Quantcast
Channel: Namibian Sun
Viewing all 36395 articles
Browse latest View live

Karumendu heads to London

0
0
Karumendu heads to LondonKarumendu heads to LondonPays for own ticket The ministry of sports and Athletics Namibia are unable to pay for the Chef De Mission's trip to London. Regional sport officer in Omaruru, Berthold Karumendu, has been selected as the Chef De Mission for the Namibian team heading to London.

The team will jet off to London tonight for the IAAF world championships.

Karumendu said that he was thrilled by his selection and will ensure that team Namibia is treated well in London.

Karumendu however had to pay for his own ticket due to the financial difficulties faced by Athletics Namibia.

“As a sport administrator and athletics technical official, it is indeed great exposure and an opportunity to gain experience on international level at events of this nature.

“Therefore, I would like to use this great opportunity to thank and acknowledge the support of Bobby Gribel of Erongo. “Thank you to Trading/Omaruru Spar and Armand Steyn of Windhoek Cash & Curry/Powersave Wholesale who came on board both to share by sponsoring my ticket to London in order for my dream to be come true,” Karumendu said.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Farewell to Robbie

0
0
Farewell to RobbieFarewell to RobbieFriends and family say goodbye to Savage Emotions ran high on Saturday as a thousand people gathered at the great and late number one sports fan's burial. Namibia's greatest sport lover Robbie Savage was laid to rest in Windhoek at the Gammams Cemetery on Saturday.

Robbie Savage died in the early morning hours of Thursday, 21 July in a Windhoek hospital. He was 50.

About two months ago, Robbie suffered a mild stroke and was in and out of hospital until his death.

Current and former football players, sport administrators and family described Robbie as a humble soul.

He has been described by many as a true legendary supporter who never wavered to choose what his heart really desired.

Robbie was present when Namibia made their first appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations in 1998 in Burkina Faso.

He also accompanied the team to the 2008 finals in Ghana.

Tributes

Close friend Costa Khaiseb said: “It is really hard to believe that Robbie is gone. He was a very great friend and I will surely never forget him.

“Today, I came to bury a man who loved sport with his whole heart and may his legacy live on. Rest in peace my brother.”

Brave Warriors captain Ronald Ketjijere had a lot to say about Robbie.

“Robson would appear at the team's hotel from nowhere and we liked him so much that he could bath in any room, we gave him clothes and money and after that, he wouldn't talk to us.

“He will be counting the money over and over to show-off. I remember that he never liked Black Africa players in the national team.

“Willem Mwedihanga always teased him so bad that Robson struggle to call him a wambo and would end up saying wambosh, wambosh! There was never a dull moment with him, whether he was upset or happy. That was Robson for us.”

Barry Rukoro, secretary-general of the NFA also had a lot to say about the legendry football fan.

“Football will miss his straight talk and innocent opinions on the game he loved. His ways of claiming his perceived rights, particularly in the national team, stands out from our interactions,” Rukoro said.

Ricardo Mannetti reminisced Robbie as that guy that always reminded him that he was Robbie's boy.

“We grew up in the same neighbourhood, Khomasdal, and he was older than me and he always made sure he told people that “That is my laaitie” and he never said my full name.

“He would always say Ricardo Nnetti. He would never say Mannetti, I never knew why, maybe because I was his “laaitie”. I remember one day, he insisted on wearing my jersey number (10) and he jumped up and down saying 'come on Namibia!' and promoting me. For that, I will forever remember him.”

Werner Shikuambi was inconsolable as he said goodbye to a man he described as a brother.

“Today, I came to bury my friend, brother and the best football supporter in Namibia.

“Robbie was a great man and his legacy will surely live on for many generations to come.

“It is sad that he had to leave now, but I guess that is part of life and I pray we will meet again one day. Rest in peace my brother,” Shikuambi said.

Robbie's friend Lesley Shekupe, who was present at the hospital the day Robbie died, shared his views about the late mascot.

“It is a very sad day that we finally have to say goodbye to the late Robbie Savage.

“I will miss him, especially the days that he would come to my workplace demanding all kinds of things.

“Robbie was a great man and will forever be missed by his people. Football will never be the same again. Rest in peace comrade,” Shekupe said.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Magic beat Civics

0
0
Magic beat CivicsMagic beat CivicsDebmarine Namibia Cup semifinalists confirmed Magic, Chiefs, Gunners and African booked their Debmarine Namibia Cup semi-finals spots following thrilling quarterfinals clashes held at the Legare Stadium in Gobabis on Saturday. The Debmarine Namibia Cup reached the last eight and on Saturday battle lines were drawn at the Legare Stadium.

Mighty Gunners from Otjiwarongo faced Try Again in the first match of the day and Gunners edged Try Again 1-0 courtesy of an Asser Hara-Ramseb goal which earned him a man of the match performance.

In the second match of the day, Tura Magic and Civics clashed and it was Brave Warriors striker Itamunua Keimuine who was the difference as he scored the only goal of the match to give Magic a 1-0 win and advancing to the semifinals.

Keimuine won the man of the match award.

Home side Young African then took on Rundu Chiefs and the two sides could not be separated by the end of regulation time (0-0) and needed penalty to decide the tie.

In the shoot-out, Young African had the momentum as they scored all five and Chiefs missed one for a 5-4 victory for African. Himee Hengombe of Young African won the man of the match award.

Another home side, Eastern Chiefs featured in the fourth and final quarterfinal match of the Debmarine Namibia Cup, as they faced Oshakati-based Young Chiefs.

Lee-Roy Angula braced and strikes from Kennedy Paulus, Eilo Shipalanga and Uatumba Muheua gave Young Chiefs a comprehensive 5-0 lead and Ballack Kakuuai got a consolation goal for the Omaheke regional qualifiers, ending the match 5-1 in favor of Young Chiefs.

For the semifinals, dates and venues are to be confirmed as Mighty Gunners will face Tura Magic, while the Young African and Young Chiefs will go head to head.

Each club for the semifinals will get N$20 000 for travel and preparations, and the fees will also be increased to N$30 000 for the two finalists. Man of the match awards will carry N$2 000 in the semifinals and N$5 000 in the final match and the player will have to select a charity of his choice that will receive an equivalent amount.

Sport Reporter

Welwitschias win Gold Cup

0
0
Welwitschias win Gold CupWelwitschias win Gold Cup The Namibian team trounced Kenya 45-7 to win the Rugby Africa Gold Cup on Saturday at the Hage Geingob Stadium.

The Welwitschias managed to score eight tries in a match against Kenya over the weekend.

David Philander's try and a conversion by Cliven Loubser gave Namibia an early 7-0 lead.

Chrysander Botha gave Namibia its second try followed by another conversion by Cliven Loubser to stretch Namibia's lead to 14-0.

The score remained 14-0 at halftime with the home side playing intriguing rugby.

Going into the second half, Cliven Loubser gave Namibia a 19-0 lead with a try of his own.

Loubser once again converted another try by JC Greyling to increase Namibia's point margin to 26-0.

The Kenyans played a couple of interaction passes to score their first try of the match.

Moses Amusala scored the try followed by a conversion by Isaac Adimo to give Kenya's only points of the day.

David Philander then got his second try of the day to bring the score to 36-7.

Philander's try was followed by another try by Casper Viviers which Theuns Kotzé coolly converted to make the score 38-7.

Lesley Klim then gave Namibia another try, while Theuns Kotzé converted it to give Namibia an unassailable 43-7 lead.

By the end of the game, Namibia managed to get two more points on the board to bring the score to 45-7.

Namibia remained the only country undefeated in all the matches as they went on to win the final match.

The next Gold Cup will be played next year, with Namibia the hot favourites to yet again win the tournament.

The game was the curtain raiser for the Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) league final match between Unam and Wanderers. Unam beat Wanderers 42-28.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Thirsty for more Robbies

0
0
Thirsty for more RobbiesThirsty for more Robbies This weekend, Namibia said goodbye to the best sport fan in the country's history.

Robbie Savage is surely gone, but I can assure you now that he will never be forgotten.

As we begin a new chapter without him, I do believe that it is about time that Namibians follow in the footsteps of the late sport-loving icon.

This country has been lacking passion and desire from fans as far as sport is concerned.

It has been one of the main reasons why sport has headed south in the past 20 years.

Passionate fans are very important for sport because they manage to elevate the performances of athletes and football teams.

Robbie Savage was a true follower of sport and his efforts are evident in the tributes he has received from Namibians.

He instigated fierce rivalries between clubs, which made football games more interesting to watch.

He reminded me of the crazy English fans that roar behind their clubs and other sport individuals with remarkable passion.

Now that he is gone, the legacy of the tiny man must live on, with new crazy-loving supporters emerging.

Sponsors love to invest their money into sport codes which are widely supported.

They want mileage and value for their brands but this has been lacking in the past few years.

I do believe that the Italian, Spanish and English leagues have been successful because of their electric atmospheres.

This has landed these great leagues big money sponsors and television contracts worth millions of dollars.

The passionate support from fans makes each weekend of a sport game worth watching.

I know of an African Stars supporter who has tried to do what Robbie has done in the past few years even if he is not widely recognised.

For this reason, I am not just calling out for one Robbie to emerge, but a 100 of them will do sport justice in this country.

It goes without saying that many of our young and old people in this country have shown little support towards sport codes.

I can assure you that watching a three-year-old cry in the English league after his team loses has been something very inspiring.

I can also assure you that watching elderly men and women attending football games in Europe and America gave me a new meaning to what sport really is.

It is so beautiful to see fans in these foreign leagues singing their lungs out for the teams they love so dearly.

These people are faithful to what they love and the players always acknowledge that.

I am sad to say that I am unable to speak highly of my own Namibian people like I can about these foreign fans because those wonderful things hardly happen in this beautiful country.

I do understand that various clubs in Namibia have tried so hard to form supporters groups, but they mostly end up failing because of the little interest that comes from the public.

There are times that the glimpses of passion from the loving Namibian fans do emerge, but they are often short-lived.

I would love to see our nation gathering at football and other sport-related activities dressed in their team attire.

It will be remarkable if we start painting our faces with Namibian flags every time our teams compete internationally.

Now is the time that Namibians can show Robbie that his efforts and legacy will be carried on from generation to generation.

Sport in this country needs a miraculous twist and I believe it lies with the passion Namibians can offer towards events.

It is easy to believe that there will never be another Robbie, but I wish that there can be so many people who can stand for sport like he did.



jesse@namibiansun.com

Mayweather Trading crowned northern Top Score 7-A-Side champions

0
0
Mayweather Trading crowned northern Top Score 7-A-Side championsMayweather Trading crowned northern Top Score 7-A-Side champions Mayweather Trading Football Club was crowned champions of the Top Score 7-A-Side tournament northern leg tournament which concluded on Saturday.

Mayweather Trading FC defeated defending champions, Ongwediva Shoprite in the hotly contested final which was decided by a penalty shootout.

The winners successfully converted two spot kicks while Ongwediva Shoprite could not get any of their chances to the back of the net and lost out to be back-to-back champions of the tournament.

For being winners of the tournament, Mayweather walked away with the first prize of N$10 000, a floating trophy and gold medals while runners-up Ongwediva Shoprite walked away with N$5 500 and silver medals.

Ongwediva Spar were third and received N$3 500 and bronze medals after defeating Massey Ferguson.

The games which started last week Wednesday saw corporate companies battle it out on the field where young and old soccer lovers played amazing football.

According to Namib Mills Spokesperson, Ashante Manetti, the tournament was a success.

“The tournament was overall a success. We saw some great sportsmanship. On behalf of Top Score we would like to thank all the teams that participated. This tournament would also not be such a highlight if it was not for the dedication of the soccer lovers who came in numbers,” Manetti said.

“We would like to congratulate Mayweather Trading on being crowned the Top Score 7-A-Side northern champions,” Manetti further said.

KENYA KAMBOWE

Danny Boy outclasses Segu

0
0
Danny Boy outclasses SeguDanny Boy outclasses SeguDome Sport centre thrills Swakopmund produced electric boxing bouts on Saturday, with Namibia's boxer coming out victorious. Namibian boxer, Albinius 'Danny Boy' Felisianu beat his Tanzanian opponent Yonas Segu in a title fight on Friday at the Dome's Indoor Sports Centre in Swakopmund.

After 12 rounds of boxing in front of hundreds of boxing lovers, Danny Boy claimed the victory on unanimous points.

The comprehensive victory earned the boxer the IBF (International Boxing Federation) Africa junior lightweight title.

During the fight, Danny Boy didn't show any signs of pressure and was in no mood to disappoint his local fans. He dominated every round from the onset and outclassed Segu with a variety of facial and body blows which handed him the victory on the scorecard.

The hard-hitting boxer who is trained by Albertus Tsamaseb extended his record to 17 wins from 20 fights. From the 17 wins, he has recorded seven knock outs. He has only suffered two defeats and drawn one bout.

After the fight he attributed the victory to the long hard hours he spent in the gym to prepare for the bout.

Danny Boy called on boxing promoters to organise high-profile fights in the near future saying that he is ready to fight the elite in the boxing fraternity after his master class performance at the Dome.

He dedicated the fight to his biggest supporter Dantago Gurirab.

Another boxer who is part of the Albertus Tsamaseb Boxing Club, Abraham Ndauendapo also claimed a unanimous decision victory.

The win came in a 10-round curtain raiser to the main fight as Ndauendapo defeated South African Nkosinathi Ntshangase to claim the vacant WBF (World Boxing Federation) African super featherweight title.

Ndauendapo's impeccable footwork and collection of punches was too much for Ntshangase to handle.

The boxing bonanza which was dubbed as Desert Storm was held under the Kwezi Friday Fight Night series. The series featured eight fights in total and included boxers from Namibia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Cameroon, South Africa, Tanzania and DRC.

Adolf Kaure

Thabane's phone tap probe

0
0
Thabane's phone tap probeThabane's phone tap probe Lesotho authorities are investigating a security breach after wire-tapping gadgets were discovered in the office of the new prime minister earlier this week, an official said on Saturday.

Recording equipment was found planted under Thomas Thabane's desk and near his office landline, just six weeks after he took office following his party's victory in snap elections last month.

“It is true that there were bugging devices found in the prime minister's office and as we speak investigations to establish who is behind this are ongoing,” the premier's spokesperson Thabo Thakalekoala told AFP.

It also emerged that a biometric access control scanner at the entrance of Thabane's office was malfunctioning.

“This is a serious breach of the prime minister's security,” said the spokesperson.

But the prime minister “remains unshaken” said Thakalekoala, adding Thabane has appealed for “calm because the situation remains under control”.

Thabane took power for a second time last month after his All Basotho Convention (ABC) secured electoral victory just four months after his return from South Africa.

Prime minister from 2012, he had fled in August 2014 claiming there was an army plot to kill him.

He only returned to Lesotho after the removal of army chief Tlali Kamoli who allegedly led the putsch.

His inauguration on June 16 was marred by the murder of his estranged wife at a village near the capital on the eve of his the ceremony.

Local media reported this week that car-tracking devices were also discovered in the official vehicles used by Thabane's current wife.

Thabane's party failed to get an outright majority, leading it to form a coalition with three other parties.

The government is hoping to end the political uncertainty of party splits and fragile coalitions that have long dogged the mountain kingdom.

The tiny poverty-stricken country, completely surrounded by South Africa, has been plugged with political and security instabilities since the 2014 attempted coup.



NAMPA/AFP

shot of the day

0
0
shot of the dayshot of the day IT’S RUBBISH: Youngsters throw unused subway tickets on an avenue during an anti-government protest in Caracas during a 24-hour nationwide strike in Venezuela. It was a bid by the opposition to increase pressure on beleaguered leftist President Nicolas Maduro following four months of deadly street demonstrations. PHOTO: NAMPA/AFP

Calling Minister Doreen Sioka

0
0
Calling Minister Doreen SiokaCalling Minister Doreen Sioka We make a call on the child welfare minister, Doreen Sioka. Madam Minister, where are you? Daily, we have reports of children killed, raped and trafficked, often by relatives and people they know and trust. We report on the babies of the homeless mothers, the street kids of Gobabis who have returned, and so on and so on. We talk on social media about the state of the Namibian community and its omnipresent poverty. We receive the daily crime bulletins from the Namibian police and are surprised when there is not one incident of some sort of violence to children.

Yet, Madam Minister, we hear nothing from you. In fact, the only media report we have of anything you have said, save your comments in Swakopmund that we need more women in politics.

Let us look at the figures: The Namibian police investigated 1 661 cases of rape of minors below the age of 18 over a period of four years from 2013 to 2016. Of these victims, 1 577 were girls and 84 were boys. In total, the number of police investigations of child and teenage rape allegations over a span of 13 years was 5 524, from 2003 to 2016.

Forgive us if we find it a little absurd that you have nothing to say. Nothing. Not even a statement expressing your shock and horror. Even that would suffice Madam Minister.

You are ultimately the child welfare minister. Even if you are a political appointee, it is certainly in your mandate to say something, anything.

Your complete and utter silence is disturbing and many are of the view that this is why things are the way they are. The public and the civil society groups, activists and community leaders are saying far more than you.

And it really is a shame Madam Minister. For while you may be a woman of few words, you do ultimately hold far more political clout than the rest of us and you are the one who can truly make a difference.

At the moment, it appears that you have yet to pick a side, or an opinion for that matter.

We urge you to speak up. Soon.

Land conflict at Tsintsabis exposed

0
0
Land conflict at Tsintsabis exposedLand conflict at Tsintsabis exposedTraditional authority forced out Ministry at loggerheads with traditional authority who says they are being sidelined. The traditional authority and the land reform ministry have clashed on land allocation and distribution at the Tsintsabis settlement in Guinas constituency in the Oshikoto Region.

Tsintsabis has been a settlement farm since 1993 and land ownership is under the control of the lands ministry. However, land allocation and its administration was later hijacked by the traditional authority, a situation that is said to delaying development at the settlement, home to more than 8 000 about 60 kilometres east of Tsumeb.

The long-term conflict was revealed during the two-day Oshikoto regional land conference that ended on Friday. Residents of the settlement claim that they acquired their land through their traditional authorities, but there are claims from the lands ministry officials that they are occupying it illegally.

The deputy director in the lands ministry, Melanie Iiputa, who was also the director of proceedings at the land conference, explained that the situation of Tsintsabis is a conflict between the traditional authority and the ministry in land allocations and distribution.

“The settlement farms are under the control of the ministry, unless there is a gazette that directs the involvement of the local authority. Therefore, Tsintsabis is also a settlement farm that only the land reform ministry has the power to allocate and distribute land,” Iputa said.

The local authority claims that they were given the power by their line ministry to control Tsintsabis which includes land allocations and distribution.

However, Iputa said, “You were only brought in to solve social issues and not to allocate and distribute the land and that is what is delaying development from taking place in Tsitsabis. But we will solve the issue very soon.”

The headman for Oshivelo in Ondonga Traditional Authority and advisor to Oshikoto governor, Erwin Nation Nashikaku, said that since independence the government has been introducing policies and regulations aimed at taking away land from traditional authority control.

“Traditional authorities have been helping the government with land administration since before the country became independent. After independence, every year a new law is being introduced sidelining the traditional authority from land control,” Nashikaku said.

Tsintsabis was established in 1915 when the German colonial power set up a police station to control farmers settled in that area. The Hai//Om were the original settlers of the land, but other tribes moved in especially after independence.

To develop the settlement, a development committee was set up with help of the lands ministry, but the committee lacks the skills, expertise and means available to set up development projects and therefore has turned out to be more of an informal problem solving committee as many people started coming to settle in the farm.

The ministry of lands then invited traditional authority to control the settlement. According to the Oshikoto governor, Henock Kankoshi, when the traditional authority was introduced, it they were not clearly informed on their roles and responsibilities.

“Traditional leaders ended up allocating land to those who want to settle there, while they do not have power to do so. This became a problem when the ministry of lands wants to do their work because the land is already occupied by people who got it from the traditional authority. Traditional leaders are claiming that they were not informed of what they could do and what they should not do,” Kankoshi said.

ILENI NANDJATO

City moves towards sustainability

0
0
City moves towards sustainabilityCity moves towards sustainability At its monthly meeting, Windhoek City Council recommended that the sand mining policy be converted in terms of the provisions of the Local Authority Act.

The policy is expected to provide a coordinated and harmonised approach in controlling sand and gravel extraction in the city and making it more sustainable.

The City of Windhoek after its monthly meeting on Thursday stated that their responsibility is to ensure that natural resources found within the boundaries of city are managed and utilised sustainably.

According to them rapid development in recent years has resulted in the mushrooming of quarrying and river sand mining activities.

“If the authorisations to extract resources are not guided by a framework underpinned by decision-making criteria, the sustainable supply and replenishment of sand and gravel can be underachieved,” the City maintained.

The City further emphasised although sand and gravel mining has crosscutting implications on socio-economic development, it is being done in an uncontrolled manner and without a consistent regulatory framework.

The key elements for the effective management of aspects associated with sand and gravel extraction are policy objectives, application requirements and procedures, enforcement, general principle for sand mining, appropriate side selection, rehabilitation plan as well as monitoring.



FRED GOEIEMAN

MultiChoice celebrates 25th

0
0
MultiChoice celebrates 25thMultiChoice celebrates 25th The multimedia conglomerate MultiChoice hosted its silver jubilee bash in Namibia at their headquarters in Windhoek, in utter style.

This glimpse of triumph started in December 1992, when the joint venture with Kalahari Holdings was the beginning of a new era. MultiChoice uses the power of entertainment to enrich the lives of Namibians. It is an integral part of the entertainment industry, contributes to education and also makes a positive contribution towards economic growth and job creation in Namibia.

MultiChoice Namibia's general manager Roger Gertze outlined the company's contributions to the country. He said MultiChoice has empowered Namibians to make a difference in their communities by equipping them with additional skills, financial assistance and educational training. “To date, we have three branches, 13 agents, 120 accredited installers and 70 formal retailers. Through investing in infrastructure, technology and, most importantly, in people, MultiChoice Namibia has a direct economic impact of over N$150 million,” he said. The chairperson of the board of directors Milka Mungunda echoed the same sentiment. “MultiChoice has empowered Namibians to make a difference in their communities. The outcomes of this are becoming more confident and having faith in themselves. Through that, they become better people and are more conscious of themselves and their environment,” she said.

The MultiChoice Africa CEO, Brand de Villiers praised the MultiChoice Namibia team for their ongoing customer care support and impacting the Namibian community at large. “Our very existence is due to the loyalty of our valued customers and our commitment is to ensure that you have the very best television experience possible, the best content, the best technology and the best customer experience. Thank you to the dedicated and hardworking Namibian staff, agents and installers who make it all happen ensuring that our customers are connected to the best entertainment, news and sport from around the world,” he said.

President Hage Geingob acknowledged MultiChoice's contribution to Namibia and congratulated them for their great heights and achievements. “Namibia is a wonderful country that needs to be promoted as a brand. Yes, we have wide open spaces, we have great landscapes, and we have game parks, but we are more than that. We need also to embrace and promote our cultural heritage, our music, and our artists. MultiChoice is particularly suited for taking up this project,” Geingob said.

June Shimuoshili

Policing the corridors

0
0
Policing the corridorsPolicing the corridorsEssential for trade but risky for crime Namibia, along with South Africa and Botswana have officially started their fourth joint operation to ensure the TransKalahari Corridor remains crime-free. The deputy works minister James Sankwasa says the optimal utilisation of railway transport could reduce the high rate of road accidents in Namibia.

Sankwasa said most accidents on Namibian roads involve trucks and sedans and that the removal of major cargo from roads will reduce accidents.

“The long distances truck drivers have to cover results in them becoming exhausted and vulnerable. More trade entails increasing the movement of passengers and goods. It is time Namibia looks into the upgrading of its rail network in conjunction with that of its road network. The expansion of the rail network will reduce cargo and people on roads. It also becomes imperative that we look at drinking and driving as well as the roadworthiness of vehicles,” the deputy minister told delegates at the official opening of the fourth three-nation, TransKalahari Corridor (TKC) joint law-enforcement operation held at Swakopmund last week.

Sankwasa also commented that road accident statistics for the three member states leave much to be desired. He pointed out that according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Namibia is ranked 35 in the world and third in SADC and said the figures for Botswana and South Africa were not any better.

“Without some form of transport, no economic activity can take place and physical connectivity alone is not sufficient in itself. It has to be enhanced by a combination of cross-border software, harmonisation of regulations, procedures and standards, open markets and a globalised perspective, efficient transport logistics and global network. One of the fundamental challenges is how to implement integrated initiatives and make them work.”

He welcomed the fact that the operation was preceded by training on the transportation of dangerous goods and said operators are at times expected to handle vehicles that convey dangerous goods without the necessary know-how.

“Dangerous goods are conveyed on our roads and these roads traverse human settlements, be it cities, towns and villages. It is equally imperative that communities are engaged and educated on such dangerous goods. I am delighted to learn that educational campaigns on dangerous goods were conducted in Witvlei on the 24 July and Usakos recently.”

Sankwasa also recommended that subsequent operations should include government chemical engineers and radioactive specialists in order to help governments understand and detect what is moving in the corridor.

“A lot of chemicals move in our corridors, some of these may even be used to manufacture weapons of mass destruction.”

He further warned that the TKC was not immune to a number of ills such as fraud, submission of fraudulent documentation, cybercrime, smuggling, human trafficking, contraband items, drug trafficking, even trafficking of illegal weapons.

“In fact, already there is evidence of some of this taking place on the TKC. I am reliably informed that during the previous operations, a number of people were arrested who were dealing with drugs as well as human trafficking. Such operations therefore will help to curtail such undesirable tendencies.”

The deputy minister also hailed the TransKalahari Corridor as a very important and strategic corridor for Namibia with the country currently positioning itself to be a regional logistic hub for SADC.

“It is also a holistic strategy for development and well-developed corridors enhance accessibility, reliability and predictability, which are key in the facilitation of trade. A number of infrastructural developments which include the port expansion, the development of the SADC Gateway port and the dual carriageways are in progress. It is therefore imperative that compliance is maintained on the corridor. It is thus also appropriate that the countries in the region act together to compete in a highly integrated global system.”

South Africa's High Commissioner to Namibia Mavivi Maykayaka Manzini called for an increase of TKC joint operations to be hosted based on the agreement signed in 2003 and said the movement of goods and people across borders needs collaboration. South Africa provided experts for training on dealing with dangerous goods during the most recent TKC joint operation in Swakopmund.

“Of the 72 agreements signed with Namibia the TKC secretariat subcommittee which deals with safety, security and defence is very active.”

Botswana's High Commissioner to Namibia Tshenolo Modise thanked involved parties and said the participating countries attach a lot of effort and importance to the joint operations. This signals commitment and dedication, which bears testimony to s smooth operating and successful TKC.

“Harmonising procedures and processes makes lives easier for users of the corridor and workshops ensure highest world-class standards are met.”



OTIS FINCK

Rundu police concerned about drug use by teens

0
0
Rundu police concerned about drug use by teensRundu police concerned about drug use by teens Police in the Kavango East Region have urged parents and teachers to be on the lookout for unusual behaviour in their children and learners as illegal substances are being used in schools in the region.

The Namibian police's Kavango East crime investigations coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Bob Kanyetu told Nampa in an interview that prohibited substances such as marijuana are increasingly being used by children of school-going age.

Kanyetu referred to a recent case were a learner was found smoking cannabis when police searched a school in Rundu.

He said teachers should also note any changes in behaviour as the children are using these prohibited substances during school hours.

Community members should inform the police if they have any information on the people who sell drugs to children, said Kanyetu.

“We want to ensure the safety of the children and keep them away from these dangerous substances,” he said

Kanyetu further said that there is an operation underway where police officers will be visiting schools to search for illegal substances and weapons. He could however not say which schools they would visit.

NAMPA

Putting a brake on speed

0
0
Putting a brake on speedPutting a brake on speed As from tomorrow, motorists will not be allowed to drive faster than 80km per hour on the Western Bypass after the maximum speed limit on the road was been reduced.

The reduction in speed means that the road has been downgraded from a freeway to a dual carriageway.

Over the past few years, there have been repeated calls from the Windhoek City Police and other stakeholders to reduce the speed limit and upgrade the road infrastructure.

The announcement finally came last week that the maximum speed limit of 120km had been reduced to 80km/hour in an effort to curb the road fatalities and accidents on the route.

The reduction in the speed limit on the Western Bypass on the section starting from Academia up to the Monte Cristo road bridge has however been both welcomed and criticised by the public.

While some say that the reduced speed will definitely have an impact on the increasing accidents on the road while others are worried that a slower speed limit will have a negative impact, causing impatience among motorists.

The Western Bypass has been the scene of numerous fatalities involving pedestrians and vehicles over the years.

In 2015 there were 296 accidents on the Western Bypass, claiming the lives of eight people, while 97 people were injured and 13 pedestrians were also insured.

Last year 275 accidents took place on the Western Bypass and seven people were killed while 179 people were injured and 13 pedestrians injured.

Other changes planned on the Western Bypass are level intersections near the University of Namibia which will be converted into a four-way stop intersection with relevant signage which will be erected to inform road users.

Longer-term plans are also to erect rumble strips on the approaches to the new University of Namibia four-way intersection with relevant signage. This is aimed to be implemented within a month.

Rumble strips are also to be erected on the approaches to the access of the Windhoek Country Club Resort and Casino while random rumble strips will be erected at distances along the Western Bypass.

Other changes to the bypass include closing illegal access points in Pioniers Park, Academia Extension 1 and Pioniers Park Extension 1, as well as Dortmund, Palladium and Hegel Street.

Those that are concerned about these access points being closed can submit written complaints to the Roads Authority.

With regards to pedestrians a decision was taken to implement structures such as footbridges and tunnels of which the design still has to take place.

Further recommendations are to provide physical barriers to prevent U-turn crossings of vehicles and pedestrians from crossing the road. This should go hand in hand where pedestrian bridges are proposed.

ELLANIE SMIT

Oshikoto also says no to ancestral land

0
0
Oshikoto also says no to ancestral landOshikoto also says no to ancestral land The Oshikoto Region has joined the call by Ohangwena Region for the land reform ministry not to entertain ancestral land discussions.

This was resolved by the public consultations on land reform that took place at Omuthiya last week as the lands ministry continues to hold meetings across the country.

Oshikoto land stakeholders, who comprised traditional leaders, regional councillors, regional government officials and community members, said the ancestral land call is promoting Bantustans which the country fought against.

The gathering, through a dialogue discussion resolved that “ancestral land means that the Aawambo must be in Owamboland, the Kavango stay in Kavangoland, and so on with all other tribes. This will also go to the extent of saying the Aakwambi must only be in Uukwambi and Aandonga must be only in Ondonga or the Kwangari must only be in Uukwangari and Mbukushu must only be in Mbukushuland. This is wrong because people fought for this land so that they can settle wherever they want to.

“Unless chapter three of our constitution is amended, ancestral land calls should not be entertained. The constitution made a provision that anybody has the right to settle anywhere in the country.”

However, the also meeting suggested the resettlement policy be reviewed. They said that some resettled farmers do not have resources, but they are given large pieces of land that they cannot manage, while those with resources and able to manage these farms are given smaller pieces of land.

“This is how we end up having a situation of either under-utilised and unproductive farms or over-utilised farms. The ministry must first assess beneficiaries before settling them. If one is allocated land and fails to use it within a certain period of time then the land must be recalled.”

Oshikoto Region is divided between the communal area on the north of the red line and the commercial area in the south. The gathering felt that only those in communal areas were well represented, while the land or farm owners in the commercial area were not present at the consultative meeting.

The conference said that the government has only bought 513 farms through the willing-buyer-willing seller policy and they cost a lot of money, making it impossible for the concept to succeed. They said that farmers are acting on their own whims to set their own prices.

“Where are the white landowners of Oshikoto Region? They are not part of this conference and how do we expect them to sensitise themselves when selling land to government? The price of the land should be determined by the value of the land. Some farms are in places where the land is not that valuable but landowners are still asking a lot of money,” participant said.

On the issue of the red line that divides the region, representatives of the ministry of agriculture said that the red line will always be there as long as there is free movement of animals between Namibia and Angola. They said that Namibian cattle graze in Angola and return to Namibia. They said that Angolan authorities do not enforce animal disease control mechanisms as Namibians do and furthermore, there are buffalo roaming free in Angola and getting into contact with Namibian cattle.

The red line must be there to control animal diseases. What needs to be done is the enforcement of quarantine camps in communal areas for farmers who wish to sell their animals south of the red line.

ILENI NANDJATO

I am not going anywhere – Swartz

0
0
I am not going anywhere – SwartzI am not going anywhere – Swartz The now controversial human resources manager of the Rehoboth Town Council, Willie 'Mistake' Swartz, has challenged the minister of urban and rural development Sophia Shaningwa to fire him.

On Friday, disgruntled residents stormed the council offices to physically remove Swartz who was supposed to chair an ordinary council meeting in the absence of Rehoboth CEO Christophe

/Uirab.

A forensic investigation into the town's affairs during 13 to 15 January 2016 concluded that Swartz's reappointment during recess in December 2015 was illegal.

The group, led by hothead community activist Abes Khaibeb, grabbed Swartz by his jacket and dragged him towards the gate, before the police chief Max Joodt intervened and threatened to lock them up if they refuse to let Swartz go.

“If you are looking for sh*t then you will get sh*t,” said Joodt, who demanded for proof that Swartz is an illegal employee.

Swartz, whose wife dragged and begged him to leave the premises, left but returned minutes later.

Angry residents then began chasing him down a corridor where a physical confrontation erupted between them and council staff members who tried to shield Swartz.

At this point, Swartz decided to give his version of his reappointment in 2015.

He also threatened to take to court Namibian Sun and the minister for “spreading lies” about his illegal reinstatement.

“I am not working under Shaningwa, I am not appointed by Shaningwa, [and] I do not sit with a contract from Shaningwa. If she wants to get me out of here then she must dissolve this council and bring in people that will fire me,” he said.

Swartz also claimed to be victimised by Rehoboth residents over “things” Shaningwa has said and insisted that the minister will be responsible for what may happen to his family.

He also promised to make a full statement on his reappointment and on his alleged embezzlement of N$13million.

“If my appointment is illegal, what about /Uirab who was also appointed at the same meeting. Why is his appointment not illegal?” asked Swartz.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Ehafo centre stalled

0
0
Ehafo centre stalledEhafo centre stalledStill no land for disabled While Ehafo's workers are still being paid by government, the board of trustees has N$21 million since 2015 and yet, no land has been purchased to date. After selling the Ehafo property in Klein Windhoek for a lucrative N$21 million in 2015, the Ehafo board of trustees is still looking for suitable land to buy in order to construct a new centre for the disabled.

This is according to Ehafo's chairman, Andrew Matjila who last week told Namibian Sun that they are still in the process of acquiring land.

Matjila assured the public that the process of constructing a facility “closer to the people” somewhere in Katutura is still in the pipeline.

He however could not give an exact date or a timeline when this process will be completed, stressing only that the property has been sold.

In December 2015, government took legal action against the Ehafo trustees after they sold erf 235 in Klein Windhoek for N$21 million to Ehafo Property Developers while official documents indicated that the property belongs to the state.

The case was launched against the Ehafo board of trustees, Matjila, Rolene Boer, Dora Lebereki-Thlababella, Paul Helmut, Walter Louw and security company TIA Protection Service CC.

When asked about the court case, Matjila said there is nothing at the courts and that the issue of the court only arose when the disabled people were not granted permission to enter the Klein Windhoek premises which was sold.

“That case was only there when the disabled were locked out and we then unlocked the gates for them but now they are no longer there as the property has a new owner,” Matjila said.

The saga at the closure of the Ehafo Centre for disabled people started in 2007 when it owed about N$4 million to several financial institutions and the trust could not pay back the money or the severance packages of its employees.

Matjila, as chairman, then approached several government ministries for help.

Then Prime Minister Nahas Angula intervened and the debt was paid off.

The workers and Matjila confirmed a few weeks ago that they were all on the government's payroll as part of the agreement.

A resolution adopted at an Ehafo board meeting on 7 March 2007 clearly stated that the property would be handed over to the government if it settled all the debts and continued to pay the workers' salaries.

The document states: “All immovable property [shall] be transferred to the government of Namibia by the legal representative of Ehafo Trust against settlement by the government of Namibia of all outstanding liabilities owing in respect of the properties.”

It further states that “possession and occupation of the immovable properties will be given to the government of Namibia with immediate effect, from which date all risk in respect of immovable property will pass to the government of Namibia.”

The board also resolved to terminate the trust. However, the constitution of Ehafo Trust, section 8, states that “the terms of this trust deed may be varied by way of a notarial deed at any time by a majority decision by the trustees.”

In 2015, Andreas Vaatz, counsel for Ehafo, when asked about the resolution, said as long as there was no agreement between both parties that they actually signed, the property still belonged to its original owners.

Vaatz, who has represented Ehafo since 2012, said that year there was another meeting between the trust and the education ministry where another resolution was made that the handover would no longer take place.

When asked why government then continued to pay the salaries of the workers since 2007 and did not stop when that resolution was made, he said he did not know but it could have been part of the government's charitable support to the disabled.

Yesterday, Matjila confirmed that the disabled are still on the government's payroll since 2007.

KENYA KAMBOWE

Sugar theft uncovered

0
0
Sugar theft uncovered Sugar theft uncovered The Erongo police’s Deputy Commissioner Erastus Iikuyu confirmed the arrest of four suspects in connection with a load of brown sugar stolen from Tongaat Hulett Namibia in Walvis Bay.

The suspects allegedly loaded extra brown sugar (160 x 10 kg bags) valued at N$17 600 on a truck destined for Zambezi Region without the owner's consent.

“The theft was discovered after the truck and a bakkie were found by police on Thursday while the suspects were offloading and loading the sugar about 5km from Otavi in the direction of Kombat. The stolen items were recovered and four suspects, including the truck driver, the pick-up driver and his two passengers, were arrested. Two more suspects, an assistant distribution supervisor and forklift driver employed by the company, were also arrested in Walvis Bay.”

The six suspects will appear in the Walvis Bay Magistrate’s Court today.

The police are also investigating an attempted murder case after Mika George (27) who resides at house no 1661/17, Tormaryn Cresent, in Tutaleni, Walvis Bay was stabbed with the broken bottle on Sunday morning.

“We arrested a suspect (20) who resides at the same address where the victim lives. George sustained multiple wounds to his forehead and a serious injury to his the right eye during a fight which apparently erupted N$10 which he owed to the suspect,” said Iikuyu.

George, whose condition is critical, was taken to Walvis Bay State Hospital. He was later transferred to Windhoek for further medical treatment. The suspect was arrested and will appear in the Walvis Bay Magistrate’s Court today.

OTIS FINCK
Viewing all 36395 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images