Shot of the day

May 28, 2017, 4:00 pm

LONG LIFE: ‘Ouma’ Priscilla Muvarure has lived in or near Kalkfeld settlement for close to 88 years, since her birth on a farm nearby the settlement. She worked as a domestic worker on farms, and since her retirement has lived as a pensioner with one of her two children in the settlement. She is a recipient of one of the first flush toilets there, and takes care of two cats. PHOTO: JANA-MARI SMITH

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The ticking time bomb

May 28, 2017, 4:00 pm

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The ticking time bomb The job crisis in our country has deepened from what we can deduce from the recently released figures by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA). These depressing numbers show that close 350 000 Namibians out of an estimated labour force of 1.5 million are without jobs. This has resulted in very high unemployment rate of 34%, signifying an increase of 6.1% since the last labour survey was conducted in 2014. Youth unemployment particularly shot up to 43.4% compared to 39% reported in 2014. We have said it before that the rising unemployment rate is a time bomb waiting to explode. Our government, in the face of a poor performing economy, is equally struggling to deal with the worsening unemployment crisis. In the last 12 months we have seen a number of companies battling to make ends meet and this has resulted in major staff layoffs. The situation is exacerbated by empty government purses and the neglect of critical national projects meant to boost the economy. The construction sector, which has been the main private sector driver of the economy, is equally bleeding, with job losses amounting to 10 000 feared. The tough economic conditions are still prevailing and not even a quick fix solution will bring hope in the immediate future. This means that massive job losses are a sign that Namibia's stubbornly high unemployment rate is likely to persist. On the other hand government doesn't seem to be serious about creating sustainable jobs. Apart from the fact that our economy is not growing nearly fast enough to create the jobs Namibians want and need, the authorities have allowed themselves to be captured. Our very own people have become passive bystanders as those in power aid the handover of our economy to foreigners while a few become filthy rich. The N$14.5 billion Tipeeg project is a noted spectacular failure, having failed to even create half of its 104 000 jobs target. The Mass Housing programme is also another project, which has not delivered to this day. The numbers don't lie and those in power should be reminded once more that the issue of unemployment, just like many other social challenges, poses a threat to the country's fragile political order.

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Defence budget unjustifiable

May 28, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Defence budget unjustifiableMilitary spending is a flawed job-creation strategy An independent think tank has warned about the government's high military expenditure.

For Namibia's much-touted state of peace and stability the combined allocation of close to N$11 billion to the military and the safety and security ministry is of extreme concern and indefensible, a Namibian policy watchdog has said.

The Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR) moreover warned that the strategy to pump billions into the defence sector to create jobs for Namibian youth is misguided, and the focus should rather be on improving the overall business sector to promote job growth.

“Serious questions exist around the strategy with regard to its efficiency. In essence, the government's strategy of creating jobs directly, rather than creating an environment for the business sector to create jobs, is sub-optimal,” the IPPR stated in a detailed analysis of the 2017/18 national budget in the Democracy Report this month.

Another concern raised in the review is a multibillion-dollar military project “shrouded in secrecy called 'Research and Development'. In total, this project is worth N$6.7 billion.”

The IPPR warned that even in these widely acknowledged “current trying times” the secret military project was given the third largest development budget allocation in the current (2017/2018) year of N$263 million.

The combined budget of N$10.7 billion to defence and the safety and security ministry was described in the report as “extremely concerning from a prioritisation perspective, particularly due to the fact that Namibia is currently peaceful and stable”.

The total allocation to the two ministries was just a billion shy of the allocation to education, arts and culture, which was allocated N$11.98, the IPPR noted with concern.

“As a result of the large allocations to defence, Namibia has the 12th highest defence spending relative to GDP in the world,” the IPPR wrote.

The authors of the report argued that “while some defence spending is likely to be justifiable the magnitude of such that we see in the current budget is certainly not”.

The review noted that the bulk of the defence budget has been earmarked for personnel costs, which total N$4.7 billion of the close to N$5.7 billion budget allocation.

Moreover, when broken down by main division, the IPPR calculates that the Namibian army is the largest recipient of funds, receiving N$3.2 billion of the total N$5.7 billion allocation to the vote.

Another concern highlighted in the budget review is that while the bulk of the defence spending in Namibia is “undoubtedly predominantly a job-creation strategy, particularly for the creation of jobs for young Namibians” the defence ministry is also one of the largest recipients of development budget funds.

These funds are used for the construction and renovation of military bases around the country, but also for one of the largest projects listed in the development budget, namely the secretive, multibillion-dollar 'Research and Development' military project.

The IPPR concluded that the positive aspect of the current budget for defence is that spending was cut “fairly aggressively for the most part”, which means that defence spending to GDP ratio is forecast to improve from 4.8% of GDP in 2015 to under 3% of GDP by 2019.

JANA-MARI SMITH

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Kunene farmers to get govt support

May 28, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Kunene farmers to get govt support

The government is considering embarking on a N$30 million communal land development programme for the perennially drought-stricken Kunene Region.

This was recently announced by land reform minister Utoni Nujoma when he introduced the Programme for Communal Land Development (PCLD) to stakeholders in Opuwo.

The programme is intended to improve tenure security, planning, develop infrastructure that supports commercial farming activities, provide advisory services and to enhance the capacity of the ministry of land reform to fulfil its communal land management mandate.

The PCLD receives funding from the government, Namibia German Technical Cooperation and the European Union.

The Kunene PLCD will support the ongoing registration of communal land rights and spatial planning of land uses in Kunene through the Integrated Regional Land Use Planning (IRLUP) process.

The PCLD will also support investment planning (Local Level Participatory Plans (LLPP) of areas prioritised under the PCLD for tenure and infrastructure development, support beneficiaries in management and farming capacities in the prioritised

areas.

Through the PCLD support can be given to individual farmers as well as groups of people and there is no stipulation of farm sizes.

The support is given for any land-based production systems such as cattle, wildlife, crop farming or high-value plants. The programme will also fund the establishment of boreholes to enhance rangeland management.

“Local people are the primary beneficiaries, no displacement of legitimate occupants is envisaged,” Nujoma emphasised in his presentation.

Beneficiaries are required to manage and maintain infrastructure, which becomes part of the contractual agreement. Advisory service for beneficiaries is provided to ensure sustainable management and to advance the notion of commercialisation of land-based economic activities.

Nujoma suggested possible land tenure systems for communal land development such as blocks of individual farms, village cattle posts or community areas and commonage.

“These models or a combination of them could apply in Kunene,” he said during the presentation.

Nujoma emphasised that his ministry was established in 1990 to respond to the land question saying the ministry has a mandate to redistribute land and address the socio-economic and political imbalances surrounding the land question.

Through the land reform the ministry developed and implemented various interventions through programmes and projects to respond to the skewed land ownership and lack of its access by most Namibians.

Nujoma stressed that the PCLD is one intervention under the land reform programme to deal with equitable land distribution.

FRED GOEIEMAN

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Walvis land wish granted

May 28, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Walvis land wish grantedGreen Valley township to be developed The Walvis Bay town council has been given the go-ahead to establish a new township on Farm 37 south of the harbour town.

The Namibia Planning Advisory Board (Nampab) has finally granted ownership of Farm 37 to the municipality of Walvis Bay.

Erongo governor Cleophas Mutjavikua confirmed this and called for an innovative approach with regard to the development of the area on the outskirts of Walvis Bay to ensure that no shacks would be erected there.

“A solution for land issue and housing problem is in sight and bureaucratic processes will not prevent us from proceeding.

“The establishment of a township normally requires the completion of many motions that need to be passed and involves various departments.

“If lucky the normal process would have been completed only after three or even more years. Fortunately the process was fast-tracked for us and completed in record time.

“The next stage involves the design and approval of the envisioned Green Valley suburb by the Township Board,” Mutjavikua said.

An initial application for ownership of the land was turned down by NAMPAB in 2016 because the municipality had not consulted with the community on the subject with the issuing of an Environmental Clearance Certificate pending.

The municipality subsequently conducted a public meeting at the beginning of the year and obtained consent from the community to proceed with the application for land.

The virgin land located on the southern perimeter of the harbour town is earmarked for the establishment of a township called Green Valley.

The municipality intends to relocate more than 65 000 landless people to the new township in an effort to reduce the housing backlog as well as the number of backyard shacks in Walvis Bay.

Mutjavikua reiterated that the council would not allow the area to be turned into another shantytown and said proper houses would be built.

“The municipality acquired a brick-making machine a year ago and will explore many other means to ensure community involvement with regard to the development of Farm 37.

“Some companies pledged cement. We hope the council will provide the sand and water needed for construction purposes.

“We have to make bricks and the construction of proper brick houses will be a collective effort involving the recipients and the council.”

He said the development programme at Farm 37 would be different from any previously implemented ones.

“It will not be a Build Together Programme but rather one of let's build together. We have to create/provide essential services since we cannot relocate people to the area without such.

“In the villages houses are constructed by the villagers themselves. Instead of employing expensive contractors beneficiaries will provide labour and cut costs.”

Mayor Immanuel Wilfred also confirmed that the council had made considerable progress with regard to the acquisition of Farm 37.

“We are now working on the final touches to ensure people have houses. Nampab chairperson Danny Beukes informed me that the last council resolution was the only outstanding document and we provided it.

“Once I receive a formal letter with guidelines from Minister Sophia Shaningwa, I will know for sure that we are in the clear and can proceed with the development of Farm 37. The allocation of plots will be done strictly according to the official waiting list,” Wilfred said.

OTIS FINCK

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Oshikoto roads claim three lives

May 28, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Oshikoto roads claim three lives

Two accidents in the Oshikoto Region killed three people and seriously injured four others over the weekend.

According to Deputy Commissioner Naomi Katjiua of the Oshikoto police, two people died on Saturday when a Toyota Corolla travelling from Onethindi collided with a Mazda sedan at Oshigambo village on the Ondangwa-Eenhana road. The incident happened at around 22:30.

The deceased, identified as Johannes Nanona (39) and Ndakolo Simon (37), were passengers in the Toyota Corolla.

The drivers of both cars sustained leg injuries and were admitted to the Onandjokwe hospital along with the third passenger of the Corolla.

The passenger in the Mazda sustained head injuries and was admitted to Ongwediva MediPark hospital.

The third fatality occurred on Friday at around 17:30 at Iihwali village on the Omuthiya-Ondangwa main road when a pedestrian was hit by a truck belonging to NamPower.

According to the police the driver of the Volvo truck, Kleopas Abiatal (54), who was travelling from Windhoek to Ondangwa, hit the pedestrian who was walking in the road. The deceased died on the spot.

KENYA KAMBOWE

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Winter has come

May 28, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Winter has come Temperatures plunged to below five degrees, but not yet freezing point, this weekend in the southern, eastern and some interior parts of Namibia after a cold front moved in on Friday.

The Namibia Meteorological Service (NMS) on Friday warned that a frontal system over the Cape that was causing rain in the Western Cape would lower temperatures in southern Namibia and some parts of the interior over the weekend.

Chief forecaster Odillo Kgobetsi said it was expected that minimum and maximum temperatures would drop significantly in the south this weekend, with gradual warming expected from today over the interior.

“High-level cirrus clouds are visible over the southern parts of Namibia as a result of the cold front,” the NMS said, indicative of the approaching cold front.

Temperatures at Aranos, Aroab, Aus and Gobabis were expected to drop to four degrees Celsius on Saturday, and to five degrees in places such as Rehoboth and Otjinene in the Omaheke Region.

Yesterday, the forecast predicted low temperatures of four, five or six degrees at Aranos, Aroab and Aus, as well as at Buitepos, Otjinene and in some places over the interior, including Tsumkwe, Otjiwarongo and Tsumeb.

Maximum temperatures in the south were expected to reach no more than 20 degrees in most places.

At the coast the weekend saw a weak pressure gradient develop bringing along cooler, cloudier and foggier conditions on Saturday and Sunday.

The NMS noted that windy conditions were expected in the interior today, with partly cloudy and warm to hot conditions in the north and northeast of Namibia.

“Elsewhere mostly sunny and mild to warm,” with moderate north-westerly to south-westerly winds expected in the interior, becoming north-easterly in the south, the NMS stated.

Along the coast, partly cloudy and mild with fog patches are expected today, becoming sunny and warm in the south later.

JANA-MARI SMITH

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Waiting for kidney transplant

May 28, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Waiting for kidney transplantYoung patient has dialysis three times a week Julian Rittman from Rehoboth has been living without kidneys since December.

After having had more than 20 surgeries in his short life, 11-year-old Julian Rittman from Rehoboth is still positive and full of hope.

Julian was born with Denys Drash Syndrome, a rare disease that he was diagnosed with at the age of one.

He is currently the only patient in Namibia with the disease.

Last year he went into kidney failure and had to stay in hospital for several months because of high blood pressure. He started dialysis in September last year and in December both his kidneys were removed.

He is currently on the waiting list for a kidney transplant and he continues to receive dialysis three times a week, travelling from Rehoboth to Windhoek.

According to his mother, Agnes, doctors were already concerned during her pregnancy as tests indicated there was something wrong with her baby.

Doctors performed a caesarean when Julian was born and apart from Julian having abnormal genitals (Hypospadias), he appeared to be a perfectly healthy child.

When Julian was six weeks old, he had to undergo a hernia operation. At 18 months he was diagnosed by a local paediatrician as having nephrotic syndrome, and the family's countless trips to South Africa began.

After a kidney biopsy was conducted Julian was diagnosed with the extremely rare Denys Drash Syndrome.

“Our lives were turned upside down, and our medical and travel expenses just kept mounting,” says Agnes.

In September last year Julian was placed on dialysis and on 27 December both of his kidneys were removed because his blood pressure was dangerously high.

After Julian started with dialysis in September last year, doctors advised the family that someone would have to take care of Julian 24 hours a day.

Because his immune system is weak, Julian is unable to attend school, but Agnes says they are trying to home-school him. “He is a very bright and intelligent boy.”

He is not allowed to eat anything that contains potassium or salt, and can only drink 500ml of liquid a day.

“My husband had to give up his employment in order to ensure that Julian was able to get to and from the dialysis unit each week,” Agnes says.

She explains that while her husband was the main breadwinner, she was the one with medical aid coverage. In the meantime Julian has been prepared to receive a kidney transplant.

According to her there are two potential donors - their eldest son and an aunt of Julian's. However, further testing needs to be done in Johannesburg to make sure that they are good matches.

Agnes says cost estimations from previous kidney operations indicate that they will need about N$900 000.

“We are preparing for the worst because we do not know how much the medical aid will pay for.”

She explains that the medial aid also does not pay for the donor, but they have asked a quotation from South Africa and it seems like they will pay a certain amount.

A trust fund has been established to help with Julian's medical expenses: The Julian Rittman Trust Fund – Registration number: 344/2007. Donations can be made to the following bank account: Bank Windhoek, Rehoboth branch, branch code: 486572, account number: 8004483342. For more information Agnes can be contacted via email at agnesdwaldt@gmail.com

ELLANIE SMIT

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Never forget where you come from - Nujoma

May 28, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Never forget where you come from - Nujoma

KENYA KAMBOWE

Founding President Sam Nujoma says the younger generation will forget where they came from if they keep on neglecting cultural norms and practices.

He says lately parents are giving their children Western names and some spend most of their time abusing alcohol at cuca shops instead of staying at home teaching their children about culture.

Nujoma was speaking on Saturday at the Omagongo Festival held at Onamega in the Omusati Region.

“One of the common practices in our culture is naming our children with at least one name in our mother tongues with a specific meaning, message or remembrance of an event of a hero or a heroine,” said Nujoma.

“However, lately only foreign names are bestowed on our children. How will we know where we came from if we don’t talk about the names of Samuel Maharero, Iipumbu Ya Tshilongo, and Mandume Ya Ndemufayo? It is a pity that nowadays parents do not spend time with their children but rather utilise most of their time abusing alcohol at cuca shops and bars, especially the fathers.”

Nujoma said it was equally disturbing to come across children who cannot speak their mother tongue, saying it is a practice that must be discouraged because the mother tongue is very important.

“For this reason, the younger generation is forgetting and ignoring the significance of embracing our culture because of lack of proper cultural guidance to know how they are, where they come from and where they are going,” Nujoma said.

He called on traditional leaders to continue promoting cultural heritage and instilling norms and values in the youth.

“A nation that respects its cultures and traditions will always create a strong national unity and identity,” Nujoma said.

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Youth unemployment worrisome

May 28, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Youth unemployment worrisomeDTA blames Geingob administration The official opposition has expressed alarm over the latest unemployment figures.

OGONE TLHAGE

DTA party president McHenry Venaani has described the results of the recent National Labour Force Survey as worrisome, saying that the situation has become so dire that every second young person faces the prospect of unemployment.

He made the comments following the release of the latest unemployment figures by the Namibian Statistics Agency (NSA), which said that the unemployment rate stood at 34% while youth unemployment had grown by 4.5 percentage points from 2014 to 2016.

Said Venaani: “The NSA has found that youth unemployment has risen from 39% in 2014 to a high 43.4% in 2016. In numerical terms a 4.5% increase does not seem a lot, but when you convert that 4.5% or the 43.4% into the impact unemployment has on youth in Namibia the numbers are bleak. At 43.4%, Namibia is dangerously close to every second young person being unemployed.

“When one further considers that youth represent the largest demographic in Namibia and are supposed to be the most active demographic economically then it is no surprise to note the economic hardships facing the country,” he said.

He blamed the situation to unwise policy decisions made under President Hage Geingob’s presidency.

“All this comes at a time when the Geingob administration has built its term around alleviating poverty. How does one alleviate poverty when the unemployment rate amongst the biggest national demographic, [the] youth, is increasing during the Harambee [Prosperity Plan] period?” he asked.

“This should serve as a reminder and wake-up call to our policy- and decision-makers that either the policies are not working or alternatively, they have been misdirected. Addressing unemployment should serve as the basis for reducing poverty; every other initiative should come secondary,” added Venaani.

According to him, it is no longer justifiable for Namibian institutions of higher learning to produce graduates who do not have skills capable of being absorbed within the Namibian labour market.

“The [number] of graduates that sit without work or under-employed should teach our institutions of higher learning that qualifications and skills need to be tailored to the Namibian job market.”

Calling for an intervention, he said: “It is for this reason that the DTA of Namibia reiterates that it is high time that a national skills mapping study was done. Our policies cannot be developed in isolation, but should be guided by the existing skills among the youth and identifying areas within the labour market where youth need to be skilled and trained.”

According to the NSA, 349 383 individuals are currently looking for work, but are unable to find jobs. This has marked an increase in the broad unemployment of 6.1% from the 28% recorded in 2014.

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Russians woo Air Namibia

May 28, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Russians woo Air Namibia

Following a recent courtesy call by Russian deputy prime minister Yuri Trutnev at State House, reports have surfaced that the Russian aeronautical company Sukhoi was in talks to sell three Sukhoi SSJ-100 aircraft to Air Namibia.

Russian news agency Avia.pro reported last week that Sukhoi was in talks to sell three of its recently commissioned SSJ-100 aircraft to Air Namibia, due for delivery in 2018.

According to Avia.pro, negotiations had been entered into for the purchase of the aircraft.

“Information available to Avia.pro [is] that a foreign airline expressed interest in acquiring the three passenger planes Sukhoi SuperJet 100, in view of which is currently under way, and negotiations with the company Sukhoi Civil Aircraft,” the news agency said last week.

“The estimated amount of the contract has not yet been announced, however, it is expected that in the case of the conclusion of agreements between the supplier and the airline, Air Namibia. The aircraft can be delivered to the carrier as early as 2018.”

Sukhoi SSJ-100

According to its manufacturer, the Sukhoi SSJ-100 is a regional jetliner that cruises at a top speed of 870km/h and is powered by two PowerJet SaM146 engines.

The SSJ-1001's maiden flight was in 2008 while its first commercial flight was in 2011 when the airline Armavia took delivery of its SSJ-100.

One SSJ-100 is believed to cost approximately US$35 million.

Notable operators of the SSJ-100 include the biggest Russian airline Aeroflot; CityJet, which was at one stage owned by Air France prior to its union with KLM; and Mexican airline Interjet. There are about 127 SSJ-100s currently in operation.

In the dark

However, Air Namibia spokesperson Twakulilwa Kayofa moved quickly to squash any indications that Air Namibia was in talks with Sukhoi. According to him, that was news to Air Namibia.

Speaking to Namibian Sun at the weekend, he said: “Air Namibia is not in talks with any aircraft manufacturer to procure aircraft at this point in time. The article by the Russian news agency Avia.pro titled 'Air Namibia in talks to acquire Superjets' is factually incorrect. Indeed, it is news to Air Namibia, as we do not have any knowledge of the origin of this statement.”

Added Kayofa: “We are busy investigating the matter, to ensure that it does not cause any confusion. Air Namibia would like to inform the Namibian public and all relevant stakeholders that the national airline operates in a highly regulated industry and we remain committed to deliver on our mandate.”

Air Namibia's fleet currently consists of two Airbus A330-200s, which it uses to service its Frankfurt and Luanda routes, four Airbus A319-100s, which it uses on its regional routes, and four Embraer ERJ 135s, which it uses domestically.

Fleet history

Air Namibia had in the past owned a Boeing 747-400 combi which it sold in 2004, two Airbus A340-300s. which it has replaced with two new leased long-range Airbus A330-200s, a Boeing 737-800, which it used for its regional routes, and the McDonnell Douglas MD-11s.

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Govt reassures civil servants

May 28, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Govt reassures civil servants'Salaries will be paid' The finance ministry has dismissed reports about uncertainty over the payment of civil servants' salaries this month.

The Minister of Finance has dismissed reports that claimed there was uncertainty over whether the government would pay salaries this month to ministries that showed a negative bank balance.

“Salaries will be paid as normal,” read a media statement issued on Friday by finance minister Calle Schlettwein.

The statement added that “the payroll for May 2017 has already been finalised and there is therefore no 'government salary uncertainty',” as stated in a weekly newspaper on Friday.

The article on Friday quoted a circular issued this month by cabinet secretary George Simataa, not seen by Namibian Sun but extensively quoted by the newspaper and not disputed by Schlettwein, sent to all government accounting officers, warning them that in order to “allow salaries payment for the month of May 2017 to be processed on time” all government offices, ministries and agencies “must clear these negative minuses (provide sufficient fund to payroll) by latest Tuesday, 23 May 2017.”

On Friday, the finance ministry emphasised that the circular, not disputed in the statement, was a reminder of the importance to ensure adherence to government payroll protocols.

Schlettwein explained that “all government salaries are paid through the government payroll system and all accounting officers for votes in central government must align spending according to the budget allocations. When an Accounting Officer requests funds in excess of what has been made available through a monthly Treasury Authorisation Warrant (TAW), which is the alignment within the budget, such a request is referred back to the accounting officer in order to realign within the given TAW.”

As such, “the communication from secretary to cabinet to accounting officers was intended to remind them of this important requirement,” the statement read.

The weekly newspaper quoted the letter as stating that the government, via the Ministry of Finance, in October 2013 introduced payroll fund checks, which were necessary due to “overspending by some votes on remunerative related items. Payroll Fund Capping is thus put in place to stop payment process when insufficient funds are observed.”

Simataa's communication further noted that there is “great concern” that despite regular reminders and weekly reports to accounting officers and financial advisors “we are sitting with incomplete payroll runs (Normal, Supplementary and Appointment runs) due to the manner how the Treasury Authorised amounts have been split within the spending items, that has resulted into insufficient funds distributed to personnel expenditure items as observed in your vote for May 2017.”

The letter reportedly warns the ministry accounting officers that as a result of this, the government “is unable to continue with the monthly salaries payment during the month of May 2017, unless funds are availed and allocated properly to each line item of personnel expenditure.”

The cabinet secretary's circular reportedly informed ministries that the government payroll is run as a single batch and “hence a failure by one ministry to avail or properly allocate funds affects the rest of the votes regardless of their status in terms of availability of funds.”

The newspaper quoted the letter by Simataa as stating that the government is looking at the option of splitting payroll runs per government offices, agencies and ministries but until such time all accounting officers are urged to “ensure compliance with Treasury circulars that there is always sufficient funds available to cater for payroll runs.”

In early May, Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila revealed that the total number of staff members in the public service, excluding political office bearers and uniformed personnel, stood at close to 68 000. Adding police and army personnel the total number of civil servants in Namibia is likely to be around 100 000.

It is believed the annual wage bill could amount to between N$25 billion to N$28 billion in the current financial year.

This month the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) warned that the large wage bill for the “exceptionally bloated civil service” could eventually lead to major issues for the country in future, ultimately leading to possible revenue collapse and the inability of government to either pay salaries or conduct other affairs.

JANA-MARI SMITH

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Unam face Mighty Gunners

May 29, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Unam face Mighty GunnersDebmarine draws round of 16 The Debmarine Cup continues with intriguing fixtures next month.

Namibia Premier League sides Unam FC and Mighty Gunners have been pitted against each other in the round of 16 draw of the Debmarine NFA Cup.

Another interesting fixture sees newly promoted Young Africans and Life Fighters facing each other in an attempt to make it to the quarter-finals of the competition.

The four clubs by far face their heaviest task, given the expectations that come from the fans.

Tura Magic avoided a premier league club in the draw and will face Gendev FC in the round of 16.

Young Chiefs FC will square off with Bee Bob Brothers, while Eleven Arrows will entertain Try Again FC.

Khomasdal giants Civics have a date set with Young Beauties and Touch & Go will battle Rundu Chiefs for a place in the quarter-finals.

Outjo Academy will play Eastern Chiefs in what is expected to be a balanced match.

The matches will be played at Walvis Bay and Mariental on 17 June, with the times still to be announced.

Civics, Young Africans, Young Chiefs, Outjo Academy will all play in Mariental, while the remaining fixtures will be played in Walvis Bay.

With six clubs snubbing the competition, it has enabled the sponsors to increase the participation fee from N$18 000 to N$20 000.

Teams that reach the final will also receive N$30 000 for their preparations.

The sponsors also announced that the man of the match of every fixture will receive N$2 000, with a cut of N$1 000 going to a charity of their choice.

The amount will increase to N$3 000 in the quarter-finals, with a cut of N$1 500 going to the charity of their choice.

The man of the match in the final will get N$10 000, with a cut of N$5 000 given to the charity of his choice.

The top goal scorer of the series and the coach of the tournament will each receive N$20 000, with the goalkeeper and referee of the competition taking home N$15 000 each.

The assistant referee of the tournament will receive N$15 000.

The prize money for the tournament winners is N$500 000, while the runners-up will be compensated with N$250 000 for their efforts.

JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA

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Karateka can't compete

May 29, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Karateka can't competeNo funds to send more athletes The Namibia Karate Union will only send one athlete to the Africa Karate Championship scheduled for 3 June in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

The union initially meant to send four athletes to compete in the championship that will see 12 countries compete, but due to lack of funds only 19 year-old Katelin Martin, a grade 11 learner from Dolphin Secondary School in Walvis Bay, managed to secure a spot thanks to her father's persistence.

The chief administrator of the Namibia Sports Commission, Freddy Mwiya, awarded national sport colours to Katelin and said she should represent the country with pride as she is an ambassador for the country.

He said the Karate Union was the third sport code since April this year to receive national colours, which he saw as a sign that they were doing something right.

Mwiya also presented her with the code of conduct to follow at all times, explaining that she should seek more information from the commission if need be.

The president of the Karate Union, Cornelius D'Alton, said it was disappointing that only one athlete could travel to Cameron and not four as they had planned.

He said they had requested funds from the sport commission but due to budget cuts it was not possible to assist.

“I can only hope that the achievements of athletes like Katelin can allow the union to shine and attract sponsors,” he said.

Katelin will be accompanied by her father and coach, Leonard Martin.

Martin, one of Namibia's leading karateka, said he had spent close to N$50 000 to ensure that his daughter could compete in the championship. Katelin is ranked fifth in Africa and will compete in the senior women's kata category.

She said they trained four times a week and she was ready to compete.

“I don't get nervous, I get on the stage and compete to the best of my ability,” Katelin said.

Her father added that he had been competing nationally and internally for a long time but his time was up and he was handing over the reins to his daughter.

“It is up to her to uplift herself and to open doors for female athletes to follow.”

Martin said he had plans for his daughter and could not deny her success because of a lack of funds.

“I never made it to the Olympic Games, but she has a good chance of competing there one day, and I will be by her side as her coach when that happens,” said Martin.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

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Charity begins at home

May 29, 2017, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Totti ends Roma career

≪ Previous: Karateka can't compete

Charity begins at homeGiving back award money Former Namibian Sun sport journalist Kaino Nghitongo, together with Paralympic athletes Ananias Shikongo, Johanna Benson and karateka Mayvonne Swart, scooped awards at the newly introduced African Union Sports Council Region 5 Annual Sports Awards over the weekend.

At a media conference held at the Sports Commission in Windhoek yesterday Nghitongo said she would use some of the money to buy equipment for a gym owner in the north who she had written about in an article for Namibian Sun.

She had won the sport journalist of the year award at the Namibian Sports Awards last year and that led to her nomination for the RASA awards.

Nghitongo said it was an honour to be nominated and even greater to win.

“This award just means that so many people recognised my work, especially in Sport Wrap, and that alone is an honour,” she said.

She said she tried different angles when writing in every edition but remained objective at all times. She said she had always been a go-getter and that is the reason why she stood out from other journalists who were nominated.

“I know there is prize money involved and I plan to also pay back to where I come from and since I'm a sport fan I plan to buy some gym basic stuff for a guy from my home village Okankolo whom I also profiled and has a gym for the community,” she said.

“I wish to encourage every girl child in sport never to let anyone kill their dreams and to always remain humble and determined.”

She said she planned to mentor aspiring female sport journalists and to groom them into capable and confident writers.

Shikongo, who walked away with the sportsman of the year with disability award, said his focus was to bring a medal home and that he was always training hard and pushing himself beyond his limits.

The chief administrator of the Namibia Sports Commission, Freddy Mwiya, said there was strength in disability sport in the country and that people should put their minds together to develop the athletes more.

The winners will each receive N$50 000 from RASA.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

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Totti ends Roma career

May 29, 2017, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Omilitali otayi longitha iimaliwa oyindji noonkondo

≪ Previous: Charity begins at home

Totti ends Roma career

Francesco Totti bade an emotional farewell to Roma after a remarkable 25-season career with his hometown club on Sunday.

The player contributed to a 3-2 win over Genoa in Serie A that secured the Giallorossi a spot in the Champions League.

Almost 60 000 fans inside the Stadio Olimpico stood up and cheered when the 40-year-old Totti replaced Mohamed Salah in the 54th minute.

And even if Totti didn't score or set up any goals, his mere presence was what the supporters came to see.

“Unfortunately the time has come. I've cried every day,” Totti said in a post-match speech from the centre of the pitch.

“It's a decision I made with my wife and my family. I would stay here another 25 years. Thank you Roma.

“I would have liked to write a poem or a song but I've tried to express myself with my feet,” Totti added.

Totti then put to rest speculation that he might end his career with another club.

“Excuse me if recently I haven't talked much or cleared up my thoughts,” Totti said. “I'm taking my shirt off for the last time and folding it up well and good. The lights are turning off now and I'm afraid. Allow me to have a little fear. Now I need your help.”

During the elaborate post-match ceremony, a huge No. 10 jersey with Totti's name on it was unveiled at the centre of the pitch. All of Roma's players put on shirts featuring Totti's No. 10 while the electronic publicity boards lining the pitch read, “Grazie Capitano.”

Totti then walked around the stadium's athletic track while holding third child Isabel in his arms, with his other two children and wife Ilary Blasi accompanying him.

At one point, Totti stopped and leaned on the publicity barriers and just stared into the stands. Then he cried on Blasi's shoulder.

Totti also signed a ball with the words, “I'll miss you,” on it and then kicked it into the “Curva Sud” - southern end - of the stadium where the hard-core “ultra” fans sit.

At the conclusion of his speech, Totti told the fans, “I love you.”

Roma's victory, courtesy of a 90th-minute goal from Diego Perotti, secured second place.

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti received a long series of boos and whistles - linked to how he has used Totti sparingly this season - when he was introduced before the match.

Fans also reacted negatively when James Pallotta, Roma's American owner, greeted Totti after the match.

There had been speculation that Totti wanted to play another season and the club was urging him to retire.

Pallotta has offered Totti an unspecified management position.

Thousands of fans wore Totti's No. 10 shirt - in white or red - while others had T-shirts that read simply, “captain forever.”

“Let it be known that I lived in the times of Totti,” one fan banner read.

Roma wore special shirts featuring a dedication to Totti, and so did Genoa.

On the back of Genoa's shirts, a message read, “25 seasons with only one shirt, 785 appearances, 307 goals, world champion in 2006. Francesco Totti is part of football history.”

Totti appeared in 786 matches in all competitions with Roma, third all-time in Italy for most games with a single club behind only Paolo Maldini (902 with AC Milan) and Javier Zanetti (858 with Inter Milan).

Totti also ended his career second all-time in goals scored in Serie A with 250, 24 short of the record by Silvio Piola established between 1929 and 1954. No other current player has more than 200.

Born in the working-class San Giovanni section of Rome, Totti made his debut for Roma at the age of 16, way back in 1993.

In 1998, at the age of 22, Totti became the youngest ever Serie A captain.

At the 2000 European Championship, Totti's chipped “Panenka” penalty against the Netherlands highlighted his talent and audacity.

A year later, Totti led Roma to its third Serie A title and was the centrepiece of a celebration inside the Circus Maximus attended by a crowd estimated at 1 million.

“I still get goose bumps thinking about June 17, 2001,” Totti said, recalling his only Serie A title.

NAMPA/AP

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Omilitali otayi longitha iimaliwa oyindji noonkondo

May 29, 2017, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Ondjele yokwaahena iilonga otayi limbilike

≪ Previous: Totti ends Roma career

Omilitali otayi longitha iimaliwa oyindji noonkondo

Oshikondo shEgameno lyaNamibia okwa hololwa nokutya otashi longitha iimaliwa oyindji noonkondo mbyoka kwa hololwa kutya oya nuninwa okutotapo oompito dhiilonga mokati kaanyasha.

Oshiputudhilo shoInstitute of Public Policy Research (IPPR) osha kunkilile kutya oobiliyona odhindji ndhoka tadhi pewa oshikondo shEgameno opo shi totepo oompito dhiilonga mokati kaanyasha yaNamibia oshi li oshinima sha puka noonkondo, nopehala iimaliwa mbyoka nayi longithwe mokuyambulapo iikondo yoongeshefa, kokuvule okutotwa po oompito dhiilonga pamukalo ngoka.

Oshiputudhilo shoka osha holola ngaaka molopota yawo yomweedhi nguka yomvula yo-2017/18 yUundemokoli kombinga yomutengekwathaneko gwelongitho lyiimaliwa yepangelo.

Omaipulo gamwe ngoka ga holoka po ngashiingeyi okombinga yopoloyeka yOmapekaapeko nOmayambulepo moshikondo shoka ndjoka ya pewa oshimaliwa shoobiliyona 6.7.

IPPR okwa kunkilile omolwa oshimaliwa shoobiliyona 10.7 shoka sha pewa iikondo iyali shEgameno naashoka shOpolisi.

Oshiputudhilo shoka sha holola omaipulo sho iikondo mbyoka iyali ya pewa oshipambu oshinene shiimaliwa yoshigwana tashi yelekwa konyala niimaliwa mbyoka ya pewa oshikondo shElongo , shoka sha pewa oobiliyona 11.98.

“Onga oshizemo shegandjo lyiimaliwa oyindji koshikondo shegameno lyaNamibia nena Namibia okuli ponomola onti-12 mokati kiilongo mbyoka hayi longitha omwaalu omunene gwiimaliwa miikondo yawo yegameno,” olopota yoIPPR ya holola.

Omushangi gwolopota ndjoka okwa holola kutya nonando elongitho lyiimaliwa yilwe otali popilwa moshikondo shoka, elongitho limwe itali popilwa.

Omaiyuvo gamwe ga hololwa molopota ndjokaa natango oongoka kutya nonando oshikondo shegameno otashi pewa iimaliwa oyindji opo aniwa shi vule okugandja oompito dhiilonga kaanyasha moNamibia, natango oshikondo shoka osho tashi pewa iimaliwa oyindji yomayambulepo.

Iimaliwa mbyoka otayi longithwa mokutunga nokuwapaleka ookamba dhaakwiita moshilongo, oshowo opoloyeka yimwe yomoopoloyeka ndjoka ya pewa oshimaliwa shoobiliyona odhindji tayi ithanwa kutya opoloyeka yomilitali yOmapekaapeko nOmayambulepo.

IPPR oya manitha kutya otaku tengenekwa kutya iimaliwa mbyoka tayi pewa oshikondo shoka otayi shuna pevi okuza poopresenda 4.8 dhiimaliwa yoshilongo okuyeleka nomvula yo-2015 okuya poopresenda 3 momvula yo-2019.

JANA-MARI SMITH

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Ondjele yokwaahena iilonga otayi limbilike

May 29, 2017, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Epangelo lya kumike aaniilonga yalyo kombinga yoondjambi

≪ Previous: Omilitali otayi longitha iimaliwa oyindji noonkondo

Ondjele yokwaahena iilonga otayi limbilike

Omupresidende gwoDTA McHenry Venaani okwa holola kutya oshizemo shoNational Labour Force Survey otashi limbilike sho konyala ngashiingeyi omunyasha omutiyali kehe tomono a taalela onkalo yokwaahena iilonga.

Okwa popi ngaaka sha landula olopota yoNamibian Statistics Agency (NSA), ndjoka ya holola kutya ondjele yokwaahena iilonga moNamibia oyi li poopresenda 34 omanga okwaahena iilonga mokati kaanyasha kwa londo pombanda noopresenda 4.5 okuza mo-2014 sigo 2016.

Venaani okwati: “NSA okwa mono kutya okwaahena iilonga mokati kaanyasha okwa londo pombanda okuza poopresenda 39 mo-2014 okuya poopresenda 43.4 mo-2016. Shoka otashi ulike e yo pombanda noopresenda 4.5. naNamibia okuli moshiponga noonkondo molwashoka omiyalu ndhoka otadhi ulike kutya kehe omuntu omunyasha omutiyali to tsakaneke moshilongo ke na iilonga,”

Venaani okwa popi kutya aanyasha oyo ya kalela po omwaalu omunene gwaakwashigwana moshilongo nongele nena kaye na shoka taya longo molwaashoka kaye na iilonga , shoka otashi tula moshiponga eliko lyoshilongo.

Omuleli gwoDTA okwa gandja uusama omolwa onkalo ndjoka, kelelo li li koshipundi lwOmupresidende Hage Geingob.

“Ashihe shoka oshe ya pethimbo ndyoka epangelo lyaGeingob tali popi kutya otali kondjitha oluhepo.

Oto kondjitha ngiini oluhepo ngele ondjele yokwaahena iilonga oya londa pombanda noonkondo mokati kaanyasha pethimbo to longitha oHarambee [Prosperity Plan]?” Venaani a pula.

“Shika nashi kale edhimbulukitho kaatoti yomilandu yetu kutya otashi vulika omilandu itadhi longo nenge tadhi longithwa mondjila ya puka. Okutota po oompito dhiilonga osha pumbwa okukala shimwe shomiikondjithi yoluhepo,” Veenani a tsikile.

Pahapu dhe kashi li mondjila iiputudhilo yelongo lyopombanda moNamibia yi tsikile nokunduluka aailongi mboka kaye na ontseyo ya sha nuunongo moshikondo shaaniilonga moNamibia.

Venaani okwa pula opo omilandu dhoshilongo dhi ningwe kwiikwatelelwa kuunongo mboka wuli mokati kaanyasha nokutala kutya aanyasha oya pumbwa okudheulilwa uunongo wu ni.

Kwiikwatelelwa kolopota yoNSA, aantu ya thika po 349 383 otaya kongo iilonga ihe itaya mono iilonga.

OGONE TLHAGE

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Epangelo lya kumike aaniilonga yalyo kombinga yoondjambi

May 29, 2017, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Inamu dhimbwa mpoka mwa za - Nujoma

≪ Previous: Ondjele yokwaahena iilonga otayi limbilike

Epangelo lya kumike aaniilonga yalyo kombinga yoondjambiOondjambi otadhi ka futwa Uuministeli wEmona lyoshilongo owa ekelehi oolopota dha holoka kutya otashi vulika oondjambi dhaaniilonga yepangelo dhi kale inadhi futwa omwedhi nguka.

Oshikondo shEmona osha tindi nomuthindo omapopyo kutya ngele epangelo itali ka futa oondjambi dhiikondo mbyoka yi na omayalulo goombanga geli moondjo.

“Oondjambi otadhi ka futwa ngaashi shito,” omukanda ngoka gwa pitithwa mEtitano kuEsau Mbako ngoka e li omukwatheli gwaMinista Calle Schlettwein, gwa holola.

Omukanda ogwa holola kutya elongekidho lyoondjambi lyomwedhi Mei, olya manithwa nale.

Oshinyolwa shoka sha pitithwa mEtitano, otaku popiwa kutya osha landula omukanda ngoka gwa pitithwa kuamushanga gwoKabinete, George Simataa, ngoka inagu monika koNamibian Sun ogwa holola kutya aniwa aanambelewa aayalulimambo miikondo ayihe yepangelo na ya kwashilipaleke kutya iikondo ayihe mbyoka yi li moondjo komayalulo goombanga dhawo naya wapaleke omayalulo gawo pakufuta ko oondjo ndhoka omanga oondjambi inadhi futwa.

Esiku lyahugunina lya gandjwa, omasiku , 23 Mei 2017.

Minista okwa popi kutya omukanda ngoka gwa pitithwa okukwashilipaleka owala nokudhimbulukitha aanambelewa mboka kutya oya landula omilandu dhepangelo dhefuto lyoondjambi.

Esau okwa yelitha kutya “Oondjambia adhihe dhepangelo ohadhi futwa okupitila momusindalandu gwepangelo gwefuto lyoondjambi naanambelewa ayehe yomayalulo oya pumbwa okwiiyutha komulandu ngoka. Uuna omunambelewa gwomayalulo a pula omwaalu guli pombanda yaangoka gwa pitithwa koTreasury Authorisation Warrant (TAW), nena eindilo ndyoka ohali shunithwa komunambelewa ngoka opo a pule oshimaliwa shi li meni lyomwaalu ngoka tagu pitikwa koTAW.”

“Etseyitho ndyoka okuza kuamushanga gwoKabinete okuya kaanambelewa mboka olya ningwa opo ya dhimbulukithwe yiiyuthe komulandu ngoka.”

Oshikundaneki shimwe po shokoshiwike osha pititha onkundana ndjoka ya holola omukanda tagu popi kutya, epangelo okupitila mUuministeli wEmona muKotomba gwo-2013, olya tula miilonga oshiketha shokutala nokukondolopa epititho lyoondjambi, sho kwa dhidhilikwa kutya okwa li kwa longithwa iimaliwa oyindji miifuta yoondjambi.

Omukanda ngoka ogwa kunkilile aanambelewa aayalulimambo kutya ngele omayalulo goombanga dhiikondo yawo oga adhika moondjo nena epangelo itali ka vula okupula komeho nokufuta oondjambi dhaMei miikondo moka.

Omukanda ngoka gwa pitithwa kuamushanga gwoKabinete ogwa holola kutya epangelo ohali longitha owala omulandu gumwe mefuto lyoondjambi, nongele nena okwa ningwa epuko koshikondo shimwe nena epuko ndyoka otali vulu okuguma iikondo ayihe.

Oshikundaneki shoka osha holola kutya, Simataa okwa popi kutya epangelo otali kongo omulandu gumwe ngoka tagu ka utha opo oondjambi dhaaniionga dhi futwe paikondo ihe sigo ethimbo ndyoka omulandu inagu tulwa miilonga, nena aanambelewa aayalulimambo yiikondo ya yooloka mepangelo oya pumbwa, okwiiyutha komilandu, dhoka tadhi pula opo aluhe omayalulo goombanga dhiikondo yawo ga kale kage li moondjo.

Kuyele muMei, Omuprima Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila okwa holola kutya aaniilonga yepangelo ayehe kumwe inamu kwatelwa aanapolotika oshowo aanambelewa yegameno noshikondo shopolisi oyeli 68 000. Okwa gwedha ko kutya aanambelewa yopolisi oshowo oshikondo shegameno otaya ihiilile po- 100 000.

Otaku tengenekwa kutya epangelo ohali longitha oshimaliwa shili pokati koobiliyona 25 no 28 komvula moondjambi dhaaniilonga yepangelo.

Omwedhi nguka oshiputudhilo shoInstitute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) osha kunkilile kutya epangelo ohali longitha omwaalu omunene gwiimaliwa mokufuta oondjambi dhaaniiloga nonkalo ndjoka otashi vulika yi ka tule oshilongo muupyakadhi monakuyiwa.

JANA-MARI SMITH

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Inamu dhimbwa mpoka mwa za - Nujoma

May 29, 2017, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Young Chinese in the red

≪ Previous: Epangelo lya kumike aaniilonga yalyo kombinga yoondjambi

Inamu dhimbwa mpoka mwa za - Nujoma

Omukokoli presidende okwa popi kutya aanyasha otaya kala nokudhimbwa mpoka ya za ngele otaya idhimbike omidhigululwakalo dhawo.

Okwa popi kutya ngashiingeyi aavali otaya luku oyana omadhina gaazaizai nokulongitha ethimbo lyawo olindji mokunwa omalovu poondingosho pehala lyokukala komagumbo taya longo aanona yawo kombinga yoomithigululwakalo.

Nujoma okwa li ta popi poshituthi shomagongo shoka sha ningilwa momukunda Onamega moshitopolwa shaMusati.

“Omukalo gumwe gopamuthigululwakalo gwetu okuluka aanona yetu omadhina gopamuthigululwakalo ngoka ge na eityo lyontumba nenge tali dhimbulukitha oshiningwanima shontumba nenge mokudhimbuluka ependa lyontumba,” Nujoma ta ti.

“Monena otatu luku owala aanona yetu omadhina omazaizai. Otatu tseya ngiini kutya otwa za peni ngele itatu popi kombinga yomadhina gooSamuel Maharero, Iipumbu Ya Tshilongo, noMandume Ya Ndemufayo? Otashi etitha ohenda onene sho aavali oyendji ngashiingeyi ihaya kala naanona yawo momagumbo ihe oyeli owala koondingosho taya nu omalovu unene aalumentu.”

Nujoma okwa tsikile kutya otashi piyaganeke sho aanona oyendji ihaya vulu okupopya omalaka gooyina , na okwa popi kutya omukalo ngoka inagu hwahwamekwa molwaashoka osha simana noonkondo opo uunona wu kale tawu popi omalaka gooyina.

Omukokoli presidende okwa popi kutya onkalo ndjoka oyo tayi etitha aanona ya kale itaya simanake omithigululwakalo molwaashoka kape na ngoka te ya kwatele komeho.

Okwa pula aaleli yopamuthigulukwakalo ya tsikile okukala taya hwahwameke omithigululwakalo noonkuluhedhi mokati kaanyasha.

“Oshigwana shoka sha simaneka omithigululwakalo dhasho otashi kala aluhe shi na uukumwe noshilimbo,” Nujoma ta ti.

KENYA KAMBOWE

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