South Africa reigns supreme

December 21, 2016, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Iizemo yondondo onti-12, yopombanda ya yambukapo

≪ Previous: Siblings dominate tennis tourney

$

0

0

South Africa reigns supreme Tournament organisers pleased with outcome The recently held beach volleyball competition in Swakopmund has ended on a high note, with neighbouring South Africa emerging victorious. The South African beach volleyball women and men teams dominated and clinched both sections of the inaugural Zone Six Beach Volleyball competition in Swakopmund.

The final of the female competition was an all-South African affair with Christen Del Carme and Liezel Pietersen taking on Palesa Masinga and Margaret Springer at the Dome.

Del Carme and Pietersen defeated Masinga and Springer 2-0 and clinched the title by winning the first set 21-13 and the second 23-21.

The South African ladies eliminated their Namibian counterparts in the semi-final round. Rosi Hennes and Lizette Rotcher (Nam) defeated Kim Seebach and Stephanie Palmert (Nam) 2-1 in the third place play-off.

Leo Williams and Clinton Stemmet (South Africa) faced Bocao Nagafela and Odirele Sibanda (Botswana) in the men's final.

Williams and Stemmet defeated Nagafela and Sibanda 2-1 in the tightly contested affair. The South Africans won the first set 21-19 and the deciding third set 15-9. Botswana won the second set 21-16.

Masinga and Springer (SA) defeated Rosi Hennis and Liezette Rotcher (Namibia) 2-1 (21-15) (23-25) and (15-6). Del Carme and Pietersen (SA) also defeated Kim Seeback and Stephanie Palmert (Namibia) 2-1 (21-16) (16-21) and (15-9) in the semi-final round of the ladies competition.

Williams and Stemmert (SA) defeated Deadrick Watch and Colen Peter (Zim) 2-0 (21-9) (21-15). Sibanda and Nagafela (Botswana) defeated Jonas Mashagela and Rafapa Mothobi (SA) 2-0 (21-13) (22-20) in the semi-final round of the men's competition. Mashagela and Mothobi (SA) defeated Watch and Peter (Zim) 2-1 in the third place play-off.

Eight female teams and nine male teams from Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe competed at the competition. All games were decided best out of three.

Khalid Cassam the general secretary of the zone expressed his satisfaction with the event. “The organisation, standard of the competition and the games were good. The players produced some excellent displays. Botswana is improving gradually and we need more competitions to qualify national teams for the World Championships in 2017.”

Cassam confirmed that Zimbabwe will host the next Zone 6 Volleyball competition. “We will have our general assembly in March 2017 to decide in which city the games will be hosted. The event is usually contested in December and we might look at changing the time,” he concluded.

The 2017 Federation for International Beach Volleyball (FIVB) Beach Volleyball Championships will held in the Austrian capital Vienna from 28 July to 6 August. Forty eight women's and men's teams will fight for the title of world champions and compete for one million dollars in prize money at the 11th tournament of its kind in beach volleyball history.



OTIS FINCK

---

Iizemo yondondo onti-12, yopombanda ya yambukapo

December 21, 2016, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Ondjele yepito lyondondo onti-10 tayi shololitha

≪ Previous: South Africa reigns supreme

$

0

0

Iizemo yondondo onti-12, yopombanda ya yambukapo Ominista yElongo, Katrina Hanse-Himarwa okwa popi kutya iizemo yondondo 12, ondondo yopombanda oya ulike kutya oyendji mboka ya shanga ekonaakono ndyoka oya mono iitsa tayi ya falitha kiiputudhilo yopombanda.

Minista okwa popi kutya iizemo yiilongwa ngashi Accounting, Arts and Design, Keyboard and Processing nOmalaka gAafrika oya gumwa noonkondo omolwa ompumbwe yaalongi. Minista okwa popi kutya opo ku kandulwepo uupyakadhi mboka okwa ya moonkundathana noNamibia Students Financial Aid Fund (NSFAF) opo iilongwa mbyoka yi talikeko nomeho omanene.

Okwa ekelehi omapopyo kutya ekanka lyaalongiskola ndyoka lya ningwa uule wesiku limwe olya guma iizemo mbyoka. Okwa tsikile kutya aanaskola oye shi enditha nawa miilongwa mbyoka yali ya gumwa kekanka ndyoka lya ningwa.



Iilongwa mbyoka yali ya gumwa oLife Science nOmwaalu.



Omunaskola dhingi mekonaakono ndyoka oRenathe Potgieter gwomoskola yaWalvis Bay Private School. Okwa lombwele oshifokundanaeki shika kutya, okwa hala okwiilongela uunamiti na okwa popi kutya okwe shi enditha nawa omolwa eyambidhidho okuza kofamili ye naalongi ye.

“Ondi ilongo tandi longitha omukalo ngoka aantu ya indikendje okulongitha- okulesha ndi na okambishi kandje komatundji. Osha kwathelandje oshowo okulonga nuudhiginini,” Potgieter ta ti.



Tsengelmaa Sundui gwomoskola yaSt. Paul’s College okwe ya omutiyali na okwa popi kutya aluhe okwa kambadhala okukala gwotango miinima ayihe. Okwa hala anuwa a kale pevi manga uule womvula yo—2017.

“Otandi kondjo nashoka nda hala okwiilongela, onkene onda hala okukutha omvula yuudha opo ndi dhilaadhile nawa. Otandi nyengwa okutokola pokati kokwiilongela uuindjinia oshowo oekonomi.”

Blessing Chizengeya a za moSt. Boniface College oku li ponomola ontitatu na okwa popi kutya okwa hala okwiilongela uunamiti.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Ondjele yepito lyondondo onti-10 tayi shololitha

December 21, 2016, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Rand edges up

≪ Previous: Iizemo yondondo onti-12, yopombanda ya yambukapo

$

0

0

Ondjele yepito lyondondo onti-10 tayi shololitha Oopresenda 40 odha ndopa ondondo ontimulongo Iizemo yondondo ontimulongo oya ulike e yo pombanda eshona ihe natango iizemo mbyoka otayi shololitha. Aanaskola owala 21 291 yomaanaskola 38 240 mboka ya shanga ekonaakono lyopashigwana lyondondo onti-10 yeshi pondola okumona iitsa tayi ya falitha kondondo onti-11 momvula tayi ya.

Nuumvo ondjele yepito oyi li poopresenda 55.7 neyopombanda ndyoka olyopresenda owala yimwe okuyeleka niizemo yomo-2015.

Ooskola dhomOnooli nonuumvo odhe shipondola okudhenga mo ooskola oonkwawo sho ooskola dho moshitopolwa shaShikoto odho dhi li ponomola yotango dha landulwa kOshana, Omusati nOhangwena.

Oshitopolwa shaKavango East oshi li ponomola ontitano, omanga Zambezi a longo nuudhiginini nokuya ponomola ontihamano konima sho a li pevi nonomola mbali miizemo ya piti. Kavango West okwa gwa pevi nokuya ponomola ontiheyali omanga Erongo li li ponomola ontihetatu. Kunene okuli pomugoyi omanga Otjozondjupa e li ponomola ontimulongo.



Khomas (11), Omaheke (12), //Karas (13) naHardap okuli ponomola 14. Pethimbo a tseyitha iizemo mbyoka Ominista yElongo Katrina Hanse-Himarwa okwa holola eiyuvo nayi lye omolwa iizemo yoshilongwa shoAccounting mbyoka yi li pevi noonkondo.

Okwa popi kutya okwa pumbwa okulongwa nuudhiginini opo ku vule okuningwa omalunduluko miizemo yoshilongwa shoka.

Oopresenda dhanaskola mboka ya ndopa oshilongwa shoka odhili po 20.8 okuyeleka noopresenda 25.2 dhomvula yapiti. Minista okwa popi kutya oombelewa dhiitopola otadhi pulwa opo dhikwashilipaleke omayambulepo moshilongwa shoka.

Iilongwa mbyoka ya mono iizemo yi li hwepo okuyeleka niizemo ya piti ongaashi iilongwa shoAgriculture, Entrepreneurship, Geography, Life Science, Mathematics, Physical Science, Silozi Elaka lyOtango noEnglish Elaka Etiyali.



Minista okwa tsu omukumo mboka ya ndopa ondondo ontimulongo opo yiishangithe nomandiki gwokuyambulapo iitsa yawo ngaashi oNamcol oshowo iiputudhulo yilwe. Okwe ya tsu woo omukumo opo yiishangithe niiputudhilo yopaungomba.

Minista okwa popi kutya aanaskola 2 430 mboka ya ndopa ondondo ndjoka na oyeli kohi yomvula 17 otaya ka pitikwa opo ya endulule ondondo.

Aanaskola 4 638 okwa lopotwa kutya inaya ka shanga omakonaakono nonando oya li yishangithe ya shange omakonaakono giilongwa yawo.

Hanse-Himarwa okwa uvaneke woo kutya okuyambulapo iitsa yepito mondondo onti-10 okuza piitsa 23 ouya piitsa 27 itashi ningwa momvula twataalela , na okwa ti itashi ningwa woo omanga e Ii ominista yoshikondo shoka.

Amushanga gwElongo, Sanet Steenkamp, okwa popi kutya ooskola dhoka dhe shi enditha nawa otadhi hwahwamekwa omaalelo omawanawa gooskola dhoka nokutula miilonga omaihumbato gonawa mokati kaanaskola nomidhingoloko dha gamenwa.

Aanaskola dhingi oya tumbulwa kutya oTangi Nakapela a za koskola yaReverend Juuso Shikongo Secondary School mOshikoto ngoka a popi kutya okwa kala iitulamo melongo lye omolwa omayambidhidho ngoka amono okuza kaalongi ye nofamili ye.

Raul Coetzee okuza koskola yaRukonga Vision School okwa popi kutya okwe shi enditha nawa omolwa esilohenda lyaKalunga oshowo omaihumbato ge gonawa.

Paulina Hambata a za moCharles Anders Combined School okwa popi kutya aanaskola oya pumbwa okukonga omikalo dhokwiilonga kuyoyene.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Rand edges up

December 21, 2016, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Coca-Cola to buy Africa unit

≪ Previous: Ondjele yepito lyondondo onti-10 tayi shololitha

$

0

0

Rand edges up Holding its own against dollar The festive season lull has proven positive for the strength of the rand and Namibian dollar. South Africa's rand edged up against the dollar in thin year-end trade on Tuesday, mainly tracking firmer emerging market currencies in the absence of market-moving local news, while an upbeat tone in major overseas equity markets boosted stocks.

The US dollar held near 14-year peaks on Wednesday as global yield spreads moved inexorably in its favour, while a falling Yen lifted Japanese shares to a one-year top.

NAMPA/REUTERS

Coca-Cola to buy Africa unit

December 21, 2016, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Shysters on the prowl

≪ Previous: Rand edges up

$

0

0

Coca-Cola to buy Africa unit Coca-Cola has entered a deal to buy Anheuser-Busch InBev NV’s 54.5% stake in Coca-Cola Beverages Africa for US$3.15 billion, the companies said.

In addition, the companies have reached an agreement for Coca-Cola to buy AB InBev’s interest in bottling operations in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho, El Salvador and Honduras for an undisclosed amount, according to a statement Wednesday.

Coca-Cola plans to hold all of these territories temporarily until they can be refranchised to other partners, according to the statement.

Coca-Cola, the world’s largest soft drink maker, is exiting all its bottling operations in China, the world’s second-largest economy, as it pursues an asset-light strategy. The Atlanta-based company has announced plans to speed up refranchising of its bottling operations as it seeks to reduce exposure to facilities that are more capital-intensive and low-margin.

BLOOMBERG

Shysters on the prowl

December 21, 2016, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Lagarde found guilty

≪ Previous: Coca-Cola to buy Africa unit

$

0

0

Shysters on the prowl Don’t fall a victim to fraud The festive season is upon us and as is custom, it is time when we celebrate the achievements we had during the year and look forward to purchasing those Christmas goodies for your loved ones. As a precaution, Standard Bank’s public relations and corporate communication manager Surihe Gaomas-Guchu advises the public to be vigilant as these are places where you could fall victim to fraud.

Sharing a few tips, she said: “Never keep the ATM card or credit card together with your PIN. Never allow anyone else to enter your PIN for you, or you entering it while someone is watching, even when being assisted. Block the view of the keypad when entering the PIN at an ATM or point of sale terminal. When paying at a point of sale terminal, beware of suspicious cashiers who make movements which could be aimed at distracting your sight of the ATM card or credit card. Familiarise yourself with ATM functions and only enter the information the ATM requires of you and not getting deceived by fraudsters that ATM functions have changed. Fraudsters could swap your card, after obtaining your PIN. If unsure about ATM functions or unfamiliar with how to use an ATM, ask bank staff for assistance.

STAFF REPORTER

Lagarde found guilty

December 21, 2016, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Okahandja to settle electricity debt

≪ Previous: Shysters on the prowl

$

0

0

Lagarde found guilty A French court has found International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde guilty of negligence but did not hand down any punishment.

As French finance minister in 2008, she approved an award of 404 million euro to businessman Bernard Tapie for the disputed sale of a firm.

Lagarde, who always denied wrongdoing, was not present in court, having left Paris for Washington DC.

The IMF board said it retained full confidence in her leadership.

She said she would not appeal against the ruling: "There's a point in time when one has to just stop, turn the page and move on and continue to work with those who have put their trust in me."

BBC

Okahandja to settle electricity debt

December 21, 2016, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Economy slows in third quarter

≪ Previous: Lagarde found guilty

$

0

0

Okahandja to settle electricity debt The Okahandja Municipality has vowed to settle debt of N$40 million it owes Namibian power utility, NamPower, by July next year.

Okahandja mayor Johannes Hindjou said they have already paid N$20 million of N60 million the municipality owes NamPower for services over the past five years.

“The municipality has moved the remaining debt to a joint venture called Cenored Okahandja Propriety Limited on the 1 September on a five-year renewable contract,” he told Nampa on Friday.

The Okahandja Municipality has signed a contract with Central North Electric Distributor in which the municipality has a 60% and Cenored 40%.

Cenored chief executive officer, Mburumba Appolus said the idea and concept of the joint venture between Cenored and Okahandja Municipality is to enhance the lives of those living without electricity in the town.

“Without electricity our people will be in the dark and without electricity there will be no development,” said Appolus.

So far, Cenored has electrified about 1 000 houses in the Oshetu, Five Rand and Noab informal settlements within four months of operation.

NAMPA

---

Economy slows in third quarter

December 21, 2016, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Scores killed in DRC

≪ Previous: Okahandja to settle electricity debt

$

0

0

Economy slows in third quarter Mining, agriculture and construction contracts Economic growth recently slowed over two consecutive quarters, indicative of a 'technical' recession. The domestic economy continued to display weak performance, year-on-year, during the third quarter of 2016, reflecting slowed activities in the mining, agriculture, manufacturing and construction sectors, according to a statement released by the Bank of Namibia.

“The activities in the mining sector slowed down, mainly due to operational factors, while drought and health requirements on live animals exported to South Africa constrained the agricultural sector. Similarly, activities in the construction sector continued to slow down, primarily due to the fiscal consolidation efforts of government and the completion of major construction projects in the private sector,” the central bank said.

On the monetary policy front, the Monetary Policy Committee maintained the repo rate unchanged at 7% during the third quarter of 2016, supporting economic growth in light of slow and fragile recovery in the economies of Namibia's trading partners. “During the same period, the growth in money supply (M2) contracted, stemming from a decline in deposits of corporate sector, coupled with low credit extended to the private sector. Growth in credit extended to the private sector moderated over the same period. The moderated growth was reflected in the decreased borrowing by both the household and corporate sectors during the review period,” the statement read.

“On the fiscal front, government's total debt increased, year-on-year, as reflected in both domestic and foreign borrowings, mainly the EuroBond. As a result, government total debt as a percentage of gross domestic product rose to 39.6% at the end of the second fiscal quarter of 2016/17 from 28.2% at the end of the corresponding quarter of 2015/16. In contrast, government loan guarantees as a ratio to gross domestic decreased to 4% from 4.4% over the same period and remained well below the threshold of 10%.”

With regards to the exchange rate, the bank is of the view that “the Namibian dollar depreciated against most if the major trading currencies on a yearly basis but appreciated on a quarterly basis during the third quarter of 2016. The yearly weakening of the domestic currency in relation to the US dollar and euro could be attributed to South Africa's weak economic outlook. On the other hand, South Africa's trade surplus which eased pressure on the country's current account deficit contributed to the strengthening of the rand against the trading currencies, quarter-on-quarter during the review period.”

Going forward the status seems to be improved. “The global economy is projected to grow 3.4% in 2017. The growth is projected be on account of positive developments in both emerging markets and developing economies. Risks to the outlook however remain and include the uncertainty regarding the impact of the Brexit negotiations which is unclear, low commodity priced and geopolitical tensions.”

STAFF REPORTER

Scores killed in DRC

December 21, 2016, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Shot of the day

≪ Previous: Economy slows in third quarter

$

0

0

Scores killed in DRC Protests against Kabila turn bloody The president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Joseph Kabila, should have stepped down at midnight on Monday when his mandate ended and his failure to do so has caused widespread violence. Security forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo killed at least 26 demonstrators on Tuesday and arrested scores more amid protests against President Joseph Kabila's hold on power, a rights group said. The deaths were the first reported since Kabila's mandate ended at midnight.

Military and police forces were firing live bullets, raising fears that more people have been killed, Human Rights Watch said. Its researcher Ida Sawyer said on Twitter that the killings took place in the capital, Kinshasa, the southern city of Lubumbashi and elsewhere. Residents told the group that Republican Guards were carrying out door-to-door searches and arresting youths.

Protesters burned the headquarters of the ruling party in Kinshasa.

Kabila, who took office in 2001 after his father's assassination, is constitutionally barred from seeking another term, but a court has ruled that he can remain in power until new elections, which have been delayed indefinitely. They were meant to be in November, but the ruling party says it needs more time - until 2018, at least.

The leader of DRC's largest opposition party, Etienne Tshisekedi, urged peaceful resistance to what he called Kabila's "coup d'etat." In a statement posted on YouTube on Tuesday, he called the president's actions "treason" and appealed to the Congolese people and the international community to no longer recognize Kabila's authority.

Political talks between the ruling party and opposition, which stalled over the weekend, were expected to resume on Wednesday with mediators from the Catholic Church.

The political impasse has fuelled fears of widespread unrest in the vast Central African nation that has trillions of dollars' worth of natural resources but remains one of the world's poorest and most unstable countries.

After Kabila's mandate ended, people blew whistles and rattled pans as part of a protest meant to symbolise the "end of the match".

The political negotiations that stalled over the weekend failed to reach an agreement on a date for new elections or the release of political prisoners. Both are key demands of the opposition parties, along with the dropping of criminal charges against opposition leader Moise Katumbi, who fled the country as authorities announced plans to try him. Katumbi's supporters say the charges of hiring mercenaries are politically motivated, as he had been a leading presidential candidate.

Kabila's government has tried to ease tensions by including some opposition figures. A few minutes before midnight, the new opposition Prime Minister Sami Badibanga announced his new transition government.

Although a small part of the opposition, including Badibanga, took part in an earlier national dialogue mediated by the African Union, most of the opposition, including Tshisekedi, refused to take part and rejected an agreement signed in October.

People inside and outside Congo fear a repeat of the dozens of deaths in September, when the opposition took to the streets after the electoral commission failed to schedule the presidential election.

In Kinshasa's Matonge neighborhood on Tuesday, people played soccer in the street to block traffic as a form of protest amid the heavy police and military presence.

"Kabila has betrayed our country. He must leave," said Jean-Marcel Tshikuku, a mechanic. "He announced a new government just at the end of his mandate. It's an insult! We don't want him anymore. We don't want negotiations to resume. He must get out, that's all."

NAMPA/AP

Shot of the day

December 21, 2016, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: No joy in poor exam results

≪ Previous: Scores killed in DRC

$

0

0

Shot of the day IN THE FIRING LINE: A view of a firing contest among multiple launch rocket system batteries selected from large combined units of the KPA (North Korean People's Army), in this undated photo, released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency in Pyongyang on Wednesday. PHOTO: NAMPA/REUTERS

No joy in poor exam results

December 21, 2016, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Drunk driving under spotlight

≪ Previous: Shot of the day

$

0

0

No joy in poor exam results A glance at the performance of schools in terms of their percentage pass rates in 2016 tells another gloomy story. In her announcement of the Junior Secondary Certificate results for 2016, education minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa, expressed concern at the overall pass rate, with specific reference to the low pass rate in Accounting. In fact the slightly improved Grade 10 results are nothing to be proud of and not worth celebrating at all. While we decry the poor performance of the class of 2016, we should pause to acknowledge the contribution of parents and teachers who have made a real difference to ensure that their children are part of the 21 291 that qualified for admission for Grade 11 in 2017. Their selfless influence, coupled with the commitment of the learners has indeed paid off handsomely. However, the 2016 Grade 10 exam results have once again prompted soul-searching owing to the high failure rate, which stands at 44%. It is through quality holistic education that lives are changed, because education is an asset and “the great equaliser”, and if we don't deal with the impediments to meaningful and quality education, then we are doomed forever. The measure of a nation is in turning education into an asset and most importantly, into an equalising factor for society, where no child will feel left out or inferior. With all the myriad of challenges facing the education system there must be a continuous programme to address the learning weaknesses and educational problems at most of our government schools. These interventions must improve teaching and learning outcomes. It is true that some regions have implemented measures to monitor performance, but some are really struggling – and the perennial dismissal of obvious shortcomings, is testimony that all is not well in all regions. As custodians of education, government must furthermore address the morale of teachers, which is very low at the moment. We doubt that many teachers are motivated to perform beyond the call of duty, because their concerns are not addressed on time, especially those that have to deal with 50 to 70 children in a classroom.

Drunk driving under spotlight

December 21, 2016, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Exploring Namibia in a day

≪ Previous: No joy in poor exam results

$

0

0

Drunk driving under spotlight Fatalities and accidents are preventable The lack of prosecution in drunk driving cases has been identified as one of the major factors why drivers knowingly drive under the influence of alcohol. The Private Sector Road Safety Forum and the Self-Regulating Alcohol Industry Forum donated equipment to the value of N$150 875 to the Namibian police and municipal traffic divisions of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.

The Private Sector Road Safety Forum is a voluntary organiation consisting of members from the private sector and other organisations that aims to reduce road crashes by 50% by the year 2020. This year the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund recorded 662 fatalities and 6 619 injuries on Namibian roads, with the Erongo Region recording the second highest number of fatalities.

“About 82% of these crashes can be attributed to human behaviour. Public education is a major contributing factor to change this incomprehensible behaviour and we also believe without the necessary law enforcement, public education will have no impact,” said the CEO of the Private Sector Road Safety Forum Horst Heimstädt. Namibia Breweries and MTC joined forces and donated equipment to the value of N$93 000 for road blocks in Walvis Bay and Swakopmund.

“The aim of these donations is to provide law enforcement officers with equipment and refreshments enabling them to fulfil their tasks at the road blocks efficiently and effectively. We request the public to be patient when the officers are doing their duty to reduce crashes and therefore deaths on our roads. We also call on all law enforcers to have no mercy with people who disobey the rules of the road in order to protect not only themselves, their family and friends but to protect every road user. As a law-abiding citizen and visitor to Namibia, we call on all road users to report incidents of misbehaviour at the next road block or to a law enforcement officer deployed all over our main roads,” said Heimstädt.

The Self Regulating Alcohol Industry Forum (SAIF) promotes the responsible use of alcohol and believes that alcohol can be part of a balanced lifestyle without endangering the lives of innocent bystanders and as part of its commitment, the alcohol industry has adopted a zero tolerance towards driving under the influence of alcohol.

“Last year 681 people lost their lives on the roads with the Erongo region recording the second highest number of crashes and fatalities. With the assumption that approximately 34% of all accidents are alcohol related and therefore 100% preventable, Namibia could have spared the lives of an estimated 231 people during 2015. A detailed analysis conducted by SAIF, showed the lack of prosecution as one of the major factors why drivers knowingly drive under the influence of alcohol,” said Heimstädt.

SAIF has donated five handheld breathalysers to the value of N$43 625 to the Walvis Bay municipal traffic division and one handheld breathalyser with a printer to the value of N$14 250 to the Swakopmund municipal traffic division. The data on the number of people tested will in turn be shared with the SAIF. The five handheld breathalysers will be used at the Walvis Bay road block and the breathalyser and printer will mainly be used internally to test the Swakopmund traffic office staff.

The Erongo Regional commander of the Namibian police, Commissioner Andreas Nelumbu, said that they will keep on fighting to keep everyone safe.

“We will fight, we will try, until our last breath. If you are drinking, stay away from driving. The two cannot go together. There is no way you can do both.”

According to chief traffic officers of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, Eben Platt and Melvin Cloete, eight drunken driving arrests were made in 2014, five in 2015 and in 2016 nine drunken driving arrests have been made in Walvis Bay. In Swakopmund 14 drunken driving arrests have been made since 1 December 2016 with seven arrests made over the weekend.



Leandrea Louw

Exploring Namibia in a day

December 21, 2016, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Basadi reaps major rewards

≪ Previous: Drunk driving under spotlight

$

0

0

Exploring Namibia in a day In the period running up to Christmas the new digital campaign by the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) “Namibia in a Day” is well underway, allowing Namibians and visitors a way in which to find adventure wherever they may be during the holiday season.

The main component of the campaign is a fun, interactive quiz game gauging a player's location and interest before suggesting an activity in the area. It aims to boost interest in local tourism while educating people about other interesting things to do in and around the various towns and regions.

With nearly 1 500 unique visitors to the quiz game, a many more discovering the NTB's website and exploring the features that can be found on there, the campaign is set to continue well into the New Year, and offering Namibians an opportunity to upload any hidden gems they found while on holiday.

Along with over 100 activities, places of interest and sights already loaded for Namibia according to location, levels of fitness and levels of adventure, the campaign also calls on users to upload and add their own favourites for others to be able to explore.

This is done by simply accessing the game from either www.namibiainaday.com or visiting it from the links on the NTB website, choosing to add an activity, before giving it a short title and adding a short description.

From here, administrators double-check the added activity to see that it is a valid addition, before making it 'live', at which time it becomes part of the other suggestions.

“From the time of launch, we received a lot of positive feedback regarding the game, and thanks to the digital nature, we were able to take on board some suggestions which we continue to implement in order to give the Namibian people a game they can be proud of,” says Fillemon Shifotoka, online marketing officer at NTB.

According to Shifotoka, the NTB's mission is to market and develop tourism to and within Namibia, and it believes that the “Namibia in a Day” campaign will help positively influence the perception Namibians have of the country by showing them the myriad of experiences open to them.

“We also urge small community-based projects, or those offering something interesting to visitors in their area, to visit the game and to add their voice. For instance, if you have a community project that can be visited, which serves as an outlet for local arts and crafts, you should add it,” Shifotoka added, “as this can help generate some visitors and sales.” With the campaign expected to run until mid-2017, NTB urged all Namibians to make use of this opportunity and to share what they love about Namibia with the world through this fun, interactive platform.



STAFF REPORTER

Basadi reaps major rewards

December 21, 2016, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Vigilance urged on roads

≪ Previous: Exploring Namibia in a day

$

0

0

Basadi reaps major rewards Police operations clean up across the country Operation Basadi, launched and completed by the Namibian police netted major gains for crime prevention and the safety and security of women and children. The Namibian police recently arrested 88 suspects that were wanted for rape, gender-based violence, murder, domestic violence and other crimes.

These arrests were made during Operation Basadi that was carried out by the police at the end of November.

The operation was targeting the arrest of wanted persons in connection with cases of violence against women and children.

According to a statement, the crimes that were focused on during the operation included rape, murder, kidnapping, common assault and assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm, online child sexual abuse and exploitation, human trafficking and other related crimes.

Of the 190 wanted suspects that police were targeting 88 were arrested during the operation.

These included ten rape suspects that were arrested out of the 23 persons wanted for rape. Also 22 suspects were arrested for assault to do grievous bodily harm out of the 61 wanted suspects.

One person was arrested for murder out of the 25 wanted suspects, while all five wanted suspects were arrested for domestic violence.

There were also three arrests made for escape from legal custody, and four people were arrested for attempted rape while two people were arrested for dealing in mandrax.

According to the police a total of 2 632 officials participated in the operation of which 2 152 were females and 480 were males.

These included officials from the Namibian Defence Force, municipal police services, Men and Women Network groups against crime, the gender, home affairs, agriculture and environment ministries, the Roads Authority and non-governmental organisations.

Furthermore other successes gained during the operation including 15 protection orders that were served, three warnings were given to women found drinking in the shebeens with babies, 23 minor children were found in shebeens and were taken to their parents and warned about the abuse of alcohol.

Furthermore 172 liquor outlets were visited and out of these 63 were closed while ten shebeen owners were warned not to sell liquor without a valid licence.

According to the statement 900 mobile road blocks were also conducted, 61 foot patrols were set up and 2 169 vehicles stopped and searched while 156 people were also

searched.

There were also 53 traffic tickets issued to the value of N$303 600 while 15 vehicles were impounded for expired licence discs and/or people without valid driver's licences.



ELLANIE SMIT

---

Vigilance urged on roads

December 21, 2016, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Five-year-old fights in ICU

≪ Previous: Basadi reaps major rewards

$

0

0

Vigilance urged on roads Figures looking better thus far While we are not out of the woods yet, road safety appears to have improved thus far when compared to figures from last year. As more people are travelling to their respective destinations with the upcoming public holidays, stakeholders have again urged motorists to remain vigilant and obey the rules of the road.

Deputy Commissioner Ralph Ludwig, who heads Nampol's traffic division, told Namibian Sun that there is definitely an improvement on the roads in comparison to last year when looking at the numbers of crashes, injuries and fatalities.

“We are not completely happy yet, but it is going better.”

According to Ludwig the roads are currently much quieter, especially in Windhoek, with most people that have reached their intended holiday destinations.

He said that last week a special team of between 20 to 30 traffic officials were deployed on the country's roads and focused on specific areas such as the B1 and B2 roads and also other priority areas in the north and south.

Next week another team of about 25 traffic officials will be deployed to focus on the New Year's rush and then again a team will be deployed during the last week before the school starts.

According to the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA Fund) for the period of 22 November to 18 December 2016, statistics recorded during the 2016/17 festive season indicate 289 crashes, 517 injuries and 46 fatalities.

This shows a decline in crashes by 21%, injuries by 38% and fatalities by 22% as compared to the same period in 2015.

Most crashes recorded were roll-overs, representing 34% of total crashes followed by collisions with 29% and pedestrian-related crashes by 18%. The cause of roll-over crashes are mostly attributed to how the driver uses the road, consider the surrounding environment given the condition of the vehicle, while other risk factors are driver behaviour and speeding, according to the Fund.

In a road safety message from the CEO of the Fund, Rosalia Martins-Hausiku, she said that road safety has become a national issue of concern due to the ever-increasing fatal road crashes.

She stressed that the Fund and its partners will be more visible during the current festive season with the main intent of saving lives while directing efforts toward enhanced public road safety knowledge and awareness.

According to her road safety awareness will focus on seatbelt safety, journey management, the familiarisation of the accident response number (081 9682), improved law enforcement visibility on the B1 and B2 routes, and a reduction in fatalities and serious injuries.

According to her crash data recorded during 2015 reflected that 4 212 accidents occurred with 702 people that died and 7 333 persons that sustained injuries.

The 2015/16 festive season road crash data shows that 145 of the said 4 212 crashes, 17% of the deaths and 16% of the injuries occurred during the festive season.

Meanwhile Khomas (33%), Erongo (13%) Otjozondjupa (11%) and Oshana (8%) recorded the highest number of crashes.

She says that statistics for the same period also indicate that fatalities increased by 22% of which Otjozondjupa recorded the highest with 15% followed by Oshikoto at 13%, and Hardap at 12%.

The national road safety campaign runs from 16 November 2016 until 17 January 2017.

According to the police overloading of vehicles will be taken very seriously.

The police also say that during the campaign they will target alcohol abuse, drug abuse, distracted driving and fatigue management.

Police will also focus on excessive speed, dangerous overtaking and on all moving traffic violations.

Road users were further warned that their vehicles should be roadworthy and that they should have the proper documentation with them.



ELLANIE SMIT

Five-year-old fights in ICU

December 21, 2016, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Omatando to be formalised soon

≪ Previous: Vigilance urged on roads

$

0

0

Five-year-old fights in ICU A five-year-old girl is fighting for her life in the Oshakati State Hospital's intensive care unit (ICU) after she was bumped by a Toyota Hilux bakkie on Monday morning on the Oshakati-Ongwediva main road.

The accident took place 10:30 and according to the acting regional commander, Commissioner Nico Steenkamp, the victim, her stepmother and a six-year-old girl were busy crossing the road after returning from shopping.

Steenkamp he said the trio from Omagongati village were crossing the road to wait for their transport under a large fig tree which is opposite the Oshana Mall to return home.

He said according to the mother, there was no oncoming traffic when she decided to cross the road with the children saying that the bakkie must have got onto the road at that time.

She said she only noticed the vehicle when it was just a metre away before it hit the five-year-old.

The woman and the six-year-old escaped unhurt.

A case of reckless and negligent driving has been opened against a 72-year-old Namibian male, the driver of the bakkie and police investigations continue.

In a separate incident in the Oshikoto Region, a Range Rover travelling from Ondangwa to Omuthiya bumped a donkey. There were no injuries.

The incident took place on Monday around 20:00 about 35km from Ondangwa near the Okatope police roadblock.

The vehicle involved in the accident belongs to Oshikoto Swapo regional coordinator Armas Amukwiyu who was in the vehicle as a passenger alongside a driver and another occupant.



KENYA KAMBOWE

Omatando to be formalised soon

December 21, 2016, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Elephant poacher shot dead

≪ Previous: Five-year-old fights in ICU

$

0

0

Omatando to be formalised soon The Ongwediva Town Council says it will commence with the formalising the Omatando area next month as the many years of dispute have come to an end.

This is according to Ongwediva town council spokesperson, Jackson Muma, who told reporters Monday that the years of dispute between the council and community of Omatando has been resolved and that all is well for them to start with the process of formalising the area.

Muma said this followed the outcome of the meeting between the two parties and the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority on 12 October.

“The meeting has resolved that the community of Omatando and the council work together in the best interest of development, where Omatando 1, 2 and 3 will be formalised,” he said.

“The formalisation will be preceded by the registration of all properties in Omatando, which will start during the second week of January 2017,” he further said.

When asked how long the registration will be, Muma said that council plans to make sure all properties in Omatando are registered with a period of one month.

Muma said in order for the process to run smoothly the cooperation between them and the community members should be top-notch, saying that they should comply with the decisions taken at the meeting where the dispute was resolved.

He said in order to attain proper planning and a coordinated development, no new developments are allowed to take place until the process is completed.

He added that homestead owners are also tasked not to sell any plots with immediate effect saying that that responsibility of handling land matters is strictly vested in the council.

Muma said council has made a budgetary provision of N$800 000 during the 2016/17 financial year toward the formalisation of Omatando, however, provision will be made if more funding is needed.

“It is important to note that the planning process will be a consultative process in its entirety where every person with a place in Omatando will be afforded an opportunity to contribute to the formalisation,” Muma said.

Regarding the compensation of homesteads which might be in key development areas, the procedures provided for in the compensation policy will be followed.

KENYA KAMBOWE

Elephant poacher shot dead

December 21, 2016, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Man attacks medics

≪ Previous: Omatando to be formalised soon

$

0

0

Elephant poacher shot dead Three suspects still at large A shootout in Bwabwata National Park has left one poacher dead with three that got away and the public is warned they are armed and dangerous. A poacher was on Monday fatally shot during crossfire between an anti-poaching unit and a group of poachers in the Bwabwata National Park.

Deputy Commissioner Peter Williams of the Kavango East Region said that the anti-poaching unit consisting of ministry of environment officials and police members on Monday afternoon heard shots fired in the park and upon inspection came across an elephant that was gunned down.

The tusks were however still intact, confirmed Williams.

The anti-poaching team then followed the footprints of the suspects and according to Williams the poachers started to fire. He said that the team in self-defence fired back and in the crossfire one poacher was shot.

According to him three other suspects managed to escape.

“One was lying dead with his hunting rifle,” he said.

Williams further stressed that it has not yet been determined whether members of the anti-poaching unit or the other suspects had shot the poacher during the exchange of fire.

He also said that no documentation was found on the deceased and therefore he has not yet been identified.

Furthermore, he said that the team tracked the footprints of the suspects but that the other three poachers have not been arrested yet.

Although he urged community members to assist with tracing these suspects, he warned that they should not approach them as they are armed and dangerous.

Williams said that if members of the public should come across the suspects, they should call the police immediately.

According to Williams, about a week ago two elephant cows were also found gunned down in the same vicinity and it is suspected that this was done by the same group of poachers. In these incidents the tusks were removed.

“Are these people killing our animals to deliberately drive them to extinction?” he wanted to know. “We are not only protecting rhino and elephants, but all animals that are protected under law. We are here to protect all wildlife to save them from perishing, for future generations.”



ELLANIE SMIT

Man attacks medics

December 21, 2016, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Bakkie carrying 21 overturns

≪ Previous: Elephant poacher shot dead

$

0

0

Man attacks medics A knife-wielding man attacked three paramedics from St Gabriel Ambulance service in Walvis Bay yesterday.

According to Claudia Nangolo, Ephrahim Makuriri and Xanophane van Wyk, a male only known as Eugene, attacked them with a 32cm-long bread knife when they arrived to provide assistance to an individual at house No 41 on the corner of Nangolo Mbumba drive and Oasis Street in Meersig, after a call-out.

The owner of St Gabriel Ambulance service, Gabriella Teleman confirmed she received a call-out about someone bleeding profusely and said she dispatched an ambulance with paramedics to render assistance.

The paramedics recounted that they arrived at the house and parked the ambulance. While removing their equipment a man with a knife ran towards them.

“He started attacking and was stabbing wildly at us. We had to dodge to avoid being stabbed by him and ran away. He then entered the ambulance and while trying to start it a woman came and removed the keys from the ignition,” recounted a visibly shocked Nangolo.

After scurrying to safety the paramedics called Teleman who notified the police and requested assistance. When G4S security service personnel arrived on the scene after approximately seven minutes, the man jumped out of the ambulance, ran into the house and locked himself in.

Police officers eventually arrived, arrested and removed him to the Walvis Bay police station holding cells.

According to Van Wyk, the man had self-inflicted cuts all over his arms and was very aggressive.

The woman who accompanied him to the police station eventually called E-Med Rescue 24 personnel to come and attend to his wounds.

Two medics arrived at the police station and dressed the wounds which he removed as soon as they had finished doing so.

He started swearing and demanded that police officers release him so that he can go home.

Telemann condemned the man's actions. “We are here to save lives and people behave like animals towards us,” she said.

Police officers advised the three paramedics to open a case of assault by threatening and explained that the man would be slapped with a fine.

They resolved that opening a case would be a waste of time and left the police station.



OTIS FINCK