Young entrepreneur supports local football league

August 8, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Young entrepreneur supports local football league A young and emerging entrepreneur has teamed up with the Musese Constituency Football League in Kavango West Region to develop the game in the area.

Steven Mungongi donated N$10 000 to the league, which currently consists of eight teams. The league was renamed Mungongi Soccer League in recognition of Mungongi's sponsorship.

The team that wins the league will walk away with N$5 000 plus a trophy and gold medals. Second place will receive N$3 000 plus silver medals and third place will walk away with N$2 000 and bronze medals.

In an interview with Nampa at Rupara football field on Saturday, Mungongi said sport in rural areas did not receive much support, hence his decision to help.

He is the chairman of Mungongi Trading Group, which is involved in agriculture, construction and catering.

Rupara is a village about 60 kilometres west of Rundu. Mungongi said there was a lot of raw talent at grassroots level that needed exposure to benefit the region and country at large.

“Look, there is no premier league now and all the football divisions countrywide have not kicked a single ball since last year.

“If this can happen to our big leagues, what will happen to sports in rural areas if we do not come and support it?” he asked.

A representative of Young MK Football Club, Pius Haimbili, applauded Mungongi for coming on board to help the league, saying this kind of gesture was the first of its kind since the league started in 2014.

Haimbili called on other business people in the region to emulate Mungongi's work to develop sport in the region.

At the moment, G n B Football Club is leading the league with nine points, followed by Musese United with five points, Rupara United also with five points behind Musese on goal difference, and then Mahenzere City with four points.

In fourth position are Mahenzere Chiefs and Karamba Football Club, both with four points behind Mahenzere City on goal difference.

Young Stars and Young MK Football Club are at the bottom of the league with no points to show for their efforts.

NAMPA

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Bikers gear for Enduro race

August 8, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Bikers gear for Enduro raceEnduro Championship round six around the corner An action-packed sixth round of the Namibia Enduro Championship series will take place this weekend. The Bank Windhoek Namibia Enduro Championship is heading to Otjihase mine just outside of Windhoek this weekend for round six of the series, co-sponsored by Blue Chip Spray Painting.

This is the second outing of the series to Otjihase after April's event, and it could be the championship decider in the open motorbikes class.

After his victory at Abbabis in the open motorbikes class, Henner Rusch (KTM) could secure his fifth Bank Windhoek Namibian Enduro Championship title in a row with a first-place finish.

His biggest rival this season, Marcel Henle (KTM), who is recovering from a slight injury sustained in a competition in South Africa, is unlikely to start and will focus on the prestigious Roof of Africa event coming up towards the end of the year in Lesotho.

Corner Visser (Sherco) and Kai Hennes (KTM) still have a chance to finish second overall and will be keeping up the pressure.

Joern Greiter (KTM) is striding towards the senior motorbike riders class championship this season and will be favourite at Otjihase, due to his victory there earlier in the year. Werner Wiese (KTM), David Brown (KTM) and Frank Ahlreip (KTM) are all still in close contention for podium positions at the end of the season. Brown will be confident for a good result at Otjihase, as he secured second place in April.

In the clubman's motorbike class, Juergen Gladis (KTM) is likely to secure the championship at Otjihase, while the battle for second and third overall is still on. Swakopmund-based talent Liam Gilchrist (Husqvarna), currently placed second overall, will be under pressure from Wayne Schablinski (KTM), Kurt Hartung (Yamaha), Lenny Bagwitz (KTM) and Duard Wiese (KTM).

Keanu Weber-Trianus (KTM) and Teddy Kausch (KTM) will be an interesting pair to follow in the off-road bike class, as they battle for the championship. In the development class for youngsters, Dylan Hilfiker (KTM) still has a good overall lead in the championship; but Levin Quinger (KTM) has been catching up recently, winning the last two races in a row.

A victory at Otjihase would lead to Shannon Rowland (Honda) securing her second women's quad class championship title.

The Namibian Enduro Club expects around 65 quad and motorbikes to enter in 11 competition classes. Junior riders from 10 years of age will be on the track, as well as a large number of clubman's class riders. Members of the public are welcome to attend the event as this race offers excellent viewing points from the pits, close to the action.

The venue can be reached following the B6 in an eastern direction towards Gobabis for approximately 15km, turning off to the Otjihase mine and Heja Lodge. After another 14km, participants and spectators will enter the mine gate.

From this point onwards, the Enduro signage will guide the way for approximately 6km to the pit area. For entries and all other related information, the Namibian Enduro Club has posted information on the website www.namibianenduro.com.

SPORT REPORTER

Arsenal's Walcott hails 'absolute tank' Kolasinac

August 8, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Arsenal's Walcott hails 'absolute tank' Kolasinac NAMPA / REUTERS

Arsenal forward Theo Walcott labelled new team mate Sead Kolasinac an "absolute tank", saying the defender is well equipped to become an instant success in the Premier League.

The 24-year-old Kolasinac, who joined Arsenal on a free transfer from Schalke 04, came on as a substitute for the injured Per Mertesacker and scored his first goal for the club as they beat Chelsea in the Community Shield on Sunday.

Walcott said he was impressed by the Bosnian international's physical attributes and work-ethic during the pre-season preparations.

"Sead looks an absolute tank," Walcott told the British media. "He's one tough unit to get past and I'm sure his physical attributes are going to be key to us this season.

"You can see the power he's got when he's got the ball, his pace and everything. It’s beautiful to watch and he's a great addition to the squad.

"Trust me he's not easy to get around in training, he's quite wide as well. He fits perfectly for the Premier League, he's absolutely perfect."

Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has backed another new signing, Alexandre Lacazette, to shine.

Lacazette, the club's record signing from Olympique Lyonnais, will face competition for the attacking spots from fellow Frenchman Olivier Giroud, Danny Welbeck, Theo Walcott and Alexis Sanchez.

"Lacazette has a different game to Giroud, which I think is good because you need different types of strikers," Henry, Arsenal's record goal scorer, told Sky Sports.

"He did it in the French league and people might say it's a different league but, with due respect to Lyon, he'll also be with better players. I'm backing him to have a good season.

"But that rotation will be key. Sometimes you'll need Giroud or even Alexis Sanchez in the middle and sometimes you'll need Danny Welbeck or Walcott, whoever will have an impact."

Arsenal, who finished fifth in the league last season, hosts Leicester City in the opening game of their campaign on Friday.

Club commitments pull players away

August 8, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Club commitments pull players awayBaxter frustrated by Chan withdrawals Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter has been left frustrated by the withdrawals from the squad to face Zambia in the 2018 African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifiers. SUPERSPORT



Stuart Baxter had announced 25 players for the two-legged matches, but 10 of them were withdrawn shortly before the start of camp – Boalefa Pule, Ayabulela Konqobe, Michael Morton (all Amazulu), Mothobi Mvala (Highlands Park), Siyabonga Nhlapo, Denwin Farmer, Cole Alexander, Teboho Mokoena (all Supersport United) and Tercious Malepe (Orlando Pirates) while Riyaad Norodien (also Orlando Pirates) withdrawn due to injury.

Malepe has since been allowed to remain with the squad, while Sipho Mbule of Supersport United is the latest to be recalled by his club.

Baxter has been able to make some adjustments but it has been a frustrating period for the Bafana coach.

Seven new players have been called up: Keagan Pool and Tshepo Maboa (both Stellenbosch FC), Thato Lingweti, Mpho Rasilingwane and Lindokuhle Mntambo (all from Jomo Cosmos), Menzi Masuku (Chippa United) and Jabulani Shongwe (Bidvest Wits).

“The truth is, we understand that this competition comes at a very difficult time for clubs when they are in pre-season training, but we have been left frustrated by the continuous withdrawals of players which in some cases, we understand.

"So it has not been a great experience for us in the national team as we have had to focus our attention on which players we have or are coming, instead of working on our plans for Zambia. It has really be frustrating, hopefully we will be able get down to the business of what we are here for, which is to prepare the team for a very crucial match,” said Baxter.

“We have said before that we need to use this opportunity to give international experience to young players, and we would like to see if we can’t take that all the way by qualifying for the tournament. This is the last stage of the qualifiers, but the constant chopping and changing is not helping our course. Be that as it may, we would like to thank all the clubs that have been cooperative and assisted when we knocked on their doors.”

The Bafana Bafana technical team is still working on further replacements, which will be announced as soon as they are confirmed by their clubs.

Meanwhile, Platinum Stars defender Simphiwe Mnguni has had to be released from the squad due to an ankle injury he suffered at his club. He was assessed by the medical team upon reporting for national team duty but was found to be carrying the injury.

South Africa and Zambia meet in the first leg clash of the third and final round on Saturday, 12 August at Buffalo City Stadium in East London. Kickoff is at 15h00.

Makwala suffers as food poisoning affects worlds

August 8, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Makwala suffers as food poisoning affects worlds SUPERSPORT

A number of athletes at the 2017 IAAF World Athletics Championships have been having stomach upsets with Botswana's Isaac Makwala saying on Monday he was forced to withdraw from the 200m heats because of food poisoning.

London 2017 organisers released a statement late on Monday saying that a number of teams had reported cases of gastroenteritis at their official hotel.

"Those affected have been supported by both team and LOC medical staff, in addition we have been working with Public Health England to ensure the situation is managed and contained," the organising committee said in a statement.

"As a result, further advice and guidelines have been issued to team doctors and support staff - standard procedure for such an occurrence where a number of teams are occupying championship accommodation."

It was not immediately clear if Makwala, who pulled out of the 200m heats earlier on Monday, was staying at the hotel in question but he said on his Facebook page that other athletes in his accommodation had been ill.

"According to IAAF medics I am apparently suffering from food poisoning which has affected several other athletes in the athletes' hotel," he wrote on his Facebook page.

"Let’s hope they will allow me to run my final tomorrow."

Makwala, among the favourites for the 400m, would normally be scratched from the final after pulling out of another event.

As he missed the heats on medical advice, however, he would be able to run, if fit.

Ireland's 400m hurdler Thomas Barr was also forced out of his semifinals on Monday.

"I wasn't feeling great yesterday evening and later in the night I was hit with a bad bout of gastroenteritis," Barr said in an Athletics Ireland statement.

"My whole year has been focused on the World Championships ... and I'm gutted to have to withdraw."

Oshigwana sha pulwa shi yambidhidhe elongo

August 8, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Oshigwana sha pulwa shi yambidhidhe elongoOmakwatho oga nuninwa okukandula omikundu ndhoka dha taalela uuministeli mboka Ominista yElongo oya tula miilonga opoloyeka ndjoka ya nuninwa oshigwana shaNamibia, opo shi vule okugandja omakwatho koshikondo shelongo. Minista Katrina Hanse-Himarwa pethimbo a gandja oshipopiwa shopashigwana shoshikondo shelongo, mEtitano lya piti okwa tseyitha woo etulo miilonga lyoFriends of Education in Namibia Special Initiative (FENSI), opoloyeka ndjoka ya nuninwa Aanamibia ya gandje omakwatho ga nuninwa eyambulepo lyelongo nokwaadha omalalakano goshikondo shelongo.

Okafo komauyelele gopoloyeka ndjoka yoFENSI oka holola kutya oshikondo shelongo osha taalela omikundu odhindji , nepangelo olyo alike itali vulu okukandula po omikundu ndhoka pwaahena eyambidhidho lyoshigwana.

Minista okwa tsu omuthindo kutya FENSI oya nuninwa okundungika oshilonga naakwashigwana kutya oshinakugwanithwa shelongo osha kehe gumwe.

Hanse-Himarwa okwa popi kutya ondungethaneko yoFENSI oye ya po sha landula etalelepo lye miitopolwa omu-14 mo-2015 na okwa mono onkalo moka mu na oshikondo shoka.

Okwa popi kutya pethimbo a ningi etalelepo ndyoka okwa mono onkalo yanayipala moka mu na omagumbo gaalongi, oonguludhoskola, omihandjo dhaanaskola, oombelelwa dhooskola oshowo ompumbwe yomeya nenge olusheno pooskola, oshowo onkalo yaalongi inaya pyokoka. Okwa tsikile kutya okwa mono woo ompumbwe yoongulumambo oshowo omatungo nomaliko guuministeli ngoka geli monkalo itayi monika nawa.

Okwa tsikile kutya onkalo ndjoka otayi uvitha woo nayi sho aalongi naanaskola haya ende iinano iile okuya kooskola.

Minista okwa popi mEtitano kutya omolwa onkalo yopaliko yanaipala ndjoka ya taalela oshigwana, oya tokola okutula miilonga opoloyeka yoludhi ndoka, ndjoka ya nuninwa oshigwana opo shi gandjwe omakwatho koshikondo shelongo.

Okupitila mekwatathano lyoFENSI oshigwana osha pumbwa okugandja omakwatho ngaashi iikulya kooskola ndhoka tadhi kutha ombinga moprogramma yokupalutha aanaskola.Omayambidhidho gamwe ngoka taga pumbiwa ongaashi iimaliwa nenge omakwatho kehe gopaiyemo ngoka ga nuninwa okutunga nokuwapaleka omatungo, oshowo okupangela iikwaniipangitho yelongo mbyoka ya teka mooskola dha yooloka moshilongo.

JANA-MARI SMITH

Omapulaapulo ngoka taga ningilwa Swapo taga tameke mbala

August 8, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Omapulaapulo ngoka taga ningilwa Swapo taga tameke mbala Okomisi yomapulaapulo ndjoka tayi ningi omapulo omolwa omamonitho giihuna guuthemba waantu nomiyonena dhiita ndhoka dha longwa aniwa kongundu yoSwapo, pethimbo lyekondjelomanguluko otayi tameke okuninga omapulaapulo momasiku gaali gaSepetemba. Ndhoka odha popiwa komunashipundi gwoCommittee of Parents, Erica Beukes.

Okwa tseyitha woo ongundu yaantu o-13 mboka ya holola ohokwe yawo okuninga ookomufala momakonaakono ngoka.

Mboka oya tumbulwa kutya Omupanguli mOmpangu yopombanda yaZimbambwe, e li moshipundi shevululuko na ota longo woo pehala lyomupanguli omukuluntu moSouth Afrika, Chris Greenland, advocate Carmen Beukes, Zinsele Khoisan, John Liebenberg, naFuad Arnold yaSouth Afrika, oshowo Nick Bailey za koBritain naMirek Vodslon a za koGermany.

AaNamibia mboka ya holola ohokwe ongaashi Monica von Wietersheim, Paul Thomas, Toivo Ashipala, Hendrik Christian, naDr. John Nakuta.

Yamwe mboka ya li ya tumbulwa nale oLeah Shaanika gwaNamibia oshowo Paul Threwela gwaUnited Kingdomihe ekuthombinga lyawo inali kolekwa natango.

Omapulaaapulo ngoka taga ningwa uule woomwedhi hamano otaga ka tameka negongelo lyomahokololo gondjokonona yekondjelomanguluko lyaNamibia, okutameka mo1966 sigo 1989, oshowo mwa kwatelwa oshiponokela shaCaprivi.

Egongelo lyomauyelele ngoka otali kutha uule woomwedhi mbali nokonima otaku konaakonwa omauyelele ngoka.

Omakonaakono ngoka otaga ka tulwa pamushangwa, ngoka tagu kala nokupitithwa pashiwike pethimbo lyomakonaakono, nomushangwa ngoka otagu ka landithwa.

Okomitiye ndjoka otayi ka ninga woo omapulaaapulo omolwa omadhipago gaazaizai AaNamibia, omamonitho giihuna ga ningwa kewawa lyaanyasha oshowo oPLAN kohi yelelo lyaSwapo, mo-1976.

Beukes okwa popi kutya uuna kwa manithwa omakonaakono otaku ka pulwa oofamili noonakuninga iihakanwa yapewe iifuta oshowo omakwatho gopaunamiti nehungomwenyo.]

CATHERINE SASMAN

Namvet ta kongo eyambidhidho monooli

August 8, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Namvet ta kongo eyambidhidho monooliIilyo yoNamvet yahala uukwashilyo woonakulwa aakulu Omunashipundi gwehangano lyoNamibia War Veterans Trust (Namvet), okwa pula iilyo nale yoSWATF/Koevoet mbyoka yi li monooli yoshilongo opo yi ye polweela nokuyambidhidha iilyo nale yehangano ndyoka, mbyoka ya unga oontanda mOvenduka. Sho a ningi omutumba naatoolinkundana mOshakati, Jabulani Ndeunyema okwa popi kutya iilyo nale yoSWATF/Koevoet, unene mbyoka hayi popi elaka lyOshiwambo itayi gandja eyambidhidho kuyakwawo.

Okwa popi kutya onkalo ndjoka oye mu thiminike opo akwatele komeho aakwashigwana yomuhoko gumwe mboka taya kondjo opo yamone omauwanawa ngoka taga ka kwatelemo iilyo ayihe nale yoSWATF/Koevoet.

“Ondi na omapulo momutima gwandje kutya omolwashike iilyo nale yoSWATF/Koevoet, aapopi yelaka lyOshiwambo, kaye li oshitopolwa shongundu ndjoka ya unga oontanda mOvenduka, omolwashike inaya kutha ombinga momunyanyo ngoka twa ningi? Ihaye tu pe woo omakwatho gopaukumwe nenge paiyemo,” Ndeunyema a pula.

“Sho iilyo oyindji mbyoka ya unga oontanda yi li yomuhoko gwAaHimba nAaHerero ohandi pulwa kutya Aawambo yakwetu oyeli peni.?

Okwa tsikile kutya ohaya pewa omakwatho kiilyo yoSwapo, mbyoka kayi shi aapopi yelaka lyOshiwambo oshowo aaleli yoongundu dhilwe dhopolotika.

Ndeunyema okwa popi kutya okwa ninga oomvula mbali ina enda mo monooli yoshilongo naashoka otashi ulike eutulemo lye okukondjitha opo iilyo yoSWATF/Koevoet yi pewe uukwashilyo woonakulwa aakulu.

Okwa lombwele aatoolinkundathana kutya okwa ningi omutumba niilyo wawo mehulilo shiwike, mbyoka yi li monooli opo e ya tseyithile kutya oshike tashi ningwa mOvenduka.



Okwa tsikile kutya omolwa ompumbwe yomauyelele, otaya pangele okuhogolola elelo miitopolwa.

Ndeunyema okwa tsikile kutya iilyo yimwe nale yoSWATF/Koevoet oya futwa oombumbo na oya ningilwa omatilitho ngele oya tsikile nokumu yambidhidha.

Omvula ya piti, omupresidende Hage Geingob pamwe noongundu oshona yoominista oya ningi omutumba niilyo nale yoSWATF/Koevoet, omutumba konyala guule woowili mbali, ngoka gwa kundathana onkalo yiilyo mbyoka.

Pethimbo lyomutumba ngoka, iilyo oya pula opo yi pewe ehungomwenyo nepango omolwa omaehamo ngoka ya mono pethimbo lyomalugodhi giita.

Oya pula woo omauwanawa guunamiti, iifuta yopenzela, oompito dhomailongo oshowo omadheulo.

Aakwiita nale mboka oya popi kutya otaya ka konga omayele okuza komahangano gopashigwana ngaashi United Nations nenge International Court of Justice ngele omakemo gawo itaga talika. Mboka oya popi kutya oshimaliwa shoka ya li yamono pethimbo oshilongo sha manguluka inashi gwana. Namvet ota popi kutya okwa kalela po iilyo yili 3 885 mbyoka tayi lumbu nomaulema ga yooloka, omanga iilyo yi vulithe po-10 000 tayi lumbu moluhepo.

Ndeunyema okwa koleke eningo lyomutumba nomuleli gwoshilongo na okwa popi kutya omutumba ngoka ogwo gwa etitha ekaleko lyomahololomadhilaadhilo momapandaanda.

“Owu wete kutya konima nkene twa ningi omutumba nomupresidende Hage Geingob ngoka e tu lombwele kutya tse uunona we na otwa pumbwa okutegelela otwa hulitha po e ningo lyomahololomadhilaadhilo molwaashoka inatu hala okupiyaganeka elelo lyaGeingob.”

Nonando ongaaka Ndeunyema okwa popi kutya nonando oya zimine okutegelela ope na ethimbo ndyoka taya ka loloka okutegelela.



Okwa popi kutya oya ningwa nayo ekwatathano kongundu yimwe po moSADC ndjoka yahala opo ya ninge ongundu yuukulo.

KENYA KAMBOWE

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Oshipotha shedhipago lyomoSwakopo shuundulilwa komeho

August 8, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Oshipotha shedhipago lyomoSwakopo shuundulilwa komeho Oshipotha shedhipago neteyo lyegumbo nelalakano lyomuyeka kwahomatiwa shoka sha etitha edhipago lyomunamimvo 79, Roswitha Strzelecki osha undulilwa komasiku 26 gaSepetemba.

Aafekelwa moshipothha shoka oDaniel Nghilifa (26), Simon Shidute (23) naFabian Lazarus (24).

Mboka oya holoka komeho yompangu oshikando shotango mEtitao ya piti, mompangulilo yaMangetrata moSwakopo.

Mangestrata Jorina Jagger okwa undulile komeho oshipotha shoka opo aatamanekwa ya vule okukonga aakalelipo yopaveta.

Pethimbo lyepwaakeno lyoshipotha shoka, omukalelipo gwepangelo moshipotha shoka Dalon Quickfall okwa popi kutya aatamanekwa otaya vulu oku ninga eindio lyomboloha ngele oya hala, nonando epangelo otali ka tinda opo ku gandjwe omboloha ndjoka manga.

Aatamanekwa ayehe yatatu oya popi kutya kutya otaya ka ninga eindilo lyaalalelipo yopaveta.

Pauyelele mboka wa gandjwa komunambelewa Omukwatakanithi gwiimbuluma mErongo, Omupeha Komufala, Erastus Iikuyu okwa popi kutya oshimbuluma shoka osha longwa pokati kotundi onti- 08:00 no- 09:00, mEtitatu lyoshiwike sha piti, sho aatamanekwa yiiteyele megumbo lyaStrzelecki mepandanda e ti- 33 Richthofen moVineta moSwakopo.

Eiteyelo megumbo ndyoka olya etitha eso lyomunamimvo 79 Roswitha Sieglinde Strzelecki. Omusamane gwe omunamimvo 81 Siegfried Paul Strzelecki, okwa dhengwa koongangala na okuli monkalo ohwepo moshipangelo.

Ongodhi yopeke yoHuawei yongushu yooN$8 000, okaremote ko alarm, oongaku dhanakusa oshowo iimaliwa yooN$1 000 oya adhika naDaniel Stefanus Nghilifa pethimbo a tulwa miipandeko.

Iikuyu okwa popi kutya iinima mbyoka ya yakwa oya monika pethimbo sho a kambadhala okuya ontuku okuza moSwakopo.

ADOLF KAURE

Oil prices fall on production gains

August 8, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Oil prices fall on production gains Oil prices slipped further in Asian trading yesterday following a recovery in output at Libya's largest oil field and as doubts about OPEC-led production cuts continue to weigh on the market.

Production from Libya's 270 000 barrels-per-day (bpd) Sahara field was returning to normal after a brief disruption when armed protesters broke into a control room in the coastal city of Zawiya, the National Oil Corporation (NOC) said on Monday.

Libya was exempted from a push to cut global production and bolster oil prices led by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other big producers like Russia.

The recovery of the North African country's output has complicated the OPEC's efforts to curb supply, fuelling doubts over the effectiveness of the output cuts. Libya produced 1.03 million bpd in July, according to the latest Reuters survey.

OPEC output hit a 2017 high in July and its exports hit a record.

Officials from a joint OPEC and non-OPEC technical committee are meeting in Abu Dhabi on Monday and Tuesday to discuss ways to boost compliance with the deal to cut 1.8 million barrels per day in production.

“Assuming that nothing comes from OPEC/Non-OPEC's technical meeting in Abu Dhabi today, oils near term fate will most likely be determined by the official US Department of Energy inventory data tomorrow evening Asia time,” said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at futures brokerage OANDA in Singapore.

US crude inventories were expected to post their sixth straight weekly decline last week, while refined product stockpiles likely fell too, a preliminary Reuters poll showed on Monday.

Later yesterday the American Petroleum Institute was to release its own report on stockpiles and refinery throughput.

Oil output in the United States has remained high, although Baker Hughes data on Friday showed a cut of one drilling rig in the week to August 4th.

Crude oil imports to China for the January to July period rose 13.6% from the year ago period to 247 million tonnes, data from the General Administration of Customs showed yesterday.

NAMPA/REUTERS

Sterling treads water after drop

August 8, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Sterling treads water after drop The pound steadied on Tuesday after posting its biggest four-day decline in two months against the dollar as investors grew bearish about the outlook of the economy.

“The Brexit negotiations don't seem to have started on a strong note and that is weighing on the economy and the currency,” said Esther Maria Reichelt, an FX strategist at Commerzbank in Frankfurt.

British retail sales grew more slowly in July, data yesterday showed, as shoppers cut back on non-essential spending and budgeted for the higher price of food following the June 2016 Brexit vote.

Against the euro, sterling was poised to strike a fresh 10-month low below 90.61 pence after the monetary policy outlook between the European Central Bank and the Bank of England showed more signs of diverging in recent days.

It has fallen 1.4% in the last two sessions, touching its lowest level since October 2016 on Monday.

Although the Bank of England rate-setters tried last week to drive home the message that interest rates are likely to rise, the market has chosen to focus on their 6-2 vote to keep rates on hold, down from 5-3 in the last meeting, as well as downward revisions of growth and inflation forecasts.

The ECB is set to reconsider its monetary stimulus programme in the autumn. Core inflation in the currency bloc unexpectedly accelerated to a four-year high last month while unemployment has fallen to its lowest since 2009.

“The pound should be even weaker than the dollar as UK political risks increase and economic growth moves towards the back end within the G10 countries,” Morgan Stanley strategists said.

Mazda pioneers new ignition tech

August 8, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Mazda pioneers new ignition techTechnology said to be 20-30% more efficient Mazda announces a breakthrough in long-coveted engine technology, saying it is the first to commercialise compression ignition technology. Mazda Motor Corp unveiled plans for the world's first commercial petrol engine using compression ignition, placing traditional engines at the centre of its strategy days after saying it would develop electric cars with Toyota Motor Corporation.

Mazda, whose research and development (R&D) budget is a fraction that of Toyota, could be the first carmaker to commercialise a technology that many peers including General Motors Co and Daimler AG have been working on for decades.

Mazda yesterday said it would start selling cars equipped with the new engine from 2019, even as other car manufacturers increasingly turn to on electric vehicles against a landscape of tightening environmental regulation.

“We think it is an imperative and fundamental job for us to pursue the ideal internal combustion engine,” said Mazda's head of R&D Kiyoshi Fujiwara.

While “electrification is necessary ... the internal combustion engine should come first,” he told reporters.

The news follows Mazda's Friday announcement of a capital tie-up with Toyota, an alliance that will see the pair build a US$1.6 billion US assembly plant and work together on electric vehicles.

Mazda's engine technology is the automaker's “heart”, said executive vice president Akira Muramoto. He said Mazda did not plan to supply the new engine to other automakers.

Mazda said the new engine, to be called SKYACTIV-X, would be 20 to 30% more efficient than its current SKYACTIV-G engine.

It also said it would begin introducing electric vehicles and electric technology from 2019, focused on markets that restrict the sale of other cars or provide a clean source of electric power.

The automaker also said it aimed to make autonomous-driving technology standard in all of its models by 2025.

NAMPA/REUTERS

Eaton partners with Rob McGlees

August 8, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Eaton partners with Rob McGlees Eaton, a diversified power management solutions company, has announced an extension to its partnership agreement with Rob McGlees Engineering, making them an authorised service partner across Namibia.

This agreement follows Eaton's longstanding partnership with Rob McGlees as an authorised distributor of all Eaton UPS-related products in Namibia and builds on Eaton's regional growth strategy and dedication to invest in its partner ecosystem.

As of July, Rob McGlees will not only be a distributor of the Eaton UPS product range but will also be equipped to manage product commissioning, maintain ad hoc interventions and provide service under the product warranty agreement.

As an additional benefit to Eaton customers in the region, Rob McGlees are also authorised to negotiate, sign and manage the maintenance contracts on behalf of Eaton.

“Rob McGlees were identified as a trusted partner to enter into this venture with Eaton as a result of their demonstrated efficiency and proficiency in previous projects, making them the leading choice for support in the region,” said Abel Martins, Eaton's Africa service manager.

Under this agreement, Eaton customers are afforded a faster turnaround times on; warranty, ad-hoc repairs and maintenance requests, OEM authorised service and local management of maintenance agreements ensuring that there are no delays in bringing the high quality standard that customers have come to expect from Eaton.

Further to the agreement, Eaton have trained local representation and will continue to invest in Rob McGlees as a valued strategic partner by supporting them technically with product Information, on-going staff training and provide spares supply to ensure a fast turnaround time for customers.

“As a leading provider and an authorized service partner and distributor of all Eaton UPS products, we look forward to the prospect of working with Eaton to pilot ways of the group's iconic products within a strong network,” said Frank Coetzee, director at Rob McGlees.

STAFF REPORTER

Rand jitters on Zuma vote

August 8, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Rand jitters on Zuma vote The South African rand drifted lower yesterday morning, giving back some gains after rallying to its firmest level in a week as some investors bet a no-confidence vote by secret ballot against President Jacob Zuma could see him ousted.

Zuma's critics hope the secret ballot will embolden a significant number of the 249 African National Congress lawmakers in the 400-seat house to vote against a president beset by allegations of corruption, which he has consistently denied.

Analysts said it was unlikely the motion would succeed but that the possibility was driving sentiment in the short term, and that trade would be subdued leading up to the vote.

NAMPA/REUTERS

Debt stock stabilises

August 8, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Debt stock stabilisesTotal debt stands at N$158 billion The growth in government debt is well below the long-run average of 24.4% according to Simonis Storm. Stockbrokers Simonis Storm have noted a reduction in the debt undertaken by government following the release of the money and banking statistics by the Bank of Namibia this week.

Looking into the data, economist Frans Uusiku observed that while total debt stood at N$158.2 billion at the end of June 2017, government's fiscal consolidation framework had helped stabilise the debt stock.

“Namibia's total debt stood at N$158.2 billion at the end June 2017, reflecting a year-on-year (y-o-y) growth of 8.5% and a month-on-month (m-o-m) contraction of 0.3%. The monthly contraction in overall debt is evident in the corporate and government debt components (-0.2% and -1.0%), signifying a phase of continued fiscal consolidation, as the economy slows,” said Uusiku.

Private-sector credit extension (PSCE) continues on its downward trajectory, growing by 8.1% in June 2017, after the May increase of 8.5% was short-lived, according to him.

“On the contrary, unsecured lending continues to surprise on the upside, registering growth of 12.6% y-o-y in June 2017 compared to 12.2% y-o-y in June 2016. If this trend continues, we are worried that it might pose significant risks to the banking sector. Chances of this happening is minimal however, as we expect a 25 basis points cut in the repo rate in the next 12 months, thereby easing the cost of borrowing and thus normalizing the ratio between secured and unsecured lending,” he said.

Uusiki also expressed satisfaction that the growth in government borrowing was below its long-run average of 24.4%.

“Of interest to note is that, although government debt is at its all-time highs of N$70.5bn by July 2017, its year-to-date growth of 18.4% is trending below its long-run average of 24.4 %. This bodes well with the fiscal consolidation course. We thus do not expect Government to continue borrowing aggressively or at historic levels, owing in part, to a stronger foreign reserves position (N$28.5 billion by June 2017) and the risk of a slowing economy, which could increase the risk of debt sustainability,” said Uusiku.

According to him, the country's reserves will be bolstered by an improvement in the mining sector and outstanding payments for to the Bank of Namibia by Banco Nacional de Angola.

“Looking ahead, we expect the foreign reserves to be favourable, supported by a stronger Rand, continued quarterly settlement of outstanding amounts by Banco Nacional de Angola until January 2018, and an expected improvement of the trade balance as the mining sector strengthens,” said Uusiku.

STAFF REPORTER

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Different Air Namibia model necessary

August 8, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Different Air Namibia model necessaryAirline not expected to make any profit soon The minister of public enterprises, Leon Jooste, says the government must consider all options in turning around Air Namibia. Minister of public enterprises Leon Jooste says it will become necessary to change Air Namibia's business model.

According to him, there are no indications that the national airline will be making any profit soon and it is necessary to curb the losses it is making.

He made the comments following news that German airline Lufthansa may in due course resume flights between Windhoek and Frankfurt.

“The chances of Air Namibia making a profit are very limited. What we are [also] saying is that the cost of running Air Namibia must be a lot less.

“We are looking at all underperforming public entities. We are looking at all restructuring options.

We should be less sensitive and less guarded about these things,” said Jooste, who was speaking at a University of Namibia lecture series on Monday evening.

He added that introducing a new business model did not seem far-fetched but did not present much detail. “Redesigning the Air Namibia model is definitely a possibility,” said Jooste.

According to Jooste, there was no reason why Air Namibia could not look towards a public-private-partnership model.

This model was working well at the Windhoek Country Club and Resort which was a loss-making entity after it had been constructed, and at MTC.

“Why is the Windhoek Country Club and Resort working? It is working because of a good PPP framework. MTC is a PPP. These are the things that we need to evaluate,” said Jooste.

“You've got to earn your keep, we are not going to keep that honeymoon going forever and forever.”

Jooste also urged members of the public to approach the ministry of public enterprises with evidence of corruption.

According to him, the ministry was working in close collaboration with the Anti-Corruption Commission to root out bad practices at public entities.

“Don't come with gossip to the ministry of public enterprises, don't be cowards. Bring these things to us or forever hold your peace,” said Jooste.

During a question-and-answer session, Landless People's Movement activist Henny Seibeb rose to quiz Jooste why the former chairpersons of the SME Bank, Frans Kapofi and George Simataa, were not charged following the bank's closure.

This was in response to a comment from President Hage Geingob that Simataa and Kapofi were not to be blamed for the bankruptcy of the SME Bank.

“We have the power to investigate. We are doing multiplies of these investigations.

The SME Bank was being overtaken by events,” said Jooste.

The minister then turned his attention to recently formed public enterprise Namibia Desert Diamonds (Namdia).

“I anticipate results very soon. We are investigating Namdia and there will be consequences,” said Jooste.

The minister also said that he had observed a shift in the adherence to corporate governance.

OGONE TLHAGE

Meatco feels brunt of prices

August 8, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Meatco feels brunt of pricesHigh weaner prices impacts operations A bumper crop harvest in South Africa has pushed up the demand and price for local weaners to that market and farmers are selling there. The high prices that Namibian weaners are currently selling at in South Africa are negatively impacting on Meatco's entire business value chain.

According to the company, the high weaner price paid for by South African agents at auctions locally, continues to impact the amount of live animals available for purchase by Meatco's feedlots and other facilities.

The company says this will also have an impact on the throughput of slaughterable animals available to abattoirs in the next two to three years.

Meatco says the sales can be ascribed to the good rains that South Africa received during the past season which created a bumper grain harvest, resulting in an oversupply that brought about a decrease in prices of fodder.

This led to an increase in the demand for weaners at South African feedlots.

“The biggest challenge for Namibia at the moment is the lack of producing grains and fodder in bulk to retain weaners exported to South Africa,” said Goliath Tujendapi, the Meat Board's manager for trade and strategic marketing.

“Through this, between 160 000 and 200 000 weaners continue to be exported to that market every year.

Due to high weaner prices as a consequence of the low cost of maize prices in South Africa, there was a notable increase in live exports with 12.4% year-on-year during the period between January and May.

“After the previous drought, producers in South Africa are rebuilding their herds and slaughter-ready cattle are becoming limited. This artificially increases the demand for slaughter cattle and the extension of feedlotting and subsequently explains the increased demand for Namibian weaners,” the Meat Board said.

The Namibian weaner prices followed an upward trend between January and May this year, moving on average from 16.96/kg in January to 21.07/kg in May.

According to the Meat Board livestock producer prices are expected to remain sideways for the second quarter of 2017.

“Weaner prices are expected to increase steadily in the short term but are expected to stabilise during the last quarter of the year. This situation might push the export figures to a disadvantage for the slaughter industry.”

South Africa has also reported that the drought resulted in a huge under–supply of livestock and that there is a great demand for weaners in the country.

Although drought conditions are starting to fade it is said that it will take about a year or two for the situation to normalise in South Africa.

At the end of July live weaners were selling for N$30/kg tot N$31/kg in South Africa while in Namibia the highest price reached yet for the year stood at N$25.87/kg.

ELLANIE SMIT

US takes step back

August 8, 2017, 4:00 pm

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US takes step backSoftens stance on climate change In what appears to be a U-turn, the United States has informed that it will still work towards combating climate change. The United States announced Friday it would still take part in international climate change negotiations in order to protect its interests, despite its planned withdrawal from the Paris accord on global warming.

Two months after President Donald Trump announced the United States would abandon the 2015 global pact, his administration confirmed it had informed the United Nations of its “intent to withdraw from the Paris Agreement” - a process that will take at least until 2020.

But in a statement, the State Department said Washington was still committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and engaging with the international community on combating climate change.

“We will continue to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions through innovation and technology breakthroughs, and work with other countries to help them access and use fossil fuels more cleanly and efficiently and deploy renewable and other clean energy sources,” said the statement.

It added: “The United States will continue to participate in international climate change negotiations and meetings... to protect US interests and ensure all future policy options remain open to the administration.

“Such participation will include ongoing negotiations related to guidance for implementing the Paris Agreement.”

Trump sparked widespread international criticism when he announced on 1 June that he had decided to pull the world's largest economy out of the painstakingly-negotiated accord, in line with his pledge to voters in last year's election.

While Trump said he was open to a renegotiation of the pact, the suggestion was swiftly shot down by fellow world leaders who said it was non-negotiable.

Speaking on a visit to Paris last month, Trump again raised the prospect of a change in policy by saying “something could happen” regarding US participation in the accord but gave no details.

Friday's statement reiterated that Trump was “open to re-engaging” in the pact if the US could “identify terms that are more favourable to it, its businesses, its workers, its people, and its taxpayers.”

Andrew Steer, president of the US non-profit World Resources Institute, said the letter implied a level of ambiguity that could indicate a desire to remain engaged.

“The United States could engage constructively in those negotiations on an issue such as transparency,” he said.

“But a climate loner that is intent on withdrawing from the Paris Agreement will not be listened to if it aims to weaken or undermine the accord in any way.”

The United States is the world's second biggest producer of greenhouse gases after China and its withdrawal was a seen as a body blow to the Paris agreement.

The accord commits signatories to efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming, which is blamed for melting ice caps and glaciers, rising sea levels and more violent weather events.

They vowed steps to keep the worldwide rise in temperatures “well below” two degrees Celsius from pre-industrial times and to “pursue efforts” to hold the increase under 1.5 °C.

Despite notifying the UN of its intention to withdraw, the United States will not be able to formally pull out of the accord until 2020 at the earliest.

However, Trump has previously said his country would cease implementation immediately.

NAMPA/AFP

Nigeria seizes ex-oil minister's luxury apartments

August 8, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Nigeria seizes ex-oil minister's luxury apartments A Nigerian court has confiscated the N$481 million (US$37 million) luxury apartment complex of a former oil minister accused of fraud and money laundering as well as rental proceeds from the properties.

Lagos high court judge Chuka Obiozor on Monday also ordered ex-minister Diezani Alison-Madueke to handover more than N$35 million (US$2.7 million) that she made leasing the apartments.

Since leaving office in 2015, Alison-Madueke has been implicated in bribery, fraud, misuse of public funds, and money laundering cases in Nigeria, Britain, Italy and the United States.

The first female president of the global oil cartel OPEC - who was one of Africa's most prominent female politicians - has always denied the allegations, which involve billions of dollars syphoned from oil deals and state accounts.

The ruling followed an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission that followed an uncontested temporary forfeiture order issued last month.

The anti-graft agency had accused Alison-Madueke of acquiring the apartment complex on Lagos' ultra-chic Banana Island with stolen government cash.

Banana Island is a gated community which is home to business tycoons, top politicians and celebrities.

Alison-Madueke was appointed the country's first female oil minister by former president Goodluck Jonathan in 2010.

She is currently on police bail in London after being arrested in connection with a British probe into international corruption and money laundering. Her name has also featured in a bribery complaint in the United States and a corruption investigation in Italy over a N$17 billion oil deal between ENI and Shell.

President Muhammadu Buhari, elected in 2015 on an anti-corruption platform, is seeking to stamp-out Nigeria's widespread graft.

The 74-year-old retired general said after taking office that “mind-boggling” sums had been stolen from the public purse over the years.

Investigators have arrested several high-ranking officials from Jonathan's administration on corruption charges, but few have been convicted.



NAMPA/AFP

Ballots cast peace

August 8, 2017, 4:00 pm

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Ballots cast peaceKenya holds peaceful voting day Results in the Kenyan presidential election are expected today while there was peace yesterday, there are fear of violence today when the victor is made known. Millions of Kenyans stood for hours on Tuesday morning, waiting patiently to cast their votes in an election seen as a key test of the stability of one of Africa's most important states.

Long queues had formed in Nairobi, the capital, even before polling stations opened at 06:00 and the fiercely contested elections got under way.

The election pits the incumbent, Uhuru Kenyatta, in power since 2013, against the veteran opposition politician Raila Odinga. No clear leader emerged during campaigning.

Officials and politicians issued last-minute calls for calm, with many fearing violence during voting or, more likely, when the results are announced in coming days. An estimated 180 000 police officers and members of other security forces were deployed around Kenya to ensure order. But most voters who spoke to the Guardian at a dozen polling stations in wealthy and poorer areas in Nairobi said they were hopeful the current calm would continue, whatever the result.

“Kenyans have become more mature in the way they vote. Many would prefer peace to violence. Especially young people are against all kinds of electoral violence,” said Boniface Odhiambo, 26, as he cast his vote in Kibera, Nairobi's largest slum and an opposition stronghold.

About half of eligible voters are under 35 and levels of registration of younger voters has been reported as high.



No fear of violence

Pheisa Omonga, 20, had cast her ballot in Kilamani, a wealthy central neighbourhood. “It's really exciting. Kenya is definitely changing for the better. I am optimistic about the future. I am not worried about violence,” she said.

First-time voters could have a major impact on the result. “Younger votes tend to be more willing to go for change. Overall, ethnicity is the best predictor of vote choice, but there are important variations in other social categories. For example younger, urban and male voters are more likely to back the opposition while older, rural and female voters are more likely to support the government,” said Nic Cheeseman, an expert in African politics at the University of Birmingham.

The campaign was marred by hundreds of violent incidents – including the murder of a high-profile election official – issues with new voting technology and widespread concerns about fraud.

In recent days, bus stations have been busy as many Kenyans have left major cities for provincial areas which are seen as safe. Others have stockpiled groceries, phone cards and other essentials.

Election officials have broadcast videos calling on voters to accept that in a “healthy democracy” there are “winners and losers”. Kenyatta, 55, addressed the country Monday night, urging citizens to vote “in peace” while former US president Barack Obama, whose father was born in Kenya, led a chorus of international calls on the eve of the vote for a violence-free election. “I urge Kenyan leaders to reject violence and incitement; respect the will of the people,” Obama said.

In Kibera, queues of thousands of people snaked across wasteland and through narrow lanes lined by tin-roofed shacks.

“Since morning I was here, waiting for the queue to move so I can vote for someone to make our country better,” said Alex Makau, 26 and unemployed.

Many observers had predicted young people would not turn out to vote in large numbers. This did not appear to be the case. Few appeared bothered by the lengthy wait, which some officials said was due to new electronic counting systems introduced to try to cut down voter fraud.

Most voters said they were confident the precautions taken by Kenyan electoral officials would prevent rigging.



Showdown

Odinga, who is making his fourth attempt to gain power, has claimed elections in 2007 and 2013 were stolen from him. His challenge to the results of the polls 10 years ago prompted rioting and retaliation by security forces, which killed more than 1 000 people and tipped the country into its worst crisis for decades. Much of the violence was between young men from different ethnic communities. He has been quoted as saying that only fraud in this election would make him lose.

The two candidates in the poll belong to two of the country's main ethnic groups, Kenyatta from the Kikuyu, the largest, and Odinga from the Luo. Both have built coalitions with other influential communities in a country where voting still takes place largely along ethnic lines.

However, there are signs this is changing, with younger, more urban and better-educated voters playing down such identities.

“It is different now. Some years back people normally voted just for tribe. Now it is more about if the candidate would bring some change to their lives,” said Chabkaya, a 26-year-old in Kibera who was made redundant from her cleaning job this year.

Kenyatta's first term prompted a massive infrastructure drive and steady economic growth, making Kenya one of the best-performing economies in Africa.

However, his record has been undermined by soaring food prices, enduring high unemployment and massive corruption scandals.

Dolphin Masese, a lawyer who voted in upmarket Kilmani, said young voters had different expectations from their parents. “We want more from our leaders. We are more aware of our power. We now understand our power to change things,” Masese, 24, said.

Masese's 56-year-old mother, Rose, said she had always “just accepted that politicians will be politicians” but her children did not.

Observers see the election as the last showdown of a dynastic rivalry between the families of Kenyatta, 55, and Odinga, 72, that has lasted more than half a century.



Awaiting instructions

The presidential candidates' fathers, Jomo Kenyatta and Jaramogi Odinga, went from allies in the struggle for independence from Britain to bitter rivals.

Some voters were more combative in their attitudes, however. “If we lose, then we will wait for our leader Raila [Odinga] to speak. If he says it is okay, then it is okay. If he says fight, we will fight,” said Abraham Ashidiva, 24, as he joined the long file of neighbours outside a Kibera polling station as drizzle turned to hazy sunshine around noon.

The Guardian