Water, land, power and law enforcement

October 4, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Ya Nangoloh: Caprivi secessionists are not Namibians

Water, land, power and law enforcementWindhoek residents list their needs The Windhoek City Council is discussing the outcome of public meetings held with constituents last year.

More than 4 000 Windhoek residents took part in public meetings hosted by the City of Windhoek in mid-2016, giving them a platform to air their complaints.

Thirteen public meetings took place over a month, with the biggest crowds recorded in Tobias Hainyeko constituency (700), Windhoek West (700), Groot Aub (650), Mix Settlement (580) and the Samora Machel constituency (570).

Most of the concerns they raised were about a lack of basic services such as water, sanitation, land and electricity, it was noted in last month's City Council agenda, which provided an overview of the meetings.

On a number of occasions, residents raised the issue of noise pollution from shebeens in their areas and asked that the police strictly enforce city by-laws to address the issue.

Many residents from various constituencies complained that municipal buses do not reach their areas or are chronically late, and “when they do, drivers have a bad attitude towards passengers.”

Residents demanded that bus supervisors should be employed to ensure buses complete their rounds as required.

Residents of Tweetheni in Okuryangava wanted to know about the provision of electricity to their area, as was “supposed to be done”, while several other residents also requested electricity.

Groot Aub residents asked whether small-scale farmers in their area would be relocated, and what the status was of farmers within the boundaries of the city between Cimbebasia and Groot Aub.

Several residents requested debushing and cleaning of riverbeds, and additional recreational facilities.

Several residents from a number of constituencies asked for the provision of a library and community hall in their areas.

Some residents complained about illegal traders, especially at road intersections, while market traders asked the municipality to provide infrastructure that would keep out the rain and sun.

In terms of solid waste management, several residents requested additional skips and complained about waste at building sites.

Tobias Hainyeko residents asked for the removal of “community leaders who have been serving on leadership committees too long.”

Residents from Katutura East constituency complained that nearby shacks were negatively affecting the value of their houses.

A common complaint was that some individuals lock up public toilets, for example in Babylon.

JANA-MARI SMITH

↧

Ya Nangoloh: Caprivi secessionists are not Namibians

October 4, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Smiles as the heavens open

≪ Previous: Water, land, power and law enforcement

Ya Nangoloh: Caprivi secessionists are not Namibians

There is overwhelming and convincing evidence that the Caprivi secessionists cannot legally be said to have committed treason against Namibia because they owe no allegiance to Namibia.

This is what NamRights executive director Phil ya Nangoloh said in the witness stand at the resumption of the treason trial this week.

Ya Nangoloh maintained that the former Caprivi Strip was not now part of Namibia and was never part of the former German Protectorate of South West Africa (GPSWA) under the mandate system.

In his expert testimony Ya Nangoloh said “Caprivi Strip nationals”, those born in the former Caprivi Strip “are not Namibians by birth or descent as they are also not Namibians by reason of naturalisation”.

He said only those who owe allegiance to the country can be charged with, let alone be convicted of, high treason in Namibia.

Background

Ya Nangoloh based his legal argument on historic treaties and agreements.

Being a former German colony, the then GSWA, now Namibia, became a Class C Mandate in 1920 and was “subcontracted” to the Union of South Africa that acted as governing agent on behalf of Great Britain.

The Caprivi Strip resorted directly under Great Britain and was not part of the mandated territory, or the German Protectorate of SWA (GPSWA).

Ya Nangoloh pointed out that the Caprivi Strip was created on the territory of Great Britain in 1890 and that Germany was merely granted free trade access across the region.

However, because of the Anglo-German Treaty of 1890, the Caprivi Strip became an integral part of the Class C Mandate System or the Mandated Territory of South West Africa, also known as German South West Africa (established in terms of Article 22 of the Treaty of Versailles of 1919 and not in terms of an ad hoc League of Nations (LoN) instrument of 17 December 1920).

Ya Nangoloh stressed that there were two legal provisions serving different purposes of the Class C mandate system.

The Class C mandate consisted of three separate territories: the German Zambezi Territory formerly known as Caprivi Strip, the GPSWA, now Namibia, and the Territory of Walvis Bay, which became part of Namibia in 1994.

Right to self-determination

Ya Nangoloh stated that Caprivians are entitled to self-determination, as stipulated in Public International Law (PIL) and that the Namibian Constitution, which effectively is PIL, should not be interpreted disingenuously.

He said the incorporation and annexation of the Caprivi Strip was strictly prohibited in terms of the Treaty of Versailles of 1919 and the Mandate System of the League of Nations.

Namibia attained independence from South Africa in 1990 and not from the United Nations (UN), and Ya Nangoloh maintains that the territory that became independent was “exclusively” the very same part of the mandated territory which formerly constituted the GPSWA, which excluded the Caprivi Strip.

He said the application of Namibian laws post-independence had the legal effect of illegal annexation of the Caprivi Strip and was in “blatant violation” of Customary International Law, similar to Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014.

Ya Nangoloh concluded that the only way the Namibian state and the prosecutor-general may exercise personal jurisdiction over the treason accused is in accordance with the “passive personality principle”.

This means that the state, in limited cases, can claim jurisdiction to try a foreign national for offences committed abroad that affect its own citizens.

CATHERINE SASMAN

↧

Smiles as the heavens open

October 4, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Curse of the 'blessers'

≪ Previous: Ya Nangoloh: Caprivi secessionists are not Namibians

Smiles as the heavens open

More rain is expected to fall in Namibia's north-eastern, eastern and central regions today after rain and hail fell in many parts of a cloudy Namibia yesterday.

Bursts of rain and hail were reported in Windhoek and from Okahandja, Aranos in the Hardap Region, farms in the Kalahari and near the Spreetshoogte Pass and elsewhere yesterday.

Many Namibians shared their joy by means of photos and videos posted on increasingly popular weather-related social media platforms.

A farmer from the Kalahari area expressed his delight yesterday morning on the public Facebook group 'Reën in Namibia', saying that working with his cattle “in the rain, is something a Kalahari farmer would like to do every day. So grateful for this rain.”

Odillo Kgobetsi, chief forecaster at the Namibia Meteorological Service (NMS) said rain will continue in the north-eastern and eastern regions today but it is expected to be dry in the west and south.

The NMS online forecast for today states it is expected to be partly cloudy and warm to hot with isolated showers and thundershowers at places, and windy weather will prevail over the interior.

Kgobetsi said temperatures in the south are expected to rise slightly today after a drop on Wednesday due to frontal cooling.

The NMS weather forecast for tomorrow states it is likely to be partly cloudy and hot with a few thundershowers in the Rundu and Ondangwa areas.

Windhoek residents can expect warm, partly cloudy conditions with thundershowers tomorrow.

In the south, it will be partly cloudy and cool with no expectation of rain, and at the coast, residents can expect partly cloudy and cool weather with fog patches in the morning.

The Namwater dam bulletin released on Monday showed that the three central dams - Swakoppoort, Von Bach and Omatako - are 43.3% full, compared to 8% this time last season.

Swakoppoort is currently at 46.3% compared to 7.6% last season, Von Bach Dam is at 71.0% compared to 15.8% last season and Omatako Dam is 8.6% full.

JANA-MARI SMITH

↧

Curse of the 'blessers'

October 4, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Daylight robbery at Air Namibia snuffed

≪ Previous: Smiles as the heavens open

Curse of the 'blessers'Teen pregnancy causes laid bare in parliament There was a fiery debate on teen pregnancy in the National Assembly this week, with MPs rising to list some of the factors that contribute to the never-ending problem.

The sugar daddy syndrome, fancy lifestyles as well as alcohol abuse are some of the factors contributing to an increase in the number of teenage pregnancies, parliamentarians said this week.

Health minister Bernhard Haufiku said it boggles the mind why parents would allow their daughters to come home with fancy gifts knowing that they didn't get it from them.

Haufiku admonished his fellow lawmakers, saying they must make appropriate and straightforward laws to mitigate social evils such as teenage drinking and pregnancies.

He claimed that people in positions of responsibility, such as teachers, impregnate schoolgirls and get away with it.

The minister also took a swipe at the state of parenting in Namibia, saying parents must take responsibility.

“Children are getting smartphones. Your daughter, 15, comes home with an iPhone that you know costs N$16 000. Where the hell did she get it from? But you do not question it,” said Haufiku.

Home affairs minister Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana also contributed to the debate, decrying the high number of teen pregnancies recorded in recent years.

“I was shocked to hear from the regional director of Omusati that 400 schoolgirls have been impregnated by teachers,” said Iivula-Ithana.

She said back in the day, young girls respected elders, but this was not the case anymore.

“Now we [adults] are the ones holding girls on the arm in the bars and buying them drinks and all these kinds of things.”

Haufiku responded by saying lawmakers must come up with laws to tackle the problem.

“It was mentioned that 400 learners fell pregnant in my region [Omusati] in one year…where are these teachers? They are there comfortably teaching. Who is supposed to make the change? It is actually us. Why don't we make the change?” Haufiku said.

Youth minister Jerry Ekandjo then quipped that the country must go back to the “old ways” and take a pregnant girl outside and “tie grass around her and then set her alight”.

Iivula-Ithana responded that there was no way that the nation would kill two people, the mother and unborn baby.

“And the fathers are always left to go scot-free, but these are not the measures [killing] that I am talking about,” she stressed.

When contacted for clarity yesterday Ekandjo said he was simply joking and has been “making a lot of jokes in the past 27 years”.

Namibian Sun last month reported that almost 4 000 teenagers left school because of pregnancy last year.

Fashion statement

Education minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa said she was shocked to see young girls bragging about their pregnancies on social media.

Iivula-Ithana also said she could not understand why “children” must organise baby showers for “children”. “They look at that pregnancy and admire it and say 'next time it is me', because what else prevents them from doing so?” she asked.

Shebeens must go

Haufiku further demanded that lawmakers explain why it is so difficult for them to remove shebeens and cuca-shops from residential areas.

“These things that we are mentioning are things that are happening in our backyards where the kambashus are, where alcohol is sold.

“Why can we not stand up and say no more advertisement on billboards? I need to know from my colleagues here why we cannot do that,” he said.

The motion on teenage pregnancies was introduced by DTA MP Elma Dienda and it has been referred to the parliamentary standing committee on gender equality, social development and family affairs.

JEMIMA BEUKES

↧

Daylight robbery at Air Namibia snuffed

October 5, 2017, 3:41 am

≫ Next: Welwitschias host Boland at Swakop

≪ Previous: Curse of the 'blessers'

Daylight robbery at Air Namibia snuffed

The attempted theft of N$1.1 million was averted at Air Namibia when Standard Bank alerted the airline yesterday that an illegal diversion of money meant as payment to the Namibia Airports Company (NAC) was requested by staff in its finance department.
Inside sources said the transfer of the money was done and signed off properly when a suspicious request was made to the bank for the money to be transferred to a different bank account.
After the alert by the bank, computers in the finance department were confiscated by the internal audit department for investigation.
Deputy Commissioner of the Namibian Police, Edwin Kanguatjivi, yesterday could only confirm the arrest of one Air Namibia employee in connection with the attempted theft.
The suspect’s name is not yet known but Kanguatjivi said he will appear before the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.
Initial rumours making the rounds were that a whopping N$101 million was unaccounted for at the airline. It was also rumoured that at least two employees in the finance department was involved in the attempted heist.
Air Namibia’s spokesperson Paulus Nakawa this morning (5 Oct.) said the matter is still being investigated by an external investigator.
CATHERINE SASMAN

↧

Welwitschias host Boland at Swakop

October 5, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: We will bring our A-game against Botswana –Ketjijere

≪ Previous: Daylight robbery at Air Namibia snuffed

Welwitschias host Boland at SwakopCoastal rugby fans excited about match The Windhoek Draught Welwitschias go head to head with fourth-placed Boland Cavaliers in the Currie Cup First Division at Swakopmund's Central Sports Field tomorrow.

The West Coast Sharks Rugby Club are the hosts of this historic match. This is the last match for the Welwitschias in the Currie Cup and their first at the coastal town.

Rugby fans at the coast are excited about the match as it is a great opportunity for them to see the Welwitschias players in action in their town.

One rugby fan, Henry Paulus, said he would be one of the first people at the stadium to support the team.

“It will be my first time to see the Welwitschias play. This is good entertainment for us rugby fans,” he said.

Another fan, Wylles Botes, said he always watches rugby matches on TV and will enjoy the Welwitschias match live this time around.

The Windhoek Draught Welwitschias suffered a 26-25 defeat to the Border Bulldogs last weekend.

A try on the fulltime hooter allowed the Border Bulldogs to edge the visiting Windhoek Draught Welwitschias in a breathless finish to their Currie Cup First Division encounter at the BCM Stadium in East London.

A fantastic effort from the Bulldogs pack in the second half laid the platform for the thrilling win, with a monster scrum in the dying seconds.

Prior to the match, Welwitschias coach Lyn Jones made nine changes to his starting line-up.

Several players were injured and that disrupted the team, which had been playing well with all the players present. Five of the changes were among the forwards and four in the back line.

In their match, Boland Cavaliers scored seven tries on their way to a convincing 48-20 bonus-point victory over the SWD Eagles at the Boland Stadium in Wellington to move into fourth place in the division last weekend.

Apart from the match there will be a rugby clinic for under-11 and -13 players as well as a schools' match between Pro-Ed Academy and WBPHS. There will also be a Barbarians match between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay teams for the crowd's enjoyment.

The Welwitschias squad: Mahco Prinsloo, Johann Tromp, Lesley Klim, Darryl de la Harpe, David Philander, Theuns Kotze, Eugene Jantjies, Thomas Kali, Thoasau Forbes, Rohan Kitshoff, Denzel van Wyk, Ruan Ludick, Herman Grobler, Obert Nortje and Hauta Veii.

Reserves: Niel van Vuuren, AJ de Klerk, Nelius Theron, Muniovita Kasiringua, Riaan de Klerk, PW Steenkamp and Henrich Smit.

↧

We will bring our A-game against Botswana –Ketjijere

October 5, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Auntie Nangy

≪ Previous: Welwitschias host Boland at Swakop

We will bring our A-game against Botswana –KetjijereWarriors to meet Bots in friendly The Brave Warriors, Namibia's senior football side, will play Botswana in a friendly at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek tomorrow.

Namibia's senior national football team captain, Ronald Ketjijere, says they are ready to prove a point when they take on Botswana tomorrow.

Ketjijere is one of 23 players named by Brave Warriors coach Ricardo Mannetti on Tuesday for the international friendly, which will be used as preparation for their participation in the African Nations Championship (Chan) finals early next year.

Despite their poor record against Botswana, Ketjijere is confident the team is ready to prove a point in front of its home supporters.

“Going into this game we know it's going to be a revenge game against Botswana, who knocked us out of the Cosafa Cup as defending champions when we hosted the games here in 2016,” Ketjijere told Nampa.

The last time Namibia registered a win against Botswana was in 1996, when they recorded 6-0 in an African Nations Cup qualifier match at the Independence Stadium.

The two nations have faced each other 19 times, with Botswana winning eight times and Namibia only three times. They drew eight times.

Ketjijere added that physically the team is fit but the players lack match fitness.

“It has been tough on everybody for not having an active league in the country for over a year now, but I am happy the Namibia Football Association brought in a biokineticist who has been keeping us fit for all our games,” said Ketjijere, referring to Charl Botha.

He said all of them are looking forward to impressing the coach so they can be included in the final squad that will compete in the Chan competition.

Ketjijere called on the nation to support the Brave Warriors.

The match kicks off at 16:00.

NAMPA

↧

Auntie Nangy

October 5, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Sally raising bars

≪ Previous: We will bring our A-game against Botswana –Ketjijere

Auntie Nangy Who is the father?

Dear Auntie Nangy

I am in trouble. I am pregnant but I am not sure who the father is. I had my period four weeks ago but, then I had sex with two different boys two days apart. I know it was wrong Auntie and I do not know why I did it. Now, I am late. I have taken the home test and it is positive. What am I going to do now? I cannot tell my parents if I do not even know who the father is. I am also scared that I will lose my education because I am writing Grade 10 now. Please help me Auntie.

I understand the emotional turmoil that you are going through at the moment because you have a conscience. I am happy that you have told me the truth about your cheating and the regret resonates in your concerns and hesitation to tell your parents about your pregnancy. You are not the only one believe you me in teen pregnancies especially involving school girls. But, to err is human and we all have skeletons in our cupboards. It is a pity that you and your child will never know the father of your child unless you go for paternity tests. Many girls have opted for backstreet abortions and risked their lives but I would not encourage you to take that route for now. As a parent, I will never forget the day I held my first child in my hands and those beautiful memories will always linger and bring a smile to my face. If you were to opt for an abortion, the truth is you will forever live to shudder about the day you deprived you unborn child the right to live because of the choice you made, and is this what you want to go through. Maybe you have missed our First Lady, Monica Geingos’s testimony about her teenage pregnancy and how her parents were very supportive and look where she is right now. The good lesson I learned from her is that in life one must have the courage to stand up, shake off the dust and move on after a fall and not to lose hope or give up. Please learn this good lesson. I also urge you to tell your parents, you will be surprised how supportive they will be. In Namibia, school girls who fall pregnant are no longer expelled but are allowed to birth and go back to school. The pregnancy is only going to delay and not derail reaching your goals. It is a phase and don’t worry, the dust will settle and life goes on.

My friend, 15, being abused

Dear Auntie Nangy

My best friend has a boyfriend who beats her. She does not like it but she says she is too scared to tell him to stop. She also says that she loves him. What can I do to help her? Is there someone I can call to talk to her? Her parents do not seem to care because they know but are doing nothing. We are both 15.

If what you have said is true, then I say God have mercy and Namibia needs a second day of national prayers for gender-based violence. I cannot imagine how a 15-year-old can withstand such violence at that tender age. I wish you had told me how old her boyfriend is. A campaign called Spot it to Stop it was once rolled out to help victims of gender-based violence and it encouraged people to report to the police cases such as these to the police. I encourage you to the same. Go ahead and report this boyfriend of your friend next time he beats her. The problem with us is that we do not help victims before they get the fatal blow and we are quick to post insults and condemnation on social media platforms but it will be too late. Yes, you can call ChildLine/Lifeline and your friend can get help and counselling that will take her out of this crazy bondage.

Fear I will fail

Dear Auntie Nangy

Please help me! I think I will fail grade 11 this year and if I do I will kill myself. My whole family will hate me because I am the eldest and will be the first to complete school. My grades are not good. I study hard but I can never remember anything when I sit for the exam. What can I do Auntie?

You sound so desperate and hopeless because you worry too much about pleasing other people and not yourself. The problem why Namibia’s youth are roaming the streets is because everyone has been made to believe that success is defined by being an intellectual or having a white collar job, and that includes you. We need to change this mind set and I encourage you to embrace government’s realisation that many young people who are jobless could be productive is they get vocational training and become their own masters. If you fail, since you are so certain, don’t let that sink you. China’s economy has grown to challenge economies of countries like America and the United Kingdom because of its informal sectors. Seriously think about this and you will remember my words in years to come.

My privates itch

Dear Auntie Nangy

I think I am very sick. My vagina is itching all the time and it is getting worse. The itch is deep inside but now, it is also on the outside. Am I dying Auntie? I do not know who to talk to. I am still a virgin so what kind of sickness is this? Please help me!

I have always advised our readers that where it concerns health issues, Auntie advices you to get proper and accurate diagnosis from the doctors and not speculative ideas. Go along to the nearest clinic as soon as possible and get relief.

↧

Sally raising bars

October 5, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Convicted rapist Brickz must get 10 years – prosecutor

≪ Previous: Auntie Nangy

Sally raising barsInvesting in her career for greater rewards Sally is taking the music industry by its horns as she signs up with Poiyah Media for all her brand and corporate endorsements.

Gone are the days in Europe and other continents when artists did all their work for themselves. Today, the job of a creative artist is to merely sing and or learn their lines without worrying about gigs and engaging the media. Sally is one of the first Namibian artists to have fully invested in her music by signing a memorandum of agreement with Poiyah Media. “When Ilke approached me, I immediately came on board, knowing the expertise that she holds through her company Poiyah Media. Having been in the industry for 15 years, she understands my domain very well. I just want to be an artist and to sing without worrying about where the gigs will come from or what to say to corporates,” said Sally.

As an established artist, Sally says it is important for her to maintain an image that can easily resonate with her audience and corporates. She was able to serve as brand ambassador for Sanlam's Road show two years ago and it was through the importance of brand reputation she was able to uphold that brand. She further said artists need to realize the importance of brand and reputations just as much as cooperates do.

The memorandum of understanding will allow Poiyah Media to do the following for Sally: proactive media messaging, media monitoring, a public image appearance strategy for the remaining of the year, pre award crafted messaging and post award celebration content and management of image for corporate endorsement. “We established to cater mainly for SMEs that need a boost in terms of their public relations. Poiyah Media also reaches out to influencers in our industry that require that necessary brand reputation management. Moreover, we strive to not only boost brand but most importantly reputation. Sally aka Boss Madam is a Namibian Afro-fusion artist,” said the founder of Poiyah Media, Ilke Akwenye.

Sally hopes that other creative artists in the music industry will follow suit.

↧

Convicted rapist Brickz must get 10 years – prosecutor

October 5, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: More Namibian content needed on DSTV

≪ Previous: Sally raising bars

Convicted rapist Brickz must get 10 years – prosecutor

The musician, whose bail was revoked after he was found guilty of rape, has told a social worker he cannot show remorse for something he did not do.

The state asked the Roodepoort Magistrate's Court to sentence Kwaito star Sipho Ndlovu – better known as Brickz – to a minimum of 10 years in prison for raping his niece who was 16 at the time of the attack. During the conclusion of the pre-sentencing proceedings, state prosecutor, Pratisha Salie, said that there were no substantial circumstances to make the court deviate from handing down the minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment.

The teenager had lost her mother and her father when she was taken in by her uncle, Brickz. He then violated her. Salie said she disagreed with the defense's report which depicted Brickz as a humble person that people looked up to and an asset to society and South Africa. The prosecutor reminded the court that a doctor testified that the accused did not use a condom and as a result the rape survivor had contracted a sexually transmitted disease. “The doctor testified that she had an STI and that there was no condom used.”

The musician whose bail was revoked after he was found guilty of rape – has told a social worker he cannot show remorse for something he did not do. Earlier defense attorney Piet Du Plessis asked the court not be swayed by demands for a lengthy sentence, but to rather be circumspect. Imploring the court to be lenient, he said his client was a first offender who could be rehabilitated. As well as to not hand down a sentence merely to satisfy the outcry of society as this may not be rational. Bricks will be sentenced on 17 October.

↧

I am a foolishly wise man

October 5, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Wildlife and diamond smugglers caught

≪ Previous: More Namibian content needed on DSTV

I am a foolishly wise man I have always been fascinated by the manner in which the police in United States of America in cities like New York, Los Angeles or San Francisco introduce themselves on TV to their would-be-suspects. Those guys sound so professional when arriving at a crime scene, so much so that you would want to give yourself over immediately for a crime you did not commit.

In a cool but stern voice, reminiscent of that moment when a lady you are courting tells you she only wants you as a friend, the NYPD - short for New York Police Department - would introduce themselves: Good afternoon sir, I am Detective John Smith and this is Officer Sloin. We are with the NYPD and would like to ask you some questions with your permission, of course sir....

I always imagined how the same would sound for our Namibian police.?”Good afternoon, I am Warrant Officer Peya Shikokola and this is Constable Piet Pietertjie Cloete. We are with the Namibian police….”

In all honesty, our Namibian police will not even go to such lengths.

The first thing Warrant Officer Shikokola will ask when he arrives at a murder scene will probably be: Hey you, which one of you is the suspect? Who killed this man? You would probably be standing there not knowing whether to admit to the officer that you are indeed the culprit, or to rather point to the person standing next to you. I mean, since the officer is giving you that freedom of choice, why not take it?

I must admit though - it will be hard to convince a decorated officer, who participated in various operations from Operation Desert Jewel to Operation Apocalypse, that he has the wrong man.

All truth be told, I am not the smartest man alive, but there are a few survival tricks I have learnt in my life. I have learned to listen first before opening my mouth. Well, unless my partner rants about where I have been in which case I pretend to be talking on the phone to evade the questions. Eish, one would swear she is the journalist! Be it as it may, I consider myself to be a progressive coward.

The other day I went over to see my neighbour, Dantago, who has a very ferocious looking dog. As I approached the door, the dog begins to bark wildly. Dantago said to me “Come on in, Charlie! Don't be afraid of my dog. You know the old proverb: A barking dog never bites.”

“Yes,” I replied, “I know the proverb, and you know the proverb, but does your dog know it? Before we have an agreement on whether a dog can bite and whether it cannot, we must first make sure the dog is party to the agreement.”

Yeah, that's how I roll. I never leave anything to chance. Dantago is a lucky man - blessed with two little devils for sons! No disrespect, but those kids are the most mischievous, naughty pair I have ever seen - and their parents know it. It took a man of the cloth and a whole bunch of magic touches to get the kids to behave normally again.

The boys' mother once heard that a clergyman in the city had been successful in disciplining children, so she asked if he would speak with her boys. The clergyman agreed, but asked to see them individually. So the mother sent her eight-year-old first in the morning and the 10-year-old in the afternoon to see the clergyman.

The clergyman sat the younger boy down and asked him sternly, 'Where is God?' They boy's mouth dropped open, but he made no response, sitting there with his mouth hanging open, wide-eyed.

So the clergyman repeated the question in an even sterner tone, 'Where is God?!!' Again the boy made no attempt to answer. So the clergyman raised his voice even more and shook his finger in the boy's face and bellowed, 'WHERE IS GOD?!'

The boy screamed and bolted from the room, ran directly home and dived into his closet, slamming the door behind him. When his older brother found him in the closet, he asked what had happened.

The younger brother, gasping for breath, replied, 'We are in BIG trouble this time, dude! God is missing - and they think WE did it!'

Until then…

tjatindi@gmail.com

↧

Wildlife and diamond smugglers caught

October 5, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: TransNamib business plan ripped apart

≪ Previous: I am a foolishly wise man

Wildlife and diamond smugglers caught An undercover police operation on Tuesday led to the arrest of two unnamed men in the parking lot of a Klein Windhoek grocery store after police discovered three cheetah skins, valued at N$150 000, in their possession.

The two suspects, who are yet to appear in court, were arrested at the Woermann Brock parking lot in Klein Windhoek, the police said.

On the same day, the Oshakati police arrested a 41-year-old Namibian man after a search of his room revealed one elephant tusk wrapped in newspapers, hidden in a bag.

The police also found a bag filled with fake diamonds and bundles of Zimbabwean dollars in the same man's room.

The suspect was expected to appear before the Oshakati Magistrate's Court yesterday on a charge of unlawful possession of controlled wildlife products.

Police are investigating an armed robbery at Oshakati, in which three men allegedly stole an Isuzu double-cab bakkie valued at N$340 000.

The armed robbers apparently struck at 02:00 in the morning at a panel-beating and spray-painting business in Okandjengedi, armed with two pistols and a gun.

They threatened to shoot a female security guard and fled in the stolen vehicle after they stole her shotgun, her cellphone and N$13 000 cash from the safe on the premises.

To date, no arrests have been made and police are continuing with the investigation.

Police are also investigating two shooting incidents.

On Monday, a security guard from Control Security Services shot and wounded a man who was trying to steal building materials from a construction site in Windhoek's city centre.

The man is being treated at Katutura Intermediate Hospital and his condition is stable.

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, it is alleged that a man who refused to pay his taxi fare shot the taxi driver in the neck.

The police reported that at about 04:00 on Monte Cristo road near Havana, two men were travelling in a taxi but after they got out, they refused to pay. When the driver insisted they pay him, “one of the men pulled out a pistol and shot the taxi driver in the neck”.

The unknown suspects have not yet been arrested. The police have appealed to the public for any information that could assist the investigation.

↧

TransNamib business plan ripped apart

October 5, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Men reluctant to test for HIV

≪ Previous: Wildlife and diamond smugglers caught

TransNamib business plan ripped apart

The TransNamib board has not found the going particularly easy as far as the planned implementation of its new strategic business plan is concerned.

The board paid President Hage Geingob a courtesy call this week to lobby for support for the implementation of its business plan which has been criticised by the Cabinet Committee on Treasury.

Part of its plan is the disposal of non-core assets which includes houses, the Swakopmund Hotel and its fast-freight subsidiaries Trans Hex and OPX.

The board also asked for the committee to consider writing off a N$410 million Chinese loan.

Speaking to Geingob, board chairman Paul Smit said it was imperative for TransNamib to follow through with its business plan if it were to successfully turn around the ailing rail operator.

“If we don't take these decisions, there is no way we can take TransNamib out of its current situation,” Smit told Geingob.

Motivating the need to sell off non-core assets, Smit said the board had reasoned that the property did not serve TransNamib's business objectives. “The property will not be required for the next 100 years,” Smit said. The sale would generate some N$800 million, Smit said.

“We don't want to sell the property immediately,” Smit said.

Finance minister Calle Schlettwein informed Geingob that the committee had raised concerns about TransNamib's intended business plan, saying if the government were to commit immediately it would need to inject approximately N$4 billion over a three-year period.

“If we say yes to this business plan, we are saying yes to a funding plan of N$4 billion over three-years,” Schlettwein said.

He added that there had to be surety that TransNamib would become an efficient logistics company.

“We prefer a business plan that tells us to move cargo from road to rail competitively. The second issue we looked at is the proposal to leverage assets. We assumed that not all assets are equal,” Schlettwein informed Geingob. Commenting on the issue of the Chinese loan, the committee had not deemed the matter to be important. “We were not sure whether this was a priority; N$410 million can be spent differently,” Schlettwein said.

Geingob interjected and asked what it meant for TransNamib, to which Schlettwein responded: “Comrade President, what it means is that TransNamib will not have the ability to take up loans of N$410 million.”

According to the finance minister, it was also suggested that a substantive CEO be appointed to implement the business plan. A submission had been made to the cabinet while an announcement will be made soon.

Public enterprises minister Leon Jooste said the there was no way the cabinet would wilfully approve the business plan immediately.

“The days of approving business plans we are not sure of are a thing of the past,” said Jooste.

According to Jooste, it was also imperative that the board composition be strengthened.

It was also revealed during discussions with Geingob that some employees had warmed to the idea of early retirement, with TransNamib board member Michael Ochurub saying N$135 million would be required for what he called “nice retirement packages”.

At present, TransNamib owes General Electric N$10 million for the purchase of locomotives while N$100 million is owed to TransNet for the lease of locomotives.

TransNamib has in the meantime been tasked to rework certain aspects of its business plan. A new CEO will be announced in the next two to three weeks.

↧

Men reluctant to test for HIV

October 5, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Small-stock sector must reinvent itself

≪ Previous: TransNamib business plan ripped apart

Men reluctant to test for HIVStatistics tell a worrying tale Stigma and cultural taboos discourage people from going for HIV testing and treatment.

The ministry of health has expressed concern at the low number of adult males who go for HIV testing, saying they are to blame for slowing down the fight against the scourge.

According to statistics presented by health permanent secretary Andreas Mwoombola at the Gender Advisory Committee high-level dialogue held in Windhoek this week, a total of 8 084 women and 3 530 men aged between 15 and 24 years were on antiretroviral treatment (ART) by June this year.

He added that 24 216 women aged between 25 and 34 years were on ART while only 6 188 men of the same age group received ART.

By June, 37 575 women aged between 33 and 55 were placed on ART while only 17 487 men in this age group received the treatment.

At the same time 7 621 women aged between 55 and 64 were on the treatment, compared to only 5 074 men.

For the age group 65 and older, 2 620 women and 2 535 men were on ART.

Gender activist Sarry Xoagus-Eises said these numbers were not necessarily a true reflection of Namibia's situation.

According to her many people, because of stigma, choose to buy the HIV home-test kits and keep their status to themselves.

The fact remains that more women know their status and are being treated than men.

“But it is true that women are leading in terms of numbers because they are the ones that go for antenatal screening when they fall pregnant.

“And one of the reasons we do not see so many men reflected in these numbers is because women are living in fear. Imagine a woman coming home and telling her husband she tested positive for HIV? She will be blamed for bringing Aids into their house,” she said.

Xoagus-Eises added that cultural norms made it taboo for women to ask their husbands to go for HIV testing, or for any medical check-up for that matter.

“Some can even be divorced for 'defying' their husbands and it can also cause violence between husbands or boyfriends,” she said.

Former sex worker and director of Rights not Rescue, Nikodemus Aoxamub, popularly known as Mama Africa, said some men refuse to go for testing by claiming that they are not sleeping around.

“They are in denial and want to put the burden on women to test and deal with the outcome,” he said.

Meanwhile, the chairperson of the Nangof Board of Directors, Sandy Tjaronda, said the numbers could to a certain extent reflect that the demand for health services is generally very low when it comes to men.

He added that it is worrying that women do not insist that their partners accompany them to go for HIV testing.

“But then again one must keep in mind the nature of the man's job may also be a challenge. It could be that the husband is the breadwinner and a mineworker or a truck driver, and is not available the time when his pregnant wife goes for an antenatal testing,” said Tjaronda.

Stigma

A new UNAIDS report states that irrational fears of HIV infection and negative attitudes and judgements towards people living with HIV persist despite decades of public information campaigns.

The report, 'Confronting Discrimination: Overcoming HIV-related Stigma and Discrimination in Healthcare Settings and Beyond' was launched in Geneva, Switzerland by the executive director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibé, during the Human Rights Council Social Forum this week.

It states that stigma and discrimination discourage people from accessing healthcare services, including HIV prevention methods, learning their HIV status, enrolling in care and adhering to treatment.

The report also stated that surveys from healthcare workers indicate that the fears of people living with HIV and people who suspect they may be living with HIV are often well-founded since there is often an unwillingness of health workers to care for patients living with HIV.

↧

Small-stock sector must reinvent itself

October 5, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Discontent in the ranks

≪ Previous: Men reluctant to test for HIV

Small-stock sector must reinvent itselfCo-operatives could be the answer The local sheep-farming industry has shrunk drastically and the Meat Board is deeply concerned about the sustainability of the sector.

Small-stock farmers have been urged to make use of opportunities to improve small-stock marketing.

Market analyst Daniel Motinga said this at a Business7 event at the Windhoek showgrounds yesterday.

He said farmers should move from a 1 000-head herd to a 20 000-head herd and cooperate across farmers' unions and tenure structures to improve production and reproduction.

Together, farmers can invest in genetics, infrastructure, implements and logistics as well as predator control.

“No single farmer can win alone,” Motinga said.

Referring to a recent annual report from the Meat Board of Namibia, Motinga said the common denominator was that local sheep slaughter was no longer financially viable for either the producer or the abattoirs.

Therefore, the 60% levy on sheepskin exports should be abolished to help the sheep industry to recover and put other restrictions on the export of sheep and sheep products.

The Meat Board is deeply concerned about the sustainability of the sheep sector in Namibia, said Motinga.

The local sheep industry has shrunk drastically and sheep farmers have incurred severe financial losses following the government's introduction of legislation in 2004 stipulating that for every sheep exported live, six sheep must be slaughtered locally.

However, Motinga said policy works and even wrong policies incentives could work quite well.

He added that farmers must lobby for the right mix of policy and build a business case. “Emotion will not help.”

He said farmers must also understand the pricing environment and respond to variability.

According to him, regulations are not the cause of the problems in the small-stock industry. “External factors are,” he said.

Key challenges the industry is faced with include policy risks and therefore more emphasis needs to be placed on local value addition.

Another challenge is production risk and this includes low and variable rainfall, expensive input cost, variable grazing, owner-manager production environments, vulnerable infrastructure, predator control and lack of corporatisation and scale economies.

Motinga said during the drought spell there was a 40% variation during the first quarter alone due to distress marketing and condition issues.

“Using data from 2014, it was found that winter carcasses are slightly heavier, but do not necessarily earn more income.”

He explained that heavier carcasses do not necessarily mean more income as prices seem to reset lower in June, but there is limited discrimination in prices among grades A1 to A4.

“In December prices typically peak when farmers go to Henties,” said Motinga.

He further said farmers should be aware that the pricing environment is not controllable and price discovery is not always smooth.

Auctions seemingly do not discriminate drastically against too much conditioning compared to slaughtering at abattoirs.

However for sheep, auctions use abattoir prices as reference and therefore if abattoir prices are weak, farmers should not expect strong prices at live auctions, said Motinga.

“For auctions you never know the price until you have sold off so it is difficult to budget.”

An investigation requested by the Meat Board and conducted by PriceWaterhouseCoopers in 2007 indicated that the Namibian Small Stock Marketing Scheme “did not have the desired effects and results originally intended.” Since the introduction of the scheme in mid-2004, and through its various stages, the export of live sheep declined dramatically. For example, the decline from July 2004 to May 2008 was a disappointing 84%.

ELLANIE SMIT

↧

Discontent in the ranks

October 5, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Daylight robbery at Air Namibia foiled

≪ Previous: Small-stock sector must reinvent itself

Discontent in the ranksSwapo delegates eagerly await nominations There is growing unease within the ruling party ahead of its elective congress next month, insiders say.

While wings such as the Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) are ramping up support for acting party president Hage Geingob, congress delegates are reportedly frustrated by the top leadership nomination process delays, amid growing unease within the party.

Swapo will hold its politburo meeting today ahead of the November congress.

The expectation of many is that the party leaders will finally open the nomination process for the top four positions of president, vice-president, secretary-general and deputy secretary-general.

According to insiders, the nomination process does not form part of the agenda for today's meeting, but many are hoping it will be brought up as an ad-hoc item during the gathering.

Traditionally the politburo is the first port of call for leadership nominations.

The central committee has also the power to nominate candidates, while the floor is also open during the congress for those aspiring to lead the party.

Problems encountered during the regional and district conferences nationwide have also been attributed to the marked delays in the leadership nomination process.

Former health minister Richard Kamwi yesterday told Namibian Sun there was growing unease within the party ahead of the elective congress. According to Kamwi, the nomination of candidates is not a procedure, but a constitutional provision.

“There is certainly uneasiness in the party, but we must not panic,” he said.

Campaigning is good

Former prime minister and Swapo veteran Nahas Angula called on the party to stick to tradition by opening the nomination process well ahead of the congress.

“It is good for the nominees in order to give them time and make themselves known and for them to give their voters sufficient information. I really hope it is done soon,” said Angula.

During the last Swapo congress in 2012, which saw Geingob, Jerry Ekandjo and Iivula-Ithana challenging for the Swapo vice-presidency, the nominations were made public well in advance.

By mid-September Geingob, Iivula-Ithana had already been nominated during a politburo meeting. Ekandjo's nomination as well as that of Utoni Nujoma (secretary-general position) and the late Abraham Iyambo (deputy secretary-general) followed suit during a central committee meeting.

The acting rector of the Swapo School, Marco Hausiku, is of the opinion that the nomination of candidates should not be something that evokes anger and strife among members.

“We are not even done with the verification of the regional conference election in Omaheke,” said Hausiku.

Swapo secretary-general Nangolo Mbumba yesterday confirmed that the politburo meeting will be held today, saying the issue of nominations might come up.

Earlier in the week, the SPYL asked Geingob to pronounce himself on his preferred candidates for the other top three positions in order for the youth league to campaign for them.

'Bad atmosphere'

This statement was rejected by Swapo politburo member Kazenambo Kazenambo, who insisted that the youth leaders were fuelling division in the party.

“The atmosphere in the party is bad. There is a lot of mistrust, a lot of violation of regulations, a lot of suppression and the infightings are escalating,” Kazenambo said yesterday.

“It is very worrisome for the youth league, that was for the past years the transforming belt of the party, to call on the acting president to nominate people that he can trust. Who are then the people that he cannot trust and work with? We cannot have a structure like the youth league leading the show of division in the party.”

According to Kazenambo, casting aspersions on some leaders is unprecedented.

“Swapo is not a household. On what are the president's interests based for him to only want people to trust? Imagine if the other structures do the same? It will be chaos,” he said.

Political commentator Graham Hopwood warned that it would be a problem for the party if the decision to nominate candidates was taken away from the politburo and the central committee.

“It seems quite late for the party to not have announced candidates. And since people are allowed to campaign the nominations should have been done well ahead of time,” said Hopwood.

JEMIMA BEUKES

↧

Daylight robbery at Air Namibia foiled

October 5, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Battle of the sexes not sanctioned yet

≪ Previous: Discontent in the ranks

Daylight robbery at Air Namibia foiled

An attempted theft of N$1.1 million was averted at Air Namibia when Standard Bank alerted the airline that an illegal diversion of money meant as payment to the Namibia Airports Company (NAC) had been requested by staff in its finance department.

Inside sources said the transfer was done and signed off properly when a suspicious request was made to the bank for the money to be transferred to a different bank account.

After the alert by the bank, the internal audit department confiscated computers in the finance department for investigation.

Deputy Commissioner Edwin Kanguatjivi of the Namibian Police yesterday confirmed the arrest of one Air Namibia employee in connection with the attempted theft.

The suspect's name is not yet known but Kanguatjivi said he would appear before the Windhoek Magistrate's Court today.

Initial rumours making the rounds were that a whopping N$101 million was unaccounted for at the airline. It was also rumoured that at least two employees in the finance department were involved in the attempted heist.

Air Namibia's spokesperson Paulus Nakawa yesterday morning said the matter was still being investigated by an external investigator.

Outstanding fuel bills

Other rumours are that Air Namibia will soon not be able to source fuel for is fleet because of non-payment to its suppliers, notably in Johannesburg and Walvis Bay.

Nakawa responded that the airline had been managing its fuel accounts for many years and was therefore confident that it would “continue managing it successfully”.

“We are continuously monitoring and improving fuel utilisation to effectively reduce the cost of fuel utilisation at Air Namibia. Airports with less operating traffic have fewer fuel suppliers who demand payments at a shorter time period or interval, making successive payments a challenge,” Nakawa said.

The fuel account is one of the most expensive items in the airline industry. Air Namibia pays more than N$2 million per day for fuel.

Foreign pilot overcharges Air Nam

In a separate matter, Air Namibia's internal auditing department has investigated invoices submitted by expat pilot Captain Hossein Ashrafi and found that he had overcharged the airline.

Invoices submitted by Ashrafi in June were verified after suspicions arose that there could be a potential overbilling.

In terms of his contract as an ad-hoc pilot, Ashrafi is required to work 15 days a month at a cost of 400 euros (N$6 402.17 at the current exchange rate) per day.

The audit found that Ashrafi instead has been working 30 days a month and invoiced Air Namibia 550 euros per day. These invoices were approved and paid out to him. The total invoice amount he submitted for June amounted to 14 000 euros (or N$213 953.60).

His income was not taxed because he was not on the airline's payroll, but his salary was processed through the finance department based on his invoices and paid into a foreign bank account.

Ashrafi has also been working as a full-time employee and acting training manager. His appointment letter as acting training manager stipulates that his monthly allowance should have been N$5 107.50 taxable.

The audit stated that the acting allowance was not in line with the appointment letter in terms of taxable allowances, as well as the rate he charged Air Namibia.

While his contract stipulated that he would have Frankfurt, Germany, as his operational base, Ashrafi was found to have been based in Windhoek during June.

Air Namibia said the matter with Ashrafi was resolved because arrangements were made that he should repay any excess amounts paid out to him.

Nakawa said Ashrafi is an experienced pilot with thousands of hours on his logbook flying jumbo jets around the world.

“He has been at Air Namibia assisting management in the daily operation of the airline for a long time,” said Nakawa.

Major Audits

Nakawa said Ashrafi was instrumental in overseeing recent major audits, the local recertification by the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and for the International Airport Transport Association's (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA).

“Captain Ashrafi is an all-weather pilot for Air Namibia and the airline holds him in the highest esteem. For example, when the airline suffered heavy financial losses during the prolonged pilot strike some five years ago, Captain Ashrafi was full-time on the job alongside a handful of local pilots who came to the rescue to keep the airline afloat.

“This is testament to Captain Ashrafi's unwavering commitment, dedication, selflessness, devotion and loyalty to ensure that Air Namibia continues to operate optimally amidst all turbulences,” Nakawa said.

CATHERINE SASMAN

↧

Battle of the sexes not sanctioned yet

October 5, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Hangana Hake Run and Ride hits the coast

≪ Previous: Daylight robbery at Air Namibia foiled

Battle of the sexes not sanctioned yet The Namibia Professional Boxing and Wrestling Control Board's (NPBWCB) acting administrator, Hendrik Mapele, says the announced fight between Selma and Mike to take place on 21 October might be a ruse to attract a crowd.

The fight announcement has caused a stir among boxing fans in the country with some labelling it as a marketing stunt from Nestor Tobias's MTC Sunshine Boxing Academy.

Mapele said despite the announcement the fight was not sanctioned by the board. He said they had not received any application from Tobias's stable for that particular fight. They did receive other fight applications which will be approved when all requirements are met.

He further said that the fight might be an amateur exhibition and not a professional fight as the Namibian boxing act does not accommodate women to fight in Namibia, either against each other or a male counterpart.

“Boxing is a gentleman's sport in Namibia and promoters are known to use publicity stunts to attract crowds and this might just be one of those scenarios, but promoters should be careful about the information they give the public,” he said.

He also said that the possibility that the fight will take place is very slim.

Tobias has been tight-lipped about the fight, only saying that it will be the first of its kind in Namibia.

“I wish to assure the boxing community that this fight is above board and will be a first in Namibian boxing and a first in the world of boxing. MTC Sunshine Promotions is all about creativity, and this will therefore be one of those exciting moments come October. We do not want to reveal too much for now and urge boxing fans to come and watch all fights live,” Tobias said.

It is not even known in which weight division this fight is scheduled.

Eleven bouts are scheduled for the evening, on which Walter 'Executioner' Kautondokwa will defend his WBO Africa middleweight title against Meschack Mwankemwa from Tanzania.

↧

Hangana Hake Run and Ride hits the coast

October 5, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Paralympic championship this weekend

≪ Previous: Battle of the sexes not sanctioned yet

Hangana Hake Run and Ride hits the coast

The Hangana Hake Run and Ride, formerly known as the Lucky Star Marathon, will take place at the coast on Saturday.

This running and cycling event, which started in the 1980s as the Dolphin Marathon with a name change to the Lucky Star Marathon in the late '90s, is one of Namibia's oldest road-running events.

Hundreds of entries have rolled in from local and international athletes.

The marathon, which serves as a qualifier for the Comrades and Two Oceans marathons held annually in neighbouring South Africa, is run along the scenic coastline between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, set against a backdrop of the spectacular sand dunes of the Namib Desert.

There will be a 42.2km marathon, a 21.1km half-marathon, as well as a 10km fun run. For cyclists there will be a 105km road race, a 21km mountain-bike race, 21km fat-bike ride and a 5km kiddies' ride.

These will be followed by a prize-giving ceremony at the Jan Wilken Stadium at 14:00.

↧

Latest Images