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Restoring peace through hair

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Restoring peace through hairRestoring peace through hairShe is an attorney-turned-diplomat by day, hair and beauty blogger over weekends, and kitchen chemist the rest of the time. Your next favourite hair brand 0 Nekwaya, the founder and owner of Nutifafa Organics is determined to make natural hair lovers find peace within her products. Nutifafa is an organic hair- and skincare company that aims to provide solutions that are all natural and organic. “Nutifafa means peace in the Ewe language spoken in Ghana and as women we are constantly searching for that perfect product for your skin or hair and it’s a never-ending quest. Our products aim to bring an end to that quest, allowing one to find peace with their hair and skin using some of nature’s best ingredients,” she said.

The Nutifafa product range currently has three products, including their whipped Shea butter which comes in three variations (lavender, vanilla and lemongrass), the organic unrefined Shea butter, and lastly the African Black Soap which comes in a bar or liquid form. The Shea butter products are made from unrefined, organic Shea butter imported from West Africa. The whipped version is a blend of Shea butter and various oils such as coconut, extra virgin olive oil, grapeseed and almond oils. “All of these have great benefits for both skin and hair, and are packed with vitamins such as vitamins A and E,” Nekwaya said.

The products are all available on their social media pages (Facebook: Nutifafa Organics and on Instagram @NutifafaOrganics) and soon there will be a retail website. The cost of the products ranges from N$60 for the Liquid Black Soap to N$100 for the Black Soap Bar, and N$250 for the whipped Shea butters. Nekwaya will be showcasing her products and meeting her customers this weekend at that Great Pop Up Shop experience. The Great Pop Up is the brainchild of Monochrome Magazine which is a proudly Namibian lifestyle magazine. It is one event that gives entrepreneurs a chance to set up pop up shops for the day where they get to meet their customers, introduce their different brands to people and just keep shop for the day. The event will be taking place at Pia’s in Post Street Mall (where the old Gourmet Restaurant used to be). The event starts at 10:00 and closes at 18:00. Entrance is N$20 and it promises to be a day of fun, creative and innovative shopping with a varied collection of Namibian entrepreneurs.

Comedian with a lesson

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Comedian with a lessonComedian with a lessonDespite his religious background, Big Mich knew that he’d need to figure out how to follow his passion and make his parents proud. He hopes many can learn from him. Here’s how to kill two birds with one stone. When a pastor’s kid becomes a comedian 0 Please tell us about yourself.

I am Mich Alley Dantago Gaoseb aka ‘Vambu with a Nama attitude’, I come from a mix family, my dad is Owambo and my mother is Damara. I grew up in Windhoek Samara location, went to school at Khomasdal High School and I’m now a well established comedian and Businessman. *laughs*

When did you find out you had a “funny bone”?

I think I was born with it, but around 2009 that’s when I was convinced this was my calling. Comedy in general is something that runs in my family. My dad is also a funny guy so I was born a comic. I didn’t have to learn how to be funny. I remember being in trouble with my teachers my whole school life, I was a principal’s office kid because I would make noise in the class or disrupt the learning process one way or another. I was always told by my teachers that I was never serious to the point where if I told the teachers something they’d be waiting for the punchline where I throw a joke. Ha ha, it was crazy man.

Moments in the spotlight?

My comedy is mostly from life experiences, that’s why a lot of people can relate to it. I grew up in a location which was only known for violence and I try to turn that into humour… I get material from daily news and my environment. My best moment was being crowned ‘last comic standing’ my worse was at my one-man show when one comic went over the set timeframe and I had to warm up a bored crowd

How did your family take your career choice?

I come from a very religious family and I am a PK (pastor’s kid) so the environment that I do my comedy in and my family environment don’t actually go hand-in-hand. When you are a comedian you have to touch and tackle all the issues from politics to religion and my mother didn’t appreciate that. She didn’t even come to my first ten shows, in fact none of my family members showed up. But when they realised that I was actually serious about comedy my mother actually came to one of my shows in April this year and it was my best show ever. The best thing a guy can hear from his mother are the words ‘I’m proud of you son’ and that’s what she said to me after 25 years! *laughs*

Is there a miss Big Mich in the picture?

I’m single as a side-chick man. It’s kind of hard for ladies to take me seriously because everyone assumes I’m joking when I’m serious. There’s this one chick I’ve been after for years now but tol today all I get is an “ag Mich hou op man, you are not serious” so comedy does have its pros and cons. Hopefully I will find someone as funny as I am and understand where I’m coming from you know. Namibian comedy has matured to where people can differentiate that the guy at home is not the same as the performer on stage.

Would you advise someone to take comedy as a career?

Our comedy industry is not mature to the stage where comedy is a culture yet but we getting there, so yes, I would advise someone to take it up as a career but only if you are good at it and love doing it. One thing I wish was specified in the Harambee Prosperity Plan was an investment in the entertainment industry in terms of endorsements. We are not taken seriously and that’s a reason for us not growing. You will get someone who has to pack shelves in Shoprite in the day, go to school after five and still be on stage from 21:00, it shouldn’t be like that. People need to realise that investing in human capital is the backbone of the country and these people will help you out of that. If we just accept that someone can have a career out of entertainment then we will have less negativity going.

What are you currently up to?

Right now 1 October I am having a fan bash which is basically a pre-promotion for my tour we are planning and a platform for Namibian comedy fans to mingle and have fun with their favourite comedians.

What are three things people don’t know about you?

Many people don’t know that I had dropped a Gospel album in 2012, that I am a song writer and composer in church. Lol, some think I am uneducated. *laughs*

Any last words?

Coming from a religious background I believe there’s two ways that life could go for you, one is to honour your parents and do want they want you to do and two is you do what you are after. If they want you to stay in school, do so but also work on your goals. Parents can never tell you what to be passionate about, that’s up to you. They can only tell you what they think is best for you. Blessings come from parents, the only ingredient to success.

Don’t mess with emotions

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Don’t mess with emotionsDon’t mess with emotions 0 It’s unfortunate that a child had to die for us to realise that some of the things happening in our society are sick. It’s also unfortunate that only when something as brutal as a suffocated child’s story comes out only then, we want to step up and talk sense and want to be involved. Now I know it’s never too late to address some issues but I frankly don’t think its justice to the little girl that it’s only after her death, when we want to show how concerned we are and very quick to judge! Social media is now full of proclaimed psychologists, social workers and judges with PHDs from Harvard University. Some don’t even know the full story and have already started concluding.

My question is pretty much simple and straight forward. What is going to prevent things like this from happening in future? I mean it’s clear that the girl’s daddy and current girlfriend drove this woman into doing what she did which was not right at all. How many more girlfriends will need to prove that they are the new main chick, boss madam or teddy bear to drive other lady nuts and actually go to the extreme of killing a child she carried for nine months and raised for three years? Haibo man, something doesn’t feel right here. Since I didn’t get my degree from Harvard law department I’m just going to keep my two cents and wait for the judgement to be made accordingly.

For those that want to do something to prevent situations like this, I think we could start educating our young ones at home and then we penetrate to our peers and work places in that order. We should be ok with talking about our feelings and not holding onto things until we get to a point where we can no longer help ourselves. Especially in our black communities, we tend to think feelings are for white people and depression or anxiety disorders are excuses to get out of work. Once we understand our feelings, we will be able to control them. It doesn’t make you less of a man if you cry here and there. We also have a culture of enjoying other people’s pain and who knows, maybe that’s why the “’new girlfriend decided to get her c-section on the same day just to cause pain and pain was caused. Damage is also done.

Let’s be careful about our actions. You don’t know how weak or strong the next person is. Be careful and treat others as you would want to be treated.

Gazza releases first official single for upcoming album

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Gazza releases first official single for upcoming albumGazza releases first official single for upcoming album Namibians set to Get It on Tonight with Gazza 0 Gazza is set to cement his status as arguably Namibia’s most celebrated artist with the release of his new single, Get it on Tonight. The music sensation, who has broken every local music record imaginable throughout his illustrious career, will release his 11th album, with the single on which he features sultry saxophone queen Suzy Eises, is the first single from the upcoming album. The musical chemistry between Gazza and his longtime producer and friend, Samy-lee Jones also shines through on the track. Gazza has previously worked with Samy-lee Jones on hits like My Boeta and Tufikeapa. Gazza, who is the brains behind Gazza Music Productions (GMP) has hinted that the album has a very reconstructing theme, with the multiple award winning artist playing around with new sounds, to be expected from someone who has continued to create his own climax by setting new standards every time he is on a record.

The combination of Gazza and Suzy Eises will likely come as a surprise to many, with the two set to release an explosive sound, which will be as heart-warming and sensual as it is stunning. Get It On Tonight is a sensual feel good song, with a jazzy urban feel. Gazza’s vocals coupled with Suzy’s passion on the sax, creates an alluring musical masterpiece that Gazza is very excited to share.

Gazza was tightlipped about details around the new album, but hinted that it will be dropped sooner than most Namibian’s expect. He however revealed that the album which like all other Gazza albums, will deliver soundtracks for all December parties, includes 18 tracks with a number of exciting collaborations, including artists from beyond the Namibian borders. One such collaboration is that with dancehall diva N’yanda, the one half of Brick and Lace. Another noteworthy collaboration would be the collaboration with South African Hip Hop sensation, Emtee. An ecstatic Gazza highlighted that the platform he intends to create is one that recognises and appreciates true talent and package it for an international platform just like the deal he has established for GMP Label through Universal Records.

Gazza, who shows no signs of slowing down, said he has big plans for Namibian music. “It’s not just about me anymore; it’s about finding opportunities for Namibian musicians. There is talent here, talent beyond measure, our local artists just need the right platform and opportunities and they will shine, they will step up. My aim now is to ensure that there is enough opportunities for as many Namibian artists as possible and take our music global,”he said.

Around this time last year, he created a YouTube frenzy, when his music video, Kuna’mkweni reached over 70 000 views in less than two weeks, asked whether his thousands of die-hard fans can expect a music video for Get It On Tonight, Gazza hinted that a treat might just be in store. “Exciting things are coming. The new album, new big projects for GMP, all I can say is, we are going international, these are exciting times and I remain thankful for all the support over the years. The future looks bright for GMP and Namibian music,”he says.

Get It On Tonight is all available on all local radio stations as from today and it is also available on GMP’s official YouTube page.

June Shimuoshili

Curbing comparison

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Curbing comparisonCurbing comparison 0 I refer to comparison as “inspiration gone wrong.” It is a natural habit to observe others and learn from their accomplishments or failures. We are inspired by people around us to take actions in our own lives towards or away from particular choices.The ultimate goal in life for most people is to be successful and happy, depending on their own definitions of success and happiness.

Ask yourself these following questions: Do you feel jealous when others succeed? Do you feel glad when others fail? Do you behave arrogantly when you succeed? Do you try to diminish others achievements with negativity? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you have a comparison tendency. However, you are not alone, these are natural feelings that everyone encounters. The key is; knowing how to deal with these emotions at their onset before they consume you. Redirect your thoughts into positive attitudes and the best way to do this is to; continuously build up your self-esteem, when you value and love yourself, you will reflect that towards other people.

Curb comparison; get inspired by others to achieve your personal goals. Be observant yet focused on your own lane. There is a unique journey of success that is meant only for you.

Ndapanda Auala

Lifestyle Blogger: www.ndapandalifestyle.com

Brazil’s industry confident

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Brazil’s industry confidentBrazil’s industry confidentBrazil’s new government will be pleased at analysts’ impressions of the country’s business climate since their stepping in. Index at highest point since July 2014: report 0 Brazil’s industry confidence has reached the highest level since July 2014, according to a report published on Wednesday by Brazilian business school Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV).

The FGV report shows that the Industry Confidence Index (ICI) rose by 2.1 points in September to reach 88.2 points, which is 14.3% higher

than September 2015 and also the highest level since July 2014.

A rise in business confidence was noted in 12 of the 19 segments analysed and was based on the current situation as well as future expectations, read a FGV statement accompanying the report.

“In September, the ICI returned to the high trajectory seen in April, after a slight interruption the previous month. The reading of this study suggests a slow recovery, subject to hiccups on the production side,” the statement said.

The rise of industry confidence mirrors a similar rise in consumer confidence, with the FGV’s consumer study finding that level at 80.6 points, the highest since January 2015.

The Brazilian industrial sector has been battered by the country’s economic crisis. The country’s economy shrank 3.8% in 2015, its worst in 25 years. It is also expected to drop by 3.14% this year, as unemployment and inflation are rising.

However, this report will be music to the ears of President Michel Temer and his government who have pledged to turn the situation around and to make Brazil an attractive investment destination once more.

Windhoek Show kicks off today

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Windhoek Show kicks off todayWindhoek Show kicks off today 0 All roads lead to the Windhoek Showgrounds today, where the annual Windhoek Agricultural Industrial and Show takes place for the 117th time.

The gates open at 10:00 and the show runs until next Saturday at 17:00.

The show combines an agricultural exhibition with a range of industrial and retail offerings and entertainment.

As has become the norm in previous years, the event is once again expected to draw in the region of 100 000 visitors.

International exhibitors are expected from South Africa, Botswana, Kenya and as far as Finland.

Other highlights this year are additional rides at the fun park, an upgraded food plaza and the traditional fireworks display on Thursday night to officially launch the event.

Earlier this week, Bank Windhoek announced a N$40 000 sponsorship of the small livestock section at the show.

“Trade fairs such as the annual 2016 Windhoek Industrial and Agricultural Show give Bank Windhoek a unique opportunity to engage with current and potential customers,” bank spokesperson Jaquiline Pack said.

“We are proud of the bank’s association with the Windhoek Show and are excited to meet our customers and prove to them that they made the right choice in choosing Bank Windhoek.”

2020 'most competitive' deadline missed

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2020 'most competitive' deadline missed2020 'most competitive' deadline missedNamibia will have to speed up execution of its Harambee Prosperity Plan if it is to catch up to its southern African neighbours. Namibia’s goalpost shifted to 2041 0 Namibia missed its target of becoming the most competitive economy in southern Africa by 2017, as confirmed by the World Economic Forum’s (WEF’s) latest Global Competitiveness Report.

In 2012, Namibia’s fourth National Development Programme (NDP4) set a target for the country to be the number one economy in the region by 2020.

But in its latest ranking of 140 countries, based on factors driving productivity and prosperity, the WEF says Namibia rose by only a single digit on its global competitiveness rankings for 2016 to 2017, moving to 84th place from 85th.

That places Namibia sixth in Africa, behind Mauritius, South Africa, Rwanda, Botswana and Morocco.

While ranking well in categories like its institutions, infrastructure, financial-market development and labour-market efficiency, the country performed poorly in assessment of its primary and higher education, health, business sophistication, technological readiness and market size.

Access to financing and an inadequately educated workforce were said to be the main obstacles to doing business in Namibia, along with inefficient government bureaucracy.

“The marginal improvement in the overall ranking, while welcome, still leaves Namibia a long way from its NDP4 target of being the most competitive country in Southern Africa by 2017,” the local Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) said in a statement issued yesterday.

“The NDP4 target has since been superseded by the Harambee Prosperity Plan released in April 2016, which sets a target of Namibia becoming the most competitive economy in Africa by 2020,” IPPR said.

At the current rate, it would take Namibia 25 years to overtake the top African country, Mauritius, at 45th place in the world.

“If the rate of progress does not improve, Namibia would only reach its Harambee target by 2041, and not 2020,” the IPPR said.

In the past five editions of the WEF’s Global Competitiveness Report, Namibia has moved up eight places, from 92nd in the 2012-2013 report.

DENVER ISAACS

Bemba will appeal

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Bemba will appealBemba will appealCongolese warlord Jean-Pierre Bemba’s counsel have filed an appeal against his ICC conviction of war crimes. Counsel cites military impossibilities 0 Former Congolese vice-president Jean-Pierre Bemba, jailed for 18 years for war crimes, has formally appealed against his conviction by the International Criminal Court, arguing his trial was “flawed,” his lawyers have said on Wednesday.

Bemba last week “filed an appeal against his conviction”, his defence team said in a statement sent to AFP, adding that his rights had been violated to the point that “the Bemba trial, in fact, was a mistrial”.

The former militia leader was sentenced in June to 18 years in jail after being found guilty at the ICC on five charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Once the powerful leader of the Congolese Liberation Movement (MLC), Bemba failed to stop a series of rapes and murders committed by his troops in the Central African Republic in 2002 and 2003.

Bemba’s case was the first before the ICC to focus on sexual violence as a weapon of war and the first to underline a military commander’s responsibility for the conduct of troops under his control.

But his lawyers argued in their appeal filed on September 19 that the judges’ “findings on effective control fall far outside established military doctrine and practice”.

Bemba’s trial “invented a theory of command responsibility which is a military impossibility”, his defence team said.

“In reality, Mr Bemba is the commander that international law would have him be. He trained his army, he gave them a code of conduct, he actively pursued rumours of crimes, he punished those identified to him.”

Inside the mind of the fairer sex

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Inside the mind of the fairer sexInside the mind of the fairer sex 0 If you ever thought sounding like a black American, wearing oversized pants, or always seen with a match stick between your lips, was all you needed to land the woman of your dreams – well, think again!

My friend Tjeripo had to learn the hard way recently that it – just like the field of journalism – takes a whole lot of sweat, blood and tears before you can learn to soar like the proverbial eagle. Eish, had he only listened to me – I kept insisting that he get himself a Mercedes Benz with a Swakopmund number plate like mine to be a hit amongst the fairer sex, but he wouldn’t listen.

I watched how my dear friend vanished from the radar after meeting what was supposed to be his ideal match – Ndapewa. He asks her out once to a movie; she accepts; and that was how the cookie crumbled!

After a few days of public dating, Tjeripo asked her out to dinner, and she agreed. They continue to see each other regularly, and were finnally an item.

And then, one evening when they''re driving home, a thought occurs to Ndapewa, and, without really thinking, she says it aloud:

''''Do you realise that, as of tonight, we''ve been seeing each other for exactly six months?''''

There is deafening silence in the car. To Ndapewa, it seems like a very loud silence. She thinks to herself: [“Meme, I wonder if it bothers him that I said that. Maybe he''s been feeling confined by our relationship; maybe he thinks I''m trying to push him into some kind of obligation that he doesn''t want, or isn''t sure of”].

And Tjeripo is thinking: [“Eish. Six months already…?”]

And Ndapewa is thinking: [ “…but, hey, I''m not so sure I want this kind of relationship, either…. I mean, where are we going? Are we just going to keep seeing each other at this level of intimacy? Are we heading toward marriage? Am I ready for that level of commitment? Do I really even know this person? Do knights in shining armour exist in real life?”]

And Tjeripo is thinking: [“… so that means it was February when we started going out, which was just after I bought my Brahman bull from De Klerk…”]

Finnaly, Ndapewa breaks the silence.

“Tjeripo,” she says out loud.

“Yes?” Tjeripo replies, a bit startled.

“Please don''t torture yourself like this,” she says, her eyes beginning to brim with tears. “Maybe I should never have. Oh God, I feel so......” (She breaks down, sobbing.)

“''What?” asked Tjeripo.

“I''m such a fool,” Ndapewa sobs. “I mean, I know there''s no knight. I really know that. It''s silly. There''s no knight, and there''s no horse.”

“There''s no horse?” Tjeripo asks.

“You think I''m a fool, don''t you?” Ndapewa says.

“No, not at all!” says Tjeripo, glad to finally know the correct answer.

“It''s just that… it''s that I… I need some time,” Ndapewa says.

There is a 15-second pause while Tjeripo, thinking as fast as he can, tries to come up with a safe response. Finally he comes up with one that he thinks might work.

“Ok then,” he says.

Ndapewa, deeply moved, touches his hand.

“Oh, Tjeripo, do you really feel that way?” she says.

“Um…What way exactly?”

“That way about time,” says Ndapewa.

“Ummm…, I guess so,” says Tjeripo, not knowing where the conversation is leading to.

Ndapewa turns to face him and gazes deeply into his eyes, causing him to become very nervous about what she might say next, especially if it involves a horse. At last she speaks.

“Thank you, Tjeripo,” she says. “Thank you for ruining my life!”

He takes her home, and she lies on her bed - a conflicted, tortured soul, and weeps until dawn. The next day Ndapewa would call her closest friend, or perhaps two of them, and they will talk about the situation for six straight hours. In painstaking detail, they will analyse everything she said and everything he said, never reaching any definite conclusions, but never getting bored with it either.

Meanwhile, Tjeripo, while playing dominoes one day with a mutual friend of his and Ndapewa’s, paused just before making his next move, frowned, and said: “Tell me, Hitjevi, did Ndapewa ever own a horse?”

Until then…

Friday cartoon

NEEEF and the empowerment debate

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NEEEF and the empowerment debate NEEEF and the empowerment debate 0 Government’s New Equitable Empowerment Framework (NEEEF) has been hotly debated in recent months, and has been classified by some as being too complicated. The primary purpose of NEEEF is to promote equitable, inclusive and shared economic development. One of the controversial empowerment pillars seeks to give blacks a tangible stake in mainstream businesses with a minimum requirement of 25% ownership. This, according to authorities, will help narrow income disparities between the haves and the have-nots leading up to Vision 2013 and beyond. The bill, however, has not been well received by many white-owned business people, with some already threatening to invest their cash in other countries. For many years government has struggled to come up with a respectable policy as far as black empowerment is concerned. We too agree that NEEEF is not perfect in its current form. However, there is not much time left to still grapple with a strategy for black empowerment considering blacks are still cut off from the mainstream economy. It is sad that those who are against NEEEF are primarily well-off whites who unfortunately don’t seem to give a damn as far as the mass upliftment of the black majority is concerned. Let us not turn a blind eye to the suffering of others. Yes, we totally agree that NEEEF should tackle significant redistributive measures in order to offer much hope for struggling Namibians rather than just empowering the already empowered. What is needed is a programme that is about redistribution of skills, resources and wealth. The authorities should never sell this NEEEF idea as a quick way to riches without too much effort. For NEEEF to succeed it must be done in an orderly manner and help level the playing field by drawing the black majority into all levels of the economy, including as employers and supervisors. It is high time that something is done to address past imbalances.

Poverty ministry most secretive

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Poverty ministry most secretivePoverty ministry most secretive 0 The 2016 Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Transparency Assessment has ranked Namibia’s poverty ministry as the most secretive public institution in the country and expressed concern over a “culture of secrecy and incompetence” in some other public offices.

According to the report, journalists in Namibia still find it difficult to access information from most public institutions which leads to a delay in the provision of information that is in the public’s interest.

“Furthermore, the lack of quotable information from official government sources, especially related to corruption and poor service delivery, results in journalists having to rely on anonymous sources,” the report stated.

The report surveyed eight public offices including the National Council of Namibia, Ministry of Youth, National Service and Sport, Ministry of Industrial Trade and SME Development, Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, Ministry of Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Environment and Tourism and the Anti-Corruption Commission.

“Of the eight public institutions surveyed, only five had fully functional websites while two institutions have no website, while the third has a website that does not convey much information, except the physical address and contact details of their public relations officer and the person responsible for information communication technology,” it stated.

The report further recommended that public institutions should be more active on social media and regularly update their websites.

It highlighted that online platforms are influential and effective tools for information dissemination and direct interaction with the public on issues of national interest.

“Citizens are now progressively using social media, and public institutions should use this to their advantage, especially those who want reach the youth, who form the majority of the country’s population,” stated the report.

It also advised that there is a need that public relations officers and information officers to be proficient in giving timely information to the public when requested to do so.

“They seem to want to continuously pass on the request or task to another person. These officers should be trained in updating websites, including social media sites. Public institutions should consider investing in new communication tools that will allow the public access to information, regardless of where they are,” said the report.

It further pointed out that the public too, must hold public institutions accountable when they are refused information or ignored.

Mayor defends pay hikes

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Mayor defends pay hikesMayor defends pay hikesMayor Immanuel Wilfred from Walvis Bay has told media tha the increases in salaries at the town council are fully in line with the regulations. Walvis Bay public office bearer’s allowances ‘justified’ 0 Walvis Bay Mayor Immanuel Wilfred has assured the people of Walvis Bay that there will be no reckless disregard of the public purse.

His remarks come in the wake of recent media reports on anticipated increases in allowances and remuneration packages for Walvis Bay municipal councillors which he maintains might have been interpreted incorrectly.

A daily newspaper published an article citing a leaked memorandum dated 30 August which apparently indicated the approval of hefty monthly allowance increases amounting to millions of dollars annually, as well as new transport allowances for ten political office bearers serving on the town’s municipal council.

The mayor explained that the proposed new allowances will not be out of sync with those paid by local authorities in the same category.

He added that the CEO was tasked to review the total packages following an instruction by the chairperson of the council and the management committee, prompted by a number of reasons.

“The last increase came into effect on 1 July 2013 and no other increases were implemented since. In its current format the remuneration does not compensate elected office bearers appropriately.

They have to take unpaid leave from their places of employment and at times make use of their own or public transport to attend municipal activities.”

The mayor further explained that existing remuneration packages are not in line with the responsibilities and activities of councillors contained in the Act.

He emphasised that the current remuneration packages of Walvis Bay office bearers is significantly lower than that on other schedules of the Act.

For this reason, the mayor said, the administration submitted a proposal which has not been implemented yet for consideration by the full council and used the following criteria to determine proposed allowance increases: The annual staff salary increase was used as a fair benchmark for increasing the monthly allowances and the payment of a fixed cell phone allowance was found to be the best practise compared to buying phones for councillors and paying the monthly fees for calls made.

According to the leaked memorandum, the mayor will earn more than N$500 000 per year. His proposed new monthly allowance amounts to N$31 327. This excludes an N$18 000 (N$1 500 per month) allowance for cell phone use and N$82 000 a year (N$6 833 per month) in transport allowances.

Deputy Mayor Hilka Erastus will earn N$25 834 per month as a fixed monthly allowance and will receive N$1 500 for cell phone use and N$5 694 for her transport allowance. The councillors will receive the same amount for attending various meetings.

The chairperson of the Management Committee (MC) Tobias Nambala would earn about N$26 000 a month.

His transport allowance is set at N$6 264 per month.

MC members Paulus Kauhondamwa and Ndishoshili Nghilumbwa will receive N$23 088 per month in fixed allowances. Alternate MC member Saara Shailemo will get N$20 779 per month. The other five ordinary councillors will each pocket N$18 700 in allowances and N$4 555 for transport each month, as well as a monthly cell phone allowance of N$1 500.

Woman assaulted by man demanding sex

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Woman assaulted by man demanding sexWoman assaulted by man demanding sex 0 A woman at Ouzoroue village in the Epupa Constituency was allegedly physically assaulted by an unknown man during the morning hours of Wednesday.

Deputy Commissioner Rudolf Kanyetu confirmed the incident to Nampa on Wednesday. It is alleged the victim was walking alone when an unknown man approached her and threatened to kill her if she did not consent to sexual intercourse with him. When she refused, the suspect allegedly grabbed her by the arm and hair, and forced her to the ground where he assaulted her. The woman sustained serious injuries and was admitted to the Opuwo State Hospital. Her condition was reported as stable. Police investigation continues. The suspect, who is still at large, will be charged with attempted murder upon his arrest, Kanyetu said.

Indonesia and Namibia strengthen relations

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Indonesia and Namibia strengthen relationsIndonesia and Namibia strengthen relations 0 The Indonesian embassy in Namibia this week celebrated that country’s 71st Independence Day, during which it highlighted the strong bilateral relations that it shares with Namibia.

Speaking at the commemoration the Indonesian ambassador to Namibia, Eddy Basuki, said the two countries have maintained diplomatic relations for the past 25 years.

According to him Indonesia continues to assist Namibians with training in the fields of agriculture, aquaculture and diplomatic courses. Basuki added that Indonesia has also provided scholarships to young Namibians who want to study in that country.

Sixteen Namibian journalists visited Indonesia as part of a media trip titled ‘Wonderful Indonesia’.

Basuki said to mark the occasion of 25 years of diplomatic relations Indonesia decided to abolish visa requirements for Namibians who wish to travel to that country for 30 days.

He encouraged the Namibian community to take advantage of this facility and explore business opportunities with Indonesian counterparts.

He further elaborated on the economic situation in Indonesia, saying that the economy is still struggling to gain momentum following the global economic downturn.

He said the economy has stabilised somewhat and annual GDP growth is expected to stay within the 5% range.

“Our economic reforms have made all this possible allowing us to focus on economic growth and economic inclusivity. Should this progress become sustainable hopefully Indonesia’s economy could break into one of the world’s largest economies by the year 2030.”

Master list will cripple favouritism

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Master list will cripple favouritismMaster list will cripple favouritismMinister Sophia Shaningwa has demanded planning and structure from local authorities in the form of a master list for the distribution of land and houses. Shangingwa calls town councils to order 0 Urban and rural development minister Sophia Shaningwa has slammed favouritism in the allocation of land and houses which she says has caused disharmony in the distribution process.

Shaningwa said in order for town councils to effectively allocate houses and plots more transparently they should compile what she calls a ‘master list’.

Talking to Namibian Sun, Shaningwa said if town councils and municipalities establish a master list or database of the people who need houses or plots in their respective towns it will result in a smooth allocation process in the future.

Shaningwa explained that favouritism is one of the corrupt practices she observed that has created disharmony in towns. She said in some instances a person who applied for land 20 years ago still does not have land while people who can influence officials are given land immediately.

She said the idea of a master list surfaced when she was appointed as minister and she observed that a number of corrupt practices were rife in local authorities, especially in the allocation of houses.

Shaningwa said the problem of favouritism and nepotism had also surfaced during a number of stakeholder engagement meetings she held with community members countrywide adding that it was one of the major pitfalls of local authorities.

“I found it very unfair and this will not create the harmony we seek. Favouring others without following procedures is unlawful and it should not be tolerated,” the minister cautioned.

Shaningwa hailed Nkurenkuru Town Council for being the only town that has submitted their master list to her office so far and she also applauded Oshakati for its efforts in servicing and availing land to the residents at a reasonable price.

“I am encouraging all town councils and municipalities to establish a master list for the process of allocating houses effectively,” she urged.

Shaningwa said once the lists are submitted to her office, it becomes difficult for them to be altered to favour certain individuals. She further explained that the allocation of houses and land would be further determined by the affordability of the properties to the applicants.

“It is not automatic that if your name is first on the list, you will be the first to get a house but it will depend if you can afford it. If houses are available and they are way beyond your income level, the people who will be considered are those that are first on the list that can afford them,” Shaningwa explained.

The minister said her ministry is committed to address the housing situation which is one of the pressing issues the country is faced with.

Health ministry must explain spending

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Health ministry must explain spendingHealth ministry must explain spending 0 The Ministry of Health and Social Services has been ordered to explain its overspending of N$5.9 million, as well as 486 cases of outstanding subsistence and travel allowances amounting to N$1.7 million.

This is contained in the Auditor-General’s report dated 31 March 2015.

The report observed that there are differences between the approved original budget and the appropriation budget, and that should be explained by the accounting officer.

Other matters that were emphasised in the report were cash deficits and vehicle acquisitions.

According to the AG’s report the ministry’s accounting officer reported N$113 million spent on vehicles purchased during the year, yet the general ledger indicated an amount of N$145 million, which left an unexplained difference of almost N$31.5 million.

The ministry must also explain why it reported that 359 vehicles were acquired but the supporting documents provided for audit purposes showed that only 303 vehicles were bought.

The report also highlighted that the ministry reported 63 accidents costing an estimated N$1.4 million and 27 repairs costing N$529 319 during the financial year, while 50 vehicles valued at N$1 million were disposed of. Meanwhile, the minister’s office recorded an under-expenditure of N$4.1 million as a result of unpaid invoices of the government garage.

According to the report, the ministerial vehicles and that of the deputy minister are hired from the Government Garage, but invoices were not received on time.

The ministry’s Human Resources Management and General Services departments also underspent by N$18.5 million as a result of the number of Cuban doctors in Namibia dropping from 109 to 90.

The Policy, Planning and Human Resources Development department underspent by N$43 million as a result of a high number of resignations.

Scientists study northern aquifer

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Scientists study northern aquiferScientists study northern aquiferExploration of the vast groundwater source known as the Ohangwena II Aquifer is proceeding slowly but surely. Hasty drilling could ruin huge water source 0 A group of German and local scientists have started testing the Ohangwena II Aquifer but they warn that careless drilling could spoil the giant groundwater source.

Currently, a production well at Eenhana is being tested with the assistance of NamWater.

The well delivers a maximum yield of roughly 100 cubic metres (100 000 litres) per hour. The deputy director of geohydrology, Bertram Swartz, is the project coordinator.

The monitoring of the aquifer’s reaction will show the potential of this unique and immensely valuable resource.

The agriculture and water ministry estimates that the aquifer holds about 20 billion cubic metres of fresh water and has the potential to supply water to northern Namibia for the next 400 years.

“Once we are sure of a sustainable yield, we can start developing infrastructure and determine the costs thereof,” said agriculture spokesperson Margaret Kalo.

“There have been estimates but we will only know for sure once the aquifer is developed and supply has started. Monitoring of the aquifer’s movement will have to continue and therefore it is critical to have a good monitoring network.”

The project started in 2007 and will run until the end of May next year.

It is financially supported by the German Development Fund, the European Union (EU) and NamWater at a cost of N$25 million.

Information obtained from the EU revealed that after the aquifer was identified in Ohangwena, a groundwater hydro-census was conducted as a baseline study in 2007 to 2008, together with a transient electromagnetic (TEM) field survey that revealed potential freshwater horizons in the Ohangwena and Omusati regions.

Drilling campaigns were done between 2009 and 2010 and have verified the existence of a deep aquifer in the western part of the Ohangwena Region. Additional observation boreholes were drilled in 2011 to delineate the freshwater extent and to set up a groundwater monitoring network.

Preliminary results from extensive drilling campaigns, hydraulic tests, recharge calculations, water level and water quality monitoring revealed the huge potential of the Ohangwena II Aquifer (KOH II) for regional water supply.

Kalo said the aquifer stretches about 75km from the Ondobe Constituency towards the east and about 40km from the Angolan border to the south. It is part of the Cuvelai-Etosha Basin (CEB) - an extensive sedimentary basin which is part of the much larger Kalahari Basin covering parts of Angola, Namibia, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa.

The CEB is divided into six groundwater regions, based on geological units (Damara Sequence) and local occurrence (Kalahari Sequence).

One of the six regions is the Ohangwena Aquifer (KOH I and KOH II), a multi-layered, continuous porous aquifer system of the eastern Ohangwena and northern Oshikoto regions with a groundwater flow from Angola to the south.

The eastern part of the Ohangwena I Aquifer is being tapped through small-scale abstraction schemes for livestock and human consumption.

The newly discovered Ohangwena II Aquifer, which is being investigated in detail at the moment, underlies the brackish to saline western part of the Ohangwena I Aquifer. Careless drilling could, therefore, contaminate the fresh water with saline water.

Teacher accused of incest

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Teacher accused of incestTeacher accused of incest 0 A 46-year-old teacher accused of raping his daughter was denied bail by the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court last week.

The suspect, a teacher at Etapa Combined School in the Ohangwena Region, was arrested on 18 September. In order to protect the complainant, his name cannot be published.

The 14-year-old complainant reported the alleged rape to a neighbour, who called the police. Oshana Police Commissioner Rauha Amwele said the incident happened at the suspect’s home in the Shinime Shimvula location. Amwele said the case was postponed to 24 November for further investigation. A source who spoke to Namibian Sun on condition of anonymity said the girl was allegedly raped repeatedly on 17 and 18 September. The source said the girl ran to a neighbour’s house, who called her mother who lives in Windhoek.

The mother instructed the neighbour to report the matter to the police and the suspect was arrested.

The girl and her younger brother live with their father and stepmother, who teach at remote schools in the Ohangwena Region and apparently only return to Ondangwa on weekends.
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