Uushona redeems himself

December 4, 2016, 2:00 pm

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Uushona redeems himselfSalute Boxing Academy wraps it for 2016 The Salute Boxing Academy''s last event for the year has seen Bethuel ''Tyson'' Uushona being crowned as the new WBF world champion. Bethuel ''Tyson'' Uushona stacked to his words of punishing his opponent Rafal Jackiewich as the two contended for the WBF Welterweight world title.

In what can be described as a bout of hard punchers, Uushona came out tops to be crowed the new world champion after 12 rounds.

The Namibian, who said he had been disappointed for some time in his boxing career, started off at a slow pace as he was caught with a hook in the first round that sent him to the canvas.

He however redeemed himself as he wasted no chance from the second round.

Uushona made sure every punch taken landed on his opponent''s face, who also responded with some hard punches.

The exciting bout never seemed to show any complacency from the two boxers, as they kept on building on the momentum round after round.

The crowd continued to cheer for Tyson but that did not deter the Polish fighter, who made it clear earlier that he came to show his skills and not for a holiday excursion.

After 12 rounds, Uushona emerged victorious as the judges scored the bout 118-109; 115-112 and 116-109.

His victory raises his record to 41 fights, 35 wins, five losses and one draw. Speaking to the media after his crowning, Uushona praised his talent, indicating that he knew from the onset that he caught a shot as he was the one that chose to fight Jackiewich.

“I knew what was at stake because the guy has a wealth of experience as he has fought all the best fighters in the world so I wanted to test myself after a while and so many disappointments, so now I am looking forward to the next fight,” he said.

He added that he also expected it to be hard fight and did what he was expected to do.

“In the first round when he caught me I was relaxed, maybe I underrated him so much as my trainer would always tell me to be very serious as he is a tough contender but I have been off for a while, he caught me, and he is good. Champions get down and get up and win the fight,” he said.

In the supporting bout, Lukas ''The Demolisher'' Ndafoluma won by unanimous decision against South African Walter Dlamini, while Albino Felesiano won by a technical knockout in the first round against Tebogo Kagiso from Botswana.

In another bout of hard punchers in the super bantamweight category, Joseph ''Smokey'' Hilongwa lost to South African Twizilondi Nepandoni by a split decision when the judges scored the bout 75-77, 78-74 and 75-77.

In other bouts, Nathanael ''Natty'' Kakololo won against Matheus Kandala, while David ''Opuwo Flash'' Shinuna drew with Johannes Niinkoti.

Nathanael ''Iron fists'' Sebastian beat Gabriel Imalwa, Vakufilapo ''Cowboy'' Nashivela beat Nuuyoma December, while Amos ''Heavy Duty'' Enkala beat Philip Swartbooi.

Jonas ''Braveheart'' Mateus won by a technical knockout against Thato Monabana from Botswana, while Immanuel ''Imms'' Joseph beat Joseph Matheus and Werner ''Matenda'' Tobias beat Sam Shama.

It was Salute Boxing Academy''s last boxing bonanza of the year.

KAINO NGHITONGO

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Giving credit where it's due

December 4, 2016, 2:00 pm

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Giving credit where it's due KAINO NGHITONGO



While so many of us were starting to question what is to be done for our Namibian boxers to start winning outside the country again, Julius Indongo has just proven to the nation that all hope is not lost.

It has come as a surprise to the Russians I know but to a Namibian, one would say we knew what he is able to do.

After watching the fight of Jeremiah Nakathila and as one of the people that felt that was an unfair judgement as Nakathila deserved to win that bout, I was a little bit in fear of what would happen to Indongo.

The Blue Machine, as he calls himself, stepped into that ring as the underdog but was full of confidence, and within seconds he got the Russians biting off their fingers in anger at what had just happened.

Now what our very own son of the soil has done is what we call ruining a party, especially having your very first professional fight outside your country and that is what you deliver. It deserves more than just a round of applause.

What is exciting is not only the fact that he is now our world champion but the way and style in which he finished the Russian with that well-taken shot that his opponent could not recover from quickly enough.

Indongo has not only restored the hope in sport lovers that our boxers can still deliver away from hope but has shown to the world that Namibia continues to produce world-class boxers.

We often go by without recognising the hard work done by the promoters and the trainers especially.

What we have seen now is the work of a team that was determined and eager to prove the nation that losing one fight in Russia last month did not mean that we would continue losing the rest.

Like it has been said, hard work always pays off and what the Sunshine Academy has achieved is testimony to that.



Tyson Uushona

This is another boxer that deserves a pat on his shoulder for the kind of fight he managed to put up against his Polish opponent.

After hearing how he expressed his anger of being disappointed in the past and trying to relate to the pain he is feeling, what Uushona did on Saturday was really a redemption.

They often say one has to fail here and there before they pass and what Uushona has achieved to be crowned as the new IBF welterweight world title is testimony that he has indeed failed and has not got himself up and is now shining.

We can never shy away from the mistakes and blunders made by boxers here and there as well as their promoters but what should remain as the core value here is that whatever is done in boxing is for the upliftment of boxing.

Having bagged three world titles in one day is worth a big celebration and as we rejoice and praise the two world champs, let that be done in unity and in peace and let us always remember the power of sports.

We have a wealth of talented boxers in the country and we cannot afford to destroy or allow these passionate boxers to suffer because of infighting between promoters.

Boxing can only get where we really want it to be when we all work towards the same vision.

The boxing fraternity in this country has made strides all over the world and all that we can do is show the world that Namibian boxers are indeed born to be champions.

Dear boxers, I will take my cowboy hat off to you all, for enduring the hard punches at times, at times come to terms with the results ruled against you and mostly rejoicing for always putting up a great show.

Continue shining, and Namibians will continue praising you all for the great achievements.

Big ups to the two champions, Blue Machine and Tyson. I salute you!



kaino@namibiansun.com

Facebook comments

December 4, 2016, 2:00 pm

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Facebook comments Namibia''s Julius ''Blue Machine'' Indongo remained the undefeated champion when he claimed the IBF and IBO Junior Welterweight world titles on Saturday in Russia. Here is how you congratulated the champion: Ahty Nestor: Until one Namibian achieves the status of Mike Tyson in boxing I still don''t see whether as a country we are moving forward in this sport or we remain in the middle of this game God knows till when, but congratulations.



Joao Paulo Nunes Pedreiro: Give credit where credit is due!! We need to stand together and support our sportsmen and women in Namibia. Proud of Julius!! Well done!! Great fight!!



Vicky Kafita: Congratulations brother you deserve a plot in Klein Kupper.



Queeny Tulikefo Elizabeth Simon: Well done my brother!



Puye Angula: Congrats bro! We are proud of you, It''s time for the Namibian boxers to just prepare for the KOs because it is unlikely for one to win on points in a foreign country.



Martha Joseph: I like boxers that are always passing at our founding president and the father of nation when they are going to fight outside because they never disappoint him for they have his blessings. ...congratulation Julius Indongo and always pass to the elder when you have such an event… Waiting for you at Hosea Kuutako Airport.



Brendon Beukes: Congrats and we''ll done Julius so happy that you won and put Namibia on the map again in world boxing. Remain humble and the sky limit God bless you brother!



Haixuna Joseph: Wow in the first round... Job well done at least the Russian guy did test how defeated look like especially a knockout from Julius Indongo from the land of the brave…



Pendukeni Petrinah Tobias: Thank you very much Indongo keep it up I am happy to see you holding that belt in that way you have indeed kept Namibia shining.



Sean-k Sean: The whole world already knows who you are. Winning the two world titles isn''t a small achievement; even winning one is a huge accomplishment. Hope you keep defending them because you are a super-star in making, keep making Namibians proud.



Hisky Mululu: It''s good to do something amazing like this Indongo; this is not just for your benefit but for all Namibians. Keep it up my man.



Manuel Kahupi: I am proud of you Mr.Indongo that is just a job well done .Namibia is happy and well known because of you guys..., Thanks.



Erastus Anguku: Congrats the warrior it''s a rare occasion for a Namibian to win a world title in foreign countries. Viva Nestor Sunshine Academy...



Estee Lauder Kainderera: In boxing, if you win in a country of not your origin then you are a champ. Congrats Indongo, Proud of you.



David D Moss Moses: Knocking out the knock-out specialist, a test of his own medicine…



Emilia Naitsuwe: With Blue Machine you will never regret....keep it up my boy....



Shapaka Sharpless Sharpless: Where is Meroro the beast? I believe he wouldn''t like to hear anything about Russia....congrats the machine…



Eliud Kabox Rumeta: Well done blue Machine you are the only Namibian boxer currently beating European boxer keep it up…



Nestor Kambonde: Congratulation Mr: Blue Machine Indongo, continue to be a champion again…



Juuso Amulungu: Ow my goodness… job well done my brother Indongo the fourth world champion in Namibia!



Penda Iyambo Congratulations my brother Indongo, keep it up the good work.



Immz Joao: Congratulations for him to be the world champion good luck for the next bound.



George Ndaoya: Congratulations brother, you stole the show and showed them that you are form the land of brave.



Edelberth Sivhute Katamba: Great stuff, congrats to all involved and to the great champ!!!!!



Hilde T Indongo: Now your opponent will think that you re a “machine” not just a name..... Good lesson…



Liina Ellyndeshy: Congratulations my brother. Thank you for making Namibia shine and we proud of you. Keep it up!



Joseph Nghifikepunye Hanghome: Praise the lord my brother. Our help is in the lord who made heaven and earth. Well done Indongo.



David G Tix: Greatest work goes to those who deserve it!!! Keep on doing what you have just done my brother…



Hanhindi Kristophin: Thank you God for make everything possible for him and congratulation to the man himself Indongo, keep it up man.



Sam Vusu Mwandingi: Congratulations Julius, Winning by a knockout is not easy, so keep it up.



Magano Willy: Congratulations our hero well done we feeling proud because of you God bless you my love!



Maria Shuuveni: Congratulation Julius to be the champion man I salute you....viva NAMIBIA



Eden Gardner: Forget soccer, this is the land of the brave... We box here, pound for pound no what and what.

Pic of the week

December 4, 2016, 2:00 pm

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Pic of the week PHOTO: NAMPA/AP



KILLER PUNCH: Namibia''s Julius Indongo, left, knocks out Russia''s Eduard Troyanovsky during their light junior welterweight title bout in Moscow, Russia, on Saturday. Indongo took IBF and IBO light welterweight titles by knocking out the reigning champion Troyanovsky with a left hook 40 seconds into the fight.

Indongo wins IBF and IBO world titles

December 4, 2016, 2:00 pm

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Indongo wins IBF and IBO world titlesFirst-round knockout gives Namibian victory Namibian Julius ''Blue Machine'' Indongo has wrapped up the year in style, winning two world titles in Russia. In a massive upset Julius ''Blue Machine'' Indongo stunned Russia and the world when he knocked down the highly rated double world champion Eduard Troyanovsky in his own backyard.

In what can be defined as one the greatest upsets in boxing history, Indongo knocked Troyanovsky down within 40 seconds of the first round, blasting him stone cold with a single winging shot to claim both the IBF and IBO Junior Welterweight world titles and leaving the crowd silent and in disbelief.

This victory rewrites Namibia''s boxing history, as Indongo became the first Namibian to hold world titles from two different sanctioning bodies at the same time.

Indongo went into the fight as the underdog, but was full of confidence and had the best technical preparation.

This victory leaves him undefeated, and an instant boxing hero.

“I thank the almighty God for this victory, my MTC Sunshine Team, Nestor Tobias, everybody in my corner and who helped with the preparations, my sponsor MTC and everybody who supported me throughout my career. I am humbled, and Namibia became victorious, not just me,” said an excited Indongo.

The 33-year-old Indongo now boasts a record of 21 undefeated fights, with 11 straight knockouts.

He is Namibia''s fourth major titleholder following Harry Simon, Paulus Moses and Paulus Ambunda.

Promoter Nestor Tobias could not contain his joy. “This is history in the making, we are extremely overjoyed, we came here and nobody gave us a chance, all boxing experts predicted this to be an easy fight,” he said.

“We are coming home with both belts and wish to thank our sponsor MTC for allowing us to make the connection to two world title belts, and of course King Lager too,” he said.

The team is expected to arrive back in Windhoek this morning, and will head straight to a victory press conference at a venue yet to be announced.

Meanwhile, IBF Africa president Onesmo Ngowi has congratulated Indongo.

“Namibia has reason to celebrate the great leap in the boxing industry after its beloved son Julius Indongo shocked the world by knocking out Russian and former IBF world champ Eduard Tryoyanovsky last night,” he said.

“IBF Africa takes this special and rare moment to congratulate the new champion of the world Indongo for the greatest achievement.

“Indongo will go down in history as the first ever Namibian IBF champion of the world, setting a path for his countrymen and women to follow,” he said.

Ngowi also congratulated Tobias, “who has built Namibian professional boxing industry from scratch just a decade ago and is competing with major boxing powerhouses like South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania and Nigeria.”



KAINO NGHITONGO

Gambia's political transition begins after election shock

December 4, 2016, 2:00 pm

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Gambia's political transition begins after election shock The Gambia''s President-elect Adama Barrow was to hold talks with his coalition Saturday to plot his transition to power, following a shock election victory that ended the 22-year rule of Yahya Jammeh.

The scenes of jubilation on the streets after the results were released on Friday gave way to a calm but buoyant mood in the capital Banjul as horse-trading got under way behind closed doors.

Barrow was to meet with the seven opposition party leaders and one independent who make up the coalition team that propelled him to power on Thursday.

He will then hold talks with Ibn Chambas, the UN''s representative for west Africa, as expectation grows that he will put together for a reform-led administration which will reverse some the Jammeh regime''s policies that have isolated The Gambia internationally.



''Clear victory''

Barrow has pledged to rejoin the International Criminal Court and the Commonwealth, both institutions which Jammeh railed against and withdrew the country from, to the dismay of many.

Jammeh has 60 days to leave office, according to the constitution, but has promised Barrow will take over in January.

The strongman''s whereabouts are currently unknown after Gambian television broadcast an unexpected statement to the nation promising to step down in line with voters'' wishes.

Jammeh congratulated Barrow late on Friday for his “clear victory” in a jovial conversation that saw him joking about becoming a farmer in his hometown, with the exchange caught on film and broadcast.

It was a shock for many to see the strongman, who had promised to bury critics “nine feet deep” and whose regime has prosecuted peaceful protesters, calmly accept defeat.



''22 years is enough''

After late-night victory parties held by many Gambians to celebrate Jammeh''s departure after Barrow swept 45% of the vote in Thursday''s election, life was returning to normal.

Sulayman Drammeh, a dock worker, summed up the mood: “We are very happy. Twenty-two years is enough,” he told AFP at a Banjul market.

“That''s why Africa has a problem - if you come to power, you don''t want to move. We are all Gambians, so let''s come together to work,” Drammeh added.

The coalition will govern for three years with Barrow as its figurehead, after which elections will be held and he will step down in line with a memorandum signed by all the parties involved.

Greeting UN officials and working with the European Union on development plans will be a completely new experience for Barrow, a political novice who until Friday had never held office or even held a senior role within a political party.

'Eternal comandante'

December 4, 2016, 2:00 pm

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'Eternal comandante'Government will prohibit naming of streets or monuments after Fidel Castro in keeping with his desire to stop a personality cult developing. Raul vows to defend Fidel''s revolution Cuban President Raul Castro pledged Saturday to uphold his brother Fidel''s socialist revolution at a massive rally in honour of the communist icon before his burial.

Tens of thousands of flag-waving supporters recited the oath with Raul Castro at the Revolution Plaza of Santiago de Cuba, the cradle of Fidel''s guerrilla struggle.

“He demonstrated that yes we could, yes we can, yes we will overcome any obstacle, threat, turbulence in our firm resolve to build socialism in Cuba,” he said.

“In front of Fidel''s remains ... we swear to defend the fatherland and socialism,” said Castro, who took over when his brother fell ill in 2006.

“Fidel! Fidel! Until victory, always!” Castro said at the evening rally attended by a few foreign leaders, including Cuba''s leftist Latin American allies from Venezuela, Bolivia and Nicaragua, but also figures such as Argentine football legend Diego Maradona.

Capping a nine-day mourning period, Castro''s ashes were interred yesterday during a “simple” ceremony at Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, near the mausoleum of 19th-century independence hero Jose Marti, his brother said.

But Castro said that before dying at the age of 90 on November 25, his brother requested that no monuments or statues be erected in his honour, and that no streets or buildings be named after him.

Legislation will be presented at the next national assembly, which meets later in December, to fulfil his dying wish, Castro said.

“The leader of the revolution rejected any manifestation of a cult of personality,” Raul Castro said.

While he was an omnipresent figure in the lives of Cubans after taking power in 1959, Fidel Castro always opposed the construction of statues of his likeness and no streets or buildings are named after him in the country.

Castro''s death has fuelled speculation over the direction the country may take without the man who ruled for almost half a century and left behind a divisive legacy.

Tearful supporters have cheered him for the free education and healthcare he developed on the island, while detractors call him a brutal dictator who imprisoned dissidents and ran the economy into the ground.

After Fidel is laid to rest, all eyes will turn to Raul Castro''s next move.

While he pledged to defend the socialist revolution, the president has implemented modest economic reforms, vowed to step down in 2018 and restored diplomatic ties with the United States.

“No longer under the shadow of his older brother, Raul may now feel freer to pursue the modest economic reforms he initiated in the last decade,” said Jorge Duany, director of the Cuban Research Institute at Florida International University.

Castro has been hailed in almost religious terms since his death, with the communist party newspaper Granma calling him the “eternal comandante.”

A convoy carrying a cedar urn containing his ashes had arrived in Santiago earlier in the day following a four-day, 900-kilometre funeral procession across the country.

Children in school uniforms, veterans in military fatigues and entire families waved Cuba''s flags and chanted “Fidel!” to greet the “caravan of freedom.”

Fidel''s supporters are certain that Raul to continue his brother''s legacy.

“Why wouldn''t I trust Raul? He''s also my leader,” said Nina Rosales Garces, a 77-year-old former guerrilla fighter, adding that whoever succeeds Raul Castro will uphold the revolution. “I have no fear. They will stay on the path.”

For their part, dissidents have kept a low profile during the commemorations, calling off regular protests, although they plan to resume their demonstrations after Castro''s burial and hope that Raul will implement deeper reforms.



NAMPA/AFP

Shot of the day

December 4, 2016, 2:00 pm

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Shot of the day PREVENTION: A person takes part in the campaign “Let''s Put up the Hands for HIV/AIDS Prevention” in front of the Eugenio Espejo Hospital on the World AIDS Day in Quito, capital of Ecuador, on 1 December 2016. The Ecuadorian Health Ministry on Thursday offered free HIV/AIDS detection tests and invited residents to join the campaign to raise public awareness against the epidemic. Photo: NAMPA/XINHUA

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Political egos at play

December 4, 2016, 2:00 pm

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Political egos at play We have been following the battle for power at the Oshakati Town Council – seemingly pitting now former mayor Katrina Shimbulu and chairperson of the management committee Gabriel Kamwanka – with keen interest.

Administratively, the Oshakati Town Council is one of the best run in the country and one of the local authorities that has managed to dish out a big number of plots to its landless residents over the last 12 months or so.

Despite what appears to be a good urban land supply strategy in place, the town faces many challenges and political infighting is chief among them.

The contentious sale of the old Oshakati Open Market to a company owned by renowned businessman Erastus ''Chicco'' Shapumba for N$2.5 million continues to divide the political leadership of the town.

According to reports, Shimbulu flexed her muscle and allocated the land to Shapumba, while another group of councillors led by Kamwanka were favouring another businessman to land the prime erven, located in the heart of Oshakati. There is no doubt that many of these councillors are now putting pressure on urban and rural development minister Sophia Shaningwa not to approve the land sale to Shapumba.

While it is every councillor or individual''s right to object to the sale of the plot, the goings on at Oshakati once against demonstrate that politicians are not necessarily there to act in the public interest. Councillors in their nature should be selfless activists who are elected by the citizenry because they have confidence in them. Councillors are in no way serving the interests of residents if they bypass them in favour of economic elites and interest groups with strong fundraising and organisational capacity.

The political standoff at Oshakati must be addressed once and for all to avoid the holding up of key development at the town.

Political egos should no longer be entertained at the expense of service delivery.

Namibia will stay in ICC, if US stays

December 4, 2016, 2:00 pm

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Namibia will stay in ICC, if US stays''World court only targets Africans'' President Hage Geingob says Africa needs to develop its own processes, systems, courts and institutions. Namibia would remain a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC) if the United States joined, Namibia''s president Hage Geingob told Reuters in London last week.

Namibia said in March that it would withdraw from the ICC, which sits in The Hague and has the jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The court has come under criticism from African nations.

“People are saying that it only targets African leaders. That seems to be true ... and that''s a problem,” said Geingob, who was elected as president of Namibia in November 2014.

Whilst parliament still needs to debate Namibia''s withdrawal, Geingob said his feeling was it would go ahead.

“But if you convince the United States to come, we will stay,” he said.

The United States is not currently a participant in the ICC as it has not signed or ratified the Rome Statute, a treaty which serves as the ICC''s governing document.

“Africa needs to develop its own processes, systems, courts and institutions,” Geingob added. “It would help us to be self-sufficient. We must build lasting institutions ... not something imposed from foreign countries.”

Turning to the economy, Geingob said he expects growth of 2 to 3% in Namibia in 2017, up from around 2.5% in 2016, and below the average longer term trend of 4-5%.

“But we need about 7% growth, which we are failing to do,” he said. “That''s why are encouraging people to come in to invest, to manufacture in Namibia, transfer technology, and that way we can create jobs.”

Namibia''s economy has been hit by a prolonged drought and a contraction in the mining sector, but Geingob said tourism had picked up this year with more people choosing Namibia over destinations in the Middle East due to the troubles there.

The Namibian economy is also closely linked to that of South Africa, and Geingob added they were following political developments there. An on-going feud between President Jacob Zuma and Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan has unnerved investors and business leaders.

“What happens in South Africa has a serious impact on the region and Namibia,” he said. “So we are looking at the situation carefully, and are sometimes worried, but the system is resilient and they will overcome that - they are a democratic country.”

REUTERS

World Aids Day

December 4, 2016, 2:00 pm

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World Aids Day NO TO HIV AND AIDS: Namibia hosted its first-ever Aids conference in Swakopmund this week as part of the worldwide commemoration of World Aids Day. Residents, police officers and government officials all took part in a march at the coastal town in an effort to raise awareness about HIV and Aids. PHOTO: JESSICA BOTES

Solidarity tax still on the cards

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Solidarity tax still on the cards The finance ministry is still busy with consultations about the solidarity tax suggested by President Hage Geingob last year to alleviate poverty. The deputy minister of finance, Natangwe Ithete, confirmed to Namibian Sun that they were still “working on it”.

“We have not been too vocal on the subject. It is still at the consultative level and we are still talking,” said Ithete.

He would not elaborate on whether the tax will be introduced in the 2017/18 financial year saying that “consultations are ongoing”.

Ithete did not shed much light on the status of the consultations or who was involved in the process, merely indicating that his ministry was hard at work putting the pieces of the tax framework into place. Earlier media reports indicated the tax would be introduced during the 2016/17 financial year but this was postponed after a public outcry and consultations began.

In November 2015, finance minister Calle Schlettwein said, “For the financial year 2016/17, I intend to investigate the feasibility of introducing a solidarity tax payable by all individuals in the tax-paying brackets and all registered companies as a citizen''s response to the national fight against poverty.”

He added: “The solidarity tax will be introduced as a progressive withholding tax on income at a graduated scale for individuals, and a flat amount levied from juristic persons. We used the average per capita income for Namibia as indicative threshold to determine who should contribute and who should benefit.”

It is proposed that the proceeds will accrue to a dedicated fund under the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Prime Minister. The ministries of finance and poverty, along with the National Planning Commission.

“In this context, the proposed solidarity tax actualises our declared war on poverty from the fiscal front,” the finance minister said.

STAFF REPORTER

Marine advisory council appointed

December 4, 2016, 2:00 pm

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Marine advisory council appointed The minister of fisheries and marine resources has announced the new members of the Marine Resource Advisory Council.

The 13 members are chairperson Moses Maurihungirire; vice-chairperson Anna Ndinelao Erastus; secretary Olivia Shuuluka; ordinary members B.W. Oelofsen; Baronice Hans; Hilkka Ndjaula; Michael Akuupa; Jacob Penda; Miguel Tordesillas; Sacky Amoomo; Matti Amukwa; Pieter Greeff; and Ndelitungapo Shiluwa.

They will serve for the next three years.

Penda and Amukwa are serving for the second time.

“The Marine Resources Advisory Council is critical to the successful development of the fisheries sector in Namibia,” Minister Bernhard Esau said in a statement issued last week.

The minister chose persons with different skills and experiences that he believed were essential in the decision-making process on a variety of issues. Most members have more than five years'' experience in various fields of the fishing industry.

Maurihungirire is the permanent secretary in the fisheries ministry, Amukwa is the chairperson of the Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations, and Tordesillas is the CEO of the NovaNam fishing company.

Penda, who is the secretary-general of the Namibia Food and Allied Workers'' Union, has been dealing with trade union matters in the fishing industry for more than five years.

Greeff is the managing director of Etosha Fishing Company in Walvis Bay, while Amoomo is the managing director of Omualu Fishing.

“I have also required the new council members to sign performance conditions necessary to ensure integrity, transparency and accountability, which are part of the core values of the ministry of fisheries and marine resources.”

Esau acknowledged the decision-making process is not easy, especially when such decisions affect the sustainability of marine resources, economic viability of fisheries, businesses, and livelihoods of thousands of Namibians.

He urged all stakeholders in the fishing sector, staff members of the ministry and development partners involved in fisheries to support the council.

The council is tasked with the responsibility of advising the minister on the setting of total allowable catches, levies and fees; and expenditure of the Fisheries Observer Fund, and Marine Resources Fund.

They also deal with any matter the minister refers to them for investigation and advice.

NAMPA

HIV is not a death sentence

December 4, 2016, 2:00 pm

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HIV is not a death sentence Windhoek mayor Muesee Kazapua encouraged fellow men to visit health facilities for HIV testing and voluntary medical circumcision in order to reach the target of eradicating HIV by 2020.

Kazapua said this during the City of Windhoek''s observation of World Aids Day under the theme ''Hands up together to end HIV'' in the 8ste Laan informal settlement of Otjomuise on Saturday.

He said the City pledged to achieve the 90-90-90 targets by 2030, which means 90 percent of people living with HIV know their status, 90 percent of people who know their HIV status are on treatment and 90 percent of people on treatment have suppressed viral load.

“For us to achieve these targets there is an urgent need to roll out testing and treatment services to all the residents in Windhoek and the entire country,” he said.

Kazapua called for full commitment from all residents, constituency development committees and government to be champions in the war against HIV in the country.

Speaking at the same occasion, a 46-year-old HIV-positive woman, Saskia den Adel-Sheehama, encouraged everyone to go for HIV testing and know their HIV status.

Den Adel-Sheehama, who has been living with the virus for 11 years, motivated fellow HIV-positive people to accept their status and continue living the normal life like any other human being.

“HIV is not a death sentence. It is now a manageable disease by being tested on time and taking your medications regularly.”

Den Adel-Sheehama urged for an end to discrimination against HIV-positive people and for them to rather receive support where necessary.

She encouraged people to go for regular health check-ups, take medication on time and exercise in order to live longer.

Den Adel-Sheehama is married for four years. She said her partner is HIV negative and is aware of her HIV status.

NAMPA

Stolen safe and firearms recovered

December 4, 2016, 2:00 pm

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Stolen safe and firearms recoveredWalvis Bay burglary an inside job The coastal police have appealed to taxi drivers who transport stolen goods and criminals to report the crimes. Four suspects arrested in connection with the theft of a safe containing firearms, valuables and money during a burglary in Walvis Bay on 24 November made their first appearance in the Walvis Bay Magistrate''s Court last week.

Ermelinda Dausas (32), Caroline Tjikongo (32), Theopisa Gaeses (45) and Roman Uiseb (40) were arrested in Kuisebmond, Uis and Okombahe respectively on 28 November in connection with the burglary, which occurred at a residence in 6th Street.

The accused appeared before Magistrate Eden Iyambo who postponed the case to 17 January for further investigation and set bail at N$5 000.

Detective Chief Inspector Moses Uwu-Khaeb said the crime was well planned and executed. He pointed out that one of the suspects had worked as a domestic worker at the house and was fired recently.

“The suspects allegedly entered the house between 08:00 and 13:00 and removed a safe containing gold coins valued at N$15 000, firearms, ammunition and N$20 000 cash. The police investigation continues and the search is on for three other suspects, whose identities are known. It is just a matter of time before we will have them behind bars,” said Uwe-Khaeb.

Police intelligence led to the first arrest, a female suspect in Okombahe, on 28 November and the subsequent recovery of a rifle, shotgun and the safe hidden on a farm 20km out of town.

Three revolvers and ammunition were recovered at Uis, followed by the arrest of two other suspects in Walvis Bay. The gold coins and cash are still missing.

Uwu-Khaeb advised the public to safeguard property and inform neighbours to be on the lookout on their behalf when going away. He also appealed to taxi drivers who transport stolen goods and criminals to report crimes.

“We are monitoring the movement of habitual criminals and will hunt those down who are guilty of committing offences. The community should also refrain from harbouring criminals and ignoring criminal activities. Those hiding stolen property are endangering themselves. Criminals use stolen firearms to commit robberies and murders. Rather report to the police when firearms are brought to you for safekeeping.”

Erongo community policing officer Warrant Officer Ileni Shapumba advised community members to make use of the extended amnesty on unwanted and illegal firearms and to hand such weapons in at police stations.

An amnesty announced in terms of section 4 of the Arms and Ammunitions Act in August this year for the surrender of illegal firearms, ammunition and armament has been extended to 18 February next year by the safety ministry.

Radom police patrols and mobile roadblocks are paying off and led to some arrests in the Omaruru area.

Two suspects, Marcelinus Gariseb (27) and Petrus Moses (27), both workers on Ehuiro farm, were arrested on 26 November at approximately 21:45 for being in possession of the carcass of a stolen cow valued at N$15 000.

They appeared in the Omaruru Magistrate''s Court. Police officers on patrol noticed a suspicious vehicle parked next to the Ehuiro farm fence, conducted a search and discovered the carcass.

Andrew Jon Kelly (44) was arrested on 26 November and appeared before the Omaruru Magistrate''s Court on a charge of possession of dagga.

Police officers spotted Kelly''s vehicle parked on the Omaruru-Okombahe gravel road and discovered twenty bags of dagga with a street value of N$350 during a search.

OTIS FINCK

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Holiday traffic picks up

December 4, 2016, 2:00 pm

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Holiday traffic picks up The December holiday rush to the coast has started.

According to Sergeant Muzonimo Shituna, traffic has picked up significantly since 1 December, with about 700 vehicles passing the roadblock en route to Walvis Bay daily.

This number is expected to increase significantly as the festive season progresses.

The new roadblock at Aphrodite Beach between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund is in the ideal place, says Shituna. The checkpoint was constructed at a cost of N$4.6 million and was opened in June.

“The venue is much better safety wise compared to the previous one located a few kilometres from Walvis Bay. We have better control and enough space available to pull vehicles from the road and to conduct searches without holding up the rest of the traffic. The strategic location will also curb speeding.”

Officers stationed at the roadblock are on the lookout for drunk drivers. They also inspect driving licences, registration discs and road worthiness at the roadblock, which will be operational until January 2017.

Customs and Excise officials are also out in force checking vehicles and conducting searches for smuggled goods.

They ensure that that owners and drivers of foreign-registered vehicles have the required paperwork.

Annemarie Nowotes confirmed that one vehicle was pulled over and the driver was stopped from proceeding with his journey after it emerged that he had overstayed and the paperwork of the vehicle was not in order.

OTIS FINCK

Prosecutors nabbed for corruption

December 4, 2016, 2:00 pm

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Prosecutors nabbed for corruption Two prosecutors have been found to be wanting by the Anti-Corruption Commission, leading to their arrest last week.

Former Katutura Magistrate''s Court prosecutor Wilson Phillips was arrested on charges of corruption, fraud and theft on 30 November 2016.

His arrest was followed by that of Windhoek-based prosecutor Ivan Tjizu last week Thursday after he allegedly arranged individuals to pose as witnesses in court, which saw them claiming witness fees.

“The charges relate to his alleged involvement in corruption racketeering where he would allegedly misrepresent to the magistrate that witnesses travelled from outside of Windhoek to testify and once witness fees are disbursed to share in the cash misappropriated.

“He allegedly arranged for individuals to pose as witnesses in court and these individuals then claimed witness fees. Currently the value of offences on which witness fees were disbursed are approximately N$280 000,” the ACC said in a statement.

Tjizu''s case was postponed to 8 December for a formal bail application, while he remains in custody. Meanwhile, Wilson was released on N$10 000 bail and the case postponed to 3 February next year.

Wilson is accused of using his office - when he was still employed as a prosecutor – to withdraw criminal charges against a suspect.

“The charges relate to the alleged corrupt use of his office and position to obtain a gratification for Mr Kennedy Thiongo Kasume by fraudulently withdrawing criminal charges against him, allegedly stealing a charge sheet and by misrepresenting to the presiding Magistrate that the complainant wanted to withdraw the criminal matter.

“On withdrawal of the case the police was allegedly falsely brought under the impression that a motor vehicle which was seized as an exhibit in the case can be returned to Mr Kasume.”

STAFF REPORTER

Land grab disturbs Oshakati

December 4, 2016, 2:00 pm

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Land grab disturbs Oshakati Council warns of drastic action Despite the best efforts of the Oshakati town council to service and allocate residential plots, people are still grabbing land and building illegally in flood areas. KENYA KAMBOWE



The Oshakati town council says it is disturbed by the number of illegal construction activities taking place in the town and in the surrounding oshanas, and the perpetrators will be dealt with accordingly.

Oshakati, which is a flood-prone town, is always challenged during the rainy season where it has to relocate people from flooded areas to higher ground, therefore building in oshanas is discouraged.

The council says its efforts to allocate serviced plots to residents are not appreciated.

The council recently handed over 500 serviced plots in the Ekuku area, while 600 plots are still to be allocated and 900 more are being serviced in the same area.

Council spokesperson Katarina Kamari says the illegal land grab is one of the biggest challenges the council is faced.

“Council is very much disturbed by the illegal construction taking place around town. It is a big challenge as residents do not want to adhere to the regulations. They do not come to the office to apply through the normal procedures,” Kamari said.

“Council is always informing residents through community meetings not to grab land but to apply through the normal procedure,” she said.

Kamari said the council was committed to addressing the land shortage by continuing to solicit funds and servicing more plots, especially the Onawa area which it plans to make a reception area where low-income earners living in informal areas will be relocated.

“Council has completed the layout plan for Onawa, where low-income earners will be accommodated. Very soon the council will survey the area and put up basic services like water and electricity so that relocation can take place. Residents need to be patient till this process has been completed,” she said.

Asked what measures can be taken against those who build illegally, Kamari said a notice to remove their structures within a certain period is given and if they fail to comply the council has the right to remove the structures.

Kamari said ignorance is one of the reasons why people are building illegally.

She said most of the people who erect illegal shacks already own land elsewhere in the formal areas, yet they erect shacks to rent out.

She said that people are moving to Oshakati seeking jobs and better living conditions

“Everyone, especially young people, want to reside in town although some have no income, hence they tend to settle anywhere forgetting that this is not a village but a town guided by legislation,” she said.

Pregnant woman survives shooting

December 4, 2016, 2:00 pm

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Pregnant woman survives shooting KENYA KAMBOWE and JANA-MARI SMITH

A tragedy struck the Okanjengendi informal settlement area in Oshakati where a jealous ex-boyfriend shot his ex-lover, who was expecting the child of another man, before taking his own life.

According to Police Commissioner Rauha Amwele, the man, who was not identified, went to the house of 32-year-old Cecilia Kalongo, an employee at Ongwediva Built It.

Amwele said the man shot Kalongo in the left arm and the abdomen before shooting himself in her bathroom.

An ambulance arrived and Kalongo was taken to the Oshakati Intermediate Hospital, where the baby was delivered. Mother and baby are both in a stable condition.

In another incident, the Oshikoto police arrested an 18-year-old man for allegedly raping a 42-year-old woman at Oikunino village.

The suspect is to appear before the Tsumeb Magistrate’s Court today.

In another rape case reported in the Oshikoto Region, a 14-year-old boy allegedly raped a six-year-old girl at Oniiwa village on her way to school on Friday morning. The suspect is a grade 4 learner and attends the same school as the victim.

Police this weekend said it is alleged the 14-year-old was sitting under a tree when he spotted the young child passing by. She was on her way to school.

He then attacked her, police say.

The six-year-old victim was taken to a local hospital for a medical check-up. The suspect is currently under supervision of his parents at home and is expected to appear before the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court today.

NamPol spokesperson Kauna Shikwambi yesterday said a case of human trafficking and common assault was opened against a woman from Omahenene village in the Kunene Region. She is also facing charges under the Education and Labour Act.

It is alleged the woman had taken a 12-year-old girl from a village and forced her to work as a domestic worker in her home since September this year.

A member of the public informed the police after becoming aware of the situation. The victim told police that she was assaulted on numerous occasions by the suspect. The girl had no documents with her, and police are yet to determine her nationality.

She was removed from the house and taken to a children shelter in Walvis Bay. No arrests have been made.

In another case related to a child, police yesterday said that Kaenda village in the Zambezi Region was rocked by tragedy after a father shot his 11-year-old son, killing him instantly.

The boy, a Zambian national, was killed with a shotgun owned by his father’s employer.

Following the shooting, the father ran into the bush and committed suicide by shooting himself with the same shotgun.

The father was employed as a cattle herder. The motives for the murder and suicide are unknown at this stage. Next of kin have yet to be informed.

TB requirements clarified

December 4, 2016, 2:00 pm

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TB requirements clarifiedSA veterinary restrictions not lifted Only the 30-day requirement for TB testing of cattle exported to South Africa has been lifted, Namibia''s chief veterinary officer has clarified. Namibia''s chief veterinary officer has clarified that South Africa did not suspend the import requirements for TB for cattle but has agreed that Namibia can import cattle originating from herds certified TB free, suspending the 30-day quarantine requirement.

Dr Adrianatus Maseke, chief veterinary officer at the agriculture ministry, on Friday said that following discussions with their South African counterparts, it was agreed the country could export cattle from herds that are certified TB free, a condition that forms part of the existing import requirements.

“We are still complying with the conditions, but we just have another alternative now.”

He said according to the previous agreements, Namibia was only allowed to export cattle according to one of the conditions forming part of the requirements, which was to compulsory individual testing within 30 days of export, during which the animals were isolated in quarantine for a month.

The full requirements of South Africa''s import conditions, which remain in force, dictate that that cattle should show no sign of bovine tuberculosis on the day of shipment, originate from a herd free from bovine tuberculosis or were subjected to a tuberculin test for TB with negative results during the 30 days prior to shipment.

“We are still following the current import conditions, so there are no changes in those conditions. We are just using another part of the existing conditions, which had to be clarified in the negotiations on how to declare a herd TB free.”

He said that in the past South Africa insisted that all animals had to be tested individually and kept in lengthy, and costly, quarantine.

Following the talks with their South African counterparts, he said that it has been clarified that “if we can certify a herd TB free, they will accept that. That is why they are saying under those conditions we can suspend individual testing.”

Maseke added that according to local experts and the ministry Namibia is considered TB free for animals born south of the veterinary fence. He said that the ministry has never had any reports of bovine TB from that side of the fence.

He said that the agreed changes were encouraging as one by one TB testing has been costly and time consuming, affecting the price of the cattle. With the elimination of the quarantine period, he hopes that more animals can be able to cross the border and that producers will receive better prices.

Confusion arose last week following a South African newspaper report which stated that South Africa did not suspend import requirements for cattle coming in for feedlotting and slaughter.

The South African report also quoted a South African spokesperson from their Agriculture Ministry, who reportedly stated that Namibia “claims to be TB-free and had submitted surveillance information to the SA Veterinary Authorities which could not scientifically prove freedom from TB.”

In contrast to that, a media statement from the Namibia''s Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry in late November stated that the South African government had suspended “all TB testing requirements for the export of cattle destined to South Africa.”

Moreover, a well-informed source in the agriculture industry in Namibia, last week warned that there is still misunderstanding between the interpretations of local and South African authorities regarding the import requirements and what was agreed on.

He added that while Namibian veterinarians insist the country''s livestock is TB free, even if an animal''s tests positive “we would never export it” and it would be declared.

He added that the requirement to test each animal individually did not make sense and that over the course of the year none of the animals tested positive.

He said only the future will tell whose interpretation of the agreement between the two governments is correct. “Permits will be issued, and then we will have to see.”

JANA-MARI SMITH