Health minister urges abortion debate

March 27, 2017, 3:00 pm

Health minister urges abortion debate

JANA-MARI SMITH

Health minister Bernhard Haufiku says the time has come to renew the debate on decriminalising abortion after more than 7 100 women were treated at state hospitals last year for complications arising from suspected illegal abortions.

The minister said 7 335 abortions were recorded at health facilities, of which only 138 were legally performed on medical grounds.

The minister said the vast majority of the abortions were back-street abortions, and these numbers indicated that a fresh debate was urgently needed.

“I am reporting it here because obviously this is a major concern as unsafe abortions pose a major risk to women’s physical and mental health. We need an honest and thorough national reflection on the reasons why so many women risk their lives by [getting] unsafe abortions in a country where contraceptives are widely available.

“Most importantly, we need to ask ourselves whether it is not time to relook at the legislation and decriminalise abortion. The facts speak for themselves.”

Doctors confirmed yesterday that at least three women had died from botched abortions since 2015, and that many more were treated for serious complications following illegal backstreet abortions.

Haufiku said a wider debate on the issue was crucial.

Doctors pointed out that many of the more than 7 100 abortions recorded could have been miscarriages with natural causes.

Still, Haufiku emphasised that the numbers were a red flag showing that the situation was “completely out of control”.

The majority of women who attempt illegal abortions in Namibia are under the age of 25, and many are in their teens, doctors said. Complications from illegal abortions are numerous and could lead to lifelong health complications, infertility and death.

In Namibia, baby dumping regularly makes headlines and some experts feel that it results partly from the limited reproductive rights Namibian women enjoy.

Haufiku warned that the actual number of illegal abortions was probably much higher than official records indicate.

“It is suspected this is only the tip of the iceberg as it is common knowledge that most abortions are done in secret. Often an abortion will only be presented to health facilities when it is incomplete or if the woman develops complications.”

He said in many cases women only reported to a hospital when they were already “very, very sick”.

“We tend to brand [women who have abortions] as the naughty ones. But there are a lot of reasons why people terminate pregnancies. And these are the issues I want us to debate as a country. Not only debate, but come up with possible solutions,” the minister said.

Doctors say between six and ten women are admitted to the Windhoek Central and Katutura state hospitals daily, presenting with complications from spontaneous miscarriages.

Dr David Uriab, the chief medical supervisor at the Windhoek Central Hospital, said: “How do you prove it is a backstreet abortion? It would not make sense to report everyone [to the police] coming in with a bleeding. Obviously the majority will claim that this happened spontaneously, or through an infection or an accident.”

Dr Shonag McKenzie, head of the department of obstetrics and gynaecology at the Windhoek Central Hospital, said medical staff are trained and equipped to treat miscarriages in order to reduce the risk of complications.

They also offer long-acting contraceptive options to patients, particularly very young women.

In addition, mothers are referred to social workers to help them plan their pregnancies and to help them cope psychologically and socially.

“A lot of these are unplanned pregnancies,” McKenzie said, adding that the hospital focuses on providing long-term assistance.

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'Miracle' baby survives crash

March 27, 2017, 3:00 pm

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≪ Previous: Health minister urges abortion debate

'Miracle' baby survives crashFamily trip ends in tragedy A gruesome car accident at the coast claimed the lives of a mother and her three children yesterday.

A shaken witness said he heard a baby calling from a car after arriving at an accident scene near Arandis early yesterday morning.

The baby girl, Rachika Armiera Dauses, miraculously survived the accident unscathed and was discharged from a local hospital. Rachika is exactly two months old today.

Sadly, her mother and three siblings died instantly. Her father, Heindrick Hansie Dauseb, survived after a red Nissan bakkie and a VW Polo collided roughly 5km east of the Arandis turn-off on the way to the coast.

The baby's mother, Hilde Antonio Dauses, and siblings Chansie Dauses (12), Rashida Dauses (9) and Oubasen Dauseb (2) all died in the crash. “The baby broke my heart,” said Onno Onesmus, who was one of first people to arrive at the scene.

“I first saw a Polo on its roof and someone lying next to the canopy with moving legs, but struggling to breathe. There was no one in the Polo, but I could hear a baby cry next to the Nissan bakkie. I couldn't see the baby. I felt helpless because I couldn't do anything. However, I saw a neck of a person who was trapped inside the mangled vehicle. I assume that was the baby's mother. It was a horrific scene.” Onesmus also recalled how the screams of a young girl trapped inside the wreck pierced the still morning. “At the back of the bakkie there was a young girl who was screaming for help. She was trapped inside the car and I later realised that there were two other kids on top of her. They were not moving at all,” he said. Onesmus left the scene after the police arrived.

“I made the first call to 112 at exactly 04:16. I was put through to Swakopmund, but then I was asked to contact the nearest town, which is Arandis.

“The engines of the two cars involved were already cold, meaning the accident probably happened a while back without anyone noticing it.”

Emergency services were at the scene before 05:00.

Witnesses described the scene as shocking, as the Jaws of Life had to be used to remove the dead and injured from the wreckage.

Deputy Commissioner Ottilie Kashuupulwa of the Erongo police told Namibian Sun that there were seven people in the bakkie and one in the Polo, who is in a critical condition.

According to early reports, the driver of the Polo lost control, resulting in the car overturning and skidding into the oncoming bakkie.

“We do not know exactly what happened. According to observations by some people at the scene of the accident it appears if the driver of the Polo failed to navigate a curve, lost control of the vehicle and crashed head-on into the bakkie,” said Kashuupulwa.

The driver of the Polo, named as 34-year-old Leonard Shipopyeni Martin, is in hospital in a critical condition. Another child who was in the bakkie, Shaun Haraseb, 12, also survived.

-Additional reporting by Otis Finck

STAFF REPORTER

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RIP Ahmed Kathrada

March 27, 2017, 11:21 pm

≫ Next: Airport upgrade tender set aside

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RIP Ahmed Kathrada

Eighty-seven year old Ahmed Kathrada, affectionately known as 'Kathy' by those close to him, has died.
Kathrada underwent surgery relating to a blood clot on the brain earlier this month but experienced several postoperative complications and contracted pneumonia, which affected both his lungs.
Kathrada will be remembered, for the most part, as one of the eight iconic men including Nelson Mandela, Govan Mbeki, Walter Sisulu, Andrew Mlangeni, Ray Mhlaba, Dennis Goldberg and Elias Motsoaledi who were arrested at Liliesleaf Farm and found guilty on charges including conspiracy and sabotage during the famous Rivonia Trial held at the Palace of Justice in Pretoria in 1963.
Kathrada was one of those sentenced to life in prison and hard labour at Robben Island.
The stalwart will be remembered as an ardent supporter of human rights, for his patriotism and his special love for young people.

NEWS24

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Airport upgrade tender set aside

March 28, 2017, 6:37 am

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Airport upgrade tender set aside

The project to upgrade and expand the Hosea Kutako International Airport is in limbo after the Supreme Court declared that it was granted to a Chinese company in contravention of Tender Board procedures. The awarding of the tender has been set aside. However, the Supreme Court upheld the High Court decision to set aside the minister’s directive to cancel the tender in its entirety. The Namibia Airports Company (NAC) awarded the tender in December 2015 to upgrade and expand the international airport to the tune of about N$6.2 billion at the current exchange rate. This decision was later revoked by President Hage Geingob, who ordered the ministry of works to discontinue all activities relating to the project. This matter was later challenged in the High Court, with Anhui Foreign Economic Construction Group, seeking review of the decision of the president to cancel the tender. Anhui succeeded in September last year after Judge Shafimana Ueitele found that the minister of works had not acted in accordance with the Namibia Airports Company Act. He also found that the minister did not exercise his own discretion when carrying out the presidential instruction to cancel the tender. Geingob as well as the ministers of finance and works appealed a High Court judgement of September 2016 which set aside as invalid, instructions directing the Namibia Airports Company (NAC) to halt tender processes for the upgrade of the Hosea Kutako International Airport. “The valid procurement in capital projects involving government had not been followed nor had treasury approval been granted,” a full bench of the Supreme Court comprised of Chief Justice Peter Shivute and appeal judges Dave Smuts and Sylvester Mainga ruled.

STAFF REPORTER

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Congolese eyes Hitman scalp

March 28, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: UCI cycling race gains momentum

≪ Previous: Airport upgrade tender set aside

Congolese eyes Hitman scalpUgandan wants to win Namibian hearts A night of incredible boxing is drawing closer after the MTC Nestor 'Sunshine' Tobias Boxing and Fitness Academy introduced the opponents chosen for their fighters.

Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) Benoit Makangali Vela promises a fierce encounter against Paulus 'Hitman' Moses.

Vela boldly said that he would send the former world champion to the canvas when the two meet for the WBO Africa lightweight title at the Ramatex complex on 1 April.

The fight will be the main bout of the night, with 10 undercards lined up, including three other title fights.

“I know I am fighting a former world champion, but I am also a continental champion,” Vela said.

“My dream has always been to become a world champion, which makes this fight very special to me.

“I want to send a message to 'Hitman' and his fans that I am going to knock him down.”

The Congolese boxer has a record of 13 fights, of which he has won 12 and lost one.

He will have to defy the odds, though, as the Namibian has won 38 fights with only three losses in his professional boxing career.

Vela invites all Congolese living in Namibia to show up for the event.

Uganda's Med Sebyala is equally confident, vowing to defeat WBO Africa middleweight champion Walter 'Executioner' Kautondokwa.

Sebyala believes that the Namibian's punches will not hurt him since he has fought against tougher opponents back home.

“I am here to fight and not to play around. I am here to win the hearts of Namibians.

“I have fought great fighters over the years, making me a very hard man to beat,” Sebyala said.

Undefeated Namibian boxer Sakaria 'Desert Storm' Lukas will be looking to extend his unbeaten run when he defends his WBO Africa featherweight title against Oscar Chauke of South Africa.

Other fighters on the night will include Mike Shonena, Ebenestus Mendu Kaangundue, Immanuel Mungandjela, Andreas Amupolo and Timoteus Shuulula.

Promising talent Jeremiah 'No Respect' Nakathila will make a comeback in the super bantamweight division over eight rounds.

General tickets are selling for N$50, while VIP tickets cost N$300.

JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA

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UCI cycling race gains momentum

March 28, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Coutinho not worried about Everton

≪ Previous: Congolese eyes Hitman scalp

UCI cycling race gains momentum

Top African cyclists have confirmed their participation in the Union Cyclist International-classified (UCI) race in Namibia this weekend.

Pieter du Toit, Mariske Strauss and Cherie Redecker are among some of the top South African cyclists who will be taking part in the Nedbank XC race.

The race has also attracted top cyclists from Lesotho such as Monese Phetetso and Masitise Likeleli, who both have a UCI ranking of 98.

From Namibia, Costa Seibeb, Tristan de Lange, Xavier Papo and Michelle Vorster have confirmed.

The race will take place at the IJG Trails in Windhoek's Kleine Kuppe area on Friday and Saturday.

On Friday, registration and late entries will take place from 09:00 while the race starts at 14:00. On Saturday, the race will resume at 08:00.

The world governing body for cycling classifies races according to a rating scale.

Since the weekend's race is a UCI category race, it means international cyclists will earn extra points that can get them into bigger competitions.

Nedbank Namibia has for the past three years pumped more than N$350 000 into the XC Cross-Country Series, and has sponsored N$100 000 towards this weekend's race.

Nedbank's head of marketing, Gernot de Klerk, said: “Nedbank Namibia has a long-standing association with cycling development in Namibia.

“This stretches back to November 1986 when the first edition of the Nedbank Cycle Challenge was hosted.

“The growth of the sport, and particularly the steady improvement of young, talented cyclists, has been heartening to note in recent years.”

Many of the international cyclists taking part in this race participated in the Absa Cape Epic in South Africa last weekend.

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Coutinho not worried about Everton

March 28, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: New-look Citizens ready

≪ Previous: UCI cycling race gains momentum

Coutinho not worried about Everton

Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho cannot see his side slipping below local rivals Everton by the end of the season as the teams gear up for a Premier League Merseyside derby on Saturday.

Everton, currently three places behind their fourth-placed city rivals in the league table, can cut the gap to just three points with a victory at Anfield.

Coutinho, who is away on international duty with Brazil, said he was concentrating only on Liverpool's progress.

“I don't think about (Everton's form) or worry about that,” Coutinho told the reporters. “We will be ready. The derby is a very special match for everyone, the fans and the players.”

Liverpool are unbeaten in Merseyside encounters since 2010 but will face a Ronald Koeman side that have picked up 23 of 30 points since the turn of the year.

Coutinho acknowledged Everton's recent progress and said it would mean a lot more to the fans if Liverpool could find a way to win the derby.

“We know what it means... this time it is even more because Everton have improved so much in recent weeks,” he added.

“We know it won't be easy but we know we have to win, for our fans, for our morale and for everybody.”

Liverpool have lost just one out of their 14 league games at Anfield this season, scoring 36 goals and conceding 13 in the process.

NAMPA/REUTERS

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New-look Citizens ready

March 28, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Malaria ota ka sindika

≪ Previous: Coutinho not worried about Everton

New-look Citizens readyMighty Gunners must beware The team will travel to Otjiwarongo where they will play Mighty Gunners in the Round of 32.

Citizens FC coach Christy Guruseb has hinted that there will be many new faces when his squad plays in the NFA Debmarine Cup.

The coach says he is not just preparing his side for the cup competition, but also for the Namibia Premier League.

“Citizens are more than ready to give our opponents headaches in the NFA Debmarine Cup.

“The good thing is that I have always been confident of the players I have and I therefore do not stress myself over depth in my squad.

“We have many new faces that were not playing for the team, but the good thing is that the club remains the club I took over last season,” Guruseb says.

On 22 April, Kavango West's Rhino FC will play //Karas Young Beauties, followed by Try Again against Chief Santos. Black Africa take on Bee Bob Brothers from Mariental at 18:00.

On Sunday, 23 April, Unam and Khomas champions Eleven Champions will battle it out at 14:00, followed by Tigers against Eastern Chiefs from Omaheke.

The Oscar Norich Stadium at Tsumeb will be the venue for Young Chiefs taking on Kantema Bullets at 14:00.

Ogongo United will play against Eleven Arrows, and Khuse FC face Touch & Go on 22 April.

On Sunday, 23 April, King Fischer and Tura Magic will square off at 13:00 followed by Civics against Ohangwena Nampol.

Kuisebmond will host Orlando Pirates against Erongo champions Gendev FC on Saturday, 29 April at 15:00, and Blue Waters against Rundu Chiefs.

The Mokati Stadium at Otjiwarongo is another venue for scintillating Debmarine Namibia Cup action. On 29 April Young African will take on Otjiwarongo FC.

On 30 April, Outjo FC and United Stars will lock horns before Life Fighters and African Stars close off the Round of 32 with a tantalising clash.

JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA

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Malaria ota ka sindika

March 28, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Ekuthomo lyomapunda lya londa moshilongo

≪ Previous: New-look Citizens ready

Malaria ota ka sindika Etaandelo lyomukithi gwomalaria unene monooli yoshilongo otali ka yiwa moshipala shalandula komuloka ngoka gwa shuna pevi, niipotha iipe yomukithi otayi endelelwa po meendelelo.

Ominista yUundjolowele nOnkalonawa moNamibia, Omundohotola Bernhard Haufiku, okwa koleke kutya oku tameka omwedhi Januali nuumvo aantu ya thika po-18 oya hulitha komalaria omanga ya thika po-12 000 kwa kolekwa kutya oya kwatwa komukithi nguka.

Haufiku okwa koleke woo etukuko lyomukithi gwoCrimean-Congo Haemorrhagic fever ngoka gwa faalela omuntu gumwe gwomaantu yaali mboka ya kwatwa komukithi nguka.

“Omuntu gumwe ngoka kwa li kwa kolekwa kutya okwa kwatwa komukithi nguka okwa lalekwamo moshipangelo shaWindhoek Central hospital moka a li iikalekelwa nongashiingeyi okwiikwalekelwa moshipangelo shaGobabis.”

Okwa popi kutya kape na we iizemo tayi ulike omandhindhiliko gomukithi nguka nonando omakonaakono ngoka ga li ga ningwa, iizemo oya pitithwa owala omutenya gwOmaandaha.

Minista okwa popi kutya nonando Namibia oteshi enditha nawa mokwaadha omalalakano ge gokuvudhamo thiluthilu omukithi gwomalaria moshilongo okuza mo-2020, okwa holoka eshuno pevi noopresenda 96 dhiipotha mbyoka oshowo omaso ngoka geetithwa komukithi nguka okutameka momvula yo-2001.

Mo-2012, iipotha yomalaria ya thika po-3 163 nomaso gane oya li ya lopotwa nomoomvula dha landula ko okwa lopotwa iipotha 24 682 nomaso 87 mo-2016.

Pokati kaJanuali sigo oMalitsa gwo-2016, okwa lopotwa iipotha 7 779 naantu 32 oya hulitha.

Okwa popi kutya olundji omaso ohaga etithwa uuna omukithi gwa monika kwa lata noyendji mboka yeli moshiponga shomukithi ngoka, aanona aashona oshowo aakokele. Mboka ya pangwa mbala ohaya kala nawa.

Haufiku okwa ti shoka sha etitha iipotha yomukithi ngoka yi li pombanda mo-2013 oshowo omvula ya piti, omolwaashoka ka kwali kwa ningwa opombela moAngola oshowo moNamibia.

Ka kwa li woo kwa hawalekwa aakwashigwana oonete odhindji naamboka yedhi pewa inaye dhi longitha.

JANA-MARI SMITH

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Ekuthomo lyomapunda lya londa moshilongo

March 28, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Ohanana ya hupu moshiponga shohauto

≪ Previous: Malaria ota ka sindika

Ekuthomo lyomapunda lya londa moshilongo

Ominista yUundjolowele nOnkalonawa, Bernhard Haufiku okwa popi kutya ethimbo olya thikana opo Namibia a shunepo oonkundathana kombinga yekuthomo lyomategelelo moshilongo, konima sho aakiintu ya thika po- 7 100 oya pangwa miipangelo yepangelo omvula ya piti, omolwa omaupyakadhi taku fekelwa kutya oga etithwa kekuthomo lyomapunda.

Minista okwa popi kutya iipotha yekuthomo lyomategelelo ya thika po-7 335 oya lopotwa miipangelo, niipotha 138 oya ningwa pamulandu.

Haufiku okwa popi kutya omwaalu omunene gwomaakuthemo gomategelelo oga ningwa konima yomiyelo, naashika otashi ulike kutya Namibia okwa pumbwa okukundathana onkalo ndjika.

Minista okwa popi kutya oku wete sha simana opo ku ningwe oonkundatha molwaashoka omakuthemo gomategelelelo ngoka inaga gamenwa oga nika oshiponga noonkondo kuundjolowele waakiintu, nonando oshimbuluma shoka otashi ningwa moshilongo shoka shi na iingambekidho yoluvalo hayi gandjwa oshali.

Oondohotola odha koleke kutya aakiintu yatatu oya hulitha konima sho ya kutha mo omategelelo muule woomvula dha piti, omanga omwaalu omunene ya mono uunamiti molwa omaupyakadhi geetithwa kekuthemo lyomategelelo gaali pampango.

Oondokotola odha popi kutya iipotha ya thika po-7 100 yomategelelo ga pitipo, osha etitha komaupyakadhi gopaushitwe, naHaufiku okwa tsu omuthindo kutya omwaalu ngoka otagu ulike kutya okwa pumbwa okuningwa sha.

Oyendji yomaakiintu mboka taya kutha mo omategelelo, oyeli kohi yoomvula 25, noondohotola odha popi kutya onkalo otayi vulu okweetitha eso, uupyakadhi wuundjolowele wa yooloka oshowo okuha mona uunona.

MoNamibia iipotha yuunona tawu ekelwahi oya lundalala , naatseyinawa oye wete kutya otashi etithwa sho aakiintu yaNamibia kaye na ehogololo lyokuhumbata omapunda nenge okuga kuthamo.

Haufiku okwa kunkilile kutya omwaalu gwaamboka yakutha mo omapunda oguli pombanda noonkondo okutala naangoka gwa lopotwa kaanambelewa, nomwaalu ngoka gwa lopotwa otagu yakeleko owala oshigwana kutya oshinima shoka otashi ningwa mokati koshigwana.

Minista okwa popi kutya olundji oonakukutha mo omategelelo ohaya yi owala koshipangelo uuna ya tameke taya ehama, na oha yuulwa moshigwana kutya ihaya uvuko, ihe Haufiku okwa popi kutya ope na iinima oyindji mbyoka hayi etitha aakiintu yakuthemo omategelelo, naashoka osho sha pumbwa okukundathanwa.

Oondohotola odha popi kutya aakiintu yeli pokati kayahamano nomulongo taya taambelwa moshipangelo shaWindhoek Central naKatutura kehe esiku oye na uupyakadhi womategelelo ga zamo.

Omundohotola David Uriab, omukomeho gwuunamiti moWindhoek Central Hospital, okwa popi kutya: “Oto ka gandja uumbangi ngiini kutya omuntu okwa kutha mo etegelelo? Itashi kala mondjila okulopota kopolisi kehe gumwe ngoka teya moshipangelo e na epunda lya zamo. Oyendji otaya ka tya omapunda oga za mo paushitwe nenge oshiponga.”

Dr Shonag McKenzie, moWindhoek Central Hospital, okwa popi kutya aanambelewa yuunamiti oya dheulwa okupanga aantu mboka ya kanitha omategelelo opo kaya kwatwe komaunkundi.

JANA-MARI SMITH

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Ohanana ya hupu moshiponga shohauto

March 28, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Lack of beneficiation 'frustrating'

≪ Previous: Ekuthomo lyomapunda lya londa moshilongo

Ohanana ya hupu moshiponga shohauto Ohanana yoomwedhi mbali ya hupu

Oshiponga shohauto oshinyanyalithi osha faalele omwenyo gwomukiintu pamwe noyana yatatu, ongula yOmaandaha popepi noArandis.

Nakumona nomeho ngoka wo a thiki poshiponga shika tango okwa hokolola kutya okwa uvu okanona taka lili okuza mohauto pehala lyoshiponga shoka sha ningwa ongula yOmaandaha popepi noArandis.

Ohanana yoomwedhi mbali yedhina Rachika Armiera Dauses oya hupu kesilohenda lyOmuwa, nokwa lopotwa ya hupu moshiponga yaahena nando okapethili kasha noyili ya lalekwamo nale moshipangelo.

Omupya omunene yina yohanona ndjika pamwe nuumwayina utatu oya hulithila moshiponga shika. He Heindrick Hansie Dauseb a hupa moshiponga, shoka sha holoka konima sho ohauto yombaki yoNissan ontiligane oshowo ohauto yoVW Polo yiidhenge mumwe oshipala noshipala oshinano shookilometa 5 uuninginino waArandis.

Hilde Antonio Dauses, pamwe noyana Chansie Dauses (12), Rashida Dauses (9) naOubasen Dauseb (2) ayehe oya hulithile moshiponga shika.

“Okanona haka okateya omutima gwandje,”

Onno Onesmus, ngoka a thiki tango poshiponga ta ngaaka nonkumwe.

“Tango onda mono oPolo ya lala ongali, nomuntu a lala popepi nondunda yobakki nomagulu tagiinyenge ihe ota fudha nuudhigu. Kamwa li omuntu moPolo ihe ondali nduuvu okanona taka lili popepi nondunda yobakki yo Nissan. Kandali tandi vulu oku kamona no ka kanda li ndi na shoka tandi vulu okuninga. Onda mono othingo yomuntu ya patekena miitekela yoshiyenditho no nda fekele kutya okuna okukala yina yohanona. Oshinyanyalithi noonkondo.”

Onesmus okwa popi wo kutya okwali uuvu okanona kokakadhona taka lili no kupa ekwatho sho ka patekena moshihauto nokonima okwa mono kutya uunona owuli utatu.

Onesmus okwa thigi po owala ehala lyoshiponga konima sho opolisi ya thiki.

“Onda dhengele o112 lwopotundi 04:16, nonda undulilwa koSwakopo, ihe lwanima onda lombwelwa ndi tseyithile ondoolopa ndjoka yi li popepi, yo oyali oArandis. Ooindjina dhiihauto mbyoka ayihe iyali odhali dha talala tashi ulike kutya oshiponga osha holoka pwa pita ethimbo na kape na ngoka e shi mona. Aanambelewa yomakwatho oya thiki omanga ontano inayi dhenga.”

Mboka ya kala poshiponga shoka oya holola kutya otashi halutha noonkondo, molwaashoka oshali shapula elongtiho lyiisaha oku tetamo omalutu goonakusa oshowo mboka yeehamekwa miinyanyu yiihauto.

Omupeha Komufala gwopolisi yErongo, Ottilie Kashuupulwa okwa lombwele Namibian Sun kutya mohauto yombaki omwa li aantu yaheyali omanga moPolo mwa li owala omuhingi oye awike ngoka eehamekwa noonkondo.

Opolisi oya holola kutya otashi ulike kutya omuhingi gwoPolo okwa nyengwa okupangela osheenditho nosheetitha ohauto yigwe nokwiidhenga mombaki.

“Katu shi shi lela nawa kutya oshike sha holoka po ihe okutala komakonaakono ga ya mwepo, oga ulike kutya omuhingi gwoPolo okwa nyengwa kondalaye nokwiidhenga mombaki,” Kashuupulwa ta ti.

Nakuhinga oPolo okwa tumbulwa kedhina kutya omunamimvo 34, Leonard Shipopyeni Martin, na okuli monkalo ombwiinayi moshipangelo. Okanona kamwe hoka kali mombaki ka hupa moshiponga oShaun Haraseb, 12.

ONZONKUNDANA YOMWENI

Olopota ya gwedhwapo - Otis Finck

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Lack of beneficiation 'frustrating'

March 28, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Brickmaking training academy opens

≪ Previous: Ohanana ya hupu moshiponga shohauto

Lack of beneficiation 'frustrating'Too many rough diamonds leave the country The minister of mines and energy has called for more emphasis on cutting diamonds locally.

STAFF REPORTER

Mines and energy minister Obeth Kandjoze says it is disappointing that a significant portion of rough diamonds sold by the Namibia Diamond Trading Company leave the country without any value addition.

He addressed sight-holders of the Namibian Diamond Trading Company (NDTC) in Windhoek recently.

“I am sure you will understand my disappointment when the Department of Diamond Affairs brought it to my attention that a significant proportion of the rough diamonds sold by NDTC to its customers in 2016 had been typically exported instead of being cut and polished in Namibia.”

According to him, local value addition amounted to only 20%.

“Based on export data provided to me by the office of the diamond commissioner only about 20% of the total sales made by NDTC during 2016 were processed locally.

“I would like to make it categorically clear that the current trend of high rough [diamond] exports is of grave concern to the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Namibian government.”

“We do appreciate the need for a flexible business environment that allows you to manage your Namibian businesses in a sustainable manner; however the practice of exporting in some cases 100% of the rough diamonds meant for beneficiation purposes is in our view totally against the spirit of beneficiation and I would like to put it on record that we condemn the continuation of this practice in the strongest of terms,” Kandjoze told the sight-holders.

“I would hereby like to make a plea to those that are exporting a significant proportion of the rough [diamonds] purchased from NDTC to reconsider this practice and to refocus their efforts on working closely with the ministry and NDTC in addressing some of the challenges that the country is currently facing.”

“Allow me to thank you for the effort that each and every one has made so far in helping Namibia on the journey to realising its aspirations of developing a sustainable downstream diamond industry.

“We have come a long way from exporting the vast majority of our diamonds to seeing a large proportion of our rough diamonds offered and sold in Namibia and, more importantly, contributing to the betterment of ordinary Namibian citizens,” he said.

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Brickmaking training academy opens

March 28, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Brickmaking training academy opens

Ohorongo Cement and the Build It building materials supplier on Monday opened an academy at Tsumeb to train young people in brickmaking.

The minister of poverty eradication and social welfare, Zephania Kameeta, officiated at the inauguration.

Three technical experts from the Ohorongo Cement factory, situated outside Otavi in the Otjozondjupa Region, will offer training for a period of two years.

Kameeta said the initiative was in line with the mission and vision of his ministry.

“I am truly pleased with the initiative to start up an academy in brickmaking...” he said.

Kameeta said training people to manufacture bricks might reduce the exorbitant housing costs in Namibia.

He urged trainees to make use of the academy and its programmes to develop themselves, their communities and the country.

The managing director of Ohorongo Cement, Hans-Wilhelm Schutte, said his office would request each regional governor to identify five people to receive free training courtesy of Ohorongo Cement and Build It.

“At the same time, Build It branches in each region will be required to identify the remaining 10 potential brick makers to join the academy,” he said.

The academy targets a maximum of 15 people per region, which would result in 210 trained brick makers at the end of the training programme.

“Should each of these 210 brick makers use their skills and turn them into income-generating businesses, and if each will employ two people, then the academy will have the potential to create over 600 jobs in the country,” said Schutte.

Build It representative Paul Hinson said trainees would be required to sell their bricks to any Build It outlet in the 14 regions.

Hinson said the new academy would add value to Build It's business.

“We are committed to our partnership with Ohorongo Cement in support of this brickmaking training academy launched here today and its ongoing rollout across the 14 regions,” said Hinson.

Oshikoto regional governor Henock Kankoshi was among those who attended the inauguration.

NAMPA

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N$419k required for a house

March 28, 2017, 3:00 pm

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N$419k required for a houseWindhoek the priciest place to build in Building material prices have risen by 32.5% in the past six years, with bricks nearly doubling in price.

First Capital has established that it costs about N$419 231 to build a three-bedroom house in Windhoek, N$387 060 at Swakopmund, N$336 475 at Keetmanshoop, N$339 595 at Ondangwa, N$343 762 at Rundu and N$338 563 at Katima Mulilo.

In its assessment, First Capital compared the prices of standard building materials used in these seven towns.

It found that the cost of building materials was higher at Rundu and Katima Mulilo because of the distances that goods must be transported. The price of building materials in Windhoek was also high.

“As expected, the cost of building materials is higher at Katima Mulilo and Rundu, due mainly to transport costs. These two towns are followed by Windhoek with a cost of N$232 000 on account of high demand and high concentration of construction activities. According to our findings, Swakopmund is cheapest with a cost of N$230 400 for building materials needed to set up a three-bedroom house,” said First Capital.

Explaining what influenced the cost of construction in the different towns, First Capital said: “Given differing prices of building materials in every town and the prices of land, the cost of constructing a house differs too. Because of cheap land in Keetmanshoop, building a standard three-bedroom house in that town costs N$336 475 while in Windhoek the same size of house with similar specifications costs N$419 231.

“The high price of building in Windhoek is influenced mainly by land, which remains expensive relative to the price in other towns. Although the average cost of building materials is [lower] in Windhoek and Swakopmund, the cost of building a house there is N$60 000 more than the cost of building the same house in other parts of the country due to land price differentials that favour other towns while in Windhoek and Swakopmund [land] remains expensive.”

On average a three-bedroom house in Windhoek or Swakopmund costs N$403 306, with 20% of that cost being paid for the plot. The materials account for 57% of the price.

In other towns, building the same house costs N$340 515, with materials accounting for 68% of the total cost and land only 5%, First Capital found.

Building material prices have increased considerably since 2010, First Capital found.

The average cost of building materials increased by 32% between 2010 and 2016. Notable price increases were in building materials like bricks, whose price surged by 48.7% during the period.

“Though the price of cement declined substantially during 2011 and 2012, overall cement prices increased by 25.6% between 2010 and 2016.

“This translates to an average annual inflation of 5.4% in building materials. Across all towns, the price of land increased by 27% over the same six-year period between 2010 and 2016.

“However, the market price of houses increased by 97.7% over the same period. This increase in the selling price of houses is three times more than the increases in materials and land costs.

“On an annual basis, market selling prices of houses increased by 16.3%. For every N$1 increase in the price of the cost of constructing a house, the selling price increases by N$3.”

OGONE TLHAGE

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NDTC clarifies Sightholder issue

March 28, 2017, 3:00 pm

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NDTC clarifies Sightholder issueThere are currently 11 NDTC Sightholders Although NDTC enters into 3 year supply agreements with its customers, Sightholders can be added at any point during this 3 year period provided they meet NDTC’s customer selection criteria.

The partnership between Namibia Diamond Trading Company (NDTC) and Sightholders fully supported by NDTC Shareholders, namely the Namibian Government and De Beers, has been successful in creating a remarkably resilientdownstream beneficiation industry in Namibia, according to Namibia Diamond Trading Company Chief Executive Officer, Shihaleni Ndjaba.

Since the advent of beneficiation sales in 2007, NDTC has sold close to N$26 billion worth of rough diamonds to be cut and polished in Namibia. This has enabled the Sightholders to not only directly employ close to a 1000 polishers but has also resulted in significant investment in infrastructure and technology in the Namibian cutting and polishing industry,

There is no denying that the industry has faced some challenges in recent years primarily due to volatile market conditions; however the close cooperation between all relevant parties has created a solid foundation for further growth of a sustainable cutting and polishing industry in Namibia. Having said this, reflecting on the current status of downstream beneficiation industry and the opportunities provided by the new Sales and Marketing Agreement to further build on the beneficiation successes achieved over the last decade, we understand and appreciate the Government’s position as shared by the Minister of Mines and Energy at the consultative meeting with the industry,” said Ndjaba.

The Ministry’s position is crucial in the context of NDTC’s mandate of supporting and facilitating beneficiation, Ndjaba explained.” The Minister has clearly articulated government’s expectations and aspirations from a beneficiation stand point and we are happy to state that this position is fully aligned to NDTC rough distribution strategy of supporting those Sightholders that process a larger proportion of their rough diamond purchases from NDTC in country.”

“It is also important to state that NDTC commends the pragmatic approach taken by the Ministry in exploring various avenues to finding lasting solutions to the challenges currently faces by the industry. We strongly believe that consultation with all the relevant stakeholders is the best way to create a conducive, enabling environment for sustainable diamond beneficiation in Namibia,” he concluded.

STAFF REPORTER

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‘Still in the dark’

March 28, 2017, 3:00 pm

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‘Still in the dark’Lungisa Fuzile says he has no idea why he and Gordhan were recalled There is no clarity on why the South African finance minister Pravin Gordhan was recalled and as speculation about a reshuffle continues, the rand remains highly volatile.

The director-general at the South African Treasury Lungisa Fuzile says they still don't know why President Jacob Zuma cancelled their investment roadshow.

Fuzile was speaking to journalists outside of Luthuli House, following finance minister Pravin Gordhan being spotted on the sixth floor inside the building earlier.

Gordhan arrived back in South Africa this morning and went straight to the ANC headquarters and is believed to be locked up in a meeting with ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe.

Speculation has grown over the past 24 hours that his head is on the chopping block. Some ANC insiders close to President Jacob Zuma have said that "a long overdue cabinet reshuffle" would take place before end of the week.

"There has been speculation for a very long time. In my case I don't work with speculation I work with realities," said Fuzile. He refused to give details behind his presence at Luthuli House except to say he was meeting with friends at the ANC headquarters.

Fuzile said the investor roadshow went well. "We met around 50 investors and two credit ratings agencies," he said.

The treasury DG jokingly added that he didn't mind the urgent recall from the roadshow. "I love home hey, you must always know I love home and with me, I can't wait to get to the farm," said Fuzile.

In the meanwhile, the North Gauteng High Court dismissed the application by Gupta-owned Sahara for finance minister Pravin Gordhan to be present at court as it failed to show cause for the late filing and merit for the application. The ruling came around midday.

The rand remained on tenterhooks yesterday as there was no clarity with regards to Zuma’s next steps.

Fluid and explosive were the words used to describe what could potentially result if South African finance ministers Pravin Gordhan and Mcebisi Jonas were to be replaced by RMB South Africa analyst John Cairns this week.

Speculation is rife that both Gordhan and Jonas will be replaced in a widely anticipated Cabinet reshuffle by Zuma, paving the way for the appointment of former Transnet and Eskom CEO Brian Molefe.

“Based on the commentary in the papers and the web, most of those in the know politically are converging on the view that Gordhan and Jonas’s forced return was probably about today’s court case on the bank accounts of the Gupta-linked companies. If so, then one could bravely argue that the rand has overreacted: the recall reminds of political risks and will require a higher risk premium to be built back in, but with no massive run,” said Cairns.

The rand lost some traction and weakened considerably since noise of the possible reshuffle resurfaced. “The US dollar to the rand has dropped back marginally from the overnight high of R12.84 to R12.74 but the situation remains fluid and potentially explosive as we all try and figure out why Minister Gordhan and Deputy Minister Jonas were asked to return to South Africa,” said Cairns.

“Altogether the situation remains fluid and potentially explosive. Further runs on the rand are certainly possible. Monday’s 50-cent losses are nothing compared to what would happen in the worst case Cabinet reshuffle scenario, remember that when Nhlanhla Nene was replaced the rand lost R1.50 immediately after and 250 cents within a month, this despite David van Rooyen’s appointment as finance minister being reversed,” Cairns said in relation to an earlier reshuffle in December 2015.

OGONE TLHAGE & NEWS24

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Shot of the day

March 28, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Shot of the day

MIGRATION: Migrant birds fly in formation over the Xingkai Lake Natural Reserve in Mishan, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province on 27 March. Photo: NAMPA/XINHUA

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Who is to blame?

March 28, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Who is to blame? Chilling figures of unsafe abortions announced by the health minister Dr Bernard Haufiku are a cause for grave concern and brings to the fore the complexity and intertwining social challenges we see as contributors to this national calamity.

Indeed it is a situation that needs urgent attention and interventions that require rolling out national surveys to understand the root cause of this sorry state of affairs… if we are to prescribe the correct solutions. It is baffling that 7 335 sane women juggled with their lives and aborted their pregnancies.

This problem is no doubt deeper than our reasoning and Haufiku must seriously consider hiring psychologists to understand the vicarious desperation that is driving the women to abort.

Of grave concern is the national expanse of this predicament and hence the need for the nation to press the CTA (Call to Action) button. The magnitude of this problem calls for a united front of civic, civil and spiritual think tanks. No doubt the situation brings to the fore a clear indication of the psychological trauma that Namibian women are going through and a glaring lack of respect for human life from a religious perspective. Their actions could be fanned by social lacks and pressures and hence the need for experts to be part of the solutions.

The government needs to walk a thousand miles in the shoes of these women who will choose to abort and not push the babies they would have conceived for the government to understand their actions. While some women might have aborted for selfish reasons, others did so for genuine reasons. Men duck and dive after impregnating women and do nothing towards the upkeep of their children. Uncles rape nieces and families choose to protect them and not the rape victim. Politicians opt to have the votes and leave unlicensed shebeens to operate where innocent girls are raped and abused by patrons drinking at their homes while their parents are drunk.

Government must act now and save the millions of dollars used to flush out the wombs of these women. Legalise abortion now and end this mayhem.

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Wildlife task force training starts

March 28, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Wildlife task force training startsWaterberg chosen as training site for candidates In cooperation with donors, Waterberg Plateau Park is now home to a new training camp for a task force to combat poaching.

Environment and tourism minister, Pohamba Shifeta said wildlife trafficking has become a multi-million dollar criminal enterprise whose threat has expanded to become more than just a conservation concern.

He was speaking at the official opening of an N$6-million training centre at Waterberg this past weekend. Namibia has established an anti-poaching unit that will consist of about 500 people, who will be employed to help fight elephant and rhino poachers.

These members will be trained at the newly launched law enforcement training centre for anti-poaching at Waterberg.

Shifeta said the training centre will train anti-poaching personnel to ensure that Namibia has the capacity to deal with wildlife crime.

“The increasing involvement of organised crime in poaching and wildlife trafficking promotes corruption, threatens peace, strengthens illicit trade routes, destabilises economies and communities that depend on wildlife for their livelihoods.”

According to Shifeta, the ministry obtained approval to establish the anti-poaching unit of 495 staff members.

“These staff members will go through training at this facility.”

Shifeta said that the ministry will also use the training facility for the recruitment of wardens, rangers and assistant rangers as they have to go through practical and theoretical selection processes to ensure the right person is selected for the right job.

“The process of recruiting wardens, rangers and assistant rangers is a critical step for improving the overall quality of the candidates that proceed to basic training, and provides an important opportunity for strengthening the performance of an area's ranger force over the long term.”

He said in contrast, ineffective recruitment that results in the appointment of inappropriate candidates, is not only a missed opportunity for reinforcing the area's ranger force, but can also lead to poor performance, interpersonal difficulties and low ranger morale and motivation.

“Appropriate staff will therefore be recruited for anti-poaching activities at this training centre.”

Some of the aspects of training that will be conducted as far as anti-poaching activities are concerned will include principles of anti-poaching operations, aim of patrols, sketch planning, navigation, crime scene handling, investigation tactics, intelligence gathering and wildlife laws.

It will also include maintenance, storage and management of firearms and ammunition, key factors to avoid during patrols, and many other aspects.

The training centre will also be used for other wildlife management and protected area management in accordance with the training manuals.

“I am confident that with the training to be offered here at Waterberg, we will have equipped, motivated and skilled staff members.

“Trainers for our different programmes will be sourced both externally and internally but with a high degree of confidence, professionalism and qualifications,” said Shifeta.

The first round of training is set to start in April.

According to Shifeta poaching can be described as a priority crime and therefore more resources need to be invested in the efforts to stop these illegal activities, and training is one of the areas where more investment is needed.

The training centre comprises of 20 double room units for the trainees and two double room units for the caterers, a lecture hall, a kitchen and one house with four flats for trainees and instructors.

The Strengthening the Protected Areas System or the PASS Project, through a grant from the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as the implementing agency, provided financial resources for the construction of the facility.

The American Embassy and KfW through the German government also made funding available for equipment that will be used at the training facility.

ELLANIE SMIT

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Double Valentine murder trial resumes

March 28, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Double Valentine murder trial resumes

The trial of double murder accused Mathias Kalunga Shindinge (45) who is charged with shooting his wife and her suspected lover to death in the Omafo area in the Ohangwena Region on 14 February 2013 resumes today in the Oshakati High Court.

Shindinge is expected to be in the dock until tomorrow for cross examination regarding his involvement in the killing of his wife Selma Nalooliwa Imbili who was 30 at the time and her suspected lover, an Angolan businessman Matheus Fransisco Tavares Yuye who was 39.

It is believed that Shindinge carried out the murders because of an alleged affair between his wife and Yuye.

This then prompted what was described as a well-orchestrated ambush where it is alleged that Shindinge caught the two, who were travelling on the Oshikango-Ondangwa main road at the Omafo area, by surprise at around 21:00 that evening and shot them both.

According to the State, Shindinge first shot Yuye who died in the vehicle which consequently crashed into a fence. It is alleged he thereafter aimed the 9mm Makarov pistol at his wife Imbili, who tried to run for her life.

Shindinge then handed himself over to the police where he has remained since.

The late Imbili resided at Omafo in the Helao Nafidi town but worked as a hairdresser at a salon in Oshikango while Yuye was a resident of Santa Clara, the Angolan border town near Oshikango.

Shindinge was from Ongha village.

It was also reported that Imbili was a mother of five children.

The married couple were separated at the time for a period of two years.

KENYA KAMBOWE

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