Ronaldo caps dream year

December 13, 2016, 2:00 pm

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Ronaldo caps dream yearFootball star wins fourth Ballon d''Or award This year has been a memorable year for Real Madrid player Cristiano Ronaldo, who was named the world''s best player for a fourth time.

Cristiano Ronaldo called it “a dream come true again” as he won his fourth Ballon d''Or on Monday to get one over his nemesis Lionel Messi for the title of best player in the world.

It was the perfect ending to another fantastic year for the Real Madrid star, who won the Champions League for the second time in three seasons and then led Portugal to their first major title at Euro 2016 - albeit he went off early injured and in tears in the surprise victory over France.

As has been the case for almost a decade now, the 31-year-old''s main rival was Messi - but the Barcelona and Argentine maestro had to relinquish the crown after a less-than-stellar year for club and country by his lofty standards.

Ronaldo is now one Ballon d''Or behind Messi, who was second this time with French striker Antoine Griezmann third.

Never one to play down his achievements, Ronaldo was spotted midweek in training having dyed his hair gold in anticipation and several media outlets published a photo earlier on Monday appearing to confirm he was the winner, before organisers France Football magazine made the official announcement.

“For me it''s a great honour to receive my fourth Ballon d''Or. The emotion is like the first one - it''s a dream come true again,” Ronaldo, who is at the Club World Cup in Japan, told L''Equipe TV.

“I never thought in my mind to win four times the Ballon d''Or, I''m so pleased and so happy.

“I have to thank all my team-mates, the national team, Real Madrid, all the people, the players who helped me to win this individual trophy.

“I want to enjoy this moment because it''s not easy to win this.”

Fourth was Luis Suarez and fifth his fellow Barcelona attacker Neymar, with Ronaldo''s Welsh team-mate Gareth Bale sixth.

Ronaldo was the firm favourite to win, but the prestigious prize comes at a time when the prolific forward has generated negative headlines in the past week over accusations of tax evasion.

Denying any wrongdoing, he responded by publishing his financial records last week, showing last year he earned a whopping 227 million euros ($240 million).

“You believe I am worried? He who owes nothing, fears nothing,” Ronaldo told broadcaster RTP at the time.

Ronaldo, the highest-paid sportsman in the world, first won the Ballon d''Or in 2008 after Premier League and Champions League triumphs with Manchester United.

But it was only in 2013 that he added his second - Messi had hogged it before then and Ronaldo made it a hat-trick the following year.

United were quick to offer their congratulations on Twitter, calling a fourth Ballon d''Or “incredible”.

Real said Ronaldo, who last month signed a bumper new five-year contract, had enjoyed “a sensational year”.

The first Ballon d''Or was won by Stanley Matthews, at the time with Blackpool, who beat Alfredo Di Stefano for the inaugural title in 1956.

The Ballon d''Or is decided by a vote of 173 journalists.

NAMPA/AFP

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Eskom reassures South Africans

December 13, 2016, 2:00 pm

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Eskom reassures South AfricansKoeberg not affected by Areva probe South Africa''s Areva-built Koeberg nuclear power station has been deemed safe following a probe into irregularities found during a quality-control check in France.

Eskom says its Koeberg nuclear power station will not be affected by the Areva probe into the irregularities in quality control at its forge in Le Creusot as it uncovered new anomalies in manufacturing records.

“Koeberg was French built and therefore has access to additional detail and intellectual property from French power utility, EDF and its main supplier, Areva,” explained Sedick Davis, Eskom''s general manager for nuclear projects.

“A structured process of sharing operational experience over two decades means that any problem that occurs at EDF automatically includes Koeberg in the understanding of common causes and the extent of the issue,” he said in a statement on Tuesday. “Information was shared in a transparent manner.”

“Eskom used the technical detail provided to analyse its existing components as well as those currently being manufactured for upgrades or maintenance,” he said.

“The conclusion is that the Koeberg plant is not affected by the historical manufacturing anomalies that require additional inspections and verification.”

“The Eskom analysis and treatment of this matter is subject to national and international scrutiny by all stakeholders, thereby giving assurance to the South African public that the Koeberg plant remains safe.”

FIN24

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Xwama's Kadhikwa to Bannerman

December 13, 2016, 2:00 pm

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Xwama's Kadhikwa to BannermanReplaces first lady on board Twapewa Kadhikwa has been appointed to serve as an independent director on the board of Bannerman Mining Resources Limited.

Bannerman Mining Resources Limited this week announced the appointment of Twapewa Kadhikwa as a director of the company.

This appointment coincides with First Lady Monica Kalondo''s resignation after serving the company as a director since 2010.

Bannerman has been focused on developing the Etango uranium project since 2005.

After completing its feasibility study in 2012, Bannerman has successfully built and operated a demonstration plant over the last two years.

Kadhikwa is a successful Namibian businesswoman and a role model for young entrepreneurs.

In addition to her impressive business track record, Kadhikwa brings to the company a passion for SME development that has evolved into the Twapewa Kadhikwa Entrepreneurship Development Programme, which conducts entrepreneurship mentoring and training for SME business owners.

These skills and insights will be invaluable in furthering Bannerman''s commitment to maximising the SME opportunities to emerge from the development of the Etango uranium project.

Kadhikwa said, “Being appointed as a director for Bannerman Mining Resources Namibia is a humbling honour and responsibility, one that I intend to fulfil and do justice to.

As a daughter of the Namibian soil, I recognise that Bannerman represents the true sense of great corporate citizenry and playing a role in its growth is a journey worthwhile.”

Geingos has stepped down from the board as part of her scaling down and realignment of corporate interests.

The managing director of Bannerman Namibia, Werner Ewald, said, “Geingos has been a tremendous guiding hand for Bannerman over the last six years, a period during which we have had remarkable support from our Namibian stakeholders in the face of a crippling uranium industry downturn after the Fukushima incident.

Bannerman is very grateful for the wisdom Geingos has shared with us during this difficult period.”

Geingos said, “Bannerman has shown exemplary conduct in the crucial areas of corporate social responsibility, environmental care, employee relations and governance.

I have been proud to be involved with Bannerman and wish Werner Ewald and his team the very best for the future.”

The board of directors of Bannerman Mining Resources now consists of Kadhikwa (independent director), Ewald (managing director) and Brandon Munro as chairperson.

STAFF REPORTER

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Oil deficit expected

December 13, 2016, 2:00 pm

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Oil deficit expected Global oil markets will swing from surplus to deficit in the first half of 2017 as the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) and other producers follow through on an agreement to cut supply, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Oil stockpiles will decline by about 600 000 barrels a day in the next six months as curbs by OPEC and its partners take effect, said the agency, which had previously assumed inventories wouldn''t drop until the end of 2017. Russia, the biggest producer outside OPEC to join the deal, will gradually implement the full reduction it promised, according to the IEA. Oil has gained more than 16 percent since Opec agreed on November 30 to trim output for the first time in eight years, an accord expanded on December 10 with the participation of 11 non-members including Russia and Kazakhstan.

“Before the agreement among producers, our demand and supply numbers suggested that the market would re-balance by the end of 2017,” the Paris-based agency said in its monthly market report. “If Opec promptly and fully sticks to its production target” and other producers cut as agreed, “the market is likely to move into deficit in the first half of 2017.”

BLOOMBERG

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NBL deemed strong brand

December 13, 2016, 2:00 pm

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NBL deemed strong brand

Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) was this week deemed a strong brand by stockbroking firm PSG, which released its review of the brewer.

Namibia Breweries Limited has a very strong brand power. The industry has delivered compounded growth and is mature and competitive, with low switching cost. Management of NBL are pro-active, forward thinking and target driven. Return-on-equities [are] consistently above required returns and management have created value,” PSG said in its report.

Commenting on the state of finance, PSG said: “Revenue from export sales decreased from N$912 million in Financial Year 2015 to N$670 million in Financial Year 2016. We do not see this situation improving in the short term since the export countries'' fortunes are tied to the commodity prices which we expect to remain under pressure in the global slump.”

Namibia Breweries Limited, Heineken and Diageo formed a joint venture company, DHN Drinks Ltd, in South Africa in March 2004. Namibia Breweries has a 25% equity interest in the jointly controlled entity, effective 1 December 2015 and Diageo is no longer a shareholder. Following approval by the National Liquor Authority in South Africa, DHN Drinks Limited and Sedibeng Brewery Limited was merged into DHN Drinks which is now called Heineken South Africa.

Earning growth disappointed if the one-off items are taken out. The faster-than expected reduction in Joint-Venture losses bodes well for the future and we do expect to see profits there earlier than previously anticipated,” PSG said of the transaction.

“In the absence of local malting facilities, NBL imports 100% of its malted barley and hops requirements from suppliers in Europe where regular quality testing of raw materials is done by accredited laboratories before being shipped. NBL is predominantly dependent on imported raw material for the production and packaging of its beverages. Packaging material, which includes bottles, cans, cartons and shrink foil is imported from South Africa, whereas raw ingredients are imported from Europe. Malt, which is imported from Europe, is NBL''s single biggest cost element. There is significant currency pressure on these imported cost items, PSG said.

On economic conditions, PSG said: “NBL could beat our expectations if Namibia experiences a very good rainy season and most water concerns are addressed. If the economy recovers faster than expected and a recession is avoided it could boost revenue growth. The price can also be higher if the Joint-Venture turns a profit in Financial Year 2017. A more favourable exchange rate will also boost performance.”

PSG however also stated: “If the drought continues and economic conditions worsen this will place pressure on margins and revenue growth. Continued losses in the Joint-Venture will put pressure on Earning per Share.”

STAFF REPORTER

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Renewed interest in Uis tin

December 13, 2016, 2:00 pm

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Renewed interest in Uis tinMajor buy-out completed Tin mining may once again be a possibility for residents of Uis. Bushveld Minerals Limited this week announced that it had acquired a significant interest in the Uis tin project.

Under the agreement, Bushveld, through its subsidiary Greenhills Resources, now holds a 49% interest in Africa Investments Limited, which is the 85% owner of the Uis tin project.

Erongo Tin Ltd holds the 50.5% majority of the issued share capital of Dawnmin not held by the sellers. The sellers comprise: Namuis Ltd, Havana Investments (Pty) Ltd and Sweltering Desert Investments (Pty) Ltd.

The Uis Tin Project is one of the largest undeveloped opencast hard rock tin deposits in the world and has a history of significant tin mining. It is located in the Erongo Region and comprises three mining licences, Mining Licence 134, Mining Licence 129 and Mining Licence 133

Historic work confirmed a significant tin resource on all three licences, the most significant of which is the Mining Licence 134 resource estimated at 70.3 metric tons at 0.14% tin.

“The project is held by Guinea Fowl Investments Twenty Seven Limited, which is owned 85% by Dawnmin Africa Investments Ltd. The remaining 15% being held by Small Miners of Uis, a company wholly owned by the Namibian government,” Bushveld said in a statement.

“Greenhills Resources, Bushveld''s tin platform, was established to develop a pan-African portfolio of tin assets with a near term production profile.

“The company continues to advance its stated strategy to build a critical mass of tin resources with a near term production profile, to advance the projects towards production and to establish Greenhills Resources as a standalone tin platform offering exposure to a pan-African tin portfolio to investors,” Bushveld said

Its chief executive officer, Fortune Mujapelo, was quoted in the statement saying: “The completion of the potential acquisition would see Bushveld Minerals acquire a substantial interest in one of the largest undeveloped opencast hard rock tin deposits in the world positioning Greenhills Resources as one of the most significant tin platforms on Alternative Investment Market.

“This development is aligned with our long-stated strategy to establish Greenhills Resources Limited and Lemur Resources Limited as attractive stand-alone platforms with quality strategic partners and strong dedicated management teams to deliver long term shareholder value. For Greenhills this means consolidating a critical mass of mineable, low-cost resources with a near term production profile while for Lemur this means securing a quality power purchase agreement and an Independent Power Producer license for a thermal coal-based power generation play in Madagascar.”

OGONE TLHAGE

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Anti-hunting lobby raises concern

December 13, 2016, 2:00 pm

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Anti-hunting lobby raises concern Forms a critical part of wildlife utilisation Delegates from several African countries are in Namibia to learn about the country''s Namlits system for livestock management.

Delegates from several African countries are in Namibia to learn about the country''s Namlits system for livestock management.

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Neckartal set for 2017

December 13, 2016, 2:00 pm

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Neckartal set for 2017

The agriculture minister John Mutorwa, said that the construction of the multi-billion-dollar Neckartal Dam will be completed next year and will alleviate water shortages in especially in southern Namibia.

Mutorwa, who was speaking at the third ordinary meeting of the Orange-Senqu River Commission (Orasecom) Forum of parties, made these remarks when he was speaking about the drought that Namibia as well as other SADC countries is facing.

He said that Namibia like many other countries in the region have been hard hit by drought and the agricultural sector, especially the livestock and communal agricultural sector, have been the hardest hit by the phenomenon.

According to him the Neckartal Dam, which will be the largest dam in Namibia, will alleviate water shortages particularly in the southern Namibia in terms of water consumption, agricultural and irrigation use. The dam will hold 880 million cubic metres of water and will eventually be connected by means of a pipeline, to the Hardap, Oanob and Von Bach dams.

He further stressed the importance of the Orange-Senqu River Basin.

This basin extends over four countries, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa, and covers an area of 1 000 000 km².

According to Mutorwa the basin represents the best of what the region has in terms of supporting the livelihoods of people and providing ecosystem services.

He said that within the basin, there exists many natural resources, ranging from water, land soils and wildlife as well as minerals.

“These define our economic activities which include agriculture, forestry, mining, manufacturing and tourism.”

According to Mutorwa the Orange-Senqu Basin is a vital resource that holds the potential for cooperation in areas of environmental governance, cultural and heritage preservation and economic development.

He said that the United Nations underscores that nurturing the opportunities for cooperation in water management among stakeholders and improving the comprehension of the challenges and benefits of water cooperation can help build mutual respect, understanding and trust among countries and promote peace, security and sustainable economic growth.

Mutorwa said that the forum has come at a time when human activity, climate change and variability has brought drastic changes on the basin''s state which also impacts on socio-economic development.

He said that strategies are therefore needed to sustain and protect the water resources of the basin so that they can continue meeting the current needs of people and future generations.

ELLANIE SMIT

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EU and Cuba sign deal

December 13, 2016, 2:00 pm

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EU and Cuba sign deal First step in normalising relations With the death of Fidel Castro, the way has been paved for ties between Cuba and the European Union.

The EU and Cuba on Monday signed a deal to normalise ties that had been blocked for decades by human rights concerns under revolutionary icon Fidel Castro.

Cuba had been the only Latin American country that did not have a so-called "dialogue and cooperation" deal with the EU covering issues such as trade, human rights and migration.

But EU ministers last week agreed to drop a policy in place since 1996 which stated that Cuba first had to improve its human rights standards before getting closer links with the bloc.

The new agreement was signed by Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, European Union foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini and representatives from the 28 EU member states at a Brussels ceremony capping years of difficult negotiations.

"Economic links with Europe will continue to be a priority for Cuba as we build a socialist economy," Parrilla said.

Castro died last month after more than 50 years at the helm of a self-styled Socialist paradise reviled by the West, with Cuba gradually opening up to the world, including bitter foe Washington.

In 2003, the EU had imposed sanctions on Cuba and suspended cooperation over a crackdown on journalists and activists and it took until 2008 to get talks going again.

Parrilla said the agreement "demonstrates that with good will and respect it is possible to make progress and resolve differences."

He recalled a speech in 2003 in which Fidel Castro had hailed the historical importance of the EU as a counterweight to the United States which imposed a damaging trade embargo and other sanctions on Cuba after it sided with Moscow in the Cold War.

"The sovereignty and dignity of a people cannot be up for negotiation with anyone," he said.

NAMPA/AFP

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Thai king to pardon 150 000 inmates

December 13, 2016, 2:00 pm

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Thai king to pardon 150 000 inmates

Thailand''s new King Maha Vajiralongkorn will pardon or commute the sentences of up to 150 000 prison inmates, including some jailed under one of the world''s toughest laws against royal insult, officials said on Tuesday.

King Vajiralongkorn ascended the throne on 1 December after the death of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, on 13 October. "This is the first opportunity since his majesty''s ascension to show his mercy," the Royal Gazette said in a statement, announcing that 150 000 inmates could be eligible for release or to have sentences cut, under the pardon.

Officials do not have a figure for the number of inmates who will benefit from the pardon, with decisions to be made by different prisons depending on factors including the inmate''s age, how much of the sentence has been served and behaviour.

Prisoners jailed for insulting the monarchy and drug offences will be eligible, said Kobkiat Kasivivat, director general of the Department of Corrections.

"Prisoners convicted of 112 and prisoners convicted of drug offences will be included for consideration for release or commuting of sentence," Kobkiat told Reuters, referring to the royal insult law by its article number in the criminal code.

The government has not released a figure for the number of people who are in jail for royal insult but there have been more than 80 prosecutions under the law since mid-2014, according to figures from the legal monitoring group iLaw.

"The inmates will be looked at on a case by case basis at each individual corrections facility," Chanchao Chaiyanukit, the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Justice, told Reuters.

Those convicted of murder and rape will not be eligible for release or to have sentences cut, officials said.

Thailand''s prison population has soared in recent years, largely because of tough drug laws.

Corrections Department figures for July showed a prison population of 321 347 in Thailand, with about 70% jailed for drugs offences.

NAMPA/REUTERS

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Bashir crackdown

December 13, 2016, 2:00 pm

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Bashir crackdown Sudanese president says WhatsApp won’t topple him In a move that concerns many, Sudanese president, Omar al Bashir has threatened a comeback of 2013 violence.

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has vowed to brutally crush anti-regime protests, warning the authorities will crack down on demonstrators as they did in 2013 when dozens were killed during clashes.

Bashir''s warning came as opposition activists issued a new call to hold a two-day nationwide strike next week against a government decision to cut fuel subsidies that has led to rising prices for goods, including medicines.

"In the past few days we have heard some people, who are hiding behind their keyboards, calling for the overthrow of the regime," Bashir told supporters gathered in the eastern town of Kasala.

"We want to tell them that if you want to overthrow the regime, then face us directly on the streets. I challenge you to come out onto the streets.

"But we know you will not come because you know what happened in the past... This regime will not be overthrown by keyboards and WhatsApp," Bashir said in a speech broadcast live on state television.

In 2013, dozens of people were killed in a government crackdown on street protests against a similar round of subsidy cuts.

Rights groups say about 200 lives were lost in that crackdown, while the government puts the death toll at less than 100.

In recent weeks, groups of people have staged sporadic demonstrations against the latest cuts, but they were swiftly dispersed by anti-riot police.

Opposition activists have now taken to social media networks like Facebook and Twitter as well as WhatsApp messenger to call for a new nationwide "sit-at-home" strike on December 19 and 20, urging the people to stage street protests in Khartoum and other cities to "overthrow the regime".

A similar three-day strike in late November saw a mixed response, with some private sector employees abstaining from work but government employees reporting for duty.

Sudan''s powerful National Intelligence and Security Service, or NISS, has already arrested several opposition leaders and activists in a bid to prevent protests.

NAMPA/AFP

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Kenya ponders ICC

December 13, 2016, 2:00 pm

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Kenya ponders ICC

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said on Monday his country was seriously thinking of quitting the International Criminal Court, after several other African nations moved to pull out of the tribunal.

Kenyatta and his Vice President William Ruto were dragged before the court after deadly 2007-08 election violence left over 1 200 dead. However the charges were dropped in 2014 with ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda citing a "relentless" campaign of victim intimidation.

"Our experience at the ICC demonstrated a glaring lack of impartiality in this institution. Some have withdrawn. Others have considered that step. Twice, our parliament has passed motions to withdraw," Kenyatta said in a speech Monday.

"We have sought the changes that will align the ICC to respect for national sovereignty. Those changes have not been forthcoming. We will therefore need to give serious thought to our membership."

African nations have long felt they are unfairly targeted by The Hague-based court, and the current exodus began when Burundi in October voted to leave the ICC, after the court''s prosecutor said she might open a case against the government.

South Africa and The Gambia quickly followed suit, raising fears of mass defections from the continent.

The tribunal opened in 2002 in The Hague as a court of last resort to try the world''s worst crimes where national courts are unable or unwilling to act.

Currently nine out of the ten ICC investigations are in African countries. The other is in Georgia.

However experts point out that many of the current investigations - in the Central African Republic, Uganda, Mali and the Democratic Republic of Congo - were referred to the ICC by the governments of those states.

Cases in Libya and the Sudanese region of Darfur were referred by the UN Security Council. Only in Kenya and Ivory Coast did the ICC''s prosecutor initiate investigations.

Kenya was actually the first country to hold a vote to leave the court in 2013 with a symbolic motion in parliament which was never formalised.

Kenya''s 2007 elections were marred by allegations of vote rigging, but what began as political riots quickly turned into ethnic killings and reprisal attacks, plunging Kenya into its worst wave of violence since independence in 1963.

Kenyatta and Ruto were fierce rivals in the 2007 vote, but teamed up in peaceful 2013 polls.

NAMPA/AFP

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Grace's million-buck ring

December 13, 2016, 2:00 pm

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Grace's million-buck ring

Zimbabwe opposition parties have reportedly slammed First Lady Grace Mugabe over her love for an "extravagant" life after it emerged last week that she had purchase a diamond ring worth N$19.1 million through a Lebanese dealer Jamal Ahmed.

Grace made headlines on Friday, with reports saying that the deal came to light after she demanded a refund, which she allegedly wanted paid to her in Dubai.

The diamond ring had been meant to be President Robert Mugabe''s wedding anniversary present to her.

The year 2016 marked the 20th anniversary of the Mugabes'' wedding.

Following the botched deal, Ahmed had dragged the first lady to court, accusing her of occupying three of his properties in Zimbabwe.

He also claimed that he had received threats from Grace and her son Russell Goreraza. Grace''s security personnel, Kennedy Fero, was also said to be implicated, the Independent newspaper reported.

According to New Zimbabwe.com, the opposition People''s Democratic Party (PDP) reportedly said that it was important for Grace to know that Zimbabweans were watching her.

"This is gluttonous politics surpassing the evil of biblical Sodom and Gomorrah. Her (Grace''s) insatiable appetite for vanity is only comparable to Fedinand Marcos’s wife. She should however, be warned that the people are watching," the PDP was quoted as saying.

The MDC led by Morgan Tsvangirai also weighed in: "Honestly how can somebody buy a ring that is worth N$19.1 million when people are dying in hospitals because there are no drugs, kids are unable to go to school because they are hungry."

The MDC said this was the "most disgusting and shocking" ring "to be bought by any human being".

Meanwhile, a News Day editorial piece also laid into Grace, saying it was shocking that Mugabe, who had over the years been described as "humble" and as the "poorest president in the world" by the first lady, was willing to splurge the money on a diamond ring for his wife.

"While Mugabe has every right to buy his wife a 20-year wedding ring, we find it shattering that the president can choose to be this extravagant when the country is in such an economic mess," read part of the editorial article.

NEWS24

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Shot of the day

December 13, 2016, 2:00 pm

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Shot of the day

DANCING DOG: Performing as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Katherine Free, left, dances with Pig, the dog, during the Birmingham''s Ballet Mutt-cracker, a rendition of the famous ballet "The Nutcracker," in Birmingham, Ala. Pig was a featured performer, wearing a pink tutu and dancing alone with the Sugar Plum Fairy in Act 2. Born with a condition called short-spine syndrome, the 3-year-old dog hops somewhat like a frog to stand up and has hunched shoulders that make her gait appear somewhat gorilla-like. Photo: NAMPA/AP

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This is becoming ugly now

December 13, 2016, 2:00 pm

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This is becoming ugly now There is a disconcerting trend in Namibian politics, particularly within the ruling party, Swapo. It appears as though a silent storm brews and high-level politicians and veterans gather quietly, whenever someone “steps out of line”.

What that “line” is, we do not understand. Our leaders say we live in a democracy, but there is no free flow of thoughts or ideas.

Officials that are paid handsomely, with our tax dollars mind you, are voted for by us, the people of Namibia, and fail to take care of the people''s needs - because they have to take care of the party''s needs. In the words of our president, they need to “toe the line”. What line Mr President? We want them to say the new parliament is a no-no. We want them to take care of us! They are supposed to know what we need. But when they speak of our needs, or dare to criticise a colleague – the die-hard political elite pull together, black Mercs paid for by our taxes neatly parked next to one another, gates closed, guarded by City Police and NamPol, to discuss the expulsion of the blameless. Will every party member who criticises the status quo, daring to speak of the land question be threatened with expulsion? In a democracy, heated debates take place. Look at other countries where democracies have existed for hundreds of years. Those parliamentarians also throw punches, but the debates continue – the sharing of ideas and thoughts, the balancing of views and interests – paramount in any just and fair democratic system. This is how it should be in Namibia where we have a diversity of tribes and people, all living peacefully under the same flag. Tribalism is rearing its ugly head – and it is happening all the more aggressively and frequently than we have ever seen, or would have ever liked to see, over the past 26 years of “democratic” rule.

The importance of peace and stability cannot be overstated, but what we know for sure is that this way of doing things, these meetings and the unreasonable demands and punishments meted out, these are the real things that are threatening our peace and stability. We are not school children, you insult us!

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Usakos CEO back at work

December 13, 2016, 2:00 pm

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Usakos CEO back at work Goseb acquitted of all charges Gruzi Goseb, the beleaguered CEO of Usakos is back at work after surviving his second suspension.

Usakos mayor Asker Mwafangeyo yesterday revealed that the town''s suspended CEO Gruzi Goseb has been acquitted of all charges and is back at work.

The council had been operating without a CEO since April 2015 after it suspended Goseb for allegedly disregarding council resolutions.

However, Namibian Sun learned yesterday that the CEO was reinstated during mid-November after a series of disciplinary hearings which took place since 2015.

In an interview Mwafangeyo said: “It has not been reported yet, but I can confirm to you now that Goseb is back at office.

“The disciplinary hearing did not find him guilty of any charges and therefore the council was left with no choice but to reinstate him.

“We are happy that this case is finally over given that it has not been easy operating without a CEO for almost two years.

“The town council is prepared to work with the CEO again in order to take this town forward.”

The reinstated CEO''s suspension was not the first. He was slammed with a suspension letter in June 2013 for alleged insubordination.

He returned to office in October 2013 before he was again suspended two years later.

The position has always been surrounded by controversy over the years after former CEO Joseph Jantze was dismissed in acrimonious circumstances in 2011.

At the time, Jantze had been the CEO of the town since November 2006 before he was served with a letter terminating his contract three months before it was due to lapse.

The former CEO then took the council to the labour court where he won the case which resulted in the council being ordered to pay over N$400 000 in damages.

“I can reassure you that things in the council are finally taking shape after a rough two years.

“We have currently allocated land in terms of light and heavy industrial developments, including housing for the locals.

“The town council is also building new offices because the current offices are over 100 years old.

“The other thing I can tell you is that the old offices will be used as a museum for the town,” Mwafangeyo said.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

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Nine in court for Etosha poaching

December 13, 2016, 2:00 pm

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Nine in court for Etosha poaching

Four men appeared in the Opuwo Magistrate''s Court in connection with the wounded rhino found in the Etosha National Park last week.

The wounded rhino was discovered last Tuesday.

The case of Daniel Shilongo, Amupoko Risto Ekandjo, Petrus Ukongo and Epafras Kasita Eliakim was postponed to today for further investigation.

State Prosecutor Obert Masendeke told the court two other men allegedly connected to the case - Daniel Nghinyekua and Johannes Amwaama - made their first court appearance in the Kamanjab Magistrate''s Court on Monday, when their case was transferred to Opuwo.

They will appear before Magistrate Leena Iyambo with their co-accused today. The State objected to the granting of bail on the grounds that they might interfere with investigations and influence witnesses, while more arrests are expected.

The men are facing charges of the hunting of specially protected game (black rhino); conveying a firearm into a nature reserve; possession of a firearm without a licence; possession of ammunition; and entering a game park without written permission.

Another trio appeared before Iyambo on different charges related to the case. Erasmus Anghuwo appeared on charges of corruptly using his office or position for gratification, forgery and entering a game park.

The Namibian police''s crime investigation coordinator in Kunene, Deputy Commissioner Rudolf Kanyetu told Nampa on Monday Anghuwo is an employee of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry.

Anghuwo allegedly authorised his two co-accused, who are not government employees, to drive a government vehicle from Outapi to Etosha.

Mika Andreas and Sakeus Ngalandji are charged with forgery, use of a vehicle without the owner''s consent and entering or residing in a game park without permission.

Their case was postponed to 1 March 2017 for further investigation.

Kanyetu said there is a possibility that Anghuwo, Andreas and Ngalandji may face additional charges of poaching.

Police at Etosha''s Verda Gate in the Kunene Region are now investigating a case of rhino poaching.

NAMPA

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Bicycle thief appeals jail time

December 13, 2016, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: NWR warns against hiking in the heat

≪ Previous: Nine in court for Etosha poaching

Bicycle thief appeals jail time A man convicted of the theft of a bicycle, and now only within three months of the three years'' imprisonment imposed on default of payment of N$3000 fine, is appealing the sentence.

Lourenzo Pieterse, who was a cleaner at the Namibia Defence Force headquarters'' feels the sentence is “inducing a sense of shock” as the presiding Magistrate Alweendo Venatius did not take into account his personal circumstances.

He was convicted on 23 September of the theft of a bicycle and fined N$3000 and in default of payment, was sentenced to three years'' imprisonment which was conditionally suspended for five years.

The convict alleges his personal circumstances are that he is a first offender, the sole breadwinner of his family and he has a two-year-old daughter and his family relying on him. Further to this, they all reside at the government flats and are likely to be evicted if he continues to serve prison time.

The matter was postponed to today for judgement.

FRED GOEIEMAN

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NWR warns against hiking in the heat

December 13, 2016, 2:00 pm

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NWR warns against hiking in the heat

Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) has warned tourists and local fitness aficionados to be cautious of Namibia''s extreme summer heat, especially when hiking.

According to NWR spokesperson Mufaro Nesongano, many tourists are interested in the hiking trails at resorts under its management.

But many of them are not familiar with the extreme heat experienced at this time of the year, which can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

“We are therefore appealing to those who intend to go hiking to seek information from the respective facilities on whether it is advisable for them to undertake their planned hike. This will provide them with the relevant information before embarking on their excursion,” says Nesongano.

While summer temperatures in Namibia have been soaring recently it has been predicted that 2016 will be the hottest year ever recorded globally.

Temperatures have been rising to close to 40 degrees Celsius in southern, northern and central Namibia.

STAFF REPORTER

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Conmen agents worry ministry

December 13, 2016, 2:00 pm

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Conmen agents worry ministry

The home affairs ministry has announced that it has received an enormous number of complaints through their suggestions boxes at their various offices countrywide about people being ripped off by conmen agents.

These agents are used to speed up or ease the process of applying for legal documents at the ministry.

Speaking at a press conference in the capital yesterday, Salome Kambala, spokesperson at the ministry, disclosed that a lot of foreigners are complaining that agents are robbing them.

“These complaints are becoming a problem and the number of incidences appears to be alarming,” said Kambala. She further clarified that agents are not allowed to practice legally in Namibia thus people should avoid seeking help from them. She recommended that foreigners and the general public go through the normal procedures at the ministry and not use agents who end up disappearing without executing the services promised, with cash payments in hand.

Kambala revealed that there have been cases reported where agents have been paid more than N$20 000 for documents. In some cases, even more was paid with figures of N$100 000 mentioned.

Prices charged by agents also depend on which type of document one needs to acquire.

The ministry requested people not to use agents because they do not participate in the Immigration Selection Board (IBS) that approves and disapproves applications of any sort.

Kambala appealed to people who are involved in these practices to exercise patriotism for Namibia and develop the love of serving Namibia honestly and not engage in these business practices. Kambala further called on people to not waste government resources and collect their passports they have applied, for on time.

Michael Kayunde

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