association, but that must not be the reason why some people are vying for the position.

“It is important that the next NFA president sets a goal to revive football and doesn't get involved in corruption scandals that have tainted world football for so many years,” he said.

As things stand, 10 candidates have been nominated, setting the scene for a fierce presidential battle ahead of the historic congress.

Mpasi Haingura, Johnny Doeseb, Frans Mbidi, Patrick Kauta and Mabos Vries are in the running, while Naftal Ngalangi, Isak Fredericks, Kenneth Goaseb, Ranga Haikali and Cassius Moeti complete the list.

The nominees will be subjected to an integrity test, to be conducted tomorrow.

“The names of the shortlisted candidates will be revealed on 21 February,” Cosmos added.

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.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

United bid to halt ­Liverpool

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United bid to halt ­LiverpoolUnited bid to halt ­Liverpool Manchester United are the only club to take points off runaway leaders Liverpool in the Premier League this season, and they will try and do so again in Sunday's match at Anfield.

Even the dreamiest of dreamers from the Old Trafford Theatre of Dreams would recognise, however, that it would be against the odds to come away from Merseyside with another positive result after the 1-1 draw in October.

One of the fiercest rivalries in English football has been one-sided of late.

Liverpool, the European and world club champions and on course to become Premier League invincibles, have won their last 18 matches at Anfield, and have not lost at home in the top-flight since April 2017.

The Reds have 61 points from a possible 63 and are on a club record 38-match unbeaten run, their last defeat coming last January against Manchester City.

Jurgen Klopp's men have also scored in every league match this campaign, equalling the club's best streak from the start of a ­season, while going 585 minutes without conceding (six successive clean sheets).

United have lost six times this season and are fifth in the league, 27 points adrift of their arch-rivals, having played one game more.

Klopp, however, is preparing for another tricky challenge.

“The rest of the season is still quite long and we have a lot of tough games to play, the next one is especially tough, and we have to make sure we are ready for that,” he said after Liverpool beat ­Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 last Sunday.

United striker Marcus Rashford, who scored against Liverpool at Old Trafford, started Wednesday's FA Cup third-round replay against Wolverhampton ­Wanderers on the bench, but was sent on in the ­second half and lasted only 15 ­minutes ­before leaving the field due to injury.

That will be a major concern for manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but better news for him is the ­likely return of defender Eric ­Bailly, ­sidelined since July with a knee ­injury.

NAMPA/REUTERS

De Gouveia joins Alvanley

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De Gouveia joins AlvanleyDe Gouveia joins Alvanley Adolf Kaure



Walvis Bay-based cricketer Mathew de Gouveia has signed a six-month contract to play for English side Alvanley.

During an exclusive interview with Erongo 24/7, De Gouveia expressed his elation to play for the team, which competes in England’s Cheshire County League.

“I am very excited and thankful for the great opportunity to be able to go play in the UK. It is a great way to learn and gain more experience for the future.”

“It is obviously new surroundings and a different level and it will test me mentally. I will be working hard and doing my best, hoping that it will help the team to achieve its goals,” said De Gouveia.

Currently the Namibia under-19 captain and a key member of the Welwitschia Cricket Club, the young sportsman will join Alvanley in April when the Cheshire County League commences.

The all-rounder, who is also a leg-spinner, featured for the Namibia U-19 team that took part in the U-19 world cup qualifiers.

He scored an impressive 102 runs from 110 balls (not out) in March against Sierra Leone.

His highest score as a batsman in the domestic league is 110 runs from 108 balls against Wanderers Cricket Club in a recent Premier League match, while his best bowling display was against Windhoek High School Cricket Club, where he took six wickets for nine runs in 4.3 overs. These figures are testimony to how the player has grown over the years.

“I have trained very hard and grown a lot as a player due to the different leagues I have been playing lately. I have become a much more intelligent player, not throwing my wicket away but rather assessing the situation and adapting to it,” he said.

Inspired by Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar as well as locals Shalako Groenewald and Gerrie Snyman, De Gouveia said signing for Alvanley means a lot for Namibian cricket as it shows that there is hope for other young players to get similar opportunities, especially those who came through the ranks.

“It will not only give exposure to Namibia as a country but also for cricket in Namibia. Other young players in Namibia will hopefully also aspire to go abroad and improve their skills.”

“Cricket Namibia is really doing some good work with the youth development structures that have allowed many players to come through the system. More must be done to keep building on this foundation. We need to all keep working hard for the future.”

He hopes to play either in Australia or New Zealand after his contract with Alvanley expires in September.

Juventus score 'goal of rare beauty'

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Juventus score 'goal of rare beauty'Juventus score 'goal of rare beauty'Italian Cup cruise for Milan Juventus beat visiting Udinese 4-0, after Milan had dispatched SPAL 3-0. Cristiano Ronaldo was too ill to play, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic spent the evening resting on the bench, but even without their biggest stars, Juventus and AC Milan cruised into the last eight of the Italian Cup on Wednesday.

In the first game of the evening, 10-man Fiorentina beat Atalanta 2-1.

Ronaldo was sidelined after suffering an attack of sinusitis in the afternoon, but he is not the only ace in the Juventus pack.

After 16 minutes, Paulo Dybala carved through Udinese with a series of quick one-twos, finishing with a couple of exchanges with centre-forward Gonzalo Higuain.

When his Argentine compatriot played a pass behind him, Dybala spun and floated the ball onto Higuain's chest and he strode forward and scored.

“That was a goal of rare beauty, to see three or four exchanges like that at high speed. It was worth the price of the ticket,” said Juve coach Maurizio Sarri.

“I love to see goals like that with fast passing, but they can only work with players of great technical quality.”

Ten minutes after the opener, Udinese goalkeeper Nicolas tripped Federico Bernardeschi and Dybala converted the penalty.

Dybala scored in the 58th minute, clipping the ball over Nicolas from the right edge of the box. Two minutes later, Douglas Costa converted Juve's second penalty after Bram Nuytinck handled.

In Milan, Krzysztof Piatek, who is reportedly on the verge of a move to Tottenham Hotspur, outpaced the sluggish SPAL offside trap to give the home team the lead after 20 minutes.

Samuel Castillejo curled a precise left-foot shot inside the far post just before half-time.

Fullback Theo Hernandez added a third in the 66th minute, surging upfield and smashing home a left-foot shot from just outside the penalty area.

In Tuscany, Spaniard Pol Lirola collected Erik Pulgar's long pass before charging towards goal and slotting home his first Fiorentina goal six minutes from time, winning the tie for the hosts despite German Pezzella's sending-off 14 minutes earlier.

Patrick Cutrone also scored his first goal for the club when he put Fiorentina ahead in the 11th minute of his first start since arriving on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers last week.

The away side scored a deserved leveller when former Fiorentina man Ilicic turned in a superb Ruslan Malinovskiy cross.

But Lirola won the tie to set up a tough match with Serie A title chasers Inter Milan. The winner of that clash faces either Lazio or Napoli in the semi-finals.

On Tuesday, Inter thumped Cagliari 4-1 with Romelu Lukaku scoring twice.

Holders Lazio, who are on a club-record run of 10 straight wins in Serie A, made short work of Cremonese in their 4-0 victory in Rome.

Troubled Napoli eased into the quarters with a 2-0 win over Perugia, thanks to two Lorenzo Insigne penalties.

In the last eight, AC Milan will face Torino who beat Genoa on penalties last week.

NAMPA/AFP

Ireland stun world champions

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Ireland stun world championsIreland stun world champions Ireland rode a career-best 95 from opener Paul Stirling before keeping their nerve in a nail-biting final over to pull off a four-run win over world champions West Indies in their Twenty20 match on Wednesday.

The burly Stirling steered Ireland to 208-7 in their 20 overs.

However, the home side appeared comfortably on course for victory, bringing up their hundred inside 10 overs with just two wickets down, until the game was decided in the last over.

Needing 15 to win, all-rounder Josh Little (3-29) got rid of the dangerous Dwayne Bravo, one of two wickets to fall in the last over.

With five needed off the last ball and seven wickets down, Hayden Walsh could only wave his bat into thin air in a desperate attempt to win the game.

It was only Ireland's second victory in T20 cricket over the West Indies, who went into the game having swept the ODI series 3-0.

For the home side, opener Evin Lewis topped scored with 53 off 28 balls, with six fours and three sixes. It was Lewis' sixth T20 half-century and followed knocks of 95 and 102 in the one-dayers.

West Indian captain Kieron Pollard hit a breezy 31 from 15 balls, threatening to take the game away from Ireland.

But the Irish fielders continued to hold their catches to take the game into the last over.

Earlier, Stirling carted six fours and eight sixes in his 47-ball innings for his seventh T20 half-century.

He put on 154 for the first wicket with fellow opener Kevin O'Brien (48).

Ireland made 100 off just 6.3 overs and 150 in the 12th over before the West Indies bowlers applied the brakes after the openers fell within two runs of each other.

Bravo, playing an international match for the first time since September 2016, was taken for 18 runs by Stirling in his first over.

But the veteran star recovered to finish with 2-28 off his four overs, clean bowling O'Brien.

Leg-spinner Walsh took 1-25, his sole victim being Stirling caught at deep-midwicket going for the big shot, which would have brought him a century.

The second and third games in the series take place on Saturday and Sunday in St Kitts.

NAMPA/AFP

'Tate a kwata uukiintu gwaandje'

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'Tate a kwata uukiintu gwaandje''Tate a kwata uukiintu gwaandje'Oyendji ya popi kutya omaihumbato guuhwapindi wopamilalo gomulumentu ngoka omakulu Okamwayinakadhoka kokanona kokakadhona koomvula hetatu hoka taku lopotwa ka kwatwa onkonga kuhe omunamimvo 69, oka holola kutya ofamili oya kala nokuholeka oshinima shoka uule woomvula ndatu. Pahapu dhokamwayina hoka, oya pula okanona hoka oomvula ndatu dha piti kutya omolwashike iilyo yako yopaumwene ya tiligana, na oka yamukula kutya “Tate okwa kwata okakuki kandje.”

Omulumentu ngoka edhina lye itali vulu okutumbulwa opo ku gamenwe uukwatya wokanona okwa ningi eindilo lyomboloha mompangulilo yaMangestrata gwaRehoboth oshiwike shika. Okwa tulwa miipandeko mehuliloshiwike lya piti ta tamanekelwa oshipotha shekwatonkonga lyokamonakadhona pokati kaJanuari gwomvula yo 2015 naJanuari gwonuumvo. Pahapu dhokamwayinakadhona, oya dhidhilike uutito pokapendi kokanona hoka omanga kali ke na oomvula ntano naashoka ya ningi omakonaakono oya mono kutya iilyo ye yopaumwene oya tiligana na oya zinda. “Meme okwa li a tandwa sho a mono okanona, onkene esiku ndyoka okwa li ta ehama pehala mpoka a tandwa na onda kala tandi mu thula. Okamwameme hoka okashona sho ka mono ngaaka oka pula kutya: 'Tate naye okwa kwata okakuki koye? Ino lila uuna tate ta kwata okakuki koye,” okanona hoka ka popi. Okanona hoka oka popi kutya okwa talelepo okamwayina hoka okashona mondoolopa yayooloka omanga ya li molweendo lyoskola na okwe mu pula kutya aakuluntu yawo oyeli po ngiini, na oka yamukula kutya ohaya kondjo.

“Onde mu pula kutya omolwashike taya kongo na okwa yamukula kutya: “Otaya tamanana omolwa okakuki kandje'. Onda kwata ewi lyoonkundatha dhetu na onda tumine meme. Okwa lombwelendje woo kutya he ohe mu fala kohauto ozizi yi li kohi yomuti nokumukwata.”

Pahapu dhokamwayina hoka, omadhidhiliko oga kala po uule wethimbo ele nuusiku he oha pula opo ye nomukulukadhi gwe ya nwe okoofi nokonima omukulukadhi ota kotha mbala. “Oha humbatapo okanona nokukafala mondunda yotiivi nokonima ohe ka shunako. Ohaya kala megumbo oyo ayeke omasiku gamwe olundji.” Okwa popi kutye he ngoka okwa kambadhala okumukwata onkonga na okwa ningi onkalamwenyo ye odhigu sho a tindi. “Onda ndopa ondondo onti 10 naashoka osha hingilendje miingangamithi niikolitha. Onda itete woo pokwaako kwandje konima sho a lombwele ndje kutya ota dhigupaleke onkalamwenyo ya meme. Ngele opolisi inayi mu mona ondjo nena otandi mu dhipaga ngame mwene, e tandi yi modholongo.” Nonando aakwashigwana inaya hala okupopya sha oshindjo molwaashoka oya haluka, oyendji oya popi kutya ngoka omaihumbato omakulu.

Omutoolinkundana, Eveline de Klerk, ngoka a li nale omulongwa gwanakutamanekwa okwa popi kutya okwa li a ningile aalongwa nale oonkatu dhopaihulo. Okwa popi kutya oye mu shi nawa molwaashoka okwa li omulongi gwawo gwoshilongwa shomwaalu. Okwa popi kutya osha ende ngiini opo a pitikwe a longe ethimbo ele ngele okwa kala ta longitha pambambo oonkondo dhe onga omulongiskola. Okwa kala aniwa ha pula aanona yaakadhona ya kuutumbe komatundji ge nenge ta pula opo a hupitwe ngele omulongwa okwe shi enditha nawa moshilongwa she. Omunaskola gumwe okwa popi natango kutya okwa li he ya kwata komagundji nokupula ye mu hupite. Omutamanekwa okwa popi kutya shoka otashi ningwa owala onga omukalo gwe kutheko loymaliko ge, niifundja mbyoka otayi taandelitha kokamona komukulukadhi gwe.

“Otaya ka kala yanyanyukwa okumona ndje tandi tulwa modholongo uule woomvula omulongo. Ondi na omukithi gwosuuka oshowo ombinzi ya londa na otandi silemo modholongo, yo taya kutha po omaliko gandje noohauto dhandje.” Okwa popi kutya oohapu dhokamona komukulukadhi gwe inadhi pumbwa okupulakenwa. Okwa popi kutya omahokololo ngoka oga tameke nale momvula yo 2015 na kape na ombangi kakele kokamona komukulukadhi gwe. Omukalelipo gwepangelo moshipotha shoka, Hillia Munzenze okwa tindi egandjo lyomboloha komutamanekwa molwaashoka kutya ota shuna megumbo moka hamu zi nakuningwa oshihakanwa. Omutamanekwa okwa kalelwa po kuChristopher Stanley omanga oshipotha tashi pulakenwa kuMangestrata Kandipawa Nangombe.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Etungo lyomuhandjo gwoskola yaMungwelume otali pu momwedhi twataalela

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Etungo lyomuhandjo gwoskola yaMungwelume otali pu momwedhi twataalelaEtungo lyomuhandjo gwoskola yaMungwelume otali pu momwedhi twataalela Omukuluntuskola mosekundoskola yaMungwelume, George Nanghanda okwa koleke koshifokundaneki shoNamibian Sun, kutya etungo lyomuhandjo gwoskola ngoka tagu tungwa poskola ndjoka otagu manithwa pehulilo lyomwedhi twa taalela.

Pauyelele wolopota ndjoka a mono okuza komutungi, oopresenda70 dhiilonga odha pwa nale. Epangelo olya gandja oshimaliwa shoomiliyona 6.4 mokutungitha omuhandjo ngoka, na otaku pewa omapandulo ngoloneya gwoshitopolwa shaHangwena, Usko Nghaamwa ngoka a kala nokukondjitha opoloyeka yetungo ndyoka.

Nanghanda okwa popi kutya aanona yamwe ohaya zi natango momatungo ga landwa kElelo lyOshitopolwa shaHangwena omanga yamwe haya zi molukanda lwaMungwelume nopomidhingoloko dhopopepi omanga kwa tegelelwa iilonga yetungo yi manithwe.

Nghaamwa okwa li uuvithwa nayi kaanona taya zi moombashu pwaahena etonatelo lyaakuluntu na okwa tameke okukonga iiyemo yetungitho lyomuhandjo gwaanaskola.

Opoloyeka ndjoka yongushu yoomiloyona 7, oya yambidhidhwa kepangelo onga opoloyeka yoshigwana.

Etungo otali ka kala noondunda dhokulala dha gwana aanaskola yaakadhona ye li 123 oshowo aamati 123, okombitha, ehala lyokuwapalekela iizalomwa.

Momwedhi Juni gwomvula yapiti melongelo kumwe nombelewa yaNghaamwa, oskola ya longekidha uulalelo wowina wa nuninwa okugongela iimaliwa yokutunga omuhandjo ngoka. Uulalelo mboka owa gongele oshimaliwa sha thika pooN$509 100 ooshako dhoosamende 263 oshowo oondhopi dha thika po 58 000.

Omvula ya zi ko oskola ndjoka oya li yi na aanaskola ya thika po 581 moondondo onti 10, 11 showo 12, na aanaskola owala 118 ya vulu okukala momatungo ngoka ga landwa kelelo lyoshitopolwa.

Aavali oya nyenyeta kutya ooskola odhindji mOhangwena kadhi na omihandjo nooskola ndhoka kadhi na omihandjo otadhi tambula aanaskola ya za komahala ga yooloka gokokule moshitopolwa naashoka otashi thiminike aanona ya kuthe owala omahala gokukala kehe ngoka taya vulu okumona.

Aanaskola yondondo onti 10 ya za komahala ngaashi Okongo, Epembe oshowo Ekoka otaya hiila mOmungwelume.

ILENI NANDJATO

Team Namibia perturbed by Fishrot

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Team Namibia perturbed by FishrotTeam Namibia perturbed by Fishrot Team Namibia, a body promoting local businesses and products, says corruption scandals such as the Fishrot saga should not be allowed to happen in the current recessionary environment.

According to Team Namibia the recession, corruption scandals and unreasonable competition from foreign companies all have a direct impact on local companies.

Bärbel Kirchner, account director of Team Namibia, says: “Team Namibia is here to fight for Namibian business. We need to ensure that our local businesses have better prospects.

“We need to have favourable conditions for all our businesses in all sectors of the economy. We need an environment that is conducive to attracting investment, whether this is creating a very clear policy environment or preventing corruption.”

Current developments in the fishing sector are extremely detrimental to local industry, the lobby group said

Furthermore, the Fishrot scandal and the allocation of fishing quotas to businesses without adequate infrastructure are discouraging to local businesses that have invested in this sector.

Team Namibia called for deliberate and explicit regulation that protects Namibian businesses from unfair competition in every sector of the economy.

While recognising the increasing political desire to liberalise markets in line with aspirations of regional, continental and global economic integration, Team Namibia believes that liberalising Namibia's economy at the cost of local businesses only benefits other nations.

STAFF REPORTER

Scammers target university students

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Scammers target university studentsScammers target university students The police have warned the public about a new scam where criminals are targeting university students.

Police spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi said as universities are about to open, it appears that criminals are mostly targeting first-year students who are due to register and are new in town, looking for accommodation.

According to her the modus operandi of these scammers is to circulate photos on social media of accommodation to let in luxurious suburbs.

She said in most cases the supposed accommodation is advertised at a very low price to attract potential victims.

They are requested to pay a deposit in advance in order to secure the accommodation.

“This information was brought to the police by individuals who almost fell prey to the scam,” Shikwambi said.

The police therefore urged the public to be cautious and not to pay or send money for accommodation that they have not physically seen, and if they have not met the potential landlord in person.

Shikwambi urged that students should also not pay registration fees to people other than at designated university cashiers at the respective campuses.

“Furthermore the public is warned to be wary of any other prevalent or new scams that may be happening at different towns. Would-be offenders who involve themselves in these types of enticing activities are also warned that once caught they will face the full wrath of the law.”

STAFF REPORTER

Chaos caused by 'poor planning'

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Chaos caused by 'poor planning'Chaos caused by 'poor planning'PDM decries 'astounding and weak-kneed' U-turn The official opposition believes that the real reason behind the introduction of a new curriculum is to get learners out of school so that they are no longer the government's responsibility. Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) has challenged the education ministry to explain why it has not delivered on all promises it made to parents and teachers when it introduced the new school curriculum in 2015.

PDM parliamentarian Nico Smit said the education ministry's lack of planning and inability to implement the new curriculum are factors underlining the chaos that engulfed schools and learners at the start of this school year.

“If one considers that this brainchild of former education minister Dr David Namwandi was already introduced into our schools in 2015 (upper primary phase), it is inexplicable why the ministry decided to abruptly terminate the old curriculum at the end of 2018, leaving thousands of grade 10 learners to fail their grade and then find themselves in limbo with literally no choices when it came to getting to grade 12.”

Smit said the ministry has been unable or unwilling to explain, in simple terms, how leaving school after grade 11 would benefit Namibian children.

“The PDM therefore believes that the real reason behind the introduction of the new curriculum is to get as many learners off the school benches and onto the streets as quickly as possible so that they are no longer the government's responsibility.”

Smit said the PDM was dismayed by the blatant short-sightedness of those charged with planning in the education ministry, adding that many teachers had pointed out the potential pitfalls in implementing the new curriculum.

“The ministry has reacted, predictably, in panic when confronted with outrage from parents and learners when they were informed that part-time grade 10 students who improved their results on the old curriculum could not return to full-time schooling to continue with grade 11.

“Should these learners redo grade 10 on the new curriculum, which they could have done last year had they been informed of what was transpiring?” Smit asked.

According to him the “astounding and weak-kneed” U-turn by the ministry in this regard betrayed an absence of planning and foresight.

Smit further said that those learners who could not pass grade 10 with the old curriculum the first time would now be expected to pass grade 11 with the new curriculum.

He further noted that they would be expected to achieve a C grade in four subjects at ordinary level if they wanted to do grade 12.

“How schools are expected to help them bridge the quite considerable gaps in their subject knowledge remains a mystery.”

He said it is common knowledge that many teachers require training to cope with subject teaching in the new curriculum.

“It is clear from a study of the content of the subject syllabi of the new curriculum that the work formerly done in grade 11 in the old curriculum has been moved into the grade 10 syllabi in the new curriculum and the grade 12 work in the old curriculum into the grade 11 in the new curriculum syllabi.”

Smit said although this is a fairly easy change to make, what cannot be changed so easily is the mental maturity of the learners and the subject knowledge and understanding of the teachers.

“A total of 404 teachers are needed – yet the school year started on 15 January 2020. Does this mean that learners are beginning the year without hundreds of teachers? Did the ministry only now discover that more teachers are needed?

“The PDM has for years endeavoured to point out the fiasco that is Namibia's education system, but with its usual arrogance the ministry has simply ignored them. We can only conclude that it's not about the learners of Namibia, but about saving money for this government.”

ELLANIE SMIT

Whitney, BIG lead field into Hall of Fame

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Whitney, BIG lead field into Hall of FameWhitney, BIG lead field into Hall of Fame Posthumous inductees Whitney Houston and The Notorious BIG will lead a new class into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, joined by Depeche Mode, the Doobie Brothers, Nine Inch Nails and T-Rex.

The gospel-trained Houston, whose soaring voice transformed the Dolly Parton cover I Will Always Love You into a gigantic hit, was one of four artists elected after being on the ballot for the first time. The Doobie Brothers, BIG and T-Rex were the others.

The annual induction ceremony will take place on 2 May at the Public Auditorium in Cleveland, the city where the rock museum is located. The Saturday night show will be on HBO, televised live for the first time.

Houston, who succumbed to years of drug abuse in 2012, was an instant success after being signed to a record contract at age 19. Her 1985 debut had three number one singles: Saving All My Love for You, How Will I Know and The Greatest Love of All. She had seven consecutive singles top the charts, a first for any artist.

The daughter of gospel singer Cissy Houston and cousin of Dionne Warwick, she grew up in the business.

The imposing, Brooklyn-born rap artist Christopher Wallace took on the identities of The Notorious BIG and Biggie Smalls and was massively influential as rap became music's dominant style in the 1990s. With hits like Juicy and Big Poppa, he was the leader of an East Coast school of rap that found itself in a bitter rivalry with artists from the West Coast.

He was killed in an unsolved drive-by shooting in Los Angeles at age 24 in 1997. On the album Life After Death, with hits like Mo Money Mo Problems and Hypnotise, he became the first artist to earn multiple number one singles after his death.

Depeche Mode remains active, but their biggest influence came in the 1980s, when the group's post-punk, synthesiser-dominated music made the Brits a favourite of the Goth subculture. Hits included Personal Jesus, Just Can't Get Enough and Enjoy the Silence.

The group shares the honour of having one of their signature songs covered by country legend Johnny Cash with fellow inductees Nine Inch Nails. Cash recorded Personal Jesus and NIN's Hurt during his late-career resurgence.

With songs like Closer, NIN was a leader of the industrial rock movement in the 1990s. Like Green Day, a memorable performance in the mud at Woodstock 94 brought them a wider audience. Leader Trent Reznor has become a go-to soundtrack producer, in addition to his continued work with the band.

The Doobie Brothers weren't critical favourites, but they had some indelible rock hits in the 1970s, including Listen to the Music, Black Water and China Grove. They're embarking on a 50th anniversary tour this summer, bringing members Michael McDonald, Pat Simmons, Tom Johnston and John McFee together for the first time in 25 years, and a Hall of Fame induction makes for perfect publicity.

British band T-Rex was known primarily for their 1970s hit Bang a Gong (Get it On), and to a lesser extent, Jeepster. The death of leader Marc Bolan in 1977 ended the band.

The two non-performing inductees may be able to bring some star power with them.

Music manager Irving Azoff has watched the finances for several bands, but is best known as the manager of the Eagles since 1974.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

I Create Namibia hosts first 2020 workshop

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I Create Namibia hosts first 2020 workshopI Create Namibia hosts first 2020 workshop The first edition of I Create Namibia for the year is slated for this Saturday, 18 January at the Goethe-Institute. Karen Powell and Cindy van Wyk are listed as speakers. Powell and Van Wyk will speak on setting and smashing goals and the power of journaling, respectively. tjil caught up with organiser Betty Sibeso of Beso Media to find out how this year's I Create Namibia series will be different from previous years, and more.

tjil (t): This is the first creative workshop by I Create Namibia this year. How is it going to be different from previous workshops?

Betty Sibeso (BS): The I Create Namibia series we are hosting this year will all be different from the previous workshops we hosted. They will be themed and aimed at educating. We have also added a creative session that will see our audience learn how to create something.

t: How has this platform grown since its inception?

BS: We went from having one event a year to having 12 events a year. We have also received more interest and support than we did the other years.

t: What criteria did you look at when you selected the speakers for this particular creative workshop?

BS: We established a theme and then looked at industry people who excelled in that particular department. For the talk on setting goals and planning for the year, we have creativity and prosperity Coach Karen Powell. For the creative session about journaling, we have writer and sub-editor Cindy van Wyk.

t: What are you hoping attendees will leave with after this session?

BS: I hope they leave with tools that will help them set their goals and go after them. I hope they learn the importance and benefits of journaling and, of course, how to. This Saturday will be the first of 12 events. We will have an I Create Namibia every month hosted at Goethe-Institute Namibia. Themes include running a creative business, tax and finances, marketing your creative business and so much more.

Follow @besomedia for updates or visit besomedia.online.

A concise debut

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A concise debutA concise debutA concise debut With just a few features, this album is really about Profit and what he wishes to attain in the music space. I first encountered Profit's music at the 2018 Windhoek Spring Fiesta where he was in the line-up. At first, I genuinely thought it was one of the guys from the trio LSD. I had discovered LSD's music around that time as well and so it was easy to make that mistake, especially when you consider how alike they sounded at the start. Because of this likeness, it was very hard for me to give Profit a chance.

When I first heard Mamase featuring Kalux, I wasn't sold, despite how well it did on radio. However, when he did a remix with Adora, he gave me my favourite moment on the track with the pre-hook.

Released at the end of 2019, Birth of a King is a project that offers a variety of feel-good songs. It's not an album rooted in heavy themes and because of this, it makes it possible for even the most basic music fan to enjoy it. The album opens with the title track, which was a good way of starting the album in terms of arrangement. However, the song that follows, Psycho, starts abruptly. The intro was too mellow to be followed up by such a high-tempo song, and to make it worse, it's a trap song. Psycho is my favourite song on the album, naturally, because I am a hip-hop head, but it should have been listed as the last song on the project.

LSD makes an appearance on track four, That I like.

This song has been out for a while now and they have performed it on NBC's Whatagwan. Despite this effort, I feel Profit isn't doing enough to promote it as a single. It's a decent song that can surpass the impact of his breakthrough, Mamase.

Other songs you can look forward to on this project include Kasie to Kasie, FYI and Some Type of Way.

The project seems rushed, and lacks attention to detail, so much so that on the physical copy, the designer messed up the track numbering. When you listen to an album, it's not only about the music but the presentation as well and, in this case, Profit needs to take more time with his next release.

Overall, it's a satisfactory album with potential to garner many downloads – if promoted well. Birth Of A King is available online on all major Namibian music platforms.

Rating: 2.5/5

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

Redefining radio

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Redefining radioRedefining radioStarting conversations They went on air… and everything changed. With the popularity of radio still rising in Namibia, in the past few years, there have been a number of impactful stations that have consistently given the public an entire world of discussion and expression. Eagle FM is one such radio station. With the platform adding to the elevation of public discourse and entertainment, this new station has Namibia hooked.

Tjil got an exclusive interview with Joseph Ailonga, the marketing, sales and technical officer at Eagle FM, who shares how the station is weaving the fabric of talk radio into the Namibian media sphere.

On how the station came about, Ailonga said the thought came from founder John Walenga, who saw gaps in the radio space in Namibia.

“People are having conversations but they are having those conversations elsewhere and they could be limited.

“Yes, people have social media platforms but sometimes typing is not the same as expressing yourself vocally. Most radio stations do a lot of music and just a bit of talking and we felt there is a need for news and talk radio, which is not happening in Namibia,” Ailonga said.

Eagle FM is the first station of its kind in the Land of the Brave. Ailonga defines talk radio as everyday conversation that has been multiplied to the masses. “It gives an opportunity to the public to have conversations wherever they are.”

Launched about seven months ago, Eagle FM has had an impact we can't ignore. Speaking on this, Ailonga said the name has gotten bigger than expected. He said Eagle FM has been able to play within the political arena and influence the political space in terms of the public discourse.

The station organised the first presidential debate in Namibia. He said they were able to have politicians engage through the campaigns.

“The public was able to have a conversation during the elections and make a difference.

“I wouldn't say the change in the way things panned out can be credited to us but we have to admit some of those who partook in the elections found a voice on Eagle FM and they were able to articulate their manifestos and positions, and during that period, you can see some of those who used our platform gained some tractions and votes,” he said.

As opposed to following the traditional radio formula, an element that is unique to Eagle FM is that most of their staff have a print media background. On this, Ailonga commented that their strategy is to have journalists run news on air. “We have not really looked at radio presenters per se, but we have focused our energy on hiring journalists because, ideally, what we would love to have is an investigative news team,” he said, adding that this is why most Eagle FM stories do not end on radio; conversations are continued online. “We are looking for content and we want to engage the public, thus we cannot have people who go on air and have no idea what they are saying.”

Asked what the station's agenda is, Ailonga said factual, objective and unbiased reporting is their aim.

“What the people are troubled by we want to be able to deal with,” he said.

Some radio listeners say Eagle FM has a hardcore approach when it comes to their interviews, however, Ailonga dismisses this notion, maintaining that they simply ask the right questions.

“We want to be factual so we ask the sources live on air. We do not want it to be hidden. You have the opportunity to be able to state what it is that you need to state and answer the questions you need to answer as is.



“That is what we're doing; I wouldn't say it's hardcore. If you feel it's difficult, then there's something you're hiding,” he said.

On their digital strategy, Ailonga said they create most of their content. It's for this reason that their social media engagement stands out from other radio stations. “We are a live radio station, so as the content is being created, it must also be conveyed to social media platforms simultaneously.

“Radio has the power to make or break. We are simply using it to make Namibia a great place to live in,” he said.

Ndapewoshali Shapwanale, who hosts On The Radar from 12:00 to 14:00 weekdays, told tjil what's different about Eagle FM's mid-day show is that they have a focus story which is a current affairs interview, and then also make sure they have enough voices to speak on the matter so that listeners are well-informed.

“I also host The Home Run from 16:30 to 18:30 with my co-host Shelley. We round up the day with topics that made headlines and accompany our listeners home,” she said.

Kalistu Mukoroli hosts The Brand Conversations With Alvaro, which is centered around public relations and branding, from 09:00 to 10:30 on weekdays. “We take what is out there in real life and we dissect it.

“Majority of people do not understand PR and marketing so with this show, we try to help them by having different experts to discuss aspects of the branding spectrum,” he said.



MICHAEL KAYUNDE

DJ taking centre stage

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DJ taking centre stageDJ taking centre stageUniting the new wave of creatives through music DJ Spuzza is set to dominate the music scene with his catchy songs. I don't know who you pictured when you thought of the person responsible for arguably the biggest song of the last quarter of 2019, Soek Soek. But I am pretty sure you didn't think of a Ginger Breadman-looking guy – and that's cool because predictable and ordinary is not really his thing anyway.

Having worked with some of the artists making waves in the industry right now, including Mega, Don Kamati and Chester, DJ Spuzza, with his Slaughter Houze crew, is on a mission to change the Namibian musical landscape, beat by beat.

The Soek Soek hitmaker describes his sound as diverse. “I adapt to a lot of genres. If I vibe to it, then I just vibe to it,” he said, adding that he's inspired by many things.

On how he founded Slaughter Houze, Spuzza, real name McArthur Suze, shared that he started DJing as a hobby in 2013 and one day played at a butchery, which was also an undercover bar. “That particular set attracted quite a number of people and made me realise that I am actually good at this DJing thing.

“The name Slaughter Houze came from me playing house music at a butchery and I decided to run with it as my brand name, and it sort of serves as an upcoming record label,” he said.

Slaughter Houze now comprises of three members: Txngos (producer and graphic designer), Mega (rapper) and the founder himself.

Spuzza announced that there are plans to expand the stable, adding that his goal is to help upcoming DJs and musicians come up the same way he did. “I know how difficult it is breaking through in this industry and not having anyone to give you a platform,” he said.

Narrating to tjil the making of Soek Soek, Spuzza shared that he had the beat for three months before they recorded the song. “I think two weeks prior to us recording that song, I bumped into Don Kamati and he expressed his interest in working with me, and I happened to bump into Chester at a barbershop days after that.

“I had some money on me and I didn't want to waste it on unproductive things, so I called the studio guy. We bought some drinks and it started off as a chill session. Next thing, we were in the booth making heat. That song was not even planned,” he shared.

His plan for this year entails serving up more music in the form of singles and a possible EP.

Spuzza said he understands the importance of making a business out of his talent and looks forward to investing profits from his music into establishing a record label and studio, as well as signing artists and aligning his brand to corporate entities.

Besides being a DJ and producer, he is also a father – a role he said keeps him grounded and fuels his inspiration. “Being a father is where most of my inspiration comes from. The industry is very hard, especially in Namibia, so I use my daughter as inspiration to not give up. Being a dad is my biggest blessing.”

In a country where we do not have a culture of DJs having the biggest songs, Spuzza is ready to change this narrative. He admitted that it's not going to be easy but he's willing to put in the work.

“If you go through my Facebook account, you will see where I come from. I literally went from having 14 people at shows to pulling numbers up to about 700 and that was just in my neighbourhood, Wamboe Lokasie.

“To upcoming DJs out there, my advice is that at first, you should conquer where you come from. We all need resources, however, it is important to have a plan, guts and the backing of your people,” he said.

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

Expanding their horizons

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Expanding their horizonsExpanding their horizonsPreparations underway for eighth edition The Kasi Vibe Festival is heading to the coast for their first Easter edition. STAFF REPORTER

I have a dream

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I have a dream  I have a dream This new decade is going to be a pivotal one for Namibian entertainment. It will be a decade for new beginnings and even bigger milestones.

You could call this piece my Martin Luther ‘I have a dream’ moment for Namibian entertainment.

My biggest desire this decade is to see accolades that actually benefit the whole entertainment industry and just not a few individuals. I would love to see more Namibian creatives get concrete and lucrative endorsements, and I want to see more creatives sell out shows and capitalise on their brands.

As it is right now, only a handful benefit directly in the industry. This has to change.

If you take a look at countries like Zambia, South Africa and Nigeria, there is a high consumption of creative content. Their industries are doing very well and most of their creatives make a living solely off their art. I want to see more Namibians appreciating local arts in that way.

On that note, this will be a huge decade for Namibian creatives digitally. In this decade, we will get much more out of their brands online than any other decade. There will be more streams and probably even better value commercially for Namibian creatives based off their digital presence. King Tee Dee will hit a million views on YouTube for The One, and I foresee many other artists following in his footsteps.

The entertainment industry is made up of a three-tier system: The consumers, the media industry and key stakeholders (event organisers and corporates). It is our responsibility as media professionals to unearth new talent and to celebrate Namibian creatives.

As for the stakeholders, they too have to prioritise Namibian creatives and support them.

Creatives such as models and musicians depend on their fans to keep their brands growing, and this should be the decade when fans support our artists.

This decade, I would love to see the Namibian government invest more in the entertainment industries at home. The entertainment industry is one of the biggest drivers in other countries with regards to their tourism, and countries such as South Africa and Nigeria are investing money into these industries – and it shows. These are most profitable art industries in Africa.

Perhaps a bit far-fetched, but I want to see a Namibian government that puts importance on the potential arts has for our nation.

This decade, I want to see more Namibian creatives making a living off their art and not relying on a nine-to-five job that has nothing to do with their first passion.

I want to see Namibian creatives make global impact and build lasting legacies.

Shona Ngava is a Namibian music activist, radio personality and brand manager.

More good vibes

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More good vibes More good vibes Right, good people.We are back with the first edition for this year. We sincerely thank you for the support in 2019.This year, we rededicate ourselves to serve you with the best music, lifestyle and fashion content.

Like most things in this cosmos, 2019 had a fair balance of the good and the bad.

This week, I want to us to take a look at the bad vibes we should definitely leave behind us, and some of the good vibes we want 2020 to emulate.

Before we delve too deep into the topic, I think it is only rightto congratulate the artists who made it into the tjilawards edition! If ever there was a positive springboard you could use to propel your entertainment career in Namibia, it is print media. Which brings me to the first vibe we need more of in 2020.

We need young artists to keep dominating the industry like they did in 2019 with the positive vibes! We saw the likes of Lioness, King Elegant, KpIllest and Top Cheri shift the sound of Namibian music and usher in a youthful energy that had us all proud of Namibian music, while the bitter ones hated on the sidelines. Namibian music has never been this progressive and we need a continuous stream of new artists elevating the industry.

One vibe we definitely need less of in 2020 is the division among musicians. Even though not nearly enough, there are platforms that recognise the work of Namibian entertainers and we need to rally behind them.

Let’s be honest, this conversation of the Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) not recognising certain artists is exhausted now. We have been subjected to division in the music industry in particular, where the parties who complain about not being recognised by certain platforms can’t even tell us why they are not recognised.

The Namibian production game in 2019 was impressive. From Mr Glo, Slaughter Hauze, DJ Chronic and more. In 2020, we need to elevate those vibes! We have seen the rise of good Namibian producers giving us what I think are beats of a global standard. We talk a lot about wanting to see Namibian musicians on global stages, but I think we need to include our producers into that narrative.

Another bad vibe we need to leave behind is showing up late to events. It does not make you seem cool.

And to my fellow concert-goers, if you know you are tall, move to the back! My fellow short people will feel me on this one. You are selfishly obstructing the view for everyone behind you and it’s not like you paid more for the ticket than we did.

Carrying the good vibes from 2019, in this edition you can look forward to a feature on DJ Spuzza, Lady May Africa, Eagle FM and more. Until, next week, it’s goodbye for now.

michael@namibiansun.com; @MichaelMKAY on Twitter
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