Bloody weekend for our women and girls

October 16, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: #BeFree Erongo with Namibia's first lady

Bloody weekend for our women and girls A 30-year-old man is behind bars after he allegedly killed his ex-girlfriend by hacking her to death in Kavango West on Sunday, while Kavango East police say at least nine cases of assault against women were reported to them over the weekend.

Police arrested the man in connection with the killing of Sindendere Paula Kandambo (24) at the Ou-Cordon location at Mururani on Sunday morning.

The police said Kandambo was “hacked on the neck and hands”.

The man's name has not yet been released.

No details of the nine reported cases of gender-based violence were made public, but NamPol's Kavango East crime investigations coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Bob Kanyetu, said alcohol was a factor in all these cases.

“Domestic violence is the biggest threat to a healthy society and to our women. This is something that we have to discourage,” Kanyetu told Nampa on Monday.

He said information on the issue will be shared with the police's GBV sub-division in Rundu to develop a programme that enhances the education of the community on GBV.

“People who love each other should not harm each other. It is not good,” he stressed.

The police also arrested a 38-year-old Angolan man accused of raping a 15-year-old girl at Onandjamba village in the Oshikoto Region.

The man, who was employed as a domestic worker at the homestead where the girl lives, is accused of entering her bedroom late on Saturday night and then raping the girl.

Charges of murder and assault were laid against a 34-year-old South African man, who allegedly killed another South African man (32) in a drunken argument in Windhoek on Sunday night.

The deceased was stabbed in the chest and back at a house in Naute Street, Goreangab location.

The suspect allegedly stabbed another man at the house too.

JANA-MARI SMITH

↧

#BeFree Erongo with Namibia's first lady

October 16, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Social Network for Namibians

≪ Previous: Bloody weekend for our women and girls

#BeFree Erongo with Namibia's first lady

On Friday 21 July 21 WBPHS learners were accompanied by Ms Estelle Eigelaar, Mr Franklin Fransman and Mr Zane Botha to attend the prestigious social awareness campaign event of Ms Monica Geingos, the first lady of the Republic of Namibia, at the Kuisebmond Community Hall.

The #BeFree Movement (in close cooperation with One Namibia, One Economy, as well as the office of the first lady) organised a brilliant debating event to stimulate the minds of over 1 000 Walvis Bay secondary school learners.

The panel consisted of learners, a teacher, a parent, a social worker and the chief inspector of the Namibian police in Walvis Bay, Ms Selma Shangula.

The main topics of discussion were all directed towards the multitude of problems facing the youth of Walvis Bay (drug and alcohol abuse, teenage pregnancies, crime and unemployment).

Charlize van Heerden, a matric learner of WBPHS, commented on the unrealistic parental and societal pressures many teenagers face.

The event concluded with an exceptional keynote speech and question and answer session with Ms Geingos. “Run your own race at your own pace,” said the first lady, a highly respected entrepreneur and lawyer in her own personal capacity. She also reiterated that the mistakes she made in her late teenage years only caused the advantageous restructuring of her own values.

We sincerely thank Ms Geingos for hugely contributing to the social welfare of our youth by engaging and discussing tough and contemporary issues.

A warm thanks to Ms Eigelaar, Mr Fransman and Mr Botha for accompanying our future Namibian leaders.

↧

Social Network for Namibians

October 16, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Transportation made convenient

≪ Previous: #BeFree Erongo with Namibia's first lady

Social Network for Namibians When Gerson Mangundu saw the biographical drama film The Social Network about the life of the founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg it inspired him to start his own social networking site for Namibians called Namhook.

Mangundu launched the website in 2015 and says he wanted to connect Namibians on their own social networks and share their stories on a platform made for them. “I wanted to make sure that enough people were interacting with each other on a platform that would make Namibians proud about sharing their own stories,” he says. He says after he launched the social network in 2015 he took a break from developing his website because he had to study Civil Engineering at the University of Camagüey in Cuba. “I graduated in July this year and want to focus on working and improving the website more and add more additional features to it,” he shares.

He says what sets his website apart are the unique features offered by the website and says that the internet users of his site are also unique compared to other social media sites. “If there is a musician for example who uses the website they can sell music on Namhook. You can also subscribe to certain interests or hobbies of yours on the website and you get notifications and information tailor made for you on Namhook,” he says. He says he is not too worried about bigger social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram because he has faith in his own website and the experience that people can get from using it.

“Namhook is just like any other website and the people using it can trust it. Namibians will support my website,” he said.

He says he does not have direct control of the information about his website users' profiles and what they post on the website and emphasised that he respects the privacy of his website users. “I do not control what the people say or post and I hardly have control of their information,” he says.

He advised social media users to use caution when surfing the internet. “Always watch what you post on social media and make sure you do not reveal too much information about yourself that could endanger yourself,” he says.

If you want to have access to the Namhook website visit www.namhook.net or download the Android app on the Google Playstore.

Shona Ngava

↧

Transportation made convenient

October 16, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Toekoms blink by Hoërskool Khomas

≪ Previous: Social Network for Namibians

Transportation made convenient“I wanted to make sure that enough people were interacting with each other on a platform that would make Namibians proud about sharing their own stories,”

If you are not harassed by one of the drivers to get into their cars, you have to wait for hours until your car is filled to capacity before you can leave.

A new website called Nam Transport Booker aims to take away all your transportation hassles.

The website which was designed by Hafeni Immanuel, a computer programmer, enables app users to book for transport to various destinations around Namibia and as well as to South Africa through their phones and computers.

The website shows the site user details about the car they will be travelling in, the destination the car is going and as well as how many passengers will be travelling with them. Brief information is also given about the driver of the car and what time the car will depart.

“The website is very convenient and anyone can use it, anyone with a phone can access the app and book for transportation to areas they want to travel through their phones,” says Immanuel.

Immanuel said he realised that many long distance harass passengers who needed to travel to certain areas by always grabbing their bags and goods at Taxi Ranks around the country and that inspired him to start work on an application that would ease the burden of looking for transport to their destination for the passengers.

“Passengers usually run to Facebook to look for long distance drivers but the app allows them to come to one place where they can have access to a variety of drivers.

“The app also ensures that the passengers do not have to go through the harassment of some drivers to get to their destinations,” shares Immanuel.

It took the programmer three weeks to complete the application and website for the booking service that he offers. The programmer says it was difficult at some stages when he was working on his application because he did not have all the tools to finish his product. “The challenge of being a programmer in Namibia is that you might want to create a software that works together with a unique hardware. Sometimes we do not have factories that manufacture the hardware needed by our software and that makes our job very tough,” says Immanuel. He says that programmers need to look at ways they can get their communities by coming up with initiatives that offer solutions to problems in society.

“I think there are many ways to use Information technology to solve problems in our communities, we just need to think of creative ways to do that,” says Immanuel.

Although the website is a good initiative, the programmer still needs to make sure that he does background checks on the drivers he places on the website. He should also make it possible for individuals to rate and comment on the driving skills of the long distance drivers. Immanuel's website also has a very good feature which shows the conditions of the road for a certain period, although it is not constantly updated.

Should anyone need to use the website it can be accessed at http:www.namtransport.com

↧

Toekoms blink by Hoërskool Khomas

October 16, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: WBPHS bied ATKV-Redenaars se streeksuitdunne aan

≪ Previous: Transportation made convenient

Toekoms blink by Hoërskool Khomas

Octavia Tsibes - By die Hoërskool Khomas dra 828 leerlinge met trots hul skooluniform.

Die skool is in 2003 gestig en volgende jaar se leerlingraad is oorgehaal met baie planne.

"Ons skool het vyf sosiale klubs; die Jeug vir Christus is die aktiefste een van hulle almal," het Vepukisa Tjizoo gesê. Volgens haar sorg die klub vir orde en ondersteuning, wat 'n groot rol in die skool se sukses speel.

"Ons presteer tans nie so goed soos wat ons moet nie, maar die akademie is aan die verbeter. Ek voel dat elke skool klubs soos Jeug vir Christus moet hê, met inagneming van die positiewe impak wat dit op die standaard van die skool het," het Edna Claassen gesê.

Sy sê teen volgende jaar sal daar meer sosiale klubs wees waarby die leerlinge kan aansluit en aan buitemuurse aktiwiteite deelneem. "Dit help leerlinge om uit die moeilikheid te bly en te fokus op die bou van 'n beter toekoms vir hulself."

Toekomsplanne

"Dit is ons tyd om ons merk te maak voordat ons matrikuleer en as leiers wil ons geld vir die skool insamel. Die skool het so baie dinge wat opgelos en geïmplementeer moet word. Dit kan net gedoen word as ons as die leerlingraad saamstaan en hard werk aan ons doelwitte," het Naomunic Feris gesê.

Feris is gereed om geld in te samel, projekte in te stel, 'n blink toekoms te skep wat elke leerling opgewonde sal maak, en weg te doen met die “gees van luiheid” onder die leerlinge.

"Ons skool is baie godsdienstig; wat ’n goeie ding is om leerlinge aan te moedig. Ek wil godsdiens in ons skool versterk. Dit sal help om ons akademiese doelwitte te bereik en ons verhoudings met mekaar versterk," het Gloria Urinavi gesê.

Die nuwe leerlingraad sal in spanne ingedeel word en aan verskillende grade toegewys word.

"Dit is 'n goeie strategie wat ons sal help om op verskeie vlakke te verbeter. Die leerlingraadslede sal met die onderskeie graadonderwysers saamwerk om die dissipline, akademie en sosiale kwessies te verbeter," het Amy Tjiuanelu gesê.

"Die span hoop vir die beste en wil hê die skool moet voortgaan om sprekers uit te nooi om ons te motiveer. Die saad sal op vrugbare grond val en 'n beter en vrugbare boom sal groei," het Claassen ten slotte bygevoeg.

Kassie:

Eienskappe van 'n effektiewe skool:

• Hoë gehalte leierskap - Studente presteer beter waar die skoolhoof sterk leierskap bied. Doeltreffende leiers kan die skool se doelwitte en visies suksesvol oordra, met onderwysers saamwerk om hul vaardighede te verbeter en is betrokke by die eien van en oplossings vir probleme.

• Hoë verwagtinge - van leerlinge sowel as onderwysers: Hoë verwagtinge van leerlinge is gereeld bewys om 'n positiewe invloed op hul prestasie te hê.

• Deurlopende vertoning van leerlingprestasie en -ontwikkeling: Skole moet waardasiestatistieke gebruik om hul leerlinge met ander in die land te vergelyk. Effektiewe gebruik van assesseringsdata laat skole toe om problematiese leerareas op klaskamer- en skoolvlak te identifiseer sodat die beste oplossings gevind kan word.

• Doelwitte en rigting: Die administrasie behoort doelwitte te stel en suksesvol aan individue oor te dra (leerlinge, onderwysers, gemeenskap). Skoolhoofde moet ook bereid wees om innovering in doelwitte vir skoolprosesse en -praktyke in te sluit. Dit is belangrik om insette van alle belanghebbendes te verwelkom in die proses om skooldoelwitte te ontwikkel.

• Veiligheid en organisasie: Leerlinge moet veilig voel. Respek is 'n fundamentele aspek van 'n veilige skool. Daar is ook 'n aantal programme en opgeleide personeel, soos maatskaplike werkers, wat met probleemgevalle kan werk voordat situasies handuit ruk.

↧

WBPHS bied ATKV-Redenaars se streeksuitdunne aan

October 16, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Zinzi en Katya presteer by wetenskapskou

≪ Previous: Toekoms blink by Hoërskool Khomas

WBPHS bied ATKV-Redenaars se streeksuitdunne aan

Mia van Wyk, Walvisbaai Privaats Hoërskool

Dié kompetisie is senutergend, maar ook gelyktydig pretbelaai.

Dit bied 'n geleentheid om nuwe gesigte te ontmoet en nuwe vriende te maak deur die Afrikaanse taal en kultuur met trots te vier. Walvisbaai Private Hoërskool (WBPHS) was die gasheerskool en het hulle uitstekend van hul taak gekwyt. Redenaars van skole oor die land heen het kom redevoer op 16 Junie 2017. Die ATKV (Afrikaanse Taal- en Kultuurvereniging) het al 'n verskeidenheid projekte en kompetisies agter die rug – die ATKV-Redenaars van 2017 was 'n reusesukses.

Hierdie redenaars was beslis nie bangbroeke nie, want hulle het vol selfvertroue 'n beredenerende toespraak van 'n bepaalde tydsduur in 'n lokaal gepak met 'n ywerige gehoor, beoordelaars en 'n voorsitter gelewer. Dit was 'n breintokkelende dag en die deelnemers kon uit verskeie temas kies. Daar was humor, idiome, slagspreuke en vlot Afrikaans in oorgawe.

Al is dit oor die algemeen senutergend om voor mense te praat, was dit 'n groot verligting om weer te gaan sit nadat jy applous van die gehoor ontvang het, meen Jolé Gerber, een van die leerlinge wat WBPHS verteenwoordig het.

Magdel Pienaar het in die kategorie graad 4 en 5 Huistaal Voorbereid die agste plek behaal. Elmi McCarthy het die graad 6 en 7 Voorbereide Huistaal-afdeling gewen en Mia van Wyk het in hierdie kategorie die derde plek verower. Elmi reis later in die jaar Suid-Afrika toe om daar aan die finaal deel te neem. Aletta Mungungu en Yasmen Gomusas behaal onderskeidelik die tweede en vierde plek in die graad 8 en 9 Voorbereide Addisionele Taal-afdeling. Jolé Gerber, Abigail Abbott en Janique Buys behaal onderskeidelik die vyfde, sesde en negende plek in die graad 8 en 9 Voorbereide Huistaal-afdeling. Corné Engelbrecht, Ané Schumacher en Esta Steenkamp behaal onderskeidelik tweede, sewende en agste plek in die Onvoorbereide Huistaal-afdeling vir graad 8 en 9. Idelette Liebenberg en Amoré Engelbrecht verower die sesde en agste plek in die graad 10 tot 12-afdeling vir Voorbereide Huistaal. Maurice Hinterholzer behaal die vierde plek in die Onvoorbereide afdeling vir Huistaal Afrikaans.

Hierdie kompetisie sal beslis in 2018 weer gehou word, ten einde skoliere se skryf- en voordragvaardighede te verbeter, sowel as vriendskappe te vorm deur die liefde vir kultuur.

↧

Zinzi en Katya presteer by wetenskapskou

October 16, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: When it is time to decide

≪ Previous: WBPHS bied ATKV-Redenaars se streeksuitdunne aan

Zinzi en Katya presteer by wetenskapskou

Moya Nel, Walvisbaai Privaat Hoërskool

Nuwe tegnologie, uitvindsels en eksperimente word elke jaar by die wetenskapskou uitgestal.

Hierdie jaar was daar twee laerskoolleerders van Walvisbaai Private Hoërskool (WBPHS) wat uitstekend gevaar het en in die Walvisbaaistreekspan opgeneem is: Zinzi Nel en Katya Dedekind (beide in graad 6).

Die Streekswetenskapskou is vanaf die 26ste tot die 29ste Junie 2017 in die Kuisebmond Gemeenskapsaal aangebied. Hierdie wetenskapskou is voorwaar 'n baie leerryke ervaring en is definitief nie net vir bleeksiele bestem nie. Dit is relatief maklik en interessant om deel te neem. Die nuuskierigheid en afwagting vir die uitslae was ook baie aangenaam.

Zinzi en Katya het vertel dat die beoordeleers baie beleefd en gerustellend was, alhoewel die gemoedstemming soms bietjie gefrustreerd en senuweeagtig geword het.

Dié twee jong wetenskaplikes het getoets of gekleurde kerse vinniger brand as normale kerse. Hulle het bevind dat die gekleurde kerse wel vinniger brand omdat die kleursels en chemikalieë die reaksie van verbranding vinniger laat plaasvind. Meneer Nico-Louw Kirsten was die onderwyser wat hulle met raad en daad bygestaan het.

Zinzi en Katya is genooi om verder aan die Streekswetenskapskou deel te neem wat later in die Tamariskia Stadsaal aangebied is.

↧

When it is time to decide

October 16, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: 10 TIPS WHEN YOU HAVE TO DECIDE WHAT TO STUDY

≪ Previous: Zinzi en Katya presteer by wetenskapskou

When it is time to decide Deciding what to study after school “Your subject choices will have an impact on what you study at college or university, and what job you go on to in the future. It is of utmost importance to know when choosing subjects that it would benefit your career choices in future,” says Marlette Brand, an educational psychologist.

Tunohole Mungoba

Many learners around the country face a lot of challenges when it comes to making subject choices and deciding what courses to pursue after they finish their grade 12. The Zone spoke to psychological experts and the University of Namibia (UNAM)’s career guidance facilitators to find out how learners can make smarter decisions when it comes to their career choices.

The country’s grade 10s and 12s are currently writing their external examinations nationwide and studying very hard to make sure they pass. Although the grade 12s will be done with secondary phase education, the grade 10s will have to choose their subject fields in grade 11 and most learners are faced with obstacles as they are not well equipped with making the right decisions regarding their subject choices.

“Your subject choices will have an impact on what you study at college or university, and what job you go on to in the future. It is of utmost importance to know when choosing subjects that it would benefit your career choices in future,” says Marlette Brand, an educational psychologist. “For example if you choose specific subjects in specific fields on higher level, you must know that it would be sufficient for university extension or your preferred field of study.”

She also explains to the Zone that your subject choices also directly affect your happiness and success while at school. “If you excel in subjects you would be more motivated and eager to achieve success resulting in better performance important for tertiary training.” She urged learners to consider their aptitudes and abilities and use that as a basis for selecting the subjects to which they are best suited. “Usually career guidance take into account the personality, interests and aptitudes of the client and make a decision fitted to the individual. It is important to have enough information on subject choices not to restrict career choices in later years.”

Personality influences the essential choices we make in life and we choose a subject according to our academic interests and strengths, but most likely also according to where we believe we can make the most of our personality. Brand also says that our personality can be an advantage in our choice of subjects “as your personality gives you clues about what circumstances you as individual would thrive and which working options you should avoid.”

Marni Coetzer, a psychological counsellor additionally warns that wrong subject choices can have a negative influence on a child’s career as dropping out of school will always be an option to the learner. “Learners become easily demotivated and their grades may drop significantly. This might lead to lower grade levels at the end on Grade 12, restricting young adults on their desired career choices,” she warns.

Coetzer also continued to urge parents to assist them when it comes to making career choices. “Parents can assist their children by helping them to know themselves better. Maybe tell them what they think their aptitude might be or what has interest them since childhood and in what job they see them,” she says. She also said they can take their children to different people already in practice to experience the job first hand or by doing job-shadowing. “Making children aware of new occupations and developments is very important in the time we raise our children. Motivate them and assist them to do research on different career options.”

She also urged current grade 10 learners to put in a lot of thought before choosing their subjects next year as it involves a lot discussion and research. “You need to find out about the different types of subjects and in many cases, think further about career choices. Never assume you know all about a subject at a higher level because you have done that subject before. Your entire future is lying in front of you.”

Coetzer also says it is essential to take the time and research about career options and specific subjects needed for specific fields of study. “It is worth your while to consult with a professional in the field of career guidance.”

University of Namibia’s Office of the Dean offers different professional services and it serves as an academic counselling unit on campus. “Every year, we get hundreds of students and during the orientation process, our office is flooded with students who are seeking information about the courses we offer. In some cases, some students are already accepted in a specific course, but then they only realise later on that is not what they want to do,” says Margareth Mainga, the dean of students. She also says it is a common practise for students to change courses during the registration process and she says lack of career guidance contributes to this.

Mainga also blames parents as sometimes they enforce certain courses on their children. “Most parents want to live their dream through their children. They want their children to study a certain course, but that is not what the child wants to do. But because the child does not want to disappoint their parents, they will just study and they will later drop out or change courses during the years,” she adds.

Etuna Simon, an officer at the career guidance office says their doors are always open and they offer explanations on different courses and study applications. “Our students are given time to decide about their courses so we give them time to change courses as well, provided that there is still space available.” Simon continues to add that sometimes, the courses are usually full and students are forced to make second option choices.

Nyomonee Tjihukununa, a student counsellor says that sometimes lack of career guidance is not only the reason why students change courses, but sometimes they fear they might not get a job for the course their studying. “Learners are initially passionate about their first choice, but due to the job market, they feel they will not get a job after their graduate so they opt for other courses,” Tjihukununa says.

“Or sometimes, they finish their degree, but because they cannot find a job, they decide to come back to school and chase another degree that is in demand. We have a lot of students that are busy completing their second degrees. There is a gap in the market and it does not accommodate everyone. She advises Namibian learners however to rather go towards something their passionate about and work hard towards graduating at the end of their tertiary phase.

↧

10 TIPS WHEN YOU HAVE TO DECIDE WHAT TO STUDY

October 16, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: A barber a call away

≪ Previous: When it is time to decide

10 TIPS WHEN YOU HAVE TO DECIDE WHAT TO STUDY 1. Ask yourself why you are studying. Are you studying to better yourself, explore your interest, or to just get ahead in your career? The answer to this could have a huge effect on the classes you pick.2. Look around for a while you can read reviews and explore courses online. Speak to a few people as well. 3. Pay attention to details and make sure you fully understand the different modules before making up your mind.4. Consider locations and think about whether you would be comfortable with studying in Namibia or abroad.5. Speak to a few lecturers. These people will be in charge of your education, so knowing their level of expertise, and their specific areas of work or research can help give you a much better insight for the course.6. Try and get a scholarship and make sure you have a lot options.7. Check the career prospects of different universities so you can also have a better idea of the environment and course you are applying for.8. Be practical and think about important matters like your accommodation and transport as can have an effect on your studies.9. Focus on what is important to you and do not follow everywhere so easy to get carried away by what your friends like in a school or some amazing statistics. Pick what matters to you, and don’t be swayed by others.10. Check support networks or form some with friends. Make sure everyone is informed.

↧

A barber a call away

October 16, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Namibia looking towards space

≪ Previous: 10 TIPS WHEN YOU HAVE TO DECIDE WHAT TO STUDY

A barber a call away

Entreprenuers are always seeking ways to improve the way they deliver their services to their customers.

One such entrepreneur is Haikali Ndatulumukwa who has started with a business model called “Dial a barber”.

The service offered by Ndatulumukwa makes it possible for people to call a barber to their location so that their hair is groomed at their own location. Haikali stressed that such an initiative is much safer than going to barber shops and said it is also convenient and inexpensive.

“You avoid standing in long queues while waiting to get your hair cut. The Dial A barber service also lets you save on the transport cost that you would normally spend on going to the barber,” he says.

He says the idea for the service was started because many people are too busy and thus do not have time to do normal duties anymore.

“The motive was to come up with an initiative that would make people comfortable and happy about how they could get their haircut.

“These days people get overwhelmed by their lifestyle they cannot do anything anymore,” he said.

Haikali points out that he wants to prosper through his new business by keeping his customers happy.

“I want to offer quality service through this initiative because that way there will be longevity of the business and I want to make people happy,” he says.

He currently has employed one barber who goes to different locations to cut hair based on the customers who call him.

“So far I've got one barber doing all the grooming and as the business takes up I am going to take up more people. I am also willing to work with other barbers who want to partner up with me,” he says.

He advises others who want to venture into entrepreneurship not to be motivated by making money but they should have a vision to see their business grow.

“Always stay humble and reap your rewards at a later stage.

“You must first become self-employed before you become a business person and work with each to get the best out of your resources,” he says.

Should you need the dial a barber services or more info call 0813195615 or send an email to dialabarber@gmail.com

Shona Ngava

↧

Namibia looking towards space

October 16, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Staying fit and healty

≪ Previous: A barber a call away

Namibia looking towards space

Namibia has the potential of becoming a role player that would contribute towards space exploration and astronomy in the future.

This was said by Dr Alfred Van Kent, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Higher Education, Training and Innovation at the commemoration of Namibia Space Week recently.

Van Kent said that measures were put into place by the government to insure that Namibia would leave a mark in space science and astronomy and is hopeful that the country would also innovate technologies that would see it contribute toward the philosophy of space. “We have the space programmes such as the Namibia Commission for Research, Science and Technology and that is a reality. We also developed a National Council for Science and Technology and we have the Namibia Institute of Space science and technology that will be training individuals in that field,” shares Van Kent.

In an effort to make sure Namibia is up to speed with the space science and research developments Van Kent says the government handed over satellite performance computers to the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) and the University of Namibia (Unam). He says that universities need to collaborate in order to excel in space and astronomy industry.

“With a dedicated team Namibia will have a very structured space programme that is relevant to the needs of our country and we would be a force to be reckoned with in the future,” he says.

Paulus Imene, a graduate of the Bachelor of Technology in Electronic engineering at Nust says he is excited about the new development that will be taking place in the area of space and science and says Namibians should be proud about what they could offer in space technology in the future.

“I can tell that there is going to progress in space especially from Namibia's side.

“We are going to be collaborating with other universities from South Africa and through such collaborations we will widen our knowledge and expertise in the space and astronomy fields,” says Imene.

He says the introduction of new programmes in the areas of space and astronomy at Nust shows that the country is committed towards setting and achieving its own space and astronomic aspirations.

“The introduction of space programmes at Nust shows you that we are really determined to explore space one day. In the near future Namibia can produce its own astronomers and space research experts,” he says.

Namibia celebrated Word Space Week recently at the Windhoek Show Grounds. World Space Week is an international celebration of science and technology and takes place from 04-10 October.

Shona Ngava

↧

Staying fit and healty

October 16, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Take it slow

≪ Previous: Namibia looking towards space

Staying fit and healty

Capoeira is a form of martial arts with roots in Africa and Brazil. It encompasses dance, combat, music and rhythm and it is slowly becoming a popular hobby amongst many youth in Namibia. Fabio Morris offers Capoeira training to some youth in Windhoek's Zoo park and says it's a very important character builder for many young people.

Morris who has been practicing capoeira for the past 16 years and is a part of the Cardao de Ouro capoeira group. He says as a kid he had breathing problems and his family members suggested he does capoeira to help get rid of his health problems and that is how he fell in love with capoeira. “Capoeira has really changed my life and also improved my health dramatically. It is one of those sports which are good for your overall health,” says Morris.

He started training capoeira in 2015 when he realised that many people were not participating in it. “I wanted to create awareness about capoeira because it was not very popular in Namibia. There was an old group that taught capoeira in Namibia before I did but then they just disappeared and that is why I started offering training here to bring back capoeira in Namibia,” says Morris. He emphasised that the martial arts in capoeira is great for building a person's character and says that it is good for physique development and mental wellbeing. “Capoeira is a really great sport, almost all your body is being exercised when you are training. It has a lot of benefits and targets some major muscles in your body and is good for body coordination. It's a science,” he says. Besides maritial arts training, trainees also get music training during their capoeira classes. The trainees are taught how to play the berimbau a musical bow of African origin, pandeiro (tambourine) and the atabaque a tall hand drum. The capoeira trainer says that the martial style can be practiced by anyone and anyone is welcome to join his classes. “Our doors are open to everyone and they can join whenever they can. Capoeira has the potential to positively impact your life and change it,” he says.

Elton Shomeya, who is a part of Morris's capoeira classes, says that the classes have been a great addition to his life and says it has helped him focus more on the goals he set for himself. “You develop a lot of discipline when you participate in capoeira and it just toughens you as a person,” says Shomeya. Morris says there are three types of capoeira which are Angola, Regional, and contemporânea. “We have different styles of capoeira and we practice capoeira Regional and Angola which are the older and more traditional form of capoeira. Sometimes groups all over the world can even identify which club you come from based on your style of capoeira,” shares Morris.

There are 21 capoeira trainees that are currently exercising with Morris and he says the numbers are likey to grow as the sport gains more popularity in Windhoek. “Capoeira is way more than just about fighting but it is also about socialising and fostering discipline amongst the ones who are practicing it,” says Morris.

Morris offers classes at Zoo Park free of charge on Saturdays and Sundays at 16:00 at Zoo Park.

Shona Ngava

↧

Take it slow

October 16, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Not all heroes wear capes

≪ Previous: Staying fit and healty

Take it slow

We often hear people tell us we should “let go” when we are faced with obstacles or disappointments in life. For me personally letting go of situations has always been an invitation to relinquish and absolve myself of unhappy or difficult experiences. Letting go gives you the opportunity to accept your reality and to let go of the meaningless fortunes dealt to you by life and karma.

As you mature and get wiser you realise that attaching yourself to situations that are out of your control is like slowly tightening a noose around your neck. Don't be paralysed by things you cannot accept and just understand that once in a while you have to let go of yourself and that at times life will deal you with a few misfortunes. As we grow up we often become devoted to how we think our life should be, and we create beliefs about universal truths. When we stop expecting life to be perfect, for people to be the best they can be, we are no longer holding ourselves down with things that are out of our control, we have grown and matured enough to appreciate both life and the people in our lives for what and who they are.

It is quite hard to move on and accept the things we go through, but once we do, we feel free from the emotional shackles that were holding us back and we realise very soon it was the best decision we ever made. Don't be hard on yourself and as often as you can ease the pressure that you get from this thing called life it is going to be worth it.

The most challenging and demanding part about growing is letting go and moving away from our comfort zones and moving on with something untested and new. Accurate and treasured wisdom is deeply concentrated in accepting what is, letting go of what was and having faith in what could be. Letting go is all about being optimistic and eager about what the future holds for you and not about how the future will be for you.

Make life easier for you, spread your love, care about those who matter most to you, communicate freely, be open with people you need closure with and stop reminding yourself about how unfortunate you are. You are blessed and you should know it, there are people who have it much worse compared to you.

shona@namibiansun.com

↧

Not all heroes wear capes

October 16, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Nyambe is an option, Soiri is not

≪ Previous: Take it slow

Not all heroes wear capes A leader making a difference

Tunohole Mungoba

Kalola Tuhafeni, newly elected vice president of 2018 of University of Namibia (UNAM) and also a candidate for the presidency speaks to The Zone about inclusivity and making sure no one is left out.

A third year Education student, majoring in English and Oshiwambo; Tuhafeni matriculated at Ongha Secondary School in the Ohagwena region, northern Namibia. On campus, he is known the student that assists all people on campus who are disabled. He does everything in his power to make sure that all students feel well accommodated on campus.

“I am someone that is very caring and helpful. During my first year, I recall meeting Tobias Moses, a visually impaired friend of mine. At the time, I did not know he was blind so I made it my duty to help him and other students who need assistance as well,” he says.

Tuhafeni believes that everyone is talented, regardless of their situations. He wants to give everyone a chance to manifest their gifts. The reason why Tuhafeni decided to run for his current position is because he also believes in his own talents and wanted to put them to good use. “I am also the current housing committee for hostel block since last year and I have been helping not just my block, but every hostel student. With this experience, I have dealt with a lot of students and I knew I had the potential to take up this leadership role,” he says.

Penandino Kandji, the coordinator of the disability unit of Unam, says Tuhafeni deserves his new position. “He is very active in this unit. He uses his own time to escort all the disabled students to class and he also helps them their notes. We really appreciate his efforts in our unit,” she says.

According to Tuhafeni, he wants to make sure the students feel at home away from home when they are on campus. “I want to start up a project called Victim Support as I want to build a relationship with the Namibian police so that we can achieve a well-defined level of safety and security on our campus,” he explains.

Additionally to that project, he also wants to erect more facilities where students can have a meal for a lower price. “I want to negotiate with the school’s management to either open up another food outlet or to lower food prices, because students opt to sell food on campus grounds even though it is not allowed,” he says.

Brain Ngutjinazo, also a newly elected SRC for academic affairs for 2018 has known Tuhafeni for three years and is also very proud of him. “He is a hard worker, approachable and always willing to help. He serves others well and he believes in service for others rather than being served.”

Tuhafeni is very involved in his school activities around campus and when the Zone asked how he is going to balance with roles at school and his academics, he says he takes pride in being on the go so “it will not be tough to attend to both my school work and my leadership duties. I am also in my third year now so it gives me a good opportunity for me to clear all modules so I can focus 100% on my research next year.”

During the next year’s congress, Tuhafeni will also run for the presidency position and he is very excited. “It is great opportunity for me to exercise my leadership roles. I am definitely looking forward to the congress,” he says. He is nervous however as if he does win the congress, he will have to facilitate for all Unam’s seven campuses around the country.

↧

Nyambe is an option, Soiri is not

October 17, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Enduro ends on a high note

≪ Previous: Not all heroes wear capes

Nyambe is an option, Soiri is notMannetti says foreign-based players are welcome Indecision and FIFA rules are the factors keeping two of our local stars playing abroad out of the Brave Warriors.

The gaffer of the senior football side the Brave Warriors, Ricardo Mannetti, explained why the two local but foreign-based players Pyry Soiri and Ryan Nyambe, do not feature for the senior national football team.

Football fans have raised the issue querying the reason why the internationally based duo of Pyry Soiri and Ryan Nyambe are not called up for the national team.

Without hesitation, Mannetti explained that he has, for the last few years, tried to get the likes of 23-year-old Soiri, who plays for club Shakhtyor Soligorsk in Finland, and England-based Ryan Nyambe, 19, who plays for Blackburn Rovers, to join the national side.

Soiri is the son of a local Namibian businessman and a Finnish mother, whereas Nyambe's mother works in England and he has been living with her in the country since a young age.

“For the last two years I have been in contact with Soiri trying to see what could work for him to play for Namibia. He has been living there for years and plays for a Finnish league. It was not an easy decision but he opted to play for Finland instead of Namibia.

“Whenever we spoke his club was off season or it was pre-season and at that time we didn't have games here. It was really difficult. He chose Finland and there is nothing we can do about it; it is water under the bridge,” said Mannetti.

On 6 October, Soiri made his debut for Finland's senior national team in a qualifying match for the 2018 World Cup against Croatia. Brought on as a substitute late in the match, he scored the equalising goal for the 1-1 draw in the 90th minute.

According to FIFA rules, a player cannot feature for two countries in national competitions.

“I also made contact with Nyambe a long time ago, even before he played against Liverpool. This is even way before people started reporting about him. His issue was more complicated because he could not make up his mind whether he wanted to play for Namibia or to play international football for England. The Namibian Football Association (NFA) tried to make contact, there was no response from his side, except for his mother who responded and made it clear that we should speak to him and his agent.

“We never got a response. As a national coach I cannot wait for years for a player to make up his mind. However, the door is still open for him to play for the Brave Warriors as he has not played for the England senior national team as yet.”

The coach emphasised that he wants players who want to add value to the team, fight for the jersey and who want to represent the country without hesitation.

“Losing Soiri to Finland is a huge loss. But there is nothing we can do anymore about that issue. As for Nyambe, he has my details, I made contact with him through various means, but if he doesn't get back to us, it means he is not convinced to play for Namibia. We would like to have Nyambe in our set-up, should he change his mind,” Mannetti stressed.

Nyambe made his mark as a football player in 2014 when he joined Blackburn Rovers Academy. In 2015 he was awarded a three-year professional contract with Rovers and in December last year he made his full debut for Blackburn against Huddersfield Town.

He has helped his club's under-21s reach the Premier League Cup final, with that contract set to expire in 2018.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

↧

Enduro ends on a high note

October 17, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Cup kick-off date unconfirmed

≪ Previous: Nyambe is an option, Soiri is not

Enduro ends on a high note

The 2017 Bank Windhoek Namibian Enduro Championship concluded in style at Farm Elisenheim on 14 October.

The event was co-sponsored by Hemco Paints and Solsquare.

Close to 70 riders participated in the final event of the series, testing their motorbike and quad riding skills in seven competition classes, for youngsters and professionals.

Henner Rusch (KTM) had secured the Open Motorbikes Class Championship at the previous event in Otjihase and had to face a highly motivated Marcel Henle (KTM) on a demanding track in hot weather conditions.

Henle continued to clock the fastest lap of the day and was rewarded with a well-deserved first place finish. Rusch retired while Heiko Stranghoehner (KTM) secured second place with an excellent performance yet again.

Guenter Gladis (KTM) finished third to complete the podium. Henle concluded the year as championship second with Corner Visser (Sherco) in third overall, due to his fifth place at Elisenheim.

Sport Reporter

↧

Cup kick-off date unconfirmed

October 17, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Ox producers compete

≪ Previous: Enduro ends on a high note

Cup kick-off date unconfirmedRegistration deadline looms Teams have until Friday to register for the annual Petrus Kavhura Cup.

The organisers of the Petrus Kavhura Cup have announced that they will only set the kick-off date of the tournament at the end of this month.

The competition is played by rural teams from Ndonga linena and Ndiyona constituency in the Kavango East Region.

The organisers have also revealed that the closing date for the registration will be on 20 October.

Chairperson of the competition, Poulus Haingura has confirmed that 26 teams have registered for the tournament so far.

“The aim of Petrus Kavhura Cup competition is to develop sport at the rural area level, developing skills and talent through teamwork, fair play and positive social cohesion.

“We have to accept the request of the other teams who are interested because Petrus Kavhura Cup is a people competition. We have to give them a chance to shine,” Haingura said.

Last year, 29 teams participated in the tournament which is loved by locals in the region.

The teams will be awarded with the prizes starting from the rounds of 16 losers, quarter-final losers and first-place winner, second place, third place and fourth place.

Money, medals, and a floating trophy will be given to the teams which win the competition.

Haingura lauded the sponsors Furnmart, Shoprite, Reginald Quest House, and Kit-Moto Enterprises for supporting the Petrus Kavhura Cup Competition this year.

↧

Ox producers compete

October 17, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Record weaner season closes

≪ Previous: Cup kick-off date unconfirmed

Ox producers compete The winners of this year's Slaughter Ox Competition that is hosted by Agra Auctions was recently announced at an event held in Windhoek.

The competition forms part of the initiative to provide ox producers with a platform to compete in an organised competition, similar to the Agra Weaner competition.

Theuns Johnston was awarded as the national winner for the Slaughter Ox Competition and Achim Helm won second place.

Agra Auctions hosted four Slaughter Ox Competitions during the year where a total of 155 oxen were judged at an average slaughter weight of 252kg, compared to 120 oxen judged at an average weight of 240 kg in 2016.

To participate in the competition, each producer entered two animals to be judged on the hoof, and slaughtered. For the on-the-hoof category, key aspects for judging criteria comprised of cattle age, fat, masculinity, temperament and good farming practises such as branding and dehorning which constituted 40% of the total points. While for the carcass category, the cattle competed on the quality of meat, which constituted 60% of total points.

The judging at all the competitions was done by Tiaan Steenkamp (Agra) and Petrus Maritz, head of the Meat Board's classification services for the on-the-hoof category, while Petrus Maritz from the Meat Board judged the carcasses after slaughter.

The main sponsor for this year's competition was Old Mutual with a sponsorship amount of more than N$110 000. Other sponsors include Feedmaster, Beefcor and Esterhuizen Transport. All sponsorships were used for rewarding various category winners at the awards ceremony.

STAFF REPORTER

↧

Record weaner season closes

October 17, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: NEFF a gandja uusama komalelo goondoolopa

≪ Previous: Ox producers compete

Record weaner season closesNational champion named While weaner prices shot up by 74% this year, the quality produced in Namibia has also been astounding.

A total of 15 940 cattle were sold at this year's weaner auctions compared to 5 977 cattle sold in 2016.

The average weaner calf prices for last year were N$3 900 compared to this year's N$6 800, which represents a growth of 74%.

Agra announced and awarded the 2017 national champion and regional winners for the sixth Agra Weaner Competition recently held in Windhoek.

The competition aims to recognise and reward producers for good quality weaner calves.

Bertus Calitz of Okatjeru Farming from the Gobabis district was awarded as this year's national champion. He also won the 2015 competition.

The national champion is selected from all the regional winners in the following competition categories: calves with feedlot potential, calves with veld potential and heifers with breeding potential.

The Namibian Agriculture Union (NAU) president and chairperson of the Agra board, Ryno van der Merwe, opened the event by praising the producers for the quality weaners they entered into the competition.

“Thank you for choosing to market your quality weaner calves through Agra and in-turn take full advantage of the current favourable market prices. This is the opportunity that Agra uses to both reward exemplary producers for their efforts, and to educate the farming community at large on prevailing best practise and market requirements,” he said.

Agra's general auctions manager Titus Koen said that after three years of drought, the conditions this year were very favourable for the industry and resulted in a successful weaner season with record numbers and prices.

“As a result the producers significantly benefited from the high market prices,” he said.

The main sponsors for this year's competition were Bank Windhoek, Sanlam, Santam and Feedmaster. The total sponsorship for this year amounted to more than N$430 000, which was used to award the various category winners and the national champion.

Dawid Krause and Christo van Zyl both from Feedmaster, facilitated the judging process of the competition. Speaking at the event, Krause said the judging criteria within the categories included fertility, growth ability, capacity to produce meat, as well as farming practices such as de-horning, branding and mass uniformity.

He advised farmers, especially those located in the southern regions, to implement effective animal feeding programmes to better their chances of winning the National Weaner Competition.

STAFF REPORTER

↧

NEFF a gandja uusama komalelo goondoolopa

October 17, 2017, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Epango lyoPrEP otali keelele etaandelo lyoHIV

≪ Previous: Record weaner season closes

NEFF a gandja uusama komalelo goondoolopaOmalelo goondoolopa ga tindi okugandja evi Ongundu yoNamibian Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) oya gandja uusama komalelo goondoolopa kutya ogo ga etitha oompangela dhawo dhokutunga omagumbo dhongushu yoobiliyona 3 dhi ndope.

Ongundu yoNEFF oya popi kutya omalelo goondoolopa inage ya pa ompito opo ya vule okumona oobiliyona 3 ndhoka dha pumbiwa mokutunga omagumbo ngaashi ya ningi omauvaneko ngoka pethimbo lyomahwahwameko gomahogololo gomo-2014.

Sho a popi noNamibian Sun mOmaandaha, omukwatakanithi gwoNEFF gwopashigwana, Kalimbo Ipumbu, okwa popi kutya kakele kondoolopa yaNdangwa, oondoolopa adhihe dhilwe odha tindi okutaamba ko oompangela dhawo dhokumona evi okupitila mopoloyeka yawo ndjoka ya li ya shangitha aantu yeli po-65 000, mboka kaye na evi.

Oya popi kutya elelo lyaNdangwa olya li lye ya ithana opo ya ka ulike oompangela dhawo, ihe lwanima olya kaleke oompangela ndhoka.

Mo-2014, NEFF okwa lombwele iikundaneki kutya oobiliyona 3 otadhi ka futwa momayalulo gombaanga yomoshilongo omanga omasiku 10 gaDesemba2014 inaga thikana, okuza kiilonga yaAsia na Arab.

Ongundu ndjoka oya ulukile oshifokundaneki shoNamibian Sun, omusholondondo gwomayalulo gawo gombaanga gwa ningwa kehangano lyomayalulo gopashimaliwa lyomOshakati, ihe momushondondo ngoka itamu ulike oobiliyona 3 dha futwa mombaanga yawo.

Kalimbo okwa popi kutya mboka yali taye ya pe ooshali inaya vula okutsikila nokugandja iimaliwa mbyoka, molwaashoka omalelo goondoolopa inage ya pa evi mpoka tapu vulu okutungwa omagumbo ngoka. Okwa tsikile kutya iimaliwa mbyoka oya li owala ye na oku yi pewa ngele oya gandja uumbangi kutya oya pewa evi mpoka tapu tungwa omagumbo, nalwanima oye ya lombwele kutya inaya vula okumona ehala lyevi, sho ya li ya shangele omikanda komalelo goondoolopa ihe omaindilo gawo oga tindwa.

Kalimbo okwa gandja uusama komalelo goondoolopa ta popi kutya oga tindile AaNamibia aathigona ompito yokukala nomagumbo, sho aantu ya thika po-65 000 yiishangitha nopoloyeka yawo ndjoka yomagumbo, ndjoka yali tayi ka pitika oonakumona omagumbo ya kale owala taya futu oshimaliwa shooN$300 komwedhi.

Okwa ulike oombaapila dhomatindo dha thika pomugoyi okuza komalelo goondoolopa ngaashi Henties Bay, Karibib, Otjiwarongo, Swakopmund, Oranjemund, Walvis Bay, Okahao, Otavi oshowoo Grootfontein. Oondoolopa odhindji odha yamukula kutya kadhi na evi lya wapalekwa lyopoloyeka ndjoka onene.

Oondoolopa ngaashi Henties Bay, Otavi, Swakopmund, Grootfontein, Karibib oshowo ondoolopa yaMbaye, odha yamukula kutya otadhi kutha nale ombinga naatungi yamwe ngaashi National Housing Enterprises (NHE) oshowo public-private partnerships.

Omuleli gumwe gwoNEFF, Abraham Ndumbu, okwa popi kutya ngele omalelo goondoolopa ogali ge ya pa evi nena andola oya longitha iimaliwa mbyoka ya pewa mokuwapaleka evi.

“Ka twa li tatu mono iimaliwa okutota oondoolopa oompe ihe okuyambidhidha oondoolopa dhetu mokuwapaleka evi nokutunga omagumbo. Andola otwa wapaleka owala evi okupitila momahangano ngoka taga ka tunga . Ngele omalelo goondoolopa natango oge na ohokwe, natango otatu vulu okuya mekwatathano nookume ketu,” Ndumbu a popi.

Pauyelele womusholondondo gwomayalulo gomaliko gongundu ndjoka, ongundu kayi na eliko lyasha kedhina lyawo, nomusholondo gwomayalulo gwombaanga ogu li moondjo dhoN$-55 462.

ILENI NANDJATO

↧

Latest Images