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At this time, we rename a school

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At this time, we rename a schoolAt this time, we rename a school We were very surprised to learn that on Friday, the Moses Garoëb Primary School in Windhoek was renamed Dr Abraham Iyambo Primary School. As far as we could establish, the school was repainted and renovated especially for this occasion.

The event was driven by the education directorate of the Khomas Regional Council.

We wonder what the cost was of renaming this school. New logos, new letterheads and the like. While the children in the north have to slowly make their way back to their hostels, now that the food supply has been restored. This, after their already cash-strapped parents had to fork out for two-way transport and the children's exams were disrupted.

Again, we wonder at the necessity of these costs while the school feeding programme has been halted in so many schools, while many of our pregnant mothers in rural areas are languishing in filthy conditions in tents, waiting to give birth. The other 25% of pregnant mothers will birth without any medical assistance at all, as recent statistics show.

We are concerned that at this time, with the current budget constraints, where there are not even enough inspectors to adequately investigate cases of child labour and trafficking on especially farms, let alone actually inspect the state of the livestock and their vaccination records, the education permanent secretary Sanet Steenkamp, would actually approve the renaming of this school.

While the clinics in the south of this country dispense only vitamin C for influenza and colds, the tablets wrapped in A4 photostat paper because there are no medication bags. And also, no Panado, the mainstay of Namibia's rural medical care.

While some children sit on floors or under trees, and if they are lucky enough, in tents that are hot as hell, to learn.

While some communities have no access to fresh water and children fall and drown in pits and wells dug by the communities by hand, to access water.

While children are herding livestock or being raped by family members or friends of family. While abused women really do not have anywhere to go. While those who stay are killed with pangas or simply set alight.

But we choose to spend the money on renaming a primary school.

NDP acts on land, housing

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NDP acts on land, housingNDP acts on land, housing The National Democratic Party (NDP) said it will hold a public hearing and consult stakeholders like traditional leaders and traditional authorities on how land in Namibia can be distributed to landless Namibians.

According to the NDP president, Martin Lukato Lukato, traditional leaders know and are aware of their area of jurisdiction and the boundaries of their jurisdiction and this should be respected by all citizens and foreigners who live in Namibia and visitors to the country.

“NDP will continue to respect our traditional leaders, their traditional authorities and their subjects as they are lawful owners of their land. The NDP will never interfere on the traditional matters which can cause conflicts in Namibia and divide the people of Namibia.”

According to Lukato, the NDP will ensure that the current Land Act of 1992 be amended or abolished in order to empower traditional leaders and traditional authorities.

“The NDP will never impose laws on Namibian people without their approval. To impose laws on the traditional leaders and to our traditional authorities, is taboo and it cannot be accepted.”

Lukato further said the NDP land reform policy allows the Namibian traditional leaders and the traditional authorities to regulate their traditional laws and their traditional administration affairs and matters independently, through and according to their traditions and culture, without interfering with the governing political party.

He also added that the party will allow all ethnic groups in Namibia to recognise their traditional leaders without the interference of the ruling political party and allow them to control their land in their areas of jurisdiction.

Furthermore, Lukato said the registration of land and all land matters should also be vested in the traditional authorities and traditional leaders.

According to him, all Namibians in formal employment must be classified according to job categories and salaries when buying plots from a local authority.

“All unemployed Namibians who flock to towns and cities to seek a better living or employment will be accommodated at a waiting centre temporarily until they have received free plots and they will be taken care of by providing them with small income and food until they have settled.”

Lukato said foreigners must be placed in refuge establishment camps in selected regions to control the foreigners in order to maintain law and order, the police and defence force will be deployed at borders on 24-hour patrols to protect Namibia’s territory to combat crime.

“Foreigners who have lived here in Namibia for more than five years those who qualified to be Namibian citizens will be offered citizenship.”

ELLANIE SMIT

Northern abattoirs still on the radar

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Northern abattoirs still on the radar Northern abattoirs still on the radar Facilities planned for Outapi and Eenhana Agriculture minister John Mutorwa said he could not overemphasise the urgency of providing market access to the NCA farmers. The agriculture minister John Mutorwa says government is committed to create a market for cattle in the northern communal areas (NCA) by upgrading abattoirs at Outapi and Eenhana.

Mutorwa made these remarks during his visit to the Eenhana abattoir in the Ohangwena Region on Thursday to familiarise himself with the status of the abattoir.

He also visited the Outapi abattoir in the Omusati Region on Wednesday.

The minister gave a final directive to permanent secretary Percy Msika and the relevant officials to ensure the completion of the construction on the two government facilities in the near future.

“The PS and responsible officials must ensure that the Outapi abattoir is fully operational by the end of 2017; and definitely not later than March 2018; in all respects and legally so,” Mutorwa said emphasising the urgency.

The construction of the Outapi abattoir commenced in February 2012 and was supposed to be completed in January 2013. Only 70% of the construction has been completed.

The outstanding work relates to the construction of the storm water channel.

Consultant Anton Fourie from Burmeister and Partners Consulting Engineers told Mutorwa the construction of the Eenhana abattoir is 98% complete, with only a few defects on the structure needing tending to.

Fourie indicated that the few adjustments needed at the Eenhana abattoir would be completed within a two-month period after which the project, which started in 2013, will be declared complete.

He explained that the two projects could not be completed on time due to delays caused by the contractors who are struggling to have the works done, with some citing a lack of capacity and asking to be relieved from the projects.

“I cannot disclose the names of the companies now, because they need to be protected,” the consultant said when asked to name those contractors.

According to 2011, in estimates by the Directorate of Veterinary Services, there were about 1.6 million cattle in the NCA at the time, but they remain without access to a formal market since the closure of the Oshakati and Katima Mulilo abattoirs, which were operated by Meatco, early last year due to high operating costs.

Government, in August this year, announced plans to reopen the two abattoirs by November this year.

NAMPA

Giant of Kunene laid to rest

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Giant of Kunene laid to restGiant of Kunene laid to restMuharukua described as stalwart for marginalised The late governor of the Kunene Region was revered for her passion towards education and her commitment to her people. A variety of speakers at the memorial service and burial of the late Kunene governor Angelika Kazetjindire Muharukua, described her as a “mother to many in the region who dedicated her life in improving the general welfare of the marginalised people of her area”.

President Hage Geingob, Prime Minister Saara Kuungongelwa-Amadhila, former President Hifikepunye Pohamba, chief Hikuminue Kapika of the Kapika Royal House, various cabinet ministers and dignitaries, over the weekend, joined scores of mourners who gathered at Okatjetje village on the outskirts of Opuwo and the Newman Katuta Stadium to pay homage to Muharukua before bidding farewell to her at Okozongondjoza village.

The director of proceedings, the former deputy prime minister, Libertina Amathila, described the late Muharukua as a unique individual and the only national leader from the OvaHimba community who dedicated her life fighting for the improvement of the marginalised communities.

The Kunene Regional Council chairperson Jurius Kaujova concurred and told Namibian Sun that during her time as a governor, Muharukua visited many different communities in her region where she recommended a number of young people for admission to tertiary institutions of education.

“She believed that the Kunene Region is underdeveloped because many people are not educated. She believed in education and was always encouraging community members to take education seriously,” Kaujova said.

The senior headman of Otjuurunga district, Hinamupe Kovita Ngorera, also told Namibian Sun Muharukua worked tirelessly for the unification of the OvaHimba and the entire region.

“She was uneducated, but the way she interacted with us in the communities was better than anyone with a degree could have done. She was our advisor, and every time she came to see us, she urged us to encourage people in our communities to send their children to school and make sure they receive a quality education so that they can develop their communities,” Ngorera said.

President Geingob said the late Muharukua was blessed with the gifts of selflessness and courage, which are some of the core tenets of effective leadership.

He said the “key characteristics of a good leader include the ability to convey a sense of purpose in a selfless manner, and the ability to lead from the front, displaying robust moral and physical courage”.

“These are but a few of the exemplary character traits that made our brave daughter of the soil an outstanding leader. She was a stalwart in her own right, who never shied away from communicating the fears, desires and needs of impoverished people. She was the voice of the voiceless and took up the fight for those who did not have the means to fight,” Geingob said.

He added that in the context of gender equality and the equal participation of women in society, Muharukua was among the prominent torch bearers for female empowerment.

Through her tireless work within the Kunene Region and beyond, she exemplified the important role that our women play in the process of nation building.

Muharukua died in Windhoek on 1 October 2017 from a suspected heart attack.

Geingob accorded her heroine status and suggested she be buried at Heroe's Acre, but the family announced that before her death Muharukua had indicated that she wanted to be buried at her home village of Okozongondjoza, next to her father.



Dedicated

Ngorera said that the rank and file of Namibia has lost a dedicated leader who will never be replaced.

Muharukua was appointed governor of the Kunene Region in 2015. As a Swapo member, she previously served as the deputy minister of gender equality and child welfare.

Her husband, Kenatjironga Festus Muharukua, 64, died in a horrific accident when his vehicle was swept away by a flooded river some 20km from Opuwo in 2015.

She is survived by two brothers and one sister.



ILENI NANDJATO

Two die in crash after governor's burial

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Two die in crash after governor's burialTwo die in crash after governor's burial A bakkie that was carrying 12 occupants travelling from Okozongondjoza village where the funeral of the late Angelika Muharukkua took place, overturned claiming the life of two occupants

The accident occurred on the Epupa gravel road on Saturday.

The police's regional commander for Kunene Commissioner James Nderura confirmed the accident.

He said the deceased are Uarotua Tjiposa, age unknown and Ndjetee Bensen Ngahorekue Kakuva, 40.

Nderura said the driver of the bakkie Kaningire Kavari and two other occupants sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the Oshakati Intermediate Hospital. Four other occupants were admitted to the Opuwo District Hospital, while three occupants were treated in the Opuwo hospital with minor injuries and released the same day.

In a separate incident an 11-year old boy was last week sodomised by two other minor boys in Onayena while he was on his way to school.

According to the police, the two male suspects are aged 13 and 17. The incident took place between 15 and 17 October at Onathinge village in the Oshigambo area where the 11-year-old boy walked on his way to school. The suspects are known but not yet arrested.

Another rape was reported at Gochas between September and October this year at Gomxab-naus location.

According to the police a 16-year-old girl was raped by a 21-year-old male suspect. The suspect has been arrested.

ILENI NANDJATO

SME Bank to hear fate in November

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SME Bank to hear fate in NovemberSME Bank to hear fate in November High Court Judge Hannelie Prinsloo has reserved judgement in the liquidation matter of the SME Bank until 29 November.

Last week, Advocate Anthony Bishop, instructed by Sisa Namandje, delivered his arguments on behalf of his clients, the two Zimbabwean minority shareholders, the Metropolitan Bank of Zimbabwe and World Eagle Properties.

The application to finally liquidate the now bankrupt SME Bank was brought by the Bank of Namibia against the government, the Namibia Financing Trust, the Metropolitan Bank of Zimbabwe, World Eagle Properties, and the ministers of finance and industrialisation. The central bank during March, took control of the SME Bank after it came to light that N$174 million was lost in an investment made in South Africa.

Bishop told the court that the application by the central bank did not comply with certain provisions of the companies and banking acts and that the provisional order of liquidation was not published. Bishop asked the court to set aside the provisional order which was made on 11 July of this year.

Furthermore, he said that due procedures were not followed in the appointment of the two liquidators, Ian McLaren en David Bruni. According to Bishop, the two have no experience in the banking industry and added that the central bank prevented them from appointing an expert to take control of the SME Bank.

He continued by saying the bank was set up with the sole mandate of uplifting the people of Namibia and that it would be unconstitutional to liquidate the institution. He said the bank should have been given an opportunity to repair its financial position but this was not done. In his view, the loss of the N$174 million was not enough justification for the Bank of Namibia to take control of the SME Bank.

Bishop continued by saying that the fact that SME Bank had 18 000 account holders is proof that it could enter the commercial banking market and added that the depositor has been left in the lurch. He added that there is no evidence that the central bank took any steps to recapitalise the SME Bank and get it up and runnin again.

Advocate Andrew Corbett (SC), instructed by Advocate Deon Obbes had argued for their client, the Bank of Namibia, that the SME Bank was not able to recover its N$174 million from South Africa and said that since the provisional liquidation order, nothing had changed in the bank's financial position.

In response to Bishop's statement that the SME Bank was an instrument for the upliftment of the Namibian people, Corbett said it had become an “enormous loss” of taxpayers' money. He described the collapse of the bank as a catastrophe, “the greatest fiasco of an institution since independence”. He told the court that total chaos and mass withdrawals of money from account holders would follow if the bank were ever to open its doors again – which would not be to the benefit of the shareholders.

“The hope to revive the SME Bank is based on incorrect points of departure,” Corbett said.

In May this year, the central bank informed the SME Bank that a capital injection of roughly N$359 million would be needed to bring the bank's accounts back into the black. The government, a 65% shareholder in the bank and which has invested more than N$450 million into the bank, has indicated that it will not rescue the institution again and that the central bank must complete the process of final closure.



JACQUELINE LOUW

I'll fix Swapo – Nahas

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I'll fix Swapo – NahasI'll fix Swapo – NahasMakes presidential campaign values clear The former prime minister, who was recently nominated to lead the party, says unemployment and poverty was still rife in the country. Swapo is yet to fulfil its mandate of liberating Namibians from high levels of inequality, poverty and unemployment, says presidential hopeful Nahas Angula.

The former prime minister is contesting the top leadership post at next month's congress along with acting party president Hage Geingob and veteran politician Jerry Ekandjo. Angula last Friday placed a full-page advertorial in a local daily in which he bemoaned the failure of the party in addressing social injustices in the country.

“The ethos of solidarity, social justice and progress have not been fully translated into actionable programmes to inspire the workers, women, peasants, youth and the intelligentsia to define their roles in the struggle for socio-economic transformation for the benefit of all,” said Angula.

The 74-year-old added the ruling party must engage the youth and give them hope for a better future.

“The youth are found with a multiple of challenges, being unemployment, unavailability of affordable housing, lack of empowerment opportunities, a lack of support of entrepreneurial inactivates, the HIV/Aids pandemic, and many other social challenges,” he stated.

According to Angula, students need assured financial assistance to enable them to pursue their studies locally and abroad.

“This fund (Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund) was to be managed in the manner that it should be independent and prudential. Today, this fund needs to be re-vitalised in order to meet the needs of students,” he stated.

This is not the first time that Angula is contesting the leadership of the ruling party. In 2004 he lost out in the first round during a tense showdown, which included the late Hidipo Hamutenya and former president Hifikepunye Pohamba, who was the eventual winner.

Angula, who is considered as a pioneer of Namibia's education, also served as defence minister during the previous regime under Pohamba before his retirement in 2015.



'Big joke'

Meanwhile, local commentators have taken issue with Angula's campaign message, which they labelled as a “big joke”, especially considering the fact that he was part of the Swapo leadership for the last 27 years.

“Although he is good at articulating himself in newspapers and such, I cannot excuse Angula from the current economic situation that we find ourselves in. He was part of this government and for him to say this, is just gimmick,” said Omu Kakujaha-Matundu.

He said the big question is how Angula - who served as education minister at some point - improved people's lives through his service in public office.

Political commentator Hoze Riruako said Angula must stop acting like an outsider and look at his track record as a pioneer of some of the Swapo government policies.

“In his time as education minister the education system saw a lot of transformations and it is very clear that his and his team's decision to replace it did not yield the necessary results. In a way he could be blamed for implementing a system that is producing a lot of students that are no performing well,” he said.

Riruako further questioned why Angula who has been part and parcel of the party since his youth now come out and say it has failed.

“How does Angula vindicate himself from the said failures of Swapo if he was part of the government for such a long time? Why would he be able to make a difference now in his old-age at a time when the party need the vigour of a youthful leader?” he asked.



JEMIMA BEUKES

Katima demolitions going to court

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Katima demolitions going to courtKatima demolitions going to courtNow homeless residents seek compensation Residents who have lost their homes at Katima Mulilo during the demolitions almost a month ago, are seeking compensation in the Namibian courts. The Katima Mulilo Town Council will soon have to explain itself in a court of law as disgruntled and now homeless residents say the council was on the wrong side of the law after it demolished several homes almost a month ago.

The town council, on 28 September, with the assistance of the police, ordered the demolitions of “illegal structures erected on municipal land”, leaving many families homeless and some injured.

The demolitions were halted after human rights law firm Norman Tjombe and Elago threatened to get a High Court interdict to compel them to halt demolitions.

Tjombe on Friday confirmed that they are still heading to court on behalf of the entire affected community to demand compensation from the council.

“They must compensate residents or they will have to restore or rebuild their properties,” said Tjombe.

The attorney-general Sacky Shanghala recently told parliament that demolishing homes is not wrong per se, but that it is wrong to do so without notifying people.

The town council demolished the homes of what they called “land grabbers” but did so without a court order.

Meanwhile, Induna Lutambo Kalima, the senior headman in the Mafwe Traditional Authority, told Namibian Sun that the land in question belongs to the traditional authority and not the council.

According to Kalima, the town council had put in place town boundaries without the permission of the traditional authority.

“They have never asked for the land. In fact, when they demolished people's homes they did not even notify the traditional authority. Even my village was taken and included without permission,” he said.

However, the acting CEO of the council Patrick Mulungwe said this is not the case and that boundaries have been solidly in place since the town was proclaimed in 1998.

He also confirmed that the council has received “numerous letters from lawyers” regarding the demolitions.

“We are looking at that and we are also engaging our lawyers,” he said.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Oranjemund open for all

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Oranjemund open for allOranjemund open for all Moments after the gates to Oranjemund's Swartkop gate control post were opened by works minister Alpheus !Naruseb along with Henry Coetzee, the mayor of the town, Tony Bessinger, head of Namdeb's transformation committee and Wayne Handley from the environment ministry, removed the boom gates from their posts where they controlled access to the town for 81 years.

On Saturday, the town was formally opened after it was first established in 1935.

“This is a very emotional event for all of us in Oranjemund,” Bessinger said. “I have lived here for more than 30 years and this is truly a historic moment.

“When I arrived here in 1985, I would have never thought that we would come to this day when our town would be opened up to the world. But, here we are and I believe this is the best decision not only for residents of Oranjemund, but for Namibia as a whole.”

There were fears that the town, established in 1935 for the workers at the diamond mine, would change irrevocably. The town has an other-worldly feel, almost as though it was held in a time capsule since the 1940s.

According to Coetzee, the transformation of the town was a difficult process.

“It was not easy, especially if you take into consideration the transformation of a town that is almost 100 years old,” he said.

“During the process, there were all kinds of emotional reactions from residents who have lived here for years and of course, that is a natural response to such a major change. But, thanks to the commitment, passion and skills of those driving the transition, everything went smoothly and we are so excited about a future full of advances and change,” he added.

On Saturday, the town was a hive of activity. The historic event was attended by many, the young and old of Oranjemund, investors, both foreign and local, and visitors from across the country, as well as some who are looking at settling in the southern town.

“It was high time that Oranjemund was opened to all. The free movement of people and goods, as stipulated in the constitution, offers the public an opportunity to conduct business in an open market. Furthermore, this opens the doors to those who want to invest in Oranjemund,” works minister Alpheus !Naruseb said.

“Oranjemund's transformation has begun and we urge you to work together to make this town the type of place that other proclaimed towns in the country will look up to.”

The opening of Oranjemund as a public place was commemorated with a plaque as well as an advertising billboard for the town's 2030 agenda. The main road was also renamed to Dr Hage Geingob Road and furthermore, the ground breaking ceremony for the new N$130-million Riverside Mall from the Safland Group, was also done.

On Friday, the new 98-kilometre tarred road to the town was officially opened making access to Oranjemund easy. Sacky Shanghala, patron of the town's 2030 agenda, said that the new road will aid in the economic growth of the town making it easy for visitors, tourists and investors to reach it.

Yochanaan Coetzee

Team Hage 'hijacks' funeral

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Team Hage 'hijacks' funeralTeam Hage 'hijacks' funeralKunene throws weight behind Geingob Swapo politicians took their campaign to the Kunene Region at the weekend where the hero's funeral of the late governor Angelika Muharukua was held. The funeral of the late Kunene governor Angelika Muharukua was virtually turned into a political campaign with President Hage Geingob supporters seizing the opportunity to market their preferred candidates ahead of the Swapo elective congress.

Kunene Regional Council chairperson Julius Kaujova informed mourners during the Friday memorial service that the late governor had pleaded with the regional leadership to rally behind Geingob for the Swapo presidency.

“Before she died, the late urged us as the Swapo party regional body to support President Geingob and his team at the upcoming congress.

“The late Muharukua was close to President Geingob. She was a loyal supporter of the president and we are happy that he accorded her a hero's funeral,” Kaujova said.

Kaujova, who is also the Swapo regional treasurer, delivered Muharukua's eulogy at the memorial service. After the memorial service a late meeting was also organised and attended by the regional leadership as well as Geingob supporters at Opuwo.

Those who attended the meeting included education minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa, energy minister Obeth Kandjoze, deputy finance minister Natangwe Ithete, businessman Tobie Aupindi and

//Karas Swapo coordinator Mathew Mumbala.

The regional leadership used the platform to announce their support for Geingob for the Swapo presidency.

Another meeting was also held immediately after the burial of the governor where Geingob presented his slate of candidates for the other top three positions.

According to Kaujova, the meeting was called to “strategise” on the congress and only Geingob supporters attended.

Geingob's slate includes vice-president candidate Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Sophia Shaningwa (secretary-general) and Marco Hausiku for deputy secretary-general.

Geingob will battle it out for the Swapo presidency along with veteran politicians Jerry Ekandjo and Nahas Angula, while Helmut Angula and Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana are the other candidates for the vice-presidency.





Oshikoto regional coordinator Armas Amukwiyu will stand for the secretary-general position, while businesswoman Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun and former health deputy minister Petrina Haingura will also contest the deputy secretary-general position.

Amukwiyu who also attended Muharukua's funeral said the Saturday meeting was organised by Geingob supporters and they were not welcomed.

Swapo Kunene's coordinator Tuarungua Kavari said the regional executive has resolved to pronounce itself on their choice of candidates following the nominations during the recent politburo and central committee meetings.

“As the party regional coordinator, I am announcing that we are supporting President Hage Geingob as the party president,” said Kavari. “We are explicitly in support of President Geingob, Nandi-Ndaitwah, Shaningwa and Hausiku.

These are visionary leaders and we believe they are loyal, dedicated, committed and selfless.

They have proven themselves over the past time. We therefore reject any undertones in any leadership slate that smack of tribalism, ethnicity, chauvinism, regionalism, entitlement and greed and corruption,” he said.



ILENI NANDJATO

Namibians biggest boozers in Africa

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Namibians biggest boozers in AfricaNamibians biggest boozers in Africa Namibians are the heaviest alcohol drinkers on the continent, and 18th in the world according to the World Health Organisation.

The report is based on per capita alcohol consumption figures taken between 2000 and 2016.





The report indicates that Namibians now consume 11.8 litres of pure alcohol per person a year.

This is up from 7.84 litres last year. Namibians are tied at the top with Uganda, while Equatorial Guinea and Rwanda are ranked third and fourth respectively. South Africa came in at fifth with 11.2 litres per person per year.

The WHO rated 186 countries based on their alcohol consumption. Last year, Namibia ranked 52 globally and fifth in Africa. Beer remains the number one choice of drink in the country.

Data compiled by the WHO's alcohol per capita consumption table indicated that Namibians consumed 7.84 litres per person a year. The total consumption of alcohol per person had increased from 5.73 to 7.84 litres since 2000 to 2011.

During that same period Namibians consumed less wine with the consumption dropping from 0.88 to 0.06 litres per person. Beer had, however, increased from 3.60 to 7.30 litres in that period and spirits increased from 0.21 to 0.80 litres per person.

Namibia's top exported product last year was beer made from malt to the value of US$60 million, while the third highest imported product for Namibia was alcohol of less than 80% volume to the value of US$47 million.

Wine of fresh grapes was Namibia's fifth biggest imported product to the value of US$40 million.

This year the highest consumers of alcohol in the world are Lithuanians who consume 18.2 litres per person per year, while Belarus is the second largest alcohol consumer in the world with 16.4 litres per person a year.

Mauritius and Libya have the lowest alcohol consumption in the world with 0.1 litres per person per year. According to the report Namibia has a wide breakdown of favourite drinks, but beer carries the most weight with 67% of alcohol consumption. Spirits make up 20%, wine makes up 7% and “others” are at 6%.





ELLANIE SMIT

Corruption - A social disease (Part 121): Reducing excessive executive power

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Corruption - A social disease (Part 121): Reducing excessive executive powerCorruption - A social disease (Part 121): Reducing excessive executive power Johan Coetzee - Namibia has an executive presidential system based on the United States of America’s (USA) presidential system.

Our president has much more power than America’s or South Africa’s president. Such excessive power can be abused because "power corrupts and absolute power corrupts totally", as has been proven over centuries.

Increasing executive power at the expense of legislative and judicial power is a global trend. Governments interfere increasingly in the individual rights of citizens in the name of national security to "protect" citizens from so called conspiracies and terrorism. Conspiracies and terrorism is also a smokescreen to spy on citizens and to control their movements as is the case in the USA, China and Russia.

Reducing excessive executive power is critical to reduce opportunities for corruption. If citizen and voters’ support are swinging towards political parties that are politically committed to reduce corruption, a critical mass could be able to challenge the abuse of excessive executive power.

Such excessive powers in Namibia include the appointment of several high ranking officials by the President, e.g. the Chief of the Defence Force and Police, the Attorney General and Prosecutor General, the Ombudsman, the Director General of the Anti-Corruption Commission and National Planning Commission, all members of the Public Service Commission, all judges of the High and Supreme Court, all Regional Governors (previously elected by Regional Councils) and eight Members of Parliament.

CENTRALISATION VS DECENTRALISATION

Since Independence we have seen an increase in the centralisation of power (and an increase in the domination of the legislative and judiciary by the executive) that is in stark contrast with the decentralisation policy and the required delegation of financial and administrative authority to the 14 regions.

All Presidential appointments should be parliamentary appointments to prevent abuse of power. Another constitutional change should be that after presidential commissions have submitted their reports to the President he/she must within a reasonable time, e.g. two months, release it for parliamentary and public consumption and assessment.

The Constitution should be amended so that the President is not above the law during his/her term in office, but can be prosecuted for criminal offences as is the case in the Republic of South Africa.

The message should be clear: no person or institution should have absolute or excessive and/or unchecked powers that can be abused and/or condoned. Preventing opportunities for corruption is better than dealing with its destructive consequences.

Creating an accountable executive system with checks and balances where no position and/or institution has absolute power is essential to prevent corruption.

References

Coetzee, J.J. (2012). Systemic corruption and corrective change management strategies: A study of the co-producers of systemic corruption and its negative impact on socio-economic development. Unpublished PhD dissertation. Stellenbosch: University of Stellenbosch.

jcoetzee@nust.na

AFRICA IN BRIEF

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AFRICA IN BRIEFAFRICA IN BRIEF Zuma ally replaced as head of national airline

South Africa's government has named Johannes Bhekumuzi Magwaza as chairman of loss-making state-owned airline South African Airways (SAA), replacing Dudu Myeni, who was an ally of President Jacob Zuma, the finance minister said. In all six board members were replaced, Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba said in a statement without giving reasons for the clear-out, but adding that the new board brings "in-depth knowledge of business in both the private and public sectors".

The national carrier received state funds to repay loans in September and has been given until the end of October to settle 5 billion rand ($374 million) of maturing debt to domestic lenders. – Nampa/Reuters

Kenya's shilling under pressure due to election jitters

Kenya's shilling weakened yesterday due to concerns about a repeat presidential election on October 26, which has been plagued with uncertainty.

At 08:11 GMT, commercial banks quoted the shilling at 103.50/60 to the dollar, compared with Wednesday's close of 103.45/55. The central bank pumped in dollars on Wednesday after the shilling came under heavy pressure. – Nampa/Reuters

Lewis Group taps into high-end market

South African furniture and electrical appliances retailer Lewis Group yesterday announced the acquisition of United Furniture Outlets (UFO), a cash retailer of luxury household furniture to the higher income market, for R320 million.

UFO is one of the larger independent furniture retailers in the country and sells local and imported household furniture including lounge, bedroom and dining room ranges.

It was established in 2004 and has a retail footprint of 30 stores. More than half the outlets are located in Gauteng, including its flagship 5,000 m² mega-store in Marlboro, Sandton. – Nampa/ANA

Business outlook remains negative

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Business outlook remains negativeBusiness outlook remains negativeLess loans for private sector and individuals Continued economic contraction keeps Namibian businesses and citizens in a tight grip, with few signs of a change for the positive. Copper and gold prices have seen continued gains.IJG Business Climate Monitor STAFF REPORTER

The IJG Business Climate Monitor has dropped to a historic low last witnessed in December 2003, the latest data from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) shows.

After a slight increase seen in July, the IJG Business Climate Monitor fell by 1.08 points in August 2017.

According to the IPPR, at 44.35 points, the index is now at its lowest level since December 2003.

“The index has been below the 50-point level that indicates economic contraction for the entirety of 2017 so far, seeing declines in six of the eight months recorded. Conversely, a recovery of just over two points has been recorded for the leading indicator,” the IPPR said.

Of the 31 indicators measured by the index, 15 expanded in August while 16 contracted.

The mining sector continued to show recoveries as reflected in commodity prices. This was offset by gains the rand had made.

“Although uranium prices saw a slight increase (0.5%), an appreciation in the rand meant that the industry remains under pressure. Copper and gold prices, meanwhile, have seen continued gains (6.6% and 4.1% respectively) which offset the impact of the stronger rand. August saw a significant slowdown in credit extended to the private sector,” the IPPR said.

Consumers responded to an interest-rate cut by opting to pay off their debts.

“The month-on-month contraction seen in credit extended to individuals shows that households preferred to pay back debt despite the lending rate being cut midway through the month,” the IPPR said.

Vehicle sales also continued to contract. “As most vehicles are financed through instalment credit, this contraction feeds through to vehicle sales which fell by around 20% both on a year-on-year and month-on-month basis,” the IPPR said.

The agricultural sector showed strong recovery, surpassing 2016 figures in terms of cattle marketed.

“A new high of 52 789 cattle were marketed in August, with total sales in 2017 so far having already exceeded the total for 2016. Not only is this a concern for remaining domestic stock levels after the drought, but 80% of these were exported live to South Africa without any local downstream value addition taking place in Namibia,” the IPPR said.

NSX celebrates 25 years

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NSX celebrates 25 yearsNSX celebrates 25 yearsRemains second largest in Africa Market capitalisation of the local exhange grew with by leaps and bounds over the past quarter of a century. In 1992 the Namibian Stock Exhange opened for business with only one stockbroker.NSX statement The Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX) yesterday marked its 25th anniversary, which will celebrate its achievements since its formation on 30 September 1992.

According to a media statement issued on Wednesday, the NSX launched with four companies listed and a market cap of N$8,6 billion.

Throughout the years, the stock exchange has grown significantly and is known to be the second largest stock exchange by market cap in Africa.

Market capitalisation, also known as “market cap”, refers to the total dollar market value of a company's outstanding shares – the company’s stock held by shareholders.

The NSX is now home to 43 companies with a market cap of N$1,844 trillion, the statement noted.

Trading began the day after formation in the shares of Nictus, a local firm already listed in Johannesburg, and on that day dual-listed in Namibia. At that stage there was only one stockbroker, who also acted as consultant.

Currently, the NSX has four stockbrokers and twice a year it sets examinations for new stockbrokers.

“The NSX has pioneered the NamCode which have been very positively received by private, public and government sectors,” said the statement.

Most popular amongst its programmes is the NSX/FLI Scholars Investment Challenge, which was started in 1997.

The competition was started with the aim of promoting awareness amongst learners and the general public on the role and operations of the Namibian capital market, whilst aiming to encourage broad-based participation by the public.

It is a virtual share trading competition held on the pretence that teams are allocated an amount of N$500 000 to buy and sell shares listed on the stock exchange. - Nampa

WORLD IN BRIEF

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WORLD IN BRIEFWORLD IN BRIEF Hurricanes push down United's 3Q profit

United Airlines' third-quarter profit fell by one-third as the carrier was rocked by hurricanes that hit its hub in Houston and other airports.

A key revenue measure indicated that United is also paying for a brutal fare war with budget Spirit Airlines, a fight that is expected to drag down average prices again in the fourth quarter.

United said Wednesday it canceled 8,300 flights in the quarter.

The hurricanes accounted for one-third of the reduction in United's pretax income, or about $185 million. – Nampa/AP

Forecast brightens for SAP as cloud rolls in

German software group SAP raised its forecasts yesterday as it hailed a third quarter marked by continued strong growth in its cloud computing business.

Europe's biggest software maker reported a 37 percent increase in net profit to 993 million euros ($1.2 billion) in the period from July to September.

Revenue from the cloud shot up 22 percent to 937 million euros., but the division is still relatively small compared to SAP's traditional software licences and support services business, which added 1.0 percent to 3.7 billion euros. – Nampa/AFP

UK's Rank Group revenue buoyed by online

British casino operator Rank Group Plc yesterday said comparable group revenue for the 16

weeks to October 15 rose 2 percent on strong online growth.

The operator of Grosvenor casinos and Mecca bingo hall said digital channel revenue across these two businesses rose by 34 percent and 11 percent, respectively.

Expectations for the full year remain unchanged, Rank said. – Nampa/Reuters

Slow progress for Growth at Home

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Slow progress for Growth at HomeSlow progress for Growth at HomeHopes pinned on UNDP’s Empretec training programme The need to revise the previous business services support scheme came to light after none of the business plans produced gained approval from local commercial banks. Dr Michael HamuvinduDeputy PS in industrialisation ministry“The quality of our business advisors was not up to scratch.” Augetto Graig – Implementation of the Growth at Home strategy for economic development introduced in 2015 has seen some progress to date.

Ten sector growth strategies have been finalised and 10 industrial facilitators appointed to facilitate the work while the Namibia Trade Forum gets up to speed.

Deputy industrialisation permanent secretary Dr Michael Hamuvindu was the last-minute stand-in for the finance minister when he spoke at the annual general meeting of the Namibian Manufacturers Association yesterday morning, and chose the occasion to present an update on progress made with the implementation of the government’s Growth at Home strategy.

Other milestones reached include the finalisation of a monitoring tool for the evaluation of progress made implementing the strategy. Once ministerial approval is attained, this tool will result in the publishing of progress reports on a quarterly bases, according to Hamuvindu. According to him this is key to efforts to integrate fragmented support schemes for business development currently scattered throughout various ministries, offices and government agencies.

Government has, in principle, decided to follow the example of Ghana and other African countries in implementing the UNDP franchise Empretec programme for training potential entrepreneurs. This flagship programme focuses on teaching behavioural aspects of entrepreneurship proven to be more impactful than previous approaches which focused on knowledge and skills only.

Most attractive is that Empretec in Ghana has become a self-sustaining entity independent of the government budget, which is why Ghanaian experts will be brought in to guide the first six months of implementation and to train Namibian trainers for the future, he said. Final approval is expected in due time after the relevant cabinet committee has satisfied itself that this is the best option, he said.

The need to revise the previous business services support scheme came to light after none of the business plans produced gained approval from local commercial banks. “The quality of our business advisors was not up to scratch,” he said.

According to Hamuvindu, no one can deny that Namibia has the skills to provide quality business development advice and skills but, “the evidence is clear. Since 2009, we have been contracting consultants and advisors but there has been a low acceptance rate of business plans from commercial banks.” He says that efforts have been hampered by, “low- and medium-skilled Namibians plying their skills,” in this field for the government.

Slow progress has also been made in efforts to set up the Namibia Industrial Development Agency (NIDA). NIDA will be a merger of the controversial Offshore Development Agency (ODC) and equally contentious Namibia Development Corporation after the establishment of the agency was approved by parliament last year, he said. Hamuvindu is hopeful this will be achieved by March 2018.

The agency will focus on industrial infrastructure development and also equity development finance, he said. Government-owned industrial land will be leveraged to optimise the agency’s balance sheet and limit its reliance on government coffers.

Meanwhile, efforts are also focused on large-scale legacy projects such as the Kavango cattle ranch where meat processing facilities and a small private game reserve, as well as fodder production facilities are to be set up. In line with the new public private partnership (PPP) law, advertising for private operators will take place in due course, he explained. “Also, the establishment of the northern tannery is being moved to the site that the Ondangwa Town Council has given us,” he said.

In the south, government hopes to establish a swakara wool processing plant, while another big project is a pharmaceutical plant. Progress has been made with the Brakwater industrial park which should open by end of November. Other projects include a garment factory for Keetmanshoop, a handicraft hub for Rundu and a charcoal factory for Otjiwarongo in which the Japanese have shown interest, he said.

Manufacturers again warn against NEEEF

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Manufacturers again warn against NEEEFManufacturers again warn against NEEEFHigh growth required for upliftment The Namibia Manufacturers Association says the government should listen to them on issues related to public procurement and black empowerment. Brian BlackChairperson, NMATo successfully address the issue of transformation and the reduction of inequality on a sustainable basis, a high growth economic environment is not a nice to have, but a key success factor. OGONE TLHAGE

The chairperson of the Namibia Manufacturers Association (NMA), Brian Black, believes that unless consistently high growth of more than 8% is achieved, the proposed New Equitable Economic Empowerment Framework (NEEEF) should only be implemented on a voluntary basis.

He was speaking at the NMA’s annual general meeting held in Windhoek yesterday.

According to Black, NEEEF contradicts the Harambee Prosperity Plan and the recently introduced fifth National Development Plan.

“I am satisfied that the NMA’s position on this piece of legislation is well known to the government. Suffice to say this piece of legislation not only contradicts the Harambee and NDP5 goals, but it also overlooks a number of Namibian realities, including the skills of previously disadvantaged individuals (PDIs),” Black said.

According to him, there are not nearly enough skilled individuals in the country.

A high growth rate, and not structural reforms in the guise of NEEEF, is therefore necessary to redress inequality.

“For any economy to successfully address the issue of transformation and the reduction of inequality on a sustainable basis, a high growth economic environment is not a nice to have, but a key success factor,” Black said.

“Unless we can achieve consistent economic growth which is greater than 8% per annum, government will be advised to implement a NEEEF which is voluntary and sector based,” Black said.

Black was also not happy that the NMA was not consulted in the drafting of the recently introduced Public Procurement Bill.

“We note with disappointment that our call for private sector representation was totally ignored,” Black said.

According to him, procurement practices employed by the government would remain susceptible to corruption.

“We also remain concerned with preferential procurement policies which are aimed at creating entrepreneurs as this practice continues to create ... a loophole for corruption,” he said.

Black said this would stifle competition in the marketplace for the provision of goods and services to the government.

“Fair competition is only possible when government sources and procures goods and services based on quality of product or service or price,” Black said.

Thomas wins drama-filled CJ Cup

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Thomas wins drama-filled CJ CupThomas wins drama-filled CJ Cup Justin Thomas holed a two-foot birdie putt at the second sudden-death playoff hole Sunday to beat Marc Leishman and win a US PGA Tour title in Asia for the third time.

The pair had finished 72 holes at the CJ Cup in South Korea locked at nine-under par, after both missed eagle putts on the 18th hole of a windswept final round of wildly fluctuating fortunes.

Both parred the 18th on their first playoff visit, though Leishman was fortunate to get away with an errant drive and benefit from two free drops: first from behind a wall and then from a service road.

But the burly Australian's luck ran out second time round as his three wood approach carved off on the swirling winds into the water surrounding the island green.

American Thomas then ripped his three wood unerringly to the front fringe of the putting surface and ran a putt to two feet from the flag.

It proved enough as Leishman took a bogey six and Thomas tapped in for the birdie to seal the US$1.665 million winner's cheque.

The supremely consistent 23-year-old American will advance to world number three with the win.

It was his sixth victory of a breakout year since winning the CIMB Classic in Malaysia for the second time exactly 12 months ago.

NAMPA/AFP

Gassiev knocks out Wlodarczyk

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Gassiev knocks out WlodarczykGassiev knocks out WlodarczykKeeps IBF cruiserweight crown Gassiev followed a left uppercut to the head with a brutal left hook to the body that put the two-time world champion from Poland down for the count at 1:57 of the third round. Undefeated Russian Murat Gassiev retained his International Boxing Federation cruiserweight world title Saturday with a spectacular third-round knockout of Krzysztof Wlodarczyk Newark, New Jersey.

“I had a great chance and I used it,” said Gassiev, who was making his first defense of the title he took in December with a split-decision victory over Russian southpaw Denis Lebedev in Moscow.

The bout was a quarter-final of the World Boxing Super Series tournament, and with the victory Gassiev who improved to 25-0 with 18 knockouts set up a semi-final against unbeaten World Boxing Association champion Yunier Dorticos of Cuba.

Dorticos was on hand for the bout, and came into the ring when it was over, his own belt draped over his shoulder.

“I really wanted Gassiev to win, because he's going to taste the power of a real man against me,” Dorticos said. “His opponent tonight was past his time. I'm ready to show him what a champion looks like and give him a challenge he's never faced before. I want to take his belt. I want to get in the ring and destroy Gassiev.”

In other world title fight action Stateside on Saturday, unbeaten featherweight Alberto Machado of Puerto Rico scored an eighth-round knockout of Jezreel Corrales to claim the World Boxing Association super featherweight belt.

Panama's Corrales had lost the title on the scale on Friday when he failed to make weight for the bout.

He was ineligible to regain it on Saturday, but that proved moot as Machado recovered from a fifth-round knockdown to seize the title, improving to 19-0 with 16 knockouts.

Machado came back from the knockdown to hurt Corrales in the sixth and in the eighth he produced a combination that knocked out the Panamanian at 2:15 of the round.

NAMPA/AFP
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