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Rising crime hampers investment in tourism

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Rising crime hampers investment in tourismRising crime hampers investment in tourismGovt adopts tourism investment strategy Substantial investment projects are in the pipeline to increase tourist arrivals and their spending in Namibia. ELLANIE SMIT



Investment in the tourism industry is being hampered by crime and bureaucratic red tape in the issuance of visas and permits to tourists.

These are just some of the barriers cited by the tourism industry that Namibia needs to overcome if it intends to grow the sector further.

However, Namibia aims to undertake substantial investment projects in the sector to increase tourist arrivals and their spending in Namibia.

The Ministry of Environment and Tourism yesterday launched the National Sustainable Tourism Growth and Development Strategy (2016 -2026) and the National Tourism Investment Profile and Promotion Strategy.

Giving an overview of the two documents, the director of tourism and gaming, Sem Shikongo, said there is a lack of understanding of the tourism market, which results in unsustainable investments.

He said there is also a lack of information sharing and communication within the sector. “We do not talk to each other,” he said.

Shikongo said there is also no national marketing strategy focusing on priority tourism markets.

Other challenges are a lack of skilled people and the slow implementation of a policy on recognition of prior learning.

According to Shikongo, attracting investment in communal areas remains a major challenge because of land tenure concerns, communications challenges, cultural and traditional concerns, infrastructural development, lack of skills and training, lack of serviced land and the fact that ownership rights are not clear.

Shikongo said access to capital remains a critical challenge in the sector. “This is especially important for not only regulation, but also for the development sector.”

He said an assessment should be done of all the tax and levy regimes applicable in the sector and on this basis corrective measures should be proposed.

Shikongo said the aim of the new investment strategy is to attract more tourists and diversify tourism products.

Under this strategy certain key tourism investment projects have been identified. These include cruise tourism, tourism dry ports, regional convention centres, a state-of-the-art cyber building, film tourism, car testing, a regional airline and a strategic jet fuel supply centre.

Shikongo explained that the aim of the tourism dry ports is for towns to create spaces where all buses and taxis can stop, instead of different designated spaces for individual buses.

He said such spaces should offer coffee shops and restaurants for travellers. The same should be done with taxis travelling to the north.

Explaining the proposed “cyber building”, he said the aim is to have a regional headquarters in Windhoek to serve the IT sector. The plan is to attract the technology industry to Namibia as part of a multiplier effect of tourism. This could help Namibia become a critical player in the IT and other technology sectors in the region.

Shikongo said the film industry in Namibia is growing and the country should develop infrastructure for filmmaking or outsource to South Africa to benefit more from the sector.

With regard to car testing, he said the car industry is always looking for extreme environments to test new models, which Namibia has plenty of. Therefore the country should look into developing infrastructure for this.

Another proposed investment is a convention centre for hosting large international events.

The jet fuel supply across the country is a limiting factor and therefore investment in the supply of jet fuel is needed to meet the demand. It is proposed that such centres should be built in the southern, north-eastern and central northern parts of Namibia.

Tobacco answer to industrialisation – Utoni

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 Tobacco answer to industrialisation – Utoni Tobacco answer to industrialisation – Utoni JEMIMA BEUKES

Lands minister Utoni Nujoma believes a tobacco plantation will set Namibia on the path of industrialisation.

Commenting on the Namibia Industrial Development Agency Bill in the National Assembly on Tuesday, Nujoma said a tobacco plantation might not even need a lot of water and could therefore be established in the desert.

According to him Namibia must learn from the Cubans who are exporting Cuban cigars.

“Let’s look at some of these niche markets. The tobacco here is for those who want it, we can export it, and it is not for local consumption. You see you can industrialise if you use tobacco – specialisation,” he said.

Nujoma also suggested that Namibia consider large-scale exports of donkey products, including donkey hides, which according to him have medicinal properties.

“Donkey meat is a delicacy in China. The donkeys are considered a nuisance, one minister was even asking why we don’t eliminate the donkeys that are causing so many accidents,” said Nujoma.

He also said he would gladly approve applications for land as long as it is for development purposes, but conditions would be attached.

Nujoma’s suggestion of tobacco production comes months after an outcry over plans by businessman Armas Amukwiyu to set up a tobacco plantation in the Zambezi Region.

At the time health minister Bernard Haufiku slammed the idea and called on all health-conscious Namibians to join the fight against it.

Haufiku urged residents of the region to choose health over toxins.

Ex-Namcor boss not interested in Hardap job

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Ex-Namcor boss not interested in Hardap jobEx-Namcor boss not interested in Hardap job FRED GOEIEMAN

Some Hardap regional councillors are reportedly lobbying for the appointment of former Namcor managing director Sam Beukes in the vacant chief regional officer position.

The regional council has been without an administrator since last year, when the council decided not to renew the contract of former CRO Yvonne Boois.

A well-placed source privy to council affairs told Namibian Sun that there is ongoing lobbying among the region’s political leaders to appoint Beukes when the position is eventually advertised.

The chairperson of the Hardap Regional Council management committee, Edward Wambo, denied any knowledge of such lobbying.

He told Namibian Sun that they had not even discussed the vacancy yet, as the former CRO had in the meantime declared a labour dispute following the non-renewal of her contract.

“Once the dispute is resolved we will advertise the chief regional officer position and any candidate feeling competently qualified enough can apply,” he said. After that the appointment would be in the hands of the Public Service Commission.

Approached for comment this week, Beukes said he was not interested in the position, adding that he was unaware that councillors were lobbying for his appointment.

“I was never approached by anybody and even if there are speculations of lobbying I am not aware of it. It is news to me. Besides that, even if I am approached, I am not interested, I have other things to do,” Beukes said.

Beukes was found guilty of gross financial mismanagement and neglect of fiduciary duties as the boss of Namcor, which led to his dismissal in November 2011.

The current acting chief regional officer, Tessa Basson, said she was also unaware of any immediate plans to fill the vacancy.

“I am not aware of any discussion about someone earmarked or a resolution taken by the Hardap Regional Council on plans to fill the position,” Basson said.

Rain on the horizon

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Rain on the horizonRain on the horizon Chances of rain over much of Namibia are favourable for the next few days.

According to Elias Aiyambo, forecaster at the Namibia Meteorological Service (NMS), rain prospects are promising until the weekend.

“We may get some sporadic showers over the central parts, central north and Hardap Region,” he said.

NMS chief forecaster Odillo Kgobetsi added that rain is also expected in the east of the country. The rain is expected to spread to the northwest by Friday and towards the southeast by the weekend.

“The first week of November also looks promising for more rain and thunderstorms,” Kgobetsi said.

Temperatures will remain high in most places, Kgobetsi added.





JANA-MARI SMITH

NMH to be restructured

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NMH to be restructuredNMH to be restructuredEmployee share scheme coming Stimulus Investment Limited is disposing of some of its shares in Namibia Media Holdings to allow a management share-incentive scheme. Namibia Media Holdings (NMH), which publishes the daily newspapers Namibian Sun, Republikein and Allgemeine Zeitung, will be restructured in a move that will allow management and staff to acquire shares in the group.

Stimulus Investment Limited, which has a 100% shareholding in NMH, will dispose of 20% of the printing and publishing operations to NMH CEO Albe Botha as a means of management buy-in.

Stimulus chairperson Josephat Mwatotele announced this in a statement.

“Stimulus is further committed to engage management and staff of NMH with a management and staff share-incentive scheme,” he said.

“The restructuring will add value for the group through a focused approach aimed at enhancing market share and operational efficiencies, as well as aligning the interests of management and staff with that of Stimulus.”

Three operational focus areas have been introduced that will see publishing operations trading as Namibia Media Holdings (Pty) Ltd and printing operations trading as Newsprint Namibia (Pty) Ltd, while a property operation has also been introduced.

Apart from publishing Namibian Sun, Republikein and Allgemeine Zeitung, NMH also owns three community newspapers, namely Erongo, Windhoek Express and Ewi lyaNooli.

Recently, the group acquired 65% of Intouch Interactive Marketing to enhance its digital marketing engagement with readers and advertisers.

Last week, FNB Namibia announced that it had concluded negotiations to acquire 100% of Pointbreak and EBank subject to regulatory approvals. Pointbreak owns 49% of Stimulus, and also 58.9% of Ebank. Pointbreak is a Namibian financial services group established in 1999, providing investment management and wealth management services for more than N$8 billion in third-party capital.

In 2014, the company became a founding member of EBank, a technology-focused lender that leveraged off a model allowing clients to open functional bank accounts from their mobile devices.

The parties said the partnership would enable, among other things, activation of FNB''s e-Wallet product to EBank''s client base, and in the longer term extend banking services beyond what current branch networks allow. As a result of the deal, FNB Namibia will indirectly own 39% of NMH through Stimulus and Desert Trading.



STAFF REPORTER

Brace for deep cuts

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Brace for deep cutsBrace for deep cutsAll eyes on mid-term budget review Economists expect significant cost-cutting measures when the minister of finance tables his mid-term budget review in parliament today. Finance minister Calle Schlettwein is expected to deliver his annual mid-term budget review in the National Assembly today.

The minister''s speech comes in the wake of a stern warning from international ratings agency Fitch in August about the country''s sustained ability to honour its debt obligations, as well as a generally deteriorating economic climate in the region.

At the first sign of government''s efforts to address identified issues such as its rising debt (now 38.2% of GDP) and a widening budget deficit (at 8.3% of GDP in 2015), Schlettwein in September announced an abrupt halt in government''s awarding of any new tender contracts.

Local economists surveyed by Namibia Media Holdings (NMH) this week suggested a number of additional measures expected to be announced today, including possible new taxes, recruitment halts and stern expenditure cuts.





“While this is a mid-term budget, and thus changes are likely to be less sizeable than in the full budget, we do expect to see some expenditure cuts and fairly sizeable expenditure reallocation,” said IJG-Securities'' head of research, Rowland Brown.

“These are challenging times for Namibia and the Ministry of Finance. A difficult balancing act is required. On the one hand, spending needs to be reduced so as to keep the budget deficit under control and maintain the country''s record of responsible fiscal management,” Brown said.

“However, should these cuts go too deep, long-term damage to the real economy could ensue,” he warned.

“The Minister will, to the best of his ability, try to allay concerns which have been raised by the ratings agencies,” suggested Ngoni Bopoto, economist at Namibia Equity Brokers (NEB).

“We believe it is necessary for the state to innovate and come up with new ideas and strategies which speak to both the near and longer-term government funding and economic growth prospects,” Bopoto said.

He said Namibia''s current dilemma was not entirely of its own making, seeing that rating agency downgrades of emerging market economies were expected to hit record-breaking levels this year.

“Both the South African and Namibian economies, like their emerging market peers, will remain subject to ratings scrutiny as agency assessments most likely deteriorate,” Bopoto said.

One area where analysts agreed government pronouncement was needed was in the future of the country''s state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and plans to better position these within their respective industries.

“We would appreciate greater mention of strategies to commercialise select SOEs and increased effort to improve coordination between the various organs of state, and policy directives – which would go a long way towards securing private sector buy-in, and therefore catalyse the economy towards achieving its long-term development objectives,” Bopoto said.

Other possible interventions suggested by Simonis Storm Securities'' (SSS) Purvance Heuer were the possible introduction of government''s promised ''solidarity'' tax on the wealthy, a presumptive tax on small and medium enterprises (SMEs), introduction of early retirement plans and recruitment halts in the public service, partial listing of certain SOEs, and an independent revenue agency.

“Globally, tax rates are still some of the highest in Namibia, so it will be hard to raise taxes,” Heuer said.

“We think the minister will give a reassuring speech… that will instil further confidence in Namibia, and a hard line towards spending cuts.

“The main message will be to ensure and restore stability in Namibia”.

Namibia loses its competitive edge

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Namibia loses its competitive edgeNamibia loses its competitive edge Namibia''s plan to become Africa''s most competitive economy by 2020 took a hit this week, with the latest Doing Business report showing that the country has dropped seven places in the overall ranking.

Namibia dropped from 101st place in last year''s edition to 109th spot in the 2017 Doing Business report, which ranks business efficiency in 190 countries. Namibia is at 11th place among African countries, compared to ninth position a year ago. Mauritius, 49th in the overall ranking, is the current top competitor in Africa. Kenya and Lesotho overtook Namibia this year.

“The fall by seven places does not augur well for Namibia''s hopes of meeting the Harambee target of being the top African country in the rankings by 2020,” said the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR). IPPR director Graham Hopwood said the government should take the report seriously, noting that it is “more objective than some of the other perception-based surveys about the Namibian business climate.” He said the report is based on actual experience of how long various business procedures take in the country.

“The single window for business services has been on government''s policy agenda for ten years, yet we are still only talking about introducing the first phase in 2018. In order to see a quicker turnaround in Namibia''s ranking this target should be moved forwards,” he said.

He explained that a “single window”, which reduces the number of procedures in obtaining various permissions and licences, would go a long way towards improving Namibia''s performance in this ranking.

The annual Doing Business report sheds light on how easy or difficult it is for a local entrepreneur to open and run a small to medium-size business when complying with relevant regulations.





The survey also measures and tracks changes in regulations affecting 11 areas in the life cycle of a business, the categories of which are used to produce the overall ranking.

One of the areas in which Namibia received low scores is the first category: the ease of starting a business.

Namibia scored 170th out of 190 countries in this category, one of its worst rankings in the report.

The report states that starting a business in Namibia takes 66 days and requires on average 10 procedures.

Another blow for the country''s overall performance is the 174th ranking on the ease of registering property. The data collected indicated that registering a property requires eight procedures, takes 52 days and costs 13.8% of the property value.

Categories in which Namibia received higher scores include the ease of getting credit, construction permits and paying taxes.

Globally, Namibia achieved 62th place for ease of obtaining credit, 74th place for paying taxes, and 67th for obtaining construction permits.

Ease of trading across borders placed the country at 127th place, enforcing contracts at 98th and resolving insolvency at 97th place.

Protecting minority investors put Namibia 81st in the global ranking.

The annual Doing Business report, now in its 14th year, investigates regulations that enhance business activities and those that constrain it.

The coveted top spot this year was awarded to New Zealand, with Singapore in second place and Denmark in third.

Pastor's shady dealings laid bare

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Pastor's shady dealings laid barePastor's shady dealings laid bare Pastor Moussongela Marcelino Pedro of the Mennonite Church was yesterday at pains to explain a number of inconsistent statements he had made during his bail hearing on charges of rape, abortion and human trafficking.

Pedro, who was cross-examined by prosecutor Dollen Gowases, changed his version of the story he told the court on Monday.

At the beginning of the week, Pedro told the Ondangwa Magistrate''s Court that he was a 55-year-old man and that he had entered the country in 1991 with his late wife for a visit.

However, yesterday he said he was 56 years old and that he entered Namibia with a woman friend, Linda Nangolo-Nakashololo. “When I first entered Namibia, I came through the Oshikango border post as a Mennonite church missionary accompanied by my friend Linda Nangolo-Nakashololo, whom I later married in 2000 after her husband passed on,” he said.

“We first settled at old Ongwediva. I had to tell immigration officers that I was coming as a visitor because that was the only way they could allow me to enter.”

Earlier in the week, Pedro had told the court that he had married his current wife – a Namibian citizen - Ndamonongheda Penehafo Pedro in 1994.

He claimed on Monday that they have been living in Eembidi in the Ondobe Consistency of Ohangwena Region.

Gowases put it to Pedro that documents he had signed when he applied for permanent resident status indicated that he first entered Namibia in 1989, 1990, 1991 and 2000.





“Which one must we believe? There is also evidence that you ever entered with late Nakashololo. You first met Nakashololo in 2000 after her husband died. She was your church member and you started visiting her at her house and workplace giving her counselling until you married her,” Gowases said.

“Shortly after getting married, Nakashololo resigned from her job in the Ministry of Justice. You sent her to Canada under the impression that she was going to study theology. When she arrived in Canada she realised there was no truth in the whole issue and her passport was confiscated by the authorities. You also sent her children out of the country.”

Pedro denied the State''s version, asking the prosecutor to provide proof. Pedro told the court that he has seven children, but refused to say anything on their whereabouts since he has a pending case concerning them in the Ohangwena Region.

Gowases argued that Pedro brought three children from Angola and provided them with Namibian birth certificates. The birth certificates indicated that he had fathered them with Namibian women, Gowases told the court.

Pedro admitted that he sent five of his children to London with a foreigner without their mothers'' consent. He also confirmed that these children were found in the street and were placed in foster care.

Pedro''s cross-examination will continue from 12 to 14 December. Before that he will first appear in the Katutura Magistrate''s Court on 29 and 30 November on similar charges.



ILENI NANDJATO

Opposition walk out of parliament

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 Opposition walk out of parliament Opposition walk out of parliament DTA leader McHenry Venaani and some other members from the opposition staged a walkout in the National Assembly a while ago after deputy speaker Loide Kasingo refused to allow the debate on phosphate mining to continue in the house. This follows after fisheries minister Bernhardt Esau had delivered a ministerial statement on the issue. Finance Minister Calle Schlettwein has now taken to the podium to deliver his mid-term budget review.

Economy under threat despite budget cuts

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  Economy under threat despite budget cuts Economy under threat despite budget cuts Finance Minister Calle Schlettwein has announced that the 2016/17 national budget will be cut by N$5.5 billion to help government reduce expenditure and cut deficit.
The expenditure cuts have been predicted by many given the precarious economic situation the country finds itself in.
Delivering his mid-term budget review in the National Assembly this afternoon, Schlettwein said spending cuts were urgently needed due to the downward revision in budget revenue estimates of about N$6.23 billion.
“This is a necessary collective course of action and each and every single budget vote has contributed to this objective,” he said.
“The Namibian economy has never before been in such
a precarious situation.”
Out of the N$5.5 billion freed-up funds, Schlettwein wants to save N$4.5 billion, while spending the remaining N$1 billion on urgent priorities.
The allocations are as follows:

N$350 million for Neckartal Dam
N$150 million for drought
N$150 million to orphans and vulnerable children
N$50 million for visa stickers
N$100 million for Mass Housing
N$100 million to Unam
N$100 million to NUST

Read full story in tomorrow’s Namibian Sun

Tjongarero sympathises with football crisis

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Tjongarero sympathises with football crisisTjongarero sympathises with football crisis The deputy minister of sport, Agnes Tjongarero, has expressed dismay at the situation faced by the football fraternity.

In an interview with Namibian Sun Tjongarero said the situation faced by football is a bad one, but also warned against having a single sponsor.

The deputy minister said she had requested a breakfast meeting last year so that she could speak to the private sector but that has not happened.

“My idea when I asked people to organise a breakfast meeting was to talk to the private sector to pump in money but that did not happen and that is the unfortunate part because then in 2015, NPL was in a very good position to negotiate.

“Now they are not in any position to negotiate with anybody because you are lying down there and anybody can say I will give you N$50 and you just grab because now you are in a desperate situation and that is the unfortunate part,” she said.

She further indicated that even if someone wants to go negotiate, “we are not at an equal footing with whomever and it is very bad for us”.

Tjongarero said it is time to do away with having a single sponsor.

“I do not know if we have to change the culture because I don''t know how to change that, but change the sport culture in Namibia because you get a sponsor now then you are satisfied.

“In other countries, even in South Africa, one event would have so many sponsors but for us when you get one then you think you are satisfied, come on… We must start looking for more sponsors; get as many as you can while you are in a good position.

“Now MTC was the only one there for the premier league and because of what has happened there we are, nobody else, why? We have to change that culture of just having one sponsor and go out and look for as many as you can,” she stressed.

KAINO NGHITONGO

Driven by ambition, discipline

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Driven by ambition, disciplineDriven by ambition, disciplineKhomas NamPol netball team eye dominance The Khomas NamPol netball team are determined to shake up the code next year. The Khomas NamPol netball team are determined to continue their upward trajectory, even though their first team''s activities have come to an end.

Having been established last year, the team have made tremendous progress since then.

With two sides, one playing in the Khomas First League and another in the Social League, the Khomas NamPol netball players are spoilt for choice.

The first team won the league, which resulted in them being promoted to play in the Khomas Premier League next year.

They have also won a number of tournaments, which gave the team management confidence that more success can be expected next year.

“We won the NamPol national champions and having won the First League, we will now play in the Premier League. We are also in the running to win the Social League so it is clear that our teams are quite competitive,” the team''s captain, Lourentia Janee Tjiroze said.



Challenges

But while the team has been doing well, it was not a walk in the park because they struggled to get used to playing on a higher level this year.

“The competition was high and we encountered strong opponents,” Tjiroze explained.

Other challenges included player absenteeism due to work commitments.

“But that is something we are working on because our superiors are quite understanding,” added Commissioner Mbandeka, who is the team''s manager.

The team is coached by Chief Inspector Gontes with Inspector Simaho deputising.

To help with fitness the team recruited national 400m athlete Ernst Narib, who is also in the police force.

Sergeant Khariseb, who acts as the team''s designated driver, completes the management team.

Plans

The team yesterday received a visit from Deputy Inspector-General Des Shilunga as a sign of support for their activities.

“It is good that you guys continue to keep busy and I hope you will make sure to win,” he told the players.

As part of their plans for next year, the team is considering taking a regional trip to play teams from South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe.

“We want to make sure we give these young players as much exposure as possible,” Mbandeka said.

They are also targeting to win the police national championship, which would see some of the players qualifying to represent Namibia at the SARPCCO Games next year.

“There are a lot of potential national team players in the team,” said Tjiroze.

The team trains three times a week, from Tuesday to Thursday, at the Israel Patrick Iyambo Police College.

“We want to thank everyone that supported us this year and hope that will grow next year,” concluded Mbandeka.



HECTOR MAWONGA

Night race to warm up Desert Dash racers

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Night race to warm up Desert Dash racersNight race to warm up Desert Dash racers A the countdown continues, the organisers of the Nedbank Desert Dash have exciting news.

“In preparation for 10 December, we''ve decided to amp up the experience prior to the official race.

“For those who reside in Namibia and Windhoek specifically, we will stage a warm-up race at The Grove Mall on Tuesday, 8 November, which is precisely four weeks prior to the Dash itself and a perfect time for one of your last long rides,” says Leander Borg, official race organiser of the Desert Dash.

The event takes place from 18:00 to 24:00 with a route of one kilometre in and around the Grove Mall and up and down the various parking levels, which is completely safe for anyone who wishes to take part.

“In addition to this, we''ve made provision for children as well and have negotiated with some of the restaurants to be open for business as well as provide entertainment.

“We would also like to announce that Air Namibia has partnered with the Desert Dash.

“We''ve decided to raffle off some of the tickets to Frankfurt and Cape Town/Johannesburg routes as lucky draws at both the start and finish lines at the official race.

“But, more importantly, Air Namibia will also transport a racer''s bicycle free of charge should you decide to travel with them.

“This is not a race, it''s simply an opportunity to do a long ride with fellow riders, time to test your lights, legs and cycling equipment. Our timing system will be set up so that we can count how many laps and distance you have done.

“We''re quite impressed to see so many of the cyclists on the road in the early hours of the morning and even late at night. It''s evident that participants are committed in their training schedules. As for the athletes abroad, we trust that preparations are in full swing,” Borg adds.

The good news is that the longer rides will feel easier on your cardiovascular system after those tougher training sessions off the saddle. The night race also allows cyclists to connect with one another by being part of a larger community.

Many people agree that you feel a sort of kinship with one another when you''re on the road, battling it out there in the same way. Once more it''s an opportunity to try out and practice skills aimed towards road biking as well.

SPORT REPORTER

'We are here to stay'

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'We are here to stay''We are here to stay'Salute Boxing announces next bonanza Bethuel Uushona will get another chance to become a world champion following an announcement from Salute Boxing. Salute Boxing Academy yesterday announced that they are getting ready to host a fight card on 3 December at the Ramatex Building in Windhoek.

This will be the first bonanza hosted by the academy since their suspension from promoting fights was lifted by the Namibia Professional Boxing Control Board last month.

It will be the fifth event staged by Salute Boxing since its inception.

Speaking at a press conference, the academy''s spokesperson Fredrich Nghiyolwa said their latest endeavour is an indication of their intention to make an impact in Namibian boxing.

“We are back and we are ready to roll,” he said.

“We will be here for long in the boxing fraternity. You must write that,” he urged.

The academy was suspended in June following reports of violence directed at boxing officials during a bonanza held in Walvis Bay.

But that suspension was lifted in September and the academy is now determined to continue.

“We all now know that suspension was a wrong decision,” said Kiriata Kamanya, Salute Academy''s chairperson.

“We will try to host again and this time we are bringing fights to the capital,” he added.



Second chance

Bethuel ''Tyson'' Uushona will fight in the main bout in another attempt at claiming the WBF welterweight world title.

The Namibian fought for that title against Russia''s Deniz Ilbay in Walvis Bay in June, but lost on a split decision.

It is that decision that sparked the commotion that led to the suspension of Salute Boxing.

According to Nghiyolwa, the academy wrote to the WBF to dispute the outcome of that fight, resulting in the global body ordering a rematch.

But Ilbay opted not to fight Uushona again, which meant that the Russian had to vacate the title.

“So Uushona will fight for the WBF world title again because the other guy did not honour the directive for a rematch,” Nghiyolwa explained.

A number of other fights are scheduled for 3 December.

Fighters likely to fight on the night include Joseph ''Smokey'' Hilongwa, who also acts as a matchmaker for Salute Academy, Albinus ''Danny Boy'' Felesianu, Lukas ''The Demolisher'' Ndafoluma, Amos ''Heavy Duty'' Enkala and Nathanael ''Iron Fists'' Sebastian.

The final line-up and ticket prices will be announced shortly.

HECTOR MAWONGA

Rosberg blocks out title talk in Mexico

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Rosberg blocks out title talk in MexicoRosberg blocks out title talk in MexicoTough weekend ahead for Hamilton A victory in Mexico City on Sunday, coupled with Hamilton failing to score, would leave the German enjoying an unassailable lead of 51 points. Nico Rosberg plans to block out all thoughts of a possible maiden title triumph and focus on sticking to his singular and simple approach when he bids to claim his 10th win of the year in this weekend''s Mexican Grand Prix.

The 31-year-old, who will become champion if he wins and Mercedes teammate and title rival Lewis Hamilton fails to score a point, has said he is aware of all the equations and possible outcomes.

But, he stressed, he will aim only to keep things simple and concentrate on repeating his victory of last year when Formula One returned to the noisy and atmospheric Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez for the first time since 1992.

In front of a packed crowd that day, Rosberg eased some of the pain from losing out to Hamilton in the title race by securing a well-judged victory.

Something similar coupled with another Hamilton retirement would see him take the Englishman''s crown on Sunday night.

“Of course I''m aware of that,” he said. “It''s an obvious calculation which everybody is telling me and it''s great, but the approach is keep it simple - just look for the race win.”

Rosberg will arrive in Mexico with a 26-point lead over Hamilton in the title race and three races remaining.

That means that if he wins he will increase his tally to an unassailable advantage of 51 if the three-time defending champion is undone by another engine failure, poor start or other mechanical problem.

For Hamilton, and his race team of Mercedes mechanics, the over-riding pressure, as it was during his flawless drive to victory in the United States Grand Prix in Texas, is to finish without any setbacks.

In the 18 events to date, he has been affected by at least three poor starts, five engine or engine-related mechanical problems, one race when he was penalised for his engine failures that required new power units and one crash, with Rosberg, in Spain.

Rosberg has also suffered misfortunes, but not to the same extent and many Hamilton supporters believe he has lost a minimum of 40 points as a result.

Some believe, also, that the law of averages will deliver at least another twist that may see Rosberg suffer a DNF (Did Not Finish).

Hamilton''s convincing win from pole position last weekend in Texas was his first in six races since July.

He said it has restored his confidence and he will do all he can, reliability permitting, in the final races.

“You don''t often get 100 percent reliability for a whole season,” he said.

“Will it be the case for Nico? Only time will tell, but I can''t get fixated on that.”

Hamilton said he has kept his motivation intact despite his poor run and was boosted by visiting the Mercedes factory in Britain before flying to the United States.

“I''ve tried to keep a positive mentality,” he said. “There are still points available, anything is possible. The moment you give up, that''s the moment you''re doomed. I''ve never given up all my life, I don''t plan on doing so now.”

Both Mercedes drivers know that they face a robust challenge from the Red Bull team who are confident they have reduced the champions'' advantage and can mount a serious bid for victory.

However, given the Mexican circuit''s long straight, Mercedes are expected to enjoy superior power and take advantage, but it is uncertain if that will be enough to allow their drivers a clear scrap for victory - and possibly the championship.

NAMPA/AFP

Penitent Mourinho humbled by Manchester United support

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Penitent Mourinho humbled by Manchester United supportPenitent Mourinho humbled by Manchester United support Jose Mourinho lauded Manchester United''s supporters after his team put the disappointment of their 4-0 humiliation at Chelsea behind them to sink Manchester City in England''s League Cup.

Sunday''s defeat at Chelsea, Mourinho''s former club, was United''s worst in the league for five years, but they bounced back to beat holders City 1-0 on Wednesday courtesy of Juan Mata''s 54th-minute goal.

Mourinho made a gesture of apology to United''s fans at the end - making a ''4-0'' symbol with his fingers and lowering his head - and said he had been moved by their backing.

“We were on a good run of results, but it was a big defeat,” said the United manager, whose side had gone six games unbeaten prior to coming off the rails at Stamford Bridge.

“(They are) numbers that the history of this club doesn''t deserve and when I''m in a club my heart belongs to the fans and I felt deeply for them. The reality is that I never had people like these ones.

“We lost 4-0 and they were supportive. Today the stadium was full of real support and it looks like the love people have for the club is bigger than bad results, bigger than three bad seasons.

“We must give something back. The players gave everything, but even if we''d lost the feeling was fantastic because the players showed they really care and they fought for the fans.”

Mourinho spoke to television reporters after the game at Old Trafford, but did not appear at his post-match press conference. United did not offer an explanation.

While Mourinho made just four changes to his starting XI, his opposite number, Pep Guardiola, made nine.

Both teams disappointed in a drab first half, but it was United who seized the advantage after the break, with Mata sweeping home Zlatan Ibrahimovic''s low cross after Paul Pogba had hit the post.

City captain Vincent Kompany, one of only two players to keep his place from Sunday''s 1-1 draw against Southampton, was substituted at half-time.

The Belgian centre-back has been dogged by injuries in recent seasons and Guardiola said he had not felt able to play on.

“He told us he is tired and not ready to play the second half,” explained Guardiola, whose side beat Liverpool on penalties in last season''s final prior to his arrival.

“The important thing is after two years (repeatedly) injured, he played three days ago 70 minutes, today 45 and no injuries.

“That is a good step, the first step. After we have to see. He felt not good, knowing what happened in the past.”

Guardiola has now gone six games without victory for the first time in his managerial career, but he said he had “no regrets” about selecting a weakened team.

“Sometimes it happens in football the manager doesn''t win,” he said.

“It is the first time. OK, hopefully it does not happen again, but it is part of our profession. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose.”

Asked if he had learnt anything during his team''s slump, he replied: “The same as when we won 10 games in a row (at the start of the season).

“Every match is different. I need to analyse them all. Every team has streaks of good results and bad results. The strange thing is after seven years as a manager, it happens now.

“But we are still getting to know each other, still improving and we will (improve).”

United will host West Ham United in the quarter-finals.

NAMPA/ AFP

England to host 2021 World Cup

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England to host 2021 World CupEngland to host 2021 World Cup England has won the right to stage the 2021 World Cup, the Rugby League International Federation announced on Wednesday.

England, who hosted the event in 2013 when they reached the semi-finals, was chosen ahead of rival bidders the United States and Canada.

RLIF chief executive David Collier said: “England staged an outstanding World Cup in 2013 and have clearly outlined their vision for the 2021 World Cup as a world-class event eclipsing the attendances, reach and legacy of 2013.

“The bid details that the Rugby League World Cup will be the highlight of the international sporting calendar in England that year and RLIF looks forward to a great tournament.”

The 2017 edition is being held by defending world champions Australia, who claimed the crown in a 34-2 rout of New Zealand in the 2013 final at Manchester''s Old Trafford stadium.

The 2021 World Cup will be the largest since 2000, with 16 teams competing and 31 matches.

The Rugby Football League received £15 million ($18 million) from central government to support its bid and plans to stage 80% of games in Lancashire and Yorkshire.

It also proposed “showpiece fixtures” in London, the Midlands and the north-east of the country.

Officials say England scored heavily in its supporter base and government support, as well as in areas such as visas, security, international development and promotion.

The United States'' disappointment in missing out for 2012 will be tempered by the RLIF''s recommendation that the US should host the 2025 World Cup, as well as a separate international tournament in the run up to 2025.

The USA/Canada bid was submitted by Australian businessman Jason Moore, who runs the Sydney-based sports marketing and event management company Moore Sports International (MSI).

Collier noted: “The MSI USA/Canada bid provided the RLIF with an unprecedented opportunity to take rugby league''s pinnacle event, the World Cup, to the commercially lucrative and passionate sports audience of North America.

“The RLIF sees a great future for the sport in North America and has recommended that discussions with MSI are expedited to bring professional rugby league to North America as well as future international tournaments.”

NAMPA/AFP

Microsoft to raise enterprise prices

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Microsoft to raise enterprise pricesMicrosoft to raise enterprise pricesConsumer prices to stay the same Intended price hikes by Microsoft will come down hard on companies and government departments who have come to rely on the company''s cloud and software products. Microsoft plans to increase prices for some enterprise services by up to 22% in Britain following the plunge in the pound, likely hitting thousands of companies and government departments who rely on its cloud and software products.

Microsoft said it would increase prices for its enterprise software by 13% and for its cloud services by 22% from January 1 next year, becoming the latest tech company to raise fees in the wake of the vote to leave the European Union.

Britain''s shock vote on 23 June triggered the biggest one-day fall in sterling against the dollar and the pound is now down 18% against the US currency, prompting computer makers such as Apple, Dell and others to increase prices in Britain. The Bank of England has said it expects inflation to rise steadily over the next couple of years, overshooting its target of 2% and eroding household living standards. Long known for its Windows software, Microsoft has turned its focus to mobile and cloud computing in recent years, storing, managing and processing data for thousands of companies and public-sector providers across a range of sectors.

It said it would not change the prices on consumer services and would also not change prices for existing orders under price protection deals during the term of that agreement.

“We periodically assess the impact of local pricing of our products and services to ensure there is reasonable alignment across the region and this change is an outcome of this assessment,” Microsoft said on its blog.

It said the changes were similar to adjustments it had announced to pricing in Norwegian krone and Swiss franc in April.

A spokeswoman for the British Cabinet Office, which supports the overall running of government including the management of major contracts, said it worked to secure the best prices for taxpayers.

“Where we are made aware of proposed price changes for a specific supplier we will work closely with that supplier to identify ways to mitigate any increases in price,” the spokeswoman said.

NAMPA/REUTERS

DSTV Compact customers get value for money

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DSTV Compact customers get value for moneyDSTV Compact customers get value for money HALLOW-WHAT: Halloween is around the corner and DStv is delighted to bring some exciting news that will bring thrills and chills to our DStv Compact customers! From Friday 28 October at 18:00 CAT to Sunday 30 October at 23:59 CAT, three of our top premium channels, M-Net, M-Net Edge and Vuzu AMP will be available to customers - at no extra cost! This exciting announcement comes on the heels of MultiChoice’s latest initiative launched this week that will see more value, some exciting new channels and a variety of premium content added to DStv packages from 01 November. If you’re a DStv Compact customer, these channels will magically appear on your package, so you don’t have to lift a finger. So have a happy Halloween on us! For more information you can log on to www.dstv.com

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Namibian movie “The Hidden Skies” premiers

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Namibian movie “The Hidden Skies” premiersNamibian movie “The Hidden Skies” premiers THE HIDEN SKIES IN CINEMA: The story revolves around the two countries, Argentina and Namibia. Within it, Hermes is a character that will help us unite the different cultures and people. Hermes is an Argentinian living in a Damara village and talks to people in the language of the Damara, so complex and rich for its variety of sounds and tones, usually shown in documentaries. In the film there are no dialogues in English except some phrases when strictly necessary. Hidipo is a wise old Himba man, who guides Hermes to discover healing through sound and music. Theo (Gift Uzera) is a young man who attends to Hermes in the Damara village. Hage is the spiritual head of the village’s Damara people. This elderly man helps Hermes to keep to his path of “enlightenment” and growth. Hage always gives good advice to Hermes, but also he puts him to the test. Make sure not to miss out on this local production at the Maerua Mall Ster Kinekor Cinema on 4 November 2016 at 19:30. You are all welcome to come to the Red Carpet too!

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED
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