Namibia okwa taalela ondjala

September 24, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Namibia okwa taalela ondjala Ngele Namibia okwa ndopa okutula miilonga omikalo omipe ndhoka tadhi vulu okulongithwa menduluko lyiikulya unene muunafaalama opo ku vule okukala taku monika eteyo ewanawa, nena oshilongo otashi ka taalela ondjala.

Pethimbo lyo18th edition of the Bank of Namibia Annual Symposium , aatseyinawa moshikondo shuunamapya oya popi kutya okwa pumbwa okulundulula omikalo dhe ndhoka ha longitha moshilongo muunafaalama. Mo-2015 oshowo 2016, Namibia okwa lopota oshikukuta oshinene shoka sha dhenge oshilongo omolwa omuloka gwankundipala ngoka gwa dhidhilikwa moshilongo.

Moshipopiwa she sho a taambako aakuthimbinga momutumba ngoka gwa ningwa, Ngoloneya gwoBoN, Iipumbu Shiimi, okwa popi kutya otashi ulike kutya Namibia okwa taalela omukundu.

Shiimi okwa tsu omuthindo kutya ompito opo yi li, opo Namibia a vule okulundulula omukalo ngoka ha longitha moshikondo she shuunamapya.

Pahapu dhaPaul Smit, Omupresidende nale gwoNamibia Agricultural Union, konyala oopresenda 60% dhaakwashigwana moshilongo oyiikolelela kuunafaalama, sho Namibia e na oohecta dhevi dhoomiliona 64, dhoka hadhi longithwa muunafaalama.

Smit okwa popi kutya omolwa omuloka gwa nkundipala ngoka gwa dhidhilikwa moshilongo uule woomvula dha piti, oohecta owala 40 000 odho hadhi vulu okuza iipalutha ya gwana moshilongo, sho oshilongo sha dhengwa konkalo yoshikukuta uule woomvula hamano.

Onkalo yimwe ndjoka tayi nayipalekitha onkalo, ekanitho liikulya yaavalelwa mo oshowo okwaahena ontseyo nkene iikulya mbyoka tahi longekidhwa. Onkalo ndjoka oya etithwa komalinduluko monkalo yiikulya mbyoka hayi liwa, ihe iikulya mbyoka otayi vulu okukwathela mekeelelo lyonkalo yoshikukuta.

JEMIMA BEUKES

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It is a bottomless pit

September 24, 2017, 3:00 pm

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It is a bottomless pit American president, Donald Trump, puts Namibia on the global map with his farcical statements about the small African country he called Nambia. All of the absurdity aside… he did say that we have one of the best healthcare systems and that is self-sustainable.

Yes, hold onto your hats. Self-sustainable.

It is not. Our State-sponsored healthcare system is nothing if not a bottomless pit of taxpayers' money being used for many things, the last of which is care for patients.

The sick and dying have to take their own linens… and they are lucky if there is a bed. Family members are expected to stay if patients require feeding or bathing because the staff either do not have the will or the time to do so. We hear horror stories of an old man who dislocated a hip but, because no x-ray was done and nobody checked he lay for eight months and now, can no longer walk. Machines that are to drain wounds to save legs or arms, and which are privately sponsored, are switched off, such, that patients have to be moved to other facilities in a bid to save their appendages.

Wards are infested with mice and with rats, toilet seats are missing and medical waste, including blood-stained cotton swabs and sharps, lie at the ward's nurses' station, waiting for collection.

Our State paramedics are known in the industry as 'scoop and go' because they are not trained to advanced life-care status. Those paramedics are only available in private care or with the MVA Fund.

In the rural areas, patients with severe flu are given vitamin C tablets wrapped in A4 paper because both the dispensing bags and the Panados have run out. That is if the nurses can understand the patients because in the south of this country, the nurses are either from the north or Zimbabwe and speak not a word of Afrikaans.

And yet, health receives such a large portion of the budget and while we know that there is indeed effort made and work done, we still need aid and donors.

Wherever the money is going, it is not going into beds or sheets or medicines or the upgrading of our facilities. A bottomless pit indeed.

Shot of the Day

September 24, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Shot of the Day OVER THE WATER: Rohingya refugees arriving by boat, as smoke rises from fires on the shoreline behind them, at Shah Parir Dwip on the Bangladesh side of the Naf River after fleeing violence in Myanmar. The UN Security Council broke its weeks-long silence on the crisis in Myanmar and called for an end to the violence, as UN chief Antonio Guterres said the military campaign amounted to ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims. PHOTO: NAMPA/AFP

Ministry fights back in Aroab

September 24, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Ministry fights back in AroabFiles strong defence over Farm Dickbusch The land reform ministry has responded to the Aroab Small Farmers' Union in the eviction case over Farm Dickbusch. The Land Reform Ministry is opposing the Aroab Small Farmers' Association's application for condonation, arguing that they did not make the plea within the time frame allowed by the court.

The government has applied for the group's eviction from Farm Dickbusch in the Aroab district. Members of the association are alleged to have invaded the said farm according to papers before the High Court in Windhoek. According to the documents there was allegedly an oversight of the Legal Assistance Centre (LAC) which earlier acted on the group's behalf, and which failed to deliver the plea and counterclaim within the specified time.

The Ministry of Land Reform and the //Karas Land Board sought an eviction and/or ejection order against the 11 members of the Aroab Small Farmers Union.

In the papers, the farmers allege that the LAC, instead of filing a plea, drew up a settlement agreement which the association does not approve of.

The LAC in the meantime has withdrawn from the case and the group is still waiting for a reply on an application for legal aid.

The farmers are now pleading to the court in an application to condone the failure to file.

The applicants are Andrew de Juy, Gertjie Witbooi, Piet Mathys, Benjamin Hendrikse, Henry Hendriks, Abraham Jash, Hendrik Abraham, Benedictus Draaier, Johannes Rooi, Wessels Draaier, and Petrus Cupido who are members of the Aroab Small Farmerss Union. These are the people listed in the main application for eviction instituted by the Land Reform and //Karas Land Board as the respondents.

The permanent secretary in the land reform ministry, Peter Amuntenya, in his papers before court, is dismissing the alleged oversight as mentioned by the farmers' association.

“The applicants failed to give a full and proper explanation as to why they failed to file their plea and further failed to provide reasons of when they became aware that their plea was due and was not filed,” he emphasised.

With regards to the settlement agreement, Amuntenya states that the lawyers of the farmers acted on their instructions and now the farmers are saying there was an oversight.

According to Amutenya, the applicants have no prospect of succeeding in the condonation application.

Amutenya, in his summary stating the reasons for the eviction order, said that Farm Dickbusch was advertised on 15 September 2016 for resettlement and that the application process closed on 17 October 2016. The ministry received information that the applicants had invaded and occupied the farm. They were served with a 30-day eviction notice for illegally occupying the property, to date.

“Despite these demands, the applicants failed to vacate the said premises upon which the ministry proceeded to file for an eviction order which was served to them on 12 May,” Amuntenya explains in the brief.

The farmers filed a notice of intention to defend. The matter was set down for case management on 22 June where after a joint case plan was made by an order of court.

Amuntenya stated that the ministry is not seeking an order in a pretended controversy but that the order sought will place them back into the possession of their property which the applicants continue to occupy unlawfully.

The Ministry of Land Reform and //Karas Land Board in the particulars of claim want an order that compels the 11 farmers to remove their property or infrastructure from the land they are unlawfully occupying on the farm within 30 days after the judgment.

They want the court to authorise the deputy sheriff of the district of Keetmanshoop to remove the defendants from the farm in the event they do not voluntarily vacate within 30 days of the judgment.



FRED GOEIEMAN

Pensioners dies in Opuwo clinic queue

September 24, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Pensioners dies in Opuwo clinic queue A pensioner died while waiting to be attended to at the Opuwo clinic on Thursday morning.

The police's crime investigations coordinator in Kunene, Deputy Commissioner Rudolf Kanyetu, confirmed this although he could not provide much detail around the incident.

Contacted for comment, acting regional health director Katarina Tjiveze would not confirm the incident, saying her acting capacity does not allow her to do so.

The chairperson of the Kunene Regional Council, Julius Kaujova who went to the Opuwo District Hospital after receiving news of the woman's death, said she had gone to the hospital around 04:00 for medical treatment.

It is alleged that she went to the casualty department.

She was then referred to the clinic and had no choice but to join the long queue, where she later died.

The governor of Kunene, Angelika Muharukua said little is known about what led to the woman's death as she said medical staff refused to talk to her about the matter.

She said she reported the matter to the health minister Dr Bernard Haufiku who according to her promised to send his permanent secretary Andreas Mwoombola to Opuwo today.

Councillor of the Opuwo urban constituency, Weich Mupy,a who is also a member of the National Assembly told Nampa he recently wrote a letter to Haufiku complaining about the situation at the Opuwo District Hospital. He is yet to receive a response.

Mupya said the hospital facilities are insufficient for the patient population in the region and they had received constant complaints of people having to queue for hours before being attended to.

“We have reported this situation to the authorities on numerous occasions, but they seem to be dragging their feet,” Mupya said.

He said the issue was brought up when President Hage Geingob visited the Kunene Region last year and was also brought to the attention of the Speaker of the National Assembly, Peter Katjavivi when he visited the region.

The same issue was recently brought up during a public hearing at Opuwo, which was conducted by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Gender Equality, Social Development and Family Affairs.

A supervisor of the nursing staff at the Opuwo District Hospital, Lisias Ashivudhi submitted that the patient population has grown six times since the construction of the hospital in 1973.

He said the facilities are not sufficient and the number of patients outnumbers the available staff.

NAMPA

Aminuis farmers hope for better season

September 24, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Aminuis farmers hope for better season Farmers in the Aminuis Constituency of the Omaheke Region are hoping that the upcoming rainy season will be better than what they experienced in recent years.

The constituency, home to commercial farms and several villages, is often at the receiving end of drought to the extent that not a day passes in any village without a farmer losing a cow or more to the natural disaster.

The farmers, however, appeared to have been relatively better off this year, as losses to drought have been less severe than the previous two or three years.

The rainy season in the area usually starts in October and lasts until February or March.

A normal to above-normal rainy season has been forecast for the upcoming season. Livestock farmers, who spoke to Nampa over the weekend, said they are hopeful that this year will produce better rainfall.

“We are looking forward to a better rainy season than the past one so that we can save some of our weakening and old livestock,” Dawid Kavari, who farms at Corridor No.13 village, said.

Kavari said the rain will also benefit small stock farmers as shrubs and bushes that support such livestock are completely dry.

Another farmer, Usiel Murangi, said he was happy that the prices of calves at auctions were favourable this year, adding that with a good rainy season, such prices are even bound to improve next year.

“We rely on the sale of our calves to sustain ourselves. If we receive high rainfall, we will have fatter and healthier calves to sell early next year,” he said.

The current condition of grazing pasture in the constituency is however cause for concern for farmers here, as the land remains barren, with little or no grass.

Farmers said they are also not able to rely on their livestock for milk and Omaere - a staple and nutritious cultured milk drink in the area, due to the condition of their animals.

“We are thankful that we did not lose that many animals this year, but their condition is also not favourable,” said Windhoek-based 'weekend farmer', Ambrosius Handura.



NAMPA

Research into food bank starts

September 24, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Research into food bank startsImpact of pilot programme to be measured While only operational in seven Khomas constituencies, the impact of the food bank will be researched in a bid to further roll out the programme. The poverty ministry has called on Namibians to be cooperative and provide information to its assessment team currently conducting an impact analysis study.

The Ministry of Poverty and Eradication and Social Welfare has contracted the Unam Multidisciplinary Research Centre to carry out an assessment to determine the impact of its food bank pilot programme.

In a statement last week, the permanent secretary of the ministry I-Ben Nashandi said the assessment will also look at the challenges as well as recommendations.

The food bank pilot programme that was launched in June 2016 by President Hage Geingob as one of his chief interventions to eradicate poverty, is operational in seven constituencies in the Khomas Region.

“The food bank is one of many interventions in the war against poverty. The provision of food to the most vulnerable is a short-term intervention to those households mostly at risk of hunger,” Nashani said.

The food bank project is one of the key efforts by the president in his stride to eradicate poverty by 2025 as elucidated in the Harambee Prosperity Plan.

The president, during his address to the United Nations General Assembly, last week said: “We have come to realise that as long as we continue to have poverty in Namibia, even if just 1%, we can never have lasting peace and social justice.”

JEMIMA BEUKES

Foetal body parts discovered in Arandis

September 24, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Foetal body parts discovered in Arandis The body parts of a foetus were discovered in a drain at Arandis last week by an employee of the town council. According to the police, the employee discovered the body parts on Thursday morning.

The foetus is estimated to be three or four months old. It is suspected that it was dumped or flushed down the drain system.

The police is requesting anyone with information about a suspect to contact the Arandis police.

In a separate incident, a 15-year-old girl was allegedly raped by her 64-year-old stepfather in Omaruru on Wednesday last week.

According to the police, the incident occurred at about 21:30 at a residence in Hakahana location. The mother of the victim was out of town when the rape incident took place.

According to the police, this is the second time that the suspect has raped the girl.

In the first offence, he was convicted and he paid N$10 000 fine. Police investigations continue.

In Okatope in the Onyaanya area, a 40-year-old man from Okalumpa village was arrested for raping a girl, 14.

The incident occurred on Wednesday at about 08:00 at Onashikokaya village.

According to the police, the suspect allegedly found the victim at the pension pay point at the Okatope village on Tuesday and intentionally put his phone in her bag and left. The victim unknowingly went home with the phone.

On Wednesday he went to the girl's house where he found the victim with her physically challenged grandmother and demanded his phone back. He then forcefully pulled the girl into nearby bushes and raped her.

Meanwhile, 6 875 mandrax tablets valued at N$825 000 were found hidden in a bag by a custom official on Thursday in Gobabis at the customs offices. It is suspected that a truck driver hid the bag there before taking the truck through to be scanned. No one has been arrested.

At Otjiwarongo during a police search at a residence in Orwetoveni on Wednesday, two quarter mandrax tablets, one half mandrax tablet and 70 balies of cannabis were found. Three suspects were arrested.

On Tuesday in David Goreseb Street in Katutura, a 67-year- old man was also arrested after he was allegedly found in possession of 526 mandrax tablets valued at N$31 560 during a police operation.

Also on Thursday, following a police search at a residence in Shanghai Street, a 29-year-old Congolese national was arrested after he was found in possession of 10 doses of cocaine powder.

ELLANIE SMIT

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Fraud, forgery case postponed

September 24, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Fraud, forgery case postponed The fraud and forgery case alleged to have been committed by 51-year-old Nelson Kazombiaze has been postponed to 3 November after his first court appearance at the Swakopmund Magistrate's Court last week.

According to the Erongo crime investigation coordinator, Chief Inspector Erastus Iikuyu, the case was postponed to allow the Namibian police to complete their investigations.

“It is suspected that on 5 September, Kazombiaze obtained an ID duplicate as well as a duplicate of the victim's Standard Bank credit card from the bank's Maerua Mall branch in Windhoek,” Iikuyu said.

The ID and credit card belonged to Stephanus Kefas, a businessman from Oshakati. It is alleged Kazombiaze forged the complainant's signature and increased the withdrawal daily limit of the victim's account to N$100 000.

According to the police, Kazombiaze withdrew money from various cash points in Windhoek and transferred some to different accounts in transactions amounting to nearly N$4 million.

“It is suspected that on Wednesday (13 September) at about 21:00, the suspect arrived in Swakopmund from Windhoek and withdrew about N$90 000 from different Standard Bank ATMs around Swakopmund.

“The security guards at the ATMs alerted the police about the suspect withdrawing a large amount of money from ATMs and on Thursday between 10:00 and 11:00, he was arrested while trying to withdraw money at the main branch's ATM in Swakopmund main branch,” Iikuyu said.

Kazombiaze, who was found in possession of the victim's ID, credit card and N$9 111 in cash at his arrest, will remain in custody until his next trial date.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the bank managed to reverse about N$3 million in transfers back into the victim's account. The money alleged to have been stolen so far is roughly N$900 000.

Adolf Kaure

Ondangwa vendors turn xenophobic

September 24, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Ondangwa vendors turn xenophobicSay Angolans should pack up and leave Vendors in Ondangwa accused Angolan nationals of taking away their livelihoods and they want them gone. Disgruntled local street vendors operating in the streets of Ondangwa say they want their Angolan counterparts not to only leave the Ondangwa streets, but that they should return to their country.

This comes after their numerous attempts to get the relevant authorities to intervene in the matter proved futile.

They say they are still finding it difficult to make sales because the Angolan nationals are selling similar products, much cheaper than theirs.

They argue that the Angolan vendors who sell products at a very low price are not just taking customers away from them, but are also draining the Namibian economy.

They say the Angolan vendors take their money back to their country and only return with stock, equating it to what the Chinese are said to be doing in the country.

“We Namibians complain that the Chinese are taking away our money because they do not bank with the commercial banks locally. We also say the country does not have money but what do you expect if we are allowing Angolans, whom we suspect do not have identification cards, to come here and do the same?” the vendors asked.

“They should just go back to their country because it's impossible for us to go and do the same in Angola. If you go to their country and attempt to do business, you will find yourself arrested,” the vendors added.

Recently, the town has seen the number of vendors increase dramatically with many operating at the entrance of supermarkets and shopping malls. Although the issue of the mushrooming of illegal vendors has been a headache for almost every local authority in the country, the situation in Ondangwa is the result of the fall of the once booming Oshikango economy. The angry Ondangwa vendors told Namibian Sun that what is more concerning to them is the fact that council has not done much to rectify the issue, saying that meetings are being conducted but prove to be fruitless as they accuse council of favouring the foreigners and not its own people.

“It seems like council is happy for its inhabitants, who are trying to make ends meet, to continue suffering and remain in the cycle of poverty at the expense of foreigners who are totally out of hand. Something must be done,” the vendors said.

When contacted for comment, the mayor of Ondangwa, Paavo Amwele, said the call by the local vendors for the Angolans to leave the streets of Ondangwa and return to their country, will never happen.

Amwele said that due to the historical relationship between the two countries, he will not accept such a call saying, “The Angolans are going nowhere. If they want the Angolans to go back to their country, they must come and tell us to also go as we came from there.”

Amwele said the Angolan government played a very important role during the liberation struggle which led to the attainment of Namibia's independence. He said that the vendors must just face the reality and deal with the competition from their Angolan counterparts. Amwele pointed out that if the Angolan vendors are coming into the country illegally there are other structures to deal with that problem.

He did however, acknowledge that the current status quo of vendors scattered all over the town is a challenge for council and it does require a solution.

He then talked about the issue of poverty versus the cleanliness of the town saying that although the vendors are contributing to the town being dirty, he prefers people getting out of poverty instead of the town being very clean but people are starving.



KENYA KAMBOWE

N$400m owed, Telecom to cut services

September 24, 2017, 3:00 pm

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N$400m owed, Telecom to cut services Telecom Namibia has strongly advised its customers to pay up or have their services suspended on Wednesday 27 September. Roughly N$400 million is owed.

In a statement on Friday, the Telecom's head of public relations Oiva Angula, said the services to be affected cover mobile phones, landlines and data services.

He added that a grace period for payment will run from Friday to Wednesday.

“Customers failing to pay the bill after the stipulated date will have their services suspended temporarily. The service will be restored only after the bill is fully paid,” Angula said.

According to Angula, currently customers owe Telecom Namibia as much as N$400 million.

“The overdue debt has been increasing in the past months since January 2017. The average overdue days are over 100 days. Defaulters include government ministries, hospitals, and institutions of education, state-owned-enterprises, embassies, construction companies, VIP's, SMEs and Individual residential users.”

Angula explained that the decision to suspend the services for non-payment remains an agonising decision for Telecom Namibia, but they are consoled by the fact that no effort was spared to collect outstanding debts amicably.

“All efforts and communication have been done in an attempt to manage this process given the country's macro-economic state. “Telecom Namibia constantly advises customers to be punctual with their payments before the due date to avoid incurring the monthly administrative fees for any late payments and occurrence of reconnection fee when lines are disconnected.

“Finally, we urge all customers to ensure that their overdue bills are fully paid up via cash at Teleshops or Nampost outlets countrywide or make EFT payments. Suspended accounts that have been neglected for a long time will result in Telecom Namibia taking legal action against them,” he said.

STAFF REPORTER

Nampol's fallen co-founder buried

September 24, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Nampol's fallen co-founder buriedLauded as a staunch fighter for Namibia The funeral of the late retired Commissioner Joseph Ekandjo was held over the weekend and thousands paid their final respects. Thousands of mourners from all walks of life gathered at Ekolyanaambo village in the Oshana Region near Ongwediva over the weekend to pay their last respects to the late retired Commissioner Joseph Shuudifonya Ekandjo, 62.

Ekandjo was among the group of Plan combatants who were selected by Swapo in 1981 to undergo basic police training at Moshi and a senior officer's course in Dar es Salaam 1983 in Tanzania while in exile, with the aim to prepare them to establish the Namibian police once Namibia became independent, a task they fulfilled in 1990.

The government accorded the late Ekandjo with a police burial. His friends, family and former colleagues described him as a unifier, a man full of jokes and friendly personality. According to the police, they will remember him as a individual who dedicated his entire life to the military and to policing. He also cared for the well-being and social welfare of many.

The police's deputy inspector of operations, Major-General Des Shilunga read the force's message of condolences on behalf of the inspector-general, Lieutenant-General Sebastian Ndeitunga. Shilunga told mourners that he was also among the group that received police training together with the late Ekandjo in Tanzania in the early 1980s.

“The late retired Commissioner Ekandjo fulfilled his duties with vigor, determination and perseverance. His determination, devotion and zeal in the execution of his policing duties have earned him various recognitions,” Shilunga said.

He continued that Ekandjo was a promising and dynamic leader and his energy and enthusiasm for his work as a commander in the police force will be missed forever.

Shilunga said that he was appointed as an inspector in the force in 1990 and he was responsible for the integration of former Plan fighters into the police. In July of that same year he was promoted to the rank of chief inspector. He retired honourably from the police force in June 2015.

A eulogy read by another former Plan combatant Andrew Hashiyana, said Ekandjo was born at Oikango village near Ongwediva and grew up there. In 1977, together with his best friend Gideon Nuuyoma Amakali, he went into exile and joined Plan in Angola. He participated in the battles of Chippa and Calueque. Ekandjo was also known by his combat name Iikombo ya Pumako.

Ekandjo died on 16 September in Windhoek. The family reported that in July this year he started complaining of stomach ache and after he consulted his doctor in Oshakati he was referred to Onandjokwe District Hospital for further medical examination. At Onandjokwe he underwent an operation and was diagnosed with liver cancer. He was then transferred to Windhoek for further treatment. However, his condition deteriorated and he died on 16 September. He is survived by his wife Cornelia Pashukeni Ekandjo, mother Peneyambeko Muukenga Namashana, eight siblings, 23 children and 12 grandchildren.

During his long service to the police, most notable was his appointment to lead the police's operation in the then Caprivi Region after the failed coup attempt in August 1999. In July 2004 he headed the administration and logistics of the Special Field Force and from December 2005 until May 2010, Ekandjo was appointed as the first director of the SADC Police Component at the Planning Element of the SADC Standby Force, representing the SADC Region at the SADC Secretariat in Gaborone, Botswana.

Among those who attended his service and funeral was the deputy minister for safety and security Daniel Kashikola, deputy mines and energy minister Cornelia Shilunga, the governor of Oshana Clemens Kashuupulwa and the prosecutor-general Martha Imalwa.

ILENI NANDJATO

Nam professionals hit back

September 24, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Nam professionals hit backAsks court to boot Zim nationals Namibian architects and quantity surveyors have filed an application in the High Court asking that the 29 Zimbabwean professionals stop work immediately. Nine Namibian architects and quantity surveyors have submitted an application to the High Court asking it to review and set aside the Minister of Works and Transport's decision to exempt architects and quantity surveyors from Zimbabwe from registration requirements.

The applicants not only want it set aside, but for it to be declared unlawful and of no effect in law.

The exemption was made to be with effect from 13 April 2017 and was supposed to expire when the contract of employment of such persons with the ministry expires.

The nine applicants contend that this did not happen and stated in their application submitted on Thursday that in view of the expiry of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 16 May 2017, the employment contracts of the 29 Zimbabweans ought to have expired too on 16 May 2017. The MoU signed between Namibia and Zimbabwe on 16 May 2012 was to remain in force for five years.





“The MoU between Namibia and Zimbabwe has since terminated and the 29 Zimbabweans have no right to continue working at the ministry in terms of such an expired agreement,” the applicants argued.

Marley Tjitjo Architects Inc., Wasserfall Munting Architects Inc., Ricardo Michaels Architects Inc., Agostinho Ferreira Architects Inc., Kondjeni Nkandi Achitects Inc., Jordaan Ooshuyzen Nangolo Quantity Surveyors Inc., Dawid Nel Quantity Surveyors Inc., Sondlo Quantity Surveyors Inc. and Kaurivi Quantity Surveyors Incorporated submitted the application.

The Ministers of Works and Transport, the president of Namibia Council of Architects, the Namibia Institute of Architects, the Institute of Namibia Quantity Surveyors, the works permanent secretary and 29 Zimbabwean nationals are the respondents in the matter.

The applicants maintain their constitutional right to be treated equal with the 29 Zimbabweans as contemplated under Article 10 of the constitution was infringed upon.

“The continued employment of the 29 Zimbabweans is threatening the Namibian architects and quantity surveyors' right to conduct their business and practice their professions,” stated Marley Uazemburuka Tjitjo in a sworn statement supporting the application.

He further said the Namibian architects, quantity surveyors and all applicants are prejudiced by the unlawful and yet continued occupation of various critical positions at the works ministry by the 29 Zimbabweans at the expense of others who are qualified.

The attempts by the young architects and quantity surveyors to be employed, particularly in the Ministry of Works and Transport are being frustrated by the fact that various positions had been taken up by the Zimbabweans in an unlawful manner.

“This is largely carried out and will be continued to be carried out by the 29 Zimbabweans who unfairly benefit from the unlawful exemption,” Tjitjo argued.

He maintains the 29 Zimbabweans failed to transfer skills to Namibians and that it appears that the Minister of Works and Transport and his permanent secretary are more interested in unlawfully securing some kind of permanency in the employment of 29 Zimbabweans at the ministry.

Marley Tjitjo Architects Incorporated, as first applicant, is represented by Patrick Kauta of Dr Weder, Kauta and Hoveka Incorporated. The application was filed on Thursday and a response is yet to be filed by the respondents who have until 27 October at 10:00 to do so.



FRED GOEIEMAN

German genocide response inadequate

September 24, 2017, 3:00 pm

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German genocide response inadequate Prime Minster Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila last week said the government is “not happy” with the German government's response to the reparation demands made for the 1904-08 Nama and Ovaherero genocide.

Namibia submitted the government's position paper to its German counterpart in July 2016 and Germany responded on 26 June, this year.

Namibia's strategy is based on three principles, namely that Germany takes responsibility for the genocide; that Germany renders an unconditional apology for the genocide and that Germany pays reparations and damages for the genocide.

“[But] the answer provided did not address specific details submitted by Namibia, hence the negotiations are continuing between the two countries and the Namibian nation will be informed on the outcome of the negotiations,” said Kuugongelwa-Amadhila.

The prime minister made these remarks in the National Assembly when she responded to the Swanu MP, Usutuaije Maamberua, who asked what plans government has put in place to manage the reparation benefits, whether money, projects, or services, paid by Germany.

Kuugongelwa-Amadhila added that a national consultative process will be started to discuss the disbursement of the reparations once this stage is reached.





“As I stand here, Germany has not formally accepted responsibility for the genocide and has not yet rendered an unconditional apology. This is the stage where we are at the moment,” she explained in response to Maamberua's query.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Peter Katjavivi, has urged Maamberua to have a private tea appointment with the prime minister, saying some parts of the genocide conversation must remain secret.

“Namibia must play her cards close to the chest. There are things one can talk freely about and certain things are confidential. We should leave it at that,” said Katjavivi.

German response

At this stage neither the German embassy nor the Namibian government is keen on making the response public.

However, the German ambassador to Namibia, Christian Matthias Schlaga, on 15 June at a school function, said his government believes an amicable solution can only be reached through discussions in a “historical context” and not through a court case.

According to him, the German government's focus will be on the way in which the term “genocide” is used.

The Namibian special envoy on genocide Dr Zed Ngavirue recently told Namibian Sun that this has been an “old” argument of the German government.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Random cop shooting injures three boys

September 24, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Random cop shooting injures three boys The Oshikoto police are investigating a case of attempted murder after a police officer was accused of going on a shooting spree and in the process injuring three boys, all 13, with his shotgun.

According to the police's Deputy Commissioner Naomi Katjiua, the incident happened on Saturday at Uyoka village Onayena area at around 23:30.

It is alleged that the suspect, a police officer based in Windhoek, saw a light in his mahangu field and then fired a warning shot after which he called the unknown persons out.

Katjiua said as the three persons fled, “He [the police officer] then shot at random, injuring three suspects with his shotgun.”

Each boy sustained a bullet wound. One was shot in the right arm, another was shot in the left arm and the other one in the back.

The three are receiving treatment at the Onandjokwe hospital.

No arrest has been made yet and according to Katjiua “internal investigations will take over and discuss such cases with the prosecutor-general for further directions”.

Police investigations continue.

Meanhwile on Friday, a 34-year-old, Muahafa Kornelius, a police member of the anti-poaching unit in Etosha National Park, committed suicide at Onamanyoka village.

His body was discovered at about 09:40 by his neighbour. He hanged himself from a tree at his homestead. No suicide note was found.

KENYA KAMBOWE

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Nangolo explains foreign fights

September 25, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Nangolo explains foreign fightsHe feels unsafe in Namibia Kinda Nangolo has hinted at more fights outside Namibia for his boxers because of alleged unfair treatment by the local boxing board. Kinda Promotions promoter Kinda Nangolo says he has resorted to taking his boxers to Botswana because he feels safer there.

One of his boxers, Anthony Jarmann, fought in Botswana this year and Immanuel Andeleki has a fight scheduled there next month.

Andeleki will fight for the vacant WBA Pan African featherweight title in Botswana on 11 October. The boxer will come up against Rofhia Maemu of South Africa.

The event will take place at the Grand Palm Hotel Casino and Convention Resort in Botswana.

Fox Sports, in conjunction with Kinda Promotions, will host the fight.

“I have decided to take my boxers to Botswana because I am not on good terms with the current boxing board in my own country.

“They have done so much harm to me that I do not feel safe to stage fights in Namibia anymore.

“Therefore, I am trying to expand to other countries that are willing to work with me in peace,” Nangolo said.

Nangolo claimed that the boxing board had treated him unfairly.

In December 2016, the boxing board refused to sanction a boxing event organised by Nangolo.

The board claimed that Nangolo and his fighters had failed to meet the requirements for their fights to be sanctioned.

A war of words broke out between Nangolo and the boxing control board following the cancellation of the event.

“I will never be at peace until a formal apology is made to me for the things that I lost while trying to stage a fight in Namibia,” Nangolo said.

JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA

The right kit is vital for the Desert Dash

September 25, 2017, 3:00 pm

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The right kit is vital for the Desert Dash Hard-core cyclists are strapping on helmets, stretching calves and pumping up tyres in preparation for the annual Desert Dash - one of Namibia's most intense mountain biking events which will take place on 12 December.

The organisers and seasoned cyclists urge the rest to pick the right bicycle and gear for the biggest cycling event of the year.

“Cycling can be a little intimidating at first but you really don't need anything all that fancy to get started. Any bike will do. Given a choice and current technology, it is suggested to ride on a full-suspension bicycle with 29-inch wheels.

“The more money you are able to spend the lighter your bike will be, which will benefit you, keeping in mind that the bike needs to be the right size. If the setup and bike size are not perfect then 369km will become a painful eternity,” reads a press statement issued by Nedbank's communications department.

Leander Borg, one of the Desert Dash race organisers, advises that tyres should ideally be smooth rolling, which requires cyclists to choose a tyre that has less grip than an off-road tyre.

“The better your rolling resistance, the less energy you spend. Part of the Desert Dash race will be done in the dark so a good quality light is essential, with sufficient battery life. Ideally you would need one on your handlebars and a smaller one on your helmet.”

Cyclists should carry at least two full water bottles on their bike, plus essential spares like an extra inner tube, plugs, a pump and possibly a chain link or derailleur hanger.

“Keep in mind that a multi-tool is a must in case you need to adjust your saddle height or position. The rules stipulate that each rider needs to be self-sufficient and that no outside help is allowed during the race except at the official checkpoints.

“Sunglasses are a must, especially for the beginning and the end, and some see-through clear glasses for the night. Without this, cyclists will struggle with the dust produced by backup vehicles passing by,” Borg says.

Nathaniel Henckert says riders should ensure that their bicycles are in top condition.

“Do a technical course beforehand on how to help yourselves in the event of a flat tyre, broken chain, or an unforeseen occurrence, especially if you do the night stages, and make sure to have a proper toolkit which fits in your saddlebag.”

Another cyclist, Stefanus Feris, says the most important factor is safety.

“Your bike should be checked and serviced well in advance and remember, don't test out new gadgets or clothing or something that will irritate you on race day.

“You should train according to the type of race you entered for. From my experience, you need to be well prepared for the event in terms of your fitness level,” he said.

Dash participants are welcome to post questions on the forum at the www.nedbankdesertdash.com. website.



SPORTS REPORTER

Visrivier marathon attracts many

September 25, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Visrivier marathon attracts manyAthletes enjoy marathon Marathoner Niel Brandt walked away with the Visrivier marathon and cycling title for 2017 on Saturday. The 104km cycling race, which drew 300 participants, was won by Niel Brandt in a time of 3 hours, 14 minutes and 29 seconds (3:14:29) in the men's category.

The flagship Keetmanshoop event, now in its 31st year, is held annually with the cycling, running and walking events taking place on the Keetmanshoop-Lüderitz road.

Brandt was joined on the podium by Louis Coetzee with a time of 3:18:11 in second place and Gerhard van der Merwe with a time of 3:34:48 in third. Lulu Ceronio won the women's cycling race in 4:11:59; Koba Becker clocked 4:46:39 and took second, with Louwene Radford on her heels in 4:46:42. The 42km cycling race for men was won by Carlos Peris, a 65-year-old veteran, followed by fellow veterans Renier Oberholzer, 56, and Jacques Ludick, 54, in second and third. Sixteen-year-old Danie Coetzee came fourth after the senior men in the junior category with 1:42:19. Geraldine Rhoman and Glaudi de Klerk won first and second place in the 42km cycling for women.

Salomon David (2:34:45), chased by Aaron Tjivambi four minutes later, and Martin Ntinda 12 minutes later, took gold in the 42km marathon for men. The same category for women was won by sole runner Susara Coetzee. The 21km half-marathon stars were Matheus Jesaya, Elia Uugwanga and Simon Ingo in first, second and third. They all ran times of less than 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The half-marathon women winners were Anina Potgieter, Sonja van Kradenburg and Sarah Walters.



NAMPA

Yesterday, today and tomorrow

September 25, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Yesterday, today and tomorrow The stories we tell define who we are. Grace Masuku was educated at school, but learnt her place among the land and its people from her elders.

Storytelling instilled in her a sense of community and a commitment to protecting the earth. Having worked her entire life to preserve her culture and the environment, Masuku – now in her ninth decade – is focusing on her latest nation-building effort: a museum sharing indigenous knowledge. “I carry the traditions I've learnt to inspire people, to let people know themselves,” she says.

The Mphebatho Cultural Museum, containing artefacts of the Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela people, is the first of its kind in the North West Province in South Africa. It was inspired by the realisation that schools don't teach traditions which still hold value today. As more people migrate to cities, a vast amount of important cultural knowledge with practical use is forgotten. The museum recaptures the history of Masuku's people and provides a way forward. This is not the first time she has used her indigenous learnings to benefit communities. When a North West mine closed, Masuku helped over 1 000 households that depended on the mine to make a sustainable profit from a resource they already had – goats. Other villages soon followed her model, selling goat meat and milk and making handbags, purses and belts from goat leather.

A former school principal, Masuku works to sustain indigenous ecology and the economy. She conducts eco-tours, runs traditional conservation clubs at schools and has initiated a regional culture festival. Different Tswana tribes engage in friendly competition to highlight their similarities along with their differences, allowing them to learn from each other. “Life depends on the environment. And if you cannot protect our environment, we have lost the jewel of ourselves,” she says. Her efforts have been richly celebrated, earning her the Counsellor of the Order of Baobab in 2006 from the presidency and the 2012 Inyathelo Award for Lifetime Community Philanthropy, as well as being named a National Living Treasure by the National Heritage Council in 2005 and featured as part of the 21 Icons project. Her culture taught this environmentalist everything she knows. Now, Masuku continues to tell those stories to save her community and the earth.

NEWS24

Father of the year award?

September 25, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Father of the year award? Andile Zondi is a waste picker on the New England Landfill Site in Pietermaritzburg.

The 38-year-old single father lives in Tamboville with his two daughters, aged six and 13. Collecting copper, brass, aluminium and tins, he has been able to pay for his children's school fees, clothe them and buy groceries, reports GroundUp.

Zondi wakes up at 04:00 to get his daughters ready for school. He then goes to the dump.

Nine years ago he lost his job as a company driver. He tried but could not find new employment. He says that from when he started the number of waste pickers has drastically increased. He is now one of hundreds of waste pickers at the New England Landfill Site.

“I was introduced to this work by my elder brother,” says Zondi. “I had no choice but to be responsible as a father.

“If you are a parent you cannot be picky about any job. I have learnt that the hard way,” he says.

“When I first started it was not a walk in the park … I had to learn how to differentiate types of steel. At first I collected copper and sold it to scrapyards. I was only getting R30 per kilogramme and that didn't make any difference at home. I had to roll up my sleeves and learn what else to pick and sell to make more money. I then started collecting brass and tins or anything that is steel.”

In time, he says, he made peace with the idea of being a waste picker and he works hard at it.

“The minimum I make is R1 400 and the maximum is R2 000 [per month],” says Zondi.

The children's social grants go to the mother of the children who does not stay with them.

“My children have dreams and I want to see them prospering and reaching the tertiary level [of education]. I am already saving for my daughters' higher education level.”

NEWS24