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Aanooli ya dhimbuluka Ya Toivo

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Aanooli ya dhimbuluka Ya ToivoAanooli ya dhimbuluka Ya Toivo Aantu omayovi ya za miitopolwa yayooloka yonooli yoshilongo oshowo puushindalongo Angola, oya gongala pokapale koodhila mOndangwa opo ya taambeko omudhimba gwependafule lyaNamibia, Herman Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo ngoka gwa li gweetwa monooli opo ku ningwe oshituthi shokumudhimbuluka.

Oyendji oya popi kutya Ya Toivo omulumentu omumwiinekelwa, omunambili na okwa kala aluhe e na ethimbo naantu ayehe.

Ya Toivo, okwa valelwa mOmangundu momukunda guli popepi nOnyaanya moshitopolwa shaShikoto na okwa valwa momasiku 22 gaAguste mo-1924. Okwa hulitha epupi lyoomvula 92 mOvenduka momasiku 9 gaJuni. Efumbiko lye otali ningwa mehuliloshiwike twa taalela pOmawendo gOmapendafule muumbugantu waVenduka.

Sho a popi poshituthi shokudhimbuluka Ya Tivo, omuprima minister nale, Nahas Angula okwa popi kutya Ya Toivo okwa tamekele ekondjelomanguluko lyoshilongo she mondoolopa yaNdangwa, konima sho a galuka okuza kIita yUuyuni Iitiyali.

“Pamwe naaleli yakwawo oya totopo omukalo gomakwatathano pokati komikunda. Shoka osha gandja oonkondo kongundu yo OpO (SWAPO) . Ngele kasha li omolwa ekwatathano ndyoka nena andola ekondjelomangululo olya li edhigu noonkondo,” Angula ta ti.

Ominista yOshikondo shopolisi, retired major-general Charles Namholoh, ngoka a popi pehala lyepangelo, okwa popi kutya okwa tokola opo ku ningwe oshituthi shokudhimbuluka Ya Toivo mOndangwa, opo aantu mboka ya hala okumu pa esimano lyahugunina ye shi ninge molwaashoka ependa ndyoka otali ka fumbikwa kOmawendo gOmapendafule.

Sho Ya Toivo a galuka okuza kiita okwa longa iilonga yokodhalate, na okwa ningi gumwe gwomaatotipo yongundu yo Owambo People's Organisation (OPO) mo-1959, ndjoka lwanima ya lukululwa nokuningwa South West African People's Organisation (Swapo) mo- 1960. Ya Toivo okwa kala modholongo yaRobben Island mo- South Africa,uule woomvula 16 na okwa kala pamwe mondjeedhilo ndjoka nependa ekwawo lyaSouth Afrika, Nelson Mandela. Mo 1984, okwa mangululwa modholongo a okwa wayimine yakwawo mekondjo moLusaka shaZambia. Okwa galukile moshilongo mo-1989, na okwa longa onga oshilyo shopaliamende oshowo ominista mokabinete koshilongo.

Omunamimvo 86- Selma Shilongo oshowo omunakimvo 80 Martha Elia, oya yi pokapale kaNdangwa okuza momukunda Iikango oshowo Oshamba moshitopolwa shaShikoto, opo ya ka tsakaneke omudhimba gwaYa Toivo, nokukala woo poshithuthi shokumudhimbuluka.

Oya popi kutya nakusa okuume kawo na okwa kala omukomeho gwawo pethimbo taya putuka.

“Sho tatu putuka Ya Toivo okwa kala onga omumwameme omumati moshigwana adhihe. Otwa kala nokuya kuye uuna tatu kongo omakwatho. Sho a ningi ominista konima sho oshilongo sha manguluka ine tu dhimbwa. Kehe ethimbo a talelepo onooli okwa kala hetu talelepo noku tu etelela omagano. Onde mu mono lwahugunina mohango yali mOmuthiya omwedhi gwa piti. Okwa lombwelendje kutya okwa kulupa ngashiingeyi na ita vulu we okutu talela po,” Elia ta ti.

Shilongo okwa popi kutya Ya Toivo okwa kala hemu dhengele ongodhi uuna ina mona ethimbo lyokumutalela po.

Okwa tsikile kutya okwa kala nokugandja omayele nkene ye na okuputudha aanona yawo.

“Onda kanitha kuume kandje, ngoka nda kala nokwiikolelela muye.”

Omunangeshefa gwomonooli Erastus Mvula Kakololo okwa popi kutya Ya Toivo okwal ongela oshindji oshigwana shaNamibia shi vulithe shoka a longela ofamili ye.

Ya Toivo okwa dhigako omukulukadhi gwe

Vicky, oyana aakadhona yaali, omumwayinakadhona oshowo omulumentu. Ofamili ye oye mu hokolola onga omuntu omuwanawa na okwa kala aluhe e na ethimbo lyokukala piituthi yofamili ye.

Aapopi oyendji poshituthi oya longithwa ompito, oku kunkilila aanyasha opo ya simaneke uuthiga uunene mboka wa thigwa po ku Ya Toivo.

Ngoloneya gwoshitopolwa shaCunene muumbugantu waAngola, Kundi Paihama, omumbishofi gwongeleka yaAnglikan e li moshipundi shevululuko Shihala Hamupembe oshowo Peter Iilonga oya pula aanyasha ya kale aluhe taya gandja esimaneko.

Angula naye okwa kunkilile iilyo yoSwapo, opo kayi longithe edhina lyongundu mokwiilikolekla omaliko.

ILENI NANDJATO

Ka ye na omalukalwa

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Ka ye na omalukalwaKa ye na omalukalwaMegumbo moka omu na woo oohanana mbali Ongundu yaantu ya thika po-25 mboka taya lumbu momapandaanda oya ningi egumbo lyepangelo ndyoka ihali longithwa we, onga egumbo lyawo,negumbo ndyoka otali adhika mepandanda lyaRobert Mugabe moshilandopangelo. Egumbo ndyoka oli na omeya ihe kali na olusheno nenge uundjugo sha landula sho lya yonagulwa po komulilo.

Cynthia Goagus, 27, ngoka a kala megumbo ndyoka uule wethimbo ele, oha lala pokatalashe okashona pamwe nokanona ke koomwedhi hamano na okwa popi kutya okwa loloka okukala momapandanda. Goagus ngoka a li tii longekidha opo a ye kongeleka ongula yOsoondaha okwa popi kutya okwa li ta lumbu onkalo ombwaanawa na oyi li melandulathanp sigo osho yina a hulitha mo-2004.

“Onkalamwenyo oya li ombwaanawa sigo meme a hulitha. Onda li ndi na kehe shimwe tandi pumbwa monkalamwenyo ihe oya lunduluka oosekonde owala sho meme a hulitha,” Goagus a hokolola.

Okwa popi kutya okwa kala ha zi megumbo lyayina pamwe na yinagona he oya kala haya nyenyeta unene naashoka oshe mu thiminike a zemo megumbo.

“Konima sho meme a hulitha, tse namemegona otwa kala hatu nyenyeta unene. Esiku limwe onda tokola okuthiga po egumbo, namemegona okwa landitha po egumbo lyameme onkene kandi na we mpoka tandi vulu okushuna.”

Okwa popi kutya oha palutha okanona ke okuza miinima mbyoka ha helela kaantu nenge ha longele aantu mboka haye mu pe iilonga mesiku opo a vule okupalutha okanona ke.

Okwa zimine kutya ehala ndyoka kali na egameno ihe okwa popi kutya ke na we mpoka ta vulu okuya.

“Kape na egameno mpaka ihe ohandi kalapo owala molwaashoka kandi we mpoka tandi vulu okuya. Alundji aantu ohaya kala taya kondjo ihe kandi na mpoka tandi vulu okuya.”

He yokanona ke, Foudenu Fudario okwa popi kutya nonando olya li Esiku lyOotate okwa popi kutya ke na shoka ta vulu okutyapula mesiku ndyoka.

“Omwenyo gwandje kagu uvite nawa omolwa okanona kandje. Kape na shoka omuntu to vulu okunyanyukilwa mpaka. Otwa kala nokunyenyeta oomvula noomvula ihe omanyenyeto getu oga gwile momakutsi ga thita. Epangelo otali yambidhidha owala aanona yekondjelomanguluko, ihe natse otuli mekondjo na otwa pumbwa omayambidhidho.”

Goagus okwa popi kutya uumbanda mboka e na okutidhwa mo megumbo moka ya kala nokwiithana kutya olukalwa lwawo.

“Katu shi shi kutya otatu kala megumbo ndika sigo uunake Opolisi yoshilando tayi tu tidha momegumbo ndika. Omuntu iho lala wamanguluka molwaashoka ku shi kutya oshike tashi holola esiku tali landula.”

Omukiintu ngoka okwa popi kutya ye ita pula oshindji okuza kepangelo ihe ehala owala ndyoka ta vulu okwiithana egumbo oshowo omusihenda ngoka ta vulu okumu pa iilonga opo a sile oshishso okanona ke.

Opolisi yoshilando oyi na otseyo kombinga yegumbo ndyoka, nongulohi yEtitano koprogramma yoCopps radio show koradio yKosmos 94.1, osha dhidhilikwa kutya megumbo ndyoka omuna uunona uwali uushona. Omunambelewa gwopolisi yoshilando, Superintendent Kolokwe, okwa koleke kutya otaya ka tala konkalo ndjoka pamwe naanambelewa ya za kUuministeli wOnkalonanwa yAanona.

“Otwa pumbwa okutula uunona mboka megameno.”

SHONA NGAVA

Oompangela dhepangelo dhegandjo lyuuyelele koshigwana

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Oompangela dhepangelo dhegandjo lyuuyelele koshigwanaOompangela dhepangelo dhegandjo lyuuyelele koshigwana Oompangela dhepangelo dhomakwatathano odha kwatela mo emono lyomauyelele koshigwana lyaana oongamba, pahapu dhaMinista gOmauyelele nOmakwatathano, Tjekero Tweya.

Tweya okwa popi ngaaka momutumba gwopashigwana oshiwike sha piti, pethimbo lyoonkundathana kombinga yomulandu gwepangelo gwelongitho lyomakwatathano gopainternet. Minista okwa popi kutya, kiikwatelelwa koHarambee Prosperity Plan, otaku talika unene kehwahwameko lyuuyuuki nokweeta polweela iilonga opo ku vule ku yambulwepo egandjo lyomayakulo ga dhengambanda moshigwana. Okwa popi kutya egandjo lyomauyelele lyaana oongamba moshigwana otali kwathele epangelo mokukondolola etopolo lyomauyelele noshigwana. Oompangela ndhoka otadhi utha opo iikondo ayihe yepangelo mwakwatela omalelo giitopolwa ya kwashilipaleke kutya oshigwana osha mona omauyelele agehe ngoka tashi pumbwa pethimbo. Onga oshizemo nena aanambelewa mboka okwa tegelelwa ya longithe omakwatathano gopashinanena metopolo lyomauyelele noshigwana, na okwa tulwa miilonga omilandu ndhoka tadhi landulwa mokuninga ngaaka. “Onga epangelo otwa tegelelwa tu longithe iilongitho kehe mbyoka tu na nokulongitha omilandu adhihe opo tu kwashilipaleke kutya aakwashigwana yetu oya mona omauyelele gomondjila opo ya vule oku ga longitha mokuninga omatokolo gawo gonkalamwenyo. Omapandja gomakwatathano gopainternrt ogo taga ka kala shimwe shomiilongitho yetu mokugandja omauyelele koshigwana.”

ESTELLE DE BRUYN

Standard Bank launches 2017 Auto Show

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Standard Bank launches 2017 Auto ShowStandard Bank launches 2017 Auto ShowBiltong Festival also to be held On offer at this year's Auto Show is an annual insurance offering with a one-month holiday, prime less 1.75% on interest rates and a residual value offering of up to 25%. It's all systems go for the 2017 Standard Bank Auto Show slated for 30 June to 1 July this year. The show which is expected to be bigger and better than ever before will be held at the SKW Sport Fields in Windhoek. Standard Bank is hosting the Auto Show together with the 'Biltong Fees', which has been a partner since 2011.

Standard Bank's head of personal and business banking, Mercia Geises said that the show would aid in driving dealers' sales.

“We take full cognisance of the fact that the current difficult economic climate has affected all sectors in our country and the vehicle industry is no exception. We would like to provide you with the opportunity to drive your sales during these tough times by continuing to host the much-anticipated show,” she said.

Geises also commended the dealers for the impeccable relationship they have cemented with the bank, noting that it has manifested itself through increased market share in the industry, with 57% of new business last year for the bank owing to that.

“Based on last year's success of the Standard Bank Auto Show with total turnover N$120 million, I am optimistic that this year's show will exceed all expectations. We are offering up to prime less 1.75% on the interest rate, a residual value offering of up to 25% and an annual insurance offering with one-month holiday on credit life offering,” Geises said.

Also speaking at the launch, Dominee Frans Ras, the brain behind the Biltong Fees which started in his church hall in 1992, said the festival has grown exponentially over the years, making profits between of N$20 million and N$30 million last year, excluding what the bank made.

“This is a considerable amount that we invested back into Windhoek; as such we should use the current economic challenges to inspire us to work even harder for the success of the Biltong Fees and Standard Bank Auto Show. In spite of the challenges we are facing, we will one day look back at our 2017 event and smile because it was a success,” he said.

STAFF REPORTER

New school on the block

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New school on the blockNew school on the blockMount-View High School models for excellence Afternoon study sessions and extra classes are a formula for good academic results at Mount-View High School. Located in the outskirts of Windhoek in the Babylon settlement, Mount-View High School prides itself in giving its learners excess time to study. Principal Brian Ndabeni says the school has adopted afternoon study sessions for learners to give them more time to study and revise what they have learned during normal school hours as a way to better the performance of the learners at the school.

“We have afternoon study sessions and extra classes to allow our learners to have adequate time to study and really grasp what they are taught,” said Ndabeni.

The principal also says the school employs other methods like distributing old question papers to learners, and teaching them how to appropriately answer questions in the examinations as another method to yield good academic performance at the end of the year.

Since the school is new, some of the challenges include not having enough classrooms, hence some learners at the school are taught in tent classrooms. “We do not have enough classrooms and some of our learners are taught in tents which is an inconvenience, but I am glad to say the situation has not affected the attendance of our learners,” he said. Ndabeni described Mount-View High School as the home of many learners - not just from Babylon settlement but the entire Khomas Region.

“The school was established to accommodate learners from the Khomas Region who could not secure placement at other schools, so we accommodate learners from different areas in the region,” said Ndabeni.

The school has 350 pupils and 15 teachers.

Another challenge that the school faces is the lack of parental involvement in the education of their children.

Ndabeni said that most of the parents have demanding jobs with long hours including working as security guards and domestic workers which makes it difficult for the parents to attend parent meetings.

“The turnout at parents' meeting is poor because on Saturdays when we normally call for parents' meetings this is the time when most of the parents get time to rest so they choose to not show up.”

Despite these challenges, one area which the school thrives in is the discipline of its learners. Each learner at Mount-View High School has been issued with the school rules and regulations booklet and the learners are told what is expected of them and the consequences that may arise if they violate those rules.

Like many schools, Mount-View High School has also vested power in the prefects of the school to maintain law and order at the school grounds.

Ndabeni said that other learners obey their leaders because they understand that disrespecting their prefects implies that they are disrespecting the office of the principal. “Our prefects operate on the mandate given to them by the school principal and the school management - not on their own - so it is important that they are obeyed and respected by their peers,” he said.

Ndabeni added that as the head of the school, the most important thing for him is to lead by example. “To lead by example I must be punctual and encourage my teachers to also be on time.” He went on to say that he encourages teachers to give their all because as a school Mount-View is striving for excellence in whatever the school does and the school can only achieve that if they are all committed and remain focused on achieving good academic results.

“We are not here for our own personal gains but here to benefit the Namibian child,” said Ndabeni.

Being a young school, Ndabeni admits that he feels the pressure to perform well academically because all eyes are on Mount-View High School, but he maintains that the school is ready to deliver.

“We have a vision for this school and the school management wants good results.

“We want to be among the best performing schools in the country,” he said.

Mount-View High School models for excellence

'Africa is the place I call home'

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'Africa is the place I call home''Africa is the place I call home'The world's colourful continent Home to 54 countries, Africa is a diverse continent and one of the best places to maximise your full potential. For me, being an African child is being a member of an undeveloped, lowly-classed, unappreciated, and tremendously diverse community and continent at large. However, undergoing these elements has sculpted me, as an African child, and most others, into stronger, innovative, caring and determined individuals. As an African child, I know that my future is in Africa.

Furthermore, being an African child is being part of the most diverse continent on earth. This unifies Africa as a continent and creates a sense of respect and acknowledgement towards others.

In addition, being an African child is going through the continent's problems together. Poverty is a reality, crime is rife, diseases are spread and famine is present. But, this enables me as an African child to appreciate what I have, from the clothes on my body to the roof over my head and my good health. I, as an African child, know that I have to unite with my peers to fight the problems on a small scale. As an African child, I try and share what I have, assist the authorities where I can and visit the sickly in hospital to show my support. For me being an African child is being part of a community that shapes your character and gives you a strong personality.

I am proud and honoured to be an African child and Africa is the place I call home.

Relevance of our past to our future

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Relevance of our past to our futureRelevance of our past to our future We learn through past experiences - some good and others bad - and if we ignore the bad, the same mistakes are repeated again.

Even though we aren't directly affected by something, it still encourages growth within ourselves.

On 16 June 1976 in Soweto, South Africa, unarmed, black and school-aged children protested the implementation of Afrikaans as teaching medium in their schools. Tragedy struck as many of the protestors lost their lives against police forces, including 12-year-old Hector Pieterson. Their act of bravery, 41 years later, is now known as Day of the African Child, or Youth Day in South Africa.

The Soweto uprising sends a different message to the youth and elders alike, in that you can make a difference. The popular ideology currently is to “go with the flow” and many fear the reactions they would get for standing up for what they believe in. Yet those school-aged children were able to, against all odds, set the stage for change in South Africa.

Youth of Namibia, who are especially impressionable, need such role models. Although the victims were not Namibians, they teach and inspire future generations. By celebrating their lives, we send a message that regardless of age, gender and race, your actions are powerful.

The Day of the African Child also celebrates the children involved in the liberation struggle, which relates to Namibia. Many forget the sacrifices they made for our future and for our independence. We do not only remember those who lost their lives in Soweto, but also the many more that lost their lives standing up for what they believed in, in Namibia. This day celebrates African children and their role in our society and how it came to be.

We study history to learn from the past mistakes made, and commemorate historical figures and events to remind us to either continue on the right path, or find a different way of thinking and doing. Finding relevance in historical events and taking in account the past, present and the future, we allow ourselves to grow and make the future better place.

Regardless of where the memorable event took place, it sets an example and inspires children all over this continent, and gives them something to look up to.

San Women stand up

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San Women stand    upSan Women stand up Minority express themselves The Women's Leadership Centre (WLC), in Namibia through its community outreach programme, adopted the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) to empower women in rural areas.

An event recently hosted by WLC saw many young San women narrate stories about some of the difficulties they face in different parts of the country. The women sharing their stories came from the Kavango East, Khomas and Omaheke regions.

They reflected on stories that relate to education, health, traditional practices, language barriers, land and many other areas they feel trampled on in terms of their rights.

Menesia Kandombe, who hails from Muitjiku village in Kavango East Region shared sentimental stories about the way San people are treated with regard to their education needs. While referring to the medium of communication at her school, she feels the San people lag behind because the lessons are not taught in their native language. “The first language at our school is Hambukushu and we miss out on a lot of things in class because we are being forced to speak a language that is not ours,” said Kandombe. She also said San people are being unfairly marked and failed in schools in her region because they cannot express themselves in the Hambukushu language. “If I am a San language speaker and I pass all my grades but fail Hambukushu, I will remain in the same grade. Sometimes people keep failing that language until they are forced to leave the school. This is the main reason why San children cannot finish school,” shared Kandombe.

Kandombe also said that San learners are sent back home when they go to school without school uniforms. “Everyone must wear uniform at school but our San parents cannot afford them. We go with caps and jerseys to school and they are confiscated and then we are sent away from school until you can afford to buy a uniform,” Kandombe added. She called on the government to allow San people to be taught in their languages in order for them to understand better what they are taught in schools. “The government must do something so that we are taught in our own language. It is difficult for young ones to learn because we are taught in other languages,” said Kandombe.

Another woman, Renate Kayawe also from Muitjiku village, spoke at length about the San people's rights to freedom of movement. “We are restricted and cannot move freely. We live in a Park and there is a law that says that if we wonder five metres from the Park's boundaries we will be arrested,” said Kayawe. She also said because the San people's movements are restricted, they cannot live according to their traditional practices. “San people in the past used to live in the forest and they lived off the forest but we cannot do that anymore. We cannot collect or sell the devil's claw anymore because of rules set by the government,” said Kawaye.

She also advised the government to recognise San traditional leaders in order for them to live prosperously. “Government must recognise our traditional leaders so we have people who can represent us,” said Kawaye.

Jolanda Gamgaebes from the Tsintsabis area highlighted a stark image about education in her community. “In our community we only have a pre-primary school and our high school only ends at Grade 10. Our hostels are overcrowded and there is not enough food for the children in the hostels,” said Gamgaebes. She said they are in need of transport for the learners in her community to go to the closest town, Tsumeb, because they live in isolation and it is a challenge to access community services. “We need transport to go to other places. The unemployment rate in Tsintsabis is too high. There are no vocational training centres here,” shared Gamgaebes.

Maria Garises who is from Drimiopsis in Omaheke Region said it was unfair that the San youth are not being treated fairly in Namibia. “We do not feel independent in this country, as proud as we are,” said Garises. She said that her community's health services are not satisfactory. “We used to have mobile clinics in our community in the past but now there are no mobile clinics anymore because the government does not have money,” said Garises.

Another resident of Drimiopsis, Josephine Swaartkopi, said the people were subjected to tribalism in their area when it comes to the provision of drought relief food. “If a young person comes to collect drought relief food, the people distributing it look at the colour of your skin and whether you can speak a San language or not. If you cannot speak San language but you are San they do not give you the food,” said Swaartkopi

Ericke Diana who works with the San people in Omaheke Region thanked WLC for providing a platform for San youth to express themselves about issues that affect them. “San people are naturally quiet people but I thank you to CEDAW for making it possible for us to speak about issues that affect us,” said Diana.

Elsarien Katiti, board member of the National Youth Council (NYC) said that San people were capable of becoming outstanding leaders and the perception that the San are lazy people is wrong. “People think San people are lazy but we are not. We can thrive in education and be exemplary members in society. I am proving that San people are capable of doing something for themselves if they are educated,” said Katiti.

The San women from the different communities also performed at the Warehouse theatre alongside Namibian artist Shishani.

Namibia started implementing the CEDAW programme as far back as 1992. CEDAW is often described as an international bill of rights for women and it comprises articles which outline what constitutes discrimination against women and sets up an agenda for national action to end such discrimination.

Shona Ngava

A man that can work with his hands

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A man that can work with his handsA man that can work with his handsPutting his talents to good use to create WorldSkills competitor, Zanodean Zaal, talks about his passion for carpentry and what motivates him as a vocational trainee. Zanodean Zaal is a carpentry trainee at the Windhoek Vocational Centre and has been selected to represent Namibia at this year's WorldSkills competition in his trade as a carpentry trainee. He credits his passion for his trade as the reason why he was chosen to be one of the competitors to represent Namibia at this year's WorldSkills competition scheduled to take place in October in Abu Dhabi. “I really love what I do and I truly believe it is because I love what I do that I made it to be a part of the group to represent Namibia,” Zaal said.

Zaal says he is motivated by the hunger to succeed and to be recognised for his work. Zaal said that he loves working with wood because it stimulates his creative process which allows him to create beautiful objects using his hands. “I like the activities of my trade because these activities bring out the best in me,” he said. Zaal also shared that many people do not know that he failed Grade 10 and unlike many Grade 10 failures who opt to do nothing but hang around in the streets, he decided to do something positive with his life by enrolling at the Windhoek Vocational Training Centre. “I believe taking up carpentry as a trade at my centre was the best decision I have made thus far. It has moulded me into a better and more responsible person.” He added that he fell in love with carpentry when he started helping out his uncle working with wood. “I fell in love with those wood-cutting machines, I call them big toys. They are dangerous and require a lot of physical energy but I still enjoy operating them.”

He maintains that he feels privileged to be competing at WorldSkills saying that he doubted himself first but his family showers him with all the support he needs. He says he did not have all the documents at first to allow him to compete but he believes he was destined to represent Namibia that is why everything has fallen in place for him. “I am really happy to be a WorldSkills competitor. I had doubts at first and had troubles attaining the necessary documents but I am really grateful that everything has been sorted out now,” said Zaal.

Besides focusing on his school work and ensuring that he graduates within the stipulated timeframe, Zaal is also exploring other avenues in the vocational skills arena. “I am working on something but I think it is too early to disclose what it is. I do not just want to be confined to carpentry, I want to be a jack of all trades,” Zaal hinted. However, he maintains that his main focus is school and preparing for the competition later this year so he is not letting his side-projects distract him from his primary focus.

Just like other trades Zaal has also had his fair share of challenges with carpentry pointing out joints as one of the challenges he encountered in his early days of carpentry. He said that he really struggled to make accurate joints and used to stress over it because he thought his work was not good enough. “But because I was determined to get it right I never gave up,” he said. He advises other carpentry trainees that are going through the same challenges to not be discouraged saying it is not possible for one to start out perfect. “Practice makes perfect so practice more frequently until you get it right,” he advised. To get it right in carpentry one has to be hardworking and pay attention to smaller details because accuracy is key. One has to be able to take risks and that includes not being scared of machines.

“You must be confident and remind yourself that you are capable of doing it and things will work out for you.” Zaal calls on young people in the streets to take up vocational courses and avoid just being at home doing nothing. He says that there are courses for everyone at vocational schools and the youth need to take these up.

He also called on young people to embrace vocational schools and not shun away from enrolling at vocational schools when opportunities present themselves. “I really want to see young people championing various vocational trades because we are capable of doing it, let us not give up on our dreams.”

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

Keep up with current affairs

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Keep up with current affairsKeep up with current affairs Many young people seem unconcerned about keeping abreast with news events and current affairs in Namibia and around the world. This week, I want to share with you reasons why I believe it is beneficial for the youth to know what is going on in the media, and the topical events and issues not only in our country, but around the world.

Firstly, by keeping abreast with current affairs is a brilliant way to be integrated into the global community. I believe globalisation is a reality and there is no choice but to be part of the world rather than being in the dark and not knowing what is going on. Moreover, to keep track with current events news also helps you to make informed opinions. Knowledge of current events enables you to influence your peers and contribute to conversations with real information. Knowledge of current affairs also helps you learn about other people's cultures and knowledge which is valuable because as a young person you are supposed to be open-minded and knowledgeable about other cultures. There are so many advantages derived from knowing what is going on in the world as far as news is concerned. As a young person, I believe you are robbing yourself of important knowledge if you are naïve or are ignorant about current affairs. Knowledge about current affairs is important as it opens up your mind and gives you information about many sectors - economic or political. Let us not only dwell on entertainment news and keeping up with reality television stars, we must also spend time to equip ourselves with knowledge about real social issues that affect us all.

The other reason why you should keep yourself updated on news is because it boosts your reading culture. Often, after watching a news bulletin or reading a story in a newspaper, it will compel you to read more on that specific subject. People who read a lot are the ones who normally engage in serious and provoking discussions. So, join the people who are known for their intellectual prowess by knowing what is going on around you.

One may want to know how they can keep up to date with current affairs. It is easy and there are many ways to keep abreast. Read newspapers from the front page to the back page. Make it a habit and do it regularly. Also develop a habit to analyse the stories you watch on television or read about. You are a citizen of the country and the world and you are entitled to your own point of view and so, do not get fed up with news - be analytical. Join social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook and express your views. This is how you will grow your knowledge base. Fortunately, Namibian Sun dedicates a page in The Zone for user-generated content where the youth can write opinion pieces on various topics. Make use of this platform to get your views published. This way, you sharpen your writing skills and you also contribute as a news writer.

I really encourage young people to read newspapers more, listen to the radio more and watch current affairs programmes. By doing so, it will enlighten you and give you knowledge about issues that really matter. We need to know about things that are going on, not just in our country, but around the world.

Another point worth mentioning on the importance of keeping up to date with current affairs is the ability to find solutions to social problems. As young people, we are expected to find solutions to modern social problems in our communities. In order to find a solution to the problem, you must first know what the problem is and the best way to know this is to keep yourself up to date with current affairs.

In conclusion, keeping in touch with current affairs keeps you connected with people who you can teach you - such as people in your community and people abroad. It is important that you know what is making headlines in and around the world.



MICHAEL KAYUNDE



michael@namibiansun.com

Slight uptick in vehicle sales

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Slight uptick in vehicle salesSlight uptick in vehicle sales1 118 vehicles sold in total for May Vehicle sales remain lacklustre, mainly on account of a slowdown in the economy and a reduction in government spending on vehicles, IJG has said in its latest sales report. Vehicle sales remained lacklustre in May with 1 118 vehicles sold according to research house IJG which released its monthly vehicle sales report recently.

According them, a total of 5 527 vehicles had been sold year-to-date, of which 2 534 were passenger vehicles, 2 784 were light commercial vehicles and 245 were medium or heavy commercial vehicles, a sign of concern to IJG.

“This is a 27.2% year-on-year decrease from the 1 535 vehicles sold in May 2016 but 18.2% month-on-month higher than the 946 vehicles sold in April.

Year-to-date, 5 527 vehicles have been sold, 24.4% less than the corresponding period in 2016. Of these, 2 534 were passenger vehicles, 2 748 were light commercial vehicles, and 245 were medium or heavy commercial vehicles.

These are the lowest year-to-date numbers in the last five years,” IJG said adding, “A slow sales number in the medium and heavy commercial vehicles category remains worrisome, as it indicates a lack of business confidence which may be due to either unwillingness or inability to invest into businesses.”

Toyota and Volkswagen continued to lead the market in the passenger vehicle segment.

“Year-to-date Toyota and Volkswagen continue to hold a strong market share in the passenger vehicle market based on the number of new vehicles sold, claiming 34% and 29% of the market respectively,” IJG said.

In the medium to light commercial vehicle segments, Toyota remained a front runner in terms of sales while Scania and Mercedes-Benz enjoyed success in the heavy commercial vehicle sales segment according to IJG.

Toyota also remains the leader in light commercial vehicle sales with 48% of the market, followed by Nissan at 17%.

Ford and Isuzu claimed 13% and 10% of the number of light commercial vehicles sold in 2017.

Iveco is the leader of medium commercial vehicles with 32% of the market followed by Hino at 28%.

In the heavy and extra heavy category, Scania and Mercedes have sold the most vehicles, claiming 26% and 24% of the market respectively,” it said.

Slowed growth and a reduction in spending from government attributed to the low number of vehicle sales according to IJG.

“Lower government spending, specifically on capital assets, has had a direct effect on the number of vehicles sold.

“Additionally, slower economic growth means that consumers will have lower disposable income levels and many consumers have been reigning in their spending as a result,” IJG said of its outlook for the rest of the year.

STAFF REPORTER

Matangara factory opens in Walvis Bay

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Matangara factory opens in Walvis BayMatangara factory opens in Walvis Bay A businessman from Swakopmund, along with partners, has opened a N$70-million matangara processing factory at Walvis Bay.

'Matangara' is the Oshiwambo word for tripe.

The AfricanDeli factory imports tripe from Europe and cooks and packages it for the local retail market.

Currently, they have traditionally prepared tripe in gravy and chilli sauce, but they plan to add other flavours such as curry and chakalaka later this year.

They also plan to export the product in the near future.

The factory's CEO Silvanus Kathindi said they also plan to add chicken feet, trotters and lungs to their product line.

Some 55 Namibians are employed at the factory as administration officers, cooks and labourers.

Kathindi said he realised the traditional food he grew up with has become scarce, thus he opened the factory to preserve the culture.

He said they import the tripe because Namibia does not have the ability to supply the quantity they need.

The factory will initially process 100 metric tonnes of tripe a month, but this could increase as the market grows.

“We also do not want to kill the local market for those selling in small quantities on the street or in butcheries, this is why we are sourcing from outside the country,” said Kathindi.

Local suppliers are however welcome to approach AfricanDeli if their tripe is certified with the Namibian Standards Institution, which ensures the quality and standard of food, especially for the international market.

His message to aspiring entrepreneurs was that there are many business opportunities in Namibia which they can utilise.

“Do not be afraid to realise your dream. Just go for it with passion, perseverance and dedication,” he said.

NAMPA

65 million people displaced

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65 million people displaced65 million people displacedUN releases unprecedented figures of 2016 A record 65.6 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced from their homes due to conflict or persecution by the end of 2016. Devastating conflicts, violence and persecution in places like Syria and South Sudan had left a record 65.6 million people uprooted from their homes by the end of 2016, the UN said yesterday.

That number marks a jump of just 300 000 from the end of 2015, but is more than six million higher than at the end of 2014, according to a fresh report published by the UN refugee agency.

This is “the highest figure since we started recording these figures,” UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi told reporters ahead of the report launch.

“By any measure, this is an unacceptable number, and it speaks louder than ever to the need for solidarity and common purpose in preventing and resolving crises,” he said.

The figures released ahead of World Refugee Day showed that a full 10.3 million of the world's displaced people fled their homes last year alone, including 3.4 million who crossed international borders to become refugees.

“This equates to one person becoming displaced every three seconds - less than the time it takes to read this sentence,” UNHCR pointed out in a statement.

Most people who have been forced from their homes flee within their own country, and are defined as internally displaced people, or IDPs.

At the end of 2016, there were some 40.3 million IDPs in the world, down slightly from 40.8 million a year earlier, with Syria, Iraq and Colombia accounting for the greatest numbers.

Another 22.5 million people - half of them children - were registered as refugees last year, the UNHCR report showed, pointing out that this is “the highest level ever recorded”.

Syria's six-year conflict alone has sent more than 5.5 million people seeking safety in other countries, including 825 000 last year alone, making it the world's biggest producer of refugees.

Along with the 6.3 million Syrians displaced inside the country, these numbers show that a nearly two thirds of all Syrians have been forced from their homes, the report said.

As the Syrian civil war rages on, desperately needed funding for humanitarian aid in the country has begun to dwindle, Grandi said, lamenting that very little of the billions promised at an international donor's conference in Brussels in April had so far materialised.

The Syrian conflict, which has killed more than 320,000 people, “is becoming a forgotten crisis,” he warned.

The UN refugee chief meanwhile voiced most alarm over the rapidly deteriorating situation in South Sudan, which he said was currently the world's “fastest growing refugee crisis and displacement crisis.”

South Sudan's civil war, which began in December 2013, has left tens of thousands dead and forced a total of 3.7 million people from their homes - nearly a third of the population.

Overall, the refugee population from the world's youngest country swelled 85% last year to reach 1.4 million by the end of 2016, the UNHCR report showed.

And that number has ballooned by a further half million people since then, the agency said, stressing the most of the refugees had left since the “disastrous breakdown of peace efforts” last July.

Syria and South Sudan were far from the only countries where people were being uprooted en masse, with Monday's report also pointing to large-scale displacement in Afghanistan, Iraq and Sudan, just to name a few. And nearly 70 years after Palestinians first fled today's Israel, some 5.3 million Palestinians are currently living as refugees - the highest level ever recorded, UNHCR said.

Monday's report also pointed out that, despite huge focus on Europe's migrant crisis, it is poorer countries that host most of the world's refugees.

A full 84% of refugees are living in low- and middle-income countries, UNHCR said, blaming this “huge imbalance” on “the continuing lack of consensus internationally when it comes to refugee hosting and the proximity of many poor countries to regions of conflict.”



NAMPA/AFP

Colombia hunts 'terrorists' behind deadly mall bombing

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Colombia hunts 'terrorists' behind deadly mall bombingColombia hunts 'terrorists' behind deadly mall bombing Colombia's leaders and main rebel groups pledged Sunday that a mall bombing that killed three women would not disrupt the country's peace process, even as authorities scrambled to find out who was behind the carnage.

The victims - two Colombians and a Frenchwoman - perished when a device exploded in a ladies' restroom in the crowded Andino shopping centre in Bogota on Saturday. At least nine people were also wounded, officials said.

President Juan Manuel Santos called the incident a terrorist attack.

Rebel groups condemned the blast and said it was an attempt to undermine their efforts with the government to end Colombia's half-century civil conflict.

Police said the explosion occurred at about 5:00 pm on Saturday, sending people running for their lives.

“There was a strong boom and the floor shook,” said shop worker Milena Carcenas.

“There was smoke coming out of the bathroom. People were coming out of there covered in ash.”

National police chief General Jorge Nieto told reporters “a device” was placed “behind one of the toilets in the women's bathroom.”

Authorities have “three concrete hypotheses” on the perpetrators, Santos said Sunday after meeting with investigators, but declined to elaborate to avoid harming the probe.

There was a 100 million peso (about US$33 000) reward for “anyone who can give us information to help capture those responsible,” he said.

The explosion comes at a delicate time for Colombia's historic peace process. The country's biggest rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), is scheduled to complete its disarmament by today. The last active rebel force, the National Liberation Army (ELN), meanwhile, has started talks with the government, though confrontations with state forces have been continuing. Last year's peace deal with the FARC was initially narrowly rejected by Colombians in a referendum, with critics saying it was too lenient on the rebels.

A redrafted agreement from Santos and the FARC was later pushed through congress.

“Those who want to rain on the peace parade will not succeed,” said Santos, who won a Nobel Peace Prize last year for sealing the accord with FARC leaders.

“If this (bombing) is that kind of gesture, then rest assured that we will pursue those enemies of peace without rest and without quarter,” he said, speaking at the site of the blast.

Santos urged Colombians to continue their normal routines and enjoy the Father's Day weekend, even sharing a meal at the Andino mall with his son to reassure the public that it was safe to go there.

Bogota Mayor Enrique Penalosa called Saturday's incident “a cowardly terrorist attack.”

He said the Frenchwoman who died, aged 23, had spent six months working in a school in a poor neighborhood.

The leftist ELN said on Twitter it “condemns this deplorable incident,” noting that the attack was “against civilians.”

“We share the pain and stand in solidarity with the victims,” the group wrote. “The state should investigate thoroughly to identify those responsible.” The leader of the communist-inspired FARC, Rodrigo Londono - known as Timochenko - also denounced the explosion.

“This act can only come from those who want to close the roads of peace and reconciliation,” he wrote on Twitter.

Dozens gathered at the mall Sunday to pay homage to the victims, jostling to leave flowers and candles at a makeshift memorial.

The blast was the second major attack this year in the Colombian capital.

In February, the ELN claimed responsibility for a bombing at a bullring in Bogota, which killed a police officer and wounded more than 20 people. Colombia's civil conflict erupted in 1964 over land rights. It drew in leftist guerrillas, right-wing paramilitary groups and state forces.



NAMPA/AFP

Shot of the day

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Shot of the dayShot of the day IN REMEMBERANCE: Messages and mementos adorn a section of the makeshift memorial outside the Pulse nightclub one year after the massacre in Orlando, Florida on 9 June 2017. In the deadliest mass shooting in US history, 49 people were killed at the gay nightclub in June 2016. Photo: NAMPA/AFP

Changing our materialistic society

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Changing our materialistic societyChanging our materialistic society Namibia is still a nation ravaged by economic inequalities and where unemployment is stubbornly high on top of marked challenges in the education and public healthcare. Not many Namibians are able to realise that present-day patriotism means struggle against poverty and social injustices. Those in powerful positions seem to be doing little to ensure a truly free, just and equal society. We live in a country where politicians don't want to be the servants of the people any longer. The master mentality attitude is now what many of our politicians are known for and have allowed personal characteristics, including ego and greed to get in the way. What our country needs is moral and principled leadership capable of bringing lifelong changes to our communities. Retired Anglican Bishop Shihala Hamupembe put it perfectly at the memorial service of the late struggle icon Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo last week in Ondangwa. The man of the cloth, among others, lamented the desire for money and decried the culture of materialism, which seems to have a telling effect on society. Another speaker and former Prime Minister Nahas Angula also discouraged mourners from abusing the ruling party for personal gain. “We should not be the victims of materialism in the name of Swapo,” Angula warned at the weekend. It is sad that that the growing inequalities in our society are directly fuelled by corruption and other forms of malfeasance. We can surely become better Namibians if we heed the calls against materialism and untenable goals of instant gratification. We really can't have a situation whereby the majority of our people are trapped in victimhood, living miserable lives and are left with a bitter taste in their mouths at the end of the day. This is definitely not what our nation's founders and heroes sacrificed their lives for. The legacy of our liberation heroes must be sustained and our public services should be characterised by responsible and accountable management. Our leaders and every single Namibian have a moral obligation to uphold sound values and accountability to bring about the critical positive changes so desperately needed in our communities.

RCC liquidation about 'egos'

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RCC liquidation about 'egos'RCC liquidation about 'egos'Insolvency not the answer The RCC board says it is strongly opposed to those calling for the company to consider filing for liquidation. Roads Contractor Company (RCC) chairman Fritz Jacobs has described calls to liquidate the embattled parastatal as “egotistical” and says it is not necessary given his board's commitment to turn the RCC into a profit-making public enterprise.

According to him, more would be lost in potential revenue if government proceeds with plans to liquidate the RCC and it would be best if the day-to-day running of the state contractor would be left in the hands of management.

“We could have chosen to serve on other boards, why will we give ourselves grey hairs by choosing to serve on the RCC board if we did not believe we could turn the institution around?” asked Jacobs.

“If you say you want to close the RCC, who should take the money? The solution to the RCC's problems is a matter of ego and the economic situation is being used to instil fear. The RCC liquidation is about egos. Another aspect is the real cost of recapitalising the RCC versus liquidation. The RCC has a lot of assets which are worth a lot of money.”

A profitable RCC was also good to government, he said. “Government needs a strong RCC to distribute construction profits locally,” he said.

He added the RCC was on a course to recovery and that good governance structures had been put in place that would ensure its long-term survival.

“We have put in place good governance structures and put board committees in place,” said Jacobs.

Meanwhile, he refuted a recent news report that suggested the RCC was looking for N$5 billion as a means to strengthen its balance sheet through investments in various residential and commercial properties.

According to him, although the RCC was eyeing investments in the property space, it was nowhere near the N$5 billion alluded to.

“The RCC does not have a N$5 billion plan. We have big goals and we need N$300 million and we will repeat that until we are blue in the face,” said Jacobs, justifying planned commercial property developments. “Even banks have headquarters to strengthen their balance sheets,” he said.

He said while the RCC had made a submission to get N$70 million from treasury, it has not yet seen a cent.



OGONE TLHAGE

Crop losses of 50% due to climate change

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Crop losses of 50% due to climate changeCrop losses of 50% due to climate change Studies indicate that dry-land crop production in Namibia can decline with 50% due to climate change, while the frequency of droughts will pose greater challenges for farmers and rural communities.

Speaking at the commemoration of World Day to Combat Desertification on Friday, the UN resident coordinator in Namibia, Anita Kiki Gbeho, said the world is dramatically affected by climate change.

According to her last year alone 1.5 billion people were affected globally by land degradation and desertification and more extreme events are expected.

“Therefore a longer-term approach to build the resilience of the most vulnerable is needed,” said Gbeho.

According to her, desertification and drought are of particular concern on the African continent.

In 2016, southern Africa faced one of the worst droughts in over 35 years, induced by El Nino. Currently, in southern Africa alone, nearly 29 million people are food insecure.

“Namibia is one of the driest countries in southern Africa and has experienced four consecutive years of below-normal rainfall, with the 2015/16 season described as one of the worst seasons in decades,” she said. More than 700 000 people in Namibia were estimated to be food insecure during the last season.

According to Gbeho, critical water shortages have impacted harvests and the livestock industry.

This has knock-on effects on the entire agricultural sector, which contributes over 10% of the GDP.

“Continued episodes of drought threaten to unravel the gains made in poverty alleviation and therefore drought is an issue that needs a collective response.”

She said Namibia has demonstrated leadership when it comes to preparedness and response, but moving forward, the focus should be on promoting drought-resistant cereals, advancing green economy strategies that ensure low-carbon emissions and developing early warning, monitoring and response systems.

Meanwhile the deputy agriculture minister Anna Shiweda said a 2011 study rated Namibia as the seventh most at-risk country in the world in terms of agricultural production losses due to climate change.

“This will certainly limit our efforts toward achieving national food security.”

According to her scientific studies currently indicate that dry-land crop production under in Namibia may be reduced by up to 50% due to climate change. Shiweda said a shift towards climate-smart agricultural and livestock management methods will help to increase the resilience of farmers and rural communities so that they are more prepared to face the combined threats of desertification and drought.

The recently launched Fifth National Development Plan (NDP5) contains dedicated strategies and programmes to advance the use of conservation agriculture, bush thinning, sustainable rangeland management and the achievement of land degradation neutrality.

NDP5 also contains ambitious targets to take Namibia towards a drought and desertification resilient agriculture sector.

These include an increase in food production by 30% by 2022, the thinning of 82 200 hectares of bush encroached land annually over the NDP5 period as well as the adoption of conservation agriculture methods by 50% of farmers by the end of NDP5.



ELLANIE SMIT

N$2.5m cigarette fraud trial nears end

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N$2.5m cigarette fraud trial nears endN$2.5m cigarette fraud trial nears end The trial of two men allegedly acting with common purpose to steal cigarettes worth N$2.5 million from a Walvis Bay warehouse was postponed to 26 June for the preparation of heads of argument.

The two accused allegedly stole the goods from the then Indo Atlantic, now rebranded as Commercial Investment Corporation (CIC) warehouse on the pretext that they were ordered by clients.

The accused, Dawid Martin Bezuidenhout, a former cigarette sales representative for the company, and Venecia Ann Koning, a clerk for the company, completed their testimonies in defence of their case. Cross-examination was also completed on Friday.

The two are now being accused of fraud and theft by false pretence.

They allegedly created invoices for large quantities of stock from the main warehouse of CIC in Walvis Bay. It is alleged that the accused pretended to have received orders from clients and created these invoices. They are accused of acting with a common purpose between the period October 2006 to 20 August 2007 at Walvis Bay, and having defrauded Indo Atlantic. According to the State, Koning paid cash amounts into the accounts of other clients for whom Bezuidenhout had created false invoices for cigarettes that were never delivered.

According to the evidence, he delivered 1 000 packets of Benson and Hedges Special Mild while the small retailer, Trust Market, was invoiced for 3 000 packs. Another delivery showed he delivered 6 000 packs of Dunhill King Size and 4 000 Peter Stuyvesant to Walvis Bay Self Service while the customer was invoiced for 14 000 packs of Peter Stuyvesant and 16 000 packs of Dunhill. According to the State, he stole the excess cigarettes, sold them and pocketed the proceeds.

The State alleges that Bezuidenhoudt defrauded other clients who included Kuiseb Shop 4 Value, Bargosa Wholesalers, Walvis Bay Self Service, Parade Supermarket, Trust Market, Metro Walvis Bay, Metro Swakopmund, Shoprite U Save, Shoprite/Checkers Walvis Bay, Sentra Portuguese Market, Spar North Rand Henties and Shoprite Swakopmund.Regarding the invoice numbered 200/900, for goods valued at more than N$80 900 made out to Maboza Wholesaler, Walvis Bay, Koning agreed that the copy presented as evidence by the State was not ticked by her or the customer who allegedly received the goods.

She further said she heard the evidence of a witness from the Bargosa store who testified that the quantity of goods and their value was out of the store's range. She denied the allegations put to her by State Advocate Simba Nduna that she generated the invoice while knowing the goods were not ordered or received.

Judge Alfred Siboleka presides.







FRED GOEIEMAN

Spotting the difference between Unam and GRN

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Spotting the difference between Unam and GRNSpotting the difference between Unam and GRN By: Jefrey Shapange

While celebrating 27 years of economic suffering, and political independence in which we have freedom of speech, but no freedom after speech, our GRN and our beautiful Unam are still living in times of Voster, Verwoerd, Botha, and others.

Politics is not really a thing of my nature, but, I enjoy it when I stand as an observer in my own capacity. I enjoy seeing less competent politicians fighting for their position through the manipulation of our people. This makes me speak and write my thoughts in different platform to express my apprehension to what I call “Politics of Own Stomach” (POS). POS is never in shortage as it is very popular in African Leaders.

African leaders are more willing to bring large piece of bread home, rather than improving the lives of the next person in abject poverty. This practice has caught many youth, who are more interested in buying expensive Mercedes and SUVs, while the price of a bag of cement is plus or minus N$150, literally speaking, there are about 6 666 bags of cement in one of those cars. So, there are more than 60 bricks in one bag of cement. Thus, 6 666 bags of cement gives 399 960 bricks. Can you imagen how beautiful your house would look like if you spent that million on bricks? Frankly speaking, some African youth, who are believed to be future leaders, are aimless in bringing the continent the same privilege other continents are getting. They are rather interested in blaming colonialism as the cause of the mess they live in. This is because they inherited the spirit of POS from their leaders who live in pretence. Cde Armas Amukwiyu made it clear last week that he is tired of elders using the youth just to benefit themselves.

We all know that there is a culture of fear among our youth, a culture of see nothing, do nothing and say nothing. Despite that, we all know that we are facing many challenges. Some of the challenges include those what Cde Amupanda in his 'Truth is Truth' call 'Do Wrong Unit, (DWU)'. The DWU is a demagogue tendency in the leadership where you have those whose preoccupation is waiting to see wrong in others. The DWU was recently used by Unam management to bar three student leaders and expel their president. The University of Namibia, the university of 12 campuses across the country, under the headship of the vice-chancellor, Professor Lazarus Hangula is however shameless to claim to have a student leader not registered for almost six months. Congratulations to them.

It is a pity that the university's management with a lot of professors is failing to critically investigate what these student leaders did. This is actually a fundamental problem in our society. We seem to have lost a sense of sophistication such that we cannot separate apples from bananas regardless our academic levels. In India, vice-chancellors are being voted for by deans, faculty officers and lecturers based on their competencies, age and ability to work with people, and it really works; everything goes smoothly, but here in Namibia, pensioners are number one.

The problem with our universities in Africa is that they are too politically influenced. The institution of higher learning is an academic institution, not a political institution. As far as I am concerned we only have one political school in Namibia, the Swapo School, where you find politicians over the age of 70. Politicians are also found in parliaments tabling sordid bills, not in institutions. However, if one wants to see real bungling politicians, come to the University of Namibia.

The university that does not have enough learning facilities. The university that is building a new administration block at N$340 million, while the lecturers are being paid peanuts. The university that employs people while they have just passed a circular that all job vacancies are put on hold due to the financial status of the country. The university that has only one dining hall as food outlet for students. The university that has just introduced new Acumatica System which is delaying NSFAF payments, yet they want students to clear their balances before 30 June. Instead of solving student issues they are rather interested in barring student leaders from “their” university. They are rather fascinated with victimising innocent student leaders for claiming what they have been promised. They are rather interested in ousting individuals for doing their jobs.

The University of Namibia and the Namibian government are birds of same feather. They practise the same witchcraft of dividing youth through coercion. And I repeat that they have divided the youth into groups; marionettes, bootlickers and the militant ones. The marionettes are being promised jobs and high ranks for singing choruses. These bootlickers are living fancy lives, claiming to be hardworking and disciplined, while they actually deceive and sell out their own country.

*Jefrey B. Shapange is a youth activist and a final-year student at Unam studying towards his Honours in Secondary Education. He serves as SRC secretary for external affairs.
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