Company Briefs

October 30, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Company Briefs HSBC profits up five-fold

HSBC said yesterday that profits were up more than five-fold in the third quarter as its Asia business drives higher returns.

Reported pre-tax profit jumped to US$4.6 billion in the three months to the end of September, compared with US$843 million over the same period in 2016.

The Asia-focused banking giant has been on a recovery drive over the past two years to streamline the business and slash costs, and has laid off tens of thousands of staff.

– Nampa/AFP



Brexit weighs on SA's Famous Brands

South African fast food chain owner Famous Brands reported a 59% drop in half-year earnings yesterday after its British business weighed on profits in the wake of the United Kingdom's decision to exit the European Union.

Headline earnings per share (EPS) fell to 170 cents compared with 411 cents a year ago.

In its South African restaurant division sales grew 8% to R415 million, but its profit margin declined to around 48.8% from 53.6% as economic growth slowed and consumer sentiment suffered.

– Nampa/Reuters



Vodacom Tanzania sells Helios Towers stake

Vodacom Tanzania Plc, majority owned by South Africa's Vodacom Group, has sold its stake in a local unit of Helios Towers Africa for US$58.5 million.

It sold its 24.06% stake in Helios Towers Tanzania Ltd to that company's parent company, HTA Holdings, it said in a statement seen by Reuters.

Vodacom Tanzania, which is listed on the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE), said the transaction would result in an estimated profit before tax of more than 120 billion shillings (US$53.57 million).

The number of mobile phone subscribers in Tanzania rose 0.9% last year to 40.17 million, driven by the launch of cheaper mobile phones.

– Nampa/Reuters



Zain's profits fall over Sudan, Iraq

Kuwaiti telecoms giant Zain on Sunday reported a drop in its third quarter net profits due to currency exchange losses in Sudan and conflict in Iraq.

The company's net profit in the third quarter fell 7% to 40 million dinars (US$132 million) from 43 million dinars (US$142 million)in the same period last year.

Net profit for the first nine months of 2017 was 122 million dinars (US$402.6 million), down 1.6% from 124 million dinars (US$409.2 million) in the same period last year.

The company's customer base remained stable at 45.3 million.

– Nampa/AFP



Vale results surge in Q3 as iron ore prices rise

Brazil's Vale SA saw net income jump by nearly 300 percent in the third quarter as iron ore prices rose, the world's largest iron ore producer said, even as earnings fell shy of analyst estimates.

Vale said net income totalled US$2.23 billion, 287% above the US$575 million it posted during the same period last year. However, the figure was under an average consensus estimate of US$2.439 billion.

EBITDA hit US$4.192 billion. Revenue in the quarter reached US$9.05 billion, well above the US$6.726 billion posted a year earlier.

– Nampa/Reuters

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Medical equipment in 'safe custody'

October 30, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Medical equipment in 'safe custody' The ministry of health says medical equipment valued at over N$1.2 million currently stored at the Windhoek Central Hospital are not gathering dust but kept in “safe custody” before delivery.

The ministry procured electrocardiography (ECG) heart machines, with Evox Trading and Mid Erongo Trading each delivering 21 ECG heart monitors in January this year.

The delivery notes also show that the ministry placed these orders in October 2016 and paid N$62 155 to Evox Trading and N$67 523 to Mid Erongo Trading.

However, to date, only four machines have been distributed. Two machines were each delivered at the Oshakati and Onandjokwe hospitals.

Petronella Masabane, the deputy permanent secretary at the ministry, said the “ECG machines are in the safe custody of the ministry and will be distributed at an opportune time”.

Health workers say the remaining machines have been locked away at the Windhoek Central Hospital and cannot be used because the two main hospitals in the capital still had many of these machines in stock.

Meanwhile, several healthcare centres around the country still face major challenges such overcrowded nurses' homes and clinics.

Karasburg East constituency councillor Paulus Efraim recently told Namibian Sun that the Aussenkehr state clinic is heavily congested, while staff accommodation was also another challenge.

“There is a building that was given by the ministry for the nurses but it is not enough. The clinic is donated by the grape company but it is very, very small,” he said.

A nurse that spoke on condition of anonymity said the Mariental state clinic has, in her view, become inhabitable because of large cracks on the walls.

A senior manager in the ministry told Namibian Sun that the Epupa clinic in Kunene Region is in urgent need of a 4x4 ambulance, while some patients do not have their wounds properly treated because of a shortage of bandages.

The manager also said the Okahao hospital and the Muyako clinic in the Zambezi Region needed urgent refurbishment. The Oshakati and Rundu hospitals are also in urgent need of dialysis machines, according to a ministry insider.



JEMIMA BEUKES

N$29K disappears from cops' safe

October 30, 2017, 3:00 pm

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N$29K disappears from cops' safeTrial now 20 months old and still bogged down The trial of a Congolese man, arrested in January last year, is still going nowhere after more than N$29 000 of monies confiscated from him, disappeared from police safekeeping. The case of a 20-year-old Congolese charged with being in possession of counterfeit cigarettes and N$38 131 suspected to have been generated from tobacco sales was on Friday postponed to 24 November.

Otjiwarongo Regional Magistrate Marilize du Plessis postponed the case to November because the accused, Banny John Kabiena's State funded legal defence lawyer, Kenneth Siyambango, was absent from court for Kabiena to plead.

The matter has been a mess since Kabiena's arrest on 7 January 2016 in a joint operation between the police and officials of the customs and excise. He was found in possession of counterfeit Yes and Remington cigarettes together with cash of N$38 131 suspected to be proceeds from the tobacco sales.

Kabiena appeared in court shortly after his arrest last year and posted bail of N$2 000.

Some 20 months later, on 2 October 2017, his case was expected to begin in the Otjiwarongo Regional Court together with the collected physical evidence as exhibits in court.

However, on that day, the police failed to present the money and cigarettes to court which were allegedly found with Kabiena during his arrest.

Magistrate Du Plessis then postponed the case to 3 October 2017 to allow the State and police to bring to court the exhibits.

The police on 3 October, again failed to bring the exhibits.

Du Plessis referred the hearing to 6 October this year, but still the police could not bring any of the exhibits.

On 6 October, the police told the magistrate that they discovered that about N$29 950 of the total N$38 131 was missing from their safe.

Du Plessis then ordered the State and police to bring the exhibits to court on 27 October, but the case was again postponed to 24 November 2017 as the defence lawyer was absent from court. Prosecuting the case is Johanna Hamunyela.

Meanwhile, it is still unknown as to how the money went missing from the safe at the Otjiwarongo police station which is surrounded by surveillance cameras.

Chief customs and excise officer, Abraham Nandjembo told Nampa in an interview that his office is keeping the missing cigarettes.

On his part, the police's Otjozondjupa regional commander, Commissioner Heinrich Tjiveze on 20 October said his team had launched an investigation into the missing money.

NAMPA

Uniting beauty and education

October 30, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Uniting beauty and education“We are very small in comparison to other beauty schools, but we believe that individual attention for each student is very important.” - Charlin Lesch, senior lecturer at Shadonai Beauty and Hairdressing Academy Tunohole Mungoba

An institution for growth

The Zone visited Shadonai Beauty and Hairdressing Academy in Pioneers Park to find out how they are providing different options to the Namibian youth that are interested in growing and learning in the beauty industry.

Established in 2006 with five students only, Shadonai has grown over the years with more than 200 learners enrolled for different courses that vary from nail technology, spa therapy and beauty therapy and the newly introduced course of fitness training. The academy’s mission is to ‘operate a recognised, well-known, multi-disciplinary training centre presenting registered and easy accessible courses.’ Shadonai will achieve the vision by providing world class education and training in vocationally aligned subjects areas. This will be achieved by a dedicated professional team of learning facilitators, world-class education and training material, learning programs which are accredited and practical vocational learning programs.

“We have had a lot of interest in from young men that are very interested as they would like to be professional fitness trainers,” says Lesch. “We also have short part time based courses. These courses are for everyone that is interested in expanding their knowledge. We do not discriminate and that is why we also introduced these short courses,” says Charlin Lesch, senior lecturer at the academy.

Lesch says funding has been one of their obstacles in the beginning and recruiting students. “We are also in continuous competition with South African institutions although we are internationally on par and cost effectiveness is better, we still need to challenge ourselves.” She also added that the reason why the academy was established was to bridge the gap in the market for qualified beauticians. “We initially started with just beauty courses and then we decided to add a variety of options as well. There was no institution at that time that could offer these courses,” says Lesch. She also added that hairdressing is the course that is most demand “because it is more creative although it is very difficult.”

Shadonai is also the recruiting hub in Namibia for the Steiner cruise ship programme. The representatives for southern Africa come and do their interviews and presentations at the academy. “Up to date, we have had about 25 ex Shadonai students that were on the Steiner ship. That is something we are very proud of,” says Lesch. Their aim is not only to equip their students with skills, but also to empower them to be future employers. “We are very small in comparison to other beauty schools, but we believe that individual attention for each student is very important.” Lesch warned the youth about ‘fly by night’ colleges that offer different courses in the beauty industry. “You should make sure you choose an institution that will be able to able to provide you with quality education as what you learn is something you will have for life. You can build upon this qualification as you progress in life.”

Veronique Martopo, an ex-student and junior lecturer at the institution says their teaching methods are very theory-based “beauty is border line to knowing the body.” They also include practical teaching methods as their academy involves a lot of practise. “I finished my courses here so knowing the background of what is expected comes naturally for me. Martopo, also completed a nine months programme on the Steiner cruise ship. She has travelled to a lot of countries including the Bahamas and the Caribbean. “It was a very good experience as I learned cultural differences and it was also an eye-opener as I realised how behind Namibia is in the beauty industry,” she says.

Martopo told The Zone that there is also an interested from the male counterpoints. “A few years ago when I was a part time lecturer, I had a male student and he was one of my best massage therapy student.” Shadonai also graduated three barbers that are currently employed in various salons. “Although males are generally intimidated by the all-female industry, but they are more than welcome.”

The academy’s minimal admission requirements for diplomas are 25 points for grade 12 and certificates, one needs to get 23 points in grade 10. “We are not subject oriented, but it will be a lot easier if you had Biology in school as we focus a lot on anatomy of the body,” says Martopo. She also added that most people are very closed minded when it comes to beauty courses and negative towards someone in that career. “The word ‘beauty’ is very superficial so people tend to think all courses and professions in this industry are easy. We need to change that mind set and see this as an ordinary career like law and nursing.”

CJ Erasmus, a hairdressing student says she has always been interested in doing hair and growing up, she used to dress the hair of her dolls. “When I finished school, I told my mother that I wanted to come and study here.” She also said it is every hairdressing student’s dream to open their own salon in future so the academy provides them with the right training to be able to achieve that in future. Monique Damon, a beauty student and a part time model says she did not struggle to choose her course as she does her own make up for her modelling. “I was interested in knowing more about beauty so I felt like the beauty course was the best choice for me.” Damon also said she would like to study more after completing her course as “with beauty, one needs to constantly update yourself.”

“The word ‘beauty’ is very superficial so people tend to think all courses and professions in this industry are easy. We need to change that mind set and see this as an ordinary career like law and nursing.” - Veronique Martopo, an ex-student and junior lecturer at Shadonai Beauty and Hairdressing Academy

New park stations for Khaudum

October 30, 2017, 3:00 pm

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New park stations for KhaudumDeveloping sustainable, beneficial conservation spaces In the fourth phase of NamParks, the environment ministry has opened two park stations for Khaudum National Park. Namibia is working towards establishing its parks as viable tourist destinations that will benefit the communities who live alongside them.

The environment minister Pohamba Shifeta last week inaugurated two park management stations, Khaudum and Sikereti, both in the Khaudum National Park in the northeast of the country.

The total cost of the two park management stations ran into roughly N$80 million.

“This is the biggest and best development in the history of Khaudum National Park,” Shifeta said at the inauguration of the Khaudum station.

Due to the remoteness of the new Khaudum station and the limited road access, building it has been a massive achievement.

The construction of the Khaudum station took more than 400 000 bricks, 20 000 bags of cement and 8 million litres of water to construct.

The two new park stations were co-funded by Namibia and Germany via KfW or Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau, a German government development bank, and the construction was part of the latest phase of the Namibia National Parks Programme, also called NamParks. According to Shifeta, each new station provides top quality houses for all staff, an attractive entrance gate, a visitor reception building, offices, a workshop, and electrical and water supplies.

The two new stations include 60 staff houses.

“The new houses are a huge improvement on the old dilapidated wooden 'Kimbo' buildings in which most of the staff have been living until now,” said Shifeta.

He however urged that these new buildings be maintained. “You now have something many people in Windhoek do not even have.”

Shifeta further said that wildlife contributes significantly to the livelihoods of the local communities in rural areas. Khaudum is a good example of this and the conservancies just north of the park, George Mukoya and Muduva Nyangana, benefit from trophy hunting concessions and will also soon benefit from a new lodge concession in the park.

Likewise, the Nyae Nyae conservancy to the south benefits from surplus wildlife which moves out of the park into the conservancy where it becomes available for joint venture trophy hunting.

“Khaudum is special, it is hidden away in the Kavango East Region and it is difficult to travel to. You travel two hours on a distance of a bit more than 40km, but for many of its visitors that is part of its attraction. It is a real wilderness and last year there were fewer visitors to the park than there are elephants in the park,” said Shifeta. According to him besides having more than 2 000 elephants, the park is famous for its roan antelope, African wild dogs, leopards and lions.

He further said that the national programme is now in its fourth phase. According to Shifeta the first two phases began with the Bwabwata, Mudumu and Mamili parks.

“NamParks has grown rapidly and phase three focused on the Khaudum, Bwabwata, Mudumu and Nkasa Rupara national parks. The fourth phase is now in full swing and will complete the work in the northeast and will also focus on the development of the Tsau//Khaeb National Park, formerly the Sperrgebiet, in the //Karas Region.”

Shifeta said the fifth phase is about to begin and will be devoted to Namibia's coastal parks in the Kunene, Erongo and the Hardap regions.

Meanwhile the German ambassador to Namibia, Christian Schlaga said that Khaudum is one of the most pristine and adventurous parks in Namibia. “Khaudum is a truly wild park which makes it attractive.”

According to him well designed and carefully planned park stations are important preconditions for effective and sustainable park management. He said good park management not only leads to the preservation of rich biodiversity but it is also the base for the sustainable economic use of the parks. “A well-managed park attracts visitors and leads to increased tourism, job creation and therefore generates income for the local population.”

Nexus Construction won the tender to construct the two park stations in Khaudum while WML Consulting Engineers, Nina Maritz Architects, De Leeuw Namibia, GFA Consulting Group also formed part of the team.

ELLANIE SMIT

Namcor invites bids for forecourts

October 30, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Namcor invites bids for forecourtsBusiness plans needed At least four Namcor service stations would be introduced between now and December 2018. Ogone Tlhage - The Namibia Petroleum Corporation is inviting applications from entrepreneurs interested in running its branded petrol stations.

Namcor recently announced that it would establish its own fuel stations over the next two years following the launch of its revamped brand identity.

Its spokesperson, Utaara Hoveka, explained the requirements.

“Business people and members of the public interested in opening Namcor branded service stations are urged to submit a business plan. The plan has to have details on the site, envisaged revenues, costs and the car count in the area or road.

The potential developer has to have sufficient capital to run the retail site,” he said.

At least four Namcor service stations would be introduced between now and December 2018, Hoveka indicated.

“Work has begun on about four service stations namely Hosea Kutako International Airport, Ongwediva, Otavi and Tsandi. These should become operational between now and December 2018,” Hoveka said. According to Hoveka, there was nothing untoward about national oil companies participating in local fuel retail markets, even if there was an already well-established market.

“It is common practice for national oil companies worldwide to participate in the entire oil and gas value chain, we thus do not see anything sinister with us entering the fuel retail space,” Hoveka said.

It remains to be seen how the move by Namcor will affect local distributors Vivo Shell, Engen, Puma Energy and Total Namibia.

In a previous presentation by Namcor, it indicated that it would have to import an estimated 500 million litres of fuel annually, which was one of the reasons why Namcor wanted 50% of its fuel import mandate restored.

Africa Briefs

October 30, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Africa Briefs SA's fuel prices to increase tomorrow

The retail price of petrol and the wholesale price of diesel in South Africa will increase from tomorrow due to a weakening of the rand against the US dollar, the energy department said on Sunday.

The price of petrol will rise by 4 cents to R14.05 per litre in the commercial hub of Gauteng province, while that of diesel will go up by 23 cents to R12.35. – Nampa/Reuters



Zim's GDP growth to slow

Zimbabwe's economic growth is projected to slow to 3.5% in 2018 from an estimated 3.7% this year, central bank governor John Mangudya said yesterday. – Nampa/Reuters



US$653 mln in funding for Egypt solar plants

International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, on Sunday said it had completed a US$653 million debt package to finance building 13 solar power plants near Aswan in Egypt, planned to be part of the largest solar park in the world.

Generating up to 752 megawatts of solar power, the Nubian Suns Feed-in-Tariff Financing Program is targeted to provide power to more than 350 000 residents and create up to 6 000 jobs during construction.

IFC and a consortium of nine international banks will provide a $653 million debt package to finance construction of 13 solar power plants, which will join 19 other plants to make up the Benban Solar Park - the largest private-sector financing package for a solar photovoltaic facility in the Middle East and North Africa.

The plants will cost a total of $823 million to build, IFC said. – Nampa/Reuters

Petrol, diesel prices up again

October 30, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Petrol, diesel prices up again Fuel prices are going up at midnight tonight, the minister of mines and energy, Obeth Kandjoze, announced yesterday.

Pump prices will increase by 40 cents a litre for 95 Octane unleaded petrol and by 60 cents per litre for all grades of diesel.

The new Walvis Bay pump prices are: N$11.20 per litre for 95 Octane, N$11.23 per litre for Diesel 500ppm and N$11.28 per litre for Diesel 50ppm.

According to Kandjoze, the strength of the US dollar against the Namibian dollar is to blame.

“The average exchange rate moved up from N$13.14 to about N$13.55 per US dollar over the period reviewed. The depreciation of the Namibian dollar against the US dollar, coupled with the fact that there was no upward adjustment for October 2017 despite the under-recovery situation,” Kandjoze said.

Another justification for the price hike was that oil producers were not generating sufficient returns to encourage investment in the petroleum sector.

“The latest petroleum activities return report indicates that oil companies are failing to generate sufficient returns on their investments in the petroleum sector and there is a need to adjust their margins,” Kandjoze said.

OGONE TLHAGE

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'Black Mamba' denied bail

October 30, 2017, 3:00 pm

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'Black Mamba' denied bailTwo dead in high-speed crash Boxer Willberforce Shihepo has been charged with culpable homicide and leaving the scene of a deadly collision on Saturday night. Boxer Willberforce Shihepo, known as 'Black Mamba' in boxing circles, was denied bail by the Okahandja Magistrate's Court yesterday after he fled from the scene of an accident in which two people died at the weekend.

Shihepo (34) appeared in court on charges of culpable homicide, failure to ascertain the nature and extent of injuries sustained by a person after an accident, failure to render assistance to injured person(s) after an accident, failure to ascertain the extent of damage after an accident, and operating a vehicle that is not roadworthy.

According to the police, Shihepo was remanded in custody and the case was postponed to 27 November.

A spokesperson for the Namibian police, Chief Inspector Kauna Shikwambi, said the accident occurred about 30km from Okahandja on Saturday at around 20:20.

According to the police, Shihepo's unregistered Jaguar slammed into the rear of a Toyota sedan.

The impact killed the 54-year-old driver of the Toyota as well as a six-year-old child.

According to Shikwambi, they were the only two occupants in the Toyota and were identified as Likius Petrus and Linda Teopoline Nghipuyoonda.

The force of the impact was so strong that the two had to be extracted from their vehicle using the Jaws of Life.

Shihepo left the accident scene but surrendered to the Okahandja police yesterday. The investigation continues.

Shihepo is a former World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Africa Super Middleweight title holder.

In 2013, he escaped uninjured after his car overturned on the Okahandja-Otjiwarongo road.

This is not the first time he has been in trouble with the law. He was dragged to court a few years back by a doctor whom he had allegedly assaulted, and who demanded N$165 000 in damages.

The complainant, Dr Takura Razemba, was in hospital for three weeks with face, neck, chest and back injuries.

Shihepo was also arrested by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in 2014 on a charge of abusing a government petrol card.

ELLANIE SMIT

Kasuto to appeal court order

October 30, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Kasuto to appeal court orderBattle for representation at Swapo congress rages on The former leader of the workers’ federation is reportedly fuelling a ‘low-intensity conflict’. The deposed president of the National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW), Ismael Kasuto, is appealing a ruling by High Court judge Boas Usiku to bar him from all offices and activities of the workers' federation.

Kasuto filed his notice of appeal with the Supreme Court on 27 October, a day after the High Court interdicted him from acting on behalf of the NUNW and from conducting himself as the president of the federation.

He is also barred from attending any meeting in the name of the NUNW and is not allowed to enter the premises of the NUNW offices in Katutura.

The High Court application was filed by NUNW secretary-general Job Muniaro and the general secretary of the Namibia National Teachers' Union (Nantu), Basilius Haingura. Days before the High Court order, the NUNW had distanced itself from any statements issued by Kasuto and said the federation was deeply perturbed by “malicious, acrimonious and disrespectful listing and publishing of names of its affiliate industrial union leaders to safeguard” Kasuto “and his links in furtherance of low intensity conflict” within the NUNW family.

Muniaro said there should not be any reason why Swapo secretary-general Nangolo Mbumba should be conflicted over the NUNW list of representatives to the Swapo central committee or the upcoming elective congress.

He appealed on behalf of the NUNW “not to be confused by the list or any communications” by Kasuto whatsoever, “nor to confuse such communications” by Kasuto “with legitimate decisions taken and communicated by the NUNW”.

The general secretary of Namibia Public Workers' Union (Napwu), Petrus Nevonga, was evicted from the Swapo CC meeting held on 15 October where nominations for the top four positions in the ruling party were made.

According to Mbumba, Nevonga was disallowed from taking part in that meeting because Kasuto, in his capacity as NUNW president, was delegated as representative of the federation.

Kasuto was, however, already removed, albeit under contentious circumstances, in August, in a bitter battle for control over the NUNW and manoeuvrings surrounding the representation to the ruling party's congress where, among others, the new party president is to be elected.

CATHERINE SASMAN

Fechter and Leff crowned 2017 Bank Windhoek BizzKids

October 30, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Fechter and Leff crowned 2017 Bank Windhoek BizzKids The Bank Windhoek BizzKids Market took place over the weekend at Maerua Mall Shopping Centre, in Windhoek where young promising Namibian entrepreneurs traded their products, skills and services.

Bank Windhoek BizzKids Competition is an entrepreneurial competition, designed to help scholars realize their business ideas. It was established eight years ago and is a platform created for scholars across Namibia, between the ages of 8 and 18. The selected finalists come together and compete by selling and promoting their business ideas, products, services and skills.

The competition was divided into two different categories. Scholars between the ages of 8 to 13 years competed against each other and while those between 14 to 18 years old, formed the second category.

Sixteen year-old Florian Fechter who traded as “vetstert.com”, won first prize in 14 to 18 category. A passionate sheep farmer from southern Namibia, Fechter’s business idea is based on selling lamb on the internet. “Lambs are displayed on the website and customers can select their preferred one. For example, there is a contract for lambs between one and four months old. After signing of contracts, the customer will pay a monthly fee. When the lamb is ready to be slaughtered, contact is made with the customer and the carcass will be delivered to them,” said Fechter.

Thirteen year-old Hendrie Leff, from Gobabis won in the junior category. His business idea is based on recycling wastepaper and traded as “Paper Homemade Briquettes”. “I was not happy with the state of pollution in my town and came up with this solution,” said Leff. With the help of his father, he collected waste paper around the town.

After that he invented a machine that compressed the papers into cubes. “With this, one can save on buying expensive charcoal or gas,” said Leef. The two machines with a manual on how to build it, was also for sale.

“Congratulations to all the winners of the two categories. A special appreciation goes to all the participants for being passionate and dedicated - the judges, including myself, were impressed. You are all winners in the eyes of Bank Windhoek. We believe that you are indeed future entrepreneurs of our country. Thank you Maerua Mall Shopping Centre for hosting our young entrepreneurs,” said Bank Windhoek’s executive officer of marketing and corporate communication services, Jacquiline Pack.

Quality education for all

October 30, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Quality education for all Tunohole Mungoba

Standard Bank invests in education

Standard Bank donated a sum of N$ 806 000 to the Forum for African Women Educationalists – Namibia Chapter (Fawena) which is a national chapter of the Pan-African Forum for African Women Educationalists (Fawe).

FAWE is a non-governmental organisation. Fawe Namibia's National Chapter opened its office in 1999 with the support of the Ministry of Education (MoE) to help address the educational challenges girls face in Namibia.

Marlene Mungunda, national chapter oordinator of Fawena, says during the handover that education is an investment and all Namibians should contribute the girl child’s education. “Education is equivalent to planting a seed. If you nurture the seed well and take good care of it, you will reap excellent rewards and this same principle should be applied to education,” she says. Mungunda, an educationalist by profession says education is a tool that can empower disadvantaged girls from the all backgrounds. She thanked Standard Bank for their support over the years and recognises their efforts.

Recognising the importance of education for Namibia’s future sustainability and economic upliftment, Standard Bank has continually been contributing towards benefiting secondary education of learners under the auspices of Fawena,” says Standard Bank’s acting head of marketing Sigrid Tjijorokisa. “We believe in the importance of quality education for girls and boys alike, because this is the only way we can enjoy a prosperous economy and a bright future.” Tjijorokisa also says that their relationship with Fawena started in 2009 with an initial commitment of over N$8-million. Since then, Standard Bank have seen the rewards with some of these school learners that are part of Fawena to be passing with flying colours and doing exceptionally well at tertiary institutions.

“Since our long time partnership with Fawena, a total of 885 learners graduated from secondary schools, with many of these graduates becoming productive citizens like engineers, doctors, nurses, teachers and business people,” she continues to say. “Since our long time partnership with Fawena, a total of 885 learners graduated from secondary schools, with many of these graduates becoming productive citizens like engineers, doctors, nurses, teachers and business people.” In February last year, Standard Bank’s chief executive, Vetumbuavi Mungunda handed over a record contribution of nearly N$1-million to Fawena and “this year we are moving forward to present another handsome contribution,” she says.

Fawena executive member, Gerson Kongoro thanked the minister of education, arts and cultures for all their work their contributed to the beneficiaries. “Education is the greatest equaliser and we are thankful to be part of this journey.”

Fawena is also guided by the policies and programs of the ministry of education which are the education act, learner preventation and management pregnancy policy, sustainable development goals, affirmative action, national gender policy, national development plan, millennium development plan, orphan and vulnerable children plan, international convention instruments, Fawe regional secretariat strategic plan and Fawe charter.

Pull-out quote: “Education is equivalent to planting a seed. If you nurture the seed well and take good care of it, you will reap excellent rewards and this same principle should be applied to education.” Marlene Mungunda, national chapter oordinator of Fawena.

Maritime studies at Nust

October 30, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Maritime studies at Nust Shona Ngava

A partnership between the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust), the Satakuntta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK) and the Namibia Marine and Fisheries Institute (NIMFI) will see the development of a degree programme in Maritime studies at Nust.

While speaking at the joint Maribilis project launch, Dr.Tjama Tjivikua, the Vice Chancellor of Nust says that the Nust senate approved the development of the Marine Engineering programme as a double degree in partnership with SAMK.

He said that it has always been the universities dream to develop maritime education and training since 2011. “Consultations had been held in 2011 with the management of the Namibia Marine and Fisheries Institute. Preliminary outcomes of the study and consultations revealed the need, not only for training of marine engineers, but for the entire maritime sector,” he says.

This is not the first time the organisations are partnering together; they also did partnered in 2013 on their first project for the maritme project titled “Improving the Maritime Education of Namibia”. The Finnish government funded more than €400 000 towards the Maribilis project in 2013.

Tjivikua said that the Maribilis project is focused on the future of maritime education and training in Namibia.

He says Nust has been championing for the establishment of an institution or college that would oversee the training and education of maritime studies in the country. “Nust has since 2015 made a presentation proposing the establishment of one strong maritime college where different players would offer different aspects of maritime education and training,” he said.

John Hatutale, an engineering student at Nust who was present at the launch says that the maritime degree programme would make Nust students competitive and resourceful. “Our students will not have to travel outside the country to study for maritime sciences because they can do it at home. This means that there will not be any brain drain for our country,” he shares.

Nictus Giga celebrates first birthday

October 30, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Nictus Giga celebrates first birthdayNew furniture range launched The idea of the massive Giga showroom started more than a decade ago and has required a lot of input and planning over the years. Whatever we build ends up building us. - André Hanekom, Branch manager: Nictus Giga YOLANDA NEL - Ten years of planning has paid off with a successful first year that followed after the Nictus Giga store opened in Windhoek.

According to the branch manager of Nictus Giga, André Hanekom, "whatever we build ends up building us. It has made us stronger and wiser in terms of operational challenges,” he said during the birthday celebrations.

Having been in the business for 71 years, Nictus is the oldest furniture retailer in the country. There are six shops: two in Windhoek and one each at Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Ongwediva and Tsumeb.

Not only are the 198 staff members all Namibians, but Nictus is proud to say that there is also proportional distribution between male and female staff. A total of 97 staff members are employed at Nictus Giga.

The idea of the massive Giga showroom started more than a decade ago and has required a lot of input and planning over the years. The biggest consideration was to retain the company’s fair market share.

The large showroom of more than 7 200 square metres offers more than 14 000 products ranging from garden furniture and couches, to kitchen appliances, bedding and everything in between. There are more than 100 lounge suites and 50 bed bases to choose from, ensuring something for everyone.

Nictus is home to trusted brand names such as Sealy, Defy, Whirlpool, Delonghi and Cloud Nine. Grundig is exclusively available at Nictus.

As part of the Nictus Giga birthday celebrations, a new range of furniture was launched last week. La Forma, all the way from Barcelona, offers sleek and stylish designs for the office, dining room or bedroom.

At the bottom of the bottle

October 30, 2017, 3:00 pm

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At the bottom of the bottle Shona Ngava

Despite efforts to eliminate underage drinking among teenagers in Namibia, access to alcohol for the young still remains a big challenge in Namibia. This piece will attempt to understand why there is high alcohol consumption among young people in Namibia, what the risks are and try to offer solutions to this prevailing problem in our society.

I believe that in Namibia alcohol is the drug of choice among the majority of young people. It is common knowledge that as children move from adolescence to young adulthood, they encounter dramatic physical, emotional, and lifestyle changes. These developmental transitions, such as puberty and increasing independence can be associated with alcohol use. So in a sense, just growing up in general may be a contributing factor not only for starting to drink, but also for drinking irresponsibly.

Example from the family is one of the primary reasons why teenagers consume alcoholic beverages include. To a greater extent I believe parents who drink alcohol in the presence of their children are more likely to have children who drink at risky levels. So to a certain extent some parents are to be blamed for the excessive alcohol intake among young people in Namibia.

There are parents who believe that serving alcohol at home teaches children to drink responsibly - but for me these types of tendencies rather encourage alcohol intake among teenagers. Not to entirely pin the blame on parents alone and to a certain extent, young people themselves are also to be blamed for this problem. Young people know for sure that alcohol is not meant for them but still consume it regardless. The ignorance among young people also needs to be addressed.

Another reason why young people have drinking habits is due to the peer pressure that young people endure. Although I have not done thorough research on this I believe that many teenagers who drink alcohol do it as a result of pressure from their peers. Many teenagers are encouraged by their friends to drink. I believe to deal with this factor parents and teachers should create some awareness among young people to make them understand that teenagers are not supposed to drink alcohol.

Alcohol advertisements also contribute to the high intake of alcohol among young people. When young people see celebrities or role models drinking, they are easily tempted to also drink because it seems to them like a desirable thing to do. Alcohol is being promoted through various media platforms and for me it is not surprising that young people are drinking more than ever before, this is why the role that parents play is so important.

The solutions to underage drinking in Namibia is for adults in our society to be positive role models. Young people look up to adults in their communities and thus these adults need to be good role models to teenagers in their communities. Parents should walk the talk. Parents should not expect teenagers to stop drinking or stay away from drugs if they keep on consuming alcohol irresponsibly in the eyes of their children. At the end of the day young people imitate behaviour that they see in their senior counterparts.

Another solution to teenage drinking in Namibian society is for families to resolve personal or family issues. A lot of families have misunderstandings and a lot resort to alcohol as a solution. Instead of resorting to alcohol families should seek family counselling to get the help they need.

Moreover another solution to teenage drinking is for parents to know what is going on in their children’s lives. I urge parents to be involved in their teenager’s life. It is important for parents to know who their children’s friends are, what they are doing and where. Another important element is to encourage their children’s to make independent decisions so that they are not easily influenced by their peers to take the wrong decisions as far as alcohol is concerned. Furthermore, parents should set appropriate limits like curfews and check-in times and exercise some form of punishment when teenagers do not adhere to these.

Finally, as like I stated before, the blame should not only be pinned on parents but teenagers should also take responsibility for their actions. Teenagers need to know that alcohol comes with a lot of health hazards and should thus wait for the appropriate age to start drinking. Even when you start drinking please do so responsibly.

Until next time. Peri nawa!!

shona@namibiansun.com

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Big rain on the horizon

October 30, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Big rain on the horizon The Namibian weather service says heavy rainfall is expected in north-western and south-western Namibia today.

Today's showers are a continuation of rainy weather that began last week and moved across most parts of the country over the weekend.

The Namibia Meteorological Service said today will be partly cloudy and hot in the northeast, the east and the southeast.

Elsewhere, it will be partly cloudy and warm to hot, with isolated and scattered thundershowers in the northwest and southwest.

Many parts of the country received rainfall over the weekend, including places in the south, central, northern and eastern regions.

Reports of good rainfall at Tses, Windhoek, Usakos, Outjo, Otjiwarongo and other places were received.

Last week, the weather bureau said dry and hot weather would return to large parts of the country by tomorrow.

South African meteorologist Professor Peet Pienaar had more good news for Namibians. Pienaar said the weather charts indicate that more rain is expected over many parts of the country from Friday, accompanied by wind and a drop in temperatures.

“The big changes, where the air pressure and winds will be just right for rainfall, are estimated to be from 4 November through to 6 or 7 November.”

Pienaar pointed out that although the heat wave experienced in large parts of the country is not always welcome, average temperatures of between 30 and 32 degrees Celsius are crucial elements to improve chances of rainfall.

Some rainfall has been recorded in parts of Namibia over the past week, including north-central towns such as Otjiwarongo.

On Monday, the Swakoppoort Dam was at 44.7% of capacity and the Von Bach Dam at 67.1%.



JANA-MARI SMITH

Germany has kept its promise - Schlaga

October 30, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Germany has kept its promise - SchlagaN$16.4 billion in development assistance Namibia receives the highest amount of German donor aid per capita of all countries in Africa. Since 1990 Germany has committed itself to supporting Namibia's development agenda with over one billion euro (about N$16.4 billion.)

“And Germany is ready to continue this path,” the German ambassador to Namibia, Christian Schlaga, said at the inauguration of two park management stations in the Khaudum National Park that were co-funded by Germany.

“Germany has lived up to her promise; Namibia did indeed become and still is the priority country for German development assistance, receiving the highest amount per capita of all countries in Africa.

“This is also reflected by the fact that Germany today is the only partner of the country that continues to operate with grants despite Namibia being considered a 'upper-middle-income country' by international financial institutions.”

Schlaga said Germany's continued support to Namibia was underlined recently during bilateral negotiations held at Katima Mulilo when Germany committed itself to contribute approximately 130 million euro to Namibia's development during the next two years.

“Germany is today fully aware of the fact that the German rule which ended in 1915 in Namibia, with all its atrocities committed against the OvaHerero, Nama and other communities, undoubtedly caused deep wounds and left many scars on the souls of the descendants of the victims of those days,” said Schlaga.

According to him colonial rule also left serious “negative marks” on the educational structures and social fabric of Namibia.

“The following South African apartheid rule deepened those marks and scars to such an extent that it is very difficult for independent Namibia to undo the political, economic and social results of the previous decades.”

Schlaga said during his first two years in Namibia he witnessed that the country had gone a long way towards reaching this goal.

“It is true that those atrocities of more than 110 years ago caused pain and are still casting a shadow over the relationship between Germany and Namibia today.”

He said it was also justified to acknowledge the great and important steps that Germany had taken during the last 30 years towards normalising relations between the two countries.

According to him, Germany was finally on the right side of history when the time came to actively support Namibia's fight for independence.

According to Schlaga, shortly before Namibia's independence the German parliament adopted a resolution which was the basis for the development of Namibia and Germany's relations to this day.

“Because of Germany's special responsibility for Namibia, the German government is requested to prepare for full cooperation with Namibia in all relevant fields like economy, development cooperation and culture. Namibia shall become a priority country for German development cooperation,” he quoted the resolution.

He said based on this responsibility, Germany had always been at the forefront of all those who supported and contributed relentlessly to Namibia's own efforts to undo the educational, economic and social distortions following German colonial rule.

ELLANIE SMIT

A community's outrage

October 30, 2017, 3:00 pm

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A community's outrageMother accused of killing son appears in court Bail has been denied to a woman accused of murdering and mutilating her son at Ondangwa as public sentiment reached fever pitch yesterday. The Ondangwa Magistrate's Court was packed to the rafters yesterday for the first appearance of a 31-year-old woman who is accused of killing her 10-year-old son and mutilating his body.

Kristofina Ngesheya is charged with murder, violating a human body, and defeating the course of justice.

She allegedly killed her son, Erickson Malulu, by slitting his throat and removing his penis and testicles. Malulu's body was found near the new military base at Ondangwa on Thursday.

The incident has sent shockwaves across the country, and there has been an outpouring of grief and condemnation on social media.

Angry community members staged a demonstration outside the courthouse yesterday, with learners from Oluno Primary School joining the protest.

The marchers demanded that no bail be granted.

“How can you do this to your own child, a child you gave birth to and raised for 10 years?” was the remark of one of the community members.

“No bail must be granted as we do not want people who have the guts to take the life of their own children.”

Magistrate Ninja Hochobes denied Ngesheya bail because of the seriousness of the matter. The case was postponed to 14 December 2017 for her to apply for legal aid.

Ngesheya was arrested on Thursday when she took the body parts of her son, wrapped in a plastic bag and placed in her handbag, to the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God in Ondangwa.



Church responds

The church has condemned the incident and slammed yesterday's report in Namibian Sun, saying it painted the church in an extremely negative light.

The newspaper did not mention the name of the church in its report yesterday.





The church said they became aware of the incident on Thursday when Ngesheya arrived at the church and confessed to a pastor that she had murdered her child in a moment of anger.

“The church leadership and its members are always extremely distressed to hear of any incident of violence and abuse. In this case, it is commendable that the woman realised she needed help and voluntarily came to the church to speak to a pastor,” the statement read.

“Under normal circumstances, the content of confession is held in the strictest confidence, but in cases where a crime has been committed and in particular a child may be in danger, the church has a legal responsibility to take action for the protection of a minor.

“The allegations made by those who have commented that the church is satanic, a wicked church which practises witchcraft, are completely incorrect and without factual foundation. The leadership of the church refutes this defamatory association in the strongest possible terms.”

KENYA KAMBOWE

Bleak job prospects for graduates

October 30, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Bleak job prospects for graduates For the thousands of school leavers and university graduates pouring onto Namibia's increasingly cramped job market next year, the prospects of landing a job are bleaker than ever.

University of Namibia (Unam) economics lecturer Dr Omu Kakujaha-Matundu was blunt when he described the employment prospects facing new graduates and school leavers next year.

“With such high youth unemployment caused by lack of requisite skills and lack of job opportunities in the economy, it becomes mind-boggling as to where the 2017 class is going to get jobs in 2018. Looking at the rate at which the formal sector is shedding jobs, one is left with the informal sector and agriculture.”

The disappointment will deepen when young jobseekers discover the harsh reality of the job market, Kakujaha-Matundu warned.

“The problem that the new graduates are facing is the perception that upon finishing their high school or university training, they will find high-paying jobs in government or the formal sector. Under the current economic situation their search is going to be long and painful.”

Danny Meyer of SMEs Compete said some entry-level jobs in the public and private sectors would open up because of retirement or promotions, but at a lower level than before.

“Unfortunately, many youngsters with expectations of securing employment will be disappointed. The economy is just not expanding or growing at a rate to absorb all of them.”





Unam confirmed that 4 113 students completed their bachelor's degrees this year, in addition to 2 293 who attained diplomas.

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) said just over 2 500 students graduated this year and thousands more with grade 10 and grade 12 certificates would be looking for jobs.

Simonis Storm economists agreed with these assessments, saying “the prospects are very minimal, especially considering the current economic environment”.

The group told Namibian Sun that job cuts in industries such as construction, engineering, architecture, retail and fishing could worsen next year.

“Our provisional annual economic outlook survey results indicate that most companies expect their employment base to remain unchanged, if some people are not laid off.”

The mining industry could also face further layoffs, Simonis Storm warned.



Red flags

In line with the job scarcity, Simonis Storm and others warned of potential ripple effects.

“An increase in youth unemployment is a ticking time bomb. History has it on record that an increase in youth unemployment rates increases social unrest.”

Moreover, studies show that high rates of unemployment among the youth are associated with increases in drug and alcohol use as well as higher levels of crime among young people.

Kakujaha-Matundu agreed that joblessness can be devastating, on an individual and societal basis, increasing poverty, illiteracy, and promoting tiny elites amid a “sea of poverty”.

“Remember that the Arab Spring was spurred by high youth unemployment. Namibia is facing the same situation.”

In line with this, a conference held in February in Walvis Bay, the 41st annual conference of East, Central and Southern Africa Employers' Organisations, concluded with the Walvis Bay Declaration, which recognised the potentially devastating impact of youth unemployment on the sub-region and the pressing need to tackle this through a number of proposed strategies.

The Jobs for Youth in Africa report, issued by the African Development Bank group, estimated that the majority of young Africans “are unemployed, discouraged or only vulnerably employed. Youth face roughly double the unemployment rate of adults, with significant variation across African countries.”

The Walvis Bay Declaration recognises that joblessness among the youth has reached “devastating proportions” and that a number of interventions including on-the-job training programmes, skills development, innovative education plans and other strategies need to be urgently implemented.

The Namibia Labour Force Survey of 2016 estimated that unemployment among those between 15 and 34 years old stood at 43.3%, compared to an overall unemployment rate of 34%.



Look on the bright side

Eloise du Plessis, head of research at PSG Namibia, emphasised that quality training remained crucial to being able to secure a job.

“We know from the Global Competitiveness Index that an inadequately educated workforce is the second biggest problematic factor for doing business in Namibia. So, this would suggest that if you are properly trained in the right sector, there will exist many opportunities for employment.”

Namibia performed poorly when it was ranked 111th on the “Higher education and training pillar, she said.

“This could indicate that the problem is rather with how we train our graduates, the quality of our education, and not the job market itself.”

She added that surveys showed that “we need to integrate training and private sector jobs better”.

Simonis Storm also said public- and private-sector collaboration to stimulate economic growth was essential, among several other proven job-creation strategies.

Meyer of SMEs Compete believed that individual characteristics and attitudes also play a role.

Young job seekers should “discard any entitlement notion. Nobody owes you a job or a living. Be humble. Be upright in character and impeccable in manners.”

He added that it was important to remember that the modern world changes fast, so it is important to “make learning a daily habit and thereby cultivate and gain new skills.”

Most importantly, Meyer said looking for a job can be tough and job seekers should never give up.

“The world of grown-ups is tough and competitive, but determination and perseverance always prevail in the end.”

Copywriter meets Germany

October 30, 2017, 3:00 pm

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Copywriter meets Germany Tunohole Mungoba

Masiyaleti Mbewe, a copywriter sat down with The Zone to talk about her profession, her experiences in the industry and the wonders of Germany.

“So a copywriter is part of the creative studio in an advertising agency. Initially my core responsibility is to write the text that accompanies advertisements; this text is called ‘copy’,” says Mbewe. An example of copy would be say a tagline, radio advertisements and TV scripts. Mbewe also said to The Zone that copywriters also come up with concepts for clients. “I also have to make sure that spelling and grammar is correct before ads go to print and proofreading copy that is sent in from clients is also part of copywriting.”

According to Mbewe, she got into copywriting by accident. After completing her studies in media studies and English at the University of Namibia (UNAM), she started off at as journalist. “I entered a short story competition online and won an interview and landed a job at one of the top advertising firms in the country so it kind of snow balled from there,” she said. Mbewe says she is obsessed with trends in pop-culture, a critical thinker and she likes to write “so it is a combination of all three in a way.”

Mbewe advises those who are interested in copywriting to be able to take criticism and turn it into something positive. “I think the most important thing is to learn how to take all comments, whether negative or positive and work well under pressure. I think I tried to be perfect and come up with amazing ideas all the time but that is not really realistic. You have good days and you have bad days. I think being creative and resourceful with ideas is also super important when you are a copywriter.”

She lists seeing something she wrote on a billboard as her biggest highlight. “It is a great feeling seeing an ad come together or hearing an ad I wrote on the radio. There are lowlights too and I think the long hours working on pitches and maybe having to scrap an idea you were really pushing for can be the lowlights.”

“I studied at Unam and a lot of people in the industry study at schools outside the country especially in South Africa. However, I think it is important to know that a good copywriter can come out of anywhere. Some of these advertising schools are expensive so even if you do not get into these super prestigious schools, you can make it in the industry.”

Mbewe says her journey to Germany was very eye-opening and she has learned a lot. “When I was 23, I did a TEDX talk on afrofuturism. One of the organisers for the Afro-Tech festival watched my video and I was invited to attend to give talks and lectures. There were different speakers from all over the world who gave different interpretations about the concept and it was a really good experience,” she says. The festival invited musicians, artists from different fields, politicians and scholars.

The festival was held in Dortmund which is a city in Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia region that ran from the 20 to 29 October.

“The festival really opened my mind to the different elements of afrofuturism. There are so many ways one can play with it, but here in our country we are closed off in a bubble,” she says.

Afrofuturism is a cultural philosophy of science, and philosophy of history that combines elements of science fiction, historical fiction and fantasy with non-Western traditions in order to evaluate not only the present-day dilemmas of black people, but also to revise the historical events of the past. “I walked away from the festival wanting to teach afrofuturism. It made me realise that I actually need to work towards my goal and I can hopefully teach it in our universities here.”

Pull-out quote 1: “I think the most important thing is to learn how to take all comments, whether negative or positive and work well under pressure. I think I tried to be perfect and come up with amazing ideas all the time but that is not really realistic. You have good days and you have bad days.” - Masiyaleti Mbewe, a copywriter.

Fact Box: 10 facts you should know about copywriting

· Knowledge of your target audience. You will market to different audiences over the duration of your career and it is imperative you know what they seek.

· You should have a unique voice or proposition. If you add your unique spin or voice to what your target audience wants, you have caught their attention.

· Attention grabbing or compelling headlines. Make sure you always stay creative and keep your mind busy with fresh and cool ideas.

· Do your research. You will have to back up your presentation with facts, and perhaps things of note, and this is where research is very important, and the more research, the more unique your work.

· Practice and learn what questions to ask when writing. What does the audience want, why should they listen to you? And can you solve a problem they have?

· Always work on your copy. It would be terrible to write perfect copy only to lose your reader because of grammar and spelling mistakes.

· Avoid inaction words or phrases. Always keep your copy clean and concise

· Use active voice. It is much better and it is more preferable.

· Grammar is very important. Most people skim and they miss stupid mistakes.

· Know where you are going. Writing direct response copy always serves a specific purpose. You are writing to stimulate a specific behaviour. If you get that behaviour, you win. If you fail to get it, you lose.