NPL teams called to Otji Fest

September 18, 2017, 3:00 pm

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NPL teams called to Otji Fest The football organiser for the upcoming Otji Festival, Joshua

//Hoebeb, has pleaded with Namibia Premier League clubs to register for the tournament.

So far, only nine local teams have indicated their interest to compete.

The Otji Fest entertainment festival will take place at Otjiwarongo on 30 September.

The event will be held at the Paresis and Mokati stadiums, where a variety of entertainment and sport events will be hosted.

Football, music, car spinning and boxing will feature at the festival, with a line-up of local and international artists.

The football will take place on Saturday with 32 teams affiliated to NFA leagues expected to compete for a grand prize of N$150 000.

The runners-up in the football competition will receive N$100 000, with a prize of N$35 000 for third place, and N$15 000 for fourth place.

The entry fee for football teams is N$5 000.

“The Namibia Premier League teams have yet to confirm their participation, but I would like to urge them to come and register.

“We know that the league could possibly start soon and I strongly believe that this tournament can serve as a pre-season competition for many clubs that have not been active.

“There is time for any team to register for this tournament because we will likely close registration by the end of this week,” //Hoebeb said.

Tickets for the event will be sold at all Pick n Pay outlets. Tickets will also be sold at the gates, but at higher cost.

Advance tickets for adults cost N$100, while N$150 will be charged at the gates for those without tickets.

Children's tickets cost N$30 in advance and N$50 at the gate, with teenagers paying N$70 in advance and N$100 at the gate.

JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA

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Gladiators out of Cosafa

September 18, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Gladiators out of CosafaDisappointing results for women's football The Brave Gladiators, Namibia's senior women's side, as well as the Young Gladiators, the junior national side, failed to make an impact in their respective matches over the weekend. The Brave Gladiators suffered a 2-1 defeat to Lesotho on Sunday in their final group game at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

This, after they started the tournament off on the right footing, beating Botswana 4-0 in their first match in Group C.

They then lost 3-1 to South-Africa (Banyana Banyana) in the second match and again faltered in the third match despite taking a lead in the first four minutes through Anna-Marie Shikusho, who converted a penalty for Namibia.

Throughout the game they failed to convert chances that came their way.

Lesotho punished them for these errors by equalising in the 34th minute through a free kick from their captain, Boitumelo Rabale.

Again Lesotho came back to score in the second half through Rabale, who scored a well-taken free kick in the 53rd minute, beating Melisa Matheus in goal for Namibia.

Brian Isaacs, the Gladiators coach, expressed disappointment with the result, saying the players were not composed enough and lacked big-match temperament.

“We lacked composure in the first half. We could have scored several goals and won the match then. We tried to break them down in the second half but they defended well. They capitalised on our mistakes to score the two goals,” he said.

He added that the news about Zimbabwe's draw might have affected the players' mentality, leading them to commit silly mistakes.

“We were not hungry enough to win the game. We gave the ball easily away. We did not play structured football. We were anxious,” he added.

The Young Gladiators, Namibia's junior national women's side, were humiliated in their first-leg match against South Africa en route to the 2018 Fifa Women Under-20 World Cup, losing 5-0.

The young players now have a big task ahead of them when they face the same side in the return leg on 1 October at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.

The winner of the fixture will face Burundi in the second round in November with that winner to advance to the third and final round of qualification for the World Cup.

Both the junior and senior teams have been without the Women's Super League for some time and have not played competitive football in a long time. Most of the players trained on their own to maintain their fitness.

Captain of Namibia, Uerikondjera Kasaona said despite exiting the tournament, it gave an opportunity for young players to gain exposure.

“It really meant a lot to us as we haven't had any competitions for a long time,” she said.

The senior side will now focus on the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers to begin in January 2018.

-Additional reporting by NAMPA



LIMBA MUPETAMI

Green Side United win netball tournament

September 18, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Green Side United win netball tournamentGreen Side United win netball tournament Green Side United made their mark in the seven-team Dinolo Super Netball tournament, walking away as winners. Green Side United netball club won the seven-team Dinolo Super Netball Tournament held at Eenhana in the Ohangwena Region on Saturday, scooping the prize money of N$2 000.

The team completed the tournament with 11 points, five wins and one defeat from the competition's six games, followed by Ndeshitiwa B with 10 points, four wins and two defeats.

Oshikunde Netball Club (NC) finished third place with nine points, four wins, a draw and a loss, while Mwadinomho NC took fourth place with six points, three wins and three defeats.

Eenhana Vocational Training Centre (EVTC), Ndeshitiwa A and Haimbili Haufiku NC each recorded two points after winning only one game and suffering five defeats.

Ndeshitiwa B received a prize of N$1 500, while Oshikunde walked away with N$1 000.

Green Side, as the regional winner, will represent the Ohangwena Region at the tournament's inter-regional finals to be held at Swakopmund in the Erongo Region on 30 September, where the team will face winners from other regions.

The event coordinator, Charlane Minnaar, told Nampa on Sunday that Khomas, Erongo, Hardap, Kavango West, Oshana, Omaheke, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, Omusati, //Karas, Zambezi, Kavango East and Ohangwena have all completed their regional tournaments.

Minnaar noted that the remaining Kunene regional tournament will be held at the Outjo Sport Stadium on 23 September.

“We congratulate the Green Side United Team on winning this (Ohangwena) tournament. Come and support them at the finals in Swakopmund on 30 September,” urged Minnaar.



NAMPA

Salini itaka longa omanga ina futwa

September 18, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Salini itaka longa omanga ina futwa Aaniilonga mboka taya tungu ondama yoNeckartal oya popi kutya itaya ka tameka iilonga omanga inaku futwa oongunga dhiilonga yawo mbyoka ya longo nale mondama ndjoka dha thika poomiliyona 600.

Omupopiliko gwoSalini, Gilles Castonguay okwa lombwele ngaaka oshifokundaneki shoNamibian Sun.

Salini omasiku ga piti okwa shunitha pevi oowili dhiilonga dhaaniilonga ye okuza koowili 12 okuya poowili 7 nokukutha po elongo lyoowili dholutayima omolwa iifuta ye mbyoka inayi futwa natango kUuministeli wUunamapya, Omeya nIihwa.

“Salini Namibia otaka tameka owala iilonga ngele okwa futwa. Oowili dhiilonga odha shunithwa pevi naashoka osha ningwa sigo twa futwa,” Castonguay a popi.

Omunambelewa ngoka okwa popi kutya ekaleko lyiilonga pondama ndjoka, itali ka ya moshipala emanitho lyopoloyeka ndjoka okuya pehulilo lyomvula.

“Otatu longo opo tu mane opoloyeka ndjoka muule wethimbo ndyoka lya pangelwa okumanithwa.”

Sho a pulwa opo a popye kutya epangelo oli na oongunga dhawo dhiimaliwa ya thika pu ingapi, Castonguay okwa tindi okuyamukula.

Opoloyeka ndjoka oyi na aaniilonga ya thika po 2 500, mboka ya tseyithilwa kombinga yetokolo lyehangano ndyoka mEtitano lya piti.

Ehangano olya li hali longo oowili 24, moka aaniilonga ya topolwa moowili 12. Onzo yimwe oya holola kutya epangelo olya futu ko owala oshitopolwa shimwe shoongunga, shoka sha futwa ko petameko lyomwedhi Sepetemba.

Nampa naye okwa li a lopota kutya, okomitiye tayi ithanwa cabinet committee on treasury oya kala omutumba oshiwike sha piti, tayi pula ekwatho kuNamWater opo a fute ko oongunga dhaSalini, dhoka dhiniwe kepangelo.

Minista John Mutorwa okwa li a popi kutya Salini otaka kala a futwa mEtitano.

Sigo okunena, Salini okwa futwa oshimaliwa sha thika poobiliyona 3.1.

OGONE TLHAGE

OLOPOTA YA GWEDHWA PO KU:NAMPA

Omilandu dhegandjo lyomboloha dha kundathanwa

September 18, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Omilandu dhegandjo lyomboloha dha kundathanwaOmufekelwa ke na ondjo, sigo uuna a monika ondjo mompangulilo Omilandu ndhoka hadhi longithwa mokugandja nenge mokutindila aafekelwa omboloha odhili oshinima kashi uvitikiweko kaantu oyendji moNamibia, pahapu dhaChief Justice Peter Shivute. Ongundu yoomangestrata oya kutha ombinga moshigongiilonga shoka sha ningilwa mOshilandopangelo mEtitano lya piti, opo yuuvithweko omilandu ndhoka dhi na okulandulwa mokugandja omboloha.

Omiyuvo goshigwana uuna taku gandjwa omboloha miipotha iinene kwa gwandjwa oshiholelwa ngashi oshipotha shomuyeka kwa homatiwa shoka sha ningilwa moWestern Bypass, oyimwe yomiipotha ya popiwa kuShivute pethimbo a patulula oshigongiilonga shoka.

Omanga omufekelwa , Frabianus Endjala, 32, a li ta yekeko ohauto yaantu mondjila yaWestern Bypass pamwe na yakwawo yalwe, petameko lyaAguste okwa li e na okukala mompangu, omolwa oshipotha shilwe shomuyeka kwahomatiwa. Mangestrata moshipotha shoka okwa kutha oonkondo omboloha ye yooN$2 000, na okwa gandja elombwelo opo a tulwe miipandeko.

Sha landula etulo miipandeko lye moshipotha shomuyeka kwahomatiwa, shoka a ningile aatalelipo, Endjala natango okwa pewa omboloha yooN$5 000 kuMangestrata mOmpangulilo yaKatutura, naashoka osha etitha oshigwana shi holole omaiyuvo gasho.

Opolisi pethimbo ndyoka oya popi kutya otashi vulika kwa ningwa epuko opo omufekelwa ngoka a pewe omboloha. Ominista yOmidhingoloko Pohamba Shifeta naye okwa holola omaiyuvo ge omolwa egandjo lyomboloha miipotha yi li ngaaka.

Shivute okwa popi kutya omaiyuvo gamwe ngoka otaga etithwa omolwa okwaaha uvako kutya egandjo lyomboloha ohali longo ngiini.

“Itandi vulu okuyelitha sha gwana kutya oomangestrata oya pumbwa okukala ye na ontseyo neuveko lyiikwaveta ayihe nomilandu ndhoka dhi li po uuna taku gandjwa omboloha.”

Oshigongiilonga shoka osha kwatelwa komeho kOmupanguli mOmpangu yoPombanda, Christie Liebenberg.

Ayehe Shivute naLiebenberg okwa tsu omuthindo kutya kehe omuntu ke na ondjo sigo uuna a monika ondjo mompangu.

Liebenberg okwa popi kutya egandjo lyomboloha oshinima sheendelela onkene oomangestrata, opolisi oshowo aakalelipo yopaveta oye na oshinakugwanithwa shokukwashilipaleka kutya okwa ningwa eindilo lyomboloha.

Shivute okwa popi kutya kashi shi owala oshinakugwanithwa shoompangu, opo ku kalekwepo uuthemba waafekelwa ihe nokukaleka po woo uuthemba wegameno lyoonakuninga iihakanwa yomiyonena niimbuluma. Okwa tsikile kutya emangululo lyaafekelwa pamboloha ohali endele pamwe nomilandu dhontumba ndhoka dhi na okulandulwa na ohadhi tulwa po, opo ku kwashilipalekwe kutya aafekelwa mboka oya galukila mompangu.

JANA-MARI SMITH

Tweya a hala uukwashili miikundaneki

September 18, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Tweya a hala uukwashili miikundaneki Iikundanneki nayi hulithepo okutowaleka omahokololo, yo yi kale yiitulamo monkalo yokumona omauyelele gomondjila nokugandja omauyelele ngoka moshigwana okupitila muutekinika.

Ndhoka odha popiwa kOminista yOmauyelele nOmakwatathano goPautekinika, Tjekero Tweya.

Pahapu dhe, Tweya okwa popi kutya aatoolinkundana oya pumbwa okulundulula omukalo ngoka haya longitha mokukundaneka kombinga yoshilongo oshowo SADC.

Okwa popi kutya, oonkundana dhili ompinge noshilongo otadhi shundula oshilongo, na okwa lombwele ngaaka aatoolinkundana, mbaka ya kala pepatululo lyombelewa yoVEYA ICT mOmbaye, Etitano lyapiti.

Tweya okwa hokolola kutya oominista dhomauyelele moSADC odha tsakanene omathimbo ga piti moKwaZulu Natal shaSouth Afrika, na oya kundathana nkene ye na okupala ondjila opo ya tule miilonga omatokolo ngoka ga ningwa momutumba, kutya aakalimo yaSADC ya thika poomiliyona 300, oya pumbwa okukala taya mono omauyelele gomondjila okuza kepangelo, opo ku vule okutulwa pandondo ombwaanawa enenevi.

Minista okwa popi kutya oshi li eshongo enene sho kehe gumwe ta vulu okumona omauyelele naakalimo yamwe otaya gandja omauyelele ngoka taga yono ombili.

Okwa popi woo kombinga yondando yi li pombanda ndjoka aantu yamwe haya futu muSADC opo ya vule okumona omauyelele.

Minista okwa popi kutya omukundu ngoka itagu kandulwa po, pakulombwela mboka haya gandja omayakulo ngoka ya shunithe pevi oondando dhawo ihe okuya tseyithilwa noku ya ulukila kutya oshihwepo ya vule okuninga ongeshefa yawo naantu yeli pomiliyona 300, pehala naantu oomiliyona 50.



OTIS FINCK

Etungo lyoHarambee Valley tali tameke mo-2019

September 18, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Etungo lyoHarambee Valley tali tameke mo-2019Opoloyeka ndjoka oya nuninwa mboka haya mono iiyemo yili pevi Opoloyeka yopaumwene ndjoka tayi pangele okutunga omagumbo gondando yopevi ga thika po-60 000 monooli-uninginino waVenduka okwa tegelelwa yi tameke muule woomwedhi 14 nenge 18. MuAguste gwonuumvo, elelo lyoshilando shaVenduka olya zimine etungo lyopoloyeka yopaumwene yoMonte Christo development, ndjoka yi li oshitopolwa shoHarambee Valley project, ndjoka kwa tegelelwa yi ka kandulepo ompumbwe yomagumbo moshilando.

Opoloyeka ndjoka yoMonte Christo development otayi ka tunga omagumbo ga thika po35 000, goondando dhopevi naandhoka dhopokati.

Pauyelele mboka wa hololwa, opoloyeka yoHarambee Valley project otayi ka tunga omagumbo ga thika po60 000, moka o 33 000 (55%) ga nuninwa mboka haya mono iiyemo yopevi omanga 24 000 (40%) mboka haya mono iiyemo yili pokati noopresenda 5 dha hupako odhaamboka haya mono iiyemo yopombanda.

Christopher van de Vijver, omukomeho gwoNambel Investments, mwene goplota yofaalama yonomola 806 sigo 814 okwa lombwele oNamibian Sun kutya oshitopolwa shotango shopoloyeka ndjoka otashi ka tunga omagumbo geli 7 000.

Okwa popi kutya ongushu yoshitopolwa shoka shotango sha kwatela mo omatungo ga yooloka otayi kala poobiliyona 4.8. N$4.8 billion.

Okwa tsikile kutya elalakano lyawo lyotango mopoloyeka yawo ndjoka yoNambel , okutunga po oshilando shomagumbo gaakwashigwana mboka haya mono iiyemo yi li pevi oshowo mboka haya mono iiyemo yili pokati, sho oyo unene yeli monkugo yi na onkambe ngele tashi ya kokwiimonena omagumbo.

Van de Vijver okwa popi kutya, nonando okwa pumbwa okukatukwa oonkatu dhilwe omanga inaku tamekwa niilonga yoshitopolwa shotango yetungo ndyoka, ezimino lyopoloyeka ndjoka okuza kelelo lyoshilando shaVenduka onkatu ombwaanawa ndjoka ya katukwa.

Okwa popi kutya etamekitho lyiilonga yoshitopolwa shotango ndyoka tali kwatelemo egandjo lyomayakulo gomeya oshowo olusheno mopoloyeka ayihe otayi ka tameka uuna kwa ziminwa omaindilo galwe ngaashi okuza kehangano lyoNamPower, NamWater Roads Authority oshowo Elelo lyOshilando shaVenduka.

Omolwa omaindilo agehe ngoka kwa tegelelwa ga zimine, iilonga yoshitopolwa shoka shotango shetungo, otaku fekelwa yi tameke muule woomwedhi 14 nenge 18 dhi li komeho.

Otaku fekelwa kutya okuya momvula yo-2030, Ovenduka otayi ka kala yi na omwaalu gwaakwashigwana gu thike po-645 355, pahapu dhaVan de Vijver.

Onga oshizemo shoka, nena okwa pumbwa okutungwa omagumbo ge thike poo80 000 muule woomvula 13 twa taalela.

Pamaiyuvo ge, ompumbwe onene yomagumbo ndjoka yi li po, oyaakwashigwana mboka haya mono iiyemo yi li pevi oshowo yi li pokati.



JANA-MARI SMITH

SA rate cut expected

September 18, 2017, 3:00 pm

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SA rate cut expectedA 25 basis-point drop expected from SARB In a bid to boost the economy, economists are predicting another 25 basis-point cut by the Reserve Bank on Thursday when the monetary committee has met. A shallow interest rate cutting cycle seems likely on Thursday with at least one 25 basis-point (bps) interest rate cut expected in September 2017, according to Arthur Kamp, investment economist at Sanlam Investments.

This is his view, considering what he calls the latent risks to the outlook of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB).

In its July 2017 monetary policy committee (MPC) statement, the SARB said: “In this highly uncertain environment, future policy decisions will be dependent on data outcomes and our assessment of the balance of risks”.

As Fin24 recently reported, Craig Lemboe of the Bureau for Economic Research at the University of Stellenbosch is also of the view that the MPC could lower the interest rate by a further 25 basis points next week.

Nomura's emerging market economist Peter Attard Montalto similarly indicated that dovish members of the MPC may be “tired” of waiting on risk events and the vote could be split 4-2, as in the July meeting.

“A cut could be moderately easily derailed by one dove getting cold feet,” said Montalto.

The MPC will announce its latest rates decision this Thursday.

“Some analysts say there could even be a further 75 basis-point reduction on the cards; at the bureau we keep a more conservative outlook for 25 basis points,” Lemboe said at the annual congress of Master Builders South Africa last week.

For Kamp, the split-decision of the MPC to cut its repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.75% in July 2017 appeared to signal a shift in focus.

This possible shift could be away from the risks posed by potential rand weakness, to the recorded downside surprises in real gross domestic product and inflation and the subsequent downward revisions to GDP and inflation forecasts.

According to Nedbank's Corporate and Investment Banking research unit, the SARB remains concerned about the trajectory of the rand.

“Any flare-up in political risks could hamper the rand exchange rate, which may feed through to headline CPI. However, despite this concern, the SARB did begin a loosening cycle in July 2017 as inflation has declined, the rand remains relatively stable through the turbulence of 2017, and domestic demand-pull inflation remains absent,” the unit said last week.

As a result, it believes the SARB will provide two more rate cuts of 25 bps each by the first half of 2018 in the current cycle.

Scale and timing

Kamp cautioned that the likely scale and timing of additional interest rate cuts, if any, was unclear. To him this was, in part, because of the deterioration in SA's fiscal position in recent years.

“Although fiscal policy does not appear to be a dominant consideration in MPC interest rate decisions at present, sound fiscal outcomes are essential to keep inflation expectations anchored,” he said.

“Further, the period of disinflation is expected to draw to a close during the first quarter of next year, when CPI is expected to bottom close to the mid-point of the SARB's inflation target range.”

Thereafter, Kamp said inflation is expected to increase through to year-end 2018 as the influences of currency stability, lower food price inflation and the low 2017 electricity price increase fade from the data.

Montalto also questioned the timing of another rate cut. Introducing further cuts, specifically a cycle of 100 basis points, could only marginally impact growth by 0.4 and 0.5 percentage points for the next two years. “That seems small versus the output gap and given the risks and uncertainty, especially if we consider that the growth environment is hardly likely to be jobs intensive.

“Even if growth ticks up from lower rates, it is unlikely to be through investment but at the margin in consumption,” he said.

If the rand had to become vulnerable to shocks, possible from a downgrade, then this would lead to a “tail-chasing” exercise where the SARB has to hike rates again, he warned.

“Put quite simply, we see only a small point in cutting at the margin to provide such a small benefit to the economy, given the risk outlook.

“Such a strategy may be successfully implemented now given the global market backdrop, but in future that may not be the case. At the end of the day it comes down to risk aversion or not,” said Montalto.



Enough reasons

“There are enough reasons to be wary about the prospects for the rand.

“A combination of domestic economic policy uncertainty, the potential for further sovereign debt rating downgrades and a shift, although gradual, to less monetary accommodation amongst developed market economies, is not an ideal backdrop for the currency,” said Kamp. He added one could not, however, ignore the extent of downward revisions to inflation and growth forecasts by economists through this year. At the conclusion of its May 2017 MPC meeting, the SARB expected headline inflation to slow to 5.4% in the fourth quarter of 2017, although the MPC indicated at the time that the forecast did not adjust for the latest consumer price index print before that meeting. This forecast was revised lower to 4.7% at the July 2017 MPC meeting, Kamp pointed out.

In January 2017 the SARB expected real GDP to average 1.1% in 2017. At the conclusion of the July 2017 MPC meeting, however, growth of just 0.5% was forecast for 2017.

“The latest Stats SA GDP data release reflected a solid bounce in real economic activity in the second quarter of 2017 (2.5%), taking the country out of a brief and shallow recession,” said Kamp.

“Even so, this improvement off a low base is probably not sustainable at this pace. For one thing, the manufacturing PMI (purchasing managers' index) business activity index collapsed to a level of 39.3 in July 2017, suggesting renewed weakness in manufacturing production,” he said. “Accordingly, upward revisions to GDP growth forecasts, if any, following the second-quarter print are likely to be modest and have limited impact on medium- to long-term inflation forecasts.” Together with the narrower current account deficit and modest private sector credit extension, especially to households, the downside surprises to growth and inflation complete a seemingly benign backdrop for monetary policy, he said.

FIN24

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Guinea moves to quell deadly unrest in mining town

September 18, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Guinea moves to quell deadly unrest in mining town Guinea's government said Sunday that it was sending electric generators to the mining town of Boke to help ease tensions after deadly clashes sparked by protests against water and power cuts.

The town's prefect has also been dismissed as officials try to restore order to the town, where shops and markets have been looted and vehicles destroyed during protests which have also seen armed youths set up barricades to take de facto control.

Boureima Conde, minister for territorial administration and decentralisation, said in a statement on state TV that the town's prefect, Mohamed Lamine Doumbouya, was fired by President Alpha Conde on Saturday.

The president has also instructed Prime Minister Mamady Youla “to take measures designed to shine a light on the two deaths and that those responsible face the law,” the minister said.

The protests began on Tuesday against electricity and power cuts in a city known for its bauxite mines, where residents have long claimed they have not profited from the area's mineral wealth.

Hundreds of people remain stuck at the entrance and exit of the town, Boureima Conde said, unable to pass through with goods from neighbouring Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Senegal.

More than 50 civilians have been injured in the clashes, and more than 20 police, he added.

Boke is no stranger to unrest. Pollution caused by bauxite mining and a lack of electricity and clean water for the local population led to April protests that killed one person and injured dozens.

Guinea is one of the world's poorest countries despite its vast mineral wealth.



NEWS24

Luxury SUVs and flying cars

September 18, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Luxury SUVs and flying carsFive trends at the Frankfurt auto show The Frankfurt auto show, officially known as the International Motor Show or IAA, is the largest of its kind both in terms of scale and the volume of new vehicle debuts. At this year's Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA), automakers are pulling out all the stops to dazzle visitors with cars that are greener, smarter and faster than ever.

Here are some of the highlights of the industry showcase, which runs until September 24 and is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of car enthusiasts.

If you've always wanted to feel like Lewis Hamilton, the Mercedes-AMG Project One might be for you.

A hybrid “hypercar” built with Formula 1 technology, it promises 1 000 horsepower and top speeds of over 350 kilometres per hour.

Mercedes plans to make just 275 units, each costing more than two million euros (US$2.4 million).

“It looks like a shark,” was one fairgoer's verdict as a crush of people strained to catch a glimpse of the showstopper.

Ten-year-old Moritz was more generous. “You can tell that Mercedes put in a lot of effort,” he told AFP, “but I would have preferred bigger spoilers.”

Not to be outdone, Bugatti revealed that its own limited edition supercar - the 2.4-million-euro Chiron - had just set a heart-stopping new speed record, going from 0 to 400 km/h in 42 seconds.

They're not quite the flying cars we have long been promised but if a string of start-ups are to be believed, our daily commute could soon come with a bird's eye view.

Fairgoers were abuzz over a pilotless “air taxi” on display at Daimler's stand, an electric, 18-rotor craft being developed with Volocopter.

Dutch start-up PAL-V meanwhile showed off a cross between a gyrocopter and a car, which could whizz you to work from next year - all you need is 500 000 euros and a pilot licence.

SUVs reign supreme at this year's IAA.

Accounting for more than two thirds of the model launches, they cater to all tastes and wallets, from Volkswagen's sporty T-Roc to the updated budget Dacia Duster.

Chinese automakers are increasingly muscling in on the action, with Chery and high-end Wey both unveiling compact 4x4s.

They may be the wheels of choice for soccer moms everywhere but SUVs are “overrepresented” at the IAA, according to the Inovev consultancy.

Eager to turn the corner on the 'dieselgate' emissions cheating scandal, carmakers are falling over themselves to present a futuristic vision of sleek, self-driving electric cars that do all the work as you lean back and enjoy the ride.

But observers expressed frustration that most of the cars being dangled were years away from hitting the roads, while Nissan and Tesla - the only two carmakers actually mass producing electric cars - shunned the IAA.

“I don't want some sexy electro-concept that will never happen,” said Bild car reporter Dennis Petermann, urging German carmakers to step on the gas in the race against Tesla.

Those who prefer the roar of a souped-up classic motor to the gentle purr of an electric engine should head over to the IAA's “Wild 70s” display to check out the red-and-white Gran Torino made famous by the “Starsky and Hutch” TV series, or a cult 911 Porsche Turbo Targa with rainbow trimming.

“That car has never felt a drop of rain,” said Josef Lonsky of the Automobilclub of Germany.

If you're nostalgic for the era's more mellow vibe you may want to check out Volkswagen's new ID Buzz, a re-imagined - and of course, electric - version of the world's best-loved hippiemobile.

With surfboards strapped to its roof and, somewhat bafflingly, a floating, meditating gnome for a dashboard ornament, the neon yellow-and-grey van could be coming to a beach near you in 2020.



NAMPA/AFP

Gordhan: SARS is a political project

September 18, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Gordhan: SARS is a political project Pravin Gordhan, who was ousted from his post as South Africa’s finance minister in March, slammed KPMG after it withdrew a report on the country’s tax agency that was used as evidence in a police probe against him and led to the removal of senior staff.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has been rocked by resignations of several senior executives since Tom Moyane was appointed as commissioner in 2014.

Moyane clashed with Gordhan when he halted a restructuring plan at SARS during his time as finance minister.

The nation’s revenue shortfall for the first quarter was R13.1bn.

It is part of “the whole conspiracy theory of replacing good people with bad to facilitate state capture,” Gordhan said by phone.

“SARS became a political project and it is now run by people who have no idea how to manage a tax administration system. They don’t know what skills are needed and how to use them.”

Gordhan, who led the revenue service from 1999 until 2009, wasn’t the only victim of the report.

He was investigated by police for his role in the setup of the investigative unit, although no charges were ever brought.

Former acting commissioner Ivan Pillay, Johann van Loggerenberg, a group executive for tax and customs and spokesperson Adrian Lackay all resigned from SARS in 2015 as the agency was probing the allegedly covert unit.

“The witting and over-enthusiastic collaboration of senior KPMG personnel and their collusion with nefarious characters in SARS, in fact directly contributed to 'state capture'," Gordhan said in a statement sent by text message on Friday

“It should and must be remembered that this was about attacking SARS as an institution with the main intention being to capture it.”

KPMG withdraws report

This comes after KPMG said on Friday that its conclusions and recommendations in a report for SARS about a unit that allegedly spied on politicians should no longer be relied on. It said the evidence provided to KPMG doesn’t support the interpretation that Gordhan knew, or ought to have known, that the unit was established and operating unlawfully.

“Very good people were severely intimidated due to the KPMG report,” Gordhan said by phone on Sunday.

“The withdrawal of the report does not even begin to make amends for that and the pain they have gone through. It is high time that business, and especially professional firms such as KPMG, learn how to apologise properly and tell the whole truth. I shall be meeting with my lawyers in two days to consider our next step.”

KPMG also said on Friday that its South African chief executive officer, chairperson and six other senior managers quit after an internal probe criticised the company’s conduct in auditing companies controlled by the Gupta family, who are friends of South African President Jacob Zuma.

Bell Pottinger, McKinsey

KPMG is the latest international company to come under fire for becoming embroiled in the nation’s politics.

British public relations firm Bell Pottinger applied for administration on September 12 after being expelled from a UK public relations body for stoking racial tensions in South Africa while working for the Guptas.

South African anti-corruption groups are targeting US consultancy McKinsey for doing work for businesses tied to the family.

KPMG said it has offered to repay the R23m fee it received for the work on the report to SARS, or make a donation to a charity.

SARS spokesperson Sandile Memela and KPMG spokesperson Nqubeko Sibiya both asked for queries to be sent by email when contacted for comment on their mobile phones on Sunday.

Neither immediately responded to the emails.

The auditing firm said on Friday that the errors in the report hadn’t been intentional and its actions weren’t politically motivated.

NEWS24

Geingob promotes local beef in US

September 18, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Geingob promotes local beef in US President Hage Geingob last week met with Red Apple Group Chief Executive Officer, John Catsimatidis to promote Namibia's beef export to the United States of America (USA).

Geingob informed him that only a small portion of Namibian cattle meet the European Union (EU) beef export specifications, while the bulk of the cattle north of the veterinary cordon fence, which separates northern Namibia from the central and southern parts, needs to be sanitised before it can be exported.

“But all together we have enough beef to send to American supermarkets,” he said.

Geingob is on an official mission to the USA until 22 September, and is expected to address the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly on 20 September.

Red Apple Group is a conglomerate that among others owns supermarkets in New York for over 100 years.

It offers fresh meats, produce, dairy products, baked goods, frozen and gourmet foods, and non-food items.

Catsimatidis said they first have to look at Namibia's beef export specifications to the EU.

“The fact that Namibia has been supplying the EU with beef for many years without any problems is very useful,” he added.

In a separate interview, Commercial Counsellor for Trade and Investment at the Embassy of Namibia in the USA, Freddie !Gaoseb on Friday advised that if Namibia wants to succeed in beef export to the USA, they should not compete with already established beef markets but rather look at the niche market.

“For example, most of the beef consumed here in New York restaurants is Angus beef; we don't produce Angus in Namibia,” he said.

Angus cattle have more meat on their bones than other breeds and have distinctive flecks of fat, which contribute to flavour and texture.

Another market is grass-fed and grass-finished beef, which !Gaoseb explained is completely organic as it contains no antibiotics and steroid hormone drugs.

“Namibia would not go there because our beef typically is grass raised but most of it is finished at feedlots [where they consume grains],” he added.

!Gaoseb emphasised that although Namibia does not meet the big beef market requirements in the USA, there is still a market for the beef in the United Kingdom.

-Nampa



George Hendricks

Wernhil vendors unhappy

September 18, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Wernhil vendors unhappyCriticise new flea market rates The vendors say they will not be able to afford the proposed rental fees as they are way too high compared to their monthly profits. Vendors who operate under the bridge next to the Wernhil Park mall are unhappy with the proposed rental fees for the new Windhoek Flea Market, which have increased nine times more than the N$55 per month they currently pay.

The vendors who sell cooked food such as cabbage soup, fried chicken and fat-cakes among others, have to relocate to the newly constructed stalls under the same bridge.

The City of Windhoek and Broll Namibia erected the new stalls to promote Small Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs).

The rental fees, which include electricity, security, maintenance and a development recovery portion for a period of 10 years are N$2 358 for lockable stalls, N$515 for open trading areas, N$740 for food stands and N$745 for barbecue stands per month.

City of Windhoek spokesperson, Lydia Amutenya, in a media statement last week said the rental rates are in terms of Section 30 of the Local Authorities Act, Act 23 of 1992.

Speaking to Nampa in an interview recently, a group of eight disgruntled vendors stressed that they will not be able to afford the proposed rental fees as they are way too high compared to their monthly profits.

Katrina Jesaya, a 35-year-old mother of two said the city should note that the struggle brought them to sell under the bridge to help themselves and their families with the little profit that they make from selling food.

“How do I pay such fees per month if one only makes approximately N$1 200 profit per month, from where [must] I pay my rent, electricity and water?” asked Jesaya.

She stressed that although government keeps telling people to be self-sufficient, the municipality wants to take all their effort through high rental fees.

Another vendor Anna Hangula stressed that the food and barbecue stands do not have electricity sockets to plug-in their microwaves or stoves, but they are expected to pay for electricity.

“Which electricity are we going to pay for, if we are going to cook using our gas stoves as we are currently doing?” asked Hangula, adding that the only benefit with the current stands is the storerooms, as they will no longer have to travel with their items from home to town every day.

Another vendor, who preferred anonymity, said the city was supposed to call a meeting with them so that they can engage each other on the setting up of the rental fees.

“If the prices [fees] are high because of the water and electricity, they should set up stands with own prepaid electricity and water, so that we can manage for ourselves the use of the utilities because not everyone consumes the same electricity and water,” she said.

Currently, they buy 25 litres of water for N$5 from the car-wash opposite the bridge for cooking.

-Nampa



LINEA DISCHENA

Empowering communities to put an end to GBV

September 18, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Empowering communities to put an end to GBV“Sometimes people only accept the violence because they do not know what to do about it. Through the workshops we are conducting we get to educate and teach people about how they can stop the violence from happening.” The Monica Gender Violence Organisation (MGVS) recently held a legal study and basic life counselling workshop in Katutura, Windhoek. The founder of the organisation, Shaanika Nashilongo says that the group held the workshop to educate and elders and the youth from the community about their rights.

According to Nashilongo Gender-based (GBV) Violence is taking its toll taking in many communities and he wanted to educate the people about their rights and how they could curb the violence. “Sometimes people only accept the violence because they do not know what to do about it. Through the workshops we are conducting we get to educate and teach people about how they can stop the violence from happening,” says Nashilongo.

He said when he initially started with the training in 2016 many members of the public did not participate but that later changed after people started seeing the impact that the workshops had in the community.

“Last year in September Monica Gender Violence organisation had started a community leadership training for people in Windhoek both youth and elders. When we started we started with only 3 participants, However, in November last year the number had increased to 20 people,” says Nashilongo.

She says the counsellors who assist victims were trained counsellors. He said the counsellors have gained training through Lifeline Childline because of the support given to them from the Office of the First Lady of Namibia. “The Office of the First Lady prepared us very well and we were trained by experts in the industry so that we can root out the evils in society and assist those who truly need our help,” she says.

The members of the community who participated in the training all received certificates for attending the workshop.

Shona Ngava



Fast Facts:

* The Monica Gender Violence organisation has handled more than 3000 cases of gender based violence since its existence.

*The organisation deals with women empowerment and regularly holds training and workshops with women

*The First Lady of Namibia, Monica Geingos is the Patron of the organisation.

*The organisation works with Police and Lawyers to solve GBV cases and many other issues in the community.

New College in town

September 18, 2017, 3:00 pm

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New College in town LAUNCHED: Alpha Key College recently held its opening ceremony. Pictured here are Sam David, the academic director of Alpha Key College and George Ngube from Alpha Key College at the launch of the college last week. The College will be offering National qualifications in Business, commerce, Education, Information Technology and sports and culture. During the launch David said that the college would be partnering with different industries so that they produce the best students in the country in order to expose their students to best education in the country. Photo: Shona Ngava

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A political prediction

September 18, 2017, 3:00 pm

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A political prediction A political prediction Liberation movements in Southern Africa are clinging on to power. In South Africa, the African National Congress (ANC) has become the epitome of corruption and maladministration.

This has resulted in an embarrassing show-off in the 2016 local elections where the party lost major metros to the opposition. The party is expected to do even worse in the 2019 national elections.

In Zimbabwe, Zanu-PF has reached a point of no return by staunchly endorsing a nonagerian regime that has lost touch with ordinary citizens and maintains power through terror and intimidation. In Mozambique, the ruling FRELIMO is in a constant state of battle with the opposition, RENAMO, with some predicting a major civil war if the status quo is not attended to. The MPLA in Angola recently won an election in which the result was highly contested. This is after 38 years at the looting hands of Jose Eduardo Dos Santos. It is feared that the incoming president, Joao Lourenco is just a handpicked puppet who will continue in Dos Santos' footsteps. Some liberation movements have already lost power, as is the case in Zambia and Malawi. One thing that is very clear is that the days of liberation movements are numbered. The only exclusion from this precedent is the South West Africa's Peoples Organization (SWAPO) of Namibia. While their liberation movement counterparts seem to be feeling the heat at the polls, SWAPO has been effortlessly winning each and every election with two-third majorities. The irony is that the Namibian people in fact face the same problems of poverty, inequality, government looting and corruption but they still continue to vote for SWAPO en masse. To understand this, we need to look at the history of the Namibian people. Namibia's struggle for independence was to a large extend a very passive resistance although there were a few battles between the Namibian armed forces, PLAN and SWATF.



The future is now

The majority of the population never engaged in any form of resistance against the apartheid government. This is not to say that we were handed independence on a silver platter. I am just highlighting that our struggle for independence was not as violent as our neighbouring countries. As a result of this, Namibians have adopted a laissez-fair approach in political matters post-independence. Namibians are passive people who prefer consistency over change. There is also a very large number of people who are have adopted the loyalists approach and have no interest whatsoever in supporting a party other than SWAPO. This group consist mostly of struggle veterans and their offspring. Namibia also has very weak and toothless opposition parties which lack ideological clarity and are there simply to make up the numbers. This has granted SWAPO the opportunity to rule without much opposition even in the face of growing poverty, unemployment and corruption. However, we can now see that SWAPO has started to experience the early symptoms of demise attached to liberation movements. Firstly, there is serious factionalism in the party. The elective conferences leading up to the December congresses have been mired in controversy with tribalism, favouritism and election rigging being the order of the day. The manner in which the just concluded SPYL congress was conducted also left a lot to be desired. One candidate conspired with the winning candidate by withdrawing at the last minute in order to fulfil certain agendas. A group of SPYL members have now petitioned the SWAPO leadership to declare the congress null and void. Secondly, we now have situation where there is no clear centre of power within SWAPO. The fact that the sitting president of the country is not the likewise of the party has created quite a tense and awkward atmosphere within the party. There is less than three months before the December congress and there is still no clear candidate for the presidency.



Predictions of the future

The status quo is a recipe for disaster. One thing is clear, whatever happens at the December congress will leave SWAPO more divided just like the ANC December congress of 2009 in Polokwane when Jacob Zuma was elected president of the ANC. Post December congress 2017 will witness a dark period of serious factionalism within SWAPO. As they fight amongst each other, a younger, educated and radical opposition will be born that will offer an alternative to SWAPO. This new born radical movement will attract the masses of young adults and youth that have felt no connection to the out-dated model of SWAPO politics. In my personal capacity, I predict that by 2035 or earlier, SWAPO will either be clinging on to a very small majority or be in a coalition.

*Maximalliant T Katjimune is NANSO KREC Secretary for Political and Internal Affairs and a 1st year BA (Hons) (Political Studies & Sociology) student at University of Namibia (UNAM)

Life in a different country

September 18, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Life in a different countryExperiencing Helsinki The start of it all “Even though I could Google everything about this place, I was still not prepared for the efficiency and beauty of this country.” “It is a normal day at school attending another Sociology lecture. Thankfully, today we did not have a surprise quiz as I am never ready for them. Before we are dismissed, the lecturer announces that there is an all-expense paid exchange program under way and all those interested should write a motivational letter and attach their academic record.

I leave home for the weekend and return on the Monday with my motivational letter after encouragement from my mother, fellow classmates and close friends.

Two weeks later, I get a call from my lecturer and she tells me I have been selected along with another male student to go to Finland for the second semester.

My family, who is ever so proud of all my achievements, were more than happy to contribute to my lavish closet and assemble a completely new wardrobe for me. I do not even know whether I will get Christmas gifts this year after all that spending. I fly out of the country for the first time, by myself.

My beloved mother and sister see me off at the airport, and we say a prayer before my departure.

Today, currently attending the University of Helsinki as a 2nd year student, it is an out of this world experience for me.

Even though I could google everything about this place, I was still not prepared for the efficiency and beauty of this country. Waiting for me at the airport is my tutor and first Finnish friend, Anneli who was an exchange student at my home, University of Namibia (Unam). Thankfully she has a car and we drove to my three-room apartment. I met my housemates and we all went shopping for essentials.

We have gone sight-seeing to famous monuments and I have surprisingly learnt to use the trains, trams, buses and the metro. We have managed to happily get along and two of us will be celebrating our birthdays in the upcoming weeks.

I am looking forward to my brief time here, gathering information not only for my research project in my final year, but also to make life-long connections with people from all walks of life.

Friendly smiles greet you everywhere and people are happy to assist no matter the situation.”

*Ann-Adeva is a 2nd year student at the University of Helsinki in Finland. She enjoys writing, reading and interacting with different people from different walks of life.









ANN-ADEVA Njambali

Interesting facts about libraries

September 18, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Interesting facts about libraries· There are libraries around the world where you can check-out humans as a living book and listen to their stories. There are 150 such libraries around the world.



· The Guinness Book of World Records holds the record for being the book most often stolen from public libraries.



· In Norway, you can return your library book anywhere in the country regardless of where it was loaned.



· Some German cities have public “art libraries” where you pay up to five Euros to borrow paintings and sculptures from local artists to put into your own home for several months.



· In ancient Egypt, all ships visiting the city were obliged to surrender their books to the library of Alexandria and be copied. The original would be kept in the library and the copy given back to the owner.

A book a day keeps the mind at play

September 18, 2017, 3:00 pm

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A book a day keeps the mind at playFacing the obstacles A place they call home Learners from Havana Primary School make eager use of their library facilities and are encouraged daily to take books home and build on their knowledge by reading material other than their required textbooks that they receive in class.

Located in the Havana informal settlement, Havana Primary School caters for about 600 learners. The read-a-thon, held in September every year, is the platform for a progressive campaign and the promotion of reading. The ministry of education supports this event and the director of the ministry of education of the Khomas region, Gerard Vries, was invited to be the speaker at the event held at Havana Primary School last week.

“Reading is so crucial to a learner's brain development and it stimulates knowledge, skills and creativity. Reading is regarded as the foundation on which language skills and better-thinking strategies are moulded,” he says.

Vries also touched on how reading is regarded as a very important ingredient in our lives and how one can expose themselves to new things, improving your understanding, preparing to take action, gain experience from other people and enhance the suppleness of your brain.

“Reading books give learners mental agility and opens windows into the unknown world.

Books calm our minds and give us a detailed insight into world events. Libraries are the institutions that provide books and other materials to read and it is for this reason we need to create these habits and set aside time every day for everyone to read a book, magazine or newspaper,” says the director.

Ancient geographer Strabo said Aristotle was the first to have put together a collection of books and to have taught the kings in Egypt how to arrange a library.

Throughout most of the library's history, the term “book” referred to works written on papyrus and some parchment rolls.

After this idea was developed over the years, libraries were born and all bookworms had a place to call home.

The librarian of Havana Primary School, Martin Namupolo, says the learners try their best to make use of the facilities.

After starting last year in November, Namupolo says he enjoys the experience.

“Before I came here, I used to work at the Supreme Court and I was deprived from interaction with people.

I only used to work with the books and I would only talk with my colleagues.

“Coming here, I enjoy having conversations with the learners and helping them chose the right books for them,” he says.

According to Namupolo, the learners at his school are mostly interested in story books. They really enjoy reading story books.

This is something which is also encouraged as they are exposed to different kinds of writing.

They only make use of the non-fictional books when they are given homework in class or tasked to find out certain information from their teacher,” he says. He also said that learners as young as eight make use of the library and they engage in reading as well.

He told The Zone that those in pre-primary school and grade 1 would rather come into the library and help each other build a puzzle.

“This is still a good thing as the environment here is very conducive.

“Being in the library and seeing other learners read will also encourage them to take up reading as a hobby in future when they reach that level,” he says.

Namupolo spoke about the benefits of establishing a reading culture and said a learner that can read will be more confident compared to those that cannot. “Reading builds these learners' self-esteem.

“They are not shy to speak about something as their confidence also grows with their reading.

“It also creates a sense of awareness around them. Even though they are not fully exposed to the outside world, they will be more intrigued to read up on something, rather than just brushing it off when they hear about it. They will also be able to stand their ground and be ready to take on the world and make a proper judgement,” he says.

He also shared the same sentiments as Vries as he believes learners discover new things through reading and they polish their basic skills like spelling and the pronunciation of words. “Reading is so important because words spoken and words written are the building blocks of life.

“You are the result of what you read and write and your future will depend on the words that you believe about yourself,” says Namupolo.

The challenge he has experienced so far is the availability of resources.

“Learners get bored sometimes as they have to reuse the books over and over again. We experience this a lot especially with the learners that love reading,” he said. He also added that their library only has one computer, so it is difficult to assist the learners when it comes to doing research or homework.

“When they are given assignments from teachers, it is difficult for me to assist them all and print for each and every one.

“This is difficult and resources are very limited, so we are also requesting for anyone to assist and help us with books, computers or copy machines.”

With technology advancing and improving every day, Namupolo said it is difficult to maintain a reading culture for the youth as they find books “boring” and they would rather watch television and use their time to visit social media sites. “Children would rather use digital devices to keep their mind engaged.

That is why authors these days are starting to release books in digital formats every day.”

Namupolo says reading is an important hobby for children to grow and he encourages teachers and parents to make sure their children at least read one book every week.



TUNOHOLE MUNGOBA

Staying fit with School of Dance & Fitness

September 18, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Staying fit with School of Dance & FitnessAbout the School of Dance and Fitness Keeping healthy while moving your feet “In this day and age, anything that can give our kids of today a purpose and a reason to stay off the streets is always a win and in the process we pride ourselves in teaching them more than just dance. It comes with responsibility, accountability, mannerism and punctuality." Two dancing instructors who both have to the rare combination of loving children and loving dance as well, show the children of Namibia how to stay healthy and also have fun at the same time

Anna Jorge and her dancing partner, Daniel Acosta have a dance background that ranges from latin, ballroom, hip hop and other fitness styles as well.

“I am Portuguese, Angolan and Namibian so I grew up a little bit everywhere. Daniel Acosta is Ecuadorian and I believe he is a child of the world,” says Jorge.

Their dancing studio has existed for over 10 years, but Jorge and Acosta Daniel only added the fitness part to their programme approximately 2 years ago. “We wanted to also bring in a variety of dances classes and styles. A lot of children hate sports and exercising so we needed to find a way to teach them in a style that fun for them,” says Acosta.

They teach children dance classes such as hip hop and the most popular Zumba classes which are exclusive in Namibia developed by the two. “It is a weight management fitness program which has become popular in demand and very effective. We also have the Z Plus, which is a combination of cardio, toning and eating plans. We like to keep track of our clients’ progress so we also do measurements with full follow-ups and we also offer moral support as well as we are working with young children,” says Jorge.

Jorge and Acosta have always been interested in dancing as it their passion and not to mention it is in their blood as they are Latinos. “The passion to teach and to have our own space where we can not only do what we love, but also share the experience with others has motivated us to open our dance study. We want to inspire and to be a role model especially for the youth on how to follow your dreams and live a healthy lifestyle,” says Acosta.

Children can enroll in different classes like Latin passion, Salsa Fusion, Kizomba, Capoeira and other fitness packages like Kids Fit, Bully Proof Kids and MixFit. “Our teaching style is very different so we have specialized Namibian teachers for Ballet, Funk Off and Salsa that are currently part of our team,” saysAcosta.

School of Dance and Fitness currently have 3 studios, one in Walvis Bay and two in Swakopmund. “We are currently working on our brand new studio going that has been open for about 3 months now and we are very excited on interacting with our client base in the capital. “The parents as well as kids love our classes and usually once they have signed up, they tend to stay and be a part of our venture,” says Jorge. The youngest enrolled student at their academy is three years old while their oldest is currently 87. Acosta and Jorge are trying to make parents and children see dancing as a fitness option and making having a healthy lifestyle a priority as it important that children keep healthy from a very young age.

“In this day and age, anything that can give our kids of today a purpose and a reason to stay off the streets is always a win and in the process we pride ourselves in teaching them more than just dance. It comes with responsibility, accountability, mannerism, punctuality and much more. To be a dancer you have to have traits such as discipline, team work ethic and patience,” says Jorge.

The two have also had many shows and dances in different countries and have shared many stages as well. “Our biggest highlight is definitely owning our spaces such as our studios and having our students and our dancing worlds grow around us. That is gratifying more than anything else.”

You can find School of Dance & Fitness on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

TUNOHOLE MUNGOBA