Exile kids reject training, again

January 23, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Exile kids reject training, againAccused of plundering Mix drought relief aid Increasingly described as a public menace, the so-called struggle kids have vowed to stay at the Zoo Park in Windhoek until they receive feedback on jobs. At least 200 struggle kids have camped at the Zoo Park in Windhoek's Independence Avenue to register their rejection of the civic training for which government enlisted them at the Berg Aukas Youth Development Centre in October last year.

The group started their exodus from Swapo's Ndilimani farm at Brakwater late Sunday afternoon and arrived in Windhoek just before midnight.

According to the group's spokesperson, Tuhafeni Nhinda, government is wasting their time with this training as most of the struggle kids are above 24 while the age limit for Namibia Defence Force and the police is 24 years.

“Government must just give us jobs, they did not even explain to us what the purpose of this civic training is,” he said.

The group handed over a petition to the secretary to Cabinet George Simataa who promised to give them feedback on Wednesday.

However, the group members through Nhinda made it clear that they have no intention to return to Brakwater to wait for feedback.

“We do not have food at the camp, they have forgotten us. We will remain here or go back to the Swapo headquarters where we can ask people for food or help,” said Nhinda.

Nhinda also demanded from Simataa to explain what will happen to the alleged 400 jobs he directed government ministries to reserve.

“They cannot tell us now that jobs are frozen; during a meeting on 2 December last year he told us that they will release 400 jobs. Who are they giving those jobs to?” asked Nhinda.

When contacted Simataa said he could not comment on this issue as he was in a meeting.



Special treatment

Government came under fire when President Hage Geingob in September last year signed off N$11.3 million from the Social Security Commission Fund to pay for the training of struggle kids at the Berg Aukas Youth Development Centre.

At the time however, the group fervently rejected this training and demanded jobs instead, because they are growing old.

DTA parliamentarian Elma Dienda yesterday criticised government for treating the group as special and differently from the rest of the Namibian children who are struggling to find jobs.

She also urged government to take control of what has become a “public menace” as soon as possible.

“Most of them have one or two children already… how can they be kids?

They are adults and need to be treated as such. Adults take responsibility for their own lives. Besides they are becoming a security concern as they are increasingly threatening members of the public,” she said.

Two weeks ago a group of struggle kids reportedly robbed residents of the Mix informal settlement of their drought relief food.

JEMIMA BEUKES

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SPYL takes on conduct of Asian nationals

January 23, 2017, 2:00 pm

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SPYL takes on conduct of Asian nationals The Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) yesterday said in a statement that Chinese “hooligans” are continuing to involve themselves in the poaching of Namibia's protected wildlife.

This statement in which SPYL expressed its concern came as two Chinese nationals were arrested at the weekend with rhino horns in Windhoek, shortly after the Inspector-General of the Namibian Police, Sebastian Ndeitunga, and the Chinese business community had held a meeting to address the ongoing problem.

At least 40 non-governmental organisations in Namibia have also recently written to the Chinese embassy in Namibia to express their concern over the issue and that was followed up with a meeting between the affected parties.

SPYL said in its statement issued by spokesperson, Neville Andre Itope, that a group of Chinese nationals were trying to illegally and unethically exploit Namibia's marine resources, while there were also “so-called” Chinese businesses that sold expired goods to Namibians.

Itope said a North Korean company with a government tender had retrenched all Namibians while keeping on Korean employees. The company, Mansudae Overseas Project, contracted to construct military headquarters in Windhoek, reportedly laid off 25 Namibian construction workers. The North Korean state-owned company was supposed to leave Namibia last year as the United Nations pressured Namibia to stop doing business with that country.

However, the workers were rehired last week. The company's explanation was that the Namibian workers were never fired, but were told to leave because the company was closing.

The SPYL condemned this type of behaviour by Asian nationals in Namibia and warned that no one should try and exploit the historic and cordial relations that exist between Namibia and China.

“We equally call upon the government machineries and functionaries not to treat these people with kid gloves because of the bilateral relationship between the two states, but that they must face the full wrath of the law.”

Itope said if all else failed the agreements between the two countries should be reviewed in order for Namibia to protect its sovereignty.

It added said that this warning was not only against Chinese and North Korean nationals, but any foreigners who think Namibia is a “banana republic.”

“As we respect their laws we expect them to respect our laws and sovereignty.”

ELLANIE SMIT

Chinese in court over rhino horns

January 23, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Chinese in court over rhino horns The two Chinese nationals who were arrested last week for possession of rhino horns worth more than N$400 000 appeared in court yesterday and their case was postponed to next month.

Yonghui Lu (41) and Nan Chen (29) made their first court appearance before the Windhoek Magistrate Court yesterday.

The two Chinese nationals appeared on charges of possession of and dealing in controlled wildlife products. The case was postponed to 13 February for a formal bail hearing. State prosecutor Rowan van Wyk said the two Chinese were in possession of rhino horns valued at N$404 000 and weighing 505kg.

He objected against bail, saying that the suspects are a flight risk and might interfere in the investigation.

Kadhila Amoomo, who appeared on behalf of Chen, said they would request the State for the entire record of proceedings emanating from the search, warrant and the charging as well as the chain of custody as far as the rhino horns are concerned.

The two men were remanded in custody.

They were arrested at around 22:00 on Thursday at Berghoff Flats in Eros, Windhoek, after a joint operation by the Namibian Police and Windhoek City Police.

Items found alongside the rhino horns were described as a rhino poaching kit, including hunting rifles, bullets and other items.

The two men had reportedly entered the country from Zambia sometime in the past month.

The Chinese men had allegedly been seen at a popular gambling establishment in Windhoek during the week, flashing large amounts of cash, sources told Namibian Sun. Official confirmation could not be obtained from the police.

The two men appeared before Magistrate Edien Iyambo.

ELLANIE SMIT

Money-laundering suspects granted N$1.5m bail

January 23, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Money-laundering suspects granted N$1.5m bail Three suspects implicated in a massive fraud and money-laundering case involving N$3.5 billion have been granted bail of N$1.5 million each by the Windhoek Magistrate's Court.

Chinese nationals Huizhong Tao and Huan Jinrong, as well as Namibian businessman Laurentius Julius, were granted bail by Magistrate Venatius Alweendo yesterday.

Huizhong and Huan were represented by Sisa Namandje, while Louis Botes represented Julius. The State was represented by Rowen van Wyk.

Alweendo ruled that the State had failed to prove that the three accused would abscond.

“The [State's] fear was based on imagination,” he said.

The State had also argued that the accused would interfere with evidence, an allegation shot down by Alweendo. Furthermore, Alweendo found that the investigative officer assigned to the case, Chief Inspector John Mutongwe was biased and evasive when he was cross-examined by both Botes and Namandje.

Alweendo ordered Tao and Jinrong to report to twice a week to the Oshikango police station. Julius must report to the Walvis Bay police station.

The three were ordered to hand in their travel documents.

The Chinese accused were ordered not to leave the jurisdiction of the Ohangwena Magistrate's Court, while Julius was instructed to inform the court if he wanted to change his personal or business addresses.

Finally, the accused were told not to contact each other while the investigation continued.

The three are accused of money-laundering and fraud.

They allegedly laundered N$3.5 billion through the foreign exchange account of Julius's customs clearing business, XCCS and Organised Freight CC.

STAFF REPORTER

RCC defends Kwane tender

January 23, 2017, 2:00 pm

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RCC defends Kwane tender The board chairperson of the Roads Contractor Company (RCC), Fritz Jacobs, has slammed any suggestion that the parastatal has enlisted alleged briefcase companies for multimillion-dollar tenders for the supply and delivery of heavy equipment.

Jacobs suggested that the contract was being criticised because of “jealousy” of the transformation plans announced in November to transform the company from a “historic liability” to a “shareholder's investment”.

The RCC said the tender was invited because the company planned to acquire approximately 420 specialised machines over the next three to five years.

That, said the RCC's general manager of business development, property and corporate services, Gerson Karaerua, would “practically place RCC in a unique position for road maintenance and construction needs because of its presence and ability to establish quickly”.

The tender was first advertised on 25 July 2016, with the initial closing date given as 19 August. This date was extended to 29 August.

Out of 15 bidders the tender was awarded to two companies: Kwane Fleet Services (Pty) Ltd. and Sumbawa Island Investment (Pty) Ltd.

The directors of Kwane Fleet Services are Namibian Marcelinus 'Tokolo' Makinza (51%) and the South African owners of Kwane Capital (Pty) Ltd., Mcebisi Mlonzi and Clive Elsie.

Kwane Fleet Services, which was registered in April last year, three months before clinching a portion of the lucrative tender, was formerly known as Mimic Investments Six (Pty) Ltd.

Sumbawa's directors are Welencia Welery Dixon (50%) and Ginomai Trust, whose trust members are Namibians Cecilia Tjikena and Elizabeth Nicanor (50%).



The Tender

The RCC executive tender committee chaired by Tino !Hanabeb awarded one portion of the tender, with an estimated value of N$900 million, to Kwane Fleet.

Two other categories of the tender, valued at N$600 million, were awarded to Sumbawa Island.

From documents seen it appears that there was no unanimous support for the tender or the award to Kwane Fleet.

Among the objections were that Kwane Fleet as a recently registered company did not have the requisite financial or contracting history or experience, and no established workshops. It was further stated that Kwane Fleet did not meet RCC's technical specifications of all products and had submitted incomplete tender documents and did not offer straight funding from its initial submission.

A recommendation was also made that the entire tender be cancelled because it was too vague, which meant that all bidders could not understand the tender document or RCC's needs.

The RCC denied this, saying it was untrue that Kwane Fleet and Sumbawa did not have the relevant or necessary experience or that Kwane Fleet had submitted incomplete documentation.

“[The] two companies are newly registered and have formed strategic alliances/ventures with long established and credible suppliers and service providers. This was further confirmed by the due diligence which was conducted,” said Karaerua.

!Hanabeb added to the denial, saying it was untrue that Kwane Fleet had submitted incomplete documents.







“The companies were awarded the tenders because they are in compliance with the requirements and most responsive,” !Hanabeb said.



He also denied that Kwane Fleet was awarded the tender in August as alleged.



“Kwane submitted [a] generic detailed product sheet which met RCC product specifications and requirements. A plan to set up operations was a requirement for new companies. However, Kwane has site operations through BLC, a subsidiary [of] Kwane Capital at Langer Heinrich Uranium Mine. Kwane and its partner are customers of Barloworld Equipment and therefore have full access to all Caterpillar equipment and [is] genuine. Similarly, their technical staff are required to pass the stringent training requirements of Caterpillar,” said !Hanabeb.



CONFLICT OF INTEREST?



Both Jacobs and !Hanabeb have dismissed rumours of conflict of interest. Both are rumoured to be either related to the minister of works and transport, Alpheus !Naruseb, or have close ties with the minister.



Jacob vowed he is not related to !Naruseb and insisted that he had been appointed as board chairperson of RCC, but !Hanabeb maintained that Jacobs's appointment to the board was based on his “professional credentials, experience, leadership and business acumen and not based on any other assertions”.



!Hanabeb did not say what his ties are with !Naruseb, but some RCC staff have expressed “confusion” over his return to RCC after the company had held a farewell party for him late last year after his 12-month secondment from NamPort had expired.



Jacobs was also said to be a “known friend” of Kwane Fleet director Makinza, which he has denied.



Karaerua said Jacobs's and the RCC board's resolution to award the tender to Kwane Fleet and Sumbawa was purely based on the recommendation of the executive tender board.



“Any other assertions of influences were not part of the considerations throughout the whole adjudication process,” said Karaerua.



Karaerua added that there was no relation between the position of the CEO and the award of the tender to any bidder, and neither the board's consideration of the tenders.





CATHERINE SASMAN

Killer vessel is headed for scrapyard

January 23, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Killer vessel is headed for scrapyardRyazanovka is beyond repair The modified trawler that has been anchored off Namibia for close to a year is being sold for scrap because it would be too expensive to make it seaworthy. JANA-MARI SMITH



The vessel Ryazanovka, which has been at the centre of a storm around an application by a local Chinese businessman and his partners to export live marine mammals to Chinese zoos, is heading for the junkyard.

NamPort senior manager Elias Mwenyo yesterday confirmed that the vessel was being scrapped. He said it was not yet clear whether the vessel would be broken up at Walvis Bay or elsewhere.

The reason for the decision to dismantle the vessel, which was initially scheduled to undergo repairs this week, is the reportedly high cost of making it seaworthy again, Namibian Sun was informed. No official confirmation of that was available yesterday.

Sources yesterday claimed that local companies had been contacted to apply to buy the vessel for scrap.

Last week, Mwenyo confirmed that the vessel’s necessary safety certificates had expired and that it was scheduled to undergo repairs before the paperwork could be renewed. Without the necessary certificates the ship would not be allowed to leave the port of Walvis Bay, he explained.

Sources yesterday told Namibian Sun that the vessel was in a “really bad state” and would not be able to proceed to another port for the scrapping to be done there.

The source said it was likely she would need to be towed, which would be “quite expensive”.

Meanwhile, fisheries permanent secretary Moses Maurihungirire confirmed yesterday that the application for a permit to capture endangered marine mammals and export them to China was still with the minister of fisheries and marine resources, Bernhardt Esau.

Maurihungirire said he was not aware that the application had been withdrawn by the Chinese companies, as alleged in a public statement signed by the Ryazanovka’s captain in December.

Maurihungirire also questioned how a vessel in such bad shape could be expected to transport live animals to China.

In the December statement signed by the Ryazanovka’s master, Ilya Sharapov, he wrote that the “investment proposition” would be withdrawn because of a public outcry, as well as the ministry’s lack of response to the application after it was submitted in March 2016.

Yesterday, a legal representative of Jeff Huang, the Chinese businessmen whose company Welwitschia Aquatic & Wildlife Scientific Services, along with Beijing Ruier Animal Breeding & Promoting Co, applied for the permit from the Ministry of Fisheries in March last year, said she could not comment on the application or the vessel without instructions from her client.

Attorney Flora Gaes, who confirmed that she represented Huang in the matter, said Huang was not in Windhoek at the moment and she had been given “no instructions to comment on anything”.

Last year, Namibian Sun reported that Welwitschia Aquatic & Wildlife Scientific Services operated from the same premises as Sun Investment Group Namibia in Windhoek, the company owned by multimillionaire Jack Huang, the father of Jeff Huang.

At the time, both Huangs telephonically denied any knowledge of Welwitschia, of their relationship to each other and of their involvement in the application.

Yet documents showed that the physical and telephonic contact details for both companies are identical and a receptionist confirmed telephonically to Namibian Sun that Jeff Huang was the manager of Welwitschia Aquatic & Wildlife Scientific Services.

The application, which has been circulated widely, was harshly criticised by scientists and members of the public, locally and internationally. A petition asking the government to deny the permit had attracted close to 16 000 signatures by yesterday.

One of the chief concerns expressed in hundreds of letters sent to the ministry over the past few months, apart from the lack of transparency from authorities, is the lack of scientific accuracy contained in the application, which was described by a concerned wildlife scientist as “nonsensical.”

Furthermore, the proposal lists mainly species protected under several international conventions because they are listed as rare, endangered or threatened.

One scientist pointed out that the proposal lists an annual quota of 50 to 100 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins and up to 100 common bottlenose dolphins.

“There are no records of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins from Namibia, they don't occur here. The common bottlenose dolphins that do inhabit Namibian waters number fewer than 100 individuals in total, so it would effectively be the entire population of one of Namibia’s rarest mammals. This just demonstrates the complete lack of sound scientific data used in devising this proposal,” he said.

Moreover, the proposal falsely claimed that the live capture and export of these species would help Namibia to stop the “downward spiral trend in recent years, partly because overprotected cetacean species dramatically increased (sic)” leading to a “dramatic reduction” in fish stocks.

This claim was rubbished by scientists, who explained that there is very little data available on the impact of cetaceans, such as whales and dolphins, on fish stocks, but that the impact of the small populations of dolphins, whales and penguins compared to large-scale commercial fishing would be “minute”.

Moreover, international animal welfare groups pointed out that capturing wild animals and keeping them in captivity is inhumane and increasingly unsupported by marine parks and zoos globally.

Hustle for yourselves – Ahrens

January 24, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Hustle for yourselves – AhrensShooter retires on happy note Sport funding remains a challenge and Namibia's top trap shooter has tasted the hardship of having to source money to make her dream come true. Retired trap shooter Gaby Ahrens encourages sportsmen and women to work hard for their income and fund their sport careers themselves.

Ahrens, who retired from trap shooting last year after the Olympic Games, says there has always been a shortage of funding in the sport she has been competing in since she made her international debut in 2006.

“There has always been a shortage in funding for my sport or the sport of the athletes around me, so nothing really has changed.

“Athletes had to ensure private funding to get ahead in their careers and I could never rely on public funding,” she says.

She says being an athlete requires planning ahead about four years. “This means budgeting and knowing in advance how much financing you have and how to use it best to achieve your goals.”

She adds that despite planning being crucial, not knowing what support there is in the future is frustrating and makes it extremely difficult to plan.

“Athletes' focus should be on sport and not on finances; sadly this is not the case in Namibia.

“Without money available it is quite impossible to make an impact on the international scene so I could never rely on sport alone, but rather have had to work full time to earn an income and fund my sport.

“Namibian athletes do not have it easy and my advice to them is to try and work for their own income and fund themselves and not rely too much on outside sources which are out of their control,” she said.

Ahrens says she has much respect for her countrymen and women in sport who sacrifice a lot to achieve what they have dreamed off.

“Our athletes are the bravest people I know and I have so much respect for them for trying against all odds.”



Olympic experience

Having made it to the world showpiece three times, Ahrens is satisfied with what she has accomplished.

At her last appearance in Rio, she ended ninth and missed the final by one target.

“This for me gives me a sense of accomplishment. I can honestly say I have achieved what I wanted and can put down my gun and find new goals in life,” she says.

The Olympic Movement played a crucial role in her career and being an elite athlete at Olympic level is all about the athlete's attitude.

“At that level you have to live for your sport and give it everything you got. It is also up to you and nobody else... You cannot depend on anyone but yourself to reach your goals because everything that you need to achieve is within yourself,” she said. Although she has retired from shooting, she is still in the sport industry. Ahrens is now serving on the Olympic Committee Board as athletes' representative for the next four years, “so my job is to ensure that the rights and views of athletes are taken into consideration during decision-making at the national level.”

She says if the opportunity arises she will enrol for the International Olympic Committee's master's degree in sports management.

At the moment, Ahrens spends time in the gym with assistance from her online trainer and nutritionist.

Her dream is to be able to accompany Team Namibia to the Tokyo Olympic Games as an official and to share her insights and experience.

KAINO NGHITONGO

Cyclists set goals for 2017

January 24, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Cyclists set goals for 2017 Professional cyclist Till Drobisch wants to concentrate on his studies and will do less road racing this year.

He said this right after he won the opening race of the 2017 Nedbank Windhoek Pedal Power Road Cycle Series on Sunday. “I also want to focus more on mountain cycling so I won't be doing much racing on the road this year,” he told Nampa after the 100km race in the Dordabis area, east of Windhoek. The race was the first leg of the Nedbank Windhoek Pedal Power (WPP) Road Cycle Series hosted by the Namibia Cycling Federation. The 23-year-old Drobisch won ahead of Lotto Petrus and his teammate Johannes Hamunyela, who rides for team Namibia Cleaning Chemical Solutions (NCCS). Drobisch, who races for Team 0711/Cycling in Germany, won the national 2016 individual time trial and the Nedbank Cycle Challenge last year. Another rider, Michelle Vorster, 38, said she would participate in local and international races this year. Vorster, a Namibian cross-country cyclist, competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics in the women's cross-country race, but did not finish her mountain-bike race due to mechanical problems. Her biggest goal this year is to compete in the ABSA Cape Epic, an annual mountain bike race held in South Africa's Western Cape, in March. “I want to finish that gruel race which is considered the Dakar of cycling,” she said, adding that she wants to challenge herself more this year because the best mountain bike riders in Africa are expected to compete at the Absa Cape Epic. Meanwhile, 29-year-old Petrus, who has won the national championship three times, said his aim is to win his fourth national cycling title and then retire within two years. “The cycling business is becoming tough every year with the new kids on the block but my personal dream is to retire in the next two years because I am mentally tired,” said Petrus.

NAMPA

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Tunisia advance as Algeria bow out

January 24, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Tunisia advance as Algeria bow outZimbabwe exit with positive lessons learned Afcon host nation Gabon has been sent packing, along with Zimbabwe, which was Southern Africa's only country at the tournament. Tunisia trounced Zimbabwe 4-2 in Gabon Monday to reach the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals as star-stacked Algeria were eliminated after the first round.

Naim Sliti, Youssef Msakni, Taha Yassine Khenessi and Wahbi Khazri scored in Libreville as the Tunisian Carthage became the first side at the 2017 finals to score four goals in a match.

Algeria drew 2-2 with a virtual Senegal 'B' side in Franceville at the same time with star striker Islam Slimani finally finding form to bag a brace.

This was the second 2-2 draw for the Algerian Desert Foxes after a similar result against Zimbabwe, and a 2-1 loss to neighbours Tunisia in between proved costly.

Many pundits had placed Algeria among the title favourites given the presence of stars like new African Footballer of the Year Riyad Mahrez, Slimani and Yacine Brahimi.

Pre-tournament fears about the defence proved well founded, however, as they conceded two goals in each group game.

Senegal, breaking a pre-match promise of coach Aliou Cisse that he would field a full-strength side, equalised first through Papa Diop and Moussa Sow.

Assured of finishing first before the last mini-league matches, Senegal topped the Group B standings with seven points followed by Tunisia (six), Algeria (two) and Zimbabwe (one).

Senegal stay in south-eastern Gabon to face Cameroon Saturday three hours after Burkina Faso and Tunisia meet in the first quarter-final in Libreville.

Cameroon beat Senegal on penalties in the 2002 final in Mali and hosts Burkina Faso also won on penalties when they met Tunisia in a 1998 quarter-final.

Ghana are also through to the last eight and the other three quarter-finalists will be decided Tuesday and Wednesday with six countries in contention.

All the Group C teams - Democratic Republic of Congo, Morocco, defending champions Ivory Coast and Togo - can advance to the knockout phase.

In Group D, either record seven-time champions Egypt or Mali will accompany Ghana to the quarter-finals.

Henryk Kasperczak coached Tunisia to the 1996 final during a previous spell in charge and was thrilled with the victory over Zimbabwe.

“We regained possession well during the first half and created scoring chances,” said the Poland-born handler.

“It was a satisfactory performance and I congratulate my players. Now we face Burkina Faso, a quality team with good technique and attacking combinations.”

Zimbabwe coach Callisto Pasuwa said: “We lost the match in the early stages due to a lack of concentration.

“I think we have potential, but must prepare better. A lesson from this tournament is that players have to remain focused throughout a game.”

Tunisia scored four goals in a Cup of Nations match for the fourth time as they ripped the Zimbabwe defence to shreds during a first-half goal fest which ended with the winners 4-1 ahead.

The tempo inevitably slowed after half-time with both teams playing for the third time in nine days and Ndoro scored the lone second-half goal.

Algeria coach Georges Leekens took some consolation from the early exit as Algeria continued to underperform at the Cup of Nations since a lone title when 1990 hosts.

“I had warned that Senegal was one of the big favourites and we showed that we could respond in difficult circumstances, which is important for the future,” he said.

“Overall it is a disappointment, but we need to use this to grow in the future,” he added as Algeria are left to focus on trying to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

“I am still sure of what I have to do. It was not a gift for me to come here but we will make it to Russia. I think my players showed they could react.”

Slimani gave Algeria the lead on 10 minutes and after Diop levelled just before half-time, he struck again early in the second half only for Sow to equalise within a minute.

NAMPA/AFP

Golden Arrows release Katjiukua

January 24, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Golden Arrows release Katjiukua KICKOFF

Golden Arrows have released Namibia international Chris Katjiukua and Nkosinathi Zitha.

Both defenders have only played once in the league this season as coach Clinton Larsen has preferred Nkanyiso Mngwengwe and Limbikani Mzava at the back since the latter's signing from Mpumalanga Black Aces.

"Yes, we have released Zitha and Katjiukua," Arrows CEO Gordon Masondo tells KickOff.com.

Zitha, 27, joined Arrows from Thanda Royal Zulu prior to the 2014/15 campaign and helped them win promotion from the National First Division with Katjiukua under then-coach Shaun Bartlett.

Katjiukua's fortunes at the Durban-based outfit dipped this campaign as he dealt with injury concerns.

Abafana Bes'thende, who are yet to finalise matters with Malawian trialist Chiukepo Msowoya, also recently parted ways with Quincy Ngcobo, Sandile Dlamini, Clifton Miheso and Mauricio Barrios.

Epangelo lya tondoka onkugo yoskola yaAmarika

January 24, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Epangelo lya tondoka onkugo yoskola yaAmarika Sha landula oolopota kombinga yaSaara Lukas na ya kwawo yalwe mboka ya tokola okushuna koskola nokutsikila elongo lyawo lyopevi omanga yeli mepipi lyoomvula omilongambali nasha, epangelo olya tondoka onkugo yoskola yopevi yAmarika.

Etungo lyomagumbo gaalongi olya manithwa nale omanga etungo lyoongulu dhoskola dha gwedhwa po dhili ne oshowo omuhandjo gwoskola oya tamekwa okutungwa.

Pahapu dhomukuluntuskola Abraham Haukelo, okwa popi kutya okwa nyanyukwa noonkondo sho epangelo lya tokola okuyambula po oskola yaw o nokuyi gwedhela sigo opondondo onti-8.

Okwa popi kutya muule woomvula ndatu dha piti, oskola oya kala owala nondondo sigo 4 na osha kala oshidhigu kaanaskola oku ka tsikila eilongo lyawo.

“Onda nyanyukwa noonkondo molwaashoka aanona yomuAmarika ota ya ka tyapula elongo lyawo. Osha li hashi uvithandje nayi noonkondo sho aanona aashona taya dhigipo oskola uuna ya yi mondondo onti-4 molwaashoka kaya li ye na nkene,” Haukelo ta ti.

Okwa pandula woo olopota kombinga yaSaara Lukas na ya kwawo yatano mboka ya tokola okushuna koskola.

“Konima sho aavali ya mono aanyasha mbaka miikundaneki kutya kape na ngoka a kala a hala aanona ye ya kale megumbo o yali ye ya tumu koskola opo ya kale ya fa aakadhona aakwawo. Aakadhona mbaka oyeli ta ye shi enditha nawa moskola na oye na omikalo, naashika oshi li etsomukumo ewanawa.”



Omukuluntuskola okwa popi kutya omvula ya ziko, oya li owala ye na aanona 56 ihe nuumvo omwaalu ogwa londa sigo opaanona 106.



Ondjokonona yoskola

Oyali ya totwa po moomvula dho1960 kongeleka yaELCIN, Oskola yaAmarika momukunda oAmarika oshowo oskola yaDr Ndeutala Angolo Primary School mOnghaanghaa odho owala ooskola tadhi adhika momudhingoloko na odhina owala ondondo yotango sigo ontine.

Sha landula etalelepo lyomupevi minista mombelewa yomupevi presidende , ngoka e na oshinakugwanithwa shesiloshimpwiyu lyaantu yomihoko ndhoka dha kala inadhi talika nale monakuziwa, Royal /Ui/o/oo, ngoka a talele po oskola ndjoka muJuli gwomvula ya piti, osha tokolwa opo oskola ndjika yi kale nondondo sigo onti-8 nuumvo.

Omuprima Saara kuugongela-Amadhila na ye okwa li a talele opo oskola ndjika naashika osha li sha thiminike Lukas na yakwawo yahamano; Ottillie Johannes, 20, Lyidia Ipinge, 19, Josephina Gabriel naOttillie Jonas, yoomvula 17, oshowo Leena Kashenye, 16 ya shune koskola.

Aakadhona mbaka oya kala pomagumbo molwaashoka ka ye na mpoka ta ya ka tsikila oskola, oshoka osikola yopopepi na yo yedhina Erastus Shapumba Junior Secondary School oyi li mEtilyasa, konyala oshinano shookilometa 80 okuza mpoka na yo kayina omuhandjo.





Omvula ya ziko, oshikondo shomathaneko gomahumithokomeho gaakwashigwana mboka ya kala yathigalapo, mOmbelewa yomupevi- osha tokola okuyambidhidha aakadhona mbaka noshimaliwa shooN$500 kehe komwedhi opo ya vule okwiikwatha. Pahapu dhOmukuluntu gwElongo mOmusati Laban Shapange, ota dhi ti, egwedhelo lyoongundu poskola mpoka oshinima oshiwanawa molwaashoka aanona otaya ka tyapula uuthemba wawo wokumona elongo. Mwene gwomukunda Amarika Salom Hamutenya okwa popi kutya etungo ndyoka tali ningwa poskola mpoka otali e ta eyambulepo momukunda gwe.

ILENI NANDJATO

‘Aanona ya valelwa kombanda’ ya tindi omadheulo

January 24, 2017, 2:00 pm

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‘Aanona ya valelwa kombanda’ ya tindi omadheuloYa hala iilonga pehala lyomadheulo Sha landula omalundilo go ku kondjela iikulya yoshikukuta nepiyaganeko moshigwana olindji, aanona mboka ya valelelwa mekondjelomanguluko pondje yoshilongo oya tokola kutya otaya kala poZoo Park sigo ya mono omayamukulo kombinga yiilonga mbyoka taya pula. Konyala aanyasha ya thika po 200 oya yunga oontanda poZoo Park moshilandopangelo, okuholola omayiuvo netindo lyawo okufalwa komadheulo kendiki lyoBerg Aukas Youth Development, hoka ya falelwe kepangelo muKotomba gwomvula ya ziko.



Ongundu ndjika oya tameke olweendo lwawo okuza pofaalama yoNdilimani yili moBrakwater omutenya gwOsoondaha na oya thiki mOvenduka uusiku.

Kwiikwatelelwa komupopiliko gwongundu, Tuhafeni Nhinda, okwa ti, epangelo otali manapo ethimbo lyawo metokolo lyo kuya fala komadheulo molwashoka oyendji oye na oomvula dhi vulithe po-24 omanga oongamba dhoomvula oku kutwa mEtanga lyOpolisi nenge mEtanga lyEgameno odho oomvula 24.

“Epangelo nali tupe iilonga. Ina li tu yelithila nokuli kutya elalakano lyomadheulo ngoka olya shike,” Nhinda ta ti.





Ongundu oya gandja omukandanyenyeto gwayo kuAmushanga gwOkabinete, George Simataa, ngoka uuvaneke kutya ote ya pe eyamukulo nena.

Nonando ongaaka ongundu ndjoka oyeshi yelitha kutya itaya shuna koBrakwater ya ka tegelele omayakulo gawo ihe otaya tegelele mpoka.

“Katu na iikulya oshoka oye tu dhimbwa. Otatu kala mpaka nenge tatu shuna koombonge dhoSwapo, oko tu ka pule aantu iikulya mokuhehela,” Nhinda ta gwedhako.

Nhinda okwa pula Simataa opo a yelithe kombinga yoompito dhiilonga 400 ndhoka a li a lombwele epangelo liikalekele.

“Itaya vulu okutu lombwela ngashiingeyi kutya iilonga mbyoka oya kalekwa molwaashoka momutumba ngoka twa ningile momasiku ga2 gDecemba omvula ya ziko okwe tu lombwele kutya otaya ka pititha oompito dhiilonga dha thika po-400. Iilonga mbyoka otayi ka pewa oolye?”

Simataa ina vula okuyamukula komapulo ngoka a pulwa molwaashoka okwa li ena oshigongi.

Epangelo olya nyanwa sha landula sho Omupresidende Hage Geingob muSeptemba omvula ya piti, a shaina epititho lyoomiliyona 11.3 okuza koSocial Security Commission Fund, opo yi ka futile omadheulo gaanona mboka kendiki lyoBerg Aukas Youth Development Centre.

Pethimbo ndyoka, aanyasha mbaka natango oya tindi omadheuo ngoka no ku popya kutya yo oya hala iilonga molwaashoka otaya kulupa.

Omunapaliamende gwoDTA, Elma Dienda okwa nyana epangelo sho tali ungaunga naanona mboka onga ya fa ya yooloka kaaNamibia ayehe na okwa pula epangelo li thikithe pamwe onkalo yaanona mbaka molwaashoka otayi tulitha ombili yoshigwana moshiponga.

Iiwike ya piti, aaanona mbaka okwa lopotwa ya ponokele aakalimo yo moMix no ku yugako iikulya yawo yoshikukuta.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Oondjamba tadhi piyaganeke aakwaashigwana

January 24, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Oondjamba tadhi piyaganeke aakwaashigwana Aanamukunda oya popi kutya omapya nomankolo ga wo ota ga hanagulwapo koondjamba, ihe aanambelewa yegameno lyiiyamakuti ita ya ningi sha.

Iiyamakuti mbika okwa lopotwa ya yi momukunda ngoka konyala iiwike itatu ya piti.



Sho a popi pehala lyamwene gwomukunda Ondjungulume Francisco Nekwaya, Paulus Nuuyoma okwa popi kutya kaye shi kutya oondjamba dhoka otadhi zi peni na oshowo oshikando shotango tadhi kala momukunda ngoka.

Okwa popi kutya oondjamba odhili tadhi hanagulapo iikunwa ya wo momapya no ku hanagulapo omankolo nomagumbo gawo uusiku, naantu oye na uutile kutya otashi vulika ya kamonithwe oshiponga koondjamba ndhika manga ya kotha.

Okwa popi kutya oondjamba ndhika ngashiingeyi ohadhi kala woo momadhiya gawo gomeya nokudhanena omeya gawo naantu yamwe oya tembuka mo momagumbo omolwa uumbanda.

“Otwa tegelela aanambelewa yeye ya tidhemo iiyamakuti mbika mokati ketu ihe otaye tu lombwele kutya oya tegelela eyamukulo okuza kOvenduka opo ya tale kutya ota ye dhi ningi ngiini kakele omapya getu otaga hanagulwapo esiku kehe. Olye taka futa iinima yetu mbyoka tayi hanagulwapo,” Nuuyoma ta pula.

Omunamukunda gumwe Valeria Namboga okwa popi kutya oondjamba dha talela po epya lye iikando itatu na odha hanagulapo oshindji, molwaashoka kaye na shoka ta ya vulu okuninga. Okwa popi kutya nonando epya lye lya hanagulwapo ngaaka konyala ethimbo lyuusiku, aanambelewa oye ya lombwele opo ya ethe oondjmba ina ye dhi tidha oshoka otadhi vulu okuya monitha oshiponga.

Omukuluntuwiliki gwetotatelo Iyiinamwenyo mOnooli, Rehabeam Erki, okwa popi kutya oye na owino yoondjamba ndhoka na oya tuma aanambelewa komukunda ngoka opo ya ka kale nkene ye na okuninga omanga ta ya kongo omukalo gwokudhi tidha mo momukunda ngoka. Okwa popi kutya oondjamba ndhoka odha zilila koRuacana na otadhi kongo omeya, nando dha nanwa komuloka ngoka gwa loko momudhingoloko ngoka.



Okwa tsikile kutya oye shi shi kutya oondjamba otadhi hanagulapo omapya gaakwashigwana kakele okwe ya pula opo kaye dhi tidhe molwaashoka odha nika oshiponga na okwa pula aanamukunda mboka yiidhidhimike sigo aanambelewa ya mono eyamukulo kutya otaya kandula po ngiini omukundu gwoondjamba ndhoka.



ILENI NANDJATO

NWR appoints company secretary

January 24, 2017, 2:00 pm

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NWR appoints company secretaryGaingos focuses on good corporate governance NWR believes it is moving in the right direction as this appointment is vital in ensuring that directors and shareholders are informed of their legal responsibilities. Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) has strengthened its team with the appointment of Charmaine Gaingos as company secretary.

Gaingos joins the team with extensive administrative experience and a comprehensive understanding of the law. She obtained an LLB from the University of Namibia and is an admitted legal practitioner in the High Court of Namibia. Prior to joining NWR, she was a risk, governance and company secretarial specialist at Old Mutual Namibia.

When asked how she would assist NWR in achieving its objectives, Gaingos said, “I will promote good corporate governance, timely preparation of board packs and minutes while implementing sound governance frameworks, ensure compliance with the local corporate law, ensure that ongoing training is provided to the directors and that any shareholder issues are well managed.”

Added Gaingos: “From a legal standpoint, I will issue sound legal opinions on legal issues, provide legal sign off on contracts and business processes, prepare the business for new legislation, manage legal complaints received and provide ad hoc legal services.”

STAFF REPORTER

Good sales cycle for De Beers

January 24, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Good sales cycle for De Beers6.3 million carats mined in 2016 Good demand has been seen across the majority of assortments. STAFF REPORTER



Anglo American has announced the value of rough diamond sales for De Beers’ first sales cycle of 2017, amounting to US$720 million.

Bruce Cleaver, chief executive officer of De Beers, said: “We saw good demand across the majority of our assortment during the first sales cycle of the year, as the industry entered the period when rough diamond demand is traditionally strongest. The longer period between the final Sight of 2016 and the first Sight of 2017 also contributed to heightened demand during the cycle.

“While the reopening of some diamond polishing operations in India saw something of an increase in demand for smaller, lower quality rough diamonds, we maintain a cautious outlook for these categories as the Indian industry continues to adjust to the post-demonetisation environment.”

In its third quarterly production report released 25 October 2016, Anglo American reported diamond production increased by 4% to 6.3 million carats compared with Quarter 3 of 2015 when production was reduced in response to the prevailing trading conditions. The modestly higher production at De Beers was reflective of improved market conditions relative to Quarter 3 of 2015, Anglo said at the time.

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Marenica to re-evaluate scoping study

January 24, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Marenica to re-evaluate scoping studyUpbeat about price movements in sector Marenica will conduct a revised scoping study as it plans to test the feasibility of its U-pgrade processing technology, following the first study completed in 2011. Marenica will conduct a revised scoping study which should lead to more detailed feasibility study later in the year. The company is also betting on its trade-marked U-pgrade processing technology that it believes will enhance ore concentrates in a low price environment.

Making the announcement recently, its managing director, Murray Hill, said: “This revised scoping study will provide an opportunity for Marenica to reset the economics of the project in light of the material advancements possible using the U-pgrade technology and the more competitive cost environment in which the industry finds itself in at the moment.”

He added: “Progressing our own projects using U-pgrade is both complementary and supportive of our corporate strategy of developing a portfolio of uranium interests (which includes direct ownership and royalty streams from third party assets) and providing our shareholders with a leveraged and diversified exposure to the medium term prospects in the uranium market.”

A scoping study was completed on the Project in 2011. Since then, Marenica has developed its processing technology, U-pgrade, providing the potential to halve process operating and capital costs for Marenica´s surficial resource.

“The revised scoping study is expected to be completed within 3 months, and will create a platform to consider a more detailed feasibility study later in 2017. External consultants DRA and Orelogy have been engaged to complete the work,” the prospective uranium miner said in a statement. Although the low grade of the deposit would normally make development challenging in all but the more optimistic uranium price scenarios, the U-pgrade technology is capable of concentrating the ore by a factor of 50 times to materially improve the economics of the project according to Marenica estimates. The company also intends to channel the expertise within its technical steering committee to revisit all parts of the mining operation to identify further performance and cost improvements.

“By applying this technology and technical expertise through the revised scoping study it is hoped to confirm that the Marenica project, with U-pgrade, is viable in US$65-75 per pound of uranium price range and therefore competitive with the best of new uranium projects worldwide,” the company said.

STAFF REPORTER

Economy displays weak performance - BoN

January 24, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Economy displays weak performance - BoN The domestic economy displayed weak performance, year-on-year, during the second quarter of 2016, as a result of slowed activities in the mining, manufacturing and transport sectors, while inflation rose over the same period, according to the Bank of Namibia.

Releasing its quarterly bulletin, the central bank said: “Activities in the mining and manufacturing sectors continued to slow down, largely due to operational challenges. Likewise, activities in the transport sector weakened over the same period.

“On the contrary, the performance in the wholesale and retail trade sector as well as the public construction programmes remained positive, although slowing down considerably when compared to the same period of 2015.

“In the agricultural sector, marketing activities rose significantly, as farmers anticipated new stricter export requirements for live animals to South Africa. The average inflation rate rose by 0.7 percentage point and 3.7 percentage points to 6.7 percent, on a quarterly and annual basis, respectively, predominantly due to the rise in the housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels category.”

The growth in money supply (M2) contracted, both quarter-on-quarter and year-on-year, at the end of the second quarter of 2016, stemmed primarily from the declined growth in Net Foreign Assets. M2 contracted by 1.6% at the end of the second quarter of 2016 from a positive growth of 5.5%. Similarly, growth in credit extended to the private sector (PSCE) slowed over the same period, contributing to the sluggish performance in M2.

“Growth in PSCE slowed to 2% at the end of the second quarter of 2016 from 2.8%at the end of the corresponding quarter of 2015. The slowed growth in PSCE stemmed from a decline in the borrowing activities of both the household and corporate sectors during the reviewed period, according to the Bank of Namibia

“On the fiscal front, government's total debt continued to increase, year-on-year, reflected in both the domestic and foreign borrowings, mainly in the Eurobond. As a result, government's total debt as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product increased to 35.8% at the end of the first quarter (June) of 2016/17, from 25.7% at the end of the corresponding quarter of 2015/16, the central bank said.

“The overall balance recorded a deficit during the second quarter of 2016, a turnaround from a surplus during the corresponding quarter of 2015, mainly due to the current account deficit.

The current account registered a deficit during the quarter under review, albeit lower compared to the corresponding quarter of 2015, ascribed primarily to sustain the deficit in the merchandise trade balance.

In addition, the capital and financial account recorded a reduced surplus over the same period.

The Namibian dollar depreciated against all the major trading currencies on a yearly basis, but appreciated on a quarterly basis during the second quarter of 2016,” the Bank of Namibia said.

STAFF REPORTER

Ya pewa omboloha yomiliyona 1.5

January 24, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Ya pewa omboloha yomiliyona 1.5 Aafekelwa yatatu moshipotha sheholeko lyoonzo yiimaliwa yathika poombiliyona 3.5 oya pewa omboloha yooshimaliwa sha thika pomiliyona 1.5 mOmpangululo yaMangestrata gwaVenduka.

Aakwashigwana aaChina yaali, Huizhong Tao naHuan Jinrong, oshowo Omunamibia gumwe omunangeshefa, Laurentius Julius, oya pewa omboloha kuMangestrata Venatius Alweendo.

Huizhong naHuan oya li ya kalelwa po kuSisa Namandje, omanga Louis Botes a kalelepo Julius. Epangelo moshipotha shika olya kalelwa po kuRowen van Wyk.

Alweendo okwa popi kutya epangelo olya ndopa okukoleka kutya mboka yatatu otaya ka ya ontuku uuna ya mangululwa pambooloha.

Alweendo okwa gandja elombwelo kuTao naJinrong opo ya kale taya ilopota kopolisi yaShikango lwaali moshiwike omanga Julius a lombwelwa opo a kale tiilopota kopilisi yaMbaye.

Ayehe oya pulwa opo ya gandje omikanda dhawo dhomalweendo naaChina oya lombwelwa opo kaya pitemo moongamba dhompangulilo yaHangwena, omanga Julius a lombwelwa a gandje elombwelo ngele okwa hala okulundulula olukalwa lwe nenge oongeshefa ye. Hugunina aafekelwa oya lombwelwa opo kaaya kwatathane nande nande sigo omakonaakono ga manithwa.

Mbaka ota ya tamanekelwa oshipotha shekengelelo lyiimaliwa ya thika poombiliyona 3.5 okupitila mepingakanitho lyiimaliwa lya ningilwa mongeshefa yaJulius yoXCCS no Organised Freight CC.

OMUTOOLINKUNDANA GWOMENI

Herd recovery to take three years

January 24, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Herd recovery to take three yearsAgricultural outlook is a mixed bag The outlook for the agricultural sector bodes well for beef producers but in terms of mutton and agronomy, a slow recovery is expected. For the past three years Namibia has suffered from a severe drought resulting in emergency marketing and declining herd numbers. It is expected that the herd recovery phase will take at least another two to three years.

This is according to the Meat Board of Namibia which says there are a number of challenges which will have to be addressed during the course of the year.

These include that a lucrative market must be found for cattle produced by livestock producers north of the veterinary cordon fence and that a final agreement should also be reached on the future of sheep marketing in Namibia (i.e.: the Sheep Marketing Scheme).

The Meat Board says that it is also important that all the factors impacting the growth of the Namibian meat industry and it its various stakeholders are discussed in depth with the government for the sake of a healthy national meat industry.

In the meantime drought has been identified as the fourth highest risk factor for the entire Namibian economy, while a better rainy season will be the main determinant whether the agricultural sector will improve this year.

According to Simonis Storm's Namibian Economic Outlook for 2017, sheep slaughtering at the three abattoirs in Namibia (Mariental, Keetmanshoop and Aranos) increased from 8 660 in January to 48 339 sheep in April 2016.

This is however, lower than previously recorded numbers.

The report said that the low-throughput at these abattoirs can be attributed to low operating capacity, low production numbers of sheep, as well as the uncompetitive pricing of the abattoirs compared to what can be offered in South Africa.

“We expect the uncompetitive producer pricing in the domestic market to continue to hamper the development of the small stock sector.”

The number of cattle marketed to local abattoirs was 32 833 heads from January to September 2016, which is 24.7% higher than the 24 723 heads recorded during the same period last year.

This is despite the fact that beef producer prices have trended higher by N$28.9 per kg during the first nine months of 2016, compared to an average of N$27.3 per kg during the corresponding period of 2015.

According to the report it is optimistic about the survival of the beef sector because of the fact that government has recently secured additional international markets for Namibian beef, being the US and China and also because of early rainfall in the country.

Meanwhile, the report says that the country has not managed to register any exports of maize in the last two years, making the price for maize to be more weather-exposed relative to currency exposure.

The industry however, expects some price cuts of between 15 to 20 % in the coming season due to expected positive rainfall coupled with the strengthening of the US dollar exchange rate compared to the previous cumulative price increases of over 60%.

As with white maize, the price for wheat is more weather-exposed relative to currency exposure.

Thus, the industry only expects a cut in prices of soft commodities between 15 to 20% in this year, compared to a gradual price increase of 68%, effected in the last 10 months.

The 2015/16 financial period registered the highest and lowest levels in the last six years in respect of millet imports and production, respectively. That is; 6 096 tonnes of imports and 111 tonnes sourced domestically.

At least 80% of industrial-used millet is imported, mainly from India, to complement the local production output.

“We are, however, optimistic that a good harvest in the coming season, will be driven by earlier expected rainfall.”

Milk production in 2015 was recorded at 24.3 million litres, representing an annual growth rate of 6.1% from the prior year.

It is expected that milk production will be between 1% and 3% lower in 2016, partly due to the drought and due to lower domestic consumption.

The sustainability of water supply remains the key risk to this sector.



ELLANIE SMIT

Shot of the day

January 24, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Shot of the day STUNNING: A night scenery of downtown Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan Province. The city is illuminated to greet the upcoming Spring Festival, or the Chinese lunar New Year which falls on 28 January this year. Photo: NAMPA/XINHUA