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Little ones need help

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Little ones need helpLittle ones need help The Omaalala Sunshine kindergarten near Adolfi location in Omaalala village is appealing to the public to help them to make the small school a special place for the 45 children that go there.

The kindergarten teacher and founder, Emilia Victory, 24, said they need tables, toys, stationery and playground facilities as these are essential for early development in young children.

Victory said that she established the kindergarten in 2015 with 39 children because there were no facilities. The school is at the centre of four villages.

“One day I attended a parents' meeting at Omaalala Primary School where it was announced that pre-primary learners from Adolfi area were learning very slowly because they do not attend kindergarten. I then decided to establish this place,” Victory said.

“Due to the need, parents started bringing homemade toys for kids to have fun while at kindergarten. These kids are all very special and are fast learners and now we want them to have modern and educational toys that will prepare them for pre-primary and primary school,” she said.

She said the kindergarten is registered with the ministry of gender and children welfare, but they do not get any assistance from them.

“Even if parents are not paying a fee I do not sent children home since they have the right to education. The majority of the children are orphans and they are staying with their grandparents or, their parents are unemployed,”

She said that anyone who is interested in assisting is welcome to visit them at the kindergarten at Omaalala Youth Development Centre near Adolfi location along the Ondangwa-Ongwediva main road.

She also said that over the weekend, they will have a fundraising event at the kindergarten where they are going to sell items contributed by parents.

ILENI NANJATO

Revival for Katti's Kombat

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Revival for Katti's KombatRevival for Katti's KombatMute on international partner Knowledge Katti's Manila Investments has announced a new deal for Kombat with an as yet unidentified international partner. The now-dormant former mining town of Kombat should soon see a revival of mining activities following the signing of an off take agreement between Trigon Metals and an unspecified major international trading house, it said in a statement this week.

The agreement assures Manila Investments, the local subsidiary of Trigon and the owners of the Kombat mine, up to 20 000 tonnes in future copper sales for a full-year's production.

“Trigon and Manila have signed off take agreements with a major international trading house to buy 100% of the annual production from the Kombat mine,” the company said.

As part of the deal, the off-taker would also provide financing for the resumption of mining activities.

“In conjunction with the off-taker, the trader will provide a financing facility to Manila of up to US$7.7 million to refurbish the concentrator at the Kombat mine, to upgrade infrastructure and for working capital purposes,” the company said.

Katti acquired the dormant Kombat mine for N$50 million in what was described to be a bargain at the time.

In 2012, Manila Investments, a company co-owned by Katti, which is also the holder of the mining licence in the area, roped in Canadian partners Kombat Copper, to jointly mine at the town. The two companies, plus Epangelo Mining, set up Manila Investments, which now owns the mining operations at the town, New Era reported in 2015.

Manila is currently drilling and the results so far are favourable, according to Katti.

The miner is exploring for copper and is considering opening the mine once sufficient resources are found.

Another option, Katti said, is to consolidate all copper resources in the area to justify the opening of a world-class copper mine in the area. Sources close to the transaction said Katti intends to soon share details with interested Namibians and invite them to invest in the town and uplift the living standards of the Kombat community.

“One of the incentives we are considering in order to breathe new life into Kombat is to offer free or discounted land, in return for equity, to Namibian companies and other investors who would like to establish manufacturing plants in Kombat and create employment.

“We believe that there is a bright future for Kombat and we will do our best to achieve it,” he said.



OGONE TLHAGE

Corruption - A social disease (Part 123): Stimulating bridging capital for creating social accountability

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Corruption - A social disease (Part 123): Stimulating bridging capital for creating social accountabilityCorruption - A social disease (Part 123): Stimulating bridging capital for creating social accountability Johan Coetzee - Political commitment to reduce systemic corruption in Namibia is mediocre.

All presidents of Namibia have declared individually several times their intended commitment "to root out corruption". However, few structural changes in the public sector in terms of reform and/or transformation are evident that have reduced corruption drastically. It serves no purpose to expect "political suicide" from the ruling party, meaning to support the rooting out of corruption, if party members would not benefit from a less corrupt system.

SOCIETY MUST PUSH POLITICIANS IN LINE

In the absence of political motivation to reduce corruption, Namibia does not have many more appropriate options than to develop broad based social consciousness and for accepting accountability for reducing corruption, supported by as many stakeholders as possible. Such broad-based collective accountability will provide a social consciousness, and social or public trust.

Such consciousness is needed for creating "hope" and a network of relations for influencing and controlling contributors to corruption, such as poverty. Social consciousness and public or citizen trust can create a "critical mass" for a national urgency for reducing corruption.

Once voters in Namibia realise that the majority of them are not benefiting from corruption, the threat of losing voters’ support will encourage politicians to support an anti-corruption drive. This "bottom-up" approach will create incentives and penalties for politicians to support systemic transformation.

INVESTMENTS IN SOCIAL CAPITAL

To enable such an approach, the focus should foremost be on stimulating social capital. This "bottom-up" or "soft" approach requires that citizens should be mobilised to develop an "investment bank" of social capital that includes bonding (no choice, e.g. family) and especially bridging capital (own choice, e.g. across racial/cultural/ethnic groups) to reduce corruption. Such an "investment bank" is dependent on broad relationships across differences that can function as "safety networks" for supporting people who are most affected by corruption, such as the abject-poor, whistle blowers, and other marginalised groups, for example street children, orphans and the unemployed.

Because citizens also have knowledge about what can be done in order to reduce corruption, perception studies and in-depth interviews can be employed to survey/canvas Namibians’ views about where "hot spots" of corruption exist and which strategies can be most effective.

References

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

jcoetzee@nust.na

Standard Bank Namibia opens 59th branch

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Standard Bank Namibia opens 59th branchStandard Bank Namibia opens 59th branchOkongo now serviced An increase in business, livestock and crop farming activities in the area convinced the group to invest in a branch at Okongo. Opening a new branch has a multiplier effect for the community. - Vetumbuavi Mungunda, CEO: Standard Bank Namibia Standard Bank Namibia invested about N$4.6 million in the establishment of a branch at Okongo in the Ohangwena Region.

The branch was officially opened on Wednesday.

The chief executive officer of Standard Bank Namibia, Vetumbuavi Mungunda, said an increase in business, livestock and crop farming activities in the area convinced the group to invest in a branch at Okongo.

The opening of the latest branch brings Standard Bank Namibia’s total branches throughout the country to 59. New branches were also opened at Ruacana, Eenhana, Henties Bay and Mondesa last year.

Mungunda said the Okongo branch is part of the group’s project aimed at enhancing customer-facing facilities. This includes the refurbishing of several branches at Omuthiya, Otjiwarongo, Khorixas, Rehoboth, Grootfontein and Oniipa.

“Opening a new branch has a multiplier effect for the community in that it ultimately generates employment, brings a variety of banking services to clients, improves service efficiency for customers as well as reduces unnecessary travelling costs. We strive to operate in a customer-driven environment, where it is all about meeting our customer’s financial needs,” Mungunda said.

The governor of the Ohangwena Region, Usko Nghaamwa, officially opened the Okongo branch.

Nghaamwa said he started banking with Standard Bank in 1962, when he saved 50c at the bank’s branch at Otavi.

The Okongo branch is manned by five staff members and headed by Frieda Itana. – Own report and Nampa

Rivals take on Geingob

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Rivals take on GeingobRivals take on GeingobReject 'Savimbi Syndrome', tribal undertones 'Team Swapo' says acting party president Hage Geingob, with nothing to offer for his campaign, has decided to play the tribal card. Swapo acting president Hage Geingob's campaign statement in Karibib last weekend has been labelled as a cheap shot at his rivals, who say it was a shocking example of playing the man and not the ball.

Geingob, addressing congress delegates and sympathisers, launched a scathing attack on his rivals by accusing them of suffering from what he termed as a “Savimbi Syndrome of destroying something when they cannot be part of it”.

Geingob also criticised his rivals' campaign under the banner 'Team Swapo'.

Those campaigning under 'Team Swapo' include presidential hopefuls Nahas Angula and Jerry Ekandjo as well as vice-presidency candidates Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana and Helmut Angula.

Oshikoto regional coordinator Armas Amukwiyu, who is contesting the powerful secretary-general position, and former health deputy minister Petrina Haingura and Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun, who are both standing for the deputy secretary-general position, are also part of the joint Team Swapo campaign.

Those campaigning for the team say Geingob's statement last week was riddled with unfounded and tribal remarks.

“These claims are a sign of panic and insecurity on the part of the acting Swapo president,” said Amukwiyu.

“They are undemocratic and unfounded. For us the campaign is on and it is guided by the constitution, rules and procedures of the Swapo Party.

“Of course, he is entitled to his opinion but even before making such a statement, he (Geingob) knows that what he is talking about is not true.

“This campaign is not about Armas, Jerry, Katusha (Nahas Angula) or himself; it is about Swapo as an institution that is governed and ruled on the basis of its constitution.”

The team also asked why Geingob was not questioning social media platforms such as 'Team Hage', '100% Hage', and 'Dr Hage Supporters' created by those supporting his candidacy and that of his leadership slate.



'Not accepting reality'

The Team Swapo campaigners also said Geingob was refusing to accept reality.

“We have noted that acting president Hage Geingob, with nothing to offer for his campaign, has decided to play the tribal card. He is insinuating that the only reason he is being challenged for the presidency of the party is because he is not Omuwambo.

“The only conclusion that one can draw from his sorry state of reasoning is that the acting president is nothing but a tribal entrepreneur. He trades in tribalism, using it to his advantage when he needs it, and condemning it when it doesn't suit his self-serving purpose.”

At the weekend, Geingob also claimed that he was one of the founders of Swapo, and he seemed to question the credentials of his rivals.

“The founding of the Swapo Party is a matter of historical record and the acting president's laughable assertion that he is a founding member cannot be taken seriously,” Team Swapo supporters say.

“Some of the original Swapo founders are still alive and can attest to the fact that he is indeed not a founding member of the Swapo Party. He prides himself as an honest man who 'detests lies'. Why is he spreading them now?”

At the Karibib event, Geingob seemingly questioned the roles played by his rivals.

The campaigners defended their line-up of candidates, which they said included seasoned politicians who never refused responsibilities assigned to them before or after independence.

“It might serve him (Geingob) well to be reminded that he was one of the few comrades in the leadership who were assigned a task and refused to accept it when he was assigned the position of minister of local government.

“He considered it 'too low' for his status. He resigned and went to work in the United States of America instead. We find it ironic that he is the one questioning the whereabouts, loyalty and credibility of others,” they said.

STAFF REPORTER

Shocking lack of infection control at hospital

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Shocking lack of infection control at hospitalShocking lack of infection control at hospital Cleaning staff at the Katutura State Hospital say utensils used by patients suffering from tuberculosis (TB) are mixed with those used by other patients.

They accuse the hospital's management of instructing kitchen staff to use the same cups and plates for all the wards.

In a petition that the staff compiled to hand over to health permanent secretary Andreas Mwoombola on Monday, the workers said the hospital management was in shambles.

They could not hand over the petition as Mwoombola requested them to write a letter explaining the contents of the petition.

Mwoombola, in the meantime, is out of the country and could not be reached for comment.

Acting permanent secretary Petronella Masabane confirmed that the workers yesterday arrived at her office “unannounced” to discuss their complaints.

The workers are represented by the Namibia Public Workers Union (Napwu).

According to shop steward Paulina Shumbwa, who spoke on behalf of the workers, the TB ward has its own kitchen but it has not been used for a while.

“The TB ward is isolated, which means it must have its own cups and plates. The catering staff even suggested to the management that foam cups and plates be used but the management refused.

“It is really a worrisome situation, some of the patients vomit in their cups and plates and cleaners are exposed to the disease. Many of these patients have multidrug-resistant TB...” she said.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) multidrug-resistant TB is a strain of TB that does not respond to isoniazid and rifampicin, the two most powerful anti-TB drugs.

“The kitchen cleaning staff only have four teaspoons of dishwashing liquid to clean the dishes for the entire hospital. [In fact] there are no cleaning materials in Katutura State Hospital at all.

“We have been using only green soap for the last five years. We requested soap but the management told us there was no money,” Shumbwa said.

The cleaning staff also questioned why the ministry insisted on retaining the cleaning company the government had contracted two years ago, despite the financial difficulties it was facing.

As a result the cleaning staff yesterday protested at the hospital demanding that the government terminate this contract immediately.

Masabane yesterday told Namibian Sun that the cleaning contract would expire on 30 November this year.

She referred questions regarding TB infection control at the Katutura State Hospital to Dr David Uirab, the hospital superintendent.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Head-on crash kills four

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Head-on crash kills fourHead-on crash kills four Four people were killed instantly while two were seriously injured in a head-on crash near Okapuka just north of Windhoek yesterday morning.

It is alleged that the driver of a white VW Passat lost control of his car and crashed into a red Toyota Etios that was travelling north. Other road users at the scene told police that the Passat had overtaken when it was unsafe and had travelled at high speed.

The driver of the Etios and three passengers died instantly. Another passenger and the Passat driver were transported to hospital, both in a serious condition.

The shock of the crash was palpable at the scene. Construction workers had rushed to the aid of the victims and were assisting with regulating traffic.

The police were conducting their investigations amid splattered vegetables and clothing strewn across the road surface. Long brake marks indicated that the driver of the Etios had tried to avoid the crash but could not. The vehicle eventually came to a halt some 15 metres from the site of impact.

“We believe that speed was a factor in this accident,” Constable Edmund Khoaseb, a City Police spokesperson, said at the scene.

“It is of cardinal importance that drivers adhere to the speed limit and especially on this route, which is restricted to 80km per hour because of the construction. These speed limits are here for a reason and on top of that, drivers must adjust their speed according to the conditions they find themselves in.

“With the festive season approaching, we have to be even more aware and careful so that we can have safe roads over the holidays,” he said.

YOCHANAAN COETZEE

Thinking of becoming a teacher? Here are 10 reasons why you should

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Thinking of becoming a teacher? Here are 10 reasons why you shouldThinking of becoming a teacher? Here are 10 reasons why you should For those considering a career in teaching, there are a number of potential motivators. Teaching can be a challenging profession, but there are numerous benefits to this career. Some feel a calling to impact the lives of students, while others are drawn to teaching for the ability to make a difference in the education system at large.

1. No two days are the sameSome people flourish in a job situation where they know exactly what is expected. Yet for many, the thought of repeating the same task between the hours of 9-5 day every day sounds deeply unpleasant. If you’re the type of person who avoids getting stuck in a rut, teaching may be just right for you. Teaching is a job with built-in variety, as you work through new units, teach new topics, and work with new children each year.

2. You’ll get to learn as well as teachOne of the main reasons for wanting to teach is devotion to lifelong learning. Teachers not only get to share their existing knowledge, but they get to dig deeply into topics and learn something new along the way. A student might ask a probing question that allows you to see a topic in a completely new way, and the discussions you’ll have with your students can spark innovative thoughts. Teachers must stay on top of new technologies, trends, and historic events, ensuring you’ll always be learning something new.

3. Teaching makes a difference, with visible resultsIf you ask most potential teachers “why do you want to become a teacher,” they’ll mention the ability to make a real difference in students’ lives. Unlike other professions where you may work behind the scenes, as a teacher you’ll be up front to see the visible changes. There’s nothing quite like seeing the spark of understanding on a child’s face as a lesson “clicks” for them. Why teach? So that you can impact students from all walks of life, imparting lessons that will help shape the next generation.

4. Teachers can work all over the worldTeaching is a highly transferable skill. If you train to become a qualified teacher, you’ll be able to work pretty much anywhere in the world. Whether it’s teaching English or a specialised subject, you can work and explore at the same time. International schools are growing in number all over the world and many are looking favourably upon teachers who have trained and qualified in England.

5. You’ll benefit from flexible hoursFor parents, many reasons for wanting to teach involve the convenient scheduling. If you have children, you will be on the same schedule. Teachers need to take care of prep work and lesson planning after the school day ends, but in many cases this can be done from home.

6. HolidaysWhile they may not be the number reason to become a teacher, summer holidays are another great perk. Not to mention spring holidays and half-term time. The paid time off outside of the academic year is certainly a bonus for teachers.

7. You’ll have job securityWhile other jobs can be replaced by technology, there will always be a need for teachers. Many areas, particularly in urban centres, have high demand for qualified teachers. There’s also a high degree of mobility within the education field. Former teachers can go on to become administrators, guidance counsellors, or social workers.

8. Teaching is a highly social jobAnother bonus for many is the chance to work in a social atmosphere. You’ll work as part of a team with your colleagues, while interacting with students each day. Teachers also have the opportunity to become an integral part of the community, getting to know parents and community members.

9. At the same time, you’ll have independenceYet at the same time, as a teacher you are in charge of your own classroom. You’ll be able to make decisions regarding what’s best for your students, and lay out your own lesson plans. Although you’ll need to follow certain standards in your curriculum, you have the opportunity to inject your own personality into your job.

10. You’ll have more than just a jobAt the end of the day, teaching offers far more than just a pay cheque. You’ll have a satisfying career, knowing that you’ve made a difference in many lives. Through interacting with students and community members from a range of different backgrounds, you’ll gain greater understanding of your own society and flex your creative skills. So why teach? For the personal growth.

Education is about passion

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Education is about passionEducation is about passion Zubeth Morkel has been a teacher at M & K Gertze High School in Rehoboth for almost 27 years and shares her passion and wisdom about making a difference in the lives of learners.

1. What subjects do you teach and how else are you involved at your school?

I am teaching Office Practice to grade 10, 11 and 12 and Afrikaans to grade 10 and 12. I coach netball and I am also involved in athletics at the school. I was team manager of National teams for netball previous years, and also received USASA grading as an umpire in SA. This year, I changed and am now coaching the girls soccer team, which I really enjoy. I also received the best teacher award at my school in 2012.

2. What made you decide to pursue a career in education?

My mother was a teacher and my father also. So I had to become one, too. I had to be creative in making teaching not only a career, but also a passion. I quickly realized that good teaching is as much about passion as it is about reason. I have a love for learning that often has you seeking more information about things. I enjoy working with children and receive great satisfaction from helping others learn new things. Because I love challenges, it is specifically a challenge to see how a learner grows from a F- student to an A-student. I love motivating students to learn, teaching them how to learn, and doing so in a manner that is relevant, meaningful, and memorable.

What is important is my sense of humour. This is very important — good teaching is also about humour. It’s often about making jokes, mostly at your own expense, so that the ice breaks and students learn in a more relaxed atmosphere where you, like them, are human with your own share of faults and shortcomings. Good teaching is about caring, nurturing, and developing minds and talents. I taught them one philosophy in life that as a child, the place where you find yourself has been handed by you by chance. But what you become depends on the decisions you make, and these decisions are limited only by the possibilities you imagine.

3. Please tell us what the most rewarding part of your job

At the end of the day, good teaching is about having fun and fundamental rewards when locking eyes with a student in the back row and seeing the synapses and neurons connecting, thoughts being formed, the person becoming better, and a smile cracking across a face as learning all of a sudden happens. Good teachers practice their craft not for the money or because they have to, but because they truly enjoy it and because they want to. I have an example of a student who can only speak English and Portuguese in my Afrikaans class who enrolled in Grade 10. He passed Afrikaans at the end of his JSC examination - that’s because of teaching with passion! I also take the challenge of new learner from the North who never had Office Practice in grade 8 and 9. She enrolled for Office Practice in Grade 10 and she got an A in the external examinations, and also falls under the top 50 of Namibia. You have that Elsie Gowases Case. A dropout learner in grade 9 and never passed KWP. Good teaching is also about bridging the gap between theory and practice.

4. Why should young people consider a career in education?

The challenges are exciting, and the rewards are priceless. Few accomplishments in life can measure up to the smile on a young boy’s face when he first realizes that he can, at long last write a good essay , or answer that difficult comprehension, or the delight expressed by a young woman who can do touch typing with no or few errors. So, if you want to inspire and instruct the next generation of musicians, mathematicians, nurses, scientists, astronauts, and philosophers, choose teaching! Teaching is the mother of all professions!

5. According to you what are some of the greatest challenges that the Namibian education system?

One of the biggest challenges in Namibia is high expectations. You expect that we will have money, expect a high pass rate, expect quality teaching etc. Expectation leads to disappointments. The Namibian education system still face many stumbling blocks including high drop-out rates, transfer cases and the quality of teachers.

Most of our teachers who are learning though distance studies, will never be the same as a teachers who are at university or college and are evaluated for their practical lessons. These teachers are the one who set the basic foundation for reading writing in espcecially the primary schools. They must get enough practical exposure on how to teach primary children to read and write. We have many school children in grade 8 who cannot even read! We have to monitor whether teachers work is up to standard or not.

We know only too well that although Namibia has some wonderful schools, in both rural and urban areas but too many of our schools still get very poor results and are not giving our children the skills they need for a globalised, knowledge-based society. We find ourselves in social and economic circumstances that are hostile to good education, where too many people are hindered in their learning because of extreme poverty, now being made worse by HIV and Aids.

We find ourselves in social and economic circumstances that are hostile to good education, where too many people are hindered in their learning because of extreme poverty, now being made worse by HIV and Aids.

DTA change is good

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DTA change is good DTA change is good Official opposition ditches Turnhalle association Analysts say the DTA will have to make a complete break with its pre-independence history to succeed. JEMIMA BEUKES

Political experts have welcomed the DTA’s new brand identity that will be unveiled at the party’s extraordinary congress at the Ramatex Complex in Windhoek tomorrow.

The party will also hold its 40th anniversary award ceremony tonight to honour some of its members who have made remarkable contributions to the party.

The Democratic Turnhalle Alliance was formed in November 1977 as a result of the Turnhalle Constitutional Conference held in Windhoek from 1975 to 1977 as a counterbalance and main opposition to the South West Africa People's Organisation (Swapo).

It is widely believed that the DTA's past affiliation with the apartheid government before Namibian independence continues to affect its current public image.

Political commentator Graham Hopwood says the DTA will have to do more than a superficial rebranding though.

“They will have to make a complete break from their historical past. They are held back by their association with the pre-independence apartheid era,” he said.

Political analyst Uazuva Kaumbi believes the DTA deserves a pat on the back for its bold decision to distance itself from its past.

“It is not an easy decision to rebrand a political party; it must be very difficult for the party to take such a step. It must be commended, but we must keep in mind that they will lose a lot of people that love the old DTA but they will certainly gain some such as the youth that will embrace the transformation,” he says.

Kaumbi cautions that the party should not have too high hopes for the near future and that the transformation may only pay off in ten years’ time.

Another political commentator, Dr Andrew Niikondo, believes the party will make an impact in the next election, provided it makes a clean break with its past.

“One would expect them to change completely: the name, the two stripes, the flag and the symbol. It should indeed be youth friendly. Such a change is very important and it is commendable that they have realised that,” says Niikondo.

RDP leadership battle in court

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RDP leadership battle in courtRDP leadership battle in court FRED GOEIEMAN

The besieged president of the Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) has applied for an urgent interdict to restrain the party from proceeding with an executive committee meeting slated for today to confirm a vote of no confidence in him.

The embattled Jeremiah Nambinga is seeking the interdict to halt the executive committee meeting set to start today and continue until Sunday.

The RDP and 18 members of the party’s central committee are cited as respondents in the matter.

Nambinga also asked that the decision to convene the executive committee meeting be declared null and void.

“The decision of the executive committee to have declared a vote of no confidence in me is unlawful,” he argued.

“The vote of no confidence cannot be discussed until the Discipline and Auditing Commission has had an opportunity to look into the grievances and make a recommendation to the committee,” he maintained.

Advocate Albert Strydom, appearing on behalf of the respondents, indicated that he only received notice on Wednesday to file his heads of argument and the matter was set to be heard yesterday.

Judge Shafimana Ueitele postponed the application to today. Advocate Gerson /Naris appeared on behalf of Nambinga.

‘Teachers operate on minds’

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‘Teachers operate on minds’‘Teachers operate on minds’ Uakotora Riruako studied for a Bachelors of Education (Honours) at the University of Namibia. He began his teaching career at Centaurus High School and then moved to Khomas High School. He is currently working at Concordia College. 2. What subjects do you teach and how else are you involved at your school?

I teach Otjiherero First language and English as a second language. I am passionately involved with debating, mentoring future leaders that is the Learner Representative Council (LRC), partaking in going green projects, the Scripture Union that is instilling moral and value system for our learners through spiritual growth and awareness.

3. What made you decide to pursue a career in education?

It was the thought of the opportunity of working with children, the opportunity to help learners discover their potential and mould that potential so that it becomes a tangible end product. I always played teacher as a toddler, I am inquisitive by nature and so I love to learn and because of that what I gain I always wanted to teach on to somebody else. My beloved late father Mr Moses Seth Tjirimuje who passed away this year was also a teacher and a school principal inspired greatly to become a teacher also. The impact that some of the teachers had on me also were a factor as I saw if someone could touch my life in the way they have so I have an opportunity to touch a life as well. Teaching is touching lives forever!

4. Please tell us what the most rewarding part of your job is

Most people think the first thing you look for when choosing a career is money but I will tell anyone who wants to pursue a career in teaching that should be the factor but it should be passion. The most rewarding part of teaching is to see your leaners exceed that which you have set for them and grow into prominent figures in society and you look at that and tell yourself that’s my product. Not only that but to have a problem child or an underperforming child and after your intervention they become better learners in discipline and academics that is my greatest pride and I always sought for those to make better because every child is just a child and as the bible says we must show him the way he should go in that when he grows up he will not depart from it.

5. Why should young people consider a career in education?

Although it is one the most underappreciated careers, the value it has of moulding the next generation of lawyers, doctors and presidents is richly rewarding - teaching is the backbone of the country as without a teacher you have no president or doctors. Teaching also has flexible working hours, you get to interact with young people and shape into better citizen and that is priceless.

6. According to you what are some of the greatest challenges that the Namibian education system are faced with at the moment and how do you should it be addressed?

Discipline amongst learners, lack of parental involvement, teacher-learner ratio, motivation from learners themselves for their own school work, lack of technological devices in classrooms, low salaries and benefit for teachers and a lack of motivation from teachers are some of the most pressing concerns.

Discipline begins at home and parents must instil discipline at home and not only leave to teachers to it and parents must become more involved as stated before. There must be a reduction in the number of learners per teacher to enhance teaching and learning. There must be a modernisation of teaching to use projectors and a moving away from traditional way of doing things as Albert Einstein said we cannot do things the same way as we have for the last 20 years and expect different results, Eintein called that the definition of insanity. Teachers must become more appreciated through their salaries as their job is just as important as a doctor - we operate on the brain and make leaners do what they could not do before.

What are the signs of burnout and how can we avoid it?

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What are the signs of burnout and how can we avoid it?What are the signs of burnout and how can we avoid it? All of us feel tired, even exhausted at times, but this is perfectly normal if you have a full schedule. Some of us may also have felt like calling in sick and staying in bed on a rainy Friday morning, just before a lesson with a challenging group. That’s also understandable. But when the sun is shining and you have a lesson with a motivated group of learners, but still feel unable to face the day, then you are probably on the way to burnout.

Professional burnout is not simply the result of being overworked and underpaid. It can be the result of prolonged stress, and emotional fatigue, feeling isolated and not respected. The condition affects job performance and it is contagious; it may even result in physical illness.

It is not a happy topic but one that we need to talk about if we are to fight it.

Why do teachers suffer burnout?

Burnout often affects people in helping professions: lawyers, doctors, social workers, managers and teachers, among others. For teachers, working with students means constantly trying to respond to their needs while simultaneously meeting the various demands of the organisation. When teachers feel that there is a mismatch between all these demands and the available resources they have for coping with them, stress is induced. The usual culprits mentioned are: lack of time, ideas, materials, expertise and support.

While short periods of intensive work resulting in success and acknowledgement rarely lead to burnout, chronic stress does. It undermines one’s self-worth, reduces the sense of accomplishment, and uses up emotional resources. It builds a wall between a teacher and the professional environment that could otherwise energise them and provide the support they need.

It is a vicious circle: the more serious the burnout, the stronger the isolation becomes. The chances of reintegrating into a healthy professional context diminish as a result.

What are the signs of burnout?

The Maslach Burnout Inventory was created to measure the degree of burnout. It looks into three areas associated with this condition: emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, (negative relation to) personal accomplishment.

In the case of a teacher, the symptoms of emotional exhaustion would include frustration, a lack of interest in teaching, a reluctance to try out anything new, and the blaming of students or the institution for the lack of success.

Depersonalisation is marked by cynicism, poor attitudes towards students, colleagues and the school itself, a lack of contact with others, and growing isolation. Teachers on the road to burnout may not greet their colleagues. They might avoid eye contact, choose not to share their classroom experiences or make no time for socialising.

Teachers suffering from burnout view personal accomplishment negatively: they don't set goals, and have low self-confidence. Professional jealousy adds to the frustration. Relationships suffer, not only professionally – a burned-out person often has an empty private life.

However, it is not easy to spot teachers who are beginning to burn out, for the simple reason that they tend to hide their condition, or because they are not themselves aware of what is wrong with them.

Recognising the early signs of burnout can be vitally important in a good school community. Prevention is always a better route than treatment later on.

What are the effects of burnout?

Burnout is not simply a mood or a psychological state. Emotional, cognitive and physical exhaustion is common among people suffering from burnout, often leading to physical and health-related consequences. The loss of sleep is perhaps the most typical example, but there may be more serious consequences that need medical treatment.

The social effect is also important. Burnout is not an individual problem, it is contagious: a burned-out teacher in the staff room will affect others. Moaning and groaning, not getting involved in activities going on around them – this way of behaving can become accepted, influence others and eventually come to define the climate of the staff room. Engagement and burnout are two sides of the same coin: the more teachers positively engage with their work and those around them, the less chance there is for professional burnout.

What can teachers do about this problem?

In business institutions, burnout is clearly a management issue. In well-managed companies, employee engagement is regularly measured and if the results are poor, human resources step in. Employees are rarely left to sort out this problem by themselves. They are offered more support, more involvement in decision-making, a different system of incentives, coaching, training, and opportunities for growth. These are just some of the ways professionals could receive support, but these solutions might seem less feasible in a school context.

The truth, however, is that school management can play an important part. Rationalising administrative duties, creating a time slot for teachers to share ideas and learn from each other, encouraging teacher co-operation, initiating and valuing innovations, setting up a mentor system for new colleagues – all these are possible in a well-managed educational team.

Creating a good staff room climate is crucial for teachers to stay motivated and positively involved. Teaching is a solitary job. Although we are with our students all the time, it is not our students but our colleagues who form our professional community. Their ideas are important and their appreciation counts. So what makes a good staff room?

When entering a good staff room, one feels a sense of energy. Teachers greet each other, discuss classes and other matters. There is co-operation between teachers in various forms: sharing ideas, teaching materials, successes and problems. Teachers pay attention to each other; they listen and give acknowledgement and feedback. A good staff room often has a meaningful message board (personal, helpful messages, not just announcements). Perhaps most importantly, there is a relaxed atmosphere and there seems to be time for people.

Teachers can also do their part by drawing on one of their professional skills, namely an ability to engage with people. If we can manage our students’ involvement in their own learning, and help them set goals and stay motivated, then it should be possible for teachers to help each other in the same way, and, by doing so, avoid burnout. It means practising what we preach, doing what we require our students to do, and using some of our class management skills in the staff room as well.

Take the following instructions which we say in class on a daily basis: work in pairs or groups, ask questions, listen again, revise, check your work, evaluate yourself, and so on.

These are the techniques we use to create a motivated, focused and co-operative classroom environment. Using the same techniques in the staff room can have the same effect.

Understanding professional burnout can help us see the first signs while it is still relatively easy to prevent it at more serious stages. A good professional community is the most powerful tool for helping teachers avoid burnout. Building such communities is the shared responsibility of school management and teachers, and can lead to the benefit of all.

Calle trims some fat

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Calle trims some fatCalle trims some fatN$4.1 billion owed to service providers The finance minister committed to paying outstanding invoices due to creditors while providing some cash flow for critical ministries. OGONE TLHAGE



Finance minister Calle Schlettwein yesterday announced extensive cuts in government expenditure in order to reinforce his commitment to fiscal discipline.

In his third mid-year budget review, more spending cuts were made in anticipation of reduced revenue from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) pool, which is expected to amount to N$4 billion in the year under review.

Schlettwein announced a freeze of N$4.5 billion in spending allocated in the N$61.6 billion budget tabled at the beginning of the year.

He committed to honouring outstanding debt owed to service providers while re-channelling allocated spending for the remainder of the financial year.

Taking from the operational and development budgets, a combined amount of N$4.5 billion was realised which would be channelled towards primary and secondary education, healthcare, defence, security, rental fees for government offices, ministries and agencies and a sizeable cash injection made in favour of the NBC for the remainder of the financial year.

A combined amount of N$807 million will be allocated to the Namibia University of Science and Technology, the University of Namibia, the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund and the Namibia Training Authority.

The under-pressure ministry of health will receive N$100 million to pay for pharmaceuticals and personnel expenditure, while N$150 million has been allocated to the operational expenditures of the ministry of safety, N$100 million for long-term defence contracts and N$80 million for the NBC’s operational expenses, to mention but a few.

“The FY2017/18 budget review has to address the settlement of accumulated spending arrears which have not been reported for budgeting purposes.

“The review also has to meet urgent resource shortfalls to prevent adverse reversals in the provision of public services and basic needs in the social sectors,” Schlettwein said.

He said spending cuts were made from the holding of workshops, office refreshments, corporate gifts, transfers to state-owned enterprises and printing costs. A total of N$400 million was released from government cash reserves and N$50 million from extra-budgetary accounts to partially finance the net funding needs.

A total amount of N$486.8 million was realised from internal savings by various offices, ministries and agencies. This comprised N$121.4 million from the operational budget and N$365.4 million from the development budget, according to Schlettwein.

Presumptive tax back

Schlettwein announced his intention to improve tax collection by way of the soon to be established Namibia Revenue Agency.

He also intends to formally introduce a presumptive tax on the informal sector in an effort to broaden the tax net.

The proposal on presumptive tax is expected to be tabled before the National Assembly closes for the year Schlettwein said.

“During the next session of parliament, it is my intention to table the tax proposal for the introduction of the presumptive tax on the informal sector, while giving due consideration to the micro units,” Schlettwein said.

This was, however, not the start of a hike in tax rates across the board, Schlettwein assured the National Assembly.

“As the economic recovery takes shape, it is not my intention to increase general tax rates. But we intend to bring all potential taxpayers into the tax net and achieve full compliance. This is to allow for economic agents to produce and invest, while creating incentive to work and promoting equity and fairness of the tax system,” he said.

Outstanding payments

Schlettwein committed to paying outstanding invoices owed to the government’s creditors, which amount to approximately N$4.1 billion.

This was tabled as part of an additional budget and equated to 6.5% of appropriated expenditure.

“I wish to table the additional budget for FY2017/18 amounting to N$4.1 billion or some 6.5% of the appropriated expenditure. This additional budget comprises an amount of N$2.2 billion to account for the settlement of outstanding invoices emanating from FY2016/17 and N$2.4 billion for allocation to the various OMAs with critical resource shortfalls for the provision of services,” said Schlettwein.

He stressed that it was not to be seen as “a new normal” but rather a policy tool to help pay creditors.

“Let me emphasise that the purpose of the Mid-Year Budget Review is not a window for additional budgets. An additional budget is a one-off special consideration and it must not, and will not, be considered as a norm,” he said.

Prudent spending

He discouraged against uncontrolled spending by the various OMAs and called for a culture of prudent spending practices.

“I should also emphasise that accumulation of unreported and unbudgeted spending invoices deviates from accountability provisions of public finance management which public officials should uphold in high esteem.”

Schlettwein urged accounting officers to stick to budget provisions and not over-commit on future planned development projects.

“I wish to urge accounting officers across the whole spectrum of public service and the general government to ensure that budget over-commitments and unauthorised expenditures do not reoccur. I count on the support of my cabinet colleagues in this respect,” Schlettwein said.

Policy interventions

On the fiscal front, estimated revenue for FY2017/18 was moderately adjusted upward by some N$300 million, as a result of anticipated better performance of individual income tax, the introduction of environmental taxes, the export levies, improved fuel levies and some categories of non-tax revenue relative to the budget estimates.

Gun ownership up, gun crime down

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Gun ownership up, gun crime downGun ownership up, gun crime down Private gun ownership in Namibia has more than doubled over the past 13 years, with handguns dominating new licence applications and self-defence cited as the number one reason to own a firearm.

A briefing paper on gun ownership and gun crime shows that the number of registered firearms has increased from around 97 000 to more than 200 000 since 2004; up from five guns per 100 000 citizens to nine guns per 100 citizens now.

On average, 6 653 gun licences are issued annually.

The report notes that information on the gun stockpiles held by state institutions such as the military and the police is classified.

The increase in firearm licences issued has not been associated with an increase in gun-related crimes, Dietrich Remmert, a researcher at the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) found. The study concludes that the prime motivation for firearm licence applications is self-defence, linked to rising fear of crime and the inability of the police to prevent it.

The IPPR report surmises that if the police were given more and better resources, and improve the quality of policing across the country, citizens might feel safer and the demand for firearm ownership could possibly slow down.

On the other hand, the police say although self-defence is a valid reason for firearm ownership, the perceived trend of handgun-carrying taxi drivers and drivers in general has led to a number of shooting incidents that had “little do with self-defence but rather emotionally charged confrontations between people.”



Moreover, fatal shootings at shebeens and on public roads have increasingly been reported, with most involving handguns and appearing to be the result of road-rage or quarrels.



As a result, the police have become stricter when it comes to issuing firearm licences.



The study indicates that murders by firearm rose from 3.4% of all murders between 1995 and 2001, to 14.05% between 2009 and this year.



“While the overall amount of firearm licences has increased markedly over nine financial years, instances of firearm-related cases overall make up only a small ratio of the crimes analysed,” Remmert wrote.



The study concludes that the statistics show that gun-related crimes do not yet pose a serious security risk to Namibia, but warns against complacency.







Police worried







The police shared their concern about negligent behaviour by firearm owners, since most gun-related crimes are committed with stolen firearms.



Security companies are some of the worst culprits.



“Based on their often negative experiences with security companies in terms of gun control, it was felt by the police that security companies posed a significant risk. Their demonstrated poor handling and control of firearms increased the dangers of loss and theft of the businesses' guns.”



An inspection of 84 security companies in 12 regions in 2012 found that many security companies had lost firearms but did not report the losses as required by law.

“Of the 2 258 registered guns held by the inspected companies, 536 could not be accounted for, or just over 23% of the total stock,” the report reveals.

More than 3 200 murders were reported in the nine years under review, with an average of 364 murders per year.

The number of shooting deaths remained fairly constant, ranging between 35 and 69 per year, in comparison to murders committed with another weapon, which have steadily increased in recent years.

There was a decrease in attempted murders by firearm, and a steady decrease in robbery cases involving guns.

Nevertheless, the IPPR recommends restrictions on the quantity of ammunition held by civilian gun owners.

It also suggests that gun competency tests for licence applicants should be made mandatory.

Security companies that show poor control of their weapons should have their licences taken away or suspended until they can prove they have better controls in place.

JANA-MARI SMITH

AGRA recognised as an employer of choice

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AGRA recognised as an employer of choiceAGRA recognised as an employer of choice Agra Limited once again affirmed its position as a sought after Namibian employer “For Agra, the survey results are essential for adapting organisational designs, shaping engagement strategies, managing leadership standards and ensuring retained expertise through talent management”, Agra’s Human Resources General Manager, Griffort Beukes Agra was awarded as an employer of choice during the Deloitte Best Company to Work For (BCTWF) breakfast meeting held in Windhoek on Wednesday, 25 October 2017. Agra was awarded 3rd place in the large company category, a company with more than 500 employees in BCTWF survey for 2017.

Apart from being recognised as an employer of choice, Agra was also awarded the Gold seal of Achievement, based on best company score. The seal is a demonstration of the attractiveness of the organisation and commitment to its people, enabling the organisation to market itself as an employer of choice.

Deloitte’s Best Company to Work For survey provides organisations with a platform to gauge employee experience in the workplace and has in the past year undergone transformation. It incorporates smart analytics, coupled with best practice research methodologies, to deliver a diagnostic tool for organisations to measure year on year attributes which influence employee engagement and attraction to an organisation.

This year the survey was conducted under four dimensions; Accomplishment & Growth, Fairness & Integrity, Values & Culture and Care & Feedback. Agra’s Human Resources General Manager, Griffort Beukes, noted that the survey’s dimensions and objectives reverberates with Agra’s mission, vision and core values.

“For Agra, the survey results are essential for adapting organisational designs, shaping engagement strategies, managing leadership standards and ensuring retained expertise through talent management”, he said.

‘’Essentially the BCTWF survey assists Agra in gaining insights on our employee’s perception, equipping us with key information to attract the best potential talent in Namibia as well as to build and maintain a highly productive workforce.” he proudly concluded.

Dealing with your micromanaging boss

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Dealing with your micromanaging bossDealing with your micromanaging boss Most micromanaging bosses aren't bad people, just misguided managers Ideally, your boss would give you general guidance when you needed it, answer questions when you have them, and give you a nice year end bonus. But, unfortunately, that's not how many managers operate. Sometimes you can end up with a micromanaging boss who is constantly looking over your shoulder, driving you nuts.

1. Evaluate if the constant corrections are necessary.

While being constantly corrected and painstakingly instructed can seem ridiculous, sometimes you need it. Does your boss constantly ask you what you're doing because you're frequently surfing your social media accounts? Does she ask you to explain your plans for the day, because you have a tendency to chat with your co-workers more than you should?

The honest truth is some employees need to be tightly managed because they don't stay on task, don't do quality work, and don't perform up to the level their paychecks would suggest. If your boss is constantly on your case, evaluate our own work habits and see if you need to make some corrections. If you're missing deadlines or forgetting to respond to emails, your boss is justifiably micromanaging you.

2. Figure out what is most important to your boss.

Often, a micromanager focuses on things that you don't think are important — and, in reality, may not be important.

A boss might criticize the width of the lines on your spreadsheet, or want you to put your office supplies in a certain order on your desk.

These things are utterly unimportant to you, but they are extremely important to your boss. You can fight these things and remain miserable, or you can say, “You know what?

It doesn't matter how this table is formatted, so I'll just do it the way the boss wants.”

It may be ugly, but in things that don't really matter, you defer to the boss. Some bosses have weird quirks, and the sooner you can figure them out, the easier your life will be. You may be loathed to do this — after all, it takes away from your individuality, but the reality is you were hired to do a job, not be yourself.

Now, for super important things, pushing back makes sense, but for the little things, just give in.

3. Don't just ask “what” but “how.”

Micromanagers often care about how things get done, not just that they do get done. Save yourself a boatload of pain by asking “how” at the beginning of the project. It may be extremely clear to you that the proper steps are A, B, C, and D, but if you ask your micromanager, she might reply, “A, C, D, B.”

Now, of course, you should push back (gently) if that's ridiculous, but if it's just different than what you would normally do, go ahead and do it her way. After you've proven success, you can try one of the steps above to ask if you can manage the how on your own. Ask for a bit more freedom.

Sometimes micromanagers supervise work closely because they are absolutely convinced that if they stop directing everything you do, you'll stop working.

They often prove this because employees become so disheartened while working under them, that they do just give up and sit there when no one is giving step by step instructions.

4. Managers can often be convinced if you can demonstrate competence, so ask.

Start with something like this: “Jane, I really appreciate the mentoring you've given me since I started, but I think I'm ready for a bit more responsibility. Instead of meeting with you every day to discuss my project, can we have a weekly meeting? If I run into problems, I'll come to you straight away, but I think I'm ready to fly on my own.”

Notice that you're not just saying, “Get off my back, you crazy control freak!” You're thanking your boss for mentoring you, which makes your boss think it's her good management skills that have brought you to this point.

Yes, this is sucking up. Yes, it works.

If your boss agrees, you need to work harder than you've ever worked before in your life. Don't mess up; you only get one chance. Pay special attention to the annoying little quirks that your boss thinks are important.

5. Be honest.

Sometimes your micromanaging boss is unaware that she's being too overbearing. This is especially the case with new managers who aren't comfortable in a management role. The one thing a new manager knows she's supposed to do is to tell employees what to do and then follow up with them. Such a boss may be inadvertently micromanaging you. So speak up!

“Jane, I'm a pretty independent worker. For instance, I did [successful project A] and [successful project B] largely on my own. It's one of the main reasons I was promoted into this role.

"I'm starting to feel a bit smothered when I have to copy you on all of my emails and provide you with frequent updates. I work a lot better when I have a bit of freedom.”

Your boss may say, “Oh, okay. Thanks for letting me know.” Don't ever frame your desire for less supervision as you're bad, but rather as, “this is a unique need that I have.” Bosses are often interested in doing what will bring about the best results and this area is no exception.

Windhoek to commercialise optic fibre

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Windhoek to commercialise optic fibreWindhoek to commercialise optic fibre Ogone Tlhage - The City of Windhoek is to commercialise its optic-fibre network.

Its electricity department will give its spare optic fibre to the department of information technology, which plans to enter into public-private partnerships with telecommunications operators.

The municipality also plans to apply for an infrastructure network licence from the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran).

At present, the City has 35 network points throughout Windhoek.

“There is spare capacity of two pairs on each fibre link between the network points, which has the potential to be utilised to offer additional services to formal telecommunications operators and wholesale clients,” the monthly city council meeting heard.

“The project will create a data carrier network throughout Windhoek which can facilitate or provide bandwidth directly to operators and thereby directly to Windhoek-based business and public facilities,” the council agenda read.

This would result in reduced telecommunications costs, increased bandwidth and better access to the internet for residents, and could also be used for telemetry purposes for the recording of utility services, the City motivated.

An in-house study will now be conducted to ascertain the costs of the envisaged commercialisation project. Following that, a private-sector partner will be sought.

At the final stage, a report will be submitted to the municipality’s executive committee for the preferred mode of commercialisation, at a date yet to be determined.

LRON hosts Dust and Dirt Babes this weekend

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LRON hosts Dust and Dirt Babes this weekendLRON hosts Dust and Dirt Babes this weekend'Vasbyt' fun Male entries will be allowed, but must be dressed as ladies in support of the cause. The Land Rover Owners Namibia (LRON) will be hosting a Dust and Dirt Babes event this Saturday, 04 November 2017, in support of the Cancer Association of Namibia and those affected by Breast Cancer.

This fun event will see the ladies take on a 4 x 4 obstacle course in a safe and controlled environment, gaurreenteed to be a memorable learning experience, with no risk of vehicle damage.

Male entries will be allowed, but must be dressed as ladies in support of the cause.

Besides some Vasbyt-fun, there will be plently of entertainment, food and fun activities for the whole family to enjoy.

“The event will be dedicated to the late club member Kobus Prins, who lost the fight against cancer during October,” says Henry Bischoff, chairman of the LRON.

“We therefore invite the public to join us for a lovely fun-filled day of family-fun and also sponsors who would like to buy on of the ten obstacles or rent a stand to not only support our initiative, but also market themselves. ”

It all takes place at the Benguella Angling Club in Olympia, from 08h00 to 16h00 in the afternoon, though entrants must report for Scrutineering at 07h00.

For more information, contact Henry Bisschoff at 081 124 5745 or send an email to defender901620@gmail.com.

Hollard opens Oshakati office

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Hollard opens Oshakati officeHollard opens Oshakati office 27 October 2017 marked the day that the northern part of Namibia got painted purple, as Hollard officially opened its new Oshakati branch.

The office is located at Unit 2, Frans Indongo Centre and will offer all the perks that Namibians have come to expect from Hollard, including its tailor-made products specifically created to suite Namibia and its people.

This is a giant leap for Hollard, with established branches from Rundu to Keetmanshoop. It marks the beginning of a new endeavour into parts of Namibia that will surely offer its own unique set of product needs, challenges that Hollard says it welcomes as a company.

The mayor of Oshakati, Angelus Iiyambo, officially opened the night, welcoming all the guests attending. He said the people and the town of Oshakati would stand to benefit greatly, both from services offered by Hollard, as well as economically with the opening of the branch.

Taking into consideration the demographics of the north, it was decided that Oshakati would be the ideal location for the new office, as it would be able to reach as many people as possible in and around the area. It will offer all of the insurance products currently part of the Hollard product range such as funeral cover, personal as well as business insurance.

"Hollard prides itself on delivering unmatched service quality within the insurance industry in Namibia, and will continue to do so at our new Oshakati branch. With dedicated staff at the helm, our approach to our customers has and always will be handled with utmost respect and diligence, ensuring that when you walk through those doors, you automatically know that you are in capable hands," the company said in a statement.
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