Geingob serious in war on graft

August 1, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Geingob serious in war on graftBlow corruption whistle, president urges The Namibian leader has maintained he is passionately fighting corruption in the public service. President Hage Geingob this week urged citizens to approach the Anti-Corruption Commission if they were aware of corrupt practices.

According to Geingob, his administration was committed to fighting corruption and cited recently established state-owned enterprise Namibia Desert Diamonds.

“It will help if we have good facts. If you have facts approach the minister [of public enterprises], blow the whistle. Government has never turned a blind eye to corruption,” said Geingob, adding, “Namdia is already being investigated. The ministry of public enterprises is looking into it.”

Turning a blind eye to corruption was in Geingob's opinion, the same as doing the deed.

“Sitting silently and turning a blind eye to wrong things is tantamount to corruption. The Namibian government has never turned a blind eye to wrongdoings,” he said.

Having been linked to Chinese businessman Jack Huang who is now charged for tax evasion and money-laundering in a case involving N$3.5 billion, Geingob said once again he was not involved and steered clear of investigations.

“If the president is not serious about corruption, why did he not intervene to protect his friend?” Geingob asked.

“Friend or no friend, child or no child, the records are there.”

He also claimed that he was the target of a witch hunt that sought to discredit him but he was clean.

“You have targeted me and you have failed! I am transparent. In Africa they warned me that if you are transparent they will come after you,” he said.

Geingob added that unpopular decisions had been taken to not only protect public finances but also fight corruption, which included investigations into the construction of the bulk fuel storage facility, the revaluation of the Xaris power project and the shelving of the upgrade of the Hosea Kutako International Airport.

According to him, an investigation against corrupt practices regarding the construction of the national oil storage facility is still underway.

“Furthermore, civil and criminal action is being considered against those suspected to have knowingly misled government,” said Geingob.

Other cases under investigation according to Geingob also included the missing millions syphoned out of the GIPF's Development Capital Portfolio, Avid and the Namibia Tourism Board's Kora Awards saga.

“All these cases have been investigated or are under investigation, so action has been taken,” Geingob said.

Turning his attention to the SME Bank, he dismissed allegations that he was its founder and pointed out that because he had served as minister of trade and industry at the time, he was at the forefront of its formation.

“The SME Bank was never a 'Hage project'. It came about as a result of a cabinet resolution. I am not quiet on the SME Bank. Action is being taken and the courts are going to deal with that,” he said.

He also defended former SME Bank chairpersons Frans Kapofi and George Simataa, saying Bank of Namibia also failed on time to detect gross negligence at the liquidated bank.

Taking a jab at the DTA's request for an inquiry to be launched into the affairs of the SME Bank, Geingob in response to a question raised, asked why the DTA's request was being discussed at State House.

“Why are you bringing dying things here?” Geingob asked. “We are not here to discuss the DTA, let them have their inquiry. Go and get the investigation, we are doing it our way.”

According to him, the DTA was welcome to debate the merits of an inquiry in parliament.

“It will be better for the opposition to debate it there. The DTA has a right to ask questions in parliament,” Geingob noted.

He acknowledged that the litigation process was in some instances delayed but said government was working towards strengthening the judicial system.

“I do agree to the saying that justice delayed is justice denied, and we must do more to strengthen and streamline our processes, systems and institutions to ensure that justice are meted out in a timely fashion. In this regard, we are committed to ensuring that our judicial system is adequately resourced to expeditiously attend to matters of wrongdoing,” Geingob concluded.



OGONE TLHAGE

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Shaningwa lashes out at Reho councillors

August 1, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Shaningwa lashes out at Reho councillors The urban and rural development minister Sophia Shaningwa yesterday visited Rehoboth to familiarise herself with the town's affairs and to observe first-hand the sewerage problems residents have been complaining about.

Shaningwa grilled the councillors, asking them why they make the residents suffer because of infighting and why Rehoboth is constantly in the news for the wrong reasons.

“I read about the fights and sewerage problems of Rehoboth in newspapers almost every day. You have been appointed by people to work for them and if you don't work, they have the right to stand up against you,” she said.

The town's Block A, C and E residential areas are constantly flooded with sewage water, which poses a health risk to residents. She also visited two of the three sewerage pumps in the town.

Shaningwa told the councillors to work harder towards developing the town.

“Rehoboth can't be left behind because of infighting.... Why are you getting big-headed and leaving the town to fall behind? You are here to do your duty and that is to work for the community,” she said.

Swapo councillor Jonas Mathew pleaded with the ministry to assist the Rehoboth Town Council with rehabilitating the pumps, to which Shaningwa responded that they have unauthorised and illegal expenditure. She was referring to the appointment of human resource manager Willie Swartz being illegally appointed and thus getting an unauthorised salary from the council.

Approximately 150 disgruntled Rehoboth residents last Friday morning stormed the Rehoboth Town Council Chambers and called for the removal of Swartz.

A forensic investigation by a ministerial team in January 2016 found that Swartz was appointed when the council was on recess and his appointment is thus illegal.

“You have illegal expenditure and you are asking the government to assist. How do you want the government to assist if you are paying someone appointed illegally?” Shaningwa asked.

She said she gave the council a directive to remove Swartz as HR manager.

“Should I come and run the town council for you? Are you appointed by Swartz? Don't wait for me to come here and pull someone by the nose and drag them out of here. Adhere to orders given to you and implement them,” Shaningwa said.



NAMPA

IntraHealth improving lives

August 1, 2017, 4:00 pm

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IntraHealth improving livesResidents see an improvement in health facilities Residents of the Kavango East Region have seen a change in service delivery with the help of IntraHealth International, in collaboration with the US embassy, through the infant tracking system and SMS printing of results. After the implementation of the Early Infant Diagnosis Programme by IntraHealth International with assistance funding from the US government and support from the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Nyangana Catholic Hospital in the Nyangana district in the Kavango East Region has moved to sufficiency through the infant diagnosis tracking system.

Dr Eric Hamani Sidile, senior medical officer at the hospital, testified to the benefits of the tracking system and its successful implementation. “With the help of the nurse mentors, we have seen a positive change within our service delivery towards the community. We work hand in hand with the nurses and this has been a very good arrangement,” said Sidile. The nurse mentors work together with registered nurses and midwives to avoid sending back patients when doctors are not available, as nurses in most situations are not authorised to conduct certain tests or put patients on treatment without the go-ahead from a doctor. “The help of nurses after they go through the mentorship was a good concept as we have now increased manpower and we can attend to more patients,” said Rightwell Zulu, nurse mentor of Nyangana Catholic Hospital.

After its establishment in 2015, preventing HIV transmission from mother to child has been successful. Zulu explained that it is the goal of every country to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, but without any form of records, it has proven to be difficult as the health facility did not have any numbers to fall back on. “The government has put up a lot of tools to make sure we eradicate Aids, but with no system in place, it was impossible to see how many babies have been exposed to the virus,” he explained.

“We have decided to put up a register, but there was no system set up to see how many babies have been tested so it was very challenging to measure our performance.”



Testing babies

The system involves testing babies from birth until they are said to have “graduated” from the programme. Graduation of these tested babies means that after the tracking has been done a baby has tested negative. Before the establishment of the tracking system, only a recorded number of 24% of babies had graduated from the programme, but after its implementation, the performance of Nyangana distract went up to 94% between April to June 2016. “Every mother that is on treatment after testing positive for HIV that gives birth in this distract is filed in our distract register. All mothers attending counselling from our community counsellors are educated on the importance of testing their babies and taking care of them and upon discharge these mothers are referred to one of our eight clinics for follow-ups. In addition, we compile a list with the names of the mothers which is sent to the clinics so that we can have record of all the mothers we are tracking,” Zulu continued to explain.

Namibian Sun was also informed that the health extension workers are given the responsibility to remind the mothers as the babies should be tested at six weeks, nine months and 18 months after delivery, depending whether the mother was breastfeeding the baby or not. “We also experience cases where some mothers are not near clinics so we go the extra mile of referring them to the closest health centres,” he said.

“HIV can pass from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, but when effective medication is taken, the risk of transmission is significantly reduced and children are born and remain HIV negative, even when an HIV positive mother is breastfeeding her HIV negative baby.”



SMS results

There are 39 Short Message System (SMS) printers currently operational in the Kavango East and West, and Mashare clinic is one of the 232 clinics throughout the country that currently uses these printers. Nurses at Mashare demonstrated how the printer works - it involves inserting a SIM card into the machine and requesting for the results of a certain patient.



Collaboration

Through a collaborative partnership with Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP), and funding from the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar), the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Namibia (CDC) has supported the provision to have access to these SMS printers. “The use of these printers improves service delivery by reducing the time it takes for the results of a blood test to get back to a patient,” said Alphons Dikuua, nurse in charge at Mashare.

In the past, the only way results reached the clinic was through NIP's regional office sending the results by post to the district hospital. These results were then collected by the primary healthcare team and delivered to the respective clinics. Instead of having to wait for results to be delivered to clinic, NIP is able to send the results direct.

Dikuua also explained that the benefits of receiving results of patients earlier mean a much quicker response to a diagnosis. “The use of printers is helping people to get treatment much faster which allows healthcare providers to correct treatment regimens that are failing and to help make sure that patients continue to adhere to their treatment schedules and remain in the system.” Cases have been experienced in the past where it could take weeks or even months for results to reach a patient. In some situations results were also said to be lost and this creates a challenge for patients to be followed up.

Matilde (not her real name) says her encounter with the SMS printer was earlier this year in April when she came to the Mashare clinic for a pregnancy test. “I came here feeling sick one day and the nurse suggested I take a pregnancy test,” says Matilde who lives about three kilometres from the clinic. After conducting a traditional pregnancy test on her, Matilde could not be told if she was pregnant as her urine was not indicating any sign of pregnancy. “The nurse then had to take my blood for the test and the next day I was informed of my results,” she told Namibian Sun.

Before the implementation of the SMS printers, Matilde said patients would usually pay N$30 to go to the Shambyuu hospital which was a challenge as most of the community members are very poor.

“I am grateful we do not have to wait for weeks to receive our results and action can be taken much faster,” she concluded.

TUNOHOLE MUNGOBA

SADC University of Transformation still in the pipeline

August 1, 2017, 4:00 pm

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SADC University of Transformation still in the pipeline A study on the feasibility of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) University of Transformation is being carried out.

SADC Secretariat programme officer for industrial policy, Dr Monnane Monnane, made this public at the media awareness workshop on the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap in Johannesburg, South Africa.

“A feasibility study is underway and a report is expected by March 2018,” said Monnane.

SADC Chairperson, King Mswati III of Swaziland proposed the institution last year.

According to media reports, Mswati revealed plans to establish the SADC University by August 2017 when the 37th SADC Summit takes place.

“This initiative will give new hope and opportunity to our youth and our women. The intention is to have the first intake of students prior to the 37th SADC Summit in 2017,” Mswati was quoted as saying.

Journalists at the workshop, however, said they have been struggling to get information on the proposed institution.

Mohlahela Bonisile Gugu from the Swazi Observer on Sunday said her efforts to get answers on the university's progress failed and asked the SADC Secretariat for a detailed update on the matter.

In response, Peter Mabaka, who is responsible for media liaison at the Secretariat, said this is a big project and the idea is to ensure that it “does not become just another university but one which will make a difference in skills development in Africa”.

“The idea has not died, it is still in progress. I hope the summit will update us more on this issue,” he said

The proposed university would focus on technical and vocational education, and is expected to train people in innovation and entrepreneurship to enable the southern African region to become industrialised.

Media reports have it that Mswati offered to host the university and said his government would offer scholarships to the first 300 students from all 15 SADC member states.

The institution is expected to complement the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap 2015-2063.

The Strategy and Roadmap 2015-2063, approved by SADC leaders in April 2015, is aimed at steering the major economic and technological transformation of the region. This includes raising the living standard of people in the region and intensifying structural transformation to rapidly catch up with industrialised and developed countries.

About 40 journalists from SADC member states attended a one-day workshop here Sunday to learn about the strategy and roadmap, which preceded the second SADC Industrialisation Week from Monday to Friday.

-Nampa

PAULUS SHIKU

No decision yet on public service

August 1, 2017, 4:00 pm

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No decision yet on public serviceLower retirement age still on the table The government is still considering options for curbing the cost of Namibia's inflated public service. The government will in due course pronounce itself on the best way to solve the ballooning public service wage bill, having considered lowering the retirement age and changing the policy on subsistence and travel allowances.

This is according to Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, who gave an update on the government's attempts to curb public service spending.

“We published an action plan for reining in the wage bill in order to ensure it does not take up too much of public revenue. That action plan outlines a range of actions and timelines,” the prime minister said.

According to her, the government will place emphasis on the performance of civil servants, since value for money is now a must.

“Other issues are still to be investigated and [these] include a review of the early retirement age. We are also saying we have to promote value for money to make sure employees perform. Timelines are published, we would like to make sure that we refer to that and we remain open to provide clarity,” Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said.

The Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR) recently raised concern about the wage bill.

The government's politically motivated refusal to thin out its costly civil service could potentially lead to unpaid salaries due to an empty government purse and the neglect of critical national projects meant to boost the economy, it warned.

“The reason for this is simply that there are a number of additional financial demands on government, which, if not serviced, will result in revenue collapse and ultimately an inability of government to either pay salaries or conduct other affairs,” stated a budget review, titled 'Prioritising Personnel', included in the latest Democracy Report.

Compiled by IPPR, the review found that a major reason for the expansion of the civil service wage bill was the salary adjustments made between 2012/13 and 2014/15 in an effort to align civil service wages “to those of the private sector in order to attract and retain skills”.

However, the IPPR found that “because of the large size of the civil service and the magnitude of the adjustment, over the three-year period from the end of 2011/12 to the end of 2014/15, the civil service wage bill expanded by 84.4%.”

In the subsequent three-year period, the wage bill is expected to expand by another 27.8%.

OGONE TLHAGE

Frozen baby found at Tsumeb dump

August 1, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Frozen baby found at Tsumeb dump The body of a newborn baby was discovered at the Tsumeb dumpsite on Monday.

According to Police Deputy Commissioner Naomi Katjiua the body was wrapped in a plastic bag and appeared to have been frozen before being dumped.

It is not yet known when the body was dumped. Katjiua said the baby's gender would have to be determined by a post-mortem examination.

The police have opened a case of murder and concealment of birth.

When contacted for comment, Ombudsman John Walters expressed shock.

“Where are we going? It's shocking, it is shocking, and we can only shed tears for the abuse and killing of innocent children,” Walters said.

Walters said if women do not want children, homes where they can leave their children must be established.

He added that it is time for Namibians to debate the legalisation of abortion.

Walters said a short-term solution is for childless families to open their doors to unwanted children.

KFC still hit by chicken shortage

August 1, 2017, 4:00 pm

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KFC still hit by chicken shortage Despite a recent relaxation of the ban on chicken imports from South Africa, fast-food franchises such as KFC are still experiencing shortages.

After an outbreak of bird flu (H5N8) in South Africa, Namibia suspended imports of live poultry, birds, poultry products, ostriches and ostrich products from South Africa.

Nearly a month later, the agriculture ministry amended the ban to allow some poultry products to be imported under strict control.

However, KFC and other franchises are still experiencing shortages of chicken.

Franchise regulations require all foodstuffs sold in their outlets to be imported from the franchise via South Africa.

At KFC in Tal Street, Windhoek, a notice has been displayed for the past two weeks informing customers that certain products are out of stock. Other outlets apparently also have such signs.

An employee at KFC in Tal Street said products such as chicken wings, chicken pops and zingers were not currently available.

Namibians consume an estimated 2 500 tons of chicken each month, but the country has only one commercial supplier, which can supply a maximum of 1 900 tons.

Namibia now allows the importation of live poultry and ostriches originating from 'compartments' approved by the agriculture ministry in South Africa, provided they are outside a 90-kilometre radius around the Vaal Dam where there are many poultry farms and where the outbreak emerged.

Raw poultry, ostrich meat and eggs from 'compartments' approved by South Africa's agriculture ministry and slaughtered at approved abattoirs are also allowed into Namibia.

Namibia is not the only country suffering a chicken shortage because of the outbreak.

After Mozambique banned poultry imports from South Africa, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of the Congo on suspicions of bird flu, its KFC franchises have halved the number of meals they serve daily. “The lack of stock in Mozambique has forced us to resort to South African chicken. With the current restrictions, we have stopped serving some meals and reduced our customers' response capacity by 50%,” Gagendra Nhezi, a KFC lawyer, was quoted as saying.

According to reports from Mozambique, KFC says that domestic producers cannot guarantee the quality and quantity required by the multinational company, but because of the current crisis it will buy two tons of chicken pieces on a trial basis.

ELLANIE SMIT

Health PS back in office

August 1, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Health PS back in office The permanent secretary in the health ministry, Andreas Mwoombola, has returned to office two weeks after his suspension over alleged corrupt practices.

According to cabinet secretary George Simaata the preliminary investigation has been completed.

Shortly after Mwoombola's suspension on 18 July, health minister Bernard Haufiku said he would not tolerate any corrupt practices in the ministry and promised to leave no stone unturned to expose corruption.

Mwoombola was accused of misconduct in awarding a tender.

According to media reports the minister is said to have lost trust in Mwoombola, whom he labelled “inept” and “impulsive”.

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) director-general Paulus Noa yesterday indicated that the commission was still investigating Mwoombola.

“This is a criminal investigation; it will take us a very long time. A case like this usually takes months,” he said.

JEMIMA BEUKES

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Three arrested for game catch

August 1, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Three arrested for game catchNo charges against farm owner yet A farm manager, a helicopter operator and a game catcher have been charged in connection with an alleged plunder of farms being sold to the government. Three men have appeared in court in connection with an illegal game capture on three farms in the Steinhausen area of the Omaheke Region.

Among them are helicopter operator Raymond Simon and game catcher Christo Labuschagne, who was arrested in 2011 for illegally transporting exotic game from South Africa.

The other accused is farm manager Willem Blaauw.

The three appeared before the Gobabis Magistrate's Court on Monday and were released on bail of N$7 000 each. The case was postponed to 15 September.

Farmers in the Steinhausen area were outraged when their South African neighbour allegedly plundered the natural resources on several farms he owned after offering the properties for sale to the government.

The illegal capturing of game on the farms Riverside, Joyce and Heatherbelle in the Steinhausen area took place around mid-July.

Control prosecutor Ian Malumani yesterday said that no charges had been made against the South African farm owner, P. Haasbroek, and that the matter was still under investigation.

According to Malumani, statements made to the police indicated that Haasbroek was in South Africa and had not authorised the capture of game on the farms.

Farmers Namibian Sun spoke to said they intended pursuing a civil lawsuit against Haasbroek.

The three accused are charged with the illegal capture of game under the Nature Conservation Act.

Malumani said according to police information 187 hartebeest had been illegally captured and transported.

The authorities would try to get the animals back, but other arrangements would have to be made if they had already been sold.

Namibian Sun reported on Monday that neighbouring farmers became suspicious about activity on Haasbroek's farms last month.

Game-capturing trucks and a helicopter were spotted on the farms, while trucks were seen transporting carcasses.

The news soon spread that live capturing, night harvesting and culling of game were taking place on the farms that had been offered to the lands ministry.

Although the farm owner has a “shoot and sell” permit for 150 oryx and red hartebeest, he allegedly does not have a permit for the capture of live animals.

Police are investigating allegations that the quota allowed by the hunting permit was exceeded.

ELLANIE SMIT

City Police budget cuts bad for crime

August 1, 2017, 4:00 pm

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City Police budget cuts bad for crime An opposition city councillor is pushing for better financial support for the Windhoek City Police, which she claims have been weakened by budget cuts, staff reductions and a lack of vehicles.

In a 20 July letter to City CEO Robert Kahimise, RDP councillor Brunhilde Cornelius put forward a motion on the strengthening of the capacity of the City Police. She recommended that the municipality approve at least 40 new staff positions to help bolster crime fighting in the city.

Citing information from the municipality's human resources department, she said the city council could only appoint 24 employees in all departments of the City Police and had to cut many positions due to budgetary constraints.

The councillor wrote that she had noticed “a massive lack of manpower, equipment and vehicles” in the City Police, which were limiting their operations.

Cornelius recommended that under-utilised vehicles should be seconded to the City Police from other departments of the municipality.





“The immense shortage of manpower and the lack of vehicles are hugely inhibiting the police to effectively implement integrated road safety and crime prevention plans and especially the zonal policing,” the councillor wrote.

Cornelius confirmed the contents of the letter this week after Namibian Sun had obtained a copy from another source.

In line with frequent complaints from the public that the City Police are most visible when they escort government officials or VIP visitors, Cornelius yesterday added that the impact of this extra duty should be looked at.





She said the cost of escorting VIP vehicles was too high and was covered solely by the City's ratepayers. It was time that the government stepped up to contribute to the City Police fleet's maintenance, she added.

“Crime is escalating in the city. And the city council as well as government need to pull their socks up and improve the current operations of the City Police. The City Police are doing a wonderful job, but they could be more effective and efficient if the required support is rendered to them,” Cornelius said.

Cornelius said the municipality couldn't afford to keep delegating police officers to do other duties while crime escalated and the city grew in size and population.

“How will the City Police attend to all these issues in the new zones that are being added?” she pointed out to Namibian Sun yesterday.

The councillor said her motion was shelved to be discussed at a management meeting behind closed doors, due to the sensitivity of its contents. She added that to date she had not received any feedback from the council on her motion.

Namibian Sun yesterday asked the municipality for information on the City Police's budget, staff and fleet size, and to comment on whether the budget affected the force's effectiveness. No response had been received by time of going to print.

JANA-MARI SMITH

Chinese suspect in N$3.5b fraud case dies

August 1, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Chinese suspect in N$3.5b fraud case dies Zhu Honggang, a suspect implicated in the N$3.5 billion fraud and money-laundering case before the Windhoek Magistrate's Court, has reportedly died in China.

Zhu, who was a well-known businessman in northern Namibia, was one of the first suspects arrested last year in the case, which also involves prominent Chinese businessman Jack Huang.

Zhu was out on bail of N$500 000 following his arrest in Ondangwa in December last year.

The court was yesterday informed of his death by his lawyer, Nambili Mhata.

State prosecutor Joseph Andreas confirmed that they had received a death certificate but said the document was in Mandarin and must still be translated.

Yesterday only six of the eight suspects appeared before Magistrate Vanessa Stanley - Walvis Bay businessman Laurensius Julius, Huang and four other Chinese nationals.

A warrant of arrest was issued for one of the accused, Huang Jinrong, who failed to attend court proceedings yesterday. An order was also made that his N$1.5 million bail be forfeited to the state.

Dirk Conradie, appearing on behalf of Julius, requested the court to amend his client's bail conditions so that that he reports monthly to the Walvis Bay police station. Currently, Julius is expected to report once a week.





Conradie further requested the court to allow his client to leave the district of Walvis Bay, something which is currently not permitted.

The magistrate amended the conditions as requested.

The eight accused are charged with fraud and money-laundering.

The State alleges that the accused, from the start of 2010 until 19 December 2016, defrauded the finance ministry in respect of customs duties.

The total real or potential losses by the ministry currently stands at N$3.5 billion in imported goods on which duties should have been paid.

The matter was postponed to 22 June next year to allow the police to complete their investigations. Bail for the six accused was extended.

JACQUELINE LOUW

Kaapanda farmworker still missing

August 1, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Kaapanda farmworker still missingFormer minister kept quiet out of courtesy Former cabinet minister Joel Kapaanda says he never threatened the family of a farmworker who went missing two years ago. ILENI NANDJATO



Almost two years after a worker at his cattle post mysteriously disappeared, former cabinet minister Joel Kaapanda has spoken for the first time about the incident.

In an interview with Namibian Sun yesterday, Kaapanda confirmed that 25-year-old Fillipus Jurius was employed as a cattle herder at his farm in the Onamatanga area, adding the victim had called him to complain about “some people troubling him”.

Kaapanda said he never met Jurius, who went missing just two days after arriving at the farm.

“This boy was referred to me by his other relative who was working for me at the same cattle post, but I transferred him to my other cattle post at Tsintsabis.

“That time I was in Windhoek and I arranged for somebody to go and pick him up. He slept at my village house and on 1 August 2015 he was taken to the cattle post,” Kaapanda said.

“Sunday night of 2 August he called me that there were people disturbing him and claiming to have killed a woman. He said this in a calm manner. I did not know what he meant because the phone went off after telling me that. I tried to call back several times, but there was no answer.”

He said he contacted a neighbouring farmer, but they could also not find the missing worker.

Two days later Kaapanda reported Jurius as missing to the police.

Police investigators discovered human bones in the area but laboratory tests have yet to confirm whether they belong to the missing person.

Kaapanda said he had opted to remain silent on the matter “as a form of courtesy”.

Jurius’s mother, Elizabeth Akooko, last year told Namibian Sun that when the media reported about her missing son, Kaapanda called her, ordering her to stop mentioning his name to journalists.

Kaapanda yesterday denied threatening the family, saying he had only instructed them to stop talking to the media about the issue.

“I was not threatening them I was only expressing my concern over going to the media. It was not good going to the media because the matter was being investigated by the police and the traditional authority. I told her that if there as anything she wanted she must call me or the police,” he said.

Alleged poaching links

Meanwhile, Phil ya Nangoloh of NamRights has alleged that Jurius’s disappearance might have been linked with poaching in the Etosha National Park.

Ya Nangoloh told Namibian Sun that NamRights had investigated the matter and concluded that Jurius disappeared “in the same manner” as three men from Opuwo who went missing after they were linked to poaching in Etosha.

Ya Nangoloh said he could not determine whether the former information minister was linked to any poaching activities in the area. Kaapanda said he was unaware of any investigation conducted by Ya Nangoloh.

“NamRights has reasons to believe that this boy (Jurius) has been used in poaching. We are not saying that Kaapanda did that, but we are saying wherever he disappeared is in connection with poaching, just like those three Ovahimba men. They disappeared under the same circumstances,” Ya Nangoloh said.

He said he tried to discuss his findings with the former Omusati police chief, Commissioner Shinedima Shindinge, but to no avail.

He also approached national police chief Sebastian Ndeitunga to speed up investigations in the matter.

“I am surprised by his [Ndeitunga’s] silence as if he does not know what is happening. This matter must be properly investigated and must be brought to closure. He is directly answerable for this as the police head,” the human rights activist said.

Ndeitunga said he could not remember the Jurius case, as his office deals with many different cases. He did remember the missing Ovahimba men, saying they had not yet been found.

“Ask from the Omusati regional office. I hope Kaapanda reported the matter to the nearest police station,” Ndeitunga said.

He also said that if Ya Nangoloh had reported his findings to Shindinge, Shindinge must be able to say what happened, “unless one of them is lying.”

When contacted, Shindinge who is currently the regional commander for Ohangwena, refused to comment.

Nampol promotes Indongo

August 2, 2017, 2:41 am

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Nampol promotes Indongo Namibia’s triple world champion Julius Indongo has been promoted to the rank of inspector by police chief Sebastian Ndeitunga. Indongo, who leaves for the US this afternoon for his super lightweight unification title fight against Terence Crawford, held the rank of warrant officer - class two. Ndeitunga said Indongo was due to be promoted next year, but opted to reward him ahead of his mega fight on 19 August. “This is to boost your morale ahead of your fight and to show that the Namibian nation is behind you,” he said.

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Nampol promotes Indongo

August 2, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Nampol promotes IndongoNampol promotes Indongo Boxer Julius Indongo was promoted to inspector by police chief Sebastian Ndeitunga at the police headquarters in Windhoek yesterday. Namibia's triple world boxing champion Julius Indongo has been promoted to the rank of inspector by police chief Sebastian Ndeitunga.

Indongo, who left for the US yesterday for his super lightweight unification title fight against Terence Crawford on 19 August, held the rank of warrant officer - class two.

This is the first time an African boxer will aim to unify five world titles, and only the fourth time in the modern era that a unification title fight will take place. The previous three unification title fights all involved the American middleweight legend Bernard Hopkins. He ended up beating Oscar de la Hoya in September 2004 to unify the middleweight titles.

At the Police headquarters Ndeitunga told the local champion that he was due to be promoted next year but he wanted to send him off with a great morale boost.

“The whole nation is behind you and we are promoting you because you have worked hard. You will be fighting someone who is extremely good. But you are excellent. Avoid the ropes at all times and keep Crawford away from your body with your jabs.

“Be focused at all times; protect yourself at all cost because in boxing any mistake can cost you the fight.”

He further advised Indongo to repeat what he did to Russian boxer Eduard Troyanovsky, whom he had knocked out last year.

“Make use of every opportunity you get in the ring and remember, whether you win or lose, you remain our hero.”

Indongo was overwhelmed by the gesture by the police chief and said he would not disappoint the nation when he faces Crawford.

“I will not be intimidated by anyone. The game plan remains the same and I will remain humble always.”

He further said that he worked hard to be where he is. “I suffered a lot to get to this stage. It was not an easy road. MTC Nestor Sunshine Boxing Academy polished me up well and I am ready for the fight. Whatever happens, the Namibian nation will see that I fought with everything I have. Till my last breath I will fight, I will not give up.”

Nestor Tobias, his promoter, said Indongo's fight was history in the making.

“If you are still asleep, wake up and realise that Indongo is about to make boxing history. Everyone is talking about our boxer. If you are having doubts about him, just stop and have faith,” he said.

The 'Blue Machine' added the WBA super-lightweight title to his IBF strap when he beat Ricky Burns in April. Indongo will be fighting away from home for the third fight in succession, but the Namibian is confident of retaining his unbeaten record and becoming the lineal champion in the American's hometown.

Crawford is an undefeated two-weight world champion and regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.

He last fought in May when he defeated Felix Diaz in New York, and holds notable victories over Ricky Burns and Yuriorkis Gamboa.

The fight will take place at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Nebraska.

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Shitembi back in training

August 2, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Shitembi back in trainingBallack joins Warriors camp The national team selectors have added several players to the team preparing for CHAN. SPORT REPORTER



Brave Warriors midfielder Petrus Shitembi is back at training and has joined the squad in preparation for their African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier clash in the Comoros on 13 August.

Shitembi, who is registered as a Tura Magic player, couldn’t participate in the Debmarine Namibia Cup at the weekend due to a bruised collarbone but has recovered well and is training with the Brave Warriors.

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EU advised to rule out UK return

August 2, 2017, 4:00 pm

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EU advised to rule out UK returnBrexit Reversal? The EU Should Say 'No Way' Talk of the UK's return should be alarming to anyone who cares about the EU's resurgence. Though most UK politicians would have us believe that “Brexit is Brexit,” European leaders have recently spoken of a reversal of the UK's decision to leave the European Union as a real possibility. That should be alarming to anyone who cares about continuing the EU's resurgence since the 2016 vote.

“For the first time, I'm starting to believe that Brexit will not happen,” Maltese prime minister Joseph Muscat said last week. “I see encouraging signs that the tide is turning.” Muscat is knowledgeable about the Brexit process: His country held the EU's rotating presidency in January through June.

“Well I still hope that it won't happen,” Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar said when asked about Brexit on Monday. He also knows more than most about Brexit because his country's border with the UK is one of the thorniest issues under negotiation.

There are good reasons why UK politicians, affiliated with both the government and the opposition, won't say similar things. Calling for another EU referendum did nothing for the Liberal Democrats in the June election. Most major figures in UK politics have pledged to respect the result of last year's Brexit vote. No one wants to be first with a risky reversal, even if some polls show that most Britons would now vote to remain in the EU. Foreign leaders such as Muscat and Varadkar have no such constraints, so their sudden optimism is a strong hint that the ground is shifting behind the scenes.

But those who, like Muscat and Varadkar, hope that Brexit won't actually happen should be careful what they wish for.

After the 2016 catharsis, the EU looks stronger both economically and politically. But it still has trouble defining its goals and even basic values, as evidenced by the current strife between Western and Eastern Europe. The easterners, led by Poland and Hungary, are pushing toward more authoritarian government and tougher measures to remain ethnically homogeneous.

The Westerners stand on traditional liberal values and are softer on immigration despite pressure from right-wing parties. There are plenty of other divides, and new ones emerge constantly. Now, there's sudden tension between France and Italy over the former's decision to block the takeover of a major shipyard by an Italian company. French President Emmanuel Macron's foray into trying to settle the Libyan political crisis - traditionally Italy's domain in Europe - hasn't helped matters.

The EU bureaucracy and the bloc's core nations are trying to formulate a clearer common line on the union's future. The last thing they need is another centrifugal force - and the UK, with its current political establishment, would certainly be one. Even before Brexit burst into political reality, the UK was the most outvoted member state in the EU Council. Now, with millions of citizens who have voted against the EU, it would likely be even more contrary and anti-federalist.

The UK also had the most opt-outs of important EU policies - the Schengen free travel area, the euro, the Charter of Fundamental Human Rights (the UK wanted to block the European Court of Justice from overruling its laws on Charter-related grounds) -- and, uniquely, a rebate on the EU budget. The UK's ability to obtain these exemptions has inspired Eastern European countries - whose English-speaking elites have long idolised Britain - to seek their own opt-outs. If it hadn't been for the U.K. example, the euro area would probably be bigger today. When that example is eliminated, it will be easier for the EU to make a case for more uniformity and a closer union.

The UK is certainly to blame for Ireland's forced opt-out of the Schengen area: It would have wanted the travellers with Schengen visas to come without making a separate visit to the embassy, but seamless travel with the UK was more important. Even after Brexit, Ireland may be forced to stay out of the borderless area.

The scenario under which the UK comes back into the fold humbled and willing to accept everything - the euro, Schengen, full ECJ jurisdiction - or at least to make some concessions is probably what pro-European leaders such as Macron and German finance minister Wolfgang Schaeuble meant when they said they'd welcome a Brexit reversal. Such a turnaround, however, appears unrealistic. As long as brain surgery remains off the table, there's no way for the British public to change their minds so soon after making the decision to leave.

There is a better scenario for everyone than either a hard Brexit or a return to the pre-referendum status quo. It would involve the UK joining the European Free Trade Association, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Trade ties and current border arrangements would largely be preserved, but the UK would have no vote in Europe. It would stop being a centrifugal force, just as Norway isn't. Though UK politicians say the Norwegian scenario is not being considered, it's far easier to revive than full EU membership, perhaps for a transitional period first - with an eye to making a transition to permanence. Britons didn't vote against EFTA membership in 2016. Simply not overdoing Brexit would be better than forcing it or reversing it.

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Namport, RA boards appointed

August 2, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Namport, RA boards appointed!Naruseb promises open door for consultation The minister of works and transport, Alpheus !Naruseb, has made changes to the boards of Namport and the Roads Authority. The minister of works and transport, Alpheus !Naruseb, this week introduced the new Roads Authority and Namibia Ports Authority board members.

That followed a month-long consultative process, he said.

!Naruseb said he would make himself available at all times to the board members to ensure that they were in a position to adequately perform their board duties.

“I trust in your competencies and I believe that myself and all other functionaries are only a call away. Don't decide for yourself that the minister is busy, we want to make a success of our responsibilities,” !Naruseb told the board members.

“Your challenges are quite daunting and challenging. I expect that you will be equal to the task and apply your God-given abilities to move the Roads Authority, the Namibia Ports Authority and government.”

!Naruseb urged the board members to work closer together in the execution of their duties. “I am looking at you to help us to get the wagon across the river. We need each other and must complement each other's efforts,” said !Naruseb.

The new Roads Authority board consists of Brian Katjaerua as chairperson and Erna Motinga, Lily Brandt and Clive Smith as non-executive members.

The new Namport board consists of Gerson Hinda as chairperson while Jennifer Comalie returns for a third time. Also joining the board are Evangelina Hamunyela, Johannes Kangandjera and Mbingee Hindjou.

According to !Naruseb, the appointments were done in consultation with the ministry of public enterprises.

The role of deputy chairperson on both boards is still to be filled while a fifth member to the Roads Authority board is still to be appointed.

OGONE TLHAGE

DStv payments made easy

August 2, 2017, 4:00 pm

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DStv payments made easy MultiChoice Namibia and Airtime City have announced a partnership that will allow DStv and GOtv customers to make real-time payments for DStv and GOtv monthly subscriptions as well as BoxOffice top-ups at Airtime City vending machines nationwide.

This partnership was introduced to provide increased access to DStv and GOtv customers via innovative and convenient payment solutions that fit their lifestyles and locations.

In responding to customer needs, MultiChoice Namibia general manager Roger Gertze said MultiChoice was embracing this new solution for customer convenience.

“We understand the demand for real-time customer service, and as such, we are delighted about the partnership with Airtime City. Their vending machines offer an easy, real-time payment solution to enable our customers to always stay connected.”

Vince Dreyer, marketing manager of Airtime City, echoed the sentiment: “Airtime City strives to make our products as accessible as possible to all Namibians. In support of mission of being 'always, everywhere', Airtime City is very enthusiastic about the new partnership and all the possibilities it entails for DStv and GOtv customers. We look forward to many happy vending years with MultiChoice”.

Airtime City offers 110 vending machines in supermarkets and service stations countrywide. Customers are advised to keep their smartcard numbers written down for easy reference, preferably on their mobile phone, to have it handy when making payments at the vending machines.

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President promotes globalisation

August 2, 2017, 4:00 pm

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President promotes globalisationForeign policy should address domestic goals, says Geingob President Hage Geingob believes that every nation positions itself in the global arena through defining and applying its foreign policy. It is crucial that Namibia's foreign policy speaks to domestic goals and helps translate them into concrete actions that will help with the achievements of the country's developmental goals.

These were the remarks of President Hage Geingob at the launch of the Dr Theo-Benjamin Gurirab Lecture Series at the Windhoek Country Club and Resort on Monday.

The lectures are being held around the country to engage the public on the development of Namibia's foreign policy. The series is named after Theo-Ben Gurirab, who was the country's first minister of foreign affairs from 1990 to 2002.

Geingob said it is paramount that every nation positions itself in the global arena through defining and applying its foreign policy.

He said this positioning and interaction with other states is becoming more important as the ever changing diplomatic landscape involves not just states but also multilateral institutions, non-governmental organisations, the private sector and charismatic individuals playing an active role in international relations.

“The international dynamics that define our modern world have been greatly influenced by the emergence of what are referred to as middle-income nations, or emerging powers whose main goal both domestically and internationally has been to promote their development and increase their stature and presence.”

He stressed that the role of foreign policies in the promotion of a country's development is a matter of primary importance for understanding its national trajectory, especially in the case of an emerging country like Namibia.

The past decade, he said, had posed many foreign policy challenges for a country that anchors its foreign policy in principles it shares with the United Nations (UN).

“During this decade we have seen economic boom and bust, increased social and economic inequality, challenges, human rights, terrible poverty, intractable wars in many parts of Africa and the Middle East, refugee problems, threats of terrorism, evolution of social media and the resulting change in the dynamics of democracy, challenges posed by climate change, isolationist policies of certain states, threats to global trade and other international agreements.”

These, Geingob said, are challenges impacting upon the country's interest and principles.

The date and venue of the next lecture is to be announced.

























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Eenhana Expo kicks off

August 2, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Eenhana Expo kicks off The 2017 Eenhana Trade and Business Expo started on Monday with 230 local and foreign exhibitors showcasing their products and services.

The expo, now in its 10th year, is being hosted at the newly-built Eenhana Convention City for the first time.

Previously, the popular event was held at the Eenhana Multi-Purpose Youth Centre.

The council's spokesperson, Paullo Shilongo, told Nampa that the new venue had improved exhibition facilities providing ample space for exhibitors, activities and visitors.

He said foreign entrepreneurs participating this year included three exhibitors from Tanzania, one from Zimbabwe and three from Kenya.

Shilongo called on people of the Ohangwena Region and elsewhere to visit the expo, which is aimed at business networking, establishing partnerships and information sharing.

He added that the incorporation of the Kapuka Annual Sport Tournament into the expo and the establishment of the Convention City made the show special this year.

The Kapuka Annual Sport Tournament, the Ohangwena Region-based sporting event hosted every year mostly for schools in far northern Namibia, used to be held at Helao Nafidi.

The main sponsor of the Expo is Nicodemus Holdings, with a contribution of N$120 000.

The event, hosted under the theme 'A Decade of Entrepreneurship and Exhibition Excellence', ends on Saturday.

NAMPA