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Young Chinese in the red

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Young Chinese in the redYoung Chinese in the redEasy credit drives up debt Auto financing has been soaring by 40% a year and high-speed growth in the sector is expected to continue. When Wu Qi and her husband traded in their Mazda 3 for a more expensive Mercedes Benz sedan, they applied for a 200 000 yuan (US$29 000) bank loan to help pay for it.

They got the money within minutes.

Quick and easy access to credit has encouraged many young Chinese to go into the red to buy cars and apartments they could not otherwise afford.

They are the faces of China's growing addiction to debt, which along with government and corporate borrowing, has raised fears of a looming crisis and prompted Moody's ratings agency to slash the country's credit score last week for the first time in nearly three decades.

“It is very easy - the car company encourages you to borrow the money and enjoy the car,” said Wu, 39, adding the couple is also paying off a one million yuan mortgage for a three-bedroom flat in Beijing.

Since Chinese leaders turned on the credit taps in late 2008 to shield the country from the global recession, household borrowing has soared and pushed China's overall debt liabilities above 260% of gross domestic product - compared with about 140% before the crisis hit.

But slowing growth in the world's second-largest economy has raised concerns that years of risky lending could lead to a disaster worse than the US sub-prime collapse.

“While such debt levels are not uncommon in highly rated countries, they tend to be seen in countries which have much higher per capita incomes, deeper financial markets and stronger institutions than China's,” Moody's said.

Household debt has become the major driver of China's credit growth, expanding by an average of 19 percent a year since 2011, said Chen Long, an economist at Gavekal Dragonomics.

If it continues to grow at this pace, household debt would reach roughly 66 trillion yuan by 2020 - more than double the current level - and potentially 70% of GDP versus 30% back in 2013.

“Other countries have usually taken decades to complete such an increase,” said Chen.

“For bank lending to households to rise very rapidly usually means lending standards are loosened so credit is extended to both more and less creditworthy consumers.”

Mortgages make up the bulk of household debt.

Chinese have long favoured putting their savings into bricks and mortar due to the low bank deposit rates on offer, volatility in the stock market and strict rules that make it difficult to invest money abroad.

“It's a safe choice,” said homeowner Charlie Liu, 26, who also rents out her flat on Airbnb to help cover the repayments on her 1.4 million yuan mortgage.

But as apartment prices have soared - often doubling within a few years, particularly in major cities - fears of a real estate bubble have mounted.

The government has responded by periodically tightening restrictions on property purchases and hiking minimum down payments - up to 80% for a second home in Beijing, according to state media - to stabilise the market.

But prices continue to rise, forcing young homebuyers deeper into debt.

Wang Yuchen, 28, borrowed three million yuan from the bank in August to buy a 4.75 million yuan apartment in Beijing.

Lacking enough cash, Wang turned to his parents and friends to help pay the deposit.

“In 2012 I could have bought the same apartment for 1.5 million yuan,” Wang said.





NAMPA/AFP

Tunisian health sector in ruins

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Tunisian health sector in ruinsTunisian health sector in ruinsPublic healthcare struggles to heal itself State healthcare has deteriorated in the North African country, which is failing to meet modern demand. Overcrowded hospitals, exhausted staff and, disgruntled patients... Tunisia's public health sector is struggling to heal its many maladies.

Hours of waiting for treatment, angry patients and broken equipment have become chronic problems.

“Our hospitals are ruins,” Amel Belhaj said as she visited her bedridden father in a Tunis hospital ward with mould-tainted walls and rusty radiators.

“On top of our illnesses, we have to cope with the misery of these places, the dirt, the behaviour of the staff,” she said.

The nearby toilets smelled strongly of urine and rubbish was strewn on the floor.

Her father, who occupied one of the ward's 11 beds, refused to comment.

Developing the health sector has been a key priority for Tunisian governments since the country gained independence from France in 1956.

Today, the North African country's 11 million people are served by some 166 hospitals and 2 100 health centres, according to official figures.

But public health services have deteriorated since the 1990s and are failing to meet modern demand, according to a report last year by the health section of the powerful UGTT union.

“If there is one public service that needs urgent reform, it is the health sector,” it said, bemoaning “social inequality” in treatment.

The sector suffers from corruption, regional inequalities in access to advanced equipment and “medical deserts” – entire regions suffering a scarcity of healthcare professionals.

The UGTT study said Tunisia risked backtracking on the advances it has made since independence from France in 1956.

“There are services we're proud of and others that need particular attention,” said Kaouther Hedhili, a senior health ministry official who admitted the current state of the sector was a “major failure”.

She said Tunisia's public services were saturated with staff following massive recruitment into menial and administrative jobs after the 2011 revolution.

Yet hospitals also lack qualified medical staff - across the country, the sector has a shortfall of almost 14,000 staff.

Hospitals are also burdened with some US$207 million (185 million euros) of debt, she said.

But senior health official Nabiha Borsali Falfoul said public criticism of the sector is often exaggerated.

“The hospitals are in great demand,” she said. “The staff are working beyond their means.”

Authorities also point out that general life expectancy in Tunisia has risen from 66 to 73 in just a decade, a sign the health service is doing its job.

One hospital official, who asked not to be identified, complained that private health operators were “demonising” the public sector.

Private clinics have mushroomed to serve wealthy clients and an influx of Libyan patients.

But because of their cost, most are out of reach for many Tunisians, who are forced to rely on public health services.

Chokri Hamouda, head of the emergency department at the Charles-Nicolle Hospital in Tunis, said a solution was urgently needed to tackle the lack of qualified medical staff.

It is imperative “to adapt the means available to the needs of the citizen”, he said.

“You can't put a price on good health, but ensuring it does have a cost.”



NAMPA/AFP

Esau raps NAMFI management

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Esau raps NAMFI managementEsau raps NAMFI managementFinancial report delayed Fisheries minister Bernhardt Esau was not happy with the feedback provided by the Namibian Maritime and Fisheries Institute last week. The audited financial statements of the Namibian Maritime and Fisheries Institute (NAMFI) for 2015/16 have been delayed and will only become available in two weeks' time.

NAMFI director Cornelius Bundje told fisheries and marine resources minister Bernhardt Esau during the appointment of the institution's eighth board of trustees in Walvis Bay last week that the auditors were preparing the document and gave assurances that it would be ready.

Esau said he was not happy with the feedback provided and with the incomplete report and pointed out that the board had not endorsed the report presented by Bundje on behalf and in the absence of outgoing chairperson Connie Pandeni.

“Activity reports must be produced, work plans have to be approved and tabled via the board and should carry its stamp of approval.

“The time of doing things the way it had been done in the past is gone. Management must take its responsibilities serious and account to the ministry through the board and not via the office of the permanent secretary.”

The minister expressed his disappointment with what had been prepared on the day and said he would not accept the annual report as is.

“Procedures were clearly not followed and the process was not properly done.

“The complete document must be submitted for scrutiny and discussion by the industry and the ministry.

“I need to see the audited financial statements and know the opinion of the auditors as the responsible minister in order to determine how donated money and government allocated funds was used. I also want a detailed report from the board of trustees.”

According to Esau it was evident that there was something seriously wrong with the management of the institution and he urged the newly appointed board to take full control of this component.

“I am well aware that in this year of budget cuts, institutions including NAMFI would find it easy to offer excuses for none performance.

“I can see in terms of what has been presented to me that there still remained a lot that needs to be done.

“The new NAMFI board of trustees must know that they are in charge of management and of every aspect in terms of the corporate governance of the institution.

“I expect you to ensure that NAMFI performs as per expectations without any excuses and I want you to urgently work on and implement a programme of action.”

The minister noted that NAMFI had done a lot as reported and outlined in the annual report that was presented, but the document must be discussed and scrutinised to determine whether the needs of the industry were really being addressed.



OTIS FINCK

Drone operator counts costs

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Drone operator counts costsDrone operator counts costs A local drone operator, Paulo Coelho, says the absence of clear drone regulation is threatening the viability of his drone business.

He told Namibian Sun that he has not been able to shoot any pictures or videos because he cannot fly his drones at the moment.

Feeling hard done by the decision taken to restrict the movement of drones, Coelho said: “I stand to lose quite a bit as I may not be able to sell or produce any video content with my drones. I would not dispose of them, but if push ever comes to shove, I would sell them online in another country.”

Drones have been used in the past by Afrikaans radio station Kosmos to capture incidents of bad driving by motorists.

While a ban on the use of drones has not been imposed, there are limitations to what drone operators can do following the adoption of a conceptual framework by cabinet.

“Yes I do, I firmly believe that proper regulation needs to be in place to protect both the drone operator and the aviation community. I however do not agree with some of the rules they are proposing and have advocated for a workshop where we can address concerns on both sides,” said Coelho.

“I believe that we will get this sorted out; we are in the process of forming an association that will create one reporting channel between hobbyists and commercial drone pilots and the DCA/Namibia Civil Aviation Authority,” Coelho said.

Drones are unmanned aerial aircraft used for surveillance, deliveries and photography, to mention but a few of their functions.

Coelho said the process of forming an association is done, “members will be invited to register their drones and hopefully receive a registration number identifying the drone and thus incidents can be reported and the culprit can be identified so that action can be taken. There is an absolute possibility that we can all co-exist with safety as the number one priority”.

Meanwhile, drone pilot Clay Elves recently expressed his dissatisfaction at the lack of drone regulation.

“The biggest problem is that there is not a set legislation to deal with drones. The NCAA is still discussing. The truth of the matter is, they do not have the capacity to regulate the use of drones, and they will need a dedicated team. The NCAA has their work cut out for them. The biggest problem is the lack of stipulated legislation,” he said following discussions with the authority.

Operators of drones will now also be required to apply for a pilot's certificate through the NCAA.

With the recently adopted regulations, no person may operate a drone flying in excess of 100 miles per hour, nor will any person operating a drone fly higher than 400 metres, nor will any person be allowed to operate a drone under the influence of alcohol.

OGONE TLHAGE

First Junior National Council opens

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First Junior National Council opensFirst Junior National Council opensHonouring the voice of the youth The first ever Junior National Council of Namibia established to address youth matters was officially launched last week. Made up of 42 school-going learners from the 14 regions, the council was officially established to represent Namibia's youth and to provide a national platform for school-going youth where they can discuss pertinent issues concerning them. The platform will also serve as a stage to campaign for change that the youth hope to see take place in society.

Speaking at the official opening ceremony, the National Council chairperson, Margaret Mensah-Williams said the aim of the National Council is to develop a generation of young people who are politically conscious and responsible citizens. “We are doing this by introducing young leaders early on in their lives to knowledge about how laws are made and by extension, to the electoral process,” said Mensah-Williams.

Clarifying the structure of the Junior National Council, Mensah-Williams said the Junior National Council is part and parcel of a bottom-up-democratic-system which starts at the grassroots in all of Namibia's 121 constituencies to form junior councils in all the 14 regions. “In this way, the junior National Council mirrors the structure of its senior counterparts, in the National Council,” Mensah-Williams explained.

The theme for the first session of the Junior National Council was “Parliament Engages Youth Perspectives on the Sustainable Development Goals.”

“The chosen theme aligns with that of parliament for this financial year, which is “Parliament Working Towards the Attainment of Sustainable Development Goals,” Mensah-Williams said.

Mensah-Williams called on the members of the Junior National Council to take advantage of the unique platform that has been offered to them by bringing the best to the discussion table. She further cautioned the youth to balance their national duties and academic duties. “Study hard because if you fail at school you will also fail the nation,” she cautioned. She further promised to listen to the members of the Junior Council and advised them to respect the people that they are representing while same time maintain being independent thinkers.

“As your elected leaders, we promise to listen and recognise the issues that are most important to you as young people, we will table your concerns and proposals from your session in our next session,” said Mensah-Williams.

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

US fellowship candidates announced

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US fellowship candidates announcedUS fellowship candidates announced The US Embassy in Windhoek recently announced the candidates selected to represent Namibia at the 2017 Mandela Washington Fellowship (MWF).

Launched in 2014, MWF is the flagship programme of President Barack Obama's Young African Leader Initiative (YALI). The programme empowers young leaders through academic coursework, leadership training, and networking.

“In 2016, the fellowship provided nearly one thousand outstanding young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa with the opportunity to hone their skills at a US higher education institution with support for professional development after they return home,” says a press statement from MWF.

Ideal candidates are self-identified leaders, aged 25 to 35, with proven accomplishment in promoting innovation and positive change in their organisations, institutions, communities, and countries and the programme takes place in the United States over a period of six months.

The Zone spoke to some of the participants to hear their expectations. Natasha Hakskeen who will be going for civic leadership training said she hopes to gain vast knowledge on how she can improve her civic leadership career. “I want to be a driver of change and make an impact in my community and I hope to use this programme to help me achieve that,” she said.

Outjo Mayor Marius Sheya is going to Bridgewater State University in Boston and he told The Zone that he is going on the programme as a public management participant and hopes to enhance his leadership skills though this programme. “As a local authority we are under pressure when it comes to land delivery and one of the aspects I am looking forward to learn in this programme is to learn how to meet expectations of the people,” Sheya said. Sheya added that he is going to study the mechanism leaders in different towns and cities in America use to deliver affordable land to the people so that he can also implement these mechanisms when he comes back.

Lizette Feris, another participant, hopes to gain fresh knowledge on how to solve social problems. “When I come back I want to a mentorship programme that will help the youth be involved in the dialogue concerning national matters,” said Feris

At the same occasion, the United States Embassy held a pre-departure orientation for all participants. The orientation presented an overview of the YALI programme and answered questions from the participants and information about opportunities for future engagement.

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

Lerato was her name

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Lerato was her nameLerato was her name I have always wondered whether I am deliberately oblivious of the subtle gestures of affection from a woman or more pathetically, why those gestures mean absolutely nothing. This anchor fixation remains a bewildering personal mystery. It becomes a cold case file in which I lie on this bed alone and prone to freezing this winter. The nightwalkers in Game of Thrones did alert me about this dreadful winter but I chose not to be susceptible.

The consequences of my ignorance are excruciating. My sleep is burdened with dreams invaded by disheartening graphic images of Lerato and Connor in the most playful sexual adventure you can possibly imagine, deeply and concisely exploring each other's physical limits. I had no clue there were so many sex positions. “I can't anymore!” my emotions are vocalised. This was not going to go away. My heart surged with despair and fury, coinciding with immense passion. I had to go and find Lerato.

Alas, I am faced with a growing contradiction and a soliloquy starts in my head. Am I harbouring a self-righteous endeavour to dignify my dismantled ego by wooing the tantalising, and overtly romanticized gem that is Lerato. “You egocentric scumbag!” Or, is she maybe the chosen one by the universe to bring me down to my knees and kiss my pride goodbye. I'm a lover not fighter but at this particular moment in my life, Cupid has to use his arrows in the battlefield.

Its 4 o'clock in the morning and dawn is creeping in. I gaze at my packet of Marlboro cigarettes, in the corner of the room and stubs decorate my desk. I've been blowing smoke since 1o'clock attempting to harness my raw thoughts into a strategic plan to conquer her heart. “You're so cheesy, my goodness!”

My cigarette is lit, inhaling the first puff, exhaling only after I feel the full depth of it seeping through me. I reach for my phone. Lerato is already enlisted on my speed-dial. It is 4:25 and I can't call now. However, she mentioned that she jogs every day at 5 o'clock and surely she must be awake getting ready by now or if not, I can be her alarm. But, I have to sound sexy, a soothing deep monotone must play in her head. I coughed three times, to make sure that I do not squeal and ruin my attempt to look like a macho man. I press the dial button. She picks up. “Hello?”

James Jamu



* James Jamu is a Bachelor of Journalism and Media Technology student at the Namibian University of Science and Technology. Jamu is a firm believer of Pan-Africanism and black empowerment.

A life of a teen

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A life of a teenA life of a teen Living in a world now driven by technology, style and competition; there are a lot of challenges.

We always want to fit in and emulate what others are doing like smoking and drinking alcohol.

We become sexually active just because friends are doing it. We always want to impress others and end up suffering the consequences of our actions. Most of the time we want to follow the crowd and think we are loved just because our parents cannot give us what we want.

We always feel that what we get is not enough because we want to be like and act like the rest of the teens who are well off. We are given so many opportunities which our parents never had and take things for granted. Many a times we try to emulate other people's cultural norms and mostly the western culture at the expense of our own cultures, which are grounded in deep morals values and principles. As a result, we lose our cultural and traditional values.

We always want to have expensive phones and designer clothes and in the process forget where we come from. We worry so much about how we look.

We want to be recognised and asking too much from our parents and guardians and not even appreciating what they give us. Yes, they give us what we want here and there, but we don't show any gratitude for what they provide for us because we want more than they can afford. We care so much about what people say, but forget the fact that you have to be who you are. So, let us remember to be proud of whom we are and stop bothering about what people say or think because people will always have something to say. We even feel insecure, miserable and sometimes end up feeling suicidal because of comments made about you.

So, hold your head high and love, accept, respect and appreciate who you are and not who other people want you to be. At the end of the day, we are all wonderfully and fearfully created by God.

* Vemutjiua Katjivena is a grade 9 student at Delta Secondary School in Windhoek. She believes in making everybody feel important and also strongly believes that youth will make a better place for the next generation.

Lerato was her name

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Lerato was her nameLerato was her name I have always wondered whether I am deliberately oblivious of the subtle gestures of affection from a woman or more pathetically, why those gestures mean absolutely nothing.

This anchor fixation remains a bewildering personal mystery. It becomes a cold case file in which I lie on this bed alone and prone to freezing this winter. The nightwalkers in Game of Thrones did alert me about this dreadful winter but I chose not to be susceptible.

The consequences of my ignorance are excruciating. My sleep is burdened with dreams invaded by disheartening graphic images of Lerato and Connor in the most playful sexual adventure you can possibly imagine, deeply and concisely exploring each other's physical limits. I had no clue there were so many sex positions. “I can't anymore!” my emotions are vocalised. This was not going to go away. My heart surged with despair and fury, coinciding with immense passion. I had to go and find Lerato.

Alas, I am faced with a growing contradiction and a soliloquy starts in my head. Am I harbouring a self-righteous endeavour to dignify my dismantled ego by wooing the tantalising, and overtly romanticised gem that is Lerato. “You egocentric scumbag!” Or, is she maybe the chosen one by the universe to bring me down to my knees and kiss my pride goodbye. I'm a lover not fighter but at this particular moment in my life, Cupid has to use his arrows in the battlefield.

Its 4 o'clock in the morning and dawn is creeping in. I gaze at my packet of Marlboro cigarettes, in the corner of the room and stubs decorate my desk. I've been blowing smoke since 1 o'clock attempting to harness my raw thoughts into a strategic plan to conquer her heart. “You're so cheesy, my goodness!”

My cigarette is lit, inhaling the first puff, exhaling only after I feel the full depth of it seeping through me. I reach for my phone. Lerato is already enlisted on my speed-dial. It is 4:25 and I can't call now. However, she mentioned that she jogs every day at 5 o'clock and surely she must be awake getting ready by now or if not, I can be her alarm. But, I have to sound sexy, a soothing deep monotone must play in her head. I coughed three times, to make sure that I do not squeal and ruin my attempt to look like a macho man. I press the dial button. She picks up. “Hello?”

* James Jamu is a Bachelor of Journalism and Media Technology student at the Namibian University of Science and Technology. Jamu is a firm believer of Pan-Africanism and black empowerment.

Chelsi's modeling trail

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Chelsi's modeling trailChelsi's modeling trailThe catwalk is what she loves best From the dusty streets of Walvis Bay, Chelsi Tashaleen Shikongo is turning heads on the ramp in South Africa. I grew up in Walvis Bay for the best part of my life, but I am now currently based in Cape Town, South Africa. Modeling has been my childhood passion but, I officially started my modeling career in 2010 with a modeling school called LCS's Models based in Walvis Bay. I worked with them until 2011 and thereafter started freelancing.

Unfortunately, I stopped for a while due to pressure from school work. I finished my matric in 2014. Thereafter, I took a gap year and in 2015, I was at it again but this time working with local designers such as Melissa Poulton and McBright Kavari and doing shoots with Paolography of Pablo Scheinder. In 2016, I entered a Truworths competition and they were looking for a brand ambassador. I could not attend the competition because by that time, I did not even have a passport. This did not discourage me because they were really interested in me. Boss Models Cape Town signed me in October last year.

Cape Town has been a learning and curve and so far, I have worked with Spree and Truworths. People do not understand how hard it is to get into this career because you have to be physically and mentally ready for change and building your reputation. There are a lot of obstacles and I have experienced a lot them. But, because of all those obstacles, they have made me who I am today and there is still a lot to learn. With this career, it is always about connecting and advertising.

If you truly invest your time and effort, you will marvel the progress and be proud of your achievements. It is very important to choose the type of modeling you are good at once you identify it, work to perfect it. There is always a range of opportunities because modeling has been around for a long time and every day, agencies scout for girls. However, one should be careful to avoid becoming a victim of human trafficking. Do your research and involve family and friends.

I also do advocacy for teenage pregnancy and I have my own campaign called “I Can Say No”. We aim to promote abstinence and minimise the rate of teenage pregnancies and unwanted pregnancies in Namibia through sex education programs. We are still in the early stages of our campaign but, whenever or wherever I go, I always try and advocate for what I am really passionate about and that is being a peer educator of this deepening crisis in our county.

* Chelsi Tashaleen Shikongo is based in Cape Town, South Africa. She is an outgoing person who is always eager to learn and grab opportunities that come her way.

What will our generation be known for?

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What will our generation be known for?What will our generation be known for? Do you ever wonder what our generation will be known for? Does the thought cross your mind as often as it does mine? With the great amount of evolution that's taken place since the beginning of time, what will we be known for?

Will it be individualism? We are selfish and only willing to do or say things that benefit us in a way. We are constantly take selfies because it's all about “me, me, me”. Yet, we can't even genuinely love ourselves. So, we can get the likes and followers that surprisingly build our self-esteem and be widely known for nothing special.

Or is it the lack of originality in our fashion and music? Now there are high-waist jeans and shorts, old-skool vans, songs from older versions or remixes of old songs. We are repeating creations that are older than us. Bringing back the past, and reinventing it into a more modernised version is all we do. But, in actual sense, it's not original. We aren't creating anything new anymore.

Or, will it be self-destruction? You know because we burn our livers and poison our lungs, all because it's cool and feels temporarily good. Everyone wants to be cool, wants to be praised for being themselves... except it's not really ourselves - but it's a façade. Or, the fact that we cut our wrists open so we can somehow feel pain in physical and not emotional. Or, cutting our wrists open because someone famous or cool did it and we also do it to relate with them.

Is it the advanced technology and hunger for innovation? Those same devices rob us of our lives. They keep our eyes glued to a screen that is now available as a small, medium or large size. These devices offer everything from shopping, conversations, books and music to mention a few. We no longer need to go out and find someone to talk to or go to the mall to buy clothes. We now do everything on a screen that you chose as suitable for you. Isn't it sad how technology has taken us into its hands so easily? We stay inside our four walls that keep us away from the real world and from what really matters. Instead, it brainwashes us. It feeds us information and news that has been manipulated.

So, ask yourself what you really want our generation to be known for and what we are currently doing? Or, will you be the change you want to see even though we are considered to be reckless or if we are considered to be brainwashed, ignorant and negligent. We may be blindly following politicians and big corporations but I believe that maybe, just maybe, we will be able to make something big and important. If only we opened our minds and not our mouths in attempt to speak louder than the other. We want to be heard yet no one wants to listen.

*18 years old and repeating my grade 12 at Hope Rise Private College in Windhoek. I enjoy nature and the sight of animals. I hope to help people see what's really in front of them.

Cut above the rest

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Cut above the rest Cut above the rest He is not ashamed A young barber expresses to The Zone his experience as a barber why he chose to do it and his future aspiration in his chosen career path. Fernando Kududa has garnered a cult following and has made a name for himself as the person to see when you want to have the best hair cut in Windhoek. The 25 year old was born in Angola and moved to Namibia with his parents and that is where his story begins. “I was born at Lubango in Angola but I consider myself a Namibian because this is the place I call home,” said Kududa.

After he failed grade 10 at Mweshipandeka Senior Secondary High School in 2003, the barber was left in the cold and did not know what to do. “I was struggling and suffering and I was not really paying attention in school and I think that is one of the main reasons why I failed,” said Kududa. Kududa says he feared that he would end up on the streets and the idea of him not doing anything for himself scared him to a point when he decided to do something for himself. “I did not want to be on the streets and not do anything at all. People used to tell me that I had a talent but I never took them seriously.”

A family friend of Kududa started a salon business and asked him to work at the salon instead of him doing nothing. “My cousin Naftali Haipinge started a salon and asked me whether I could work for him and I agreed,” shared Kududa. He said he has an innate talent for cutting and grooming people’s hair and thus it was easy to make a name for him. “People loved the way I cut their hair and I think I was different from other people who cut hair and they appreciated my work better,” shared Kududa. He says he is passionate about making people look good and he is not ashamed of the fact that he earns a living from cutting hair. “It’s my job and my job is to make people feel good and I am not afraid to say that at all,” said Kududa. The barber says what he loves most about his business is the fact that no one gives him orders and he is independent and works for himself unlike many people. “I am my own boss and I make money for myself and I can do whatever I want for myself because I know if I do not work I will not eat,” said Kududa.

The hairstylist says there are many business opportunities that young people can tap into to empower themselves and make money. “If you take a look around your community there are many opportunities in business you can take part in to make money and make a living not only for yourself but your family as well,” said Kududa. Kududa stressed that it is important for the youth to be involved in businesses or initiatives that allow them to work for themselves because they will not rely on other people for anything in life. “If you have hands use them and make money from that because that way you work for yourself and will not have to rely on someone to provide things for you. You man your own business,” said Kududa. The barber says his job has taught him to respect other people and to always remain disciplined no matter whose hair he is cutting. “It is not only about making money but also respecting the people who work in the salon. I have respect for people and that is why I am successful at what I do,” said Kududa.

He said that people usually have a negative attitude towards hair cutters and what they do but believes it is a job that is no different from any other. “I make people look good and people who look good are happy and productive people at their jobs so my job is no different from anyone’s job,” said Kududa. Kududa says his clients are the most valuable asset for his business he makes sure he pleases them and that their demands are met all the time. “My customers are always happy and they are great people and I always make sure I give them the cut they request no matter how difficult it is,” said Kududa. He also says his clientele ranges from school kids, celebrities and even ministers. “I cut a lot of people hair from ordinary people to celebrities and even some of our ministers and that is why I take my job very seriously,” said Kududa. The hair stylist says he uses word of mouth marketing strategy to get more customers into his salon. “I normally cut peoples hair for free and let them go and let other people know I am the one who cut their hair and that’s how many customers flock to the salon because they are impressed by work,” said Kududa. Kududa is confident in his work and says he has the “magic” touch. “If I cut your hair you will go and tell other people about it that is how good I am,” said Kududa.

Kududa says that he has never worked for anyone for the past 14 years and has made a living from cutting peoples hair. “I haven’t done any other job since 2003 and I am happy I am my own boss. I make about N$2000 per day and I save most of that money as well,” said Kududa. He says from his hair cutting trade, he has been able to buy two cars and also mentors other young barbers who need his help. “I have two taxi’s that I bought from cutting peoples hair and that is a token of my hard work. I also mentor and teach other young barbers so they can be self-reliant like me.”

The hairstylist says he has plans to start his own salon in the future and hopes to employ more people. “I want to own my own salon because I currently work at another place. Hopefully in the future that will be possible because that way I can employ other people as well,” said Kududa.

Shona Ngava

Lighting his own dreams

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Lighting his own dreamsLighting his own dreamsDispelling negative perceptions about vocational colleges A general electrical engineering trainee from NamPower Vocational Training Centre says it is high time people stop looking down on vocational training. Tjihimise Karaerua is one of the top performing artisans at NamPower Vocational Training Centre who has been selected to take part in the WorldSkills competitions that will take place in Abu Dhabi.

“The WorldSkills competition is like the Olympics of vocational skills so it is an honour for me to be taking part in a competition of that magnitude but, more than anything, I want to change the negative perception associated to vocational training in Namibia,” Karaerua said.

He said every trainee at any vocational training centre had to work hard to be there.

“To be accepted into a vocational school especially in my trade is not a walk in the park as it is perceived by many, you need to have good grades because a lot of people apply for this trade,” he said.

He shared with The Zone that he will compete with other highly skilled artisans from different parts of the globe and he is preparing for the competition tirelessly, to come out victorious.

Karaerua added that the WorldSkills competition will be a learning curve and hopes to use the experience from the competition to enhance his career profile.

“Despite the fact that I will be representing my country, I am also going to learn from other competitors and use the knowledge I will gain to better my skills.”

Karaerua who went to Wennie du Plessis Secondary School and obtained 45 points in Grade 12 said he is disappointed by the way many people in Namibia label vocational training colleges as institutions for people who are intellectually weak.

“Many people in Namibia assume that vocational schools are for failures, which is not true. I hope with the WorldSkills competition coming up, I get a chance to change this perception,” he said.

Negative perception

Karaerua is urging vocational training aspirants not to be discouraged by the negative perception about vocational training institutions.

“To those who wish to be trained in various vocational trades, do not be discouraged from pursuing your dreams because vocational skills are just as good as those from other institutions,” said Karaerua.

He told The Zone that after completing matric, he initially wanted to study at the University of Namibia (Unam) but this dream did not materialise because of lack of funds.

“I then applied at NamPower Vocational Training Centre and also received a bursary. I am content because I am doing something that I love,” he added.

Karaerua describes himself as a perfectionist, saying not only does he strive to perfect his work but also expects others to take their training seriously.

“I am a competitive person but I do not undermine the work of those I compete with,” he said.

Karaerua grew up in Gobabis and is equally aware of the massive weight of expectation on his shoulders.

“We did not have electricity in our house but I did not let studying, using candle light, be an obstacle but a stepping stone,” he said.

He further said he believes that his childhood experience is one of the main driving forces that ignited his interest to study electrical installation.



Family support

Karaerua further said his family is supportive and he was amazed how his family reacted when they learned that he was chosen as one of the competitors to represent Namibia at the WorldSkills competition in Abhu Dhabi later this year in October.

“My family's reaction was immense and everyone is very happy for me, especially my mother. She even threw a party for me,” he said.

He said he has already started preparing for the competition and cannot wait to showcase his skills overseas.

“I am currently doing my internship but I make sure not to miss the weekend competition training sessions because I want to perform well at the competition,” Karaerua said.

He further said as a vocational college trainee, many people do not take him seriously but he is going to use this opportunity to show those who do not believe in vocational training how vocational skills can transform lives.

“I am hoping for the best and I hope the performance of fellow competitors will silence the critics,” he stated.

Karaerua said he does not necessarily have role models in his trade but he is motivated by his passion and his personal circumstances at home.

“Electrical engineering is my passion. I am my own role model; the circumstances and the desire to change the living standard at home motivates me to do and to be better in all that I do,” he said.



MICHAEL KAYUNDE

Men and feminism

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Men and feminismMen and feminism I tried my best to live up to the masculine stereotype, more often than not, not entirely successfully, despite it making me painfully unhappy. Society expects us to be tough and strong and we are raised not to cry and not to be as emotional as our female counterparts. Nevertheless, there are so many things we still need to address in the lives of men.

Recently there has been an outcry from men and women on social media against the violence committed against women in society. This outcry gave birth to the hash tag #menaretrash, which rubbed a lot of men up the wrong way. Many men felt that feminists are attacking them and that it is wrong to claim that all men are trash. Many of the women on social media argue that the hash tag was used to call men to order regarding some of the social evils that they have been committing in our communities. The hash tag also called for men to look at the way they treat women and for them to also start questioning the way other men treat women and to make sure that they are treating women right. Soon enough the battle lines were drawn on social media: it was the feminists versus the men. In reality the whole issue was not even a feminist thing to say the least.

Feminism is not about women receiving favour or superior rights, it is not about taking away the rights of men, or what is rightfully theirs. Feminism exists purely to challenge and fight disparities and dissimilarities as well as the inequalities that affect both men and women. After speaking to feminists and other men for almost two months now, just to sensitise myself on the issues affecting us, I discovered that the benefits of feminism aren't exclusive to women and by embracing the concept men can shed the negative expectations that come with being a male. I also learnt that men do not hate feminists they just do not understand what they stand for and what it is that they do. I always dismissed and rejected feminism as a radical idea coined by women, perhaps even believing in the perception that its entire existence was to undermine men, but the more I started learning about it, the more I started to realise just how wrong I was.

It is critical for men to be a part of feminist intervention. If feminism is to attain its goal of liberating women, then men must be a part of the struggle. Indeed, men probably bear more of the responsibility for ending the oppression of women, since patriarchal men have been the main perpetrators of that very oppression. But can men do this by becoming feminists or not?

Although I believe that men can be pro-feminist and anti-sexist, I do not believe we can be feminists in the strictest sense of the word in today's society. Men, in this male-controlled system, cannot eliminate themselves from their own influence, power, authority and privilege next to women. In order to be a feminist one should actually be a woman and thus the idea of men being part of a feminist society is already discarded, we can only stand from the side-lines and support these feminist women.

I may well be accused of explaining or taking a women's' issues and making it all about the men, but the reality is that gender equality is impossible without men being brought to the table. But as long as we have the public notion that feminism is anti-men, we will never be able to truly challenge the injustice of out-dated gender roles that are hurting so many.

A lot still needs to be done and men and women need to come to an understanding about what it is that they actually stand for, that way it will never be an us versus them dialogue every time feminist issues are raised in public.



Until next time. Peri nawa



shona@namibiansun.com

'Don't push me'

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'Don't push me''Don't push me'Zuma threatens ANC NEC The South African leader has survived yet another attempt by his party's national executive committee to unseat him from power. A furious President Jacob Zuma has threatened his detractors in the ANC not to “push him too far”.

Zuma addressed the party's national executive committee (NEC) meeting in Pretoria after surviving another motion for him to step down.

The party's highest decision-making body between conferences debated the motion for two days, with the meeting ending late on Sunday evening.

“He was very angry. It was the first time I have seen him so angry,” said an NEC source.

The source added that Zuma threatened ANC leaders in his closing address to stop criticising him in public as he will no longer continue to keep quiet.

“I have been quiet because I don't want to harm the ANC, so continue attacking me in the media and you will see,” Zuma is quoted saying to the ANC NEC.

The president further warned the NEC that it should be the last time he faced a motion of no confidence.

Zuma told the meeting he didn't understand calls for him to step down now as he was not standing for re-election at the party's elective conference in December.

Zuma is also said to have slammed the Gauteng ANC for blaming him for the party's electoral decline, reminding the province that it had refused to distribute T-shirts bearing his name for the 2016 local government electoral campaign.

He further blamed the party for losing the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality due to infighting that has plagued the ANC in the metro.

Zuma also referred to an alleged plot to poison him in 2014, saying he knew who was behind the plot but did not want to harm the ANC.



Second call to step down

The NEC debated Zuma's political future after ANC policy guru Joel Netshitenzhe put forward the motion – the second motion in six months for Zuma to vacate his office.

Two NEC members confirmed to News24 that Zuma had survived.

A source who attended the meeting told News24 that as many as 70 NEC members speakers spoke for and against the motion.

A Zuma supporter claimed that Zuma had the support of most speakers despite earlier confidence expressed by the faction opposing Zuma's leadership that their NEC support had grown.

Unconfirmed reports were that at least 18 NEC members, including Cabinet ministers, supported Netshitenzhe's motion, but that considerably more ANC leaders spoke against the motion for Zuma to step down. Zuma supporters said it was easier to “crush” the motion this time than in November when former tourism minister Derek Hanekom unexpectedly tabled a motion for Zuma to go.



NEWS24

Shot of the day

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Shot of the dayShot of the day TRIBUTE: Balloons and floral tributes are placed at St Ann's Square in Manchester, northwest England yesterday, in tribute to the victims of the 22 May terror attack at the Manchester Arena. A total of 16 people are in detention in Britain and Libya over the suicide bombing at an Ariane Grande pop concert in the English city of Manchester by a British-born man of Libyan origin. Photo: NAMPA/AFP

Today’s youth matter

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Today’s youth matterToday’s youth matter Many of our leading politicians were radical youth at some stage. It was because of their radicalism and unwavering spirit that we are an independent nation today. Many more examples of youthful determination can be made. Many will also remember vividly how the Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) played a pivotal role in the final years of the liberation struggle. These young students were fearless and particularly advocated for the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 435, the removal of teachers dressed in military uniform and the release of political prisoners during the struggle. The great revolutionary writer Frantz Fanon once opined that “each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfil it, or betray it”. Many of us can relate to these words and the onus is now clearly on the youth to discover and fulfil their mission. Today the younger generation, which wields enormous power, is asked to stand up for society when it faces challenges. Founding President Sam Nujoma at the weekend used a Swapo rally to remind young people that they were carrying a massive weight of expectation. “The youth should become active participants in the socio-economic development of our country in order to take our country to the advanced level of development and eradicate poverty, diseases, ignorance and under-development,” he was quoted saying at Okahao. Even the African Union recognised the youth’s influence in today’s challenging world by coming up with the theme Harnessing Demographic Dividends Through Investment in Youth for the Africa Day celebrations last week. The fact that our leaders are now starting to realise the important role of the youth in shaping their future is a good sign, but acknowledgement is not good enough. We must not allow the admirable energy and creativity of the youth to go to waste. The youth too deserve a seat at the big table. Nobody understands our interconnected world better than the youth. The tables have clearly turned now and the days of selfish politicians lining their pockets and feeding their big greedy bellies are numbered.

Fast track land reform

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Fast track land reformFast track land reformCouncillor bemoans resettlement process Land reform still remains a contentious issue 27 years after independence. Mariental Rural Constituency councillor Simon Christy Dukeleni has called for a review of the resettlement process, saying the current policy is not transparent.

“We must review the criteria for resettlement. Land is what people need. We should deal with the matter of resettlement with utmost care and circumspection,” he said recently during his contribution to the budget vote for the Ministry of Land Reform in the National Council where he serves as a member.

He suggested and urged the government to strengthen the regional structures to give them additional mandate to champion decentralisation.

According to Dukeleni, the resettlement programme is not transparent and the Ministry of Land Reform must find a lasting solution to the criticism raised about the allocation of land. He said although resettlement for land redistribution purposes is a must, the government must take a clinical look at how the process has so far been conducted.

Dukeleni emphasised that the land issue should never be seen as a curse, adding that it should not remain a source for discontent. He expressed hope that the second national land conference will address many sensitive issues around land and resettlement.

“Let us add speed and urgency to this matter. Let us all act fairly and responsibly whilst finding amicable solutions. Land is our national asset,” he said.

Dukeleni in highlighting problems within the resettlement programme said numerous farms on which people are resettled are not used productively due to lack of skills and/or resources.

According to him, it is disheartening that productive farms that are bought are split into small units that can only accommodate a herd of 70 to 80 livestock.

“With such small numbers of livestock, not even the most skilled or resourced person can make a commercial success. The smaller the unit the higher the risk for failure of a resettlement programme,” Dukeleni argued.

He added that the situation is worsened by the lengthy time taken before people are resettled and during that time, no maintenance takes place resulting in the infrastructure disintegrating.

Dukeleni also argues that more resources would be required to fix the equipment and property.

“People see an empty space of land and decide to invade it and removing them from such a land poses serious political challenges.”

He urged government to acquire more land to meet the high demand for land.

However, he said it is not very clear if all Namibians are buying into the noble vision of land redistribution.

“We have observed that many farms are registered as closed corporations, which are owned by a few individuals. While it would encourage business development, the closed corporations should not frustrate government's efforts to acquire more land,” he said.



FRED GOEIEMAN

Cardiff University trains police

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Cardiff University trains policeCardiff University trains police Cardiff University is leading essential life-saving training for police officers in Namibia to help tackle extremely high death rates on the country's roads.

Professor Judith Hall has worked with partners at another university in Cardiff, Cardiff Metropolitan University, to design a low cost 'trauma pack' as part of Cardiff University's transformative Phoenix Project. Police officers will be trained to use the trauma packs, which have been designed for deployment following traffic collisions. Doctors from the Welsh National Health Service will carry out the training from 29 May to 9 June 2017, with each police officer receiving a day's training ahead of a six-month trial in Windhoek.

The Phoenix Project, a partnership with the University of Namibia to improve health and reduce poverty in Namibia, has just been extended until at least 2022. “The trauma packs will save lives because too many people are dying following crashes on Namibia's roads,” said Professor Hall, who leads the Phoenix Project. The six-month pilot project - working with Windhoek City Police, Nampol, emergency services personnel and the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund - will see Wales-based doctors led by Dr Brian Jenkins from Cardiff University training police officers in Windhoek. The doctors, mainly from Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, will teach 150-200 police officers life-saving procedures using the trauma packs, which contain equipment such as neck collars, bandages and a stretcher.

The officers, who are due to be equipped with the packs from September 2017, will use them in the first 'golden hour' following traffic collisions when lives are most likely to be saved. Police officers were chosen to take part because they are often first at a crash scene. “This is a great initiative. Taking into account the country's high accident rate, and being first responding officers to accident scenes, I am confident that this training would play a significant role in ensuring that many lives are saved,” said City Police spokesperson Cillie Auala.

Professor Kenneth Matengu, Unam Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Development), said the university is delighted to work alongside Cardiff University and police forces in this important drive for road safety.



STAFF REPORTER

Youth Involvement in African Freedom

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Youth Involvement in African FreedomYouth Involvement in African Freedom Five days ago, Africans across the continent celebrated Africa Day, a day marking the freedom of African Nations and the formation of the then Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and now African Most African countries have only been free from western colonialism. Everything else, except self-rule is in the hands of western powers.

Africa is still struggling to have its own manufacturing industries. In most cases, Africa is 90 percent dependent on the first world for its needs. African leaders have not included certain sections of their citizens in development, with the youth the main victims. Many young people have been left out of the equation of making Africa not just politically free but also economically too. Among the pillars of the HPP is social progression, which is meant to assist with the development of the country through youth empowerment. In this edition of the Astute Conversation, Tobias and Johannes explain the highs and lows of the Harambee Prosperity Plan and the need to get young people involved in the development of the country – Joseph Kalimbwe.
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