Lawyer slams drawn-out Moussongela bail hearing

July 4, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Lawyer slams drawn-out Moussongela bail hearing

Congolese pastor Pedro Marcelino Moussongela appeared again in the Ondangwa Magistrate's Court yesterday for his ninth bail application hearing.

This follows a postponement from Friday.

It is now almost a year that Moussongela, who is in custody on charges of human trafficking, rape and assault by threat, has been appearing in the Ondangwa Magistrate's Court for his bail hearing that started on 31 August last year.

The hearing was supposed to resume on Monday, but Magistrate Jurina Hochobes told the court that it could not go ahead because prosecutor Dollen Gowases could not make it due to unforeseen circumstances.

The bail application is expected to be lengthy as the State is expected to call more than five witnesses and his defence team is also expected to bring witness. It will continue tomorrow and proceed until Friday.

The lengthy postponements have been caused by a broken recording device in the B-court, which meant that three magistrates have to share a single courtroom, A-court. The device has been broken since mid-2015.

In February, Hochobes gave reasons for the seventh postponement of the bail hearing. The broken recording device was listed as the main cause.

Hochobes said the A-court could not continue with the bail hearing because the court had too many cases on that day.

Lawyer Norman Tjombe says a bail application cannot go on that long.

“Bail application hearings cannot go up to a year. If the bail application hearing can go up to a year, how long will the trial be? During the bail application, the State and defence are not expected to call that many witnesses,” Tjombe says.

A source at the Ondangwa court told Namibian Sun that all cases that needed recording were being transferred to A-court. This has allegedly caused tension among the magistrates, as they have to wait until the A-court magistrate finishes all the cases on the roll.

“Due to limited time, magistrates end up postponing cases. They do not get enough time in the afternoon to finish with their cases,” the source said.

Moussongela, 56, founder of the Evangelical Mennonite Brethren Church, Mennonite Brethren Community School Namibia and Ongenga English Private School, was arrested on 23 June at his Omafo school following new charges laid against him by a complainant who reported him to NamRights.

At the time of his arrest in the north, he was out on bail after a first appearance in the Windhoek Magistrate's Court where he had appeared on charges of having trafficked five of his own children to England.

He allegedly had delegated someone to drop off three of these children, who are all under the age of 12, in London.

During the last postponement in May, Phil Ya Nangoloh of NamRights told the court that all doors for Moussongela to be released on bail are firmly and permanently shut. He said that human trafficking is like piracy, slavery and this includes modern-day slavery, enslavement and torture. On 22 June, Moussongela also appeared before the Windhoek Magistrate's Court on the same charges and the case was postponed to 1 March next year.

ILENI NANDJATO

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Rural Namibians support free pads

July 4, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Rural Namibians support free padsSocial taboos deny girls an education The Rural Parliament has urged the National Council to engage relevant government ministries with the purpose of ensuring that schoolgirls are provided with free sanitary pads.

Rural men and women have come out in support of free sanitary towels for girls who cannot afford sanitary pads, in order to reduce school dropout rates and improve school attendance.

Studies have shown that around one in ten girls in sub-Saharan Africa miss school during their menstrual cycle, which could lead to an average of 50 lost school days per year for girls who can't afford or access sanitary products.

In Namibia the social taboos related to menstruation, and the culture of silence that surrounds it, were on display last year when a female member of parliament asked that a debate on the topic of sanitary pads be dropped because it was embarrassing.

The motion was tabled by DTA president McHenry Venaani, who said it was important to remind those who considered the issue taboo that all matters that required developmental intervention were “the issues of MPs”.

Surprisingly, female MPs were not keen on discussing the matter after Venaani concluded his motivation.

“I am embarrassed to discuss menstruation in Parliament,” said Deputy Speaker Loide Kasingo, who was the first woman to contribute to the debate.

That once again highlighted the misguided and cruel prejudice that forces many girls to stay at home when they are menstruating, especially when they can't afford sanitary pads. Moreover, researchers have shown that several health issues or reproductive infections are potentially triggered by poor menstrual hygiene, when girls are forced to use alternative and unhygienic substances during their periods, including old rags, sand, leaves, and ash.

A motion in this regard was tabled at the conclusion of the 4th Rural Parliament as part of a checklist of issues affecting rural and poor families which were raised during the session last week, concluding with a number of resolutions tabled in order to tackle these challenges.

Rural parliamentarian Selma Shikongo warned that many Namibian schoolgirls who are subjected to “embarrassing and humiliating incidents”, choose to skip school during their menstrual periods, rather than endure teasing and other prejudicial acts. This has restricted and reduced access to education for many girls and increased school dropouts, with long-term impacts on the girl's lives and livelihoods, she argued.

She said costly sanitary pads are often out of reach for poorer communities while some rural areas don't sell sanitary products at all.

Shikongo, representing urban Ondangwa, tabled a motion in which she urged the National Council to “engage relevant government ministries with the purpose of ensuring that schoolgirls are provided with free sanitary pads.”

During a presentation on gender equality, family planning, maternal health and child mortality at the rural parliamentarian session, Advocate Bience Gawanas said she would welcome a move by Namibia to follow in the footsteps of Kenya, which recently announced the free distribution of sanitary towels to young Kenyan girls.

“If we can give free condoms, surely we should be able to give free sanitary towels and make those girls feel that they can stand up and go to school when they are menstruating,” Gawanas said.

She said such a national move would help address the taboo around menstruation, and help girls “feel that it is not wrong and not shameful to menstruate”.

The parliamentarian session, attended by female and male delegates from all 14 regions, was held under the theme 'Parliament Gives a Voice to Rural Women and Men on Sustainable Development Goals'.

The sessions are aimed at providing rural communities with legislative representation to discuss, engage and recommend on crucial developmental issues.

JANA-MARI SMITH

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Rape, murder dominate crime scene

July 4, 2017, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Angolan vendors flood Ondangwa streets

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Rape, murder dominate crime scene The past month-end weekend was marred by numerous murders across the country, while children were again the victims of rape.

A 30-year-old man was arrested at Opuwo in connection with the rape of a two-year-old girl. It is alleged that during the morning hours on Sunday at Ombazu village, the girl was left sleeping with the suspect in the same room, while everybody else was outside.

According to the police when the child screamed a family member went inside to investigate and the suspect was allegedly found on top of the toddler. The girl was taken to the hospital for treatment.

In another incident on Saturday at about 23:00 at the Schmellendorf location at Bethanie, a 14-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a 26-year-old man.

The suspect has been arrested.

Also on Saturday a physically challenged girl (age unknown) was raped in the bushes near Onakalunga village near Eenhana.

It is alleged that the victim was on her way with her mother from the cuca shops when the suspect offered to push her wheelchair.

According to the police, the girl arrived at home late and when her mother questioned her, she told her mother that she was raped. The suspect can be identified by the mother of the victim. Police investigations continue.

Meanwhile at around 05:00 on Sunday morning at the Vibe nightclub in the Southern Industrial Area in Windhoek, police were called to the scene after some people were held hostage inside the building.

According to the police it is alleged that a partygoer was angered by the eviction as the club closed. He returned to the club and pointed a gun at the patrons, firing three shots. The police on arrival disarmed and arrested the suspect. A loaded shotgun and 17 rounds of ammunition as well as the three spent cartridges were confiscated. No one was injured and investigations continue.

A case of assault by threat, pointing of a firearm, and discharge of a firearm has been opened.

In another incident in Noordoewer at Op die Hoekie Bar, 19-year-old Pesha Madi's head was hacked with a machete. The incident happened at 03:00 on Saturday.

Madi was transported to hospital at Karasburg but died on the way. The suspect, who is known as a resident of Noordoewer, fled and has not been arrested.

The body of a man in his 20s was discovered in Kasamba Street, Otjomuise with a stab wound to the chest. The police identified the deceased as Metlock Veseevete. According to the police an Okapi knife and bloodstained panga, which are suspected to be the murder weapons, were found a few metres from the body.

In another incident on Saturday at 01:50, a 27-year-old man, Gerson Haidula, was shot in the leg during a fight and later died in the Katutura State Hospital. No arrest has been made. The incident took place at Oshitenda location near Ombili settlement. Also on Saturday, at about 02:48 near Cue Bar in Khomasdal, Immanuel Fortunate, 22, was stabbed in the neck and died. The suspect is known but has not been arrested.

In another incident at Bethanie, a 22-year-old suspect stabbed and killed 24-year-old Hendrik Swartz. The stabbing occurred between 18:00 and 19:00 on Friday. A suspect has been arrested.

At Keetmanshoop, a man identified as George Wells was killed at YB Inn shebeen Saturday night. According to the police, Wells was stabbed in the back and neck. He died in hospital. No arrest has been made.

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Angolan vendors flood Ondangwa streets

July 4, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Angolan vendors flood Ondangwa streets

As the economy gets tough in both neighbouring Angola and at the Namibian border town of Oshikango, there is now a growing population of street vendors in Ondangwa.

The Ondangwa Town Council says its streets have been flooded with Angolan vendors selling various products.

The town's local economic development officer, Gerhard Sam, told Namibian Sun that the council had called a public meeting with the vendors tomorrow.

He said the police, immigration officials and the Angolan consulate in Oshakati were invited to attend.

“Since last month we observed too many Angolan street vendors selling products in undesignated areas, with some conducting door-to-door trading. We are concerned and that is why we called a public meeting with these people so that we can engage them on our street sales policies,” Sam said.

A few months ago, the Helao Nafidi Town Council as well as the Ohangwena police expressed concern over the rising number of Angolans entering the country on a daily basis in search of greener pastures.

It was reported that they are driven there through desperation following the collapse of the Angolan economy.

Most of the beggars are women carrying their children on their backs and teenagers of school-going age. They gather at retailers and other shops with baskets and boxes, and offer to carry people's shopping bags.

ILENI NANDJATO

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Legal profession reboots

July 4, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Legal profession rebootsLawyers aim to remain relevant, responsive A project has been launched to assess numerous aspects of the legal profession in Namibia and to propose changes.

Namibian legal professionals have launched a landmark project aimed at taking a detailed look at the state of Namibia's legal landscape and tackling critical issues in order to transform the profession into a more accessible, modern, and respected ally for Namibians seeking legal help.

The Change Project is an initiative that “aims to critically assess numerous aspects of the legal profession in Namibia and to propose changes to ensure the profession remains relevant, responsive to the Namibian society and maintains international standards and best practices.”

At the media launch yesterday, the chairperson of the project's steering committee, Ramon Maasdorp, said the Change Project was geared “to influence and shape the future of the legal profession and its regulation in Namibia by contributing to a sustainable and more importantly, a relevant profession.

The project's slogan is 'Leading the Way to a Trusted, Vibrant and Relevant Namibian Legal Profession'.

At the launch yesterday, the committee said the legal profession was at a critical juncture and the project was being undertaken to understand, systematically, the “realities, risks and opportunities of the rapidly changing world we live in, to shape the future of the profession and improve it.”

The project is co-sponsored by the Legal Practitioners' Fidelity Fund and the Namibia Legal Practitioners Trust.

A steering committee, consisting of Maasdorp, Saima Nambinga, Anne-Doris Hans-Kaumbi, Toni Hancox and Retha Steinmann, with project manager Eben de Klerk, has been established to drive the project.

The catalyst for the Change Project was multiple, according to the committee, and included finding ways to become more relevant to the majority of Namibians “who we do not serve well or at all right now,” as well as to maintain and increase the relevance of legal professionals to existing clients by becoming “more effective and efficient.”

In terms of modern innovations in law, notably the automation of many legal services across the globe, the Change Project is geared towards preparing legal practitioners “for a future where the practice of law will look much different from today”, and ensuring that consumers do not fall prey to various online innovations which are easier to access but could lead to dubious and harmful results.

The project also wants to play its part in creating “a genuinely transformed profession that serves all Namibians”.

Some of the issues that have already been identified include concerns that lawyers lack the necessary competence and willingness to fulfil their duties in assisting the court to reach the right decision in a timely and cost-effective manner and that access to justice is limited.

Other issues include challenges around lawyer compensation, the negative public image of lawyers and the mismatch between lawyers and the judiciary in terms of needs and expectations.

Moreover, the Law Society of Namibia (LSN), which is seen as a regulator, “has no control over disciplinary proceedings, although the public regards the LSN as a responsible regulator,” and the LSN “cannot effectively identify or mitigate against the risks to clients and the public interesting arising from the changes in the legal landscape.”

Several more issues have been identified and will be looked at in depth during the project.

Several processes are underway to gather information to help shape the way forward, including giving legal practitioners a chance to contribute their views and recommendations, undertaking in-depth surveys of consumers from the public and crucial institutions and conducting desktop research as well as town hall sessions with key role-players.

The deadline is November 2017 for all research and recommendations to be finalised. The project is estimated to run until April 2018.

JANA-MARI SMITH

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Three conmen arrested

July 4, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Three conmen arrestedVictims lose thousands to traditional healers The police have arrested three illegal immigrants selling purported magic spells in Khomasdal.

It appears as if Joe Public has had enough of empty promises made by so-called traditional healers charging exorbitant fees for all kinds of maladies, some utterly ridiculous.

After countless complaints by members of the public who were taken for a ride by at least three of these healers, operating from the same premises in Khomasdal, the Namibian police acted.

Three traditional healers, calling themselves Drs Zamba, Luck and Oodo, were arrested on Monday in a clampdown by the Namibian police against these kinds of practices after close to 30 victims were duped out of thousands of dollars.

Some of the victims lost N$45 000, N$39 000 and N$5 000 respectively.

The three 'doctors' claim they can help with everything from love and business problems, to securing tenders and jobs, winning court cases, sexual and marriage problems, bewitched people, having babies, erections, drugs and alcohol, and they even give you rats that they claim will bring you money.

According to Khomas Police Regional Community Affairs leader, Chief Inspector Christina Fonsech, the three men were operating from a house in Khomasdal near Park Foods. About 27 victims had approached the police about how they had been scammed by these alleged traditional healers.

“They are claiming to be traditional healers from Uganda, but it is not true, they are not healers,” says Fonsech.

The three men entered the country illegally and apparently have been fraudulently obtaining documents from a former home affairs employee.

According to Fonsech, Dr Luck used a fake visa to enter the country while the two other men entered Namibia without passports.

She says a former employee of home affairs has been assisting the three men all along.

The three 'healers' were in Namibia for several years, doing the same business, while their qualifications range from Grade 5 to Grade 9. According to Fonsech, during the arrest, a total of N$7 000 was confiscated at the house while the 'muti', which included dry grass, oil and wood chips and shards, was left there.

“People are being brainwashed. There is a 32-year-old victim who paid N$39 000 to be able to get a better job. He only has Grade 9 and wanted to be a supervisor, but someone else with a Grade 12 qualification received the job. He went to the traditional healer to get the job and lost all this money,” says Fonsech.

In another case there was a man who wanted to name his child when his partner was pregnant. He went to the traditional healers to name his child and was told his car was bad luck and he had to give the car to the healer, says Fonsech. After that he had to pay N$42 000 more just for the healer to return to name the child.

Dr Luck, who cannot be named as none of the accused had appeared in court by the time of going to print, told Namibian Sun he was a “true traditional healer”.

“The medicine is working, but it depends on how people use it.

“In our country there are many trees with herbs and my grandfather was a healer and passed it on to me,” he said when asked how he became a traditional healer.

According to him he has not received any complaints from those he had helped with his medicine.

However, messages on Dr Luck's phone indicate that his clients were not satisfied at all.

“Evening Dr Luck you just disappointed me I never get what I wanted,” reads one message.

Other messages to the healers indicate that a victim paid N$5 000, but that nothing happened.

“I don't have any money any more Dr and why should I always be asked. I asked u will you be able to bring back my lover and u said yes, now that the days are over and nothing happened now I have to give more to see u again (sic).”

Fonsech says it is not only one culture that believes in this type of traditional healing, but people from across Namibia.

“It is whites, Namas, Hereros, Owambos, everybody.”

According to her this type of practice is a very big problem in Namibia.

“It is because people are becoming very desperate with life. It is all over Namibia, not just in the larger towns.”

She warns that people should not go to these traditional healers as it could be dangerous to their health and they could end up losing a lot of money.

“It is only oil, grass and pounded wood that they are using and it is just to make you believe that they can change things for you.”

The three suspects have not appeared in court yet but will be charged with theft by false pretences, immigration and fraud.

ELLANIE SMIT

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BoN wants to shut down failing SME Bank

July 4, 2017, 4:00 pm

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BoN wants to shut down failing SME Bank

The Bank of Namibia announced yesterday that it had approached the High Court to seek the winding down of business at the embattled SME Bank.

Central bank governor Iipumbu Shiimi called for calm in anticipation of proceedings that will be heard in the High Court soon, saying it would be business as usual at the SME Bank, which is currently under its curatorship.

“While the Bank of Namibia is aware of the anxiety these actions may cause to employees, depositors, creditors and other interested parties alike, it nevertheless calls for calm during this period and urges all stakeholders to cooperate fully and exercise the necessary patience,” said Shiimi.

He did not wish to elaborate on the central bank's decision.

“Further information in this regard will be availed at the appropriate time,” said Shiimi briefly.

Winding down can be defined as the process of selling all the assets of a business, paying off its creditors, distributing any remaining assets to the partners or shareholders and then ultimately dissolving the business.

The Namibian this week reported that the Ministry of Finance set out to close the SME Bank after it had found that it did not fulfil its mandate.

“Treasury cannot bail out an institution that has irregularly invested shareholder capital outside Namibia, which now appears to have become irretrievable,” a summary of an internal assessment conducted by the finance ministry said.

The other conclusion was that the SME Bank was broke and was operating below the liquidity requirements as per the Banking Institutions Act and the licence requirements, a claim denied by minority shareholder Metropolitan Bank of Zimbabwe in a document seen by Namibian Sun recently.

The finance ministry also said the structure and management of the bank appeared not to be fit and proper to conduct the operations of a bank in a sustainable manner.

According to the ministry's assessment, the decision to close the bank was made when “the information about the illicit investment of N$200 million was confirmed”.

“Losses have to be curbed now instead of increasing them by providing further capital to an institution that has demonstrated its inability to responsibly fulfil its mandate,” the assessment said.

Finance minister Calle Schlettwein confirmed to The Namibian this week that there was a treasury assessment of the SME Bank, but declined to provide further details, saying discussions on the future of the bank were continuing.

He added that his general view on the matter was that the government cannot continue pumping money into institutions that continue to fail.

“Why should we pay for something that is continuously failing?” he asked.

The central bank placed the troubled lender under curatorship early this year following the investment of about N$200 million in questionable financial instruments.

“The Bank of Namibia has assumed control of the operations of the SME Bank to allow for an objective and thorough assessment of the investment portfolio of the SME Bank to make a full determination of the soundness of these investments.”

According to Shiimi, the answers given by the implicated persons were not satisfactory and resulted in their suspension, prompting the central bank to take swift action.

It is believed between N$181 million and N$196 million was invested in South Africa, some of which found an 'unsafe' haven at the Venda Bank Mutual Society, which is but one of the financial institutions implicated.

OGONE TLHAGE

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Skorpion Zinc tourney returns

July 4, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Skorpion Zinc tourney returnsN$1.4 million sponsorship for under-17 tournament The mining company has rejuvenated the hopes and dreams of young football players with the launch of the 2017 football tournament.

The Skorpion Zinc under-17 regional tournament has returned after being absent for a year.

The mining company has committed itself to a N$1.4 million sponsorship for the Namibia Football Association (NFA) to stage the youth tournament.

Last year, the tournament did not take place because of the financial difficulties the company had faced.

However, under-17 players from all 14 regions now have a chance to showcase their talents. The competition will take place in Windhoek on 9 September. Speaking on behalf of the mine situated at Rosh Pinah, the CEO of Vedanta Zinc International, Deshnee Naidoo, said it was about time that the company returned to the football scene. Vedanta Zinc International is the custodian of the zinc assets of India's globally diversified Vedanta group in Africa and Ireland.

“Our aim has always been to create sustainable jobs and make an impact in society. “Last year, it was a tough time for the economy and that is why we took a break from supporting the under-17 tournament.

“This tournament is important because it gives the boys credentials and that is why we are now here to stay,” Naidoo said. The tournament is said to have benefited the under-17 national team, given that most of its players were selected at the event in the past.

One of the recognisable results the tournament has yielded is that the Namibia national under-17 team won the 2016 Cosafa Cup with players that came out the Skorpion Zinc competition. The team also went on to do well in their recent tour to Germany after beating notable sides away from home.

NFA president Frans Mbidi lauded the company for its efforts to keep the dreams of young footballers alive. He feels that the competition has helped galvanise talent in Namibia, which he believes will benefit the senior national team in the future.

“I would like to thank Skorpion Zinc for making a decision that is in the best interest of football,” Mbidi said. “We know that football has been hit hard by the lack of finances, but we continue to fight to make things right.

“The competition is an avenue for new exciting players and we therefore guarantee a high level of organisation towards this competition.”

The last time the tournament took place in 2015, Omusati Region defeated Oshikoto Region 1-0 to lift win the Skorpion Zinc Cup.

A total of 70 goals were scored in that competition as some exciting football was displayed. This year, the competition has drawn the defending champions Omusati Region alongside the Omaheke, Otjozondjupa, //Karas and Kunene Region in group A.

Group B will see Kavango East, Erongo, Ohangwena, Oshikoto and Khomas Region battling for the knockout stages. Group C has only four teams: Kavango West, Oshana, Hardap and the Zambezi Region. The match schedule will be announced in due course.

Meanwhile, the company has hinted that it will also get involved in supporting women's football in Namibia.

Naidoo emphasised the importance of achieving gender equality.

Skorpion Zinc and the NFA women's football desk are expected to enter into talks that would benefit women footballers in the country.

JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA

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Trials to pull in new faces

July 4, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Trials to pull in new facesGladiators to hold trials Local women footballers are urged to turn up for trials which will be held from 15 to 16 July.

The Namibia Football Association (NFA) women's department will be hosting national trials for the Brave Gladiators as well as the national under-20 Young Gladiators at the NFA Technical Centre from 15 to 16 July.

Head coach of the national women teams Jacqui Shipanga explains that the trials are necessary and open to all potential players.

She says the Brave Gladiators will need players ahead of the Cosafa Women Championship to be held in Zimbabwe from 13 to 24 September, while the Young Gladiators will play South Africa in September in the 2018 FIFA Women Under-20 World Cup Qualifiers.

“Due to inactivity of the Women Super League (WSL) the Gladiators technical team is finding it extremely difficult to identify new talent and boost the senior national team.

It is against this background that we will host a national trials day for all players around the country who have the potential to make it to the national team. Individual players from regions will be accommodated at the NFA Girls Centre,” Shipanga said. Selected players will be given an opportunity to be trained by under-20 coach Mervin Mbakera and Bryan van Staden.

Shipanga adds that she expects an influx of new blood to challenge for positions in the squad especially with the likes of players such as captain of the under-20 national team, Lydiana Nanamus, holding midfielder Asteria Angula, Julia Rutjindo, Speedy Gonzales and Beverly Uueziua, goalkeeper Melissa Matheus will all be challenging for positions in the senior national team.

In 2014 Namibia fielded a 16-year-old Memory Ngonda and Annouscka Kordom against the likes of African powerhouse Nigeria and the duo are now household names in the Gladiators squad and serve as great motivation to the other youngsters coming through.

Finally Shipanga urged greater cooperation between the NSSU and NFA in order to ensure that only qualified coaches and teachers are selected to coach for the annual COSSASA Ball games for the under-13 and under-17 national teams that will participate in Lesotho in August and September this year.

“We have to make use of our qualified teachers who continuously work with girl's football at regional level especially in the Unicef–sponsored under-13 and under-17 Galz and Goals leagues”.

SPORT REPORTER

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Elnatan defeated at FNB Classic Clashes

July 4, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Elnatan defeated at FNB Classic Clashes Last Saturday Windhoek High School showed their superior skills at the Vegkop Rugby Stadium by overpowering and defeating Elnatan Private School 59 – 0 in the FNB Classic Clashes rugby game.

The WHS forwards were dominant in the scrum as they pushed the Elnatan forwards off their own ball on several occasions.

History was also made last Friday afternoon in Rehoboth when MK Gertze pulled one of their greatest wins, stealing a thriller game against rivals, Dr Lemmer High School.

It was a clash of the titans when the MK Gertze visitors won their first ever Classic Clashes match to date with 13 to 10 points. Dr Lemmer have so far won all their FNB Classic Clashes games since 2008.

This week the action continues with soccer on 7 and 8 July, when Swakopmund Secondary School and Coastal High meet, while Namib High School and De Duine will play on 8 July.

“There is great excitement this year with a number of shake ups in a variety of sport codes. This makes the FNB Classic Clashes so unique and an absolute joy to behold,” says Gordon Pokolo, manager of sponsorships at FNB Namibia.

SPORT REPORTER

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Pupkewitz Toyota wins northern corporate volleyball tourney

July 4, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Pupkewitz Toyota wins northern corporate volleyball tourney

Pupkewitz Toyota's Oshakati branch won the FNB-Far North Corporate Volleyball For All (FNVA) at Oshakati on Saturday.

FNVA marketing commissioner Tinaye Agoro said they received a floating trophy, 15 gold medals and N$2 500.

In the second and third positions were the Bank of Namibia (BoN) and Trustco Holdings, respectively.

BoN, as the runners-up, took home silver medals and N$1 500, and Trustco got bronze medals and N$1 000.

The chairperson of the FNVA, Mwita Sikopo, said the number of entrants was overwhelming and the leadership of the association was looking forward to starting a corporate volleyball league there.

“A corporate league is in the pipeline and it will run concurrently with our normal volleyball league,” Sikopo said after the tournament on Saturday.

Eighteen corporate teams from Ongwediva, Oshakati and Ondangwa, including a media team, participated in the competition.

First National Bank of Namibia's Far North Branch sponsored the tournament to the tune of

N$20 000.

NAMPA

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Walking away for good

July 4, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Walking away for goodBeaten Pacquiao to 'think hard' about retiring Manny Pacquiao is considering hanging up his gloves after his defeat on Sunday.

Eight-time world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao said he will “think hard” about retiring after his stunning and controversial defeat to unheralded Australian challenger Jeff Horn.

Arriving home in the Philippines a day after losing his World Boxing Organisation welterweight title in a major upset in Brisbane on Sunday, the 38-year-old Pacquiao said he was thinking about hanging up his gloves for good.

“I am also considering the opinion of people, the opinion of my family and my body,” Pacquiao told ABS-CBN television on Monday night when asked about retirement.

“I plan to relax first and recover from the pains in my body and then after that, when I have already relaxed, that's when I will think hard about it.”

Immediately after the fight, Pacquiao had said he wanted a rematch with Horn.

Pacquiao's wife, Jinkee, and his trainer, Freddie Roach, had said they would advise him to quit boxing after a phenomenal 22-year professional career in which he won world titles in an unprecedented eight weight divisions.

Pacquiao briefly retired from boxing last year to pursue his long-held political ambitions and was elected senator. But he quickly made a successful comeback against Jessie Vargas in November, saying he still felt like a youngster.

The 29-year-old Horn's ultra-aggressive style proved too much for Pacquiao, with the three judges scoring the fight 117-111, 115-113 and 115-113 to the Australian after 12 rounds.

On Monday, Pacquiao made disparaging comments about his opponent.

“He's not really good but he's really strong,” Pacquiao said of Horn, as he questioned the decisions of American referee Mark Nelson.

“There is no problem with the style of Jeff Horn if he plays dirty, because there is a referee,” Pacquiao said.

“The problem here is that the referee, I don't know if he did it deliberately or he just did not have experience, he just allowed it and did not even give any warning for how many times. It's as if the referee wanted to help my opponent.”

NAMPA/AFP

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Germans turning far right

July 4, 2017, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Bald attacks on-going in Moz

≪ Previous: Walking away for good

Germans turning far rightRadical right attacks increase in Germany A new report indicates that the far right movements in Germany have upped the ante with regards immigrants and violent attacks have increased by 14%.

Violent acts by neo-Nazis and other far-right groups in Germany rose 14% to 1 600 in 2016, reflecting a steady increase in anti-immigrant sentiment triggered by the arrival of large numbers of migrants since 2014, an intelligence report said.

The annual report by the BfV domestic intelligence agency estimated that some 12 100 people with far-right views in Germany were considered ready to commit acts of violence, an increase of about 300 people, or 2.5%, from 2015.

“We see a clear radicalisation in both substance and rhetoric regarding asylum matters from far-right extremists,” the report said, adding that the use of social media sites had sharply increased the proliferation and impact of such groups.

“The danger posed by the far-right extremist scene in Germany remains at a high level,” the report said.

A scandal erupted in May in the German army after police detained an army officer for posing under a false identity as an aslyum seeker possibly with a view to staging an attack and blaming it on migrants. The case prompted a search of all German army barracks for Nazi memorabilia.

In March a court sentenced four far-right militants to up to five years in jail for forming a “terrorist association” with racist and anti-Semitic aims and planning to attack refugees.

The total number of “far-right extremist” crimes grew to around 23 555 in 2016, while those with a far-left motivation dropped by 2.2% to 9 389, according to police statistics released by the government in April.

The report decribed as “alarming” growing numbers of far-right individuals with access to explosive materials, including Molotov cocktails and illegal fireworks that could cause serious bodily harm.

The number of people with far-left extremist views reached about 28 500 in 2016, an increase of 7% from 2015 and the highest level seen since 2012, the report said. Of those, 8 500 were believed ready to commit violent acts, an increase of 10% from the year earlier.

The report cited concerns that the 7 to 8 July summit of leaders from the 20 leading economies in the city of Hamburg and a national election in Germany set for 24 September could prompt a big rise in far-left violence.

NAMPA/REUTERS

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Bald attacks on-going in Moz

July 4, 2017, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Namibia okwa pumbwa okupalutha aakwashigwana ye noondya dhe

≪ Previous: Germans turning far right

Bald attacks on-going in Moz

Police in Mozambique's Zambezia province have reportedly moved to beef up their operation “to crack down on increased murders of bald men”.

According to BBC, Zambezia police spokesperson Miguiel Caestano said the plan was to focus on the people behind the killings.

“The main criminals are people from neighbouring countries, chiefly Malawi, Tanzania and the Great Lakes region,” Caestano was quoted as saying. Reports in June indicated that two bald men aged over 40 were killed in Milange, in the centre of the southern African country, a few kilometres from the border with Malawi. Police warmed at the time that bald people were likely to be targets of ritual attacks. The two bald men, one of whom was found with his head cut off and organs removed, were killed in a part of the country already notorious for the persecution of albinos. According to statements, the organs were to be used by healers in rituals to promote the fortunes of clients in Tanzania and Malawi.

It was the first time that bald people were victims of such attacks in the region, Caetano said at the time.

NEWS24

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Namibia okwa pumbwa okupalutha aakwashigwana ye noondya dhe

July 4, 2017, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Epangelo lya hepeke iimaliwa mokutunga uundjugo

≪ Previous: Bald attacks on-going in Moz

Namibia okwa pumbwa okupalutha aakwashigwana ye noondya dhe

Omukalo gwokunduluka oondya dhokupalutha aakwashigwana ogwo omukundu omunene gwa taalela oshikondo shuunamapya nonyama moNamibia.

Ominista yUunamapya, John Mutorwa okwa popi kutya oshilongo osha taalela omukundu ngoka nonando epangelo otali tula miilonga omilandu dhoka dha nuninwa okuhwahwameka aantu ya lye oondya dhoka haya longo yoyene.

Okwa popi kutya pomahala ga yooloka aakiintu otaya monika yeli momapya longo, na okwa pumbwa okutulwa miilonga ooprograma dhokuhwahwameka ya vule okufala momalanditho iilongomwa yawo.

Mutotwa okwa popi ngaaka pethimbo a tseyitha elelo epe lyoNamibia Agronomic Board (NAB).

Okwa popi kutya uuna u na eteyo ewanawa naku kwashilipalekwe tango kutya aalandi yomoshilongo oshowo epangelo olya pewa ompito yokulanda, omanga inaku tumwa momalanditho gopondje iilongomwa mbyoka.

Okwa ti nonando oshilongo osha kala tashi dhengwa koshikukuta omimvo dha piti, omuloka omuwanawa ogwa dhidhilikwa miitopolwa yimwe po yoshilongo omvula ya piti.

Minista okwa popi kutya okwa talelepo oshitopolwa shaZambezi oshiwike sha piti, na okwa lombwelwa kombinga yeteyo lyepungu ewanawa ndyoka lya dhidhilikwa moshitopolwa shoka.

Okwa popi kutya epungu ndyoka olya pumbwa okulandwa kwaamboka haya tsu epungu oshowo Agricultural Marketing and Trade Agency (AMTA) opo kuudhwe iigadhi yoompungululo yepangelo.

Mutorwa okwa gandja woo omayele opo ku talululwe ompango yoAgronomic Industry Act.

Okwa popi kutya ompango ndjoka oya tulwa miilonga mo-1992, na oyi na oomvula 25 monena.

Okwa popi kutya ompango ombwaanawa na oya yambidhidha oshilongo muule woomvula 25 dha piti, ihe oya pumbwa okulundululwa nelelo olya pumbwa okutala ompango ndjoka nokuninga omalunduluko mpoka tashi pumbiwa opo yi gandje omakwatho mpoka tashi pumbiwa.

Minista okwa popi woo kutya shoka otashi ka gwedha komalunduluko ngoka taga ningwa moompango dhiinakugwanithwa dhoNAB, AMTA oshowo Agribusdev.

Omunashipundi omupe gwelelo ndyoka, Michael Iyambo okwa popi kutya oye na etumba mokutaambako oshinakugwanithwa shoka ya pewa.

Okwa popi kutya nonando oshilongo osha taalela onkalo yeliko ya piyagana otaya ka kondja mokulongitha kehe ompito taya mono opo ya yambulepo oshikondo shuunamapya nokukwashilipaleka kutya aakwashigwana yomomikunda unene oya kuthwa mo moluhepo nondjala.

ELLANIE SMIT

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Epangelo lya hepeke iimaliwa mokutunga uundjugo

July 4, 2017, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Ompumbwe yomahala gondondo yotango oyili omukundu

≪ Previous: Namibia okwa pumbwa okupalutha aakwashigwana ye noondya dhe

Epangelo lya hepeke iimaliwa mokutunga uundjugoOomiliyona dha yi momeya Nonando epangelo olya longitha oomiliyona odhindji mokutunga andola uundjugo momikunda, omagumbo ogendji kage na uundjugo wolela nowundji mboka wa tungwa itawu vulu okulongithwa.

Okutameka omvula yo-2012, epangelo olya kala tali tula miilonga omatungo guundjugo gomaludhi ga yooloka nokulongitha oshimaliwa oshindji, ihe olya ndopa okutula miilonga nokutunga uundjugo tawu opalele, unene aaanamikunda.

Ootendela odha gandjwa nuundjugo owa tamekwa okutungwa inapu ningwa oonkundathana nokupula omagwedhelepo gaakwashigwana. Omolwa ompumbwe yelongo kombinga nkene uundjogo mboka hayu longithwa unene mboka hawu tulwa omeya nenge mboka wa tungwa pomahala pu na ompumbwe yomeya, etungo lyuundjugo mboka olya ningi endopo enene.

Omalelo gopamuthigululwakalo inaga tseyithilwa opo gapewe ompito yokugandja woo omayele.

Miitopolwa owala itano monooli yoshilongo, okwa longithwa nale oomiliyona 181.5 pokati komvula yo-2011/12 mokutunga uundjugo wo Ecosan (Ecological Sanitation) mo 2013/14, oomiliyona 157.5 dha longithwa mokutunga uundjugo woAmalooloo oshowo Ventilation Improved toilets kohi yoHarambee Prosperity Plan (HPP).

Aanambelewa mboka ye na oshinakugwanithwa shopoloyeka ndjoka momalelo giitopolwa oshowo muuministeli inaya gandja omauyelele konima sho ya ningilwa omapulaaapulo koshifokundnaeki shoNamibian Sun.

Onzo okuzilila melelo lyoshitopolwa oya popi kutya omatokolo agehe kombinga yomatungo guundjugo mboka oga ningwa kepangelo inamu kwatelwa omaiyuvo gaakwashigwa, omanga omalelo giitopolwa ga pewa oshinakugwanithwa shokutula miilonga opoloyeka ndjoka.

Onzo oya popi kutya epangelo olya longitha oomiliyona 181.5 mokutunga uundjugo woEcosan wuli 10 000 miitopolwa itano yomonooli yoshilongo pokati komvula yo-2011/2012.

Ecosan uundjugo mboka hawu topola oonyata , nonyata ndjoka otayi vulu okulongithwa onga uuhoho. Otaku popi kutya kehe oshitopolwa osha pewa oomiliyona 20 opo ku tungwe uundjugo moka. Ootendela odha pewa aanangeshefa aashona naamboka yopokati, mboka ya pula epangelo oshimaliwa shooN$20 000 kehe mokandjugo nuundjugo mboka inawu vula okulongithwa konima sho wa pu okutungwa.

“Sho opoloyeka yoEcosan ya pu nuundjugo owa pewa ooyene otwa pulwa opo tu ninge omapekaapeko nkene oonakupewa uundjugo mboka taye wu longithwa. Otwa mono kutya etungo lyuundjugo mboka inali kandula po ompumbwe yuundjugo mokati kaakwashigwana. Oonakupewa uundjugo mboka itaye wu longithwa omolwa ompumbwe yuunongo wopautekinika. Otwa mono kutya inaku ningwa egandjo lyuuyelele washa nenge omalolelo.”

Oonakupewa uundjugo yamwepo oya tameke taya hanagulapo uundjugo mboka nokukuthako iitungitho. Omulandu ngoka ohagu pungula onyata mooshako, nuuna oshako yuudha nena oya pumbwa okukuthwako.

Mo-2013, oshikondo shuuyogoki osha gandjwa momake guuministeli wuunamapya, na okwa tulwa miilonga opoloyeka onene yopashigwana yuuyogoki momikundanoondoolopa. Konyala oomiliyona 100 odha longitha muundjugo womomikunda omanga dha thika po-300 dha longithwa muundjugo womoondoolopa.

Opoloyeka oya tameke okutunga uundjugo woAmalooloo inaku ningwa omakwatathano nookansela yiitopolwa oshowo aaakwashigwana, kombinga yoprograma yuuyogoki, oshowo okuhogolola omulandu guli mondjila gwomatungo guundjugo mboka.

Molwaashoka uundjugo woEcosan owa ndopa, oya tsikile nokutunga ishewe uundjugo woAmalooloo momagumbo moka mwali mwa tungwa uundjugo woEcosan.

“Otwa mono kutya ka shi na shoka tashi kwatha okukala aantu ye na uundjugo mboka itaya longitha , nkene otwa gandja uundjugo woAmalooloo kwaamboka yali ya tungilwa nale uundjugo woEcosan,”omunambelewa a popi.

Natango uundjogo mboka wa tungwa inawu kandula po omukundu.

Mondungethaneko yoHarambee Prosperity Plan oya holola etungo lyuundjugo wa thika po-50 000 momikunda opo wu kandulepo omukundu guundjugo, na oya holola etungo lyuundjugo wongushu yopevi inayi vula oshimaliwa shooN$10 000, na otawu tungwa wafa uundjugo womalambo mboka wa kala momikunda.

“Uundjugo mboka natango inawu longa sha molwaashoka otaya longitha iikwaniipangitho mbyoka muule oomvula ndatu itayi vulu we okulongithwa. Moshitopolwa shaTjozondjupa iilonga oya thikama molwaashoka aatungi itaya mono omboloto ya sha okuza mopoloyeka ndjoka.”

Pahapu dhomutseyinawa muuyogoki gwomoshilongo, Eline van der Linden, okwa popi kutya kapena uundjugo tawu tungwa tawu ka longela nawa aakwashigwana ngele inaku gandjwa elongo, kombinga yewapaleko lyuundjug mboka.

Okwa tsikile kutya nonando okwa longithwa oomiliyona odhindji metungo lyuundjugo moNamibia onkalo yuuyongoki ngetashiya kuundjugo moshilongo, oya nayipala nayi noonkondo.

Okwa pula opo epangelo li tule miilonga etungo lyuundjugo mboka tawu vulu okulongithwa uule woomvula dha thika po-10 kongushu yiimaliwa mbyoka tayi longithwa monena. Okwa tsikile kutya uundjugo mboka tawu tungwa monena itawu ka kala ekandulepo lyomukundu unene miitopolwa mbyoka hayi dhengwa kefundja.

ILENI NANDJATO

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Ompumbwe yomahala gondondo yotango oyili omukundu

July 4, 2017, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Aaniilonga yaUnam ya hala omagwedhelo gawo noopresenda 7

≪ Previous: Epangelo lya hepeke iimaliwa mokutunga uundjugo

Ompumbwe yomahala gondondo yotango oyili omukundu Opolisi oyali yiithanwa opo yi kalekepo elandulathano, konima sho kwa tukuka iikolokosha poKuisebmond Community Hall mOmbaye mpoka aantu ya thika pe-1 000 yali taya shangitha aanona yawo mondondo yotango poskola ya!Nara naTutaleni Primary School. Nonando ongaaka, oskola yaNara oyali owala tayi tambula aanona 38 omanga Tutaleni aanona 35.

Joel Shaningwa na Frans Shiimi, yamwe yomaavali oya popi kutya oya thiki pehala mpoka potundi onti-03:00 no-05:00 opo ya shangithe aanona yawo. Yamwe yomaavali opo ya lala pehala mpoka, opo a ndola ya monene aanona yawo omahala mooskola dhoka mbali.

Onkalo oya nayipala naavali oya tindi okukala momukweyo, naashoka osho sha etitha opolisi. “Monena Tutaleni okuna aanaskola 1 435 mondondo yotango sigo ontiheyali, mwakwatelwa aanaskola mboka haya hiti ootundi dhomutenya. Ngashingeyi otatu vulu owala okutambula aanona 35, naamboka taya hupuko otaya ka tulwa momusholondondo gwokutegelela ngoka tagu ka tuminwa kOmbelewa yOmukonaakoni gwElongo. Itatu vulu okutaamba mootundi dhomutenya molwaashoka ope na nale ootundi dhomutenya dhaamboka yeli mondondo onti-3, naamboka taya yi mondondo onti- 4 momvula tayi ya otaya kala kootundi dhomutenya,” Omukuluntuskola poskola yaTutaleni, Josef Damaseb ta ti.

Ronald Visagie gwoskola yaNara okwa popi kutya oye na ompumbwe yomahala poskola yawo ndjoka yi na nale aanaskola 1 652, na otaya vulu owala okutambula aanona 38 mondondo yotango. Omukonaakoni gwElongo, mOmbaye, Monica /Gawises okwa popi aanona owala 550 yondondo yotango ya shangithwa mooskola dhopevi dha yooloka mOmbaye.

“Mo-2017 otwa shangitha aanona 1 649 mondondo yotango. Opo tu mone omahala otwa tula miilonga ootundi dhomutenya. Momvula tayi ya ngele otwa taamba natango omwaalu ngoka gonuumvo, nena aanona ya thika pe-1 000 otaya ka kala kaye na ooskola. Itatu vulu okutula miilongaootundi dhomutenya molwaashoka ooskola odhuudha nale. Nale otwa kala twa dhika ootenda omo hamu longele ootundi dhomutenya, ihe odha yonagulwa po kombepo.”

Gawises okwa popi kutya Ombaye oya pumbwa ooskola odhindji omolwa omwaalu gwaanaskola ngoka tagu londo pombanda.

Leandrea Louw

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Aaniilonga yaUnam ya hala omagwedhelo gawo noopresenda 7

July 4, 2017, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Inga project delayed again

≪ Previous: Ompumbwe yomahala gondondo yotango oyili omukundu

Aaniilonga yaUnam ya hala omagwedhelo gawo noopresenda 7

Aaniilonga yoshiputudhilo shoUniversity of Namibia, mboka ya kalelwa po koNamibia National Teachers Union oshowo oNamibia Public Workers Union, oya ningi ehololomadhilaadhilo lyopambili mEtitano, taya pula opo oshiputudhilo shi ya fute omagwedhelo gawo goopresenda 7 ngoka yuuvanekelwa omvula ya piti.

Muree Tjiueza gwoNantu okwa gandja omukandanyenyeto gwaaniilonga kuvice-chancellor, gwaUnam, Lazarus Hangula.

Oshiputudhilo shoka osha vaneke opo shi gwedhele aaniilonga yawo noopresenda 7 muDecemba gwomvula ya piti, ihe omauvaneko ngoka inaga ningwa. Aaniilonga oyali ya pewa oombaapila dha shainwa kuHangula kutya otaya ka pewa omagwedhelo goopresenda 7 momasiku 15 gaFebruali, nomagwedhelo ngoka otaga futwa okutameka muJanuari gwonuumvo.

Tjiueza okwa popi kutya ehangano lyaaniilonga olya tseyithilwa kutya Unam ita vulu okugwanitha po omauvaneko ngoka, omolwa ompumbwe yoshimaliwa ndjoka ya taalela oshiputudhilo shoka.

Omuniilonga moshiputudhilo shoka ngoka ina hala okutumbulwa kedhina okwa popi kutya okuuvite nayi molwaashoka ouniversiti inayi futa natango ondjambi ye nonando okwa kaleke iilonga yimwe mboka a li a ndola a mono.

“Onda li ndi na okuya koSouth Afrika oko ndi ka longe ihe inandi ya we molwaashoka Unam andola okwali ta pendje ondjambi yi li nawa,”

Omuniilonga gumwe okwa popi kutya oshiputudhilo nashi ya fute omolwa okulonga nuudhiginini hoka ya longo.

“Otatu longo nuudhiginini ngele Unam ita futu nena aantu otaya ka dhigapo oshiputudhilo nongushu yoshiputudhilo otayi shuna pevi.”

Aaniilonga otaya pula oshiputudhilo shi kaleke oopoloyeka nokulongitha iimaliwa mbyoka moondjambi dhawo. Oya pula woo opo shi hulithe po okukuta aaniilonga kokondolaka, nokuhulitha po okukuta miilonga aantu mboka yeli pokuya mopenzela.

Ehangano lyaaniilonga olya pula opo li ninge oshitopolwa shokomitiye yekuto miilonga opo ku yandwe uulingilingi.

Unam okwa pewa sigo omasiku 11 gaJuli opo a gandje omayamukulo.

SHONA NGAVA

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Inga project delayed again

July 4, 2017, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Airbus, NUST to hold space workshop

≪ Previous: Aaniilonga yaUnam ya hala omagwedhelo gawo noopresenda 7

Inga project delayed againMore setbacks experienced The ambitious Inga hydropower project is likely to start production only in 2024.

The Democratic Republic of Congo said late on Monday that its Inga 3 hydroelectric project is not expected to begin producing power until 2024 or 2025, not 2020 or 2021 as originally planned.

The US$14 billion, 4 800 megawatt (MW) project has struggled to attract financing and was dealt another blow last year when the World Bank said it had suspended funding after the presidency took control of the project, raising transparency concerns.

Last month, Congo asked the final bidders - one consortium led by China Three Gorges Corporation and another that includes Spain's ACS (Actividades de Construccion y Servicios SA) - to submit a joint bid.

“We are working for this timing (in 2024 or 2025) now that the potential developer has been identified,” Bruno Kapandji, the head of the government agency overseeing development of Inga 3, told Reuters.

The project along the Congo River will expand on two existing Inga hydroelectric dams and is part of an eight-stage Grand Inga project that would produce a record 44 000 MW at an estimated cost of US$50 billion to US$80 billion.

Proponents say it could one day power half of Africa but critics argue the money would be better spent supporting smaller local plants.

The project's future is also clouded by the tenuous political situation in Congo, where President Joseph Kabila refused to step down at the end of his constitutional mandate last December. That has fuelled growing insecurity in the perpetually unstable Central African country, including an increase in militia violence and a spate of prison breaks.

Of the project's 4,800 MW, 2,500 MW are earmarked for South Africa, 1,300MW will support Congo's mining sector and the remaining 1,000 MW will go toward meeting domestic power demand.

Only about 15% of Congo's population has electricity.

NAMPA/REUTERS

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Airbus, NUST to hold space workshop

July 4, 2017, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: From cleaner to business owner

≪ Previous: Inga project delayed again

Airbus, NUST to hold space workshop The Namibia University of Science & Technology (NUST) and Airbus will hold a national stakeholders' workshop tomorrow to familiarise the country's stakeholders with the objectives, applications and benefits of earth observation satellite imagery, remote sensor data and allied technology for Namibia.

It follows an agreement between NUST and Airbus in February this year to collaborate in establishing a Virtual Space Data Centre, to be hosted by the university in Windhoek to assist the country in monitoring and growing key elements of its economy.

Airbus is a global leader in aerospace technology and geo-information with access to earth observation satellite imagery and expertise.

Space data is widely used by governments, research institutes, businesses and various other organisations around the world in a number of fields.

These include, but are not limited to, mapping and surveying, meteorology, agriculture and food security, disaster management, monitoring and defence of natural resources, strategic infrastructure and economic assets, national borders and economic exclusion zones and detecting unlawful activities.

“Many of these applications offer significant value to Namibia and will enable it to secure its economic growth and prosperity,” said Jean-Marc Nasr, head of Airbus Defence and Space for Africa, Middle East, France and the United Kingdom, of the event at NUST today.

The Namibian government delegated NUST to host the country's Institute for Space Technology and mandated it to implement the Virtual Space Data Centre as part of its strategic plan for developing the country's aerospace, geo-information, earth observation and spatial science capabilities.

“Namibia is a key market for Airbus in Sub-Sahara African and this initial project is a starting point for a broader relationship with our partners at the NUST and the ministry of higher education, training and innovation, which will include other aerospace themes,” added Nasr.

STAFF REPORTER

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