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Tourney attracts talent

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Tourney attracts talentTourney attracts talentBasketball competition exceeds all expectations Olympic Day was celebrated in style in Windhoek this past weekend and coincided with the historic 3-on-3 basketball tournament. The historic 3-on-3 basketball event attracted young and old from across the country.

The game has officially been approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as an Olympic sport discipline beginning 2020 in Tokyo.

NBF thus jump-started their campaign to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games and in collaboration with Fresh FM hosted a tournament this past Saturday in Windhoek.

The tournament was also in celebration of Olympic Day.

The day celebrated by millions of people in more than 160 countries.

It commemorates the birth of the modern Olympic Games and promotes fitness, wellbeing, culture and education.

The tournament attracted 45 teams with male and female players arriving from as far as the north of Namibia.

The tournament had seven divisions; each had six teams in it.

There were three age groups competing: Under-13, U-15 (male and female), U-18 (male and female) and senior competition for both males and females.

The secretary-general of NBF, Ramah Mumba, said that more teams showed interest but they could not accommodate them all.

“We had little time to organise the event, but I am very happy with the turn out. I believe 3-on-3 basketball will kickoff successfully in the country as we plan to have training courses for coaches and referees to get teams ready for the Olympic qualifiers.”

He said the game is about individual skill rather than team play and thus makes it easier for any player to take up.

The basketball federation plans on taking the game to all regions of the country in order to educate and attract more players

Mumba said that the federation is late in preparations for the 2020 Olympic qualifiers and will now set their eyes on 2024.



LIMBA MUPETAMI

Mexico hits back at Trump

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Mexico hits back at TrumpMexico hits back at Trump'Violence is a regional phenomenon' Donald Trump asserted that Mexico was ranked the “second deadliest country in the world” and cited “drug trade” as the cause. Mexico may have a problem with violence, but its government says it is not the second most violent country in the world, as US President Donald Trump has claimed on Twitter.

The Mexican foreign ministry pointed instead to places like Honduras, Venezuela, Belize, Colombia and Brazil as countries with higher murder rates, in a statement released last week.

Trump had posted earlier: “Mexico was just ranked the second deadliest country in the world, after only Syria. Drug trade is largely the cause. We will BUILD THE WALL!”

He appeared to be referring to a May 9 report from the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies, which said that Mexico's 2016 murder rate was second only to Syria's.

The IISS pointed to Mexico's heavily militarized war on drugs and its attempts to crush powerful drug cartels.

“It is very rare for criminal violence to reach a level akin to armed conflict,” the IISS report said.

Mexico's foreign ministry acknowledged that the drug trade was “the most important cause of violence in Mexico.”

But it described it as “a shared problem that will end only when its root causes are dealt with: the high demand for drugs in the United States and the offer from Mexico (and other countries).”

“We must stop blaming each other,” it added.

Mexico had already said in May that the IISS report was based on faulty methodology, saying such comparisons should be based on United Nations crime figures that include central and south American countries.

US-Mexico relations have been testy since Trump took office in January after a campaign in which he vowed to build a wall along the shared border, bashed Mexican immigrants as drug dealers and rapists, and promised to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Mexico and Canada.

The wall remains a rallying cry among Trump's supporters, but the proposal - estimated to cost anywhere from US$8 to US$40 billion - has found little support in Congress.

Mexican officials have derided Trump's claim that Mexico will pay for the wall's construction.

Talks with Canada and Mexico to overhaul NAFTA are expected to start in August.



NAMPA/AFP

Botswana mourns Masire

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Botswana mourns MasireBotswana mourns Masire Botswana's former president Sir Ketumile Masire, the southern African country's second post-independence leader and who led efforts to bring peace to Mozambique, died last week.

He was 91.

Masire had been heavily involved in efforts to end violence between Mozambique's government and the main opposition Renamo party in his role as co-chair of an international group of mediators.

Renamo, which waged a 16-year civil war that ended in 1992, refused to accept the results of 2014 elections when it was beaten once more by the Frelimo party, sparking clashes across the country last year.

Masire passed away in a hospital in Botswana's capital Gaborone late on Thursday, according to his senior private secretary Fraser Tlhoiwe.

“He died peacefully at Bokamoso private hospital surrounded by his family at 10:10 pm on 22 June 2017.

We thank well-wishers and friends from near and far, for their prayers, thoughts and comforting messages of support during this difficult time,” Tlhoiwe said in a statement.

Masire was hospitalised for surgery on June 16 according to his family and despite being admitted to intensive care was thought to be in a stable condition.

Masire led Botswana following president Seretse Khama's death in 1980 until voluntarily stepping down 1998, having overseen a period of unprecedented economic growth. He is largely credited with being the architect of Botswana's famed stability.

As well as mediating to end violence in Mozambique, Masire also helped to resolve political crises in Kenya and Lesotho after leaving office, in his role as one of Africa's most respected elder statesman.

He was also the chair of the International Panel of Eminent Personalities investigating the circumstances of the 1994 Rwanda genocide.

One of Africa's most stable countries, Botswana is a republic in which Masire's Bechuanaland Democratic Party (BDP) - now known as the Botswana Democratic Party - has been in power since independence.

Botswana has enjoyed uninterrupted civilian rule since independence in 1966.



NAMPA/AFP

Shot of the day

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Shot of the dayShot of the day ENOUGH IS ENOUGH: A woman gestures on 22 June 2017 in Cotonou city on the south coast of Benin during a protest against bad governance. Photo: NAMPA/AFP

No sense of direction

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No sense of directionNo sense of direction Our country faces a plethora of problems standing in the way of building a united and prosperous nation.

More than ever before there is a dampened sense of self-confidence hanging over our nation at this point in time; and this is threatening the vision of our forebearers who laboured and died for us to attain our freedom. At local and regional levels many citizens feel let down by their own leaders. Nationally we are besieged with numerous political, social and economic evils, threatening our highly endorsed project of nation building.

These problems are compounded by the current cash crunch, which is to some extent also self-inflicted, with fear and uncertainty rife among our people.

Across the different communities one can sense the frustration and anger, which confirms that all is not well.

Those who are sitting pretty in leadership positions have become infused with entitlement and no longer respect the voices and the demands of our people. Communities are reeling every day from heinous crimes such as child rape, which has frighteningly shot up over the last few months.

Yet again, we don't see the authorities stepping in and playing a proactive role in addressing this terrible scourge inflicting our societies. The churches, civil society and traditional authorities have fallen silent and this is a serious cause for concern. Our country seriously lacks the necessary leadership to redirect our energies to better use.

With factional tensions still high in the ruling party Swapo ahead of its elective congress in November this year, there is little focus on our societies' struggles, with persistent poverty, unemployment and inequality lingering, unabated, and the order of the day.

Our leaders on the other hand are unable to instil much needed hope, because they are caught up in the congress campaign – the silly season euphoria.

We cannot expect our country to make any progress under these circumstances, because those entrusted with leadership roles are messing up big time. As a people we yearn for a leadership that considers and acts in the best interests of all our people. Our politics should not be about popularity, competence and delivery should reign supreme.

Thank you, tatekulu Ya Toivo

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Thank you, tatekulu Ya ToivoThank you, tatekulu Ya ToivoHumble, selfless, revolutionary and son of the soil Glowing tributes were paid to the iconic leader who was laid to rest at the weekend. Struggle hero Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo was remembered as a torchbearer of the fight for independence and was honoured by speaker after speaker, who spoke greatly of his character during his memorial service held at the Independence Stadium on Saturday.

Many, including former president Sam Nujoma spoke of a character that was dedicated, steadfast and humble.

Former prime minister Nahas Angula eulogised Ya Toivo as a trailblazer.

“He was a freedom fighter and a humanist. We must pause and ask, who is Ya Toivo?” said Angula at his memorial.

He remembered Ya Toivo for his steadfastness and said he lived a life of sacrifice. “He was a political trailblazer, he was a committed revolutionary, Ya Toivo's life is a celebration of courage, steadfastness and fortitude. He did not sacrifice his life for his own gain. He fought for his people and his dignity, his legacy will live on. His humanity will always be celebrated,” said Angula.

Also speaking at the memorial service was leader of the DTA McHenry Venaani who heaped praise on Ya Toivo's widow, Vicki.

“You have been a great companion to this man. He was always a happy man, oh what a character he was, so full of life and energy he had, here passes a man of great character. It is a sad day as we send off a nationalist,” said Venaani.

Sharing an encounter, Venaani recalled a parliamentary session in which Ya Toivo refused to answer a question on the basis of his age and said that he would not respond to Venaani's query.

Stepping in to correct Ya Toivo, then speaker of the National Assembly, Mosé Tjitendero reminded him that Venaani was right in his approach as he had risen on account of parliamentary rules.

“As I was the youngest and Ya Toivo the oldest member of parliament at the time, then speaker of the National Assembly, the late Mosé Tjitendero reminded us that we were both endangered species owing to our ages. It is from that moment that Ya Toivo called me old man and I called him young man,” said Venaani.



Life long friend remembers

His lifelong friend Helao Shityuwete fondly remembered Ya Toivo as the man who had taught him to recite the ABCs, often under tree. “We came a long way from the time he taught us English under a tree starting with the letters ABC. His approach to life was consistent,” Shityuwete said in a message read on his behalf by his wife Daphne.

“Andimba was our natural leader as we waited for the terrorism act to pass, his political leadership helped us remain inspired. His stubbornness has a purpose. He had a gift for making everyone feel like a part of his heart and was disappointed by greed, selfishness and tribalism.”

Adopted son and nephew, Isak Nahun described Ya Toivo as the greatest man that had ever live.

“He's been a father and an uncle to us, the greatest man we have ever known. He was dedicated to his family and would attend confirmations, birthdays and weddings,” said Nahum.

His other nephew, Fillemon Nahum remembered the many life lessons his late uncle had impacted on them.

“He taught us not to start something without finishing it,” he said.

Ya Toivo's twin daughter, Nashikoto, remembered her father for his sense of humour which she said often got him into trouble with the twins. “Papa lived his life to the full, there could never go a day without him telling a joke. His wicked sense of humour sometimes got him into trouble.”

“He had a heart of gold for giving. Mama was his salt and he was the pepper,” added Nashikoto.

His wife, Vicki, said she was very fortunate to have met the great Ya Toivo.

“We are here to celebrate a remarkable life. He was my advisor, comrade and lover. We were very fortunate to have met one another,” she said.

Telling their love story, Erenstein-Ya Toivo recalls how her late husband called her over because he wanted to discuss something. Little did she know that he would propose they start courting a suggestion she first turned down, instead proposing the two become friends.

“He expressed his affection and proposed we start dating. The chemistry was too hard to resist,” she said, resulting in their whirlwind romance.

“I am sure I had one of the biggest phone bills in New York,” recounted Vicki of her long-distance relationship with the late politician at the time.

Ending her tribute, she urged Ya Toivo's friends to continue showing support to the family. “Do not leave our children but continue to shape them.”

She also remembered Ya Toivo's open-minded, saying that despite her Jewish upbringing, it was Ya Toivo who prompted them to visit a local synagogue, a first for her despite living in Windhoek for a long time.



A revolutionary

Cuban Communist Party representative, Victor Dreke thanked Ya Toivo for voicing his stern opposition to the capture of the Cuban Five.

“We will always remember him as a vigorous speaker of the struggle against the blockade and the release of the Cuban Five. Until the last moments of his life, he was right next to us. We remember fellow Toivo Ya Toivo as a revolutionary, as an eternal fighter for social justice and equality for all,” said Dreke.

Giving his condolences on a message read on behalf on one of the Cuban Five, Fernando Gonzales, Dreke said: “I´ll see you later, Ya Toivo, your life and your work will guide us all.”

Founding president Nujoma recalled Ya Toivo's famous speech which he delivered in Pretoria during the treason trial in which he and 16 others were found guilty and imprisoned on Robben Island. According to Nujoma, Ya Toivo's speech was a great inspiration in the fight for independence. “We are bidding farewell to an exceptionally dedicated and principled compatriot and freedom fighter. His statement during their treason trial in Pretoria in 1967 was of great inspiration for the Namibian struggle in defiance of the illegal occupation of Namibia by racist South Africa,” said Nujoma.

Former president, Hifikepunye Pohamba called for a celebration of Ya Toivo's life. “He is a true hero, we should celebrate the trails of his long purposeful journey,” said Pohamba, adding, “we should be inspired by his friendliness.”

He also called for the change of name of the Ondangwa airport to Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo Airport, in celebration of the liberation stalwart's contribution.

“I support those calling for the airport to be named after Herman Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo,” he said to applause.

Coming out to speak last, President Hage Geingob said that in all the messages he heard, there was consistency of Ya Toivo's character. “Over the past two weeks, many, here at home and abroad, have persuasively portrayed Comrade Ya Toivo as a loyal husband, a devoted father, a pioneering freedom fighter, a man ahead of his time. As different people spoke, the same Andimba emerged,” said Geingob.

Ya Toivo died in Windhoek on 9 June at the age of 92. Ya Toivo is a revered national hero not only in Namibia, but also many other parts of the world, including South Africa where he served for 16 years on Robben Island. Before his imprisonment, Ya Toivo used to run businesses in Ondangwa. He is also one of the founders of Swapo and its predecessor the Ovamboland People's Organisation. He was laid to rest at the Heroes Acre on the outskirts of Windhoek last Saturday.



OGONE TLHAGE

Khomas is working says governor

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Khomas is working says governorKhomas is working says governor Security issues prompted by easy access by the public and the broken down condition of the Windhoek Correctional Facility have spurred calls for a new prison outside of Windhoek, while the Windhoek municipality was asked to speed up provision of land for this project.

“I appeal to the local authority to expedite the allocation of land to the Ministry of Safety and Security, in order to relocate the Windhoek Correctional Facility from the centre of town,” Khomas governor Laura Mcleod-Katjirua urged last week.

The governor said the prison is in a dilapidated state and that the relocation of the prison, including its approximately 900 inmates, to a more secluded area would solve many of the challenges it faces due to its location and age.

“Due to its location, there is easy access to the facility by the public, leading to security threats such as the smuggling in of drugs, dangerous weapons and other prohibited items through the fence.”

During the annual State of the Region (SORA) address this week, the governor noted that the construction of the female unit at the Windhoek prison is 78% completed, and should be completed by August this year.

The project began eight years ago, in 2009 and was suspended by the works ministry in September 2014 due to depleted funds.

Work resumed on the project in April this year.



Projects abound

In another project earmarked in Windhoek by the Ministry of Safety and Security, the municipality has allocated 26.67 hectares for the construction of a police village in the city.

Another portion of land, erf 3270 in Okuryangava, was allocated to the ministry for the construction of a police station and police barracks.

The City recently agreed to set aside erf 7152, measuring 1.5 hectares, to the safety ministry for the accommodation of junior ranking officials “in a high density but sustainable development”. The sale price is yet to be determined.

A total of 41.9 hectares of city land was provided by the municipality to the defence ministry for official residential accommodation for uniformed staff. Neither the costs of the project nor the location of the erven were specified by the governor.

In line with the drive for housing, the City of Windhoek is currently installing municipal services on a 65.5 hectare area.

The Greenfield development of the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, in partnership with the City, will make provision for 314 residential erven, five housing blocks, and five open spaces.

Although the N$64-million project was launched in March 2016, the Roads Contractor Company, which was appointed as the contractor of the project, said the deadline of end of July will not be reached, and has been extended to December “due to technical and logistical hiccups beyond our control”.



Too little space, too many kids

The City also approved a portion of erf 1037 in Havana for the education ministry on a long-term lease with the option to buy. The purpose was not stated at SORA.

While there are currently 99 class groups, spread among 38 primary schools in the region, 46 classrooms and three new ablution blocks at schools were constructed in 2016.

Two of these classrooms however are containers, the governor explained Tuesday.

In addition, 38 new classrooms and one ablution block are under construction and should be completed before the end of the second financial quarter of 2017.

Two primary and three secondary schools were also newly established, Mcleod-Katjirua said.

The primary schools are located in Moses Garoëb and Tobias Hainyeko, and the secondary schools are situated in Samora Machel and Khomasdal.



Upkeep and renovations

A N$42 million renovation and extension project is 65% completed as part of the construction of new offices and upgrades of the existing headquarters of the fisheries ministry in Windhoek.

Construction of the new offices and warehouse of the agriculture ministry is 55% complete.

In line with concerns expressed by some that the upkeep of government infrastructure is not maintained at necessary levels, the governor revealed details provided by the maintenance division of the works ministry.

Close to N$8 million was spent for maintenance and more than 74% of civil work service requests were completed, with 351 outstanding of 1 597 requests received.

Close to a 100% of electrical work service requests were completed, with 11 transferred and none outstanding.

More than 90% of mechanical work serve requests were completed.

JANA-MARI SMITH

Musician arrested for impersonating a police officer

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Musician arrested for impersonating a police officerMusician arrested for impersonating a police officer Two suspects appeared on charges of fraud, extortion, theft under false pretences while one of the two was also charged with impersonating a police officer at the Walvis Bay Magistrate's Court on Friday.

Magistrate Rhivermo Williams postponed the case against musician Frederick Shitana (32) and Martin Ismael (31) to 3 August in order for them to obtain legal representation and for further investigations.

Prosecutor Tuihaleni Hilikuete opposed bail due to the ongoing investigation and a strong possibility that the accused could interfere with the probe.

According to Deputy Commissioner Erastus Iikuyu, Shitana allegedly employed Martin as a private detective.

They allegedly visited numerous establishments in Kuisebmond and issued fines, demanded cash and forced owners to enter into agreements with them in return for making use of music apparently produced by one of them.

The owner of one of the establishments complained to the police who investigated the issue.

“It is alleged that between Saturday and Tuesday last week Martin unlawfully and intentionally misrepresented himself as a police officer and with Shitana fraudulently extorted N$10 552.00 from businessmen at three bars and three printing shops in Kuisebmond for alleged copyright infringement of Shitana's music.

We confiscated an identification card stating Ismael was a detective from the Copyright protection unit based in Windhoek as well as a copy of a Namibian Society of Composers and Authors of Music (NASCAM) document with a Namibian badge printed on it with rules about the violation of copyright works from one of the accused,” said Iikuyu.



OTIS FINCK

Genocide: Germany to respond soon

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Genocide: Germany to respond soonGenocide: Germany to respond soon Germany's ambassador to Namibia said the country will publicly and in writing respond to Namibia's written and detailed position on the genocide reparation talks plus its demands for an apology in “due course” as agreed to by both countries' chief negotiators last year.

This pledge was made last week by German ambassador to Namibia, Christian Schlaga, in response to a Nampa report on Germany's long-anticipated response to Namibia's genocide case laid out during meetings last year.

In the article, Namibia's special envoy on the genocide, Zed Ngavirue, said the Namibian government was still waiting for an official response from Germany following his submission of a “substantive document setting out the basis of the case on the genocide and demand for apology and reparations” which was submitted in 2016.

Schlaga, in a statement sent to Namibian Sun, said Ngavirue presented a document to Ruprecht Polenz, Germany's chief representative on the genocide negotiations, in July 2016.

The document described the position of the Namibian government on the “German – Namibian negotiations covering the events during the years 1904 – 1907 of German colonial era and the conclusions to be drawn.”

Schlaga said the document formed the basis for extensive deliberations by both special envoys during their respective meetings in early September in Berlin as well as the end of November 2016 in Windhoek.

He said Polenz, during those meetings, responded “by explaining in detail and great clarity the German assessment of the Namibian paper.”

He said subsequently, during those meetings, “both envoys agreed that Germany shall transmit this assessment also in writing to the Namibian Special Envoy. This shall happen in due course.”

Nampa's article last week said Namibia's case is based on three pillars, namely “acknowledgement of genocide, apology and reparation.”

He said the document that was submitted to the German representatives contained “facts based on research mostly conducted by researchers of German origin, and constitute documentary proof to validate such research.”

Ngavirue said to date Germany has not contested the facts “that we put in that document so far” and said Namibia expects the country to “come out and give us an idea of how much will be the quantum that will meet the needs of reconstruction of our society.”

More than 1000 000 Herero and Nama people were exterminated by German troops in what is regarded as the first genocide of the 20th century.

Large swathes of land were also stolen and many suffered displacement.

-Additional reporting Nampa



JANA-MARI SMITH

Battling Oshikoto's rape culture

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Battling Oshikoto's rape cultureBattling Oshikoto's rape cultureGovernor blames late-night boozing Summary: Henok Kankoshi has decried the rape culture problem in his region. Rape is one of the most frequently committed violent crimes in Oshikoto Region and governor Henok Kankoshi has partly blamed this on late-night drinking.

According to Kankoshi, women in the region were falling prey to rapists.

He said most of the cases were happening after dark and sometimes when the victims are under the influence of alcohol.

“Rapes are committed late at night as women are leaving cuca shops on the way home and fall prey to suspects that are out at night on the lookout for vulnerable victims who are under the influence of alcohol and can hardly defend themselves,” Kankoshi said during his State of the Region Address last week in which he condemned the tidal wave of violence in Oshikoto.

He said cases of crime were reduced to 104 from over 260 cases reported between 2015 and 2017.

Kankoshi announced that rape cases were reduced from 72 to 18, while murder cases, which stood at 10, were reduced to three in 2017. Gender-based violence was reduced from 64 to 24, stock-theft from 72 to 36 while robberies, which stood at 45, were reduced to 23.

The latest Oshikoto police rape case report happened on Friday in the Tsintsabis area where a 30-year-old was a victim.

According to the police, the victim was allegedly raped while on her way home from a neighbouring homestead and it was further alleged that she had drank too much alcohol and could not recognise who had raped her as police investigations continue.

Regarding the rape of minors, Kankoshi said this happens when children are left in the care of merciless male domestic workers, cattle herders and neighbours by parents and guardians who lack proper supervision skills.

Meanwhile Namibian Sun through the Oshikoto Police daily crime reports observed that there has been an increase in rape amongst minors where young schoolgoing boys have sexual intercourse with younger girls, who are mostly on their way to or from school, without their consent.

These acts are carried out in nearby bushes.

However, Kankoshi pointed out that due to the vast policing area and difficult terrain to operate in, police are not able to come to the rescue on time because of capacity constraints.

Kankoshi also said the lack of recreational facilities and job opportunities can also be blamed for the high crime rate in his region.



KENYA KAMBOWE

CITY CRASH CLAIMS TWO

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CITY CRASH CLAIMS TWOCITY CRASH CLAIMS TWO TERRIBLE: Two people died and one was seriously injured after the car they were travelling in crashed into a pole in Windhoek's Hosea Kutako Drive. The accident happened at around 05:00 on Saturday morning. According to the City Police, the driver lost control of the Honda Civic vehicle and subsequently rammed into the pole.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

City plans to help poor manage debts

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City plans to help poor manage debtsCity plans to help poor manage debtsElderly, vulnerable struggle with utility bills A Windhoek politician argues there was no moral justification for putting people on the street, because of municipal debts. The Windhoek municipality has refuted accusations by a Windhoek councillor and others that it employs a cost-recovery strategy by selling the homes of the city's most vulnerable people, in order to recover unpaid municipal debts.

“As per our credit control policy, employs all alternative methods to recover debts owed to it. It is only when all credit control measures are exhausted, that the City of Windhoek hands over the process for legal collection,” the City of Windhoek said.

The city recently announced that non-payment of bills in the region of N$500 million was a burden the city is forced to shoulder on its own, and said it is important to note that the city operates on a cost-recovery basis and was severely challenged by unpaid bills.

“It is important to understand that the City of Windhoek can only sustainably render services if it is equitably compensated for by the end-users,” spokesperson Lydia Amutenya told Namibian Sun.

In a May interview, city officials said that around N$12 million of that amount was owed by pensioners and vulnerable people, while more than N$105 million was owed by government institutions.

Amutenya said while the city does not categorise the unpaid bills by suburbs “per se, most challenges are in the north-western suburbs of the city”, where the majority of informal and poorer neighbourhoods are situated.

She said the city recognises that several factors contribute to the inability to pay bills, including “unemployment and high cost bulk supply”.

However, she said it is important to note that while “some elderly and other vulnerable members of our society can be genuinely challenged to afford municipal services, there are also those with different priorities who have the means to pay for these services, but first pay all other bills and the municipal account is the last item budgeted for – to be paid if and when there is money left over.”

Overall, the city's operations are based on a cost-recovery basis and “thus no lenience or free municipal services can be provided, except the municipal buses where provision is made for senior citizens and residents with disabilities.”

In response to queries of how the city could assist the most vulnerable members of Windhoek whose unpaid debts could lead to evictions, the city has proposed plans to install pre-payment services for water and electricity to be implemented in the 2017/2018 financial year.

“Those are the most contributing factors to debts, especially for our senior and vulnerable citizens, and this will enable them to manage their consumption optimally.”

Emphasising a statement made by Windhoek mayor Muesee Kazapua last week, she said that the city urges all stakeholders to “contribute to the plight of the elderly and other vulnerable people” and step up to share the load that the municipality currently carries on its own.

The issue of home losses due to unpaid debts was spotlighted recently when Windhoek councillor Joseph Kauandenge intervened on behalf of a 60-year-old Katutura pensioner, who was facing eviction because of N$90 000 unpaid municipal bill. Subsequently, the eviction was put on hold after Kauandenge tabled a motion at the council meeting last month, in which he asked that a strategy be created and implemented to address the “burning issue” of evictions in order to prevent pushing more people onto the streets, and forcing them to illegally occupy land in a desperate bid for a home.

Kauandenge claimed that he knew of 10 to 15 vulnerable families who were facing homelessness in low-income areas after the city began legal recovery processes. He claimed there was no “moral justification” for putting people on the street, because of these debts.

He added that while millions are outstanding by cash-strapped and vulnerable residents, the outstanding debts by government institutions were higher. “We can't just pick on the most vulnerable, and ignore those institutions that have money, but do nothing about it. It's called selective morality.”

JANA-MARI SMITH

Questions over NFA's Soccer House

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Questions over NFA's Soccer HouseQuestions over NFA's Soccer House Questions surrounding the deed of sale of a property in Katutura that was bought by the Namibian Football Associations (NFA) around 15 years ago were raised before the City of Windhoek's management committee due to failure to add the NFA's name to the document.

In May, Nudo Windhoek councillor Joseph Kauandenge requested the City of Windhoek to explain the lack of the NFA's name on the deed of sale, which still shows the City of Windhoek's name, despite the NFA having purchased the property in 2002 for just under N$60 000.

“It has come to my attention that there is this Erf 339 in Katutura, where the current Soccer House is hosted, that continues to be on the city's property list, while the NFA has apparently paid for it already.”

In an official response provided to Kauandenge at the May council meeting, the city's CEO Robert Kahimise confirmed in writing that “it is unclear as to why the Erf was never transferred into the name of NFA, as a result remaining in the name of City of Windhoek.”

He said that the reason for the 15-year delay in the transfer would be investigated by the Department of Urban Planning and Property Management and “if it is found that there is a valid reason for the said delay, same will be addressed in order for the transfer to be effected immediately.”

In a response to Namibian Sun last week, the city's management confirmed that as per a council resolution in 1999, the sale of Erf 339 in Katutura to the NFA was approved in principle at a purchase price of N$95,855.76.





Plans changed, however, as per council resolution 351/10/2000, when the city approved the subdivision of Erf 339 Katutura into Portion A and remainder, to accommodate a bus and taxi rank, and instructed that the remainder of the Erf, now smaller than initially intended, be sold to the NFA at a reduced purchase price of N$58 119.88.

In response to Kauandenge' s enquiry, and a request for details on the sale price and the date of the transactions, the property division verified property records and shared their findings with him in writing at the council meeting at the end of May.

According to Kahimise, the subdivision of the property, and the resulting smaller portion for the NFA, led to delays in the subdivision process and the sale of the erven.

On completion of the process, the deed of sale was finally signed on 15 July 2002.

The recent deed inspection by the city showed that the transfer into the name of the NFA, however, did not take place, and Kahimise said “it is not known as to why the erf was never transferred.”

The city confirmed that the NFA has since the sale 15 years ago been “paying for the rates and taxes” on the property.

Further investigations will be carried out to determine “if there were any technical reasons” for the failure to transfer the name, and after that the NFA's name will be transferred “without any further delays.”

Kauandenge in a statement to the media said the response to his questions, and the “shameless” admission that the deed of sale was not transferred into the name of the NFA, had led to more questions.

“I'm really not satisfied with that answer, as it seems there are a lot of questions still to be asked regarding this piece of land,” he said, motivating his decision to make the issue public.



JANA-MARI SMITH

'Honour Ya Toivo legacy'

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'Honour Ya Toivo legacy''Honour Ya Toivo legacy'Fight inequality, tribalism and corruption Namibians have been implored to honour the legacy of struggle icon Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo through action. The best way Namibians can honour Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo's memory is to continue his legacy and fight against the high levels of inequality, tribalism and corruption.

In paying tribute to her late husband, Vicki Erenstein-Ya Toivo urged mourners at his memorial to pick up the baton in the fight against inequality by working to eliminate all forms of corruption and greed.

She said the independence gained could not be enjoyed if society's leaders did not work to narrowing the spread between the rich and the poor. “We must cherish this unity and nurture it.

This means tribalism has no place in our society. We are Namibians first and should not allow ourselves to be divided,” she said. “The unity of our people also requires us to wage war against the vast gap between the few rich and the masses of the poor amongst our people.

The unity of our people is the most important precondition to obtain the goals that we have set for ourselves. The shameful end of income inequality that exists in Namibia today undermines the dignity for which we struggled and is the major obstacle to achieving our aspirations.

This should be the central and daily preoccupation of our political leaders and of the leaders and members of our institutions of our private sector and our civil society.” She called on Namibians to be respectful and re-dedicate efforts towards fighting inequality.

“We cannot maintain and nurture unity if we permit inequality to fester. We must respect each other as Namibians and as one as world citizens. We must dedicate ourselves to work for the common welfare of our people until we achieve total economic emancipation,” said Erenstein-Ya Toivo. She said the only means to safeguard the country's independence was through hard work and to fight corruption.





“This means that we must work harder to eliminate corruption, selfishness and, greed and intolerance from our society. This is how we will safeguard our precious peace and we will go forward to become a nation whose people will enjoy the fruits of independence,” she said in her final tribute to her revered husband.

Ya Toivo died on 9 June at his Windhoek home and was laid to rest at the Heroes Acre at the weekend. President Hage Geingob reiterated Erenstein-Ya Toivo's sentiments and said a new enemy existed. “As Africans, we have a new common enemy of inequality, poverty and corruption.

We are required to unite again to fight this common enemy to enable our people to enjoy the fruits of our hard won freedom,” said Geingob.

“Let us emulate his venerable character and fight for a fair and inclusive society where we honour and respect the living and the dead,” added Geingob. Geingob also called Namibians to honour Ya Toivo through action and not through words.

“I would like to call all Namibians to honour this hero of the struggle. An appropriate way to honour him is through purposeful actions to improve the challenges we face as a nation.

Let us emulate his exemplary character and fight tooth and nail to banish from our society, the counter revolutionary practises of the 'ism's, tribalism, racism and sexism.”



OGONE TLHAGE

Cosafa draw excites Rukoro

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Cosafa draw excites RukoroCosafa draw excites Rukoro Namibia Football Association (NFA) secretary-general Barry Rukoro yesterday said that he is happy that the Cosafa tournament has pitted the Brave Warriors against Lesotho.

The 2015 champions will play Lesotho on Saturday in the 2017 Cosafa Castle Cup quarterfinals at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa.

“Given our financial setbacks and the inactivity of our domestic league, we could have not wished for a better draw than this one.

“Thanks to our previous exploits, we are ranked better and that saves us a lot of playing time and only training and training to be ready and fresh to face Lesotho,” Rukoro said.

He further expressed confidence that the national team has what it takes to get past Lesotho and into the semi-finals.

“It will be the first game for both countries and that is equal footing and we should be able to negotiate our way past Lesotho.”

Having overseen the Brave Warriors take on neighbours Botswana in plenty of memorable clashes over the years, Rukoro is still reeling from the 2016 Cosafa Castle Cup quarterfinal penalty shoot-out defeat to the Zebras and wants revenge in South Africa.

“We still have some unfinished business and I hope the team progresses in order to meet Botswana somewhere to settle our score,” said Rukoro.

In 2016, host Namibia lost 4-5 on penalties to Botswana after a 1-1 draw.

The Brave Warriors head coach Ricardo Mannetti is expected to announce the team today.

Sport Reporter

Doors open to fight in World Cup

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Doors open to fight in World CupDoors open to fight in World CupJonas and Hamunyela headed to Germany Two Namibian boxers qualify for 2017 World Boxing Championships in Germany. Amateur boxers Jonas Junias and Mathias Hamunyela won gold medals at the

2017 African Boxing Championships which was held in Congo-Brazzaville from 17 to 25 June.

The boxers now qualified for the 2017 World Championships which will be held in Germany from 25 August to 3 September.

The boxers, who left the country unprepared due to the fact that they did not have amble time to train, surprised boxing fans when they breezed through the stages to reach the finals and eventually win gold medals.

Their boxing compatriot Mateus Kasolo, who took part in the 60kg, did not progress to any medal contention spots.

Junias was competing in the 64kg category and Hamunyela in the 49kg. The gold medallist competed at the 2016 Olympic Games but did not do well; however, they both won silver medals at the 2015 All Africa Games.

Benjamin Rebang, the president of the Namibian Boxing Federation said that they are proud of the boxers and their achievements. He said that this could be the first time two boxers from SADC bring two gold medals home. “We had critics before they travelled but I believed in the team. These results did not just fall from the sky,” he said.

Rebang also said the boxing federation is committed to making sure that opportunities are provided to local boxers to excel.

“Boxing is an individual sport and these boxers showed that despite the limited time they had, they put in extra effort to do well in the tournament. We are also applauding the coaches who train these boxers. Their impact is noted and that is also the reason we send boxers to tournaments with them because they groomed them and thus know them better,” Rebang explained.

He further added that Jonas is very involved in his career and would always call from Brazil to enquire about developments in his boxing career.



Limba Mupetami

Moses gets mega offer

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Moses gets mega offerMoses gets mega offer Namibian boxing trainer and coach Immanuel 'Imms' Moses has been appointed as a global matchmaker for the Indian Professional Boxing Association (IPBA).

In a letter issued to the trainer by the Indian Professional Boxing Association, the organisation confirmed his appointment.

“We are pleased to confirm your appointment as “Global Matchmaker' for Pro Boxing League and other properties of IPBA effective 20 June 2017.

“The appointment is for one year, and will be on renewable terms and it involves a remuneration basis,” the letter reads.

IPBA also notified Moses that the appointment may be terminated within the appointment period by mutual consent.

The association felt that Moses is the perfect person to promote and develop the association further, including the promoting of boxers under that association.

He becomes the first Namibian to gain a position in the Indian boxing fraternity.

His experience and personality is said to have been one of the key components to his appointment.

Moses joined the MTC Nestor 'Sunshine' Tobias Boxing and Fitness Academy as a young boy.

He is the young brother to former World Boxing Association (WBA) Lightweight champion, Paulus 'Hitman' Moses, who also came through the ranks at the academy.

He used to give water bottles to the boxers, before he started coaching the amateur boxers.

Moses has been part of the success stories of the MTC Nestor 'Sunshine' Tobias Boxing and Fitness Academy.

The trainer has been an influential figure in Julius Indongo, Paulus Moses and Paulus Ambunda's journey to world title successes.

Moses could not be reached for comment about his new appointment.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Off to the world stage

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Off to the world stageOff to the world stageWomen’s hockey team qualifies for World Cup The Namibian women indoor hockey team won the Hockey Africa Cup and has qualified for World Cup. The Namibian women’s indoor team beat South Africa 2-1 in the final at the Africa Cup which took place at the Dome, Swakopmund, on Sunday.

The team is looking forward to travel to Berlin, Germany for the 2018 Indoor Hockey World Cup which will run from 7 to 11 February.

Namibia was trailing 3-2 in the second half with less than a minute to go before, Marcia Venter sent the hosts into a penalty shootout. The player scored with a last-gasp effort with only 20 seconds remaining on the clock to give them a lifeline.

Namibia, which is ranked number-two behind South Africa in Africa, and 14th in the world, were in no mood to disappoint the home crowd when they converted their first two penalties which were scored by Gillian Hermanus and Marcia Venter.

South Africa’s influential player Kelly Reid missed the target when she drove her penalty wide and Namibia’s destiny as champions was cemented when goalkeeper, Petro Stoffberg blocked a penalty from South Africa’s Celia Evans to give Namibia the victory.

This was the redemption Namibia needed, after they lost them 4-1 and 7-0 earlier in the tournament.

The win means that Namibia have now qualified for the World Cup which will take place in Berlin Germany next year.

The Namibia team coach Erwin Handura, attributed the team’s success to their mental strength and extra training sessions in preparations to the final.

The Namibia National Olympic Committee (NNOC) President Abner Xoagub said that he is pleased with the growth of indoor hockey in the country.

“It shows that if you put in all the resources and all the dedication that you can do it. It was a sweet victory for the Namibian ladies team over the South African team and it just opens doors. Overall it was a great achievement and they made us proud as a country.

“I believe that hockey is improving in the country. We have a league operating in the country made up of 32 clubs. And tells me that hockey in the country is growing because hockey is not only played in five regions but in all 14 regions of the country,” said Xoagub.

Magy Mengo, captain of the team and player of the tournament, said they practiced really hard for the tournament and deserved the win. “We prepared well with the training camps and look forward to the World Cup next year. We don’t want to travel to Germany just to make up numbers but to contest for medals and make Namibia proud,” she said.

Limba Mupetami & Adolf Kaure

'Smart Cut' tournament a success

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'Smart Cut' tournament a success'Smart Cut' tournament a success The Golden Bigs Sport Club are champions of the first-ever 'Smart Cut' tournament.

Golden Bigs defeated Foxy Senior Club 4-2 on penalties, following their goalless final encounter held late Sunday afternoon at Iikuku sports field.

The champions took home a trophy, branded football kits and a ball, while Fox Senior received a set of bibs and a ball.

Oshakati United handed Oshakati City a 1-0 defeat in the third position play-off and walked away with 15 sets of shin guards plus a ball.

The ministry of health sponsored the tournament in conjunction with the International Training and Education Centre for Health (I-TECH) to promote voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC).

Twenty-one men were circumcised during the duration of the tournament.

“Seventy-eight clients were booked for the service for the next week,” VMMC Oshana Regional Demand Creation Coordinator,” Harold Kandjii.

The tournament was a new approach of the MoHSS and I-TECH to attract more men and mobilise them for circumcision.

“This approach proved to be working as most community members showed a lot of interest, as demonstrated by the high number of spectators at the event,” Kandjii explained.

Rural community football teams will be engaged in the future, he said.

NAMPA

Desert Storm moves up

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 Desert Storm moves up Desert Storm moves up Namibian boxer Sakaria “Desert Storm” Lukas has moved up in boxing ranks. Lukas is ranked number six in the world by the World Boxing Organisation, two spots up from his last world rating in April. He is the reigning WBO Africa Featherweight champion, a title he has now successfully defended three times already.

Hailing from the MTC Nestor Sunshine Boxing and Fitness Academy, Lukas is a true wonder kid in boxing with a record of 19 undefeated fights.

He also held the IBF and WBA continental titles, making him one of a few boxers that tasted three title belts from three of the four most recognised boxing bodies in the world.

His last fight against Oscar Chauke from South Africa brought out the best in him, and must have been his toughest opponent to date, testing his boxing skills to the limit as he came out with flying colours. He has fought opponents from across the African continent, and remains undefeated.

“Desert Storm is definitely the future. He has a big heart, is very disciplined, has a high work rate, is fearless and willing to learn. With such a good world rating and an impeccable undefeated record, the sky is the limit for him and anything can come his way. He is in a very competitive weight class, with the current world champion being Oscar Valdez, but he has certainly put himself out there with the very best and we are hopeful that a big opportunity can come his way soon” said his trainer and promoter Nestor Tobias.

“I am excited about having improved my world rating, I will continue working hard, winning fights and just being the best I can in and outside the ring and I know big things will come my way in the not too distant future” said an excited Lukas.

Lukas started his professional boxing career in March 2011 and has been at it for the past six years.

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