Road-safety campaign kicks off

November 16, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Feed the kids, grow the nation

≪ Previous: PDM wants moratorium on foreign land ownership

$

0

0

Road-safety campaign kicks off JUNE SHIMUOSHILI

Vivo Energy Namibia is taking its road-safety campaign a notch up by embracing new media to effectively raise awareness about driver behaviour to make the country’s roads safer.

The energy giant this week launched the campaign - which will run until January - in collaboration with the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund, Private Sector Road Safety Forum and Namibia Media Holdings (NMH) as its official media partner.

This year’s campaign will popularise the wearing of seatbelts and encourage drivers not to use a cellphone or drink alcohol while driving. It also advocates against exceeding speed limits.

“While road safety is a culture within Vivo Energy Namibia, we trust that our efforts at educating the public will yield results and reduce traffic violations on our roads,” said the company’s managing director, Johan Grobbelaar.

The MVA Fund’s Sidney Boois strongly condemned the practice of driving around “with a beer in the hand” or “taking pictures of the dashboard while speeding”.

Although statistics reveal a decline in car crashes by 5% and injuries by 1% compared to the same period last year, the MVA Fund still encourages Namibians to take the personal pledge to contribute to road safety, to adhere to road rules and to encourage friends and family to buckle up and stick to the speed limit.

“The MVA Fund encourages all road users to remain vigilant, keep to prescribed speed limits, avoid risky overtaking, mind stray animals, watch out for pedestrians, adjust to road conditions such as heavy rains which may cause slippery roads, and keep a safe following distance,” said Boois.

This Sunday, Namibia will join the rest of the world in observing World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

---

Feed the kids, grow the nation

November 16, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Top Strategies for a Successful Job Search

≪ Previous: Road-safety campaign kicks off

$

0

0

Feed the kids, grow the nationPrivate partners sought for school feeding scheme The education minister has appealed to the private sector to join forces to help strengthen and expand the Namibian school feeding programme. JANA-MARI SMITH



Education minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa shared her own memories of going to school with an empty stomach during a heartfelt appeal to the private sector to join forces to help strengthen and expand the Namibian school feeding programme (NSFP).

“Those of you who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, like me standing here, would remember being in school when you are hungry. You would lie on that desk, and rather sleep. You would sit and look at the teacher with empty eyes. Nothing would go into your brain, because when you are hungry, your concentration levels and attention span drop,” the minister said yesterday.

She was speaking at the opening of a multi-stakeholder workshop on a draft public-private partnership strategy.

The NSFP currently supports more than 330 000 pre-primary and primary children in 1 400 schools across the country with a mid-morning meal of fortified maize meal.

The minister said it was hoped that with support from the private sector, the NSFP could be expanded to more children and rolled out to secondary schools, and the food options diversified.

The annual budget for the NSFP for 2015/2016 was approximately N$96 million.

Representatives from the poverty and agriculture ministries as well as representatives of companies such as Ohlthaver & List, Pick n Pay, Checkers, Namib Mills and Woolworths, joined the discussions yesterday.

The aim of the meeting was to review and validate the draft public-private partnership strategy and to get consensus on the different roles the private and public sector will play to help foster a better and stronger partnership on school feeding.

The partnership strategy is to be established within the ministry’s recently launched framework of the Friends of Education in Namibia Special Initiative (Fensi).

The NSFP programme has helped the country to address key educational objectives, including increased enrolment, improved attendance and concentration in class, and relieving short-term hunger.

It has helped reduce school dropout rates.

“School feeding is a very important social safety net programme and one of the ministry’s key programmes in addressing access to education and learning, and in contributing to national government goals,” Hanse-Himarwa said.

She said improving the life of one child has benefits not only for that individual and their family but for the whole country.

The minister noted that although the programme was a success, it still faced numerous hurdles and did not address the need of all children.

BaiMankay Sankoh from the World Food Programme (WFP) said these gaps could be plugged by combining forces between the government and the private sector.

He explained that a cost-benefit analysis carried out in 15 countries showed that for every dollar invested in school feeding, there was an economic return of between US$3 and US$10 from improved education and health among schoolchildren, leading to improved productivity when they become adults.

Sankoh said when learners were supported through feeding programmes, their likely success at school and beyond was much higher.

In turn, higher levels of education have been shown to directly affect individual earnings, labour productivity and the national economy.

“Investing in education has high returns,” Sankoh said.

He praised the Namibian government for taking the initiative to feed hungry learners, which is something usually handled by non-governmental organisations in other countries.

The education authorities of a number of countries, including Nigeria, have visited Namibia to find out how this has been achieved.

He noted, however, that it was important to recognise that this responsibility was too large and complex for any government to meet adequately on its own.

He emphasised that globally, 370 million children receive food from governments.

Thirty millions of these children live in sub-Saharan Africa, where the need is highest.

But it is estimated that 20 million children still go hungry each day in Africa.

Top Strategies for a Successful Job Search

November 16, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Females are the future

≪ Previous: Feed the kids, grow the nation

$

0

0

Top Strategies for a Successful Job Search Job searching isn't just about applying for jobs and hoping to get called for an interview anymore. It's more complicated than that, especially in a competitive job market. The most successful job seekers utilize a variety of job search strategies to help them stand out from the crowd.

Here are job search strategies you can use to expedite your job search, find connections who can help, get your resume noticed, have companies find you, ace an interview, and get a job offer.

Stand Out from the Job Search Crowd

The job market is crowded and one of the most important job search strategies you can use is make sure that you stand out from the job searching crowd and show the hiring manager that you are a candidate who definitely should be selected for an interview.

Search for the Right Jobs

Use the job search engines to find jobs by using keywords that match your interests and the location where you want to work. Narrowing your search criteria will save time, will help you focus your job search and will give you more relevant job listings to review and less non-relevant job listings to weed through.

Customize Your Resume and Cover Letter

It's important to take the time to write targeted resumes and cover letters that specifically link your qualifications to the hiring criteria for the jobs you are applying for. The hiring manager will be able to see, at a glance, why, and how, you are qualified for the job. You'll have a much better chance of getting an interview than if you send a generic letter and resume.

Use Your Network

Networking is still the way most people find jobs and the job search strategies you use need to include networking. Connect with everyone you know, because you never know which contact may be able to help you with your job search or put you in touch with someone who can. Join LinkedIn Groups so you'll have access to job listings posted for Group members and more people to network with.

Rank Well on Google

Create profiles on LinkedIn, VisualCV and other professional networking sites. Use your name for the URL, if possible. When prospective employers Google you, those profiles typically rank high, so you will provide recruiters, employers, and contacts with a strong positive and professional impression of you as a candidate they should be interested in.

Job Search Where Companies Are Hiring

If you're aware of where companies are seeking applicants, you can position yourself to increase your chances of getting found by hiring managers. One of those important job search strategies you can use is to focus your efforts on the same job sites that companies are using to recruit.

Make Sure Companies Can Find You

When you're conducting a job search, you need to make it easy for employers to find you online. Employers, who can be inundated with resumes when they post jobs, often seek passive candidates (qualified candidates who aren't necessarily looking for work, but who may be interested if the right job comes along). Here's how to ensure companies can find you.

Ace the Job Interview

A job interview, of course, is what is going to get you a job offer - or not. Take the time to prepare. Research the company before you go for the interview, dress appropriately, practice answering and asking interview questions, and make a concerted effort to impress the interviewer with your skills, experience, confidence, and expertise.

Follow Up After the Interview

It's really important to follow up after an interview by thanking everyone you interviewed with. Candidates who send thank you notes get hired more often than those who don't. Use your thank you note as an opportunity to reiterate why you're the best candidate for the position.

source: The Balance

Females are the future

November 16, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Post-Mugabe era may be no better

≪ Previous: Top Strategies for a Successful Job Search

$

0

0

Females are the futureTaking ownership Female empowerment is a movement taking the world, and more specifically Namibia, by storm. Contributing to this movement is our very own Future Females Namibia. Mariselle Stofberg

“There is an old African proverb that says if you educate a man you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman you educate a family (nation)”. That is the message Wilmili de Bruin (31), the ambassador of Future Females Namibia, has for upcoming female entrepreneurs of Namibia in her fight for female empowerment.



Future Females Namibia is an international organization focusing on inspiring, connecting and motivating young and aspiring female entrepreneurs to eventually empower themselves to achieve success. The overall aim is to remove barriers that prevent female entrepreneurs from entering the market and achieving success and to enable females to share their knowledge and skills. With these platforms females are now able to form communities that can assist and inspire upcoming female entrepreneurs in their endeavours.

De Bruin is a dynamic woman who reached out the one of the founders, Cerina Bezuidenhout, to make herself available to start this organisation within Namibia, to give local females the opportunity to meet, connect and share their skills and knowledge. Wilmili is currently staying in Swakopmund. She studied LLB at the North-West University in Potchefstroom, and is currently employed as a senior associate at Koep & Partners, a law firm with offices in Windhoek and Swakopmund. Koep & Partners is also the main sponsor of upcoming Future Females Namibia event in Windhoek on 16 November (Thursday).

“Empowering and motivating females has always been a passion of mine. I believe that as females we should work together to achieve our goals. Due to our culture woman are brought up to act a certain way or to only do and achieve certain things and we are so much more than these traditional outdated norms.”

De bruin encourages future female entrepreneurs to always remember three things on their road to success: hard work, self-belief and knowledge. Her mission is to accelerate the success of aspiring and existing female entrepreneurs within Namibia. “The time has never been more right for our future females to shine and show the rest of Namibia what they are made of.” There is extreme hype surrounding the Windhoek launch of the organization, and people are becoming more aware of the impact of this event.

De Bruin jokingly added that even her uncle said he is scared of the impact of this movement. “He jokingly mentioned that this movement will make women realise that they don’t have to stay at home and cook. They can achieve great things and then the men must start cooking and cleaning for themselves.”

De Bruin wants to urge females within Namibia to break free from the idea society has of women and that they should make a mind shift in the way they view themselves. “Empowerment starts within yourself, it’s a choice you make to take that first step. You are your only limitation. You can do anything, just believe you can and do it. ”

Fact box on Future Females Namibia

· All their events are free, making use of sponsorships to fund the events.

· Their Windhoek event launched on Sunday evening 30 October 2017 and within an hour over 100 people were interested.

· Ticket limits were initially set at 50, but were sold out within a week and had to be increased to 80.

· Their group on Facebook has more than a 1 000 members and they have just over 200 followers on Instagram.

Fun facts on Wilmili de Bruin

· She distributes wood on the side in Swakopmund.

· She started her own group called “Words” for all lovers of words and to share her passion for literature, art and photography.

· She was born in Outjo.

· As a true coffee lover, she believes that coffee plays an essential part in keeping us sane.

Post-Mugabe era may be no better

November 16, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Swapo gala dinner makes money

≪ Previous: Females are the future

$

0

0

Post-Mugabe era may be no betterWould-be Zim investors should tred carefully Investors face two challenges: It's difficult to put money into Zimbabwe's markets and almost impossible to get it back out. The way to hell is paved with good intentions. - Gary van Staden, NKC African Economics Karin Strohecker - International investors hoping to bet on economic revival in Zimbabwe if the era long-term ruler Robert Mugabe is over face two obstacles: It's difficult to put money into the country's markets and almost impossible to get it back out.

Within 24 hours of the military seizing control in Harare, investment firms say their phones have been ringing with client inquiries about the chances of a turnaround in Zimbabwe from decades of decline and bouts of financial chaos under Mugabe.

But any new leadership may be no better and, without using a proxy, going into Zimbabwe now would mean investing in an economy that is heading back into hyperinflation.

The military acted after Mugabe fired his vice president and presumed successor Emmerson Mnangagwa last week, a move widely seen as an attempt to pave the way for his wife Grace Mugabe to take over the reins.

Enthusiasm about the possibility of Mnangagwa taking over is limited, but investors' hopes rest on the chance that he might repair ruptured relations with investors and international lenders.

"From what we can see, Mugabe is out and that is a good thing," said Peter Bartlett, head of sales, Sub-Saharan Africa & Frontier Markets at Renaissance Capital. "Mnangagwa is in, which is not such a good thing. But I would have thought that he does now have a window of opportunity to re-engage with foreign investors and the IMF, and that is good news."

Stock exchange

On the face of it, Zimbabwe's stock market has chalked up spectacular gains, with the industrial index soaring 264% since the start of the year, while MSCI's Zimbabwe country index rocketed 420%.

Yet those gains were driven by local investors ploughing their money into equities, as their savings in bank accounts are being rapidly eroded.

Zimbabwe adopted the US dollar in 2009 after hyperinflation destroyed the local currency, giving a rare period of economic stability. However, severe shortages of US dollar cash have set in, leaving Zimbabweans with electronic units in their accounts which are officially dollars but in reality worth far less and depreciating fast.

Some Zimbabweans are turning to the volatile cryptocurrency bitcoin to try to preserve their savings.

Companies

Comparing dual-listed stocks such as Old Mutual, which is traded in Harare and London, suggested a 475% premium for Zimbabwe-listed equities due to the cash scarcity, said Hasnain Malik, global head of equities research at Exotix Capital.

"Widely reported cash shortages and the shift to listed equities as an alternative to bank (accounts) suggests that this economic model is breaking down again - the last time this occurred was in the hyperinflationary run-up to dollarisation in 2009," Malik wrote in a note to clients.

Zimbabwe's bourse - originally founded in Bulawayo in 1896 - features 65 listed stocks, many of them local subsidiaries of international companies, such as British American Tobacco.

However, logistics at both ends of the investment process make putting money to work on the local bourse tricky, for now, said Bartlett.

"It is extremely complicated to get a local account if you want to invest on the ground. Most stockbrokers here in the UK will not let you open an account for compliance reasons," he said. "The challenge has always been: How do you get your money out at the other end?"

Foreign currency

Ordinary Zimbabweans can use currency in their bank accounts, nicknamed "zollars", to pay for goods and services at home by debit card or mobile phone transfer. However, getting hold of foreign currency through official channels for an international transfer is almost impossible.

Some proxies are available in currencies such as sterling that may catch international investors' eyes.

Cambria Africa Plc - a Zimbabwe investment company listed on London's junior stock market - has gained more than 35% since the start of the year compared with a 21% rise in the overall Alternative Investment Market (AIM).

However, Australian-listed platinum producer Zimplats has seen its shares drop nearly 40% since the start of the year. In August, Zimbabwe filed a court application to enforce a previous notice to seize more than half of Zimplat's mining land.

Little opportunity

For fixed income investors, there is little opportunity to gain exposure. Zimbabwe is one of the few countries in arrears with the International Monetary Fund. Countries are required to clear all arrears with multinational lenders before engaging in talks with other creditors.

Many predicted there would be no going back for Zimbabwe with the military intervention designed to cut off Mugabe's succession plans. But for many analysts, it was too early to tell what the future would hold for Zimbabwe.

"As we all know, the way to hell is paved with good intentions," said Gary van Staden at NKC African Economics. "The current euphoria in Zimbabwe over the prospect of a post-Mugabe era needs to be tempered by the understanding that what follows may not necessarily be much better."– Nampa/Reuters

KASSIE

Hedging against political upheavals

“The stock market has not responded to these developments, if anything we have seen hedging activity increasing because investors have always been hedging over the past months. People are seeking non-monetary assets and others are divesting and this has boosted trade on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange,” a trader on the ZSE told Fin24.

The ZSE even rose by 0.51% on Wednesday to close the day with a market capitalisation of US$16.1bn after the industrial index rose 0.49% on the back of gains in Econet Wireless and Delta. Total value traded was 55.1% - US$6.6m - with Econet, Old Mutual and regional fast foods counter Simbisa Brands weighing in.

“We expect the market to trade higher on Thursday on demand in heavyweights,” said analysts at IH Securities in a report. – Fin24

Swapo gala dinner makes money

November 16, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Mugabe urged to go peacefully

≪ Previous: Post-Mugabe era may be no better

$

0

0

Swapo gala dinner makes money The Swapo Party fundraising gala dinner held in Windhoek on Wednesday evening raised over N$1.6 million.

An amount of N$282 750 was collected through an auction of paintings of the founding father while just over N$1.3 were raised through pledges.

The gala dinner was aimed at raising funds for the party's national congress where President Hage Geingob is running for party president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah for vice-president, housing minister Sophia Shaningwa for party secretary-general (SG) and former prime minister Marco Hausiku for deputy SG.

The glamorous event was attended by President Geingob and First Lady Monica Geingos, former president Hifikepunye Pohamba, Swapo secretary-general Nangolo Mbumba and retired Namibian Defence Force (NDF) Lieutenant-General Martin Shalli, among others.

Geingob's competitors for the presidency, Nahas Angula and Jerry Ekandjo, and their running mates, Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana, Helmuth Angula, Armas Amukwiyu, Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun and Petrina Haingura, were not in attendance.

The auction items included a portrait as well as clothing of the two former party presidents and Geingob.

The party's elective congress is slated for next week.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Mugabe urged to go peacefully

November 16, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Standing at a crossroad

≪ Previous: Swapo gala dinner makes money

$

0

0

Mugabe urged to go peacefullyMeets regional envoys in Harare President Robert Mugabe and envoys from SADC held talks in Harare yesterday, a South African official said, after the military took control of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe was meeting with a South African delegation at the state house yesterday as negotiations pushed for a resolution to the political turmoil and the likely end to Mugabe's decades-long rule.

South Africa President Jacob Zuma, speaking in parliament, said the political situation “very shortly will be becoming clear” but that it was too early to take any firm decision.

The talks include the military and, reportedly, the Catholic Church.

Seizing on the political limbo to speak out, civil society groups and opposition leaders urged Mugabe to step aside after 37 years in power and for the country to transition into free and fair elections.

Mugabe has been in military custody, reportedly with his wife, and there was no sign of the recently fired deputy Emmerson Mnangagwa, who fled the country last week.

The military remained in the streets of Harare.

Southern African regional officials were meeting in neighbouring Botswana on the crisis.

A joint statement by more than 100 civil society groups urged Mugabe, the world's oldest head of state, to peacefully step aside and asked the military to quickly restore order and respect the constitution. A joint statement by churches also appealed for calm.

One analyst said he believed the negotiations “have pretty much reached an end point” to get Mugabe to step aside and that it was a “matter of hours or days.”

Knox Chitiyo, associate fellow with the Africa program at Chatham House, warned that speculation remains high but said the aim was a peaceful, managed transition. He said the military wants a dignified exit for Mugabe, who has ruled since independence from white minority rule in 1980.

Chitiyo said he doesn't know where the ailing, 93-year-old Mugabe would go but that the destination is “likely driven by his health.”

Opposition leaders spoke out but said they had not been contacted as part of the Mugabe negotiations.

Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who shared power with Mugabe between 2009 and 2013, said Mugabe must resign and said his party would participate in talks on a transitional mechanism if approached.

A vice-president who was fired in 2014, Joice Mujuru, called for “free, fair and credible elections” following a transition arrangement that draws from a range of communities.

Zimbabwean Evan Mawarire, the pastor whose #ThisFlag social media campaign last year led to the largest anti-government protests in a decade, asked: “Should we just sit and wait or shall we at least be part of this transition process?” He urged that citizens not wait for regional leaders to broker the next phase.

Across the country, Zimbabweans were enjoying freedoms they haven't had in years.

For once, they weren't contending with bribe-seeking police officers who mounted roadblocks every few kilometers.



Searching cars

Soldiers manning the few checkpoints on roads leading into downtown Harare greeted motorists with a smile, searching cars without hostilities and wishing motorists a safe journey.

Street vendors who endured police raids after Mugabe ordered their removal were working without hassles.

Trade unions urged workers to go about their business.

“The situation is quite OK because they are now returning to their jobs,” said one Harare resident, Clinton Mandioper.

Human rights groups urged respect for rights as the drama played out.

NAMPA/AP

Standing at a crossroad

November 16, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: A passion for numbers

≪ Previous: Mugabe urged to go peacefully

$

0

0

Standing at a crossroad Jana Hougaard



Grade 10’s have very big choices to make regarding their future as their subject choices which is soon to be chosen has a very big effect on the career you may pursue. Grade 12’s on the other hand, have just completed their last days of school and now the journey into the real world is about to begin. Many still have doubts in their mind as to which career they would want to pursue one day.

Keep in mind that money can’t buy you the job satisfaction you need. Try to build a career out of the things you are most passionate about, for example if you love working with children, teaching could be the career for you. You should know that most jobs begin with a few years of hard labour and lower pay than you would like or expect.

If you are a grade 10 student and you don’t know which career to pursue, choose subjects which will keep your options open. Your subject choices will determine the careers you will be able to pursue so think about the careers you would like to take into consideration one day. Remember that grades have a very big effect on your future ,so take subjects which you can enjoy and do well in to ensure a good career will be followed.The decision you make for your career should not be taken lightly and so time and effort should be set out to find your ideal path. Before you begin get to know yourself, which passion would you like to live out every day?

Ask yourself what are your values, personality type, interests and do a career test for insight in your decision. Make a list of careers which you have heard of or which interests you. Explore all of the careers which may fascinate you or which you would like to know more about. Remember to keep your options open, don’t stick to one path.

After you have explored the careers, narrow the list down to even less careers. Eliminate the careers which you don’t want to pursue further, as well as jobs for which you need certain skills and requirements. When you get to the point where you only have a few occupations left on your list, start putting effort into further exploring them by even meeting with people already pursuing the career.

Get some feedback about the career and if possible apply for an internship. An internship can help you learn more about the specific field or industry and you can also gain valuable work experience. An internship not only helps you decide wether the career is right for you or not, but if it is the career you would like to pursue it might be easier to get a job in the future from the same company, if you impressed them. After you have done all of your research you are most likely to have found your perfect career. After your decision has been made, make long and short term goals for the career and try achieving them to your best ability. “If you choose a career you love, you never have to work a day in your life.”

---

A passion for numbers

November 16, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Russians keen to step up trade with Nam

≪ Previous: Standing at a crossroad

$

0

0

A passion for numbers The role of an economist An economist speaks to Careers about the wonders of working with numbers and how one needs to stay up to date with the happenings around the world. “Numbers do not lie and if you want to proof anything, use numbers. I have always had a love for numbers and facts and economics allows you to make decisions aided with mathematics and statistics," Tunohole Mungoba





Indileni Nanghonga’s role as an economist is to apply economic theories and knowledge to provide advice to the private sector and government institutions regarding the outlook for the macroeconomic environment. “This is done by analysing data and statistics and using economic relationships to uncover trends. To do the analysis one needs to carry out a considerable amount of research and collect large amounts of information,” says Nanghonga, a qualified economist.

“Numbers do not lie and if you want to proof anything, use numbers. I have always had a love for numbers and facts and economics allows you to make decisions aided with mathematics and statistics,” she adds. Nanghonga’s highlights of her job are that she gets to meet and rub shoulders with the who's who in Namibia. “You get to attend conferences and budget breakfasts and meet the powers that be. Most importantly, the job gives you great networking opportunities and the ability to express your views on the economy,” she explains. With every success story there is a price to pay, a price of sacrifice and self-denial.

An economist’s average day is about reading, collecting relevant data and speaking to other experts in different markets in Namibia and outside Namibia on trends and views. This involves circulating relevant information and formulating daily, weekly, monthly or quarterly views on the Macro-Micro economies is one of the daily tasks for Nanghonga.

“Although they are lowlights that include long working hours at times, continuous innovation in expressing your views and being open to contrarian views from the society, I am truly passionate about what I do,” she says.

According to Nanghonga, talent alone is not enough and the ability alone is not enough as well. “A qualification alone is not enough either. You need to love it and you need to be able to work with people and have a degree of patience. You need to be a book worm and you need to make sure you read, read and read some more,” she warns. She also added that economists do not go on holiday as they are required to work on weekends to monitor markets, stock and currency movements.

Russians keen to step up trade with Nam

November 16, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Illegal structures put Oniipa at risk

≪ Previous: A passion for numbers

$

0

0

Russians keen to step up trade with NamExporting jets on the table A series of agreements between Namibia and Russia are expected to be signed at State House today. Our commission is faced with the task to right this wrong. - Yuri Trutnev, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Ogone Tlhage - A Russian delegation led by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Trutnev, this week engaged in a series of closed-door discussions held with officials from the ministry of international relations seeking to up trade between the two countries.

Trutnev said it was Russia’s intention to strengthen and bolster trade relations, largely evidenced by the high-level delegation team that was sent to Namibia, he explained.

“It is my regret that within the past nine months, trade figures have dropped. Our commission is faced with the task to right this wrong,” Trutnev said.

Trutnev said areas of importance ranged from education, to aviation and even agriculture.

“There are plans to export Sukhoi jets to Namibia. Another important area is agriculture where our authorities have exchanges ideas. Namibia has made a request to have the number of students studying in Russia increased and we have increased that to 15,” Trutnev said.

Russian media organisation Sputnik has in the past reported that national flag-carrier Air Namibia was keen to acquire Sukhoi super jets. Air Namibia has however previously distanced themselves to a deal in which it was rumoured to want to acquire the Russian-manufactured aircraft.

Closed-door discussions continued yesterday with minister of international cooperation, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. A series of agreements are expected to be signed at State House today, a programme prepared by the ministry of international relations showed.

'Important mechanism'

“The session aims at promoting increased trade and investment flow between Namibia and Russia. It also serves to further strengthen bilateral relations in various fields and to underline the role of the commission as an important mechanism for expanding cooperation between the two countries,” permanent secretary in the ministry of international relations, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi said.

During the seventh session, several agreements in the areas such as higher education and safety and security are expected to be signed, she added.

Ashipala-Musavyi further welcomed the timing of the trade talks.

“We welcome the fact that this session of our Inter-Governmental Commission is taking place at a time when there is growing cooperation among institutions and business communities of our two countries. This has added further momentum and substance to the overall good bilateral relations between our two countries as our bilateral cooperation continues to expand,” she said.

With deliberations set out over two-days this week, Ashipala-Musavyi was positive of a good outcome at the end of the sessions.

“I am convinced that our deliberations will be geared towards strengthening bilateral cooperation between our two countries,” she said.

An earlier statement by the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Windhoek detailed several agricultural interests, including a meeting with AgriBusDev’s chief Petrus Uugwanga to discuss fertiliser options, amongst others.

Illegal structures put Oniipa at risk

November 16, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: City could face insolvency

≪ Previous: Russians keen to step up trade with Nam

$

0

0

Illegal structures put Oniipa at risk The newly proclaimed town council of Oniipa in the Oshikoto Region is frustrated by people building illegally on municipal land.

Mayor Immanuel Kambonde has warned that the continued construction of these illegal structures within the town boundaries might lead to the downgrading of Oniipa to a village.

Kambonde told Namibian Sun that there were over 1 000 illegal structures within the town's boundaries.

Allegedly, residents and headmen of villages such as Oniihandi, Omuhozi, Iiyale, Onampadhi, Ondando, Okambonde, Onamulunga, Iinongo and Oshaakondwa, all of which fall within the proclaimed town boundaries, are illegally selling municipal land.

Kambonde said buyers started developing their land after the town was mapped and proclaimed in 2015. He said the council tried to engage all the developers involved to explain to them that what they did was illegal. They were urged to voluntarily demolish their structures, which they did not do.

“Before they occupied the land, the town was already mapped. Their structures mean we have to remap the town plan because they do not form part of the town plan. Some have built in the middle of planned roads; some have built where the planning was for institutional land. We have to plan the town according to the map. The mapping of town is a very expensive exercise since it is done by experts via aerial surveys,” Kambonde said.

A letter that was sent to involved parties informed them that it was a criminal offence to occupy, alienate, buy, sell or develop municipal land without written approval of both the town council and the urban and rural development minister.

“This practice is exposing Oniipa's status as a town to the risk of being downgraded, altered or even abolished. Should we as residents or prospective investors of Oniipa want to have this town harmoniously planned and developed sustainably, then we should start playing the role of whistleblower to fight all the unlawful activities we see happening in this town,” the letter read.



Kambonde said the illegal structures were for both residential and business purposes.



“Residents of Oniipa must take note that the town council has formulated and adopted by-laws, systems and processes that are aimed at coordinating the development and operation of the town council as provided in the Local Authorities Act. While the council is working around the clock towards achieving notable milestones on this, the general public must be sensitised that this exercise requires time as it requires the engagement of various stakeholders,” Kambonde said.



In August, the town council caused tensions after it listed the house of NDF soldier Timotteus Ileka as an illegal structure and scheduled it for demolition. Ileka threatened to shoot anyone who dared to demolish the incomplete building.



The council, it appears, backed off and he has now completed his house. Kambonde, however, said that the matter was far from settled.



“All we need is to get ourselves in order by obtaining a court order. Our plan is not to demolish people's structures, but we would like people to volunteer to remove their structures by themselves. We cannot afford to redo the town planning,” he said.



ILENI NANDJATO

City could face insolvency

November 16, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Zim embassy says all is well in Harare

≪ Previous: Illegal structures put Oniipa at risk

$

0

0

City could face insolvencyParliamentary committee slams reckless spending According to a National Council standing committee the City of Windhoek is not commercially viable and it will soon be insolvent. The City of Windhoek could soon face insolvency if it does not urgently address lackadaisical financial management.

This concern was expressed during a public hearing by the National Council's standing committee on public accounts and economy on audit reports of the City of Windhoek for the financial years 2012 to 2015.

The City has been slammed with a disclaimer audit opinion for the years 2012 to 2015 by the auditor-general, due to insufficient and appropriate audit evidence that could not be obtained and therefore no audit opinion could be given.

Some of the reasons listed in the 2015 audit report are that the City did not provide an asset register for audit purposes, year-end stock amounting to N$61.9 million could not be verified and the financial statements for the going concern and commercial insolvency of the City were not disclosed. According to Jerome Davis, the municipality's strategic executive of finance, solvency is a major concern for the municipality and it currently seems that the City is unable to stem its losses. According to him, the 2015/16 financial year actual income for the City was N$44 million more than budgeted.

But expenses were N$643 million more than budgeted, resulting in a loss of N$456 million instead of a budgeted profit of N$144 million.

For the 2015/16 financial year actual income was N$189 million more than budgeted. However expenses were N$414 million more than budgeted, resulting in a loss of N$8 million instead of a budgeted profit of N$233 million.

“To compound the financial problems reflected above the City budgeted for a loss of N$504 million for the current financial year,” said Davis. He said it was anticipated that when all of the unsold land of the City was brought to account, it would not be in an insolvent position, but it cash flow remained extremely critical.



According to the committee the City of Windhoek is not commercially viable and it will soon be insolvent.



“This puts the country in an awkward position. Investors and residents are losing trust in the City. How do we move forward from this? The culmination of losses is worrisome. The next step will be commercial insolvency,” said Joseph Mupetami.



The City's acting CEO, Fillemon Hambuda, said the strategic plan that the City recently launched aimed to address this by decreasing the City's debts and strengthening the balance sheet.



“We are acknowledging what you are saying. We cannot allow the City to go down.”



He said during Windhoek's water crisis money budgeted for other projects was used to address the crisis.



“We recently took over Groot Aub and these are expenses that came and are necessary for our residents.”



Hambuda added that the City wanted to recover 80% of the N$600 million owed to it. “Then we can come back from insolvency.”



The committee further elaborated on the disclaimer audit opinion that the City received for the financial years 2012 to 2015.



“There has been a trend of disclaimer audit opinions, which is one of the worst one can receive. One of the key findings in the audit reports include that special investigations were carried out into fraud, irregular tenders and properties, irregular transfers between accounts and property management. There have been elements of mismanagement and fraud since 2012,” said John Likando.



He said although some of these cases were referred to the Anti- Corruption Commission for further investigation and there should be an internal process for punitive measures.



According to Hambuda the City was disappointed with the disclaimer audit opinions that it received over the past few years. “We are disappointed with ourselves and we are striving for a clean audit.”



He said an internal audit was conducted following the special investigations and it took each case into account and what action was taken.



The chairperson of the committee, Peter Kazongominja, said it was of grave concern that the City's reports were receiving disclaimer opinions.



“Things have to improve. Windhoek is the light of Namibia. If we are receiving this status now, it will not be able to sustain itself.”



The committee also wanted to know why the City did not provide the fixed asset register to the auditors for the financial years 2014 and 2015.



According to George Esterhuizen, the City's strategic executive for housing, property management and human settlement, the fixed asset register had not been submitted for a number of years.



“We went over to a new accounting system and this was not conducive for an asset register. In 2016 it went over to a new accounting standard.”



According to him it will be finalised within this financial year and no fewer than 600 000 line numbers will be recorded on the new system.



The committee further hammered on the fact that the City failed to reconcile its financial statement balances to payroll records for all four financial years and failed to submit supporting documents to the auditors on time.



Several documents were still outstanding, which the committee said were needed to prove that there were no illegal transactions taking place.



Furthermore, the City was asked whether its storage of documents, electronic or manual, was reliable, safe and secure.



Esterhuizen said documents were kept onsite and offsite.



“A lot of documents are coming and going. We are keeping them in storage and some get lost. There is a need for a proper warehouse. Another solution was to scan the documents, but the auditors want the original documents. There is a need for better centralised control of documents.”

ELLANIE SMIT

Zim embassy says all is well in Harare

November 17, 2017, 1:46 am

≫ Next: Zanu-PF sacks Mugabe

≪ Previous: City could face insolvency

$

0

0

Zim embassy says all is well in Harare The Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe in Windhoek has released a statement in which it said that all military personnel will be off the streets of the country's capital and surrounding areas today. According to a statement issued this morning, the country's defence force had "intervened to address recent political developments". The embassy said they were informed that the military action was a "surgical" one, set to remove criminal elements and hand them over to the police. According to the state publication the Herald, these ministers
are the leading figures of the so-called G40 faction in the ruling Zanu-PF‚ led by First Lady Grace Mugabe. They allegedly include higher education minister Jonathan Moyo‚ local government minister Saviour Kasukuwere and finance minister Ignatius Chombo.
The embassy said that President Robert Mugabe remains the head of state and his government "remains in office".
The civil service, parliament and judiciary have been asked to perform their functions as usual, the statement read.
"Security personnel are under strict instruction not to harm anyone," the statement said in closure.

STAFF REPORTER

Zanu-PF sacks Mugabe

November 19, 2017, 4:02 am

≫ Next: Exam markers will be paid – Steenkamp

≪ Previous: Zim embassy says all is well in Harare

$

0

0

Zanu-PF sacks Mugabe The BBC reportst that Zimbabwe's ruling party's Zanu-PF has sacked Robert Mugabe as its leader and has appointed former vice-president Emmerson Mnangagwa - sacked by Mr Mugabe two weeks ago - as the party's new leader. The party''s central committe is currently meeting in Harare.
Mnangagwa was fired last week, allegedly by the hand of First Lady Grace Mugabe. This prompted what has been described as an extraordinary chain of events as the military intervened to block Mugabe, 93, from installing his wife as the new vice-president.
Tens of thousands of Zimbabweans attended street protests on Saturday across the sub-region to demonstrate against the Mugabes.
Mugabe is set to meet military leaders later today.

STAFF REPORTER

Exam markers will be paid – Steenkamp

November 19, 2017, 4:49 am

≫ Next: Uruguay dominate first test

≪ Previous: Zanu-PF sacks Mugabe

$

0

0

Exam markers will be paid – Steenkamp The education ministry said payments to examination markers are an on-going process and the final payment for 217 of the markers was made on Friday.
According to the ministry’s permanent secretary Sanet Steenkamp said the hullaballoo over payment is unwarranted.
Speaking to Namibian Sun this morning, she said, “Currently there are claims for 45 Entrepreneurship, 12 Oshikwanyama, 69 Oshindonga markers for final verification and approval with directorate of finance of the ministry. These payments will be made on Monday by the finance ministry and will reflect as from Tuesday, depending on the banking institution where the account is held,” she assured.
Steenkamp added that the national examination and assessment directorate is currently busy processing 125 claims for English and Physical Science markers, who reported for duty on Friday, 17 November.
There was an uproar and threats made on Friday by the markers to strike, following delayed payments.
The Namibia National Teachers Union (Nantu) secretary-general Basilius Haingura yesterday confirmed that teachers are unhappy and “exposed to starvation”.
He added that these teachers are unable to pay accommodation and transport to the marking venue.
“But the PS promised that they will be paid on Monday. Most of the teachers have been paid but some not. So we will see what happens on Monday and then we will decide the way forward,” said Haingura.
According to him the total of markers stands at about 3 000.


JEMIMA BEUKES

---

Uruguay dominate first test

November 19, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Dippenaar shines at Tara Rally

≪ Previous: Exam markers will be paid – Steenkamp

$

0

0

Uruguay dominate first testYoung Namibians show character Namibia's test match against Uruguay was mostly lost in the first half as the South Americans took an unassailable lead. Uruguay clinched the first rugby test against Namibia with 52-36, after holding a 31-17 lead at halftime in their first-ever visit to the Hage Geingob Stadium on Saturday.

Namibia, playing without a number of frontline stalwarts, fought back well from 17-0 down to come to within two points (36-38) late in the second half, before two tries in the last five minutes further inflated the South Americans' score.

Uruguay drew first blood with a try by prop Mateo Sanguinetti in the fifth minute of the game, converted by wing Federico Favaro.

The tourists struck again with a try by flyhalf Rodrigo Silva on 12 minutes, which was converted by Favaro to take the score to 14-0.

Favaro's accurate boot gave the South Americans another three points with a penalty conversion.

Namibia suffered an injury blow as lock Mahepisa Tjeriko went off with a shoulder injury midway through the first half. The home team registered their first points with a penalty converted by flyhalf Cliven Loubser.

Alejandro Nieto improved Uruguay's total with a try which Favaro converted to make the score 24-3. The Uruguayan number 8 also scored his team's next try.

Centre Darryl de la Harpe struck with a well-taken try on the blind side, converted by Cliven Loubser to bring the score to 10-24. Namibia fought back with tries by captain Rohan Kitshoff, prop AJ de Klerk and fullback Johann Tromp.

However, the South Americans' experience proved vital as they forced two more late tries by flyhalf Silva and replacement prop Carlos Arboleya, to bring the final score to 52-36.

Namibia's 20-year-old flyhalf Cliven Loubser was named man of the match.

The two-test series sponsored by Windhoek Lager concludes next Saturday, 25 November at 16:00.



Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Dippenaar shines at Tara Rally

November 19, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Jerry is in top shape

≪ Previous: Uruguay dominate first test

$

0

0

Dippenaar shines at Tara Rally Namibian driving sensation Wilro Dippenaar won the 49th edition of the 2017 Tara Rally over the weekend.

Dippenaar finished in a time of 1:20 minutes in the S3 category on Saturday in Windhoek.

Jaco Redelinghuys finished in second place with a time of 1:21:19s while Alan Martin also pushed very hard for the third place in a time of 1:25:09s.

The S4 class went to Willem Hugo who finished the race in 1:32:59s while Oswaldo Mendes game in second with a time of 1:34:18s.

Jan Everson won the S2 category with an impressive time of 1:47:29s in his category. Everson was closely followed by Gert Coetzee who completed the race in 1:51:34s.

Henre Myburg secured the S1 class with great driving skills in a time of 1:44:01s.

The open road class went to Gert Liebenberg who managed to finish the race in 1:57:53s.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Jerry is in top shape

November 19, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: KSSR awards region's top performers

≪ Previous: Dippenaar shines at Tara Rally

$

0

0

Jerry is in top shapeSeeks to impress The lightweight champion hopes to give his fans an early Christmas gift by winning the lightweight title. Namibia's boxing sensation Jeremiah 'No Respect' Nakathila says he is in top shape as he prepares to defend the WBO Africa Junior Lightweight title.

The boxer will be part of the MTC Nestor 'Sunshine' Boxing and Fitness Academy bonanza slated for 2 December at the Windhoek Country Club.

The Namibian will come up against South Africa's Sibusiso Zingange.

“I believe that I am in the best shape of my career and this fight will be a very good one for me.

“I have been working very hard in the gym in order to make sure that I am 100% ready.

“My sparring partners have been so good that I am actually enjoying the training sessions.

“My aim is to give all my fans a great Christmas present by defending my title,” Nakathila said.

Nakathila will go into the fight with a record of 13 wins in 14 fights with only one defeat to his name.

The South African has fought 13 times and has a record of 11 wins, one loss, and a draw in his professional career.

“There have been up and downs in my career but I have managed to brush off any disappointments.

“I really want to become one of the greatest boxers the country has ever seen and I do believe I can become one if I just work harder.”

Nakathila is rated ninth by the WBO in the world in the junior lightweight division.

The bonanza will see other boxers such as Sakaria 'Desert Storm' Lukas in action too.

General tickets for the fight are selling at N$200 while a table for 10 in the VIP area cost N$10 000.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

KSSR awards region's top performers

November 19, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: #AriseZimbabwe

≪ Previous: Jerry is in top shape

$

0

0

KSSR awards region's top performers The Khomas School Sport Region (KSSR) hosted its first-ever sports awards for young achievers in the region on Wednesday evening at a local school.

Over 160 athletes and officials were rewarded with certificates and floating trophies.

Guest of honour, Uakazuwaka 'Wakka' Kazombiaze, a former national rugby team player, stressed the importance of discipline, adding sports can bring a lot of positive changes to one's life, as it did for him and many around him.

“Sports opened doors for me which I never imagined or dreamed of; sports gave me an education,” he said.

The KSSR falls under the regional coordinators of the Namibia Schools Sport Union, and consists of 52 primary schools and over 50 secondary schools, both public and private, in the Khomas Region. Schools compete amongst each other in football, netball, rugby, volleyball and basketball in different age categories.

Victoria Shikwambi, an education inspector, said at the same event that the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture believes in educating children holistically, hence the provision of physical education (PE) lessons.

“Unfortunately, physical education is neglected simply because we do not have teachers who specialise in sports; most schools regard it as a period to complete syllabuses for other subjects,” said Shikwambi.

She applauded those schools who utilise the PE lessons for sports, saying this helps improve children's physical skills, self-esteem, health and mental development.

KSSR chairperson, Patrick Xoagub paid tribute to the parents who encourage their children to participate in sports, saying they will benefit from it.

Xoagub also revealed that they have negotiated with various stakeholders to improve schools sports in the region, with some negotiations already bearing fruit.

These include sponsorship deals from various corporate companies, like Escalate Investments, who sponsored the awards with N$40 000 while First National Bank Namibia gave N$10 000. Auas Motors sponsored gold, silver and bronze medals as well as floating trophies.

“We have negotiated with the City of Windhoek so that the football under-11 competitions can be taken over [through sponsorship] by them,” he said.



The big winners on the evening were:

Best Performance

Sade de Sousa (athletics)

Ivan Geldenhuys (athletics)

Sportsman and Sportswoman

Juniors

Dirk Theunissen (athletics)

Mione Garbers (netball)

Seniors

Bernard Wessels (rugby)

Anette van Staden (athletics)

NAMPA

#AriseZimbabwe

November 19, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: England, Australia, Tonga, Fiji in semis

≪ Previous: KSSR awards region's top performers

$

0

0

#AriseZimbabweChampions the cause of poverty alleviation Pope Francis has celebrated his first World Day of the Poor at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. MUGABE MUST GO: For the first time in nearly 40 years, Zimbabweans from all around the country gathered en masse without fear of violence from the police or reprisal. What brought them together, after a tense week in which the military took over key governmental buildings in the capital, was the demand for long time ruler President Robert Mugabe to step down. Thousands of people gathered at the Highfields Sports Grounds just outside of the capital, while more gathered in Harare, demanding that Mugabe resign. People were jubilant and celebrated “the dawn of a new Zimbabwe”, waving flags as crowds started arriving in cars, buses and on the back of trucks. Lawrence Mashiri, a resident from Harare, called the day Zimbabwe's second independence. “We are happy today. This is our independence,” he said. “People say we got our independence in 1980, but that's not true. We are gaining our independence today,” Mashiri said. “It's time for the old man to go. Him and all his cockroaches must go,” he said. Photo: Nampa/AFP