Oondando dhomagumbo onkene tadhi londo

May 1, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Oondando dhomagumbo onkene tadhi londo Nonando oondando dhomagumbo moNamibia otadhi londo pombanda, ondjele ndjoka tamu londo oondando dhomagumbo otayi ende kashona. Mboka uuyelele wa pitithwa molopota yondando yomagumbo ndjoka ya pitithwa kombaanga yoFNB Namibia.

Omunongononi kombinga yonkalo yoondando dhomagumbo gwombaanga ndjoka, Josephat Nambashu, oye a pititha olopota ndjoka.

Pahapu dhaNambashu ondjele yondando yopashigwana yomagumbo, oya londa pombanda sigo opoopresenda 11.18 muule woomvula 12 dha piti, ihe nonando ongaaka ondjele otayi londo kashona.

“Ondjele ndjoka tayi londo noondando dhomagumbo oya gwa okuza poopresenda 22.2 okuya poopresenda 12.1 momagumbo gopokati koshilongo, omanga monooli ondjele ya gu okuza poopresenda 29.5 okuya poopresenda 2.7 muule woomvula mbali dha piti.”

Iitopolwa yopokati koshilongo oyo yi na oondando dhomagumbo dhili pombanda unene, sho oondando ndhoka dhi li pombanda yomiliyona yimwe.

Oondando dhomagumbo moGobabis odhili pooN$800 000, mOvenduka omiliyona 1.2 omanga mOkahandja ondando odhili pomiliyona yimwe.

Monooli oondando odhili pombanda okutameka pooN$700 000 neyopombanda lyoopresenda 2.7 muule woomwedhi 12.

Komunkulofuta gwaSwakopo naMbaye, oondando odhili pomiliyona 1.2 mOmbaye, omanga moSwakopo, oondando dhili pooN$940 000.

Nonando okwa kala onkalo yopapolotika ya piyagana oshowo eliko mo-2016, oondando dhomagumbo muuyuni odha londo pandjele yeendelela noonkondo muule woomvula ndatu dha piti.

Oondando dhomagumbo muuyuni odha londo noopresenda 6 mo-2016 okuza poopresenda 4.1 mo-2015.

Shoka sha simana oshoka kutya omaliko owala giilongo 7 yomiilongo 55 ga gumwa nayi komalunduluko gondando yomagumbo muuyuni.

OMUTOOLINKUNDANA GWOMENI

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Namibia taka kutha oshiholelwa kuZimbambwe kombinga yevi

May 1, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Namibia taka kutha oshiholelwa kuZimbambwe kombinga yeviGengob a tumbaleke Mugabe Omupresindende Hage Geingob okwa popi kutya okwa yi metalelepo kuZimbambwe opo a ka mone omayele kombinga yetulululo lyevinokukutha oshiholelwa koshishiindalongo shoka. Hage Geingob okwa popi kutya etalelepo lye moZimbambwe oshiwike sha piti, olya nuninwa okupewa omayele nkene Namibia e na okukandula po omukundu gwevi moshilongo she.

Geingob ngoka a talele po Zimbambwe uule womasiku gaali okwa popi kutya, okwa pewa oshinakugwanithwa oshinene shokugandja evi kAaNamibia, naashoka osho she mu thiminike a po a ka konge omayele komupresidende gwaZimbambwe, Robert Mugabe, palopota ya pitithwa koshikundaneki shoHerald.

Zimbabwe okwa tula miilonga oprograma yomatululuo gevi momvula yo-2000, nepangelo olya kutha aatiligane oofalama nokugandja oofalama ndhoka kaaluudhe mboka kaye na evi.

Nonando oprograma ndjoka oya pandulwa kuyamwe po, oya nyanwa woo kutya oya nuninwa okutidha aatiligane.

Onkalo yeliko lyoshilongo shoka oya teka po na okwa popiwa kutya osha hwahwamekwa koprograma ndjoka yomatulululo.

“Itatu vulu okwiidhimbika nokuholama onkalo ndjika kutya aantu yetu konima yoomvula 27 dhemanguluko natango kaye na evi. Moshinyolwa shandje sho 'thesis' shoka nda ningi nale onda popi kutya moZimbambwe aamwameme otaya ka tandwa opo ya pulumuthe okanona netando ndyoka otali kala elulu, ihe onda popi kutya uuna uuwehame wa hulu otamu pulumutha okanona ke na uundjolowele.”

Okushuna kegumbo, elelo lyaGeingob oli na oshinakugwanithwa oshinene opo li gandje evi koshigwana ngaashi lya uvaneke. Omutumba omutiyali gwevi moshilongo okwa tegelelwa gu ningwe opo gu kundathane oshikumungu shevi moshilongo momwedhi Septemba.

Geingob okwa gunu nale pethimbo kwa dhimbulukiwa Esiku lyEmanguluko kutya epangelo otali ka tala komulandu gwokukutha ko evi pakugandja iifuta ngaashi tashi uthwa kekotampango.

“Shoka osha hala okutya otu na okushuna kekotampango lyetu ndyoka tali pitika ekuthoko lyevi kapu gandja iifuta.

Otatu ka tala woo kooyene yevi aazaizai mboka ye na evi moshilongo shetu ihe hamo haya lumbu,” Geingob a li a popi muMaalitsa.

Pethimbo lyuulalelo wopambelewa mboka wa ningilwa moHarare shaZimbambwe, Geingob okwa pandula nokusimaneka omupresidende Mugabe kutya omulumentu gwedhiminathane po, sho a dhiminepo omuprima nale gwaRhodesia, Ian Smith konima yemanguluko, nonando okwa li a tulwa mondholongo uule woomvula 10.

“Okwa dhimine po woo Ndjai (Peter) Walls,” Geingob ta ti.

“Ofaalama ya Ian Smith inayi kuthwa ko. Okwa shuna kuyemwene, onkene uuna tandi popi edhiminathane po onda kwatelamo kutya edhiminathapo konima yiita iilulu olya ningwa kuKomrade Mugabe.

Okwa idhidhimike uule woomvula omulongo dhetsokumwe tali ithanwa Lancaster House Agreement.

Okwa tegelele molwaashoka okushi shi kutya opwa li natango iilongo iyali mbyoka yi li muukoloni, Namibia naSouth Africa.”



OMUTOOLINKUNDANA GWOMENI

-OLOPOTA YAGWEDHWAPO KUHERALD

Omavo

May 1, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Omavo UUSHITWE TAWU NYANYUDHA: Oongala dhomavo otadhi monika dha hapa nawa miishana monooli yoshilongo pethimbo ndika lyomumvo. Oongala ndhoka ohadhi kala dhi na omidhi ndhoka hadhi liwa dha tseyika kutya omavo. Aantu ohaya tegelela sigo omeya miisha ga pwine opo ya tameke okukonga mo omavo ngoka.

ETHANO: ILENI NANDJATO

Omahwahwameko genkondopeko lyaakiintu

May 1, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Omahwahwameko genkondopeko lyaakiintu Uuthikepamwe nenkondopeko lyaakiintu osha pumbwa okukala oshinima sha kehe esiku moNamibia.

Namibia okuli ponomola onti-108 yomiilongo 159 milongo mbyoka kayi na uuthikepamwe, molopota yomusholondondo gwiilongo ndjoka ya pitithwa o-2015.

Botswana okuli po-95 omanga South Afrika e li ponomola onti-90.

MoNamibia iipundi yopresenda 37.7 momutumba gwopaliamende oyaakiintu, omanga aakiintu aakokele ya kalelapo oopresenda 38.1 moNamibia ya mono elongo lyooskola dhopombanda okuyeleka noopresenda 39.0 dhaalumentu.

Momapulumutho ga thika po-100 000, aakiintu 265 ohaya hulitha komaupyakadhi taga kwatakanithwa nomategelelo omanga ondjele yaanona aashona taya ningi omategelelo oyili poopresenda 76.8 momapulumutho ga thika pe-1 000 mokati kaanona yoomvula 15 sigo 19.

Omuprima gwoshilongo Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila okwa popi kutya okwa pumbwa okuningwa oshindji opo ku yiwe moshipala omamonitho giihuna gaakiintu, yo ya vule okupewa omayakulo guundjolowele gongushu nokuya tsa omukumo ya kuthe ombinga moompito dhiilonga.

Omuprima okwa popi ngaaka pethimbo kwa tulwa miilonga olopota tayi ithanwa Global Human Development Report.

Olopota ndjoka oya tulwa miilonga kohi yoshipalanyolo, 'Human Development for Everyone'.

Pahapu dhaKuugongelwa-Amadhila, nuumvo olopota yo Human Development Report otayi dhimbulukitha kombinga yomikundu ominene dha taalela uuyuni ndhoka tadhi yi moshipala eyambulepo lyaakwashigwana unene aakiintu.

Okwa popi kutya Namibia okwa pondola oshindji konima nkene oshilongo sha manguluka. “Shoka itashi ti kutya otatu vululukwa omanga pe na aantu taya lala nondjala, aanona itaya yi kooskola nenge aakiintu taya hulitha omanga taya pulumutha.”

Okwa tsikile kutya eyambulepo lyoshigwana itali gwanithwa po ngele inaku nkondopekwa aakiintu miitopolwa ya yooloka.

Omuprima okwa tsikile kutya palopotaa yoGender Development Index (GDI), aakiintu otaya yambulwapo pandjele yopevi okuyeleka naalumentu. Okwa tsikile kutya nonando aakiintu ohaya longo oowili oonde okuyeleka naalumentu, oya taalela okatongo mokufutwa nomuuyuni aakiintu ohaya futwa oondjambi dhili pevi noopresenda 24 okuyeleka naaluumentu na oya kalela po owala iilonga yoompito dhopombanda yoopresenda 24.

“Omiyalu ndhoka otadhi tupe omauyelele kombinga ya nkene ku na okukandulwa po onkalo ndjoka. Shoka sha simana oshoka kutya omauyelele ngaka otatu ga longitha ngiini mooprograma dhetu dhepangelo oshowo ndhoka dhIigwana yaHangana. Omahangano gopashigwana otaga longitha ngiini omauyelele ngaka mokunkondopeka oshigwana nokukwashilipaleka kutya omawi gawo oguuvika?”



ELLANIE SMIT

Huang a mono omulilo omuzizi opo a tunge omagumbo 500

May 1, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Huang a mono omulilo omuzizi opo a tunge omagumbo 500Etsokumwe ndyoka olya ziminwa kuhahende-ndjai Ominista yeyambulepo lyOondoolopa nIitopolwa Sophia Shaningwa okwa popi kutya inashi puka okugandja ezimino lyopoloyeka yokutunga omagumbo yongushu yoomiliyona 200, kehangano lyomufekelwa moshipotha shuulingilingi weholeko lyonzo yiimaliwa, Jack Huang. Ehangano lyomunangeshefa na okuli omufekelwa moshipotha shuulingilingi wiimaliwa, Jack Huang, olya pewa otendela onene ndjoka ya kwatela mo ewapaleko netungo lyomagumbo gongushu yopevi ga thika po-500, mondoolopa yaNdangwa.

Etsokumwe ndyoka pokati kelelo lyaNdangwa, oshowo ehangano lyaHuang lyedhina Sun Investment Group, olya holola kutya ehangano ndyoka otali ka wapaleka ooplota dha thika pe-516 nokutunga omagumbo moExtension 32 no33.

Etsokumwe ndyoka li li opublic-private partnership (PPP) pokati koombinga ndhoka mbali olyongushu yoomiliyona 200.

Minista Sophia Shaningwa okwa popi kutya inashi uka okutula miilonga etsokumwe lyoludhi ndoka.

“Okatokolitho kelelo lyaNdangwa oka holola kutya oye na etsokumwe ndyoka nehangano ndyoka mwa tumbula (Sun Investment Group). Ondi wete kutya osha yelithwa kombelewa yahahende-ndjai na kandi wete pe na uupyakadhi washa,” Shaningwa a popi.

“Ngame shoka nda hala omagumbo ga tungwe. Ngele ope na oshilanduli tashi keya komuntu nenge ehangano shoka kandi na ohokwe nasho molwaashoka etsokumwe ndyoka olya ziminwa kombelewa yahahende-ndjai.” Huang, ngoka e li kuume na kuume mongeshefa gwaPresidende Hage Geingob, okwa li a tulwa miipandeko mesiku lyotango lyaFebruali nuumvo mekwatathano moshipotha sheyando lyokufuta otax, uulingilingi oshowo okuholeka onzo dhiimaliwa, niipotha mbyoka oya kwatelamo iimaliwa yongushu yobiliyona 3.5.

Omukwashigwana ngoka gwa China okwa pewa omboloha yoomiliyona yimwe na okuli omufekelwa omutitano moshipotha shoka tashi tamanekelwa woo omunangeshefa gwaNamibia, Laurentius Julius oshowo aaChina yatatu.

Huang naGeingob, okupitila moAfrican Sunrise Investment, oya gandja omukanda gwompangela yokutunga ooflat dha thika po-400 mOvenduka.

Dr Hage Geingob Family Trust oyi na mo oopresenda 20% mehangano lyoAfrican Sunrise Investment. Ondoolopa yaNdangwa monena oyi na ompumbwe yomagumbo ga thika po-4 000 nelelo lyondoolopa ndjoka olya holola kutya muule woomvula ntano lya taalela ekandulepo lyompumbwe ndjoka olyo tali kala ponomola yotango.

Omupopiliko gwondoolopa ndjoka, Petrina Shitalangaho okwa popi kutya okuya metsokumwe lyoPPP nehangano ndyoka lyoSun International Group ngele kashi li mondjila andola uuministeli inawu zimina etsokumwe ndyoka.

“Huang omufekelwa owala ina monika ondjo natango onkene kandi wete kutya omolwashike aantu ye wete elelo lyondoolopa yaNdangwa olya ya metsokumwe nehangano lyongangala,” Shitalangaho ta ti.

“Sho Huang a tulwa miipandeko omukanda gwoPPP ogwa li nale kombelewa yahahende-ndjai nuuministeli mboka tawu lele oondoolopa owo wa gandja e yokomeho netsokumwe ndyoka. Ngele etsokumwe ndyoka noSun International Group kali li mondjila andola inatu mona ezimino okuza kuuministeli.”

Pauyelele welelo lyaNdangwa, ehangano lyaHuang olya li lya ningi eindilo mo-2015 opo li tunge omagumbo gongushu yopevi ihe eindilo ndyoka kalya li lya talika. Omvula ya piti, ehangano natango olya ningi eindilo na olyiimanga kumwe nehangano lyomoshilongo opo li vule okumona evi ku tungwe omagumbo gongushu yopevi.

Omahangano ngoka gaali oga hiwa opo gaka yelitha ondungethaneko yago kuyele omvulaya piti.

Shoka tashi halutha oshoka kutya ehangano ndyoka lyomoshilongo lwanima olyiikutha mo metsokumwe ndyoka, nehangano lyaHuang lyoSun Investment Group olya kala olyo alike metsokumwe ndyoka.

Okatokolitho kelelo lyondoolopa oka ukitha kuuministeli eindilo ndyoka opo li ka ziminwe momasiku ga 5 gaKotomba omvula ya piti, nezimino olya ningwa momasiku 12 Apilili nuumvo.

Omathimbo ga piti, elelo lyaNdangwa olya tseyitha kutya olya ya metsokumwe lyoPPP nehangano lyoConselect Engineering opo li wapaleke ooplota dhomagumbo dha thika po-304 oshowo dhoongeshefa dha thika po36, momudhingoloko gwoExtension 22 oshowo 23 kongushu yoomiliyona 70.

Menindjela gwoSun Group International, Zijie Ni okwa lombwele oNamibian Sun kutya otaya ka kwashilipaleka kutya omagumbo ngoka oga tungwa.



KENYA KAMBOWE

Eurobonds for Ivory Coast

May 1, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Eurobonds for Ivory CoastWest African nation previously sold Eurobonds in 2014, 2015 The Ivorian government is negotiating to sell bonds with a 10-year maturity. A sponsoring bank is also expected to be announced soon. Ivory Coast plans to sell at least US$1 billion in Eurobonds by the end of July to raise funds for infrastructure projects, the country's first issuance of international debt since 2015, according to two people with knowledge of the plans.

The government is negotiating to sell bonds with 10-year maturity and the sale will probably happen in June or July, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because a public announcement hasn't been made.

The West African nation is yet to decide which banks will be hired as financial advisers and a roadshow will be held in London and the United States., according to the people. Ivory Coast sold US$1 billion of debt in 2015 and US$750 million in 2014.

Government spokesperson Bruno Kone said by phone that Ivory Coast plans to sell Eurobonds this year but that he couldn't confirm the details. The bond sale “is in our interest given the economic climate,” he said, without elaborating further.

Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara was forced to reduce this year's budget after a slump in prices for the nation's biggest cash crop, cocoa. While lower cocoa prices are weighing on income, expenses have soared as the government has tried to defuse social unrest by agreeing to pay bonuses and arrears to soldiers and civil servants earlier this year.

“I'm sure there's concern about the military and cocoa prices,” said Kevin Daly, a London-based money manager at Aberdeen Asset Management Plc who helps oversee US$11 billion in assets. “But I think they'll still find a receptive audience if they provide some premium over the existing curve. Somewhere in the region of 50 basis points should suffice.”

BLOOMBERG

Fuel prices unchanged

May 1, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Fuel prices unchanged The Ministry of Mines and Energy has announced that there will be no change in petrol and diesel pump prices for May.

Fuel prices remain unchanged because of a stabilisation of global oil prices, which settled in the US$53 to US$57 range for much of April with no sign of upward price pressures, Minister Obeth Kandjoze said in a statement.

“After climbing steadily since March, global oil prices have stabilised around the US$53-US$57 range throughout April with no sign of increasing beyond that range in the immediate future. That is good news to net oil importers like Namibia because, other things remaining the same, that would mean paying less for refined petroleum products, low prices at the pumps for motorists.”

Fluctuations in the exchange rate led to massive fluctuations in the fuel price, though.

“April has witnessed massive fluctuations in the exchange rate, going as low as N$12.40 and bouncing back to a five-month high of N$13.50 within a week. These massive fluctuations were caused by events in South Africa whose currency, the rand, the Namibia dollar is pegged to.

“These fluctuations made it difficult for importers, including oil companies, to maintain a balance between their budgets and the need to import products into the country, especially the ones priced in the US dollar such as oil.

“When filtered through the local market, the aforementioned conditions deprived consumers of anticipated over-recoveries that would, otherwise, trigger a decrease in the fuel pump prices. They rather stabilised the cost of bringing oil to our shores,” he said.

“Thus, the Walvis Bay pump prices will remain unchanged as follows: 95 octane unleaded petrol will remain priced at $11 per litre, diesel 500ppm will remain priced at N$10.83 per litre while diesel 50ppm will remain priced at N$10.88 per litre.”

OGONE TLHAGE

Downward trend in housing market

May 1, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Downward trend in housing marketHouse prices still elevated Expect to pay on average N$1.2 million for a house in Windhoek, N$1 million at Okahandja and N$1.2 million at Swakopmund. Although house prices remain elevated, the rate at which prices have risen in recent months is slowing. This is according to the latest housing index compiled by FNB Namibia.

Its housing analyst, Josephat Nambashu, recently shared the findings of the report.

According to Nambashu the FNB national house price inflation has accelerated to 11.18% over the past 12 months, but the overall trend continues to point downwards, with the longer trend being more pronounced in the central and northern regions.

“House price inflation has fallen from 22.2% to 12.1% for central properties and from 29.5% to 2.7% for the northern properties over the past two years.”

The central region has the highest property prices, trading consistently above N$1 million. On average, significant price growth has been recorded.

Gobabis properties averaged at N$800 000, Windhoek properties averaged N$1.2 million, while Okahandja averaged at N$1 million.

On the growth front, the northern region was second in terms of volumes (32%) and second lowest in value at just below N$700 000, producing the least in growth at 2.7% over the past 12 months down from 19% growth recorded last year in the same period.

“The coastal region's strong price increase is revealed in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, with property prices increasing 28.6% and 23.4% respectively, taking the growth for the region to 19.1% for the past 12 months. This saw Swakopmund property prices increasing to N$1.2 million, while Walvis Bay property prices have increased to N$940 000,” says Nambashu.

Despite political and economic uncertainty in 2016, average house prices around the world rose at their fastest rate in almost three years, claimed the latest Global Knight Frank Price index report.

House prices around the world increased by 6% on average in 2016, up from 4.1% in 2015, the highest annual rate recorded in two years. More importantly, only seven of 55 economies experienced negative house price movements.

“Using the same methodology would place Namibia just after Lithuania in seventh position. The high house price increases are symptomatic of persistent structural supply challenges that are often addressed with ineffective demand side interventions,” Nambashu says.



STAFF REPORTER

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Namibians embrace savings

May 1, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Namibians embrace savings Despite low levels of satisfaction with household finances Namibians are still hopeful, Old Mutual Namibia has found. It recently revealed the findings of its 2016 Savings and Investment Monitor.

More than half of Namibians felt that their financial position was better than it was a year ago, while 72% felt that their financial position would improve over the next six months. And about 54% said they were confident that they could manage their own savings and investments.

The survey also revealed that Namibians were keen to learn more about financial matters, said Old Mutual executive Ndangi Katoma.

“Of the total respondents, 80% reported that they constantly try to become more knowledgeable about financial matters, while 84% want to learn more about how to save.”

Namibians' attitude to avoiding debt was also positive, with 81% of respondents reporting that they tied to avoid debt where possible.

“Many of the respondents didn't think that getting into debt is the only alternative in today's society, and many consider themselves to be savers,” said Katoma.

Despite this, and perhaps reflecting tough global economic conditions, only 56% of respondents said they had enough money left for savings after covering all their expenses, while 45% said they didn't have any spare cash.

Among those who did save, most were putting away money for a child's education, followed by saving to buy a specific item. The main goals for 41% of the respondents were to own property, then to start a business, then to own a vehicle. Most respondents were saving up to N$5 000 per month.

“The survey also revealed some interesting information about how Namibians feel about the country's economy,” said Katoma.

“Thirty-one percent reported that they felt 'very confident' about the Namibian economy and 37% felt 'confident', giving an encouraging total of 68%. A total of 32% reported not feeling confident.

“Overall, the survey provides an accurate snapshot of the attitude to and behaviour of Namibians around money, financial products and savings,” Katoma said.

The survey found that 19% of respondents had a savings account, 9% had medical cover, 9% had a funeral plan, 6% had a pension/provident fund and 2% had a retirement annuity.

About 76% felt that saving for education was more important than saving for retirement, while 61% felt that funeral, death and disability cover were more important than retirement savings.

STAFF REPORTER

New CEO for Erongo Red

May 1, 2017, 4:00 pm

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New CEO for Erongo Red Fesser Mbango has been appointed as chief executive officer of Erongo Red with immediate effect. He had been the acting CEO for the past three months.

Mbango has been with Erongo Red since 2012 and has held the position of technical manager and most recently executive manager. Before joining Erongo Red, he was with EMCON Consulting Group where he served in a management position. He holds a master's degree in electrical engineering from Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

Tobias Nambala, chairman of the Erongo Red board of directors, expressed confidence in Mbango.

“With his academic background, his results-oriented approach and ability to think strategically, coupled with his vast experience in the electricity industry, will play a pivotal role in extending our track record as the leader in the industry.

“His predecessor, Robert Kahimise, has laid a sound foundation for the further development of Erongo Red. This includes sound financials and a technical position. The board have full confidence that the new chief executive officer will catapult Erongo Red to new heights,” Nambala said.

Mbango said: “I am well aware of the challenges Erongo Red is facing today, but together we will strive to deliver on the challenges without compromising Erongo Red's effectiveness and ability to execute and deliver as per our mandate. We are going to bring in new innovative ways of doing business and serving our customers with the drive to bring electricity to all.”

STAFF REPORTER

Neckartal not in troubled water

May 1, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Neckartal not in troubled water The minister of agriculture, water and forestry, John Mutorwa, on Saturday said no public money was being wasted on the Neckartal Dam project.

He also said no taxpayer funds were being misused.

“I want to give this assurance that although the project is expensive, it is something good for our country and which will be very meaningful in the future,” Mutorwa said. During a brief update on the progress of the dam at the sixth annual /Hai-/Khaua Traditional Authority (TA) Festival at Berseba, the minister said his words were especially directed at “those always at the forefront of badmouthing and criticising government initiatives”.

The dam is the first to be built by the present-day government in independent Namibia, he said.

“It is a noble initiative, while we have existing dams and canals that need to be upgraded and modernised to meet population demands,” Mutorwa said.

The minister was invited to the festival by the /Hai-/Khaua TA to brief the community about the dam, as it is situated in the Berseba Constituency.

His comments come after Salini Impregilo, the Italian company contracted to build the dam, suspended work over a week ago due to non-payment by the government.

“There are sometimes payment delays but the situation of operations at the dam should normalise after the long weekend when workers return,” Mutorwa told Nampa at the festival.

“The payment delays are part of the current economic headwinds but this does not mean that government will relent in making sure this project of national importance is completed,” Mutorwa promised.

He said “if all goes well,” the dam will be completed early next year, before proposing that it should then be renamed and given a name with a local flavour.

“I understand Neckartal is the name of the farm the dam is on; I think once it is completed, it should have a proper name with historical significance.”

The completion date of the dam has shifted quietly a number of times.

NAMPA

Financial system stable

May 1, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Financial system stableFinancial regulators say system is healthy and well capitalised The Bank of Namibia and the Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority both recently expressed satisfaction at the domestic financial system. The yearly Financial Stability Report conducted jointly by the Bank of Namibia and the Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority has found no risks that could severely affect the financial system.

This is according to Bank of Namibia director of research Florette Nakusera, who recently revealed the findings of the report.

According to her, since the last Financial Stability Report (FSR), the Namibian financial system continued to prove its resilience as it witnessed an array of adverse developments in the global and domestic economies during the period under review.

“Generally, the financial system and markets remained sound, profitable and with no disruptions or disorderly functioning of key financial services despite unfavourable domestic and global economic conditions. The banking and non-banking financial institutions continued to be sound and well capitalised,” she said of the findings of the report.

The payment system and infrastructure similarly continued to perform efficiently and effectively and with increasingly robust risk mitigating measures to facilitate safe payments.

Since the last FSR, growth in household debt slowed in 2016, in line with the slowdown in economic growth the report had found. “This was mainly due to the slower growth in mortgage lending and instalment sales credit to households over the same period.

Growth in household debt will continue to be monitored in line with the policy measures that were introduced during the latter part of 2016 and early 2017,” said Nakusera.

This includes the introduction of Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratios and the requirement for a deposit on a vehicle. Commenting on the expected benefit of the newly introduced LTV ratios, she said: “This policy tool was introduced to curb speculation in the residential housing market segment and thereby reduce the exposure of banking institutions to mortgage loans.

It is also expected that LTV will promote responsible borrowing while giving preferential access to housing for first time buyers in Namibia.”

Commenting on the stability of both banking and non-banking financial institutions, she said: “The performance of the banking sector has been sound, with the banks remaining healthy, profitable and adequately capitalised.

The non-banking financial institutions remained sound and do not pose a risk to the country's financial system. The payment system and infrastructure operated effectively and efficiently during the last FSR.”

“From a risk profile point of view since the last FSR, most risks have either subsided or remain unchanged, with minimal corresponding impact on the stability of the financial system. These risks to Namibia's financial stability remain low and well absorbed during 2016 when compared to that of 2015,” Nakusera concluded.

OGONE TLHAGE

Celebrating the youth

May 1, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Celebrating the youthYoung people in the creative arts The National Youth Council (NYC) celebrated the tenth annual National Youth Week in Windhoek last week. This year's Youth Week theme was eradicating poverty and achieving sustainable development through literacy and promotion of the arts among the youth.

“The purpose of the National Youth Week and Youth Day is to commemorate celebrate and acknowledge the role of our young people in our past of inequality and exploitation,” said the executive chairperson of the National Youth Council of Namibia, Mandela Kapere.

Kapere said Youth Week and Youth Day were also an opportunity to celebrate what the youth of Namibia represent.

“The youth represent hope, energy, productivity, the future and prosperity,” he said.

Kapere commended the Namibian youth who used their artistic talent to contribute to the liberation struggle of Namibia. He further called on the youth of today to lead the struggle against inequality and poverty.

“Today too, as in the past, our young artists are being called upon to lead the struggle against inequality and poverty from the front. The role of arts, literacy and youth is more important today just as in the past because of the youth demographic dividend,” Kapere said.

He called on government leaders to support youth development instead of undermining their contributions.

Also speaking at the official opening of National Youth Week was Windhoek mayor Muesee Kazapua, who also called on national leaders to support youth development.

“Young people are an untapped reservoir of talent who should be given an opportunity to express their opinions and unlock their potentials,” said Kazapua.

The mayor said the youth needed a capital injection to assist upcoming artists to grow the industry in terms of capacity building so that they are able to market their talents to the rest of the world.

National Youth Day and Youth Week in Namibia are provided for by section 43 of the National Youth Council Act of 2009 with the purpose of recognising the efforts of the Namibian youth.

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

FNB sponsors Oonte OVC organisation

May 1, 2017, 4:00 pm

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FNB sponsors Oonte OVC organisationComputer literacy vital in education An organisation for orphans and vulnerable children at Ondangwa has received computers worth N$150 00 from First National Bank. The FNB Namibia Foundation Trust recently handed over computers valued at N$150 000 to the Oonte Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) organisation.

“It gives us great pleasure to be able to assist these youngsters who are our future leaders; they are our future scientists, doctors, and lecturers,” said the business manager for FNB Far North, Desderius Afunde.

Afunde said the importance of education and the acquiring of critical skills had increased over the years. The use of technology was at the centre of this revolution, creating room for new forms of delivery of educational content through innovative teaching aids.

Afunde added that FNB Namibia had a responsibility to contribute to skills development for equitable prosperity and ensuring a sustainably inclusive economy.

“The ICT sector is regarded by government as one of the game changers which can ensure inclusive access to scarce resources of this country,” he said.

ICT would continue to transform economic and social activities, and how individuals and communities communicate and function.

“The action we are taking today can therefore be seen as one of the critical steps towards ensuring increased uptake and usage of ICT,” Afunde said.

Petrina Shiimi, founder and director of Oonte, thanked the FNB Namibia Foundation Trust on behalf of her organisation and 610 children.

“We provide educational support as one of our seven services. Thus, we have introduced a basic after-school ICT skills training called Oonte Computer 4 Kids e-learner programme,” said Shiimi.

Shiimi said the programme covered the Namibian school curriculum and ICT skills aimed at improving children's academic performance. The introduction of computers in Oonte would make a huge difference to the children, who mainly came from disadvantaged and less privileged communities, she said.

“The value of computer learning and making a computer a basic part of a child's education makes learning all subjects easier and they are especially valuable in developing language and problem-solving skills.”

Oonte is a charitable organisation that serves the community by assisting more than 600 orphans, child-headed households and vulnerable children living in and around Ondangwa.

STAFF REPORTER

OUR WORLD

May 1, 2017, 4:00 pm

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OUR WORLD We live in a world where our fantastical dreams are as they're called, a fantasy

A world where 'happy ever after' is just a mystical breeze that slowly fades

We live in a world where we would rather have a weapon than a Bible

Because we would rather feel superior with a physical object than believe in something faithfully

We live in a world where we shatter the glass of self-esteem

Whereby we don't realise that once that glass is shattered, it is difficult to piece it back together again

We live in a world we use the word love, yet fail to understand what it, means

Where the word has lost its value

And the more we tend to use it, the less we care

A world where we live in fear of dominance

Where we shiver by someone's judgment than adhering to our purpose-driven lives

We stand on a ground that is not stable

A ground that can be shaken, leaving us falling beyond the drips of our leaves

A ground that cannot carry the burdens we outlay on it

What happened? Where did it all go wrong?

Why do we tremble with thoughts of being raped on our own streets?

Why do we awaken spirits of pain and negativity?

Why do we abuse our supposedly called brothers and sisters?

Have we really been so influenced by a world we cannot even call our own?

We have lost ourselves because we have allowed others to dissipate our entire-ties

After all the segregation, humiliation and pain, we demand a perfect world?

Who do we blame?

Who do we blame for the poverty, the corruption, the suicides, the sorrows?

Who do we blame?

Who do we blame for the wars, terrorism, the vandalism, and the abuse?

We are left with only one person to blame…ourselves

Because we have a lethal weapon we do not know how to use

A weapon we use to distrust and disrupt, to curse, break down and tear down

To cause pain and to hurt

If only, if only we used this weapon to love instead of hate, to comfort instead of break down

If only we used this weapon to care,

Then maybe, then maybe our fantasy could become a reality

Then maybe our “happy ever after” could become an actual happy ever after

But either way, whether benefiting or problematic, the greatest gift will always be…

*Our Tongue

Tulipomwene Kalunduka

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SI !Gobs to raise funds for burned hostel

May 1, 2017, 4:00 pm

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SI !Gobs to raise funds for burned hostel SI !Gobs Secondary School at Omaruru will hold a gala dinner to raise funds to renovate its hostel block that burned down in 2009.

The dinner will take place on 1 July and the school is seeking help in terms of décor, sound and accessories.

“The intention is to have N$1.6 million raised for the burned block. Material can be offered in kind directly to the school,” said a press statement from the school.

Gotty Tjinyama, a teacher at the school, explained to Namibian Sun that the burning of the boys' hostel in 2009 had a negative impact on the education of learners at the school. “We had to reduce our intake of learners in the hostel and this slowed down the performance of the learners,” said Tjinyama.

VIP tickets for the gala diner cost N$500 per person and N$5 000 for a table for ten. General tickets cost N$380 per person or N$3 500 for a table for ten.

The school is also running a competition where a laptop, a TV set and a cellphone (in this order and of the winner's choice) are to be won. The draw will be done on the day of the dinner.

For donations and ticket purchases people can contact Gotty Tjinyama at 081 213 8735 or the alumni committee headed by Rosetha Beaukes (081 231 1362) and Amalia Karuhumba (081 221 2957).

“We call all the learners, parents, and the former learners of SI !Gobs Secondary School to attend the gala dinner and the reunion that will be held later this year,” said Tjinyama.

STAFF REPORTER

Why you should consider debating

May 1, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Why you should consider debating There are a lot of benefits to joining a debating society, like it makes you book smart, right? Well that's what it has done for almost every debater that has mastered the art of debating. But from my perspective I believe debating can be used in any life circumstances and overcoming all obstacles.

We all wonder why school does not teach us how we can deal with life's ups and downs. I don't really think anybody can teach anyone how to deal with life, even the wisest philosopher. They can provide us with the skills we need to deal with life but because we evolve and everything changes with time I believe the only thing we can do is learn and live for the next obstacle. The problem is that almost every motivation is that they can't tell you how because they don't know how. This applies to everything.

I bet you are wondering what debating has to do with this, right? Well, the trick of how to incorporate something you've read or learned is taught by debating and it is such a pity that most debaters do not even realise it.

My coach told me: “Before you counter an argument, listen, understand, put yourself in the shoes of the person who made the argument. Why? Because only you know your weakness and once you know their weakness from the inside you'll break them down beyond repair.”

Basically what this teaches you is that you need to see life from a different perspective so that you don't make decisions that are governed by your emotions. Rather, you make an informed and rational decision, that's how you think before you ink. You learn basic analytical skills from debating and if you can just apply these skills to your daily life then you could be free from making simple mistakes.

Someone once told me I need to be human and feel a bit. If I am to tell you the benefits there's also certain harm in trying to understand life. There is a possibility you will feel less and this will hurt the people close to you. Because when you understand life you lose touch with your feelings, or at least that's what happened to me and that's why I quit debating at the beginning of this year. Because I didn't know how to separate the two.

DONALD KARISEB

Grant students internships

May 1, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Grant students internships The time is now to take the issue of internships very seriously, as in the past it wasn't valued highly.

Institutions like the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) require students to undergo work-integrated learning (internship) or they won't graduate.

The government and the private sector should start opening doors when students knock on them for internship as this helps them practice what they learnt in university and gain experience, since that is one of the essential requirements an employer asks a job applicant.

If they don't give students internships, where would that student who just graduated from university get the five or more years of experience if he or she has been denied the opportunity?

Recently the former president shared the same sentiments in a local daily. “That is why I fully support work-integrated experiential training, which I believe would help our graduates to gain experience in their relevant fields,” former president Hifikepunye Pohamba said.

Universities and vocational training institutions should form more internship partnerships with the government and the private sector in the fields of studies they offer at their respective institutions so that every student can get that opportunity to get the experience needed.

The Ministry of Higher Education, Training and Innovation should also start playing a role in this regard by finding ways that can help students get internships. If need be, the ministry should create a department that will focus on internship.

Furthermore, there has been a debate as to whether the student who has been granted an internship should be paid or not. From the discussions I've had with my fellow students I observed that students don't really want a salary but just something that could cover their transport and perhaps their toiletries. Which I feel is reasonable. Although you're getting the experience you need, the work you do has value and should be rewarded. This would encourage students to work harder and, most importantly, learn from the experience.

Granting students internships is a way to contribute to the development of the country. One never knows where the experiences that you have given that student will lead to.

*Shoki Kandjimi is the Khomas regional secretary-general of Nanso and a NUST student. Follow him on twitter at @skandjimi .

Fostering vocational training

May 1, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Fostering vocational trainingNamPower equips the youth with vocational skills The NamPower Vocational Training Centre is contributing to youth development by offering two vocational training courses. At its vocational training centre NamPower offers two vocational courses: electrical general and mechanical; and fitting and turning, not just for their employees but open to anyone.

The NamPower Vocational Training Centre has been in existence since 1985 when the then South West Africa Water and Electricity Corporation (SWAWEK) introduced vocational training for its employees.

The first intake was five electrical trainees and three fitting-and-turning trainees but the intake has been increased to 15.

The centre was officially inaugurated in 1990.

The two courses offered at the centre are offered at three levels, with an artisan development programme.

“When our trainees pass the first two levels they obtain a certificate and when they are in their final level they are put on a six-month artisan's programme,” says NamPower's manager for education, training and development, Mercy Situmbeko.

The centre only has one intake per year.

The centre has an artisan's development programme to ensure that their trainees have the relevant experience before they are absorbed by the job market.

“After their third year we offer our trainees a two- to three-year artisan programme that will equip them with experience needed by employers,” Situmbeko says.

Situmbeko says the NamPower Vocational Training Centre is registered and conforms to the regulations of the Namibia Training Authority (NTA).

“NTA is the governing body of all vocational training centres and thus our curriculum has to conform to their regulations.”

The centre's curriculum is also recognised and accredited with the Namibia Qualification Authority (NQA).

“The curriculum taught at the NamPower vocational training centre is according to what the NQA and NTA approves,” Situmbeko says.

The centre has a low intake because it is about producing quality, not quantity.

“A lot of people ask us why we have a lower intake of students, but that is what separates us from other vocational training centres,” says Situmbeko.

She says it because of this that every trainee at the centre has their own work space and tools, adding that the transfer of knowledge and skills is practical at the NamPower Vocational Centre.

“We ensure that whatever our trainees are being taught they get to do it practically and not just observe,” she said.

The centre sends out application forms at the beginning of the year because by that time most students have received their grade 12 results and can decide which institution they wish to enrol at.

Situmbeko further attributed having fewer trainees as the reason why the centre has a 95% to 100% pass rate each year and that the centre is open to new ways of doing things which strengthens innovation.

“Our instructors at the NamPower Vocational Centre are highly experienced and are able to impart practical knowledge to the trainees.”

Instructor Piet Viviers says the centre believes in the application of knowledge, trial and error.

“At our vocational school we do not just teach trainees how to do it but we also show them how to do it and assess them,” says Viviers.

The trainees enrolled at the centre are not just employees of NamPower but everyone else is welcome to apply, provided that they meet the requirements.

“To be enrolled at the NamPower Vocational Training Centre, one has to have a grade 12 certificate and obtain a C or a better symbol in mathematics, English and physical science,” Situmbeko explains.

In 2015 one of the trainees at NamPower was chosen to represent Namibia at the Word Skills Competition which took place in Brazil.

“The world skills competition is literally like the Olympics of vocational skills and it made us proud that one of our trainees was the one selected to represent Namibia at a competition of that magnitude,” Situmbeko says proudly.

This year, two electrical trainees from the NamPower Vocational Training Centre have been chosen to go to Dubai to represent Namibia at the world skills competition. “This is just proof that we are doing something right at our vocational training centre,” says Viviers.

Viviers says the centre is contributing to the fight against unemployment in the country as they do not just train their trainees to be employees but also to be job creators.

Viviers maintains that vocational training is about transferring knowledge and skills to people so that they may be able to meet labour market needs, fuelling competitiveness while reducing youth unemployment.

Situmbeko maintains that NamPower has realised the importance of vocational training and the company offers scholarships to the trainees at the NamPower Training Centre.

“We offer scholarships to our trainees because we value vocational training.”

In 2002 the centre changed from the old apprenticeship to a vocational bursary where NamPower allocates 15 bursaries annually to the trainees.

“When you are accepted at the NamPower Vocational Training Centre, NamPower pays for your studies, apart from accommodation but the company does provide some allowances,” says Situmbeko.

At first the trainees were employees of NamPower on the old apprenticeship scheme but today they are bursary holders.

If positions exist in the company the trainees are put on a two-year or three-year artisan's development programme.

“In most cases these trainees are employed by NamPower on a full-time basis,” Situmbeko says.

Situmbeko believes that vocational training is good for the country because it equips young people with skills that put them in a position to join the mainstream of nation-building.

“Once the youth get vocational training, their main aim of getting a job will be fulfilled and many problems will be fulfilled,” she says. Situmbeko calls on the youth to value vocational training and have a genuine interest in vocational courses because these types of courses empower them to not just secure employment but equip them with entrepreneurial skills. “Namibia is in need of people with various vocational competencies,” she says.

Situmbeko also calls on Namibian youth to not give up on their dreams just because they did poorly in grade 12, because they can use vocational training centres as stepping stones to gain experience and skills that are needed in the job market.

“People should do away with the mentality of thinking that vocational schools are for failures,” Situmbeko emphasises.

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

The City of Windhoek's junior mayor

May 1, 2017, 4:00 pm

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The City of Windhoek's junior mayorA force to be reckoned with Michael Petrus, a young man with a vision to uplift the morale of the Namibian youth, believes that during his term, the Junior Council will help with combating issues Namibian children are facing. The Zone recently caught up with the young man after his inauguration. The Zone: Who is Michael Petrus?

MP: I am currently in grade 11 at Windhoek High School. I have science subjects with accounting and I was born on 6 August and I am turning 17 years. I came from a family of two siblings and I am also a sport prefect at my school.



The Zone: You have recently been inaugurated as the junior mayor of the City of Windhoek. Could you please share with us how you felt about this achievement?

MP: I did not expect it as there were a lot of other junior councillors who had the potential as well. I was overwhelmed and it proved to me that God is truly great! It was also a joyful event as all of the councillors (outgoing and incoming) came together as one and I will always be grateful for their presence. It was also a bittersweet moment for me as I had to bid farewell to the outgoing junior councillors and I and the rest of the junior councillors will surely miss them. The support from family and friends is also something which I treasure as they will be with me every step during my term.



The Zone: What made you decide to run for the junior mayor position?

MP: First of all, I wanted God to use me as an instrument of change for the youth thus I wanted to be in the position of change and influence meaning I had to the forefront of the youth and their voice as well. I also wanted to build upon what other previous leaders have set for us and use that to move forward. The previous junior mayor, Dawie Fourie, has set a very good example for me and I plan to not disappoint him as he has laid a very good foundation for us. My teacher, Mrs Motoomull, also groomed me into the leader I am today.



The Zone: As the new junior mayor of Windhoek, what are your roles during your term?

MP: My duties include chairing meetings during our monthly discussions with the junior council, giving speeches at youth events, interacting with political officials and attending events or projects on behalf of the junior council. I will also be steering all our future projects run by the junior council.



The Zone: You mentioned change during your acceptance speech at your inauguration ceremony. Could you please tell us what exactly this change would entail?

MP: We, the junior council, have established the importance of a reading culture. The youth are the future generation and we need a literate youth to bring forth more opportunities. We are going to implement a core project of reading under the SALT (Save a Life Today) programme that was established by the junior councillors of 2015/2016. Other standing projects include our work with the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) and also the old-age homes. We also encourage the youth to be more active and we request any involvement from their side for future projects.



The Zone: What are your plans after you finish high school?

MP: I am a huge fan of 'Grey's Anatomy', which is an American medical drama television series. The show focuses on the fictional lives of surgical interns, residents and attending physicians, as they evolve into seasoned doctors while trying to maintain personal lives and relationships. Due to this show, I am aspiring to become a medical doctor one day, because it looks so cool to save lives.



The Zone: With your new role as the junior mayor, how do you plan to balance everything?

MP: A close friend of mine, Tulipomwene Kalunduka, always tells me that if you really want something, you will make time for it. You should have the desire to do all your appointed duties and always remember to do them well. I plan to make sure that I strike a balance between my duties and my social responsibility to the youth. I am quite an organised person already so it will be easy to manage.

TUNOHOLE MUNGOBA