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Govt liable for Fukishima

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Govt liable for FukishimaGovt liable for FukishimaTokyo Eletric Power also responsible for compensation This is the first time that a Japanese court has held the authorities liable for a disaster. A court in Japan on Friday ruled that Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco) and the government are liable for negligence in a case involving compensation for the Fukushima nuclear disaster, the first time the judiciary has ruled the state has liability, Japanese media reported.

The district court in Maebashi, north of Tokyo, ruled in favour of 137 evacuees seeking damages for the emotional distress of fleeing their homes as radiation spread from the meltdowns at Tepco's Fukushima Daiichi plant after an earthquake and tsunami six years ago, the Mainichi newspaper and other media reported.

While courts have ruled in favour of plaintiffs and awarded damages arising from the disaster, it was the first time a court has recognised that the government was liable, the Mainichi said.

Tepco has long been criticised for ignoring the threat posed by natural disasters to the Fukushima plant and both the company and government were lambasted for their handling of the crisis.

Tepco said in a statement it would review the contents of the ruling before making a response.

In December, the government nearly doubled its projections for costs related to the disaster to 21.5 trillion yen (US$188 billion), increasing pressure on Tepco to step up reform and improve its performance.

In the world's worst nuclear calamity since Chernobyl in 1986, three reactors at Tepco's Fukushima plant suffered meltdowns after a magnitude 9 earthquake in March 2011 triggered a tsunami that devastated a swathe of Japan's north-eastern coastline and killed more than 15 000 people.



NAMPA/REUTERS

100 days of water for Cape Town

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100 days of water for Cape Town100 days of water for Cape TownFlagship of SA's tourism industry drying up Much like Namibia's central areas, Cape Town is battling drought, dams drying up and reserve water being polluted. The crown jewel of South Africa's tourism industry, Cape Town has 100 days before it runs out of water.

After two years of the least rainfall on record, the average level of the six main dams that supply the city of 3.7 million people has dropped below 30%, one of the lowest levels on record. The last 10% of the reservoir water is unusable, and the risk is mounting that taps and pipes will stop flowing before the onset of the winter rainy season that normally starts in May or June.

Even if the supply stretches until then, heavy downpours may be needed to avert outages over the next two years in South Africa's second-biggest city. Each year more than 850 000 people from the region and abroad fly through the international airport in Cape Town, which the UK's Telegraph newspaper has rated as the top city destination for the past four years.

“We are in a real crisis,” Cape Town Mayor Patricia de Lille said in an interview with Bloomberg Television at the Women4Climate conference in New York on 8 March. “People will have to change the way they are doing things. You can only save water while you have water.”

The city council has imposed water restrictions, including bans on using hosepipes to irrigate gardens and fill swimming pools, and fined those who violate them. It's also lowered the water pressure and stepped up efforts to combat leaks. While those measures have helped reduce average daily summer consumption to 751 million litres a day, from 1.1 billion litres a year ago, that's still shy of the city's 700-million-litre target.



Diversify supply

The Cape Town authorities should have done more to diversify its water supply and implemented projects to use treated sewage and effluent, said Kevin Winter, a lecturer and water expert at the University of Cape Town's Environmental and Geographical Science Department.

“Ninety-eight percent of water comes from dams and that is crazy,” he said. “We use untreated, high quality water for everything we can think of.”

The lack of water and efforts to conserve it are evident from the city's withered gardens and parks and closure of most municipal swimming pools. Many of the city's more than 3.7 million people have taken to using water from their baths and showers to flush toilets and try and keep their plants alive.

Providers of wells and equipment that captures runoff from washing machines and bathrooms, known as grey water, are doing a roaring trade.



Tapping rivers

The city and national governments are implementing and considering several projects to augment the water supply, according to De Lille.

These include:

Pumping surplus water from the Berg River to the Voelvlei Dam, east of Cape Town, which will cost R274 million and yield an extra 60 million litres of water a day.

Implementing a R4.5-billion plan to reuse water, which will supply an additional 220 million litres a day.

Building a R15-billion desalination plant that will yield an average of 450 million litres of water a day.

Tapping aquifers from the city's landmark Table Mountain, which could yield 50 million litres to 100 million litres a day. That project, which would be implemented in several phases, is still being costed.

“The city will probably squeak through this season, but it may not in coming years,” Winter said. “It has been on the cards that water would run out by 2019. This drought has been a wake-up call for the city.”

NEWS24

Otjinene-Okamatapati road opened

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Otjinene-Okamatapati road openedOtjinene-Okamatapati road opened The new tarred road between Otjinene and Okamatapati was inaugurated by President Hage Geingob last week.

The road, a section of the Gobabis-Grootfontein road which is under construction, links the Omaheke and Otjozondjupa regions via the settlements of Otjinene, Okondjatu and Okamatapati.

Work on the road started in December 2013 and over N$575 million is being spent on the project.

The new tarred road that was inaugurated on Thursday covers a distance of 110 kilometres.

Another section, a stretch of about 101 kilometres between Okamatapati and Grootfontein, will be opened in July.

In his official remarks at Okondjatu Geingob said road infrastructure was a key prerequisite for social and economic development.

He said in Namibia, road transport was the most popular mode of travel and it was vital for the road network to connect the regions, particularly rural areas with urban centres, to stimulate commerce, investment and the movement of people, goods and services.

Geingob said poor road infrastructure hindered the country's ability to attract and retain foreign investment.

“The fact that this section of the new road forms part of the southern African regional trunk road, linking Mozambique, South Africa and Botswana with Angola via Namibia, further magnifies the economic and regional significance.”

The president said no matter what the cost of new road development, the Namibian government would continue the tarring of the gravel road between Otjinene and Grootfontein.

The project created about 300 jobs. China Henan International Cooperation was contracted to build the road.



NAMPA

The future looks bright

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The future looks brightThe future looks brightChallenges bring opportunities to improve Tomorrow marks Namibia's 27th independence anniversary. Known for its proud history and rich cultural diversity, Namibia celebrates peace and stability that have provided a conducive environment for socio-economic development and progress, says Sven Thieme of O&L. Sven Thieme, executive chairman of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group and president of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), has expressed confidence in the country's future despite the current global and local economic challenges.

“We are faced with a tough economic climate which poses a lot of challenges. However, we should remain focused and not lose the opportunity that is presented by a good crisis – the opportunity of finding breakthroughs we never would have found had it not been for the tough times,” he says.

According to Thieme Namibia is undoubtedly one of the most peaceful and economically stable countries in Africa.

“It is inspiring and of note that the collective leadership of public and private partnerships have earned Africa's – and dare I say the world's - recognition, respect and trust for Namibia and the leaders who have developed our country, lifted people out of poverty and paved the way for sustainable and equitable prosperity.

“While it is a continuous journey, I am inspired by the significant reduction in poverty levels of the country and the successful integration of people to build one nation. Furthermore ... we have made great strides in infrastructure development while the cooperation between government and the private sector and the conducive business environment created by government are all celebratory successes that deserve pride and recognition.”

On the flipside, a culture of entitlement, corruption, lack of discipline and general inefficiency are challenges that need to be urgently addressed, says Thieme.

“This includes all sectors, namely the public, private, primary, secondary and tertiary sectors. A simple example is the basic understanding of respecting traffic signs and rules. Imagine the chaos we would find ourselves in if we just ignored the rules, whether it is not indicating the turn you're about to take or skipping a red robot. We will eventually not reach our destination as a result of the consequences of ill-discipline.”

Thieme challenges the corporate sector to unite as one voice by partnering with the government to create a sustainable future for generations to come.

“In order to move forward we need to get rid of hidden agendas and leave the past where it belongs. Think, share and act on addressing national concerns such as poverty eradication and income inequality.

“We have the power and ability to secure a positive future for our children, their children and the generations to come. High levels of debt and inefficiency will be at the cost of our children going forward.

“We need to demonstrate more patriotism for our country by supporting local produce, products and services. Many people want their children to have jobs, but they forget that for that to happen they need to support local.”

Thieme concludes by reminding every Namibian of the significant part they play in building a prosperous future for Namibia.

“The journey will be much easier if we become less selfish and greedy and give more recognition to each other. We have to bring thinking to everything and understand that common sense is not always common.

“Let's remind ourselves that we all are leaders in our own right – so recognise and appreciate the leader within you. But remember that true and respected leadership often requires that we listen more than we talk. That way we'll learn more. Here's to 27 years of visionary leadership – may we as a nation rise as the African gem unfolding into stardom. Happy Independence Day!”



STAFF REPORTER

Golovkin wins on points

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Golovkin wins on points Golovkin wins on points Fight lives up to expectations Gennady Golovkin retained his WBC and WBO belts as two of boxing's pre-eminent punchers put on an entertaining show against the best opponents of their careers. NAMPA / AFP



Gennady Golovkin earned a unanimous decision over Daniel Jacobs on Saturday to retain his middleweight belts but not before boxing's knockout king was taken the distance for the first time.

Golovkin was forced to go 12 rounds as Jacobs gave the middleweight superstar all he could handle in front of a boisterous crowd of 19 000 at Madison Square Garden in New York.

"I couldn't destroy him," said Golovkin. "He is a very clean, very good fighter. It is my first test for 12 rounds."

Judges Don Trella and Steve Weisfeld both scored the fight 115-112 and Max DeLuca had it 114-113 for Golovkin.

Cancer survivor Jacobs was an underdog going in but he used his 10-pound weight and reach to his advantage and possibly provided the blueprint for Canelo Alvarez to use against the 35-year-old Kazakh in a future title fight.

Golovkin, who improved to 37-0, floored Jacobs early in the fourth round with two rapid fire overhand rights to record the only knockdown of the fight.

Golovkin denied suggestions that he should have thrown more punches in the early rounds.

"This is sport. I am a boxer, I am not a killer. I respect his game," Golovkin said.

Golovkin had won 33 of his previous 36 fights by knockout as his 23 fight knockout streak, which dated back to 2008, came to a halt. He has a 92% knockout rate, the best ratio of any middleweight in boxing history.

Golovkin's IBF title was not on the line because Jacobs declined to attend the Saturday morning weigh-in. Jacobs needed to be within 10 pounds of Friday's official weigh-in weight or lose the chance to fight for the IBF title.

The 30-year-old Jacobs decided the extra weight in the ring was more important than fighting for all of Golovkin's titles and the gamble almost paid off. He dropped to 32-2, with 29 knockouts.

"At times I stood toe-to-toe with him to see what the power was like, what everybody was talking about, and it wasn't that bad," Jacobs said.

Jacobs is nicknamed ‘Miracle Man’ after his career was almost ended in 2011 because of osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. He made a full recovery but spent 19 months out of the sport while battling and recovering from cancer.

Jacobs felt he won the fight but said the judge's favoured the champion.

"Daniel Jacobs got X-ed out," he said. "I won the fight by at least two rounds."

On the undercard, Thailand's Srisaket Sor Rungvisai captured the WBC super flyweight title with a stunning majority decision over unbeaten champion Roman Gonzalez.

The former star Muay Thai fighter, who once worked as garbage man to help finance his early boxing career, continued his amazing victory run by handing Gonzalez the first loss of his career.

Srisaket has now won 41 or his last 42 fights as he improves to 42-4 overall with one drawn and 38 knockouts.

"He is one of the best fighters but the reason I won is because I have all the help and encouragement from the people of Thailand," Srisaket said.

Nicaragua's Gonzalez, who goes by the nickname ‘Chocolatito’, is considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world and was a heavy favourite going into the 12-round fight.

He suffered a couple of cuts over his right eye which bleed profusely throughout much of the fight and hampered his vision.

Gonzalez, who dropped to 46-1, immediately left the ring without making any comments.

Former WBC champion Srisaket's only loss since 2010 came three years ago when he fell to Mexico's Carlos Cuadras.

In the final round, the worn-out Thai southpaw was booed because he spent much of it either running away or clutching and grabbing Gonzalez in the centre of the ring.

Gonzalez, in his 16th world title fight, became a world champion in his fourth weight division in September by taking a unanimous decision victory over Cuadras.

Gonzalez lost Saturday's fight despite landing 441 punches compared to just 284 punches landed for Srisaket.

Kasu sport on the rise

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Kasu sport on the riseKasu sport on the riseVillage rivalry makes it exciting Local football organisers have taken advantage of the absent Namibia Premier League to draw more attention to their tournaments. JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA



The Katutura Sports Union (Kasu) may not be so popular among many Namibians, but it has proven to be growing from strength to strength over the years.

The union has been responsible for hosting local football and netball tournaments in Windhoek over a decade.

Kasu has often attracted village teams and neighbourhood teams from around Windhoek.

Kasu chairperson Kuveri Tjonga has been at the helm of the union for more than ten years.

“Our main aim has been to get local people who do not have a chance to play premier league football keep themselves busy by playing in our tournaments.

“Kasu has grown and I can tell you that more teams have been registering to play in our competitions.

“It has been proud moments for us to see that we are now also getting print mileage from the media.

“Our aim is to grow stronger and possibly become one of the best local sports unions in the country,” Tjonga said.

So far this year, Kasu has hosted the Valentine’s Cup which saw local teams challenging each other for silverware and bragging rights.

Many of the teams playing in Kasu tournaments originate from rural villages, but the players are mainly based in the capital.

Village teams have been spicing up Kasu tournament because of old rivalries that exist between them.

The teams mostly originate from Aminuis, Otjinene, Ovitoto, Epukiro and resettlement farms around the country.

“Our year started off very brightly and it is all thanks to the sponsors who have made this possible,” Tjonga said.

“One would also like to thank the many supporters who keep flocking to the stadiums during most of our tournaments.

“The media have also been doing a great job as far as promoting our tournaments is concerned.

“We are now busy hosting the Independence Cup which we hope is going to be a success.”

Tjonga announced that KASU would host more tournaments this year to entertain football-starved fans.

Kasu also aims at making netball a more popular sport.

“I also invite coaches to come and witness talent at our tournaments because they might be lucky to scout a few players,” Tjonga said.

New look for KSSR

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New look for KSSRNew look for KSSRExco promises changes in school sports The body overseeing school sports in the Khomas Region has promised to improve its adminstration. The newly elected executive committee of the Khomas Schools' Sport Region (KSSR) has promised to improve the administration of school sports in the region.

Its chairperson, Patrick Percy Xoagub, who is also the principal of People's Primary School, says they will take charge of all school sports in the region to ensure that every learner can participate in sport.

“We are here to see that sport is run in the prescribed way and in a structured manner,” said Xoagub.

KSSR is one of the regional coordinators of the Namibia Schools' Sport Union (NSSU).

All 52 primary schools and 50 secondary schools, both public and private, in Khomas are affiliated to KSSR. They pay an affiliation fee of N$2 per pupil.

Schools pay registration fees according to the sports they participate in.

“This money is used to pay for stadium bookings, buying lunch for the participants, and also paying officials who oversee particular codes,” Xoagub explains.

The new KSSR committee was elected about two weeks ago to serve for the next three years.

KSSR has been in existence since the inception of the NSSU 26 years ago, but faded in the past few years due to several factors, including financial unaccountability.

Xoagub says his committee will strive to be transparent in running the organisation, including producing audited financial reports annually.

He encourages school principals to take an active role in school sports.

“If they cannot do it themselves, I suggest they assign a management member and sport coordinator of that particular school.”

Xoagub emphasises the need for schools to encourage students to participate in sport, saying children who do sport become disciplined, develop physically and perform well academically.

He says some school sports, such as football, are being “hijacked” by individuals and institutions without following the proper channels laid out by the NSSU and KSSR constitutions.

He blames this on the fact that the KSSR structure is not clear, hence anyone can organise school tournaments outside the parameters of the organisation.

NSSU national coordinator Solly Duiker has told Nampa that he looks forward to working with the new committee.

Duiker emphasised the importance of regional committees, saying Namibia is a vast country and it is difficult for the national coordinator to run school sports from the Windhoek office.

Other members of the executive committee are: vice-chairman Bertus Bock (Acacia High School), treasurer Monica Ruumbu (Rocky Crest High School), secretary Petronella Katjitenja (Moses van der Byl Primary School), and additional members Jaanda Ngozu (Amazing Kids Private School), Joshua Kandjaua (Augeikhas Primary School).



NAMPA

Chiefs face 'rigorous review' after Rebels fright

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Chiefs face 'rigorous review' after Rebels frightChiefs face 'rigorous review' after Rebels fright The table-topping Waikato Chiefs face a “pretty rigorous review” after struggling to beat the Melbourne Rebels who led a revival of the lesser lights in round four of Super Rugby.

The Chiefs have 19 points out of a maximum 20 from the first four rounds, but coach Dave Rennie was not impressed with the way they were saved by a late burst to beat the winless Rebels 27-14.

With six minutes remaining it was 14-14 before the Chiefs scored a penalty and two tries.

“We won ugly,” Rennie said. “If you're not quite on your mettle you can get rolled and for a big chunk of the night, we were sub-par.

“We're happy with the way we finished but there'll be a pretty rigorous review when we get back from the bye.”

Argentina's Jaguares, who only won four games last year, are already three from four this year after a thumping win over the Central Cheetahs put them top of the Africa 2 conference.

The Southern Kings and Sunwolves also showed they can be competitive even though they came up short against the Coastal Sharks and Northern Bulls.

The Crusaders produced another late escape to beat the Auckland Blues and remain unbeaten along with the Chiefs and the Western Stormers, who had a bye.

The Wellington Hurricanes, who returned to winning ways against the Otago Highlanders have lost one as have the Jaguares and Golden Lions and Sharks.

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson was in despair after his side rallied from a 19-point deficit to beat the Blues 33-24.

“We can't keep getting ourselves into that position,” Robertson said after the Crusaders' third successful late charge in as many weeks.

The Bulls fared better with 14 men than 15 in their 34-21 win over Japan's Sunwolves, a much-improved side from that thrashed 83-17 by the Hurricanes on the opening weekend.

At halftime the Bulls were narrowly ahead 17-14 and only pulled away when down to seven forwards after flanker Reinaldo Bothma was red-carded for a high tackle.

Sunwolves captain Ed Quirk said his side may not be winning “but we are learning. The repeated hidings we suffered last season are, hopefully, a thing of the past.”

The Sharks were staring at a shock loss to South African easybeats the Kings until teenager Curwin Bosch slotted a monster penalty from inside his own half with seven minutes remaining to seal a 19-17 win.

Kings flyhalf Lionel Cronje still had a chance to pull off an upset win and deliver the Kings their first victory in 21 matches against a South African side, but his 80th-minute penalty attempt was off target.

Wallabies winger Henry Speight scored two second-half tries to lead the ACT Brumbies to a 28-12 win over the NSW Waratahs in Sydney to cement their place at the top of the Australia conference.

In Brisbane, Courtnall Skosan scored four tries for the Lions who cruised to a 44-14 victory over the Queensland Reds but even with the bonus point they could not overtake the Jaguares in the Africa 2 conference.

The Jaguares were always in command in their 41-14 win over the Cheetahs for their fourth consecutive win over a South African side on home soil.

The defending champion Highlanders recovered from their loss to the Chiefs last week by easily accounting for the Highlanders 41-15.

NAMPA / AFP

Srisaket wins WBC title

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Srisaket wins WBC titleSrisaket wins WBC titleBloody bout ends Gonzales's reign Nicaragua's 'Chocolatito' fought on gamely despite the blood that stained his chest as the two battled fiercely to the end. Srisaket Sor Rungvisai of Thailand won a majority decision over Nicaraguan champion Roman 'Chocolatito' Gonzalez in a bloody, 12-round slugfest to win the World Boxing Council super flyweight title on Saturday.

It was non-stop action at Madison Square Garden with both boxers punching relentlessly, and the previously unbeaten Gonzalez covered in blood from a clash of heads that gave him a deep gash near his right eyebrow in the third round.

Two judges scored it 114-112 for Srisaket, while the other judged it 113-113.

Srisaket improved to 42-4-1, while Gonzalez dropped to 46-1 in the co-featured bout on the card ahead of the middleweight championship match between Gennady Golovkin and Daniel Jacobs.

Srisaket set the tone early, knocking Gonzalez down with a short, powerful right to the body in the first round, the first time since 2006 that the Nicaraguan had hit the canvas.

An accidental butt of heads in the third round opened a deep gash on Gonzalez, who fought with heightened urgency from then on as blood covered the right side of his face.

The Thai left-hander kept working on the area of the cut, and the corner had trouble stemming the flow of blood.

Gonzalez had Srisaket in trouble in sixth when he followed up a thudding left to the body with a left to the jaw. Trapped in the corner, the challenger knocked heads again and was deducted a point for the head butt.

Earlier on the undercard, Carlos Cuadras, who once owned WBC crown improved to 36-1-1 mark with a 10-round unanimous decision over gritty fellow Mexican David Carmona, who slipped to 20-4-5.

Undefeated Ryan Martin improved to 18-0 by stopping fellow American Bryant Cruz (17-2) at 45 seconds of the eighth round in a 10-round lightweight clash.

Irishman Andy Lee (35-3-1) won a unanimous points decision over American KeAndrae Leatherwood (19-4-1) in an eight-round middleweight bout.

NAMPA / REUTERS

Shikongo, Nambala ready to shine

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Shikongo, Nambala ready to shineShikongo, Nambala ready to shineDubai hosts World Para-Athletics Grand Prix The two visually impaired sprinters will travel to Dubai on Friday to compete in the fifth annual Para-Athletics Grand Prix season. Namibian Paralympic medallists Ananias Shikongo and Johannes Nambala promised to win medals at the 2017 World Para-Athletics Grand Prix next week.

The athletes told Nampa that they had prepared well for the competition.

“This will be my first international competition for the year, but I competed locally with able-bodied athletes at the national athletics championships in Oshakati over the weekend and I finished third in the 400 metres,” said Nambala.

Nambala said he would prove to his competitors in Dubai that winning two silver medals at the 2016 Paralympic Games was not a one-off.

“I know all the athletes have prepared well but I did my best since January and I want to show the nation that I am an African champion in the 200m, and I will continue flying the Namibian flag high at all times when I win silverware again,” he said.

Nambala runs without a guide in the T13 category.

Shikongo, who won a gold and two bronze medals in Rio, said this would be his first Grand Prix and he would continue where he left off last year.

“The pressure will be a lot when I step onto that field because everybody would want to beat me to the line, but I will prove to all my competitors that I am ready to compete and I will give them a run for their money,” said Shikongo, who will be running with guide Mahmad Bock in the T11 class.

He said most of the “big names” in his category might not compete at the first event to avoid losing to him, but he was ready to win again.

There are nine Grand Prix events on different continents this year, but the Namibians will only participate in the Dubai competition.

They will also run in the World Para-Athletics Championships in London from 14 to 23 July.

NAMPA

Wenger promises decision on future

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Wenger promises decision on futureWenger promises decision on future Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he has made a decision on his future and will make it public very soon.

Wenger revealed after seeing his side humbled 3-1 at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday that he has decided whether to stay with Arsenal when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Fans rounded on the Frenchman at the Hawthorns with 'Wenger Out' banners, anti-Wenger songs and a plane overhead towing a banner calling for his departure.

That was followed by another plane with a pro-Wenger banner, but he still suffered the ignominy of travelling fans singing “you don't know what you're doing” near the end of the game.

Wenger has previously said he will make a decision on his future before the end of the campaign and it appears the news will break in the near future.

“I know what I will do in my future, so you will soon know, very soon,” he said.

“You will see. Today I do not necessarily worry about that, we are in a unique bad patch we never had in 20 years.

“We lose game after game at the moment and that for me is much more important than my future.”

Wenger insisted he did not pay attention to events in the stands or in the air as he watched his side beaten by two goals from Craig Dawson and one from Hal Robson-Kanu.

Alexis Sanchez equalised for the Gunners but a fourth loss in five league games left Wenger's record of reaching the Champions League in every season of his reign in peril.

“I watch the game, I do not watch the stands during the game,” Wenger said.

“We have to live with that. You focus on your job, no matter what people think. We have a big fight, I agree with you and it could be very difficult now.

“Anyway we've no other way than fighting and doing it until the last game of the season and if it is not good enough we have to take the consequences and maybe one day if we don't do it, people will enjoy it again to be in there.

“In our job it is like when you have a problem with your engine you can always find many problems but is important to find the most important one.

“The most important one today was we had 77 % of possession and didn't create many chances and we have to focus on that.

“Fans are a bit disappointed and I can completely understand.”

Wenger revealed Sanchez had been substituted with an ankle injury, which will be assessed before the club decide whether to withdraw him from the Chile squad.

Goalkeeper Petr Cech was also forced off before half-time with a calf problem which will be assessed over the weekend.

West Brom have now won eight of their last 10 home league games and have matched last season's points tally of 43.

Albion manager Tony Pulis said: “We had a meeting on Monday with the players. Although we lost two games, we've got to keep our feet on the ground.

“We are what we are and they've done fantastically well to achieve the 40 points in the time that we've done it. Our output against Everton was as good as any output we've achieved this year.

“We know what we are; we know what we've got. We lack certain things.

“We could lose the next three games; we've still had a fantastic season.

“I understand, you raise the bar and if you don't reach that again you and the players are going to get criticism.

“For me, they've just been fantastic this year, irrespective of what happens.”





NAMPA / AFP

NRU to act against hooligans

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NRU to act against hooligansNRU to act against hooligansPost-match brawl is being Both Kudus and Walvis Bay Rugby club have brought Namibia Rugby Union acting CEO Elizma Theron says the Kudus and Walvis Bay rugby clubs have submitted charge sheets following a brawl after a premier league match at the coastal town.

“It will take approximately two weeks to finalise the findings and pronounce judgment on the issue,” she said.

“We received the relevant documentation and handed it over to the NRU Governance Committee to make recommendations on what should be done next.

“The NRU views what happened in a very serious light and will ensure that the guilty parties are dealt with accordingly.”

Theron said the incident had cast Namibian rugby and all participants in a bad light.

“I cannot say at this stage what will happen. The cases will first have to be presented. We will look at the players, spectators and management of both teams who behaved badly. We will not accept this type of behaviour. Those found guilty will be charged and must face the consequences.”

It is expected that the NRU will analyse video footage of the match produced by an NRU official who attended the game.

A video clip posted on social media resulted in a flood of criticism and condemnation.

The majority of the estimated 600 spectators expressed their dismay. Some called for improved security and appropriate disciplinary measures to be taken by the NRU. Suggestions were also made that no match should be played without an accredited NRU match commissioner present.

Walvis Bay Rugby Club confirmed they had laid charges of misconduct against Kudus and said it was contemplating barring certain Kudu supporters from attending games in future.

Walvis Bay RC alleged that emotions boiled over after a linesman hit one of their players with a flag. This apparently happened after an argument about a decision involving a Kudu player who allegedly breached the touch line on his way to scoring a try.

The linesman ran to the player and pushed him immediately after the final whistle. A Kudu supporter then entered the fray and grabbed the Walvis Bay player.

Supporters subsequently invaded the pitch and started assaulting the Walvis Bay players.

“World Rugby makes provision to deal with player-on-player infringements, and not for infringements involving spectators and players, since they did not anticipate such behaviour. There was also no NRU designated match commissioner in Narraville,” said a Walvis Bay Ruby Club official.

Kudus, on the other hand, brought four charges involving incidents of head-butting, striking a player with an elbow, using foul language towards an official and assaulting a medic against Walvis Bay Rugby Club.

According to Kudu chairman Chandler Plato the feud between the two clubs is long-standing and former Walvis Bay mayor Derek Klazen once intervened and summoned the clubs to his office to resolve the issue.

“Kudu players kept calm and did not react after they were provoked throughout the match by Walvis Bay players. The charges we brought against Walvis Bay RC involve incidents which took place during the game only. We accepted all contentious decisions by the referee. The video clip doing its rounds on social media clearly shows a Walvis Bay player throwing the first punch,” Plato said.

He said the brawl after the match erupted after a spectator had reprimanded a Walvis Bay player for using crude language.

“Video footage shows Kudu players shaking hands with Walvis Bay players immediately after the game. A sudden change in attitude can be observed after the referee informed Walvis Bay, who were under the impression they had won, that they had lost the match. The Kudu players simply moved onto the pith to shield the referee and his instants from angry Walvis Bay players,” he claimed.

Plato added that the club expected the NRU to act swiftly and objectively.

“The incident should be put into context to determine what truly happened and why it happened. We will act decisively against any spectator guilty of disorderly behaviour and abide by the NRU judgement. The club will also identify possible loopholes and rectify these.”

Kudu vice-chairman Donovan Paulse commented that sport had the capacity to unite divided communities, but individual egos were not allowing that to happen in Walvis Bay.

OTIS FINCK

Bye bye Issa

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Bye bye IssaBye bye Issa African football leaders proved that the game on the continent is not just a-one-man show after opting to elect Ahmad Ahmad over Issa Hayatou at the CAF general assembly.

There is no doubt that Hayatou has done a great job in improving African football.

However, it was about time that the Cameroonian gave way for new initiatives and leaders in African football.

Life under Hayatou has been great for Namibia because we managed to host the African Women's Championship in 2014.

It was however time to get the power-hungry leader out of football because of corruption allegations he is being investigated for.

I do believe that the new CAF leader has the potential to elevate African football.

The good thing is that he is fresh and will take southern African football to heart.

My wish is that he does not follow in the footsteps of many African football leaders who chose the path of football politics.

Ahmad has to try and help countries struggling with their football and in need funds for development.

I know I am a southern African and it will sound a bit selfish if I say that Ahmad's first obligation should be improving the south.

This is because northern and western Africa has already taken most of the CAF benefits because the football body was being dominated by Issa.

Now is the time that more southern African players should get links to play in European leagues.

Ahmad has to make sure that the gap between southern African football and the rest of the world is closed.

The time has come that a leader must show that he is there for the love the game and not just for a fat pay cheque.

I also hope that the CAF executive committee will not take sides or get involved in corruption scandals.

World football has undergone some crazy times as many of our football leaders have been tainted with theft, nepotism and corruption.

I actually do believe that world football is finally getting the people that will take football to heart.

I had great respect for the likes of Hayatou and Sepp Blatter before they were all investigated for and charged with corruption.

I think that the new FIFA president and the CAF president will bring a wind of positive change to football.

Just like in politics, it is also important to bring different leaders with new ideas to the game.

Now will be the time that all football administrators around the world should give their outmost most support to the new football leaders.

The football world is in need of loyal and transparent leaders that can shy away from corruption and scandals.

There has to be equality in the awarding of CAF tournament bids in order to bring fairness to the game we love so dearly.

The CAF president must also visit all African countries for him to see the football situation on the ground.

I also feel that most developing countries have been neglected by the African football body and this has to change.

More coaching courses have to be introduced so that our local coaches can be equipped with the knowledge of the game.

Youth development must be one of the key priorities of the new CAF leader and the entire executive committee.



jesse@namibiansun.com





Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Hainyeko wins Build-It prize

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Hainyeko wins Build-It prizeHainyeko wins Build-It prizeFootball extravaganza at the NFA Technical Centre Exciting football from Windhoek primary schools saw Tobias Hainyeko walk away with the prize. More than 1 000 pupils, teachers and parents converged at the Namibia Football Association (NFA) Technical Centre in Katutura in the first phase of the Crown Build-It Schools under-13, 7-a-side, competition that involved 16 Windhoek primary schools.

Tobias Hainyeko Primary School won the overall N$ 20 000 Crown Build-It makeover prize after a successful one-day football extravaganza at the NFA Technical Centre on Saturday.

In the end, Tobias Hainyeko Primary School scored the most points from the judges to win the N$20 000 makeover prize from Crown Build-It, despite losing 2-1 on penalties in the final match against Olaf Palme Primary School.

The one-day event saw great sportsmanship and some serious background noise from the pupils and parents. Theo Katjimune and Michelle McLean came out tops in Group A with seven and six points respectively, while Moses van der Byl Primary School and Gammams were atop of Group B.

Group C had Berthold Himumuine and Olaf Palme primary schools in the quarterfinals, ahead of Havana and Otjomuise primary schools. Tobias Hainyeko and Namibia primary schools took top honours in Group D to move into the quarterfinals later in the day. In the quarterfinals, Himumuine were 3-1 winners over Gammams; Van der Byl 0-2 Olaf Palme; Hainyeko 1-0 McLean and Katjimune 1-0 over Namibia Primary School.

In the semi-finals, Palme came back from goal down to win 2-1 right at the end to spark wild celebrations while their opponent in the final Hainyeko sneaked through 6-5 on penalties after a goalless draw with Katjimune in a thrilling encounter.

In the end after a goalless draw, Olaf Palme won 2-1 on penalties to take the honours against Hainyeko. But it was the latter who had the loudest celebrations as they won the school makeover worth N$20 000 from the building hardware giants.

This great initiative is now expected to branch out to every town with Crown Build-It outlets countrywide during the course of the year.

Sport Reporter

ERA spoil Unam party

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ERA spoil Unam partyERA spoil Unam partyA weekend of rugby thrills at Walvis Bay Rugby fans at the coast were treated to a festival of hard-running and attacking rugby in Narraville on Saturday. The Erongo Rugby Academy (ERA) prevented a Unam whitewash with an 18-3 victory over Unam III in Narraville on Saturday.

It was the first time that three Unam teams were in action on one day in Narraville.

Hard-running and attacking rugby reigned supreme and produced an avalanche of 20 tries.

All matches were played in a good spirit and in the absence of any incidents of violence during and after the matches.

ERA stole the show and the supporters' hearts by pocketing their first victory for the season with two tries by prop Ruduwan Mouton and one from left wing Lionel Coetzee. Fullback Wayne Maasdorp converted a penalty kick.

Scrumhalf Eaton Frans was instrumental for ERA. He constantly pushed Unam III back with some superb tactical kicking.

Flyhalf Grant Klein managed a penalty conversion for Unam III.

Unam scored a 50 - 17 NRU premier league victory and a 58 – 10 first-division victory against Kudus earlier on.

The reigning premier league champions were clinical in their approach and scored eight tries against the three from Kudus.

Replacement flyhalf Rodney Murorwa was in fine form for the visitors and contributed 23 points with three tries and four conversions.

Fullback Lorenzo Louise scored two tries and added two conversions for Unam.

Scrumhalf Cameron Classen, flyhalf Rodney Coetzee and open-side flanker Thomas Kali also scored tries.

Centre Anthony Jevu, centre Donovan Hummel and wing Paulo Andrews scored tries for Kudus. Flyhalf Charlton Stevens managed one conversion.

Unam II were also in dominant form and scored nine tries in their 58 -10 victory against Kudus II.

Open-side flanker Simon Hitembu scored two tries. Lock Kevin De Klerk, prop Victor Augustinos, flyhalf Aron Van Wyk, outside centre Buruxa Geiseb, fullback Romanzo Lento, centre Clyde Besser and wing Leffa Naibeb also touched down for Unam II. Lento added five conversions and a penalty kick.





OTIS FINCK

SA judges intel stolen

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SA judges intel stolenSA judges intel stolenBurglars sought private information In what appears to be a well-orchestrated heist, robbers made off with 15 computers containing the private information of South Africa judges. The ANC has called on law enforcement agencies to “use all resources” to ensure that those involved with a burglary at the Office of the Chief Justice are dealt with “to the full extent of the law.”

In a statement issued on Saturday evening‚ the ruling party said all South Africans should be outraged by the break in.

Burglars made off with 15 computers containing sensitive information from Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng’s Midrand offices‚ in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The Office of the Chief Justice is the administrative hub for the South African judiciary.

Office of the Chief Justice spokesman Nathi Mncube confirmed the break-in. He said the stolen computers were taken from an office where the Human Resources and Facilities Units are located.

“The stolen computers contain important information about judges and officials of the OCJ and constitute a huge setback for the entire administration of the justice‚” Mncube said.

He said the incident was reported to the police who have begun investigating.

Mncube said Mogeong believes the crime “must be viewed in a very serious light and the police ought to do everything in their power to ensure that the culprits are brought to book.”

The ANC echoed these sentiments.

“This dastardly criminal act‚ targeting the office of the highest judicial officer in our country‚ should leave all South Africans outraged and our law enforcement officers determined to speedily find and bring to book its perpetrators‚” the party said.

“The African National Congress has always held the view that one criminal act‚ regardless of against whom it is perpetrated‚ is one too many. Targeting the Office of the Chief Justice however is a direct assault on the sanctity of the institutions we‚ as South Africans‚ hold dear as propping up our Constitutional order.”

The party called on the Office of the Chief Justice to ensure remaining sensitive information is secured “and mitigate against any efforts to undermine or compromise the dispensing of justice as a result of the break in.”

The ANC cautioned against speculation over the motive for the crime.

“Now is not the time to seek to infer to the break-in its motives nor is it time to play to the gallery of conspiracy theories. What is required is for a collaborative effort across our law enforcement agencies‚ sparing no effort and with the full support and confidence of our people‚ to make those responsible to account‚” the party said.

The break-in comes a day after the Constitutional Court delivered a scathing judgment in a matter that saw the delivery of social grants in South Africa under threat.

During the judgment‚ in which it extended the contract of Cash Paymaster Services for 12 months‚ the court was critical of Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini for allowing a situation where the payment of grants to more than 17 million South Africans was under threat.

HERALDLIVE

You work for us, the people

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You work for us, the peopleYou work for us, the people The citizenry has an unwritten contract with government. We, the taxpayers, pay you money and you provide services for us and make the space we live in as safe as possible as well as providing basic social infrastructure like hospitals, schools and places of safety. You also take care of our elderly and most vulnerable and, during the financial year, you plough back some of our resources into the local economy through things like capital projects.

This agreement is the same as a client would have with a company with a CEO who may earn millions. Provide me with a good product and service, as and when I need those products and services. If you continue to do that, I will continue to purchase from you. Should you cease, I will cease to spend money with you.

The client-company contract is simple. The government-citizenry one, not so much.

Very few employed Namibians, out of the entire number, pay tax. Thus, our taxes are high. In return, we expect those services but, unfortunately, we have to have private medical aid, which costs thousands, as well as pension, because our government cannot take care of us when we are old. Our most vulnerable are protected inadequately – partly because there are so many of them and there is limited money, but also, because the monies are diverted elsewhere. The state's wage bill.

In terms of our contract with government, we can unfortunately, not stop paying taxes as the contract is set up to favour the powers that be. So we are throwing money at the lifestyles of the powerful and the elite, who continue to protect their friends and their cronies, and cover up massive flaws in operations.

Our government keeps placing plasters on wounds that are now beginning to fester instead of dealing with the direct cause of the rot. Our government defends its massive wage bill and the highest office in this country has blamed the colonial powers of 27 years ago, for this.

We are not fools. At some or other point, we will retract our endorsement of you. We have the right to demand service for the monies we pay. That is what you promised when you stepped into our employ.

Shot of the day

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Shot of the dayShot of the day THREE TIMES LUCKY: Iraqi fighters from the Abbas Brigade, which fights under the umbrella of the Shiite popular mobilisation units, fire towards enemy positions in village of Badush, some 15 kilometres northwest of Mosul, during the ongoing battle to retake the city's west from Islamic State (IS) group jihadists. PHOTO: NAMPA/AFP

JA Nel schoolboys in drug bust

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JA Nel schoolboys in drug bustJA Nel schoolboys in drug bust The police at Keetmanshoop on Thursday arrested three pupils of the JA Nel Secondary School after allegedly seizing about 50 grams of dagga from them.

One of the boys, a 19-year-old, was later released due to a lack of evidence. The other two, both aged 17, were charged with drug smuggling and possession of drugs respectively.

The suspects, who are in Grades 9 and 10, cannot be named because they are minors.

The two were released into the care of their guardians following a brief appearance in the Keetmanshoop Magistrate's Court on Thursday afternoon.

The police's //Karas regional commander, Commissioner Rudolf Isaak, said the dagga was found in their pockets and schoolbags during a mass search of learners.

He said the police had received information that boys were dealing in drugs at the school.

“We dispatched a team, locked down the school and found the cannabis,” he said.

Police also confiscated a number of dangerous weapons from the suspects and other learners at the school. Seven pocket knives, a pistol top cover and several broken mirror pieces were found.

Broken bottle-necks used for smoking dagga were also seized.

Isaak said violence and drug-dealing on school grounds were serious offences and he called on parents and guardians to discipline their children.

“Parents should not forget their parental responsibility to reprimand their children; they cannot leave it in the hands of teachers,” he said.

He also warned pupils of that school and others that the police would leave no stone unturned to rid the region of drugs and crime.

More police operations at schools and in communities would follow, Isaak promised.

“The community expects from us to protect their lives and property and we will spare no effort to deal with offenders properly through the processes of the law,” he said.

Drug-dealing and violent crime are nothing new at JA Nel, a resident living near the school remarked to Nampa.

“Teachers are scared of the children. The children swear at them and bring weapons with which they threaten teachers or scratch their cars,” the resident said.

On the same day as the drug raid, police were called back to the school to break up a violent fight between two pupils.

Regional director of education

/Awebahe //Hoeseb said the directorate would make a statement after a thorough investigation.

NAMPA

NPD5 still open for scrutiny

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NPD5 still open for scrutinyNPD5 still open for scrutiny Policymakers are still consulting with the public before adopting the fifth National Development Plan (NDP5), which was initially expected to be launched next month.

This is according to Suta Kavari, special assistant to the minister of economic planning, Tom Alweendo.

“NDP 5 is currently out for public scrutiny. We are collecting public commentary. Once we have received all the comments, they will be added to the development plan,” Kavari said upon enquiry.

Kavari could not say when the plan would be launched.

Commenting on NDP4 recently, Alweendo expressed his desire for a more realistic fifth plan.

“The experiences under NDP4 offer valuable lessons that we must use to improve our development planning as well as the results of the development planning process. It is critical that all Namibians own, support, and pursue the NDPs with vigour and enthusiasm,” he said.

In 2016, the National Planning Commission embarked on a countrywide road show to engage the public on the envisaged plan.

“NDP objectives will not be achieved if not everyone pursues them with the required zest. One of the main challenges under NDP4 is that not everyone is working at it with the necessary vivacity and loyalty,” Alweendo said before the consultation programme started.

“The public is therefore urged to come forward and use these platforms to contribute to the formulation of the development agenda for the next five years.”

Recently, updating people in the Oshana Region, Alweendo said: “Any plan is effective when those who are beneficiaries help craft the plan. We need to plan together if we want to go far. We can all make it a reality; let us try to come up with a perfect plan.”



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