Government not broke, says minister

January 26, 2017, 2:00 pm

≪ Previous: Namibian arrested for 13 tusks gets bail

OGONE TLHAGE

Minister of finance Calle Schlettwein strongly denied allegations that the government is broke. He made the remark in response to a liquidity crisis which had many fearing that the government had run out of money.

“The paying of salaries is a priority,” he said in response to reports that employees of the National Youth Service, Namibia Tourism Board and service providers such as lawyers had not been paid.

“This is disturbing because government continues to honour its obligations. This notion is wrong and there are no defaults.”

It was recently reported that employees of the National Youth Service and the Namibia Tourism Board had not been paid because of problems at Finance, an allegation strongly denied by Schlettwein.

He attributed the non-payment of salaries to glitches experienced at the two state institutions. “The non-payment of staff is related to technical glitches and has nothing to do with the Ministry of Finance. This is a wrong perception.”

Asked whether the country was broke, he simply responded: “We are far from broke.”

Schlettwein said the government had enough money available to pay for projects such as roads and the salaries of government employees and some state-owned entities that relied on government for funding, such as educational institutions and other not-for-profit organisations.

“In December alone we had increased our rate of payment. We had paid N$10.1 billion, mainly in backlogs that appeared in November and December. We are within our 30-day period and that will be continued. The remaining backlog will be honoured.”

According to him, the government is honouring all its obligations.

“Another issue that should be viewed in a positive light was the fact that government remained committed to honouring all his obligations up until the new financial year begins, anticipated to be in the second week of March,” he said.

Recent budget cuts were a necessity, Schlettwein stressed, saying: “If we did not do what we had done, I am sure we would have been downgraded [by credit-ratings agencies]. It was a tough call but it was the right thing to do. If we did not do this, the consequences would have been more severe.”

He also dismissed the notion that the government had its hands in the coffer of the Government Institutions Pension Fund, explaining that the government, through the Bank of Namibia, had engaged in asset swaps with the pension fund.

He also said that N$3.6 billion had been raised in the debt markets and that not only the GIPF had bought government debt but other role players in the financial sector too, which he said illustrated the government’s ability to repay debt and the confidence the financial sector has in it.

Schlettwein said the fiscal consolidation was expected to continue when the new financial year starts in March.

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Big cuts in tertiary education

January 26, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Lüderitz launches Harders Cup

≪ Previous: Government not broke, says minister

Big cuts in tertiary educationHigher education budget could be slashed by 40% The minister of higher education anticipates the operational budget of her ministry to be cut by as much as N$1.5 billion.

JANA-MARI SMITH

The Ministry of Higher Education, Training and Innovation’s operational budget faces a potential 40% slash, which could see the ministry’s purse reduced by N$1.5 billion.

Minister Itah Kandjii-Murangi yesterday said it was likely that the operational budget of the ministry would be reduced by N$1.5 billion, or about 40%.

The higher education ministry was allocated N$3.41 billion for the 2016/2017 financial year, when the budget was tabled in February 2016.

In October during the mid-term budget review, over N$92 million was cut from the ministry’s operational budget when finance minister Calle Schlettwein announced new austerity measures.

Kandjii-Murangi yesterday said the funding cuts formed part of government’s overall fiscal consolidation and that the ministry would be forced to make tough choices about which programmes and projects would be affecting and to what extent.

Nevertheless, she told journalists that the reduced amount would most likely be spread across all institutions and operations falling under the ministry, and that the ministry did not yet anticipate “any serious problems” with regard to stopping programmes.

The minister assured potential students in need of financial support that the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF), would continue to help them despite the “economic hardship faced by government”.

Tough times

Kandjii-Murangi’s announcement came a day after the University of Namibia had announced that it would freeze all vacancies and new positions, including those that had been approved, with immediate effect.

In an internal memo, vice-chancellor Lazarus Hangula cited financial difficulties for the abrupt decision.

The memo announced a restriction of employment of part-time staff and said no student assistants or student demonstrators would be employed by any of the university centres, faculties or offices without written approval.

Staff were urged to “assist with carrying additional workloads, if and where possible and as may be required in order for Unam to continue to deliver effective and efficient services to our clients, the students.”

The university released another memo on the same day, informing staff that it was unable to honour its December promise to implement salary increases in February.

“The adjustments for 2017 will, however, be implemented to all staff to whom the salary adjustments are applicable at such a time that the financial position improves,” the memo read.

Key activities

The minister took the opportunity to highlight activities planned for 2017, which included the construction of two vocational training centres, as well as starting work on creating a Centre of Excellence in Technical Vocational Education.

The ministry will finalise a policy on higher education and the national job attachment and apprenticeship policies.

Kandjii-Murangi said based on the latest examination results, the ministry expected an increase in the number of students enrolling for tertiary education, a process that should not be affected by the budget cuts.

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Lüderitz launches Harders Cup

January 29, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: NFA Girls' Centre graduates

≪ Previous: Big cuts in tertiary education

Lüderitz launches Harders CupOfficials looking forward to thrilling football The town of Lüderitz launched the Harders Cup on Friday morning to much fanfare and excitement.

Football fans have the time to brace themselves as the coastal town launched the Harders Cup over the weekend.

The competition will kick off on 25 March and is expected to draw large football spectators.

The tournament has pitted six of the town's flamboyant teams of the town challenge for prizes.

The winning team will walk away with a whopping N$100 000 whilst the runners-up will take home N$50 000.

The team which makes it in third place will be compensated with N$20 000 for their efforts.

All participating teams will get N$5 000 and new kits as appearance benefits.

The tournament kicks off Saturday on 25 March and the finals are expected to be played Sunday afternoon at the Lüderitz football field.

On the evening of Saturday, a music bash will be hosted as part of a celebration to the town's tournament.

Top local artists like S-Man, DJ Alba and Gazza will entertain the fans with top performances.

South African hit-maker Heavy K will is also expected to set the stage alight on Saturday.

Football fans at the town will not pay any entrance fee at the gate courtesy of the sponsors.

Speaking at the even tournament official team Ekandjo expressed joy over the launching of the competition.

“The annual event is not all about football and music at face value, but that the community of Lüderitz faces tremendous socio-economic challenges rooted mainly in a lack of sufficient economic activities.

“Young people are particularly prone to be negatively affected by this situation.

“Unemployment amongst the youth is very high, which leads to high levels of alcohol and other substance abuse.

“This event therefore gives them something to look forward to, recognise and display their skills and realise their own dreams,” Ekandjo said.

The event is delivered at a total budget of N$695 000 of which N$420 000 has been secured so far.

Ekandjo lauded the sponsors on board to support the tournament so far.

Standard Bank, Tafel Lager and Namdeb/Debmarine, Gold sponsor Seaflower and Profile Investments, and Bronze sponsors Ricky Hameva Properties, Marco Fishing and Naftal Trading are all on board.

Ekandjo further encouraged more sponsors to come on board and give more life to the competition.

The finals may be broadcast live on NBC TV.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

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NFA Girls' Centre graduates

January 29, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Craven to defend national road race title

≪ Previous: Lüderitz launches Harders Cup

NFA Girls' Centre graduates The Namibia Football Association (NFA) Girls' Centre awarded 12 students each a full year scholarship to study for a diploma in Restaurant Management at the Silver Spoon Hospitality Academy.

This is after the students successfully completed a three-month introductory course to Hospitality Management.

The scholarship programme was made possible through the NFA's partnership with German Development Cooperation through GIZ and private German partners Futouris e.V. and the TUI Care Foundation.

The 12 graduates kicked off their scholastic year of training with a four-day tour to the AfriCat Foundation situated at Okonjima Lodge as part of their Environmental Education Programme.

The tour started on Wednesday 25 January with high-level attendance by the ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Namibia, Christian Schlaga and the head of cooperation at the German Embassy Christian Grün.

The German partners underlined the importance of the NFA Girls' Centre as a safe space for young women to meet, be educated and make use of different sporting activities. Ambassador Schlaga stressed, that “educational programmes such as these not only help to empower the girls, but ultimately improve the employability of Namibian women.”

The AfriCat Foundation's Environmental Education Programme will further complement and enrich the learning experience of the students who are on the verge of starting their full year diploma.

The girls that received the full year scholarships are: Melisa Eises, Jorita Cloete, Martina Shipanga, Anna Marie Shikusho, Sadia Garoes, Jenny Mento, Christiana Kohlman, Gwenneth Narises, Raiza Beukes, Rosalia Silvanus, Melissa Matheus and Jeneal Mouton.

In an effort to further empower the Namibian youth, the NFA Girls' Centre, together with GIZ, is aiming to arrange another round of training towards the end of the year.

Sports Reporter

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Craven to defend national road race title

January 29, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Marathon sweetens national cycling

≪ Previous: NFA Girls' Centre graduates

Craven to defend national road race titleCyclist gears for top competition Top cyclists are expected to paddle their way through to victory in this year's national cycling competition.

Namibian professional cyclist, Dan Craven is looking forward to defend the Pupkewitz Megabuild National Road Race Championship title he won last year.

Craven, who cycles for the Israel Cycling Academy, also won the championship in 2015.

The national championships consist of an individual time trial (ITT) which will start at 16:00 on 3 February and a road race that will start at 07:00 on 5 February.

It is hosted by the Namibian Cycling Federation (NCF) in conjunction with Windhoek Pedal Power.

Craven told Nampa via telephone Thursday he is looking forward to competing in the road race but is undecided about competing in the ITT. He ended second overall after Till Drobisch in the ITT last year.

The cyclist is currently in a training camp in Spain, preparing for the season with his team, but will be home by Saturday.

“I hope I will compete in the Nedbank MTB race as it's something I have wanted to do for many years. I'm really excited by the prospect of enjoying a day in the mountains,” he said.

The Nedbank Mountain bike (MTB) Challenge will take place on 12 February.

On Wednesday, the NCF announced that a record number of entries is expected for the national championships, with well-known cyclists such as Drobisch, Costa Seibeb, Petrus Lotto, Xavier Pappo, Gerhard Mans, Martin Freyer, Vera Adrian and Michelle Vorster all having entered for the road race.

In the road race, cyclists will compete in a 23-kilometre loop route on the newly constructed bypass in the Brakwater area, north of Windhoek.

The Elite Men will cycle this route six times (totalling 147km), while Elite Women will cycle it four times (102km).

NAMPA

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Marathon sweetens national cycling

January 29, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Omaiyuvo kombinga yontotwaveta yoPPP

≪ Previous: Craven to defend national road race title

Marathon sweetens national cycling Marathon Sugar announced the sponsorship of the first-ever centre for BMX bicycle racing at a Namibian community organisation situated at the KAYEC centre in Windhoek.

The new facilities include a custom racetrack and eight donated BMX bicycles, for children's weekly cycling activities.

The Marathon Sugar BMX centre supports national goals to make cycling a possibility for future athletes in every part of Namibia.

Acting Marketing Officer at Marathon Sugar Danuela Mertens said: “There are children that do not have the privilege to have a bike, or they don't even know how to ride or play with a bike.

“That is why we want them also to get that experience and maybe they can go very far. Marathon Sugar love to share sweet moments with the community and KAYEC youth.”

The Marathon Sugar BMX centre was inspired by the work of the Namibian Cycling Federation, which aims to increase the number of Namibians who can take up cycling nationwide.

The federation also funded a portion of the track at KAYEC which is in line with 2016/17 priorities of the Ministry of sports.

Nicola Waterworth, an English coach who visited the centre on 19 January as international development project manager for British Cycling believes the children will learn.

“It is really accessible. It is the cooler thing for children and it is safer than taking a road cycling approach.

“Kids learn the basic bike-handling skills, and then they can move on to other kinds of cycling if they want to, but fundamentally they've learnt to ride a bike,” Waterworth said.

BMX uses obstacle tracks originally designed for off-road motocross motorcycle racing, but on sturdy pedal bicycles instead.

The Marathon Sugar centre features a regulation BMX pump track which combines series of small tightly spaced roller hills and steeply banked turns.

On 9 January, KAYEC launched weekly BMX activities with the 10- to 18-year-olds who attend its Wanaheda after-school programme for school and life skills support.

Paulus Ndatipo, 11, who had learned to ride a bike in kindergarten but had never raced on a formal track thought it, was going to be a big challenge.

“First when I saw it, I thought it was tough, but then when I went on it, it was very easy.

“I would really like to go on a race in a place which is not in Windhoek, and win a prize,” Ndatipo said.

The Namibian Cycling Federation will work closely with KAYEC staff to train community coaches for the centre and teach basic repair skills.

The BMX track is open to the public, free of charge, on Thursday afternoons.

Sports Reporter

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Omaiyuvo kombinga yontotwaveta yoPPP

January 29, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Elongo lyopombanda lya gumwa ketetulo lyiimaliwa

≪ Previous: Marathon sweetens national cycling

Omaiyuvo kombinga yontotwaveta yoPPP

Kape na epandja lyontotwaveta yoPublic-Private Partnership (PPP) inali pandjulwa pethimbo lyomutumba gwaakuthimbonga ngoka gwa ningilwa mOshakati mEtitatu lyoshiwike sha piti.

Aakuthimbinga mboka ya kala momutumba oya nyana ontotwaveta ndjoka na oya popi kutya otayi etitha Namibia a ze monkalo yeliko li li mumwe okuya meliko lyuuhandimwe.

Ontotwaveta ndjoka yoPPP oyi li oshiyetwapo shUuministeli wEmona na oya tulwa mOmutumba gwoPashigwana omvula ya piti. National Council oya tamekitha oonkundathana dhopashigwana okupitila miilyo iheyali yokomitiye ndjoka ya hogololwa, ihe nonando ongaaka omutumba ngoka gwa ningwa mEtitatu aanambelewa oyendji inaya nyanyukilwa ontotwaveta ndjoka na oya popi kutya omaiyuvo goshigwana oga li tango ge na okutalika omanga ontotwaveta ndjoka inayi tulwa poshitaafula mOmutumba gwoPashigwana.

Elalakano enene lyontotwaveta ndjoka yoPPP oku tula po omusindalandu gwopaveta moopoloyeka dhoshigwana, okutota po okomitiye yoPPP, omalongekidho goopoloyeka nokukwatela komeho oopoloyeka dhoka.

Epangelo olya kala tali kondjitha oshikumungu shoka opo ku kuthwepo omukundu gwelongitho lyoshimaliwa oshindji komayakulo goshigwana. Omunambelewa Omukuluntu gwOshitopolwa shaShikoto, Frans Enkali okwa lombwele okomitiye kutya ontotwaveta ndjoka itayi ulike kutya aanambelewa yomalelo giitopolwa noondoolopa otaya ka kutha ombinga meningo lyomatokolo.

Okwa tsikile kutya okomitiye andola yontotwaveta ndjoka oya pumbwa okukwatela mo aantu ayehe ya za moondondo dha yooloka pandondo yopashigwana, pashitopolwa nopoondoolopa. Enkali okwa popi kutya nonando omahangano gopaumwene otaga ka kala ge na ohokwe okulongela kumwe nepangelo moopoloyeka dhoshigwana, nashi talikeko woo kutya omahangano ngoka nago oge na omilandu dhopangeshefa nomalalakano okuninga iimaliwa.

Okwa tsu omuthindo kesimano lyokukwatelamo montotwaveta ndjoka Uuministeli wEyambulepo lyIitopolwa noondoolopa na okwa popi kutya ontotwaveta ndjoka oya pumbwa okutalululwa.

Sho ontotwaveta ndjoka ya tulwa miilonga, oya tothamo kutya omatsokumwe gookondalaka oga pumbwa okukala pokati koomvula 30 no 50, na Enkali okwa popi kutya Namibia natango ke li pomuthika gwokukala nomatsokumwe gongushu yoomvula dhi thike mpoka.

Philip Shilongo, gwOshitopolwa shaHangwena, okwa koleke omaapopyo gaEnkali. Okwa holola okuuva nayi kwe kutya oonkundathana dhoka odha falwa kuyo sho Omutumba gwoPashigwana guli nale pondondo yokwendelulamo montotwaveta ndjoka.

Okwa popi kutya aantu ohaya ndopa okuuvako oontotwaveta molwaashoka ohaya pewa ompito kwa lata.

Victoria Haihambo gwOpuwo Town Council, okwa popi kutya ontotwaveta yoPPP Bill otayi keeta uuyelele oshowo eyambidhidho lyoongeshefa ooshona naadhoka dhopokati, na okwa gwedha ko kutya oopoloyeka otadhi kala tadhi manithwa pethimbo.

Nonando ongaaka okwa holola omaiyuvo ge kutya kape na shoka tashi ulike kutya ontotwaveta ndjoka otayi ka eta po etotepo lyoompito dhiilonga. Okwa popi woo kutya ototwaveta kayi na okatopolwa hoka taka tulitha pevi omahangano ngoka ge na ondjokonona ombwiinayi yokwaahamanitha iilonga opo kaga kuthe ombinga mookondalaka dhoopoloyeka dhopashigwana.

KENYA KAMBOWE

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Elongo lyopombanda lya gumwa ketetulo lyiimaliwa

January 29, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Epangelo inali mbangolota - Schlettwein

≪ Previous: Omaiyuvo kombinga yontotwaveta yoPPP

Elongo lyopombanda lya gumwa ketetulo lyiimaliwa Omadheulo itaga ka gumwa ketetulo ndyoka Uuministeli wElongo lyoPombanda owa tseyithwa kutya otaku ka shunithwa pevi omwaalu gwiimaliwa mbyoka tayi longithwa mOshikondo shElongo lyOpombanda okuya poobiliyona 1.5.

Eshunitho pevi lyelongitho lyiimaliwa lya thika popresenda 40 mOshikondo shElongo lyopombanda okwa tegelelwa li ka tulwe miilonga muuministeli mboka.

Ominista yoshikondo shoka, Itah Kandjii-Murangi oya holola kutya uuministeli owali wa pewa iimaliwa ya thika poobiliyona 3.41 pethimbo kwa tseyithwa omutengenekwathaneko gwelongitho iimaliwa yepangelo muFebruali gwomvula ya piti.

Sho kwa talululwa omutengenekwathaneko ngoka muKotomba gwomvula ya piti, oomiliyona 92 odha kalekwa opo ka dhi longithwe we miilonga yakehe esiku yoshikondo shoka.

Kandjii-Murangi okwa popi kutya etetulo lyelongitho lyiimaliwa oli li oompangela dhepangelo dha nuninwa okushunitha pevi omwaalu gwiimaliwa mbyoka tayi longithwa kepangelo, na okwa popi kutya oshikondo shawo kashi na ehogololo lya sha ihe okulandula nokutula miilonga oompangela dhepangelo.

Okwa popi kutya etetulo ndyoka otali ka guma iiputudhilo ayihe ihe okwa holola kutya uuministeli kawu wete onkalo ndjoka tayi ka dhigupaleka iilonga yawo, ngaashi okuya moshipala ooprogramma dhoshikondo.

Minista okwa kumike aailongi mboka taya mono omakwatho goshimaliwa shokwiilongitha okuza koshiketha shoNamibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF), kutya omailongo gawo otaga tsikile nokufutwa nonando epangelo olya taalela uupyakadhi wopaiyemo.

Omathimbo omadhigu

Etseyitho lyaKandjii-Murangi olya landula owala esiku limwe sho oshiputudhilo shoUniversity of Namibia sha tseyitha ekaleko meendelelo lyoompito dhiilonga oompe naadhoka dha li dha tseyithwa nale.

Momukanda ngoka gwa pitithwa, vice-chancellor Lazarus Hangula okwa hololwa kutya onkalo ndjoka otayi thiminikwa kuupyakadhi wiimaliwa.

Omukanda ngoka ogwa tseyitha woo ekaleko lyekuto miilonga aaniilonga yopakathimbo, naaniilonga oya pulwa opo ya kwathele miilonga yagwedhwa po opo oshiputudhilo shi vule okutsikila komeho niilonga yasho.

Natango oshiputudhilo osha pititha omukanda ngoka gwa tseyithile aaniilonga kutya itashi vulu okugwanitha po euvaneko ndyoka lya ningwa muDesemba gwomvula ya piti, opo oondjambi dhaaniilonga dhi gwedhelwe muFebruali. Okwa hololwa kutya omagwedhelo go-2017 otaga ka ningwa owala ngele onkalo ya hwepopala.

Ominista yElongo lyoPombanda oya longitha ompito ndjoka okupopya kombinga yoompangela dhoshikondo shoka dho 2017, moka mwa kwatelwa etungo lyiiputudhilo iyali yopaungomba

oshowo etulo miilonga lyoCentre of Excellence in Technical Vocational Education.

Uuministeli otawu ka manitha woo omusindalandu gwelongo lyopombanda oshowo omaidheulilo miilonga.

Kandjii-Murangi okwa popi kutya kwiikolelewa kiizemo yomakonaakono gomvula ya piti, uuministeli owa tegelela e yo pombanda lyomwaalu gwaailongi miiputudhilo yopombanda nuumvo, na okwa holola kutya shoka itashi ka gumwa ketokolo lyokutetula elongitho lyiimaliwa.

JANA-MARI SMITH

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Epangelo inali mbangolota - Schlettwein

January 29, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: China's property market cooling

≪ Previous: Elongo lyopombanda lya gumwa ketetulo lyiimaliwa

Epangelo inali mbangolota - Schlettwein

Ominista yEmona Calle Schlettwein, okwa tindi nomuthindo kutya epangelo lyaNamibia olya mbangolota. Minista okwa tindi ngaaka ta yamukula komaiyuvo goshigwana kutya etetulo lyelongitho lyiimaliwa ndyoka tali ningwa kepangelo otali ulike kutya epangelo kali na we iimaliwa.

“Efuto lyoondjambi oshi li oshinima shotango,” minista ta ti, sho a yamukula kombinga yolopota yaaniilonga yoNational Youth Service, Namibia Tourism Board oshowo aakalelipo yopaveta mboka haya gandja omayakulo kepangelo, inaya futwa.

“Shoka otashi piyaganeke molwaashoka epangelo otali tsikile nokugwanithwa po iinakugwanithwa yalyo yopashimaliwa. Omapopyo ngoka oga puka na kape na omukundu gwiimaliwa.”

Okwa lopotwa omasiku ga piti kutya aaniilonga yoNational Youth Service noNamibia Tourism Board inaya futwa omolwa uupyakadhi moshikondo shemona, ihe shoka osha tindwa kuSchlettwein.

Okwa popi kutya uupyakadhi wokwaa ha futa oondjambi mboka wa dhidhilikwa kiikondo mbyoka iyali, kawu na sha nUuministeli wEmona.

Sho a pulwa ngele epangelo olya mbangolota okwa yamukula kutya, epangelo lyaNamibia oli li kokule nokumbangolota.

Schlettwein, okwa popi kutya epangelo oli na iimaliwa ya gwana okugwanithwa po oopoloyeka dhopashigwana ngaashi oondjila noondjambi dhaaniilonga yepangelo oshowo iiputudhilo ya yama kepangelo.

Pahapu dhe epangelo otali tsikile nokugwanithwa po iinakugwanithwa yalyo yoongunga, sigo omutengenekwathaneko omupe gwa thikana, ngoka tagu tulwa miilonga moshiwike oshitiyali shaMaalitsa.

Schlettwein okwa tsu omuthindo kutya etetulo lyelongitho lyiimaliwa oshinima shili mondjila shoka epangelo lya pumbwa okuninga opo ku yandwe oshilongo shi tulwe pondondo ombwiinayi yopatengeneko lyoongunga, omolwa oshilanduli oshiwinayi shoka tashi vulu okwaadha oshilongo.

Okwa ekelehi woo omapopyo kutya epangelo olya yi oonyala moshiketha shoGovernment Institutions Pension Fund, na okwa yelitha kutya ndhoka oompangela dhawo okupitila moBank of Namibia, opo epangelo noshiputudhilo shoka ya pingakanithe omaliko.

Okwa popi kutya oshimaliwa shoobiliyona 3.6 osha gongelwa okuza momalanditho goongunga na kayi shi owala oGIPF ndjoka ya landa po oongunda dhepangelo ihe aadhani nkandangalaa yalwe woo moshikondo shopashimaliwa.

OGONE TLHAGE

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China's property market cooling

January 29, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Squaring up on-demand services

≪ Previous: Epangelo inali mbangolota - Schlettwein

China's property market cooling

Moody's Investors Service expects China's property market to show a slower pace of sales growth in 2017 following tightened regulations to ease an overheated market.

“We expect nationwide contracted sales in 2017 will be largely flat or will see a slight decline from 2016, after buoyant growth that year,” Chris Wong, a Moody's analyst, said in a report released Thursday.

China's contracted sales grew by 36.2% year on year to a record high of 9.9 trillion yuan in 2016, driven by growth in both sales volumes and average prices, according to the report.

The growth pace in December, however, slowed from that seen in the first three quarters after the Chinese government implemented tightening measures from late September to cool the sector, Wong said.

Dozens of Chinese cities have announced measures, including purchase limits and tightened mortgage restrictions, to prevent housing prices rising out of control.

These policies have started to pay off. In December, of the 70 major cities monitored by the National Bureau of Statistics, 46 saw their new housing prices climb month on month, down from 55 in November and 62 in October. Meanwhile, 20 cities reported month-on-month price declines, increasing from 11 cities in November and seven cities in October.

Moody's also forecast that low inventory levels in China's first- and second-tier cities will reduce the risk of property price corrections in the next six months.

NAMPA/XINHUA

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Squaring up on-demand services

January 29, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Strategies for challenging times

≪ Previous: China's property market cooling

Squaring up on-demand servicesNetflix or Showmax, which is better? Binge-watching television has never been easier - the three streaming services available in Namibia are rated.

Digital options have taken television by storm. But choosing from the three big video-on-demand services now available can be tricky. Which one is the best for you (and your internet connection) and what does it cost? We break it down for

you.

The game-changer

Netflix is the oldest and best known of the on-demand video streaming or internet TV service. So ubiquitous and popular is this service internationally that, much like Google, Netflix as a verb has entered the lexicon.

In 2016, Netflix added 130 new countries to its footprint, including Namibia. Without the need for proxy workarounds, Namibians could finally legitimately access the service, including Netflix original content and a fairly extensive library of titles. In Namibia, it offers about 1 400 titles.

If you want the latest blockbusters, you're more likely to find them on iTunes (this goes for all these on-demand options), but the vintage movies and original series selection is fantastic.

Price: From US$7.99 (N$107.41) per month for the basic (standard definition or SD) option

Highly recommended: The Marvel titles (including Luke Cage and Daredevil), Stranger Things, Narcos and the recent Amanda Knox doccie.

The local contender

Naspers-owned ShowMax launched to much fanfare prior to Netflix SA. It offers about 1 000 titles, and its big differentiator is local content, including Afrikaans movies, local stand-up comedy and several locally produced series.

ShowMax offers downloads too. Its month-to-month billing at a fixed dollar and value is great too, as is its data-capping tool, so you can manage your usage for streamed content. What this means is that tablet or smartphone users, for example, or those accessing the service via 3G data, can limit the resolution they receive.

If you fell behind on some big series, such as Game of Thrones, Big Bang Theory or Elementary, ShowMax lets you catch up from episode one. The BBC productions bouquet (at no extra charge) is also packed with old favourites, such as Little Britain, Absolutely Fabulous and 'Allo 'Allo.

The movie selection here is like that of Netflix, not the best and brightest, but it does feature a couple of entertaining titles (The Birdcage, King Kong, The Aviator, the Mission Impossible collection) in among Air Buddies-type kids movies.

Price: N$R99 per month.

Highly recommended: Mr Robot, Silicon Valley, Golden Globes darling Veep and David Attenborough Meets President Obama.

Prime time

In December, Amazon's Prime Video service announced a wide international expansion to more than 200 countries, including Namibia. It's competing aggressively with Netflix, it seems, with a bargain-basement price of just US$2.99 (N$40.19) per month for the first six months and US$5.99 (N$80.52) per month thereafter.

Not only that, but it has HD as standard, is capable of ultra-HD, and supports three simultaneous streams on the basic price.

Where it has less of an advantage and this is probably temporary is the number of titles on offer. There are just 255 titles for Amazon Prime locally but there are some goodies there, both in original series (like Transparent) and big-name films (No Country for Old Men, American Beauty).

You can access Prime Video via smartphone and tablet apps, a Web browser (primevideo.com) and certain smart TVs. There is no Apple TV app, but you can work around this by airplaying content from the Prime Video app on your iPhone to your Apple TV.

Even if you have an Amazon account, you'll want to sign up via the primevideo.com link to access the introductory deal.

Highly recommended: The Night Manager, Hand of God, Transparent, Mozart in the Jungle and if you still miss the old white men of Top Gear and their antics in The Grand Tour.

FINANCIAL MAIL

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Strategies for challenging times

January 29, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Positive growth forecasted for 2017

≪ Previous: Squaring up on-demand services

Strategies for challenging timesDBN's Mutumba encourages sound administration for difficult days Entrepreneurs and business promoters ought to take stock of their circumstances and map out a sustainable growth trajectory for their enterprises.

Namibia is currently facing multiple economic challenges. Drought, in some parts of the country, volatile commodities markets, the changing market dynamics of our neighbours, Angola and South Africa, and a temporary period during which government spending priorities are being realigned, are some of the uphill scenarios facing the country. In such a dampened economic environment the challenges facing enterprises are to sustain and strengthen assets and equity on balance sheets, and sustain operations.

It is in times like these that entrepreneurs and business promoters ought to take stock of their circumstances and map out a sustainable growth trajectory for their enterprises. The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) advocates sound business administration. Strong administration is the basis for disciplined spending, and servicing of debt and other commitments. If commitments are not met, and if administration is not sound, enterprises run the risk of losing capacity in a manner which will place them in difficult situations to offset their financial obligations in the medium to long-term.

This particularly includes robust cash-flow forecasting and tracking to enable entities to identify challenges in advance and respond appropriately.

Cutbacks on unnecessary expenditure are a first response to circumstances, but must preserve operational capacity as well as strategic assets in which an entity has invested. Ill-considered cutbacks will reduce the capacity of the enterprise with immediate effect and will also have a long-term impact on viability.

Unless the enterprise has developed a cash reserve, growth should be a secondary consideration and approached with caution. The primary consideration should be capital preservation and retention of current capacity.

Strong relationships with existing customers will be an asset. Although the first instinct of the entrepreneur will be to maximise profit, the most sound approach is to offer value and understanding in order to preserve existing cash-flow.

The same applies to business-to-business (B2B) transactions and relationships. Supplier networks should leverage their understanding of shared outcomes and offer one another value in order to preserve viability of the B2B network.

In order to preserve and even strengthen capacity, DBN encourages equity participation transactions between enterprises where cash flow is required. In this manner, enterprises with strong reserves can grow their balance sheets, while enterprises that have underdeveloped reserves can build their own balance sheet.

This approach must be considered on a long-term basis, rather than as a short-term measure to bridge gaps. In addition to the long-term nature of the equity transaction, the bank advocates common purpose of the enterprises and complementary corporate philosophy and management skills and capacity.

In this regard, DBN may consider financing equity participation, which may include management buy-outs to leverage capacity of employees.

In terms of infrastructure, the current national investor initiative proposes to place development of infrastructure and its operation in the hands of public private partnerships (PPPs) or purely private entities. The bank will consider financing particularly operating capital for Namibian holders of equity where the entity is engaged in development and servicing of projects identified in terms of the initiative.

One of the bank's underlying strategies is to preserve the development impact of its customers, not just in terms of physical outputs, but also in terms of capacity for employment.

In this regard, DBN advocates close cooperation with its customers. Where a customer may be experiencing challenges to cash flow, the bank will advise on mitigation measures. The bank has a track record of providing turnabout strategies for its customers with the help of pooled consultants and also has an operational function to draw on proven external advisory and mentoring capacity for larger enterprises.

The bank encourages customers to approach it for mitigation measures, where appropriate, as additional debt or delayed repayment compounds repayment commitments in the long-term.

Although the bank understands that there are challenges, these challenges can be overcome with sound administration and prudent approaches on the part of enterprises, as well as close cooperation with the bank on mitigation measures where these are required.

STAFF REPORTER

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Positive growth forecasted for 2017

January 29, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: GIPF opens Katutura office

≪ Previous: Strategies for challenging times

Positive growth forecasted for 2017

Namibia's estimated gross domestic product (GDP) growth for 2016 was 2% or even less, compared to the 4.4% of growth recorded in 2015.

Minister of finance, Calle Schlettwein announced on Thursday at a media briefing that the 2% should not raise alarm, given weak commodity prices and prevailing drought conditions.

“Last year, our small open economy faced a difficult environment such as low regional economic and trade performance, especially for our main trade partners South Africa and Angola; depressed commodity prices and severe drought.”

These shocks to the regional and domestic economy had their negative effect on public revenue, he said.

In spite of the challenging economic environment, Schlettwein said Namibia should take pride in the fact that they are one of the few economies that have brought about a consistent reduction in income inequalities and poverty through growth and targeted policy interventions.

The preliminary 2015/16 Income and Expenditure Survey demonstrated a reduction in income inequalities and poverty, with the Gini coefficient sliding to 0,572 from 0,597 in 2009/10. Gini coefficient is statistical measurement of income inequality, with zero representing perfect equality and one representing perfect inequality.

Schlettwein said the prospects for 2017 are moderately promising with commodity prices, both for metal and non-metal commodities, showing signs of recovery, which augurs well for the generality of the mining sector.

Equally, he said, early rain offer good prospects for the agricultural sector, but the rain volume to date only calls for courteous optimism.

He said activity in the tourism sector remained strong on the back of a supportive currency and attractiveness of the tourist destination.

NAMPA

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GIPF opens Katutura office

January 29, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Leipzig remain on Bayern's heels

≪ Previous: Positive growth forecasted for 2017

GIPF opens Katutura officeService closer to the people The satellite office consists of a client service division and will include social service consultants, as well as training rooms for internal stakeholders.

The Government Institutions' Pension Fund (GIPF) on Thursday opened its B1 City Satellite Office in the capital.

GIPF Board of Trustees Chairperson, Goms Menette said the organisation is proud to open its doors to clients residing in the vicinity of Katutura and Khomasdal.

Menette said the opening was in conjunction with the overall corporate strategy of the national pension fund, which focusses on enhancing service delivery.

The satellite office consists of a client service division and will include social service consultants, as well as training rooms for internal stakeholders.

It will offer services ranging from pension enquiries, pension advice, benefit statements, income statements, submission of documents, biometric registration and verification.

During the ceremony, the GIPF also launched its refurbished client service area at the head office.

It introduced four systems as part of its customer service delivery, which includes the 'communicator' that uses bulk text messaging and email to manage members.

Another system includes the feedback solution, which allows the organisation to receive feedback from clients on service delivery.

The queue management and content management system is aimed at minimising waiting time.

“For a total of about 135 000 members that we have, putting an automated queue management system in place will become less of a luxury and more of a necessity for the GIPF,” he said.

Menette explained that the implementation of the systems will start at the head and satellite office, and will be rolled out to the regional offices at a later stage.

The system also assists in informing the GIPF staff of a member's language preference and the purpose of their enquiry before assigned to a consultant.

“Our systems are aimed at providing customer satisfaction as our members have always been close to our hearts,” said Menette.

NAMPA

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Leipzig remain on Bayern's heels

January 29, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: SA trounces Fiji

≪ Previous: GIPF opens Katutura office

Leipzig remain on Bayern's heels Bayern defended their three-point advantage atop the standings with a 2-1 win over Bremen while runners-up Leipzig came from behind to beat 10-man Hoffenheim at the 18th round in Bundesliga on Saturday.

Bayern Munich reaped their 13th straight win in the 101st encounter against Werder Bremen to set a new club record as the goals from Arjen Robben and David Alaba helped the Bundesliga leaders to secure the 14th win of the season.

The “Green-Whites” started highly motivated and kept the uninspired “Bavarians” busy. Yet, the hosts lacked in accuracy and wasted opportunities through Serge Gnaby, who tested goalkeeper Manuel Neuer with a long range effort, and Max Kruse, who failed to slot home from promising position.

Bayern increased their pressure at the half-hour mark and broke the deadlock out of the blue when Franck Ribery rushed down the left wing to pass into the box to find Robben, who poked home the opener with a one-timer into the bottom right with 31 minutes played.

Carlo Ancelotti's men doubled the lead just before the break as David Alaba curled the ball over the wall into the top right corner following a free kick from 20 meters.

After the restart, Bremen were able to reduce the arrears after Max Kruse overcame Manuel Neuer from close range in the 53rd minute. The hosts gained momentum but Bayern were able to protect their 2-1 lead to the end.

With the result, Bayern stay atop the standings with a three-point advantage whereas 15th-placed Bremen remain at the edge of the relegation zone.

Leipzig wrapped up an important 2-1 comeback win over third-placed Hoffenheim, whose unbeaten streak came to an end. Timo Werner and Marcel Sabitzer were on target to keep the “Red Bulls” on Bayern's heels.

Despite being under pressure in the opening period, the visitors from Hoffenheim opened the scoring with 19 minutes into the game when Sebastian Rudy forced a turn over following a Leipzig corner, allowing Nadiem Amiri to complete a five-pass counter attack.

Leipzig remained unimpressed and responded in the 38th minute as Timo Werner slotted home Naby Keita's build-up play to restore parity before the half time.

After the restart, things went from bad to worse for the visitors as Sandro Wagner received his marching orders following a rude foul play on Stefan Ilsanker in the 60th minute.

The hosts capitalized on their numerical advantage and snatched the 2-1 winner through Marcel Sabitzer, who unleashed a 22-meter effort to beat Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann in the 77th minute.

With the 13th victory of the season Leipzig remain second while Hoffenheim slipped from third to fourth.

NAMPA / XINHUA

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SA trounces Fiji

January 29, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Senegal's Mane out

≪ Previous: Leipzig remain on Bayern's heels

SA trounces FijiMisery continues for Fiji South Africa sevens team have begun the year with tremendous victories in competitions.

Fiji's post-Olympic slump after winning gold at the Rio de Janeiro Games continued Sunday when it was beaten 26-5 by South Africa in the final of the New Zealand Sevens.

With its first win in Wellington since 2002, South Africa firmly established itself as the No. 1 team in world sevens this season.

South Africa has now won two of the first three legs of this season's World Series, beating Fiji to win the opening round in Dubai, then losing to England in the final of its home tournament in Cape Town.

It beat Fiji twice in Wellington, winning their first meeting in a difficult pool 31-12 on Saturday, then demonstrating its superiority with four tries to win Sunday's final.

South Africa was unbeaten over the course of the weekend in Wellington and conceded only three tries in six games.

“We are happy to get a first win (in Wellington) since 2002 and it's extra sweet after last year's defeat in the final,” South Africa captain Phillip Snyman said. “Playing Fiji twice in one weekend doesn't make it easier but our defense system was great.

“Hats off to the guys and the coaching staff. It wasn't zero tries (conceded) so definitely there is some work to be done before (the next round in) Sydney.”

Fiji scored the first try of the final through Joeli Lutumailangi, but South Africa then established its control as Ruhan Nel and Rosko Specman came off the bench to make major contributions.

Nel scored two tries and Specman scored another while the 2016 Sevens Player of the Year Seabelo Senatla scored South Africa's first try and had a hand in Specman's just after halftime.

To win in Wellington, South Africa had to come through a pool which included Fiji and Rio de Janiero quarterfinalists Australia.

It then beat France 45-0 in Sunday's quarterfinals and Canada 21-5 in the semfinals before its final win over Fiji. After losing to South Africa in pool play, Fiji recovered to emphatically beat hosts New Zealand 26-10 in the quarterfinals and Scotland 19-12 in the semifinals.

Scotland was one of the surprises of the weekend, emerging in second place from its pool to beat rivals England 14-12 in a thrilling quarterfinal.

NAMPA / AP

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Senegal's Mane out

January 29, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Proteas suffer extra-time defeat against England

≪ Previous: SA trounces Fiji

Senegal's Mane outTop player misses crucial penalty Tournament favourites Senegal will have themselves to blame as they missed their chance of advancing to the next stage in the Africa Cup of Nations

Senegal and Sadio Mane blew it at the African Cup of Nations, with the title favourite's star player missing the decisive spot kick in a penalty shootout loss to Cameroon in the quarterfinals on Saturday.

Mane saw his penalty, Senegal's fifth and final, saved by Cameroon goalkeeper Joseph Ondoa. Stunned, Mane turned to face his dejected teammates on the halfway line and muttered something under his breath.

Substitute Vincent Aboubakar then stepped up to blast underdog Cameroon into the last four of the tournament, setting off crazy celebrations from the players. Goalkeeper Ondoa leaped over the advertising boards and sprinted to the Cameroon fans, holding the Cameroon team badge on his shirt and punching his chest. He was pursued by teammates and even coach Hugo Broos, who ran across the field with his arms in the air, jumping in delight.

The game in Franceville finished 0-0 after extra time and Cameroon won 5-4 in the shootout, with Mane's the only miss. His kick seemed powerful enough, but Ondoa, diving to his right, stuck his left hand up in the air to stop the ball as it appeared to be going straight over him.

Senegal, the team tipped to win this year after an ultra-impressive start, had itself to blame for its surprise elimination. Senegal's forwards missed chance after chance in normal and extra time, with Mane, Moussa Sow, Keita Balde and Henri Saivet all guilty of failing to convert good chances - either by missing the target, or finding Ondoa in the way.

Cameroon's progression to the last four was a turn up, even though the team was once a powerhouse of African soccer and the continent's first team to reach the World Cup quarterfinals.

Lately, Cameroon has been poor at major tournaments and this squad was missing some big-name players. How they might be ruing their unavailability after the youngsters who filled in for them have a chance at getting back into the African Cup final.

Cameroon is a four-time African champion but its last title was in 2002, ironically when it beat Senegal in a penalty shootout.

Earlier, Burkina Faso was first into the semifinals after two late goals beat Tunisia 2-0.

Aristide Bance, with his dyed blond hair, came off the bench to hit a low shot into the bottom corner from a free kick in the 81st minute and break a deadlock at Stade de l'Amitie. It was pretty much the big striker's first act of the game.

“I knew that Bance could get inside that defense and he has a great ability to shoot,” Burkina Faso coach Paulo Duarte said. “Fortunately for us, the first shot was a success.”

Prejuce Nakoulma sprinted away on a counterattack four minutes after that, avoided a desperate tackle from Tunisia goalkeeper Aymen Mathlouthi way out near the middle of the field, and side-footed into an empty net to seal the game.

Burkina Faso, which lost in the final two tournaments ago, will play Egypt or Morocco in the semifinals. Cameroon will face Ghana or Congo. The last two quarterfinals are on Sunday.

Bance's introduction in Libreville, greeted by wild cheers from the Burkina Faso fans, was a masterstroke from coach Duarte. Bance was a hero on Burkina Faso's surprise run to the final in 2013 but was benched at this tournament.

The buildup to the Ghana-Congo quarter has been dominated by the fitness of Ghana captain and striker Asamoah Gyan, who traveled to the northern town of Oyem on his own after diverting to Libreville to have a medical scan on a leg injury. Ghana says the injury is not as serious as first thought, opening the way for Gyan to lead the team against a dangerous Congo, with Ghana searching for a first title in 35 years.

Ghana was locked out of its first training session in Oyem after arriving late because of a delay with its luggage. But it eventually argued its way into the stadium.

In Port-Gentil, Morocco coach Herve Renard is looking to take a step closer to a third title with a third different team after winning in 2012 with Zambia and last time with Ivory Coast.

NAMPA / AP

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Proteas suffer extra-time defeat against England

January 29, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Coetzee wins Nedbank WPP Road Cycle race

≪ Previous: Senegal's Mane out

Proteas suffer extra-time defeat against EnglandSA team disappointed There was heartbreak for South Africa in their SANZEA Quad Series netball match against England at the Durban ICC Arena on Saturday.

An experienced England team defeated South Africa 60-55 in a well contested match between the two nations.

It was South Africa's best performance against a top-three team since 2013, when they beat a second-string England team.

The Proteas started strongly, taking the early lead, and it took England 10 minutes to draw level on 7-all.

They ended the first quarter 11-8 ahead, and by halftime, they led by 28 goals to 17.

Shortly after the start of the second quarter, Proteas coach Norma Plummer brought Izette Lubbe on for Bongi Msomi at wing attack, and she replaced Renske Stoltz with Lindie Lombard at goal attack in the third quarter.

Lombard, who has been plagued with injuries, and has been in and out of the squad, brought new energy to the South Africans, who scored eight goals to one in the first four minutes.

Outstanding

Boosted by the vociferous support of the crowd, the Proteas won the quarter by 17 goals to 11 and in the fifth minute of the final quarter, they drew level at 40-all. From then on, the lead changed hands minute by minute.

Just before fulltime, South Africa scored but the umpire ruled that centre Erin Burger's knee had been over the line, and disallowed the goal.

Plummer was delighted with the team's performance and said it was a sign of how far they had come.

“I thought they were outstanding,” she said.

“That 11-goal turnaround, you don't often get that.

“We did actually have the game and then the umpire decided Erin's knee was over the line.

“But it's the first time they have taken a top three team into overtime, so you have to admire what they did.

“Lindie came on and she played a blinder. She brought us back into the whole match.

“Plummer said Australia would be another step up for the team, but South Africa had nothing to lose.

“We don't want to play teams below us, we want to challenge the top teams,” she said. England coach Tracey Neville said South Africa came out as hard in the third quarter as they had in the first.

“We weren't expecting that, and I think we were too casual. We gave cheap ball away and we stopped driving, and you get crucified by any team when you do that,” said Neville.

“I think their two tactical changes were crucial.

“ We didn't adapt to that well. The wing attack helped get the ball into the top of their circle, and Lombard offered (goal shooter) Lenise Potgieter more opportunities.”

Earlier, the Australian Diamonds proved once again why they are number one in the world with a clinical 57-50 victory over the New Zealand Ferns in the opening match.

Australia stamped their authority from the start, and it was only in the fifth minute that New Zealand was able to score their first goal.

The Diamonds led 16-10 after the third quarter and 30-23 at halftime.

With some outstanding shooting by Bailey Mes and the charismatic Maria Tutaia, New Zealand were able to reduce the deficit to three goals, but each time they did so, Australia came back to stretch the goal deficit again.

Disappointment

Australia won the third quarter 15-14, but with the crowd behind them, cheering every goal, New Zealand won the last quarter 13-12.

Once again, New Zealand came within three goals of Australia, but each time they did so, Australia counter-attacked and surged ahead again.

Goal attack Susan Pettitt, making her first appearance for Australia in three and a half years, slotted seamlessly back into the team and was named player of the match for her performance.

“I am so happy to be back,” she said. “I have been working very hard and it felt really good to be on court for Australia again.

“I think we are doing well because we have confidence in one another.”

Australian coach Lisa Alexander said she was disappointed that they had lost the final quarter.

“We set ourselves targets and one of these is to win all four quarters. So we still have plenty to work on.

“But I am thrilled that we executed our plans so well against top quality opposition.

“Captain Sharni Layton said the vocal support for New Zealand had affected the Diamonds in the final quarter.

“We enjoyed the hype, but we know that it is going to be even more when we play South Africa on Tuesday.

“We know we will have to concentrate on our own game and not get caught up in the hype.”

NAMPA / ANA

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Coetzee wins Nedbank WPP Road Cycle race

January 29, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Mandume Fudu Marathon set for next month

≪ Previous: Proteas suffer extra-time defeat against England

Coetzee wins Nedbank WPP Road Cycle raceCyclists thrill at series The Nedbank WPP produced fantastic challenges as many of the cyclist pedalled for top spots in the competition.

Team Kia cyclist Drikus Coetzee on Sunday won the second race of the 2017 Nedbank Windhoek Pedal Power (WPP) Road Cycle Series.

Coetzee won the 98km race ahead of Fiffy Kashululu, who rides for team Namibia Cleaning Chemical Solutions (NCCS) and Adriaan Maartens for team Get Graphics.

The race, which is the second of the series, took place along the Brakwater service road at Karen Park, after the Elisenheim bridge turn-off.

The WPP Road Cycle series consist of six races held throughout the year, the first of which took place last weekend. Sunday's race was divided into five categories - 14km; 28km; 42km; 56km; 70km and 98km.

There were no female competitors in the 98km race, while Michelle Dorman won the women's elite category of the 70km race.

Speaking to Nampa after the race, Coetzee said he enjoyed the race because it was a flat track and he is now looking forward to the Nedbank National Championships next week.

“Today we rode seven laps in the circuit and by the fifth lap I knew I was going to win the race because the circuit suited me very well,” he said. He added that he feels positive about the national championships as they will use the same track.

Kashululu, who came in second, told this agency it was a tough race but he was happy to finish second as it is good motivation for the upcoming races.

The first series of the WPP Road Cycle was won by Till Drobisch in the elite men's category, while Michelle Voster won the women's category.

The next race of the series will be held in March.

NAMPA

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Mandume Fudu Marathon set for next month

January 29, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: The untold story of Nakathila

≪ Previous: Coetzee wins Nedbank WPP Road Cycle race

Mandume Fudu Marathon set for next month

A marathon under the Simon Shokonawa Marathon Academy will take place between next month and Ondangwa Airport and Ouhamba (palace) of Oukwanyama at Omhedi village in the Ohangwena Region.

Mentor Simon Gabriel Shokonawa told Nampa in a telephonic interview on Friday that the race will be dedicated to 100 years' commemoration of King Mandume yaNdemufayo.

YaNdemufayo was the king of Oukwanyama from 1911 to 06 February 1917 when he died while fighting joint colonial military forces of the Portuguese and the British Empire at Oihole in southern Angola.

He was resisting colonial occupation, particularly of Oukwanyama territory in Angola and Namibia.

Commemoration of yaNdemufayo's anti-colonial efforts will be held at Ouhamba of Oukwanyama between 3rd and 6th February.

Initially, the Simon Shokonawa Marathon was to take place in the morning of 04 February but was rescheduled because the main commemoration is also scheduled for that day. The marathon is now scheduled for 3 February.

“It will be Mandume Fudu Marathon, named after the late King Mandume yaNdemufayo,” Shokonawa told this news agency.

He noted that a number of athletes, including himself, have registered for the competition. The distance between Ondangwa Airport and Omhedi is 56 kilometres.

NAMPA

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