Educators missed director's target

January 30, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Educators missed director's targetTraining interventions were futile The director of education in the Oshana Region has described the region's performance in last year's national examinations as “pathetic” and “embarrassing”. Despite several attempts to improve school performance, Oshana retains its position among the regions with the worst performance in national examinations.

The regional director for education in the Oshana Region, Hileni Amukana, last year declared a 'state of emergency' in her region but even with money spent to improve performance, the region failed to improve.

This was revealed at a meeting held at Ondangwa last week. Amukana said she missed a meeting of regional directors in Windhoek in order to talk to regional education officials about the “embarrassing” 2016 exam results.

“During the last academic year we were exploring and trying to understand the current status of education, arts and culture delivery in the region. At the beginning of this year, the directorate continued with introspection and identified a couple of challenges that impeded the achievement of expected targets and the smooth running of our educational institutions,” Amukana said.

In the 2016 grade 10 examinations the region retained its second position for a third consecutive year.

In the grade 12 ordinary level examinations, however, the region was in 13th place for the second year, while it slipped from eighth position to tenth in the grade 12 higher level results.

“This is pathetic. We held series of meetings in an attempt to interrogate our performance and craft regional strategies that will help improve our academic performance with immediate effect, but we failed. Our target was 75% in each subject at each school, but it was not reached,” Amukana said.

She said training was offered to principals, heads of department, education administrators, school board members and school inspectors last year.

“I was supposed to be in Windhoek to attend the education directors' budget meeting, but I opted to talk to you about our poor performance. Shamefully, our remaining 11 schools are not appearing in the top 100. Even worse, five of our secondary schools are ranked among the least performing 10 secondary schools in the country,” she said.

Her deputy, Gerhard Ndafenongo, told teachers to do all they can to boost performance.

He said regions such as Oshikoto, Omusati and Ohangwena were doing well although they did not have education facilities such as university campuses and vocational training centres.

“Please let us make use of these institutions that we have to bring results.

“It does not matter what strategy you are going to use, all we need is results. If they are saying a 'militant approach' is working for St Boniface College, let us also try it. You can even divide those learners among yourselves and see how you will help them. All we want is results,” Ndafenongo urged.

“If you cannot perform, I can get my hands dirty. I was a teacher before and I can always be a teacher. If you fail to deliver, I can get to the class myself,” Amukana said.



ILENI NANDJATO

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Crashes kill three in Oshikoto

January 30, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Crashes kill three in Oshikoto Three people were killed in two car crashes in the Oshikoto Region over the past three days.

The latest incident took place 30km from Tsumeb on the Tsintsabis-Tsumeb road yesterday morning when the driver of a VW Golf lost control of the vehicle and it overturned.

According to Deputy Commissioner Naomi Katjiua of the Oshikoto police two of the five occupants were killed instantly.

The deceased were identified as Mervin Naseb (30) and Linda Jones (27).

The three surviving occupants, Michael Khairabeb (25), who was the driver, Herman Eiseb (27) and Ronny Somseb (30), sustained slight injuries and were transported to the Tsumeb State Hospital.

Police are investigating a case of culpable homicide. On Saturday at around 19:00 a Toyota bakkie overturned at Onayena on the Epumbu-Oshali gravel road after a tyre burst. One of the six occupants, Timoteus Pinehas (78) died instantly while the driver, George Mbokoma (36) sustained head injuries and was admitted to the Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital.

The four other occupants - Alina Sheepo, Amwaalwa Shanyegana, Mika Pinehas and Utoni Erastus - were treated for shock, returning home the same day. Katjiua said they were all from Omashaka village.





KENYA KAMBOWE

Skorpion Zinc workers redeployed

January 30, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Skorpion Zinc workers redeployedTo be 'absorbed' elsewhere The mine management says it is necessary to get a bigger contractor on board to keep the mine open. Skorpion Zinc Mine and Refinery has confirmed that it has notified 278 of its 1 500 employees that they will be redeployed after the company decided to outsource its mining activities to the South African company Basil Read.

The general manager of Skorpion Zinc, Irvinne Simataa, yesterday said it would be expected of Basil Read to “absorb” these workers since it was anticipated to create about 450 jobs for Namibians.

“The affected employees will be given preference in the recruitment process,” Simataa said.

The company said it had to outsource its mining department to ramp up its production capacity and ensure the required leverage to continually supply iron ore.

“We have had discussions over the last year about the short lifespan of the mine. We had to come up with a tenable solution not to close the mine down,” Simataa said.

The mine said it had informed the relevant stakeholders of its intention to restructure its operations by outsourcing the mining activities,

Simataa said Basil Read had the capacity to manage the next phase of the mine development, which is the Pit 122 mine life extension project.

The Pit 112 project will involve pre-stripping of large quantities of waste rock – from 17 million tons per year to 40 million tons per year – to broaden and deepen the current Pit 103, which will run out of minable ore in June this year.

The corporate affairs manager of Skorpion Zinc, Nora Ndopu, said the company did not have the capacity to mine the large quantities of waste economically and within the required timeframe. The cost of acquiring such capacity would render the Pit 112 project uneconomical, hence the decision to outsource to Basil Read.

She said if the Pit 112 project did not go ahead the mine and refinery would have to close down for an indefinite period. That could mean that the mine would have to retrench its full complement of 1 500 workers and contractors by the middle of the year.

The company said Pit 112 would access new minable ore and in this way extend the life of the mine by three years until 2020.

Simataa said the process had been “very transparent” and the affected workers were kept informed about the process. He said he embarked on road shows last November to inform workers and the town of Rosh Pinah of the impending retrenchments.

“We have spoken to everyone that needed to be spoken to. It would be irresponsible to close an asset like this.

What needs to happen has to happen in earnest,” said Simataa.

Workers were notified on 16 January that retrenchments would start and redeployment would follow that.

All stakeholders, including the labour commissioner, the Mineworkers Union (MUN) and all affected individuals outside the bargaining unit of the MUN, had been informed of the retrenchments, Simataa said.

CATHERINE SASMAN

1 000 Walvis homes by June

January 30, 2017, 2:00 pm

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1 000 Walvis homes by June Urban and rural development minister Sophia Shaningwa has expressed satisfaction with the prices and quality of show houses being built by 22 contractors in Walvis Bay.

“I expect President Hage Geingob to inaugurate the houses and hand over keys to more than 1 000 new homeowners at the site by June,” the minister said upon the conclusion of a four-day visit to the coast on Monday.

She instructed the mayor to inform those contractors who finished on time and on budget to proceed with the construction of more than 1 200 houses.

“The contractors proved that decent houses can be built for less than N$500 000. I observed two- and three-bedroom houses being built within the space of two weeks.

This means Namibians can work efficiently and cost effectively,” said Shaningwa.





The minister reiterated that she was not interested in houses priced above the N$500 000 bracket and said she would only look at and consider affordable houses priced between N$500 000 and N$200 000 to aid the poor and address the need for low-cost housing.



“Those in control of financial institutions also responded positively to the project. Standard Bank visited the site, made a total commitment and indicated it was ready to provide mortgages for the houses being constructed. First National Bank did the same. Financial institutions must realise the importance of ensuring that money circulates in the country,” said the minister.



In reference to an application submitted by the Walvis Bay council to NAMPAB for land at Farm 37 to establish a new township for the construction of low-cost housing, Shaningwa said she advised councillors to submit proper applications to her ministry through the office of the permanent secretary.



“NAMPAB is part and parcel of the ministry. I will ensure that problems currently being experienced are dealt with adequately. There was no proclamation of new extensions in Walvis Bay for the past 50 years while the population has been growing rapidly. Institutions should understand that provision must be made for the proclamation of new areas to include these increases.



“The land belongs to the government and ministries should realise the need for extensions as the lack of it leads to congestion.”



The municipality of Walvis Bay last year awarded 44 residential plots at Extension 5 behind Tutaleni township to 22 selected contractors for the construction of 44 low-cost show houses.



The project in Walvis Bay is considered as a trial for the contactors, since a selected number of them will advance to the next phase of evaluation to ascertain which of the contractors have the capacity to build a further 900 houses.



People on the municipality's waiting list will have an opportunity to view the show houses and select the type they can afford.



The first of the 44 prototype units are already completed and more are expected to be finished by March.



Each contractor was allocated two erven, on which they are building houses in accordance with building plans and specifications provided by the municipality.



The project originates from a joint initiative by the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development and the Ministry of Finance, which devised a public-private partnership concept specifically for the purpose of creating affordable housing.



About 2 000 homes will be built in Walvis Bay.





OTIS FINCK

Fear of donkey butchering spill-over

January 30, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Fear of donkey butchering spill-overIllegal donkey slaughter a local concern Following reports of the illegal live skinning of donkeys in South Africa for the Chinese market, Namibian authorities have expressed worry over local conditions. An international organisation that is devoted to the welfare of donkeys has expressed concern over the fact that Namibia is considering opening a donkey abattoir and that there may already be many donkeys illegally slaughtered in the country for export to China.

This follows the recent outcry in South Africa during the past last few weeks where reports have been rampant about the illegal donkey skin trade. Reports have indicated that donkeys were bludgeoned with hammers and skinned alive on a South African farm, highlighting the illegal slaughter of the increasing numbers of the animals, whose hides are used in traditional medicine in China.

The organisation Donkey Sanctuary, based in the United Kingdom, approached the Namibian Chamber of Environment with regards to the global, illegal donkey skin trade and the slaughter of these animals, and the fact that Namibia is considering opening donkey abattoir in Okahandja.

Last year it was reported that local company Agrinature plans to set up a donkey meat abattoir at Okahandja. The company is owned by Namibian and Chinese investors.

Agrinature said it intends to open an abattoir at Okahandja's northern industrial area for the slaughtering as well as processing of donkey meat.

The chamber said that they will inform the nation should they take any steps to this effect.

The Donkey Sanctuary also released the shocking findings of an investigation about the growing demand for 'ejiao', the traditional Chinese medicine made from donkey skin.

In the first comprehensive study of the trade, the charity has discovered that donkey-dependent families and communities all round the world are finding their animals stolen and brutally slaughtered for their skins, with some reports suggesting animals are being skinned alive.





The Donkey Sanctuary's 'Under the Skin' investigative report reveals that the trade has led to an explosion in the number of donkeys in Africa, Asia and South America being sourced, stolen and slaughtered for their skins which are then destined for China. In particular, illegal thefts have left entire donkey-dependent communities devastated and facing increased risk of poverty.

According to the report, Africa's huge donkey population is a key target for the skin trade.

“The recent history of cooperation between African governments and China -China funded the African Union building and there are numerous examples of national trade agreements - has contributed to making China sub-Saharan Africa's largest export and development partner.”



In 2016 trade to China from sub-Saharan Africa represented approximately 25% of all trade, compared to just 2.3% in 1985.



It says trade in donkey products appears to be widespread in many other African states, with reports of slaughter for skins and meat in Botswana, Namibia and Nigeria and suspicions of trade in Zimbabwe and Zambia. The report says between four and ten million donkeys will need to die every year in order to meet the demand for ejiao – a demand that is unsustainable, while simultaneously causing mass-scale suffering to donkeys and risking the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on them.



ELLANIE SMIT

Female candidate enters SPYL race

January 30, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Female candidate enters SPYL race One of the hopefuls for the Swapo Party Youth League deputy secretary position says the youth wing needs a serious transformation of leadership since the expulsion of the Swapo Four plunged it into confusion.

Martha Belinda Jacobs is expected to stand as candidate for the deputy secretary position at the SPYL elective congress later in the year. According to Jacobs, who is the party secretary of the Aranos District in the Hardap Region, there are a lot of problems that need to be addressed in the youth wing to motivate dispirited youth.

Jacobs told Namibian Sun that she would campaign for the empowerment of young women to fill leadership positions in the party's youth structures. “We need to make it vibrant again and to re-instil activism amongst fellow youth, at the moment there is a feeling that once you speak up you are seen as a threat. We need people who will put principle before profit - more progressive young people like Job Amupanda,” she said.

Amupanda, along with fellow youth leaders George Kambala and Dimbulukeni Nauyoma, were expelled from Swapo after starting the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement, which had threatened to grab land just before the 2014 general elections.

Former SPYL secretary Elijah Ngurare was also given his marching orders for sympathising with the AR movement, but a court ruling subsequently ordered their reinstatement in Swapo.

Jacobs is not the only one who has declared intentions to run for one of the top positions at the SPYL congress. Earlier this month, SPYL executive committee member Sioni Iikela showed interest in the position, while there has been talk that acting secretary Veikko Nekundi might also stand for election. “I was a Swapo pioneer and I graduated through the Swapo structures to be where I am today. I still have to give it my final consideration and announce it officially but I am ready to serve the party,” Iikela told Namibian Sun.

SPYL spokesperson Neville Andre Itope has cautioned members of the youth league, especially prospective candidates, saying the party is yet to declare the succession debate open. “The issue of the congress and the candidate is not yet open to determine who should stand for election. A committee must first sit to discuss the nomination process. They must wait for the right time,” he said.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Cycle challenge launched

January 31, 2017, 4:50 am

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Cycle challenge launched
The 32 edition of the Nedbank Cycling Challenge was officially launched in the capital today.
The event which sees young and old cyclists from all walks of life compete for top honours is expected to produce thrills and chills later this month.
The challenge will begin with upcoming talent racing in the Nedbank Kidz Challenge slated for 11 February while the Nedbank MTB Challenge will commence the following day at Avis Dam.
All eyes will be, however, on the main Nedbank road challenge which sees top Namibian cyclists show their mettle in the surroundings of Windhoek.
Nedbank’s Head of Marketing and Communications Gernort de Klerk could not hide his excitement towards the historic event.
“I get a sense that, each year, when we get around to launching the Nebank cycling challenge, we speak about growth of cycling.
“I won’t mention how proud we are as Nedbank Namibia family of the role that we have been fortunate enough play along enthusiasts in growing cycling.
“We have a massive appreciation for all our partners and the roles that they all play in making of the Nedbank Cycle Challenge, the great success it has been through the years,” De Klerk said.
Interested competitors can choose between a 24km, 38km, 60km and 100km road challenge through the City of Windhoek, starting and finishing in Independence Avenue in front of the Nedbank Independence Branch.
Namibia Media Holdings, NHP, Indongo Toyota and Coca Cola have all pledged their commitment towards sponsoring the event.

JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA

Cycle Challenge launched

January 31, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Cycle Challenge launchedTop performances expected Officials of the Nedbank Cycle Challenge have hinted at a bigger and better competition this year. Cycling enthusiasts will have a chance to witness a thrilling competition when the Nedbank Cycling Challenge starts in Windhoek this month.

The 32nd edition of the Nedbank Cycling Challenge was launched in Windhoek yesterday morning.

The event begins with the Nedbank Kidz Challenge on 11 February, while the Nedbank MTB Challenge will take place at the Avis Dam the day after.

Competitors in the MTB challenge can choose between routes of 15km, 30km and 60km, starting and finishing at Eagle's, Avis Dam.

All eyes will be on the main Nedbank road challenge, in which the country's top cyclists show their mettle in the surroundings of Windhoek.

“Cycling delivers value to individuals, families, associate businesses, communities and one can qualify and quantify that value on a range of levels.” Nedbank spokesman Gernot de Klerk said yesterday.

“I get a sense that, each year, when we get around to launching the Nedbank Cycling Challenge, we speak about growth of cycling.

“I won't mention how proud Nedbank Namibia is of the role we have been fortunate enough to play in growing cycling.

“We have a massive appreciation for all our partners and the roles that they all play in making the Nedbank Cycle Challenge the great success it has been through the years,” De Klerk said.

The road race will offer routes of 24km, 38km, 60km and 100km, starting and finishing in Independence Avenue in front of the Nedbank Independence Branch.

Namibia Media Holdings (NMH), NHP, Indongo Toyota and Coca-Cola have all pledged their commitment towards sponsoring the event.

NMH CEO Albe Botha said it was a privilege for the company to be one of the sponsors and partners of the event.

“Namibia Media Holdings will cover the challenge live to the locals and possibly to the world.

“People can follow us on social media in order to keep up with what is happening on the ground.

“It is an honour for us to partner with Nedbank in the cycle challenge,” Botha said.

Interested people are advised to visit the Nedbank Namibia website or local bicycle shops to collect application forms for the event.



JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA

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Boxing board denies allegation

January 31, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Boxing board denies allegation The Namibia Proffesional Boxing and Wrestling Board Control Board spokesperson, Ronnie Kurtz, has jumped to the defence of the board members, saying that they have not been milking its finances in a dodgy way.

This follows reports in a local daily that five members of the boxing control board have pocketed sitting allowances amounting to N$300 000 from October to December.

Addressing a press conference yesterday Kurtz said: “We have not been paid N$20 000 as sitting fees in October and November and neither did we get a reduced N$15 000 in December as reported.

“Since we started, we had about 13 meetings which mean we could have pocketed N$1.3 million if the reports were correct. “What the board has decided in terms of the Act is that the board members must be compensated for the work that they have been doing on behalf of the board.

“As a board, we came to a conclusion that let us get for now N$5 000 each because of the circumstances.

“The money was due and for four meetings we got paid N$20 000 somewhere in November and then somewhere in December we got N$15 000 which was outstanding.”

The board further dismissed claims that they have appointed a secretary who is earning a monthly salary of N$10 000.

According to Kurtz, the secretary was not permanently appointed and only receives a fee for organising meetings and taking minutes at the board's meetings.

She was apparently paid N$10 000 for all the meetings she had attended, and not a monthly salary.

JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA

Spanish football weighs video referees

January 31, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Spanish football weighs video referees The Spanish football league is likely to use the newly introduced video refereeing system in 2018, its president said on Monday.

A mistake which cost Barcelona a goal at the weekend sparked widespread criticism of refereeing and forced the president to make the announcement.

The league initially said it would not comment on the missed call in Barcelona's 1-1 draw at Real Betis on Sunday. But president Javier Tebas later said that video refereeing would be implemented as soon as it received FIFA approval.

“We have always defended the use of technology in soccer and in this case we believe that video referees are the most advanced option,” Tebas said. “The tests are already under way. I believe that beginning in July 2018, if FIFA approves it, we will start using it,” he added.

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique said he was in favour of using technology to help the match officials. “The referees need help, whether it's with cameras or whatever, for decisions that favour us or go against us. The technology can help us,” he said.

The video refereeing system was tested for the first time by FIFA at the World Club Championships in Japan last year.



NAMPA / XINHUA

HARFA opens transfer period

January 31, 2017, 2:00 pm

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HARFA opens transfer period The Hardap Region Football Association (HARFA) started its operations for the 2017/18 season when it opened the player and team registration period on 23 January.

In an interview with Nampa on Thursday, HARFA secretary-general Ricky Brinkmann said the window period was opened for teams to affiliate and players to sort out their transfers.

“The most important issue currently is for the teams to affiliate to the league so we can have an idea how many teams we will have for the season and also to know which teams will be part of the DebMarine Namibia Cup,” Brinkmann said.

They are also registering their players for the new season.

The Namibia Football Association (NFA) signed a three-year sponsorship deal worth N$14.1 million with DebMarine Namibia in December last year that will see the NFA Cup make a comeback after being absent since 2015.

Tigers Football Club (FC) won the 2015 edition of the competition.

The DebMarine Namibia Cup will start next month with the knockout rounds in the first and second divisions before the last 32 teams, including the 16 NPL teams, will battle it out for further progression.

Brinkmann said as soon as the teams registered, the draw would be done and the elimination round could start on the weekend of 18 February.

Meanwhile, HARFA has urged people interested in coaching and managing the Hardap under-20 team to submit proposals to the association and be considered for the technical team.

“We felt that we should source out the technical team positions for interested and qualified people to take the team to this year's edition of The Namibian Newspaper Cup,” Brinkmann said.

The Namibian Newspaper Cup will be hosted at Swakopmund in March.

“People are always saying the team is managed by people who are not qualified, so we are now giving them the chance to apply.”

Brinkmann called on all players born after 1 January 1998 and who are registered with NFA-affiliated teams to submit their birth certificates or identity cards to the HARFA office via their coaches for trials for the regional under-20 team.

HARFA consists of 16 teams from the Hardap Region.

The league was established in 2000 and was won by Reho Madrid from Rehoboth last season.

NAMPA

Meroro leaves for SA

January 31, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Meroro leaves for SABoxer plots redemption away from home The MTC Nestor 'Sunshine' Tobias Boxing and Fitness Academy hopes for a better performance from one of their long-serving boxers when they travel to South Africa. Vikapita 'Beastmaster' Meroro and his training team left for Johannesburg yesterday ahead of his international cruiserweight clash.

The Namibian boxer will trade leather with South Africa's Kevin Lerena.

The fight will take place on 4 February at the Emperors Palace in Johannesburg.

Golden Gloves Promotions promoted the clash of the two cruiserweight boxers.

Meroro goes into the fight with a record of 33 fights, 28 wins and five losses. He lost his last fight against the highly rated Dmitry Kudryashov.

The MTC Nestor 'Sunshine' Tobias Boxing and Fitness Academy believes the fight gives Meroro a perfect opportunity to get his career back on track.

Meroro would however have to overcome a man who just won the Africa Cruiserweight Super 6 boxing championship in South Africa.

Kevin Lerena has a record of 17 fights, 16 wins and only one loss, and is promoted by Golden Gloves Promotions.

“I expect a very tough fight in Kevin Lerena, he is on form and highly motivated. I go into this fight as the underdog, which takes a lot of pressure off me, but I want to surprise him and steal the fight when he least expects it,” Meroro said.

Namibians can watch the fight live on Supersport.

SPORT REPORTER

Saudi Arabia swings Opec powers

January 31, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Saudi Arabia swings Opec powersAssumes traditional role as leading supplier Saudi Arabia has shouldered almost 60% of the output cuts so far, compared with a pledged share of just over 40%. Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies have accounted for almost all the production cuts delivered by Opec so far as the kingdom resumes its familiar role as swing producer.

Saudi Arabia cut production by 564 000 barrels per day (bpd) in January, or 16 % more than the 486 000 bpd reduction it pledged in November.

But the organisations members as a whole have cut output by just 958 000 bpd, or 18 % less than promised cuts totalling 1.164 million bpd, according to the monthly Reuters survey.

As a result, Saudi Arabia has shouldered almost 60% of the output cuts so far, compared with a pledged share of just over 40%.

Saudi Arabia and its allies Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have contributed 82% of all the cuts made by the organisation's members, compared with a planned share of 68%.

Compliance rates among other members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries have generally been much lower. Algeria and Venezuela have delivered just 18% of their promised cuts and Iraq's compliance has not been much higher at 24%.

Strictly speaking, the cuts are meant to be averaged across the first half of 2017 so no Opec member has yet broken its promises.

Poor performers could still make deeper cuts in the months ahead to make up for the low level of compliance in January, though this seems unlikely.

Opec has returned to its traditional behaviour By cutting their own output deeply, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have masked the low level of compliance across the rest of the organisation.

Compliance excluding Saudi Arabia and Kuwait averaged just 50% in January. The pattern of behaviour is similar to 1999 when Saudi Arabia did most of the deliberate cutting, with some help from Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.

Saudi Arabia and its allies have once again voluntarily cut output to reduce excess crude inventories and stabilise prices, leaving other members to produce as much as they can.

NAMPA/REUTERS

IPO for Nando's

January 31, 2017, 2:00 pm

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IPO for Nando's The Nando's Group, the South African fast-food company known for its spicy chicken and fries, is considering an initial public offering (IPO), according to people familiar with the matter.

Nando's is speaking to advisers and is in the early stages of planning a share sale, the people said, asking not to be identified as the deliberations are private. The company is weighing a London listing among other potential venues, they said. No final decisions have been made and the company may look at other ways to raise funds, they said.

Reports about plans for an IPO are incorrect, and the company isn't looking at ways to raise money, a spokesman said in an e-mailed statement.

An overseas IPO would help the Johannesburg-based company, originally backed by billionaire Dick Enthoven, raise money in a currency other than South Africa's rand as it continues to expand globally. A Nando's IPO would follow in the footsteps of other South African companies, such as Steinhoff International Holdings NV and Brait SE, which have primary listings outside the country to hedge against a volatile currency.

A listing in London would also give Nando's access to a large investor base. Companies raised nearly US$8 billion from IPOs in the UK last year, compared to US$647 million in South Africa, data compiled by Bloomberg show.

The company operates restaurants selling peri-peri chicken in countries including the UK, the US, Australia, India, Malaysia and Qatar. Nando's started in South Africa in 1987 after entrepreneurs Robbie Brozin and Fernando 'Nando' Duarte convinced Enthoven to invest in the Portuguese-styled chain. The company traded on Johannesburg's stock exchange until 2003 when managers bought more shares and delisted it.

With more than 1 100 restaurants, the peri-peri chicken franchise, known in South Africa and the US for making pointed political statements, has a fan club called Rate Your Nando's and was once described as “one of the most successful cults in Britain” by UK newspaper the Telegraph. Tom Sellers, the British chef who has created three restaurants including Story, last year listed Nando's as his favourite fast food.

BLOOMBERG

Namsov rewards deserving learners

January 31, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Namsov rewards deserving learners Namsov Fishing Enterprises recently rewarded grade 12 learners who excelled in their exams last year.

Namsov sustainability officer Tuna Willem said: “Namsov Fishing Enterprises are committed to contributing to the development agenda of Namibia and its people, within our portfolio of support that we provide to communities across Namibia. The education programme is part of Namsov Fishing Enterprises' strategy to support Namibian students and learners in achieving critical qualifications, especially where skills are scarce.”

Namsov's efforts in education focos on a bursary programme consisting of 21 students, awarding of top-performing grade 10 and 12 learners, tutorial support, construction of facilities, a talent support programme for gifted students, supplementary education materials, and 20 bursaries for students at the Namibia Institute of Mining and Technology.

Said Willem: “To date our support for educational development across Namibia amounts to over N$20 000 000 through our corporate social responsibility programme. Today, we are handing over N$2 000 per top-performing learner, per region for grade 10 and grade 12. Included is a trophy for each student that we hope will reflect as a physical symbol of your success once the N$2 000 is long gone.

“To our young people, we recognise the challenges you face in your personal lives, homes and communities. But we want to challenge you to challenge yourself to call on the champion within you. You cannot accept defeat, you must not accept failure as final and most importantly, it is you that is the master of your fate. Not your education system, your circumstances, your problems nor some of the very high walls you might face daily. To our teachers, you remain our leaders who daily shape the lives of Namibian people; we thank you with great humility. If it were not for some of you, some of us would not be where we are today. You remain our unsung heroes.

“To us as private sector, let us not forget that we continue to play a critical role alongside government and our people. That role is to assist this nation in reaching its development goal. To assist those that cannot meet their basic needs daily, to give a hand to those that need a hand up and the most important role, which is to join the active conversation and engagement of development so that we are able to continuously intervene at the points of need. In closing, let us ensure that the issue of development for this country is as important as the issue of profit,” she concluded.





















STAFF REPORTER

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Meatco feels the Trump jitters

January 31, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Meatco feels the Trump jittersBrexit also cause for concern With America being the largest market in the world Trump's policies could mean further changes to other bilateral agreements and could have a direct effect on Meatco and its ability to export there. Meatco chief financial officer Ingo Schneider recently glanced into his crystal ball as President Donald Trump starts his first term in the White House and having already caused unprecedented fear all over.

“As the new year is starting I as the chief financial officer am assuming that farmers are anxious about what the new year brings while hoping it's going to be a year of opportunities and great things to look forward to where challenges remain few or at least of manageable proportion,” said Schneider.

“We at Meatco believe that Namibia's small, open economy is highly exposed to events on the world stage and any material developments are expected have an impact on how our economy performs and inter alia how Meatco performs. Key items to watch for are ongoing uncertainties in respect of the performance of world economy especially low growth prospects in our key offtake markets. If the situation deteriorates more than we anticipate, it would affect Namibia's overall growth but also the prices we receive for our product,” he said.

The impact of Trump's policies are also causing jitters in the agricultural sector, with Schneider saying: “With America being the largest market in the world this could mean further changes to other bilateral agreements and could actually have a direct effect on Meatco and its ability to export there. While too early to assess an impact, it does seem that Mr Trump will create a bit of uncertainty with the USA being one of the biggest beef suppliers to the world, accounting for 12% of total world beef exports in 2016, and under retaliatory policies and difficult trade relations the world could be looking to Meatco and Namibia for beef supplies.” On the plus side however, he said: “The European Union (EU) is a major export market for Namibian red meat, fish, and grapes, receiving 40-70% of Namibia's agricultural exports. Preferential access to the EU market for premium beef cuts has made it possible for the Namibian red meat industry to upgrade its production facilities to meet international standards.

“At the moment Europe is still being overshadowed by Brexit post-financial-crisis woes, with Brexit recently adding another spin on things including triggering a significant devaluation of the pound which in turn influences Meatco's revenue. In general Meatco remains susceptible to exchange rates as the highest value comes from our international markets, including Norway and the EU, more specifically the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark and Italy. Meatco exports the bulk of its prime cuts to these countries as their markets provide the highest value for these particular products,” he said.



STAFF REPORTER

FNB Namibia wins accolade

January 31, 2017, 2:00 pm

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FNB Namibia wins accolade FNB Namibia is once again the proud winner of the Bank of the Year Namibia award announced by The Banker Magazine in London.

Sarel van Zyl, chief executive officer of FNB Namibia, was delighted with the achievement and said: “We have once again won this prestigious award, and I would like to thank every FNB employee for their hard work, professionalism, commitment and constantly delivering their best - ensuring that we remain the best bank, and continue to create a better world not only for our customers but the community in which we operate. These awards confirm what we know to be true: FNB Namibia is a great bank.”

FNB Namibia's treasurer, Michelle van Wyk, who received the award in London, said that the award not only proved the bank's commitment to all stakeholders but to the country in general.

“Our national Harambee Prosperity Plan also talks about improving performance and service delivery and being respected and trusted in the international community. This international award shows that we are a player on the global stage, a player to be reckoned with. Thank you to everyone who continually contributes to ensure FNB's outstanding level of service to all our

stakeholders.”

















STAFF REPORTER

Processing plant for U-pgrade tech

January 31, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Processing plant for U-pgrade techMarenica plans to push envelope Full commercialisation of U-pgrade technology planned as it sells processing prowess to the rest of the world. Marenica is making steady progress on its U-pgrade processing technology as it prepares for the commercialisation of its trademarked technology.

Marenica spokesperson Bo Brieders updated Namibian Sun on his company's prospects as it plans to roll out the technology.

“The U-pgrade process technology has been developed at bench scale. The next stage will be to prove the process in a continuous pilot plant and then full-scale commercialisation,” he said.

“We are very pleased with the interest shown in our technology by third party resource owners. We currently have formal arrangements with three project owners and/or developers and we are in discussions with several others which we hope to formalise in the coming months. The prospective applications of U-pgrade currently are spread across four continents and vary from exploration projects to large existing mines.”

On prospects he said: “The purpose of the scoping study is to determine a price level for uranium that will support a viable Marenica mine. We are confident that this price will be competitive with other projects that are waiting for a recovery in the price. Of course we will be targeting an incentive price below US$60 per pound as we believe a long term price above that level is required to keep the market in balance.

“It is a very difficult and futile process to predict future prices with any certainty. As mentioned above, we absolutely agree with the industry consensus that prices will need to correct to ensure the growing fleet of nuclear power plants will have sufficient fuel in the future.

“Marenica continues to prepare for this upward correction in the price of uranium by developing its own Marenica project and ensuring that its technology is implemented in as many suitable projects as possible. When prices do increase in the future we expect that Marenica will be in a strong position to benefit.”

Marenica last week said that the U-pgrade processing technology had the potential to halve operating and capital costs.

“The revised scoping study is expected to be completed within three 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 to US$75 per pound of uranium price range and therefore competitive with the best of new uranium projects worldwide,” the company said.

OGONE TLHAGE

Gerrie Nel quits

January 31, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Gerrie Nel quits The prosecutor who jailed Oscar Pistorius and former top cop Jackie Selebi has quit.

News24 can reveal that career state advocate Gerrie Nel has given the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) 24 hours' notice of his resignation.

Nel is the former head of the now defunct Scorpions in Gauteng.

His immediate resignation after 35 years' service, five years away from retirement, will send shockwaves through the beleaguered NPA, which has had four heads in the past decade.

Nel led the Scorpions' Operation Bad Guys investigation into Selebi and the late mining magnate Brett Kebble. He received an international prosecutors' award for his successful prosecution of Selebi, who also headed Interpol, on charges of corruption.

Nel was the chief prosecutor in the State's murder case against former Paralympic champion Pistorius. In 2015 the Supreme Court of Appeal changed Pistorius's culpable homicide conviction to murder.

In 2008 Nel was arrested on trumped-up fraud charges while pursuing Selebi. It later emerged that suspended deputy NPA head, Nomgcobo Jiba, was instrumental in securing an arrest warrant against Nel.

In 2011 City Press reported that Jiba's hostility against Nel was caused by his involvement in a fraud case against her husband, Booker Nhantsi.

Nhantsi, a former lawyer and Scorpions investigator, was jailed for stealing money from his law firm's trust account. President Jacob Zuma later expunged Nhantsi's criminal record.

Nicknamed the “bulldog” prosecutor, Nel is a former provincial wrestler who teaches the sport to schoolchildren.

NEWS24

Putin-Trump telecon goes well

January 31, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Putin-Trump telecon goes wellNew era of US and Russian cooperation beckons Relations between the United States and its traditional foe Russia seem to have warmed as Trump and Putin had a productive chat. Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Donald Trump on taking office and wished him every success in his work.

During the conversation, both sides expressed their readiness to make active joint efforts to stabilise and develop Russia-US cooperation on a constructive, equitable and mutually beneficial basis.

Putin and Trump had a detailed discussion of pressing international issues, including the fight against terrorism, the situation in the Middle East, the Arab-Israeli conflict, strategic stability and non-proliferation, the situation with Iran's nuclear programme, and the Korean Peninsula issue. The discussion also touched upon the main aspects of the Ukrainian crisis. The sides agreed to build up partner cooperation in these and other areas.

The two leaders emphasised that joining efforts in fighting the main threat – international terrorism – is a top priority. The presidents spoke out for establishing real coordination of actions between Russia and the USA aimed at defeating ISIS and other terrorists groups in Syria.

The sides stressed the importance of rebuilding mutually beneficial trade and economic ties between the two counties' business communities, which could give an additional impetus to progressive and sustainable development of bilateral relations.

Putin and Trump agreed to issue instructions to work out the possible date and venue for their meeting.

Donald Trump asked to convey his wishes of happiness and prosperity to the Russian people, saying that the American people have warm feelings towards Russia and its citizens.

Vladimir Putin, in turn, emphasised that the feeling is mutual, adding that for over two centuries Russia has supported the United States, was its ally during the two world wars, and now sees the United States as a major partner in fighting international terrorism.

The two leaders agreed to maintain regular personal contacts.

The conversation took place in a positive and constructive atmosphere.

KREMLIN.RU