Marquez extends motorcycling lead

October 22, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Marquez extends motorcycling lead Marc Marquez extended his world championship lead with a commanding victory in the Australian MotoGP at Phillip Island on Sunday.

Marquez fought off a group of riders to clear out and win the race by 1.799 seconds from Valentino Rossi and Maverick Vinales.

The victory extended Marquez's lead on the world standings to 33 points over Andrea Dovizioso with two races remaining in Malaysia and Spain.

It was the 24-year-old Spaniard's 35th MotoGP win from 88 starts after he claimed his 44th premier class pole on Saturday.

Dovizioso struggled to keep up with the main pack and finished 13th.

It was Marquez's sixth win of the season and he was starting off the pole for the fourth successive year in Australia.

It was the second MotoGP win for Marquez at Phillip Island after his victory in 2015, while he has crashed out twice when leading the race.

Marquez took charge of the race seven laps from the chequered flag and steadily pulled away from the pack, leaving Rossi, Vinales and Johann Zarco to fight for the other podium places.

Vinales dived past Frenchman Zarco in the home straight to snatch third place.

His team-mate Rossi, who has six wins in the premier class at Phillip Island, used all of his experience to take the runner-up spot.

The legendary Italian only resumed racing last month just three weeks after double leg fracture surgery.

NAMPA/AFP

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Australian car making ending with GM plant closing

October 22, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Australian car making ending with GM plant closingEra over after 90 years GM Holden Ltd. is the last of an array of carmakers that once included Ford, Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Chrysler and Leyland to abandon Australia in recent decades. We're losing an icon and that is a tragedy. - Nick Champion, Labour Party lawmaker ROD McGUIRK - The Australian auto manufacturing era ended after more than 90 years when General Motors Co.'s last Holden sedan rolled off the production line in the industrial city of Adelaide on Friday.

The nation has already begun mourning the demise of a home-grown industry in an increasing crowded and changing global car market.

GM Holden Ltd. is the last of an array of carmakers that once included Ford, Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Chrysler and Leyland to abandon Australia in recent decades.

With the Holden plant's shutdown after the last red Holden VF Commodore, a six-cylinder rear-wheel drive sedan, left its doors, 900 factory workers clocked off the last time.

Technical manager Peter Allison had been employed at the Holden factory for 19 years and had once expected to stay there for the rest of his working life.

"If we're not Holden fans, we're cars fans. Building cars is what we love," Allison said.

Thousands of jobs in businesses that have supplied components and accessories to Australian auto manufacturers are also at risk.

Generations

Though it's a subsidiary of a US automotive giant, Holden is an iconic Australian brand and has been a source of national pride for generations.

The name came from English immigrant James Alexander Holden, who arrived in Adelaide as a 17-year-old in 1852 and set up a saddlery business.

The family business evolved from horses and buggies when the automobile age arrived. In 1931 GM bought what was then called Holden's Motor Body Builders. Such was the brand recognition that the Detroit headquarters decided to keep the Holden name.

The first mass-production model of the brand that became known as "Australia's own car," the FX Holden, was built in 1948. A decade later, more than half the new cars registered in Australia were Holdens. The market was built on a reputation for cars engineered for rugged Australian conditions.

Reasons for demise

The reasons behind the demise of Australian auto manufacturing are numerous.

The first Holden cars were built in an era of high Australian tariffs and preferential trade with former colonial master Britain, which encouraged global carmakers to set up local factories to increase market share.

Australian import tariffs have since tumbled through bilateral free trade deals with car manufacturing countries like the United States, Japan, China, South Korea, Thailand and Malaysia.

High wages and a relatively small population of 24 million people living far from large export markets denied the Australian industry economies of scale.

There were exports, including the V8 Holden Commodore that has sold in the United States since 2013 as the Chevrolet SS.

A decade of surplus federal budgets ended in Australia in 2008 with the global economic crisis. Car industry subsidies have since weighed heavily on the burgeoning budget deficits.

Uncompetitive

Holden, Ford and Toyota - the final three carmakers - announced their departures in 2013 when a mining boom made the Australian dollar for the first time stronger than the greenback. That made Australian-made cars increasingly uncompetitive.

Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull said a lack of government support was not to blame since the government had provided a total of 7 billion Australian dollars (US$5.5 billion) in subsidies to the industry since 2001.

"The manufacturers who have progressively closed their operations in Australia have made it clear it's not because of a failure of government subsidies," Turnbull said when Toyota closed its doors earlier this month.

"It's because of changes in market taste. People stopped buying the sedans that were being made in Australia, or stopped buying them in sufficient numbers to support the industry," he said.

Ford shut its Melbourne and Geelong plants a year ago after 91 years of Australian operations.

The opposition Labour Party accused "rightwing economic rationalists" within the government of "goading General Motors to leave Australia" but refusing to guarantee future subsidies.

"We're not just losing a car, we're not just losing an industrial capability. We're losing an icon and that is a tragedy," Labor lawmaker Nick Champion, who represents the Holden factory region, told reporters on Thursday. – Nampa/AP

Para-athletes rewarded for Rio 2016 medals

October 22, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Para-athletes rewarded for Rio 2016 medalsWindfall for Shikongo Shikongo won three medals in the T11, 100 metre (bronze), 200m (gold) and 400m (bronze) categories, while Nambala won two silvers in the T13, 100m and 400m races. Government, through the Namibia Sports Commission, on Friday rewarded athletes who won medals at the Paralympic Games in Brazil about a year ago, with money.

The medallists' guides and coaches also received monetary rewards.

Ananias Shikongo and Johannes Nambala won five medals overall to beat their all-time record of three medals since the Namibia National Paralympic Committee (NPC) joined the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in 1999.

Shikongo received N$50 000 for winning gold and N$20 000 for each of his bronze medals.

Runner guide Even Tjiviju received N$70 000 for helping Shikongo win gold and bronze medals in the 200m and 100m respectively, while another guide, Sem Shimanda who ran with Shikongo in the 400m, received N$20 000 for the bronze medal.

Nambala received N$60 000 for his two silver medals.

Coaches Michael Hamukwaya and Yvonne Perez each received N$15 000 for helping the athletes achieve what they did.

Addressing the media during the handing over of the cheques, deputy sports minister Agnes Tjongarero said they did not forget about the national heroes.

“I know it took long, but I have to thank you for being patient with us while we were looking for a solution to your issues,” she said, citing government's current financial constraints.

Tjongarero called on the athletes to do much more at future competitions if they are to be rewarded better according to the sports reward policy currently in its final stages of approval at the ministry.

She added that the right monetary prizes are contained in the reward policy which will be released before the end of the year.

Meanwhile, for the All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville in 2015, athletes received N$60 000 for a gold medal, N$40 000 (silver) and N$20 000 (bronze).

NAMPA

Woodwork foils Chiefs, Pirates

October 22, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Woodwork foils Chiefs, Pirates Arch Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates were foiled by the woodwork as they drew 0-0 Saturday in a predictable outcome to the South African Premiership clash.

It was the fourth consecutive league stalemate between the biggest football drawcards in the republic and the seventh draw in the last 11 Soweto derbies.

Clearcut chances were scarce before a 70 000 crowd at Soccer City stadium in Soweto and when goals seemed inevitable, the post and the crossbar intervened.

Chiefs centre-back Siyabonga Ngezana scored with a header off a free-kick on his debut last Tuesday in a 2-1 away win over recently deposed African champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

And the teenager came close to repeating the feat 29 minutes into the first half of the initial league clash between the teams this season.

He nodded a George Maluleka free-kick across the goal and past shot-stopper Wayne Sandilands only to see his effort rebound into play off the far post.

It was the turn of Pirates to almost end the deadlock 10 minutes after half-time when Thabo Qalinge volleyed a through ball past goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune only to rattle the bar.

“This was a very disappointing Soweto derby because there were so few clearcut scoring chances,” said SuperSport TV analyst and former national women's team star Amanda Dlamini.

“The teams were more intent on not losing the match than winning it. Defences were dominant, limiting the entertainment for the crowd.”

Both sides lack a consistent scorer with Chiefs netting only 10 times in nine league outings this season and Pirates managing just seven goals from the same number of matches.

However, the “Buccaneers” are higher on the standings with almost a third of the season completed, lying third, one place and one point above the 'Amakhosi' (Chiefs).

Pirates are two points behind surprise pacesetters Baroka, who host title-holders Wits Sunday in northern city Polokwane.

Second-place Golden Arrows squandered a chance to overtake Baroka after coming from behind twice at home to draw 2-2 with Polokwane City in Durban.

Recent signing Thomas Chideu rescued Arrows with a stoppage-time equaliser after leading Premiership scorer Rodney Ramagalela and then Sammy Seabi had put Polokwane ahead.

Hosts Sundowns were shocked 2-1 by AmaZulu in Pretoria with veterans Siyabonga Nomvethe and Mabhuti Khenyeza scoring in the final 10 minutes for the Durban outfit.

Thokozani Sekotlong had given Sundowns an earlier lead, clinically side-footing a cut-back from Algerian full-back Fares Hachi into the net.

It was the second loss in five days for the 2016 CAF Champions League winners and they slipped to ninth, seven points adrift of Baroka.

A three-match winning streak by Free State Stars ended when they were held 1-1 at home by bottom club Platinum Stars in central town Bethlehem.

Ajax Cape Town climbed one place to 12th courtesy of a 2-1 win over visiting Bloemfontein Celtic.

NAMPA/AFP

Tesla's Model 3 gets an 'average' as new tech dents auto reliability

October 22, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Tesla's Model 3 gets an 'average' as new tech dents auto reliability Ranked 21st on Consumer Reports’ annual list Consumer Reports says all-new vehicles or models with newly updated technology are more likely than older models to have a wonky engine, a jerky transmission, or high-tech features that fail outright. More often than not, our data suggests it’s prudent for consumers to wait for the technology to mature. - Jake Fisher, Consumer Reports Joseph White - Tesla Inc's new Model 3 sedan is likely to have "average" reliability despite production snags because it uses older technology rather than newer innovations that are causing problems for automakers, Consumer Reports magazine said on Thursday.

The magazine said its survey of 640 000 vehicles showed that all-new vehicles or models with newly updated technology are more likely than older models to have a wonky engine, a jerky transmission, or high-tech features that fail outright.

The magazine's annual survey of new vehicle reliability predicts which cars will give owners fewer or more problems than their competitors, based on data collected. Its scorecard is influential among consumers and industry executives.

The magazine's prediction that the Tesla Model 3, which has faced production bottlenecks, will have average reliability illustrates the challenges automakers face.

The Model 3 is the luxury electric vehicle maker's newest car, and Consumer Reports said it had no data on the vehicle.

But it relies largely on technology the carmaker has used on its Model S sedan, which has been in production since 2012, and Consumer Reports said predicted reliability for that car is now "above average."

‘Inherently less complicated’

“Electric vehicles are inherently less complicated than gasoline or hybrid alternatives. The Model 3 is the least complicated Tesla yet," Consumer Reports said.

With many new cars, customers complain about problems with continuously variable transmissions and eight- and nine-speed gear boxes designed to boost fuel mileage, the magazine said.

Hard to use infotainment systems also continue to annoy customers. Consumer Reports said its survey found that owners of models in the first year of production reported twice as many complaints about vehicle electronics.

"More often than not, our data suggests it’s prudent for consumers to wait for the technology to mature,” Jake Fisher, head of Consumer Reports auto testing, said in a statement ahead of a presentation in Detroit.

Automakers are moving quickly to fix problems, the magazine said. After Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Co got hit with complaints about the transmission on its 2016 Hyundai Tucson sport utility vehicle, the company took action that reduced complaints about the 2017 model by more than half, Consumer Reports said.

In July, Consumer Reports restored a top rating in its class for Tesla's Model S after the updated the braking system. – Nampa/Reuters

Kassie:

Toyota tops rankings

Toyota is the top brand in Consumer Reports' annual vehicle reliability rankings.

Toyota Motor Co.'s luxury Lexus brand is second, followed by Kia, Audi and BMW. Meanwhile, Cadillac, GMC, Ram, Dodge and Volvo got the poorest scores.

Consumer Reports' auto testing chief Jake Fisher says Toyota's strategy of adding new technology gradually - instead of all at once - helps make its vehicles more reliable. Toyota's new Camry sedan, for example, has an eight-speed transmission that was first tested on the Highlander SUV.

Chrysler was the biggest climber in the rankings, thanks to consumers' reviews of its new Pacifica minivan.

Consumer Reports predicts reliability of 2018 vehicles based on a survey of its subscribers, who owned or leased 640 000 vehicles from the 2000-2017 model years. – Nampa/AP

Bitcoin soars to record high above US$6000

October 22, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Bitcoin soars to record high above US$6000Market cap exceeds US$100 bn The original virtual currency has gained over 500% this year, more than any other tradable asset class. China would not want to be left out of the digital currency market nor the development of blockchain applications in general." - Jason English, Sweetbridge Gertrude Chavez-Dreyfuss - Bitcoin surged to a record high of more than US$6 000 on Friday, pushing its market capitalisation to US$100 billion at one point, as investors continued to bet on an asset that has a limited supply and has paved the way for a whole slew of crypto-currencies.

The original virtual currency has gained over 500% this year, more than any other tradable asset class. Bitcoin though is very volatile - posting gains and losses as high as 26% and 16% respectively on any given day.

On Friday, bitcoin hit a record peak US$6 000.10 on the BitStamp platform, and was last at US$5 964.24, up 4.7% on the day.

Bitcoin is a digital currency that can either be held as an investment, or used as a foundation for future applications through the blockchain, its underlying technology. The blockchain is a digital ledger of transactions.

It is more scarce though than most people realize. The number of bitcoins in existence is not expected to exceed 21 million.

Analysts said it was a combination of factors that drove Friday's surge in price.

Charles Hayter, co-founder of data analysis website Cryptocompare in London said hopes that China will soften its regulatory stance on crypto-currencies helped bitcoin's cause.

"As China ... fears fade, the price is unlocked and driven by demand and buyers entering the markets," said Hayter.

Over the summer, China has banned the practice of raising capital through the sale of tokens to the public in what is known as initial coin offerings. It has also ordered the shutdown of digital currency exchanges.

But many in the market believe the Chinese ban is temporary.

"China would not want to be left out of the digital currency market nor the development of blockchain applications in general," said Jason English, vice president of Protocol Marketing, at Sweetbridge, a global alliance in Zug, Switzerland that aims to use blockchain to create a liquid supply chain.

"As much as 60% of the world's bitcoin mining is happening in China, and therefore, many of the large ... investments in ICO projects have also been coming from crypto-currency holders in China, whether directly or indirectly," English added.

Sean Walsh, a partner at venture capital firm Redwood City, Ventures in Redwood City, California, also believes investors have been going back into bitcoin given the still uncertain global regulatory environment on crypto-currencies.

A big part of bitcoin's recent surge was the ICO craze, which exploded this year. Bitcoins and ether, another digital currency, are used to purchase tokens for ICOs. – Nampa/Reuters

Last gasp touchdown beats Kansas

October 22, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Last gasp touchdown beats Kansas Derek Carr threw a two-yard touchdown pass to Michael Crabtree with no time remaining on Thursday, lifting the Raiders to a stunning 31-30 victory against the Kansas City Chiefs that just may have saved Oakland's season.

The Raiders marched 85 yards in 11 plays for Carr's touchdown pass, tying the game 30-30. Giorgio Tavecchio kicked the extra point.

Instead of falling four games behind the first-place Chiefs (5-2) in the AFC West, the Raiders (3-4) closed to within two games and snapped a four-game losing streak.

“Obviously, tonight was huge,” Raiders coach Jack Del Rio said. “The key for us is that we really have continued to believe.”

Carr threw what was initially ruled to be a 29-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jared Cook with 16 seconds left. However, after a review, Cook was ruled down by contact inside the 1.

Crabtree then caught a 1-yard touchdown pass with three seconds left, but was flagged for offensive pass interference.

Carr threw incomplete in the end zone on the next play, but Chiefs safety Ron Parker was penalised for holding with the clock at 0:00.

Carr threw incomplete again, but another holding call, this one on Chiefs safety Eric Murray, extended the game for another play.

This time Carr hit Crabtree in the left corner of the end zone, and there were no flags.

“D.C. said, 'Catch the ball,'” Crabtree said. “I went out there and made a play. We didn't give up. We've got a team full of fighters.”

Carr completed 29 of 52 passes for 417 yards and three touchdowns as the Raiders snapped a five-game skid against the Chiefs, who lost their second straight.

Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper caught 11 passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns. Cook added six catches for 107 yards.

“It's great,” Cooper said of the victory. “A big part of football is momentum. Hopefully this game can create a rhythm for our team and we can start to get that momentum.”

Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith was 25 of 36 for 342 yards and three touchdowns. Kansas City wide receiver Tyreek Hill caught six passes for 125 yards and a 64-yard touchdown. Running back Kareem Hunt rushed for 87 yards on 18 carries and caught four passes for 30 yards. He registered his seventh straight game with at least 100 total yards from scrimmage.

Smith believed the Chiefs had won the game in the closing seconds.

“How could you not?” Smith said. “Multiple times I'm thinking, 'We lost it. We won it. We lost it. We won it.' Certainly I think that second-to-last play, the ball got thrown out of the back of the end zone and they called defensive holding on (someone) who's not even close to the play. That's the one that sticks out for me.”

NAMPA/REUTERS

Standard Bank joins global e-platform

October 22, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Standard Bank joins global e-platformConnecting Africa to the world The web-based platform enables banks to manage trade finance. Users can list trade assets, negotiate deals, manage supporting documentation and have access to tools for data analytics, market benchmarking and pricing indices. As the first African bank to have joined this network, this presents us with many opportunities.Vinod MadhavanStandard Bank Group Head of Trade TORONTO - Standard Bank has signed an agreement with CCRManager Pte Ltd, a global trade FinTech company, joining their global innovative electronic platform as a member bank.

“We are delighted to have joined CCRManager’s distribution platform, which offers an automated, fast and transparent platform for trade risk distribution and participation”, said Vinod Madhavan, Group Head of Trade for Standard Bank. “As the first African bank to have joined this network, this presents us with many opportunities, including being able to show African trade risk to international banks that are members of CCRM, and is aligned with our desire to connect Africa to the world.”

CCRManager is a web-based platform that enables banks to manage the entire process of distributing trade finance internationally to other banks, credit insurers, and fund managers.

“CCRManager is delighted to have Standard Bank as its first African member bank,” says Kah Chye Tan, Chairman, CCRManager. “Africa is a major trade partner for countries all over and trade finance has played an important role in promoting African imports and exports for many decades. We are confident that CCRManager will help Standard Bank with its trade finance for its clients.”

Users of CCRManager are able to list trade assets and contingents for distribution, negotiate deals, and manage supporting documentation in a secure environment. Users also have access to tools for data analytics, market benchmarking, and pricing indices. In addition, CCRManager provides users with the ability to manage their portfolio, reporting, and compliance activities 24-hours a day.

“This partnership represents Standard Bank’s dedication to leverage world-leading digital platforms that help realise efficiencies in a globally competitive market place,” says Madhavan. “At Standard Bank, we recognise the potential of trade as a key driver for growth, especially in emerging and frontier markets.”

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Kautondokwa knocks out Tanzanian

October 22, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Kautondokwa knocks out TanzanianDeadly puncher thrills Namibian boxers proved why they are rated top in African after dominating most of the fights at the Windhoek Country Club over the weekend. Andrew Poolman



The fearsome punching power of Walter Kautondokwa was once again on display when he knocked out Meshack Mwankemwa of Tanzania on Saturday night.

The Namibian middleweight destroyer defended his WBO Africa title with a third-round left hook knockout to end the main bout of the Champions in Action event, presented by MTC Sunshine Promotions.

Kautondokwa, known as Executioner, delivered on his promise of an early knockout (his 15th in a row) to improve his record to 16-0.

Unbeaten welterweight Mikka Shonena had a tough opponent, the relentless Ugandan, Juma Waiswa, but thoroughly dominated to win every judge's score card for every round (120-107). The result hands Shonena the vacant WBO Africa belt.

Two national title fights took place, that both ended prematurely when one boxer suffered bleeding cuts through head butts. Emmanuel Mungandjela (welterweight) was handed the victory on points over the first five rounds when his unintentional head butt caused Ebenestus Kaangundue to be unable to continue.

However, Onesmus Nekundi's head butt to Kenedy Imalwa was ruled intentional, leading to the decision of the national title being handed over to the injured Imalwa.

Nineteen-year-old lightweight Harry Simon Junior put up an impressive performance to win each of his four rounds unanimously against Nathaniel Shimanda.

Max Ipinge (junior middleweight) knocked out Joseph Hihangwa in the second round; Charles Shinima (welterweight) won on points against December Nuuyoma; the flyweight clash between Jacob Jacob and Salatiel Moses was ruled a draw.

Middleweight Paulinus Paulus remained unbeaten in his 7th fight by knocking out Silas Mandeya of Zimbabwe.

Anti-corruption activist calls for ‘epic leadership’

October 22, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Anti-corruption activist calls for ‘epic leadership’ Madonsela at NMA gala dinner Epic leadership means being ethical, purpose driven and committed to service, says Thulisile Madonsela. Corruption poisons the entire State economy. - Thulisile Madonsela, former SA public protector Augetto Graig – Corruption and unethical behaviour should not be allowed to sabotage Africa’s Agenda 2030 or Namibia’s own national development objectives, anti-corruption champion Thulisile Madonsela, said in Windhoek last week.

The Namibia Manufacturers’ Association (NMA) played host to Madonsela, also the former South African public protector, at the annual gala dinner on Thursday evening last week. In a measured tone, she spoke about how to stop corruption from preventing the attainment of national goals.

According to her, the best way to achieve the restriction of corruption is through “epic leadership”. She defines epic leadership as being ethical, purpose driven and committed to service.

“When we think of corruption it is often the big ones, the public procurement of goods with kick-backs, overpaying, false billing, overcharging,” she said. According to her, recent estimates put the cost of corruption in South Africa at about R27 billion a year lost from the public purse. Based on 10%-overbilling of government, “I do believe this is a conservative estimate”, she said.

“The cost of business is increased due to corruption,” she said. “If we focus on what the State loses, we might ask what that has to do with manufacturing. State procurement has implications for manufacturers but corruption transcends State procurement. It poisons the entire State economy. Corruption creates an uneven playing field and affects every business person and every human being,” she said.

‘Retail corruption’

According to her, attention must also be paid to pervasive transactional corruption - also known as retail corruption - which involves low-ranking officials or law enforcement officers.

“Why do we want the playing field levelled?” she asked. When “a corrupt environment gives advantages to the politically connected and those who can buy their way in”, it leads to “discouraging your best players that would lift entire communities by doing great work. Young people give up because they are not given the support or opportunities they deserve.” This practice leads to “undermining collective development”, Madonsela said. “In the end the entire community will suffer,” she warned.

Madonsela believes there is a prima facie case for the alleged state capture in South Africa. This is an even more toxic form of corruption, she says.

“Those given opportunities are not ready to deliver, discouraging the worthy and encouraging laziness and get-rich-quick mentalities.” It perverts development as much as corruption perverts policy and planning priorities, she said.

“If you want to strengthen the implementation of development ask: Are the leaders ethical and are they doing what is purpose driven?”

“Ethical, purpose driven, understanding impact and committed to service of long term goals: Epic leaders can foster a closer link between anti-corruption and development and are conscious of the consequences of their decisions.” Above all peace is required for development but, “as long as there is injustice there cannot be sustainable peace”, Madonsela says.

ACC strategies, action plan introduced

October 22, 2017, 3:00 pm

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ACC strategies, action plan introduced OTJIWARONGO - A document containing strategies and an action plan on how to combat corruption in Namibia was introduced to the public by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) at Otjiwarongo on Thursday.

ACC director-general Paulus Noa said the 48-page document belongs to everyone when he introduced it to the public and government officials of the Otjozondjupa region. It is not the property of the ACC, as corruption affects all citizens when their natural resources are diverted to only benefit a few individuals, he said.

The document was formulated by the ACC, starting in 2014, and regional and national consultative meetings were held to include inputs of the public and the cabinet.

This National Anti-Corruption Strategy and Action Plan started in 2016 and runs until 2019.

The document will be distributed to constituency offices, community centres and other places where the public can access a copy and know what they are expected to do when they suspect corrupt dealings.

“Namibia had in 2013 and 2014 signed and ratified the United Nations’ Anti-Corruption Policy, therefore, it is within the mandate of everyone to protect the public properties and natural resources,” Noa said.

Similar meetings are expected to take place in other regions before the end of this year. - Nampa

All hail FNB and MTC

October 22, 2017, 3:00 pm

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All hail FNB and MTC It was some months ago when I had lost hope that the MTC Namibia Premier League will ever kick off again.

It was the most difficult and stressful time that Namibian football fans - and I - have had to endure in a very long time.

The resignation of leaders, the appointment of illegitimate individuals and a host of other issues made it feel as though it was the last straw and the death of the beautiful game.

One could see by the reactions of many people and football players that they had given up on their dreams.

I was tired of being asked the same question every day when I walked in the streets about when the league was going to start.

I always felt that it was going to take a miracle for the league to start again because of the infighting and controversies that took place, even after the season had ended.

I must say that FNB and MTC carried that miracle into the hearts of the nation when they injected N$20 million into the 2017/18 season for the premier league.

MTC contributed N$15 million, while FNB Namibia gave N$5 million for the league to start.

The other factor which really impressed me was that both companies have made a commitment to the league for the next three years.

It was indeed a great gesture from these two companies to commit to the league after all the troubles football in this country has faced.

For once, after a very long time, the dark cloud that hovered over and seemed to follow Namibian football has been replaced with a sunny day.

The dreams rooted in the hearts of many players have once again been awakened by the generosity of these two companies.

Football must really consider itself very lucky because many other sport codes in this country continue to struggle without any sponsorship.

That is why I plead with the new MTC Namibia Premier League management to get the NPL fire burning and keep it so.

It is important that these leaders remain accountable for the sake of the players and football in this country.

I trust that the new chairman Patrick Kauta and the entire executive committee are people that hold football close to their hearts.

I will therefore like to believe that they are going to do a tremendous job as far as taking the Namibia Premier League to another level.

It is also about time that the clubs try and engage supporters more in order to improve the brands of the various teams.

Clubs must improve their marketing departments in order to attract more people to the stadiums.

It is important that clubs seek other sources of income in order to compensate their players well.

The quality of football needs a huge improvement for it to attract more spectators. This can be done when the players are getting paid well.

It is important that they market their home games in order to make money from the gate-takings.

What I will also love to see this season is Namibians standing up and supporting Namibian football just like they are crazy about other leagues in the world.

I would like to see things such as local artists performing at games and also match fixtures posted on walls and boards countrywide.

The new NPL must obey and run the league by the constitution and avoid any infighting among leaders and members of clubs.

This has to be a time when we return the glory days of the 80s and early 90s of football back in the country.

Sons and daughters of this soil must be motivated by our football.

It is time that they start idolising our own players rather than only thinking of becoming the next Renaldos and Messis.

Let us support what is ours and let us make sure that the NPL becomes as big as it can be.



jesse@namibiansun.com



Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

NTA set for tourney

October 22, 2017, 3:00 pm

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NTA set for tourneyTop stars to shine Tennis players have the chance to show their mettle as they prepare to outplay each other at a junior Masters tournament. Jesse Jackson Kauraisa



The Namibia Tennis Association (NTA) in conjunction with Trustco Group Holdings (TGH) will be hosting the Trustco NTA Junior Masters tournament on Friday.

The competition will also continue to Saturday at the Windhoek Central Tennis Club in Olympia.

The tournament is said to be a special one, as the participants can take part only by invitation and only the top eight in the country, per age group and gender, are selected.

The ages to participate are u-10 to u-18 boys and girls in singles matches only.

Throughout the year players have been taking part in the NTA national tennis tournaments and by doing so, they have accumulated ranking points.

It is with these points that they are considered to determine the top eight in each age and gender group, and only the best of the best in Namibia will be invited to participate in the tournament.

This will be the second NTA tournament of the year to be sponsored by Trustco after the first one was hosted during September.

Trustco has been a longstanding partner of the NTA and this is the third consecutive year running which the group has sponsored both tournaments each year.

Last year, the tournament attracted an annual record number of more than 70 junior players in the age groups u-8 to u-18.

Local index gets kick from NamBrew

October 22, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Local index gets kick from NamBrewNimbus starts trading The local index of the NSX once again closed Friday at a record high, having gained 8.25% so far in 2017. Jo-Maré Duddy – What better way than to “prost!” the 25th birthday of the Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX) than with a cold one proudly brewed on local soil? Especially when the Namibian beer giant emerged as the week winner on the local index of the NSX too.

Namibia Breweries ended Friday at N$37.50 per share, 25c a piece or 0.7% higher than the previous week.

Not only did the company boast the biggest climb in closing price for the week, it also clinched the most deals on the local index in terms of money. More than N$22.3 million worth of NamBrew shares changed hands on the index last week, about 77% of total trade on the local index for the week.

As such, NamBrew was instrumental in the local index closing the week at yet another record so far this year. The index ended at 592.61 points on Friday, up 1.36 points or 0.23% compared to the previous week.

Namibia Breweries was the only company on the local index which ended last week on a higher note than the previous one.

The only other company with a change in its weekly closing price was Capricorn Investment Group. The company shed 0.1% during the week, closing at N$18.15 per share, 1c a piece down on the previous week.

Nimbus Infrastructure Ltd, the newcomer on the local index and the first capital pool company (CPC) on the NSX, started trading last week. A total of 2 830 Nimbus shares worth N$29 715 in total changed hands. The company closed at N$10.50 a share on Friday and has a total market capitalisation of N$109 million.

Only two other companies recorded trade last week: Capricorn with more than N$6.6 million and FNB Namibia Holdings with N$10 519.

In total about N$28.9 million worth of shares were traded on the local index last week, compared to nearly N$30.2 million the previous week.

More than N$518.6 million worth of shares in total was traded on the overall index of the NSX last week, up from about N$242.7 million the previous week. The index shed 1.63% during the week under review to close at 1 166.93 points on Friday. The JSE All Share Index gained 0.12% and closed at 57 948.70 points.

Clover Industries was the biggest winner on the overall index of the NSX last week. The company ended Friday at N$13.38 per share, up 6.5% on the previous week.

Truworths was the biggest loser, losing 5.6% to close at N$74.99 per share.

Namibia tells Airbnb hosts to register or face jail

October 22, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Namibia tells Airbnb hosts to register or face jail Namibia said on Friday that local home owners listed with US short-term rental service Airbnb Inc risk imprisonment if they fail to register with the tourism regulatory body before the end of this year.

The southern African nation is a long-haul destination for European, American and Asian tourists and the sector contributes around 15% to its gross domestic product.

Under Namibian laws, any accommodation establishment with two or more bedrooms is required to register with the tourism board, or face a fine, a two-year jail term or both.

"We need to guarantee the health and safety of guests, but we cannot do that if the accommodation is not registered or regulated," Namibia Tourism Board chief executive officer Digu Noabeb told Reuters in an interview. - Nampa/Reuters

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Stars trounce Pirates

October 22, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Stars trounce PiratesLeague kicks off in style The 2017/18 MTC Namibia Premier League kicked off over the weekend with some clubs' fitness levels severely tested. Jesse Jackson Kauraisa



African Stars proved too strong and fit for Orlando Pirates after defeating the Buccaneers 3-1 in the league opener.

Stars started off as the stronger of the two teams and controlled the middle of the pitch with some fine passing of the ball.

The Reds remained persistent and their perseverance paid off in the first 15 minutes of the game as Panduleni Nekundi gave them a lead.

African Stars maintained their momentum as Marius Kotze scored a brilliant goal before the second half of the game.

Orlando Pirates attempted to stage a comeback but most of their efforts went astray against a solid Stars backline.

The Buccaneers managed to score one goal in the 55th minute through Marcello Haraseb to reduce the goal deficit.

Pirates could however not maintain the tempo and momentum after scoring their goal.

This resulted in Stars bringing on attack after attack which proved hard for Pirates to contain.

In the 65th minute, substitute Philemon Nambele put the game beyond Pirates' reach with a cool finish after a counter attack by the Reds.

It was a game which clearly illustrated that some of the players were not fit enough as they struggled to keep the pace through the 90 minutes.

African Stars coach Bobby Samaria expressed satisfaction with the players.

“I am very happy because we played well in the first game of the season. It was good for the supporters too.

“It is indeed a wonderful thing that the league finally started after such a long wait,” Samaria said.

His counterpart Woody Jacobs was also a happy man despite the defeat to their arch rivals.

He felt that his team did well given that they only had one week of training.

“I am going to beef up the team with some experienced players,” Jacobs said.

In other action, Life Fighters and Civics played to a 1-1 stalemate on Saturday, While Blue Waters defeated Mighty Gunners 2-1 on the same day.

Tura Magic and Unam score line ended level at 2-2, with Rundu Chiefs making the best of home ground advantage to beat Eleven Arrows 3-2 on Saturday.

Black Africa defeated Young Chiefs 1-0 in their opening game of the 2017/18 season.

Newly promoted side Young African defeated Chief Santos 2-0 away from home.

Tigers did not show up for their match, resulting in Citizens FC being awarded the points.

Manufacturers see doom and gloom

October 22, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Manufacturers see doom and gloomNMA bemoans less competitiveness and ease of doing business The finance minister says there is hope if Namibia can trade finished goods with the rest of Africa. Brian Black NMA Chairman“Namibia is running like an engine with a few screws loose.”

Augetto Graig – Namibia is full of incredible plans, but “unless we are given opportunities to take the country forward and chances are not always given to foreigners,” there is little hope, NMA chairman Brian Black says.

Speaking at the annual Namibia Manufacturers’ Association gala dinner and awards evening on Thursday Black said that the current state of the Namibian economy is the worst seen during the last decade. “Are we as a nation doing enough?” he asked the gathered leaders of industry in the country.

Finance Minister Calle Schlettwein countered Black’s dark perception of the economy saying there is cause for some optimism. “It is like the arrival of rain showers but there is still the prospect of drought,” Schlettwein said at the same event.

Action and leadership skills are in short supply, Black said.

“Look at South Africa which presents huge opportunities for foreign direct investment,” he said. Rather than unlocking opportunities like these, “Namibia is running like an engine with a few screws loose”, Black said.

Slipping

“I am concerned,” the veteran industrialist said, referring to Namibia’s increasingly poor performance on Ease of Doing Business Index released annually by the World Bank. Since 2011, Namibia has tumbled about 40 places.

It currently ranks 108th overall out of 170 countries worldwide. It’s ranking for Starting a Business is 170th.

Black says there are at least ten steps to complete for anyone who wants to register a business in Namibia and it can take up to 66 days to complete. Also getting necessary skills into the country from beyond borders is a nightmare.

“I am delighted that [the ministry of ] home affairs has its house in order. It may take only five days to get a passport, but to get skills from across the border, we struggle to get work permits,” he said.

Another concern is Namibian labour laws, which Black said is necessary after Independence to deal with the bad colonial legacy. “But today you have to ask yourself are those labour laws working or are they forcing Namibians who are employed to join the unemployment lines?” he said.

According to the latest data released by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA), 349 383 people or 34% of the country’s labour force were unemployed in 2016.

Black says the NMA has embraced the development objectives of the government as outlined in the Harambee Prosperity Plan and the Fifth National Development Plan (NDP5) but asks: “What is really preventing us from achieving our goals?”

‘Green shoots’

Schlettwein said the green shoots of economic growth are visible although they are still covered in doubt.

Globally there are still significant risks to avoid, including growing protectionism, tightening of fiscal policies and rising geo-political tensions. However, Sub-Saharan Africa is on the path to economic recovery and is helping the world economy recover led by emerging and developing markets.

“There is light at the end of the tunnel,” he said, particularly due to the global recovery of commodity prices. In particular copper, zinc and diamonds are doing well, although uranium prices are still depressed.

The economies of South Africa and Angola will continue to affect any rehabilitation of the Namibian economy because the two giants have direct impact on Namibia’s small open economy, Schlettwein said.

“At home there is reasonable optimism for more economic growth relative to 2016,” he said. Particularly mining and agriculture are expected to help turn the tide which has largely been back by Namibia’s sound economic fundamentals which strengthen by the day, he said.

“We have managed to weather the storm,” said Schlettwein.

Talking about the importance of the manufacturing sector in Namibia, he said it contributed on average 11.8% to the gross domestic product (GDP) over the last ten years. He quoted the 2016 labour force survey which shows that manufacturing employed some 44 420 people, or 6.6% of the total workforce.

Integration

Schlettwein said tax breaks incentivise manufacturing growth and that manufacturers should take advantage of opportunities offered by the new public private partnership law now in effect. They should also actively participate in developing the legal framework for implementation of the new public procurement act. The finance ministry is currently busy working out the regulations, he said.

Most importantly, manufacturers must lead the way for Namibia to benefit from regional integration.

“My principal message is that regional integration must have our interests at heart. The real economy is at stake. We need win-win solutions by putting our realistic terms up front,” he said.

“Developing industrial capacity is the first step. Look at renewables, jewelry, meat and fish processing, leather and wool, automotive components. Look at our trade partners. We do not trade with Africa. Without this the growth in sub-Saharan Africa will not benefit us. We must up our game and trade in finished goods,” he said.

“Let us work together to move forward fast. The private sector is the key player. Government invites the private sector to take this agenda forward,” he said.

Regarding corruption Schlettwein said: “The most important element is that we must all have the will to fight corruption. If we just talk and do not vigorously investigate, we will not make it,” he said.

The Velar unveiled

October 24, 2017, 3:00 pm

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The Velar unveiled Fourth member of the Range Rover family has arrived This is a new addition to fill the space between the Range Rover Evoque and the Range Rover Sport. Gerry McGovern, chief design officer, Land Rover: “Velar is now the compelling, stand-out design in the class, showcasing perfectly optimised volume, powerful, taut surfaces and a stunning silhouette.” The Range Rover Velar, which will soon be released locally, brings a new dimension of presence, modernity and minimalist design to the Range Rover family.

Designed to fit between the Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Sport, the Velar offers levels of luxury, refinement and all-terrain capability never before seen in the mid-size SUV segment. This is a new type of Range Rover for a new type of customer.

Created from a clean sheet using Jaguar Land Rover’s Lightweight Aluminium Architecture, the Velar represents the next chapter of the Range Rover success story as Britain’s biggest luxury export.

Velar is defined by a visually reductive approach and meticulous attention to precision in every detail.

This evolves Range Rover DNA and previews the next generation of Range Rover vehicles.

Velar’s design is beautifully balanced, from its powerful proportions to its continuous waist line through to the taut tapered lines of the rear.

The generous wheelbase contributes significantly to its elegance while helping to provide a spacious interior.

“Velar is now the compelling, stand-out design in the class, showcasing perfectly optimised volume, powerful, taut surfaces and a stunning silhouette,” said Gerry McGovern, chief design officer, Land Rover.

The large alloy wheels – in particular the range of 22-inch designs – optimise the vehicle’s stunning silhouette, while further enhancing Velar’s dramatic presence, and the flush, deployable door handles emphasise Velar’s reductive, sculptured form.

A sophisticated approach

Design enabling technology has been engaged fully to create the new Touch Pro Duo infotainment system which is the centerpiece of Velar’s interior.

Touch Pro Duo features two 10-inch high-definition touchscreens integrated seamlessly behind hidden-until-lit surfaces.

These slim, intuitive displays work in harmony with the cabin architecture while adding an overall sense of modernity congruent with the vehicle’s exterior design.

The Velar features a sophisticated all-wheel drive system, four-corner air suspension, class-leading ground clearance of 251 mm (213 mm when equipped with coil springs), class-leading wading depth of 650 mm (600 mm when equipped with coil springs) and Land Rover’s unmatched suite of traction technologies, including Terrain Response 2 and All Terrain Progress Control, ensuring that, like all Range Rovers, the Velar offers world-class all-terrain capability.

Exceptional performance and efficiency comes from the range of six petrol and diesel powertrains, all matched to smooth-shifting ZF eight-speed automatic transmissions and all-wheel drive with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics.

Clean, refined four-cylinder Ingenium diesels are offered in 132 kW and 177 kW variants.

These engines are joined by the new, highly-advanced four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engines delivering 184 kW and 365 Nm, for 0-100 km/h acceleration in 6.7 seconds, and a more powerful variant with outputs of 221 kW and 400 Nm, to achieve the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 6.0 seconds.

The V6 diesel combines an extraordinary 700 Nm of torque for effortless acceleration and off-road capability. The 280 kW supercharged V6 petrol engine combines exhilarating performance with a unique soundtrack and enables the Velar to reach 100 km/h in only 5.7 seconds, before reaching an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h.

The Velar and Velar R-Dynamic range comprise Standard, S, SE and HSE specifications. Customers can also specify Black and Premium exterior packs for an even more distinguished appearance. Customers can build their own Velar using the Land Rover Configurator. - MotorPress and Own Reporting

Shot of the day

October 24, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Shot of the day MAIDEN FLIGHT: A picture taken on 15 October shows the first inaugural commercial plane from Johannesburg taking off at the newly built Saint Helena Airport in the tropical island of Saint Helena, in the south Atlantic Ocean and part of the British Overseas Territory. Photo: NAMPA/AFP

Questions over healthcare staff

October 24, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Questions over healthcare staff From expectant mothers to caregivers, they all have painful stories to tell about some health facilities in the Engela area. Health service delivery is in the intensive care unit and it has bought more suffering to patients, contrary to the objectives and mandate of these health institutions. Hospitals and clinics are provided to restore health and ease pain and heartache. The media has carried blood-curdling stories of patients and caregivers at Engela Hospital that badly bruise the very mandate of health institutions. In yesterday's edition, 'Woman loses baby in hospital horror' is the latest chilling incident at Engela Hospital. The Namibian reported at the beginning of the year 'No cheer for caregivers at Engela Hospital' and 'Engela expectant mothers' shelter falling apart' while New Era informed the taxpayers about a shelter at Engela, 'Expectant mothers scorn shelter at Engela'. It boggles the mind why patients at Engela and their caregivers must be subjected to such inhumane treatment and service. While President Hage Geingob has underscored the critical need for inclusiveness if Namibia is to attain its National Development Plans, such calls have in this region, fallen on deaf ears. If the story of the woman who claims to have lost her baby because the nurses chided her pleas for help is true, then drastic action must be taken to rid hospitals of nurses like these. Disappointing also, is the ducking and diving of the ministry officials contacted for comments by the reporter. This is where public relations consoles broken hearts. A few grains of salt added to sugar overpower the sweetness and such is the debilitating impact of health workers who derail national goals by their misogyny and lack of respect for life. It is high time people who take up nursing as a profession are screened according to calling and not solely on academic qualifications. Namibia needs nurses with the heart of Florence Nightingale. It is heart-wrenching for a woman to carry a baby for nine months only to lose the baby due to health professionals who ridicule and tease a patient in labour. God have mercy.