England, Australia, Tonga, Fiji in semis

November 19, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Omatungo gaali pamulandu otaga shunitha pevi ondoolopa yaNiipa

≪ Previous: #AriseZimbabwe

$

0

0

England, Australia, Tonga, Fiji in semis England has joined defending champion Australia, Tonga and Fiji in the semi-finals of the Rugby League World Cup after weekend quarterfinals which showed the full flowering of Pacific Islands league on the world stage.

Australia continued its imperious progress to the final four with a 46-0 win over Samoa and England joined the co-host Sunday by beating Papua New Guinea 36-6.

But the giant-killing performances of Tonga and Fiji remained the biggest talking points of the tournament, marking an upheaval in the international game as Pacific nations were finally able to tap their own immense talent pool. Pacific players had previously leant strength to New Zealand and Australia but their decisions to turn out for their nations of origin helped Tonga and Fiji alter the league's balance of power.

Tonga beat New Zealand in pool play and Fiji repeated the feat when it edged the Kiwis 4-2 Saturday for the first wins by second tier nations over one of the league's established powers at a World Cup. That allowed Fiji, led by National Rugby League superstar Jarryd Hayne, to reach the semi-finals at New Zealand's expense while Tonga nipped underdogs Lebanon 24-22 to advance, unbeaten in four matches at the tournament.

England ended the brave run of Papua New Guinea, which had been unbeaten after winning all three of its group matches in front of jubilant crowds in the national capital, Port Moresby. Australia will now face Fiji and Tonga will meet England in the semi-finals.

England was clinical Sunday in its defeat of Papua New Guinea, scoring seven tries to one. Winger Jermaine Gillvary scored two tries in the first half as England gained a 14-0 halftime lead and Kallum Watkins touched down twice during the middle of the second half to drive home the advantage.

Alex Walmsley in the first half and Ben Currie and Ryan Hall in the second also scored tries while Garry Lo scored in the 58th minute for Papua New Guinea.

Tonga's newly re-elected prime minister, Akilisi Pohiva, attended Saturday's match in Christchurch and called Tonga's qualification for the semi-finals “the greatest moment in Tonga's sporting history.”

Tonga coach Kristian Woolf agreed his team's effort in reaching the last four was “a massive achievement” but he was more downbeat about its performance against 12-1 outsiders Lebanon. Woolf was keenly aware that Tonga's tournament might have ended if Lebanon had been awarded a second half try which was contentiously disallowed for obstruction, saying “it feels like a losing dressing shed.”

“Our blokes all realise we were well off the mark,” Woolf said.

Tonga's exuberant fans have been a highlight of the tournament but a handful for police, who have made dozens of arrests for public disorder during rowdy match celebrations.

Fiji players shed tears of joy after their cliff-hanging win over New Zealand in Wellington. Stifling defences meant the only points of the first half came through a penalty to Fiji who led 2-0 at the break.

Unable to break the Fiji defence, New Zealand resorted to a penalty to tie the scores early in the second half before Fiji regained the lead with a Taane Milne penalty 17 minutes from fulltime. It then held out a late assault by New Zealand to clinch the win.

“I'm just real proud of the boys' efforts, fighting all the way to the last second,” Fiji captain Kevin Naiqama said. “It's an historic win but, in saying that, the job's only half done and we've got Australia to focus on next week.”

-NAMPA/AP

---

Omatungo gaali pamulandu otaga shunitha pevi ondoolopa yaNiipa

November 19, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: RFA ta nyanga iiyemo

≪ Previous: England, Australia, Tonga, Fiji in semis

$

0

0

Omatungo gaali pamulandu otaga shunitha pevi ondoolopa yaNiipa Oniipa ndjoka opo ya ningwa ondoolopa ompe moshitopolwa shaShikoto oya taalela uupyakadhi uunene, waantu mboka taya tungu omatungo gawo mondoolopa shaaheli papitikilo lyelelo lyondoolopa. Mayola gwondoolopa ndjoka Immanuel Kambonde okwa kunkilile kutya ngele aakalimo otaya tsikile nomukalo ngoka gwokutunga omatungo gawo nonando inaya pewa epitikilo, nena otashi ka etitha opo ondoolopa ndjoka yi shunwe pankatu yomukunda mpoka ya li nale.

Kambonde okwa lombwele oNamibian Sun kutya ondoolopa ndjoka oyi na omatungo ga thika pe 1 000 ngoka ga tungwa shaaheli pazimino lyelelo lyondoolopa ndjoka. Okwa popiwa kutya aakalimo nooyene yomikunda ngaashi Oniihandi, Omuhozi, Iiyale, Onampadhi, Ondando, Okambonde, Onamulunga, Iinongo oshowo Oshaakondwa otaya landitha po evi ndyoka Ii li meni lyoongamba dhondoolopa.

Kambonde okwa tsikile kutya aalandi yomavi ngoka oya tameke taya tungu omahala gawo ngoka konima sho okaalita kondoolopa katendwa naasho ondoolopa ndjoka ya tseyithwa pambelewa mo 2015.

Mayola okwa tsikile kutya oya yi moonkundathana naatungi oshowo aakwashigwana nokuya yelithila kutya shoka taya ningi kashi li pamulandu na oye ya pula ya hanagulepo omatungo gawo ngoka, ihe inaye shi ninga.

“Omanga inaya tunga omatungo gawo okaalita kondoolopa okali nale ka tendwa. Nomatungo ngoka otashi ulike kutya kage mo mokaalita koompangela dhondoolopa. Yamwe oya tungu mokati koondjila dhoka dha pangelwa okutunga oshowo momavi giiputudhilo. Otu na okupangela etungo lyondoolopa twiikwatelela kokaalita. Okutenda ondoolopa oshinima shi na ondilo molwaashoka ohashi ningwa kaatseyinawa okupitila momapekaapeko ga yooloka,” Kambonde ta ti.

Kambonde okwa tsikile kutya onkalo ndjoka tayi shunitha pevi ongushu yondoolpoa na okwa popi kutya omahala ngoka ga tungwa omagumbo oshowo oongeshefa.

“Aakalimo yomOniipa naya nongele kutya elelo lyondoolopa ohali totwapo koompango, omulandu ngoka tagu etitha omayambulepo gondoolopa oshowo iilonga yondoolopa kwiikwatelelwa kOmpango yOmalelo gOondoolopa. Omanga elelo lyondoolopa tali longo nuudhiginini opo li a dhe omalalakano galyo geyambulepo lyondoolopa, oshigwana nashi nongele kutya otashi kutha ethimbo okuya moonkundathana naakuthimbinga ayehe.”

MuAguste nuumvo, elelo lyondoolopa ndjoka olya kala muupyakadhi konima sho lya tokola okuhanaguapo egumbo lyoshilyo shetanga lyegameno, Timotteus Ileka, ndyoka lya tungwa pwaahena epitikilo okuza kelelo lyondoolopa.

Ileka okwa ningi omatilitho kutya otaka yaha kehe gumwe ngoka taka guma egumbo lye, ndyoka lya li inali pwa okutungwa pethimbo ndyoka. Elelo lyondoolopa otashi ulike lya kaleke oompangela okuhanagulapo egumbo ndyoka, nomukwashigwana ngoka okwa manitha etungo lyegumbo lye ngashiingeyi.

ILENI NANDJATO

RFA ta nyanga iiyemo

November 19, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Mourinho emotional

≪ Previous: Omatungo gaali pamulandu otaga shunitha pevi ondoolopa yaNiipa

$

0

0

RFA ta nyanga iiyemo Oshiketha shoka hashi ungaunga niilonga yoondjila moNamibia shoRoad Fund Administration (RFA) osha tseyitha kutya otashi vulika shi ka tule miilonga omulandu tagu ithanwa “toll system” moondjila dhopashigwana.

Etulo miilonga lyomulandu ngoka otali ka kwathela oshiketha shoka opo shi yambulepo iiyemo yasho, naadhoka odha popiwa kOmunambelewa omukuluntu gwehangano ndyoka Ali Ipinge, pethimbo kwa tulwa miilonga oompangela dhopangeshefa dhoshiketha shoka dhuule woomvula ntano.

RFA ota pangele okukonga omukuli gwoshimaliwa sha thika pooeuro oomiliyona 30 okuza koGerman KfW development bank.

Iiyemo mbyoka otayi pumbiwa opo RFA a vule okwaadha omalalakano ge gokutula miilonga nokumanitha oopoloyeka dhe dhopashigwana moondjila dhomoshilongo

Omunambelewa ngoka okwa popi kutya egongelo lyiiyemo olya kala omukundu kehangano lyawo na ogu li omukundu tagu tsikile momakuyiwa, tashi etitha ekatemo melongo lyoondjila.

Okwa popi kutya ngashiingeyi oye na oompito dha yooloka dhomikalo ndhoka taya vulu okumona iiyemo.

Momushangwa gwawo gwoompangela dhopangeshefa dhomvula yo 2017 sigo 2030 otayi ulike kutya ehangano lyoRFA otali ka mona oshimaliwa shooeuro oomiliyona 30 okuza koKfW development bank opo li vule okuwapaleka nokulonga oondjila moshilongo.

Nonando ongaaka Ipinge okwa popi kutya epangelo natango okwa tegelelwa li zimine etsokumwe ndyoka lyoshimaliwa tashi tengenekelwa miimaliwa yaNamibia oomiliyona 492.

Omukuli ngoka tagu pewa oRFA koKfW development bank otagu ka longithwa mokulonga ondjila yoshinano shookilometa 87.8 yoB1 pokati kaKaiti naMalinda oshowo iilonga yoNamibian Traffic Information System.

Omunambelewa gwelelo mehangano ndyoka, Rianus !Gonteb okwa popi kutya iimaliwa mbyoka tayi pewa ehangano ndyoka otayi ka longithwa muuwanawa wehangano.

!Gonteb okwa tseyitha kutya okwa ulikwa aanambelewa mboka taya kakwathela omalelo goondoolopa mokunkondopeka omaindilo gawo giiyemo yokulonga oopate moondoolopa.

Aanambelewa mboka oya ulikwa miitopolwa ya yooloka ngaashi onooli, onooli uzilo, onooli yopokati, iitopolwa yopokati koshilongo oshowo miitopolwa yomuumbugantuwoshilongo.



OGONE TLHAGE

Mourinho emotional

November 19, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: All Blacks coach satisfied

≪ Previous: RFA ta nyanga iiyemo

$

0

0

Mourinho emotionalKings are back Pogba was sorely missed during his two-month absence, not least by striker Romelu Lukaku who ended a run of seven games without a goal. Jose Mourinho admitted he felt emotional to see Zlatan Ibrahimovic return from his career-threatening knee ligament operation in Manchester United's impressive 4-1 victory over Newcastle United.

Paul Pogba, coming back from a 12-match lay-off of his own with a hamstring problem, started the game and played a pivotal role, laying on an equaliser for Anthony Martial and scoring United's third.

But Ibrahimovic, who tore knee ligaments against Anderlecht in April and underwent career-saving surgery, drew the biggest cheer of the day when he appeared as a 77th-minute substitute.

“The second half was ours,” said Mourinho. “We had control, goals, beautiful actions and still time for a very emotional scene for all of us, who stayed close to such a professional with one of the biggest injuries in football.

“And so him coming back was a joy for everyone but for us close to him it was more than that, it was a big emotion to see the big guy back.”

And although he would not talk about Pogba during his injury, Mourinho was forthright about the French international's value to United, although he now has to make a decision whether or not to select him for Wednesday's Champion's League group game with Basel.

“He was top,” said the United manager. “It looked like he was not out, he came back with a great performance, really great performance, he had great influence in the game.

“I agreed with him he had to make the decision of coming out at the first sign of fatigue because we don't want to go over the limit so he played a little bit more than an hour.

“He affects our football. When he was injured I decided to close my mouth, we cannot be crying, we have to find solutions that we have but we all know myself, and the fellow players that some players influence the level of the team.

“So with him we had much more creation, we have a second way out from the first phase and I'm so happy. Let's see the best decision for Wednesday.”

Pogba celebrated wildly, on his way down the tunnel, when Lukaku scored the fourth goal after 70 minutes and Mourinho was equally pleased to see the Belgian return to goal-scoring ways.

“Strikers like to score goals,” he said. “It's not a problem for me if he works like he always does and doesn't score, but for their self-esteem and self-confidence they want to score goals.

“And he wasn't doing that for a few matches and I know that can affect a striker's confidence, so I was really happy that he scored that goal.”

After the teams had traded goals, Chris Smalling headed United into a 2-1 lead in first-half injury-time, although Newcastle were close to snatching an equaliser before the break when an Isaac Hayden shot was well saved and Matt Ritchie's follow-up shot was almost deflected in by Dwight Gayle, who had scored the opener.

“I'm really pleased and proud of my players for that opening 30 minutes,” Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez said.

“But when you pay big money for players, they can make the difference.

“If we had scored a second it might have been different but, even if we had scored a second, you can't think a game with Man United is finished with the level of their players. You know it is going to be 90 minutes of suffering but it's a pity because we had chances.”

-NAMPA/AFP

All Blacks coach satisfied

November 19, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Neuville wins Rally Australia

≪ Previous: Mourinho emotional

$

0

0

All Blacks coach satisfied New Zealand narrowly avoided a first defeat to Scotland on Saturday, holding off the hosts 22-17 at Murrayfield, and while the result was much closer than many would have predicted, the world champions' coach, Steve Hansen, was satisfied with their day's work.

“I thought it was a great game of football, I thought Scotland really stood up and were counted and, in return, so did we”, he told reporters.

“Test matches are called test matches because they're a test of your mental resolve and skill. Both teams contributed to a fine match, and we're happy because we came out on top.”

Hansen said there was never any doubt that the hosts would make a game of it, despite the fact that Scotland have failed to record a win over the All Blacks in 112 years.

“There are a few things we have got to get better at, no doubt, but we expected what we got because Scotland have been slowly improving the last 12-18 months, and that was a pretty impressive performance,” he said.

“People that understand the game will know that Scotland played particularly well, and they'll know they've beaten Australia this year and this was their first loss at home in the last five games.

“That tells you they're not a bad side.”

Hansen said that the game should serve as a reminder just how competitive world rugby has become.

“Everyone back home was telling us how they were getting bored with us being dominant. Well, they'll have to go away and have a cup of tea and think about that,” he said.

“We're getting challenged both mentally and skills-wise, and we're trying to get better all the time. Everyone else is getting better, and we have to as well.”

The All Blacks outscored the Scots three tries to two but Scottish fullback Stuart Hogg could have sealed a famous victory when he broke through in the last minute to come within inches of a try but was snagged by Beauden Barrett short of the line.

-NAMPA/REUTERS

Neuville wins Rally Australia

November 19, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Chelsea's Conte takes aim

≪ Previous: All Blacks coach satisfied

$

0

0

Neuville wins Rally Australia Belgium's Thierry Neuville won the season-ending Rally Australia in Coffs Harbour on Sunday to clinch second place in the World Rally Championship.

Neuville mastered the slippery final stages following morning rain to hold on to his overnight lead in his Hyundai and claim the season's final event.

Frenchman Sebastien Ogier had already won the 2017 World Rally Championship heading into the Australian leg but Neuville's victory ensured he finished as runner-up.

“Victory in Rally Australia. We also finish second in the #WRC Drivers' standings 2017. So happy to end the season like that!” Neuville tweeted after his victory.

In a late twist, second-placed Jari-Matti Latvala struck trouble and went into the trees on the final stage in his Toyota.

The Finn's misfortune promoted M-Sport's Toyota-bound Ott Tanak to second, 22.5 seconds adrift while Hayden Paddon (Hyundai) claimed an unlikely third just under a minute back.

Five-times WRC champion Ogier (M-Sport) finished fourth after topping the Power Stage run in fine conditions.

“I can only tell you it was my last stage for 2017, that's for sure,” Ogier tweeted.

“It was a tough weekend, we had quite some issues and we struggled a bit with our start position sometimes. Still it was a fantastic season for us.”

-NAMPA/AFP

Chelsea's Conte takes aim

November 19, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Shot of the day

≪ Previous: Neuville wins Rally Australia

$

0

0

Chelsea's Conte takes aimChelsea too strong The win against West Brom, which included two goals from Eden Hazard, was the first of nine games in a month in all competitions for the Blues. Antonio Conte criticised football's fixture planners as he prepares his side for a manic month in the wake of their 4-0 victory at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

Conte's side eased to victory at The Hawthorns but Conte is already warning his players they face their biggest game of the season at Azerbaijan side FK Qarabag in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Conte is worried about a repeat of the defeat to Manchester City in September, three days after a Champions League game in Spain.

“It was a pity to play against Manchester City only two days after we played Atletico Madrid away,” he said.

“We came back at 05:00 on Thursday and played on Saturday against Manchester City.

“Sometimes, the people who prepare these type of fixtures must pay more attention to give every team the same possibility.

“I think against Manchester City they were favourites and we stayed very close but if we won against Manchester City the distance is not nine points.

“Now we have another problem. We play Qarabag on Wednesday, we get back to London at 05:00 then we have another big game against Liverpool on Saturday.

“Is this normal? I don't think so. If someone wants more balance in this league they must pay greater attention to preparing the fixtures.”

Chelsea head for Qarabag knowing victory will take them into the knockout phase despite back-to-back slip-ups against Roma.

“It was very important for us to start this very busy period with a good win, especially against West Brom because last season we struggled a lot in both games,” said Conte.

“Today the game became easy because we started very well with great concentration and focus.

“This (Qarabag) will be the most important game of the season because we have a possibility with a win to go through to the next round of the Champions League, so to start our path in this way was very positive.”

Defeat for West Brom left Tony Pulis fighting to save his job after just two wins in his last 21 Premier League games dating back to last season.

The Welshman did little to defend his position after the game.

“It's not my decision,” said the 59-year-old.

“We'll have to see what happens.

“I've got different things in my mind. The football club is there, but I've got a family as well, and I do lots of work with certain charities, and I do other things.

“I've been in the game and in life long enough to understand that you can't affect what other people are going to do.

“They have to make a decision. I met with the Chinese owners last night.

“They are wonderful people but I know as much as anyone you have to get results.

“That's what it's about.

“The important thing is that the decision that's made is the right decision for the football club.”

-NAMPA/AFP

Shot of the day

November 19, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Where is the accountability?

≪ Previous: Chelsea's Conte takes aim

$

0

0

Shot of the day STRAIGHT LINE: Members of a Vietnamese honour guard stand at attention during the arrival of leaders at the international airport ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in the central Vietnamese city of Danang on 9 November. PHOTO: NAMPA/AFP

---

Where is the accountability?

November 19, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Nam holds Boxing Indaba

≪ Previous: Shot of the day

$

0

0

Where is the accountability? During last week, there were several hearings by the National Council's standing committee on public accounts, on the books of various town councils, village council and the Khomas Regional Council.

The material makes for scary reading and it appears as though the auditor-general is at the end of his tether.

We are not surprised by the qualified audits that are delivered across the country. Financial mismanagement is the order of the day. The problem however, is that there is no accountability. Monies that disappear, erroneous payments that are made, assets and liabilities that are incorrectly listed and the list goes on.

These are public funds and looking at the status in most towns, villages and of course, regions, not a cent can be wasted and nary can we afford to have a cent stolen.

Our people are without flush toilets, hot water, electricity, roads and basic housing. The environmental cost of these burgeoning squatter camps will only be tallied in generations to come, and that in a country which is naturally water-stressed.

Along with these torrid settlements, comes a psychological cost and of course, poverty and crime. And the most vulnerable are the victims of these crimes.

In the case of the City of Windhoek, the City Police is in dire need of vehicles to be able to do its work. But there is no money and of late, everyone is mum on that issue.

It becomes a vicious cycle. Sloppy financial management and high salaries, coupled with fraud and theft in so many of our councils, village or otherwise, leads to the lack of service delivery and infrastructure. This in turn leads to these informal settlements where human beings live in torrid conditions which leads to an increase in crime. And then we turn back to step one, where the money is not properly managed or accounted for, and then we get to the point where the law enforcers cannot do their jobs effectively.

Where is the accountability? These hearings take place regularly. Audits are done annually. And each time a qualified audit is issued, nothing happens.

Nothing.

Can we then assume we are on a downward spiral?

Nam holds Boxing Indaba

November 19, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Basetsana through to third round

≪ Previous: Where is the accountability?

$

0

0

Nam holds Boxing IndabaBoard is satisfied The boxing conference was held to discuss and clear the air between the board and the promoters. The Namibia Professional Boxing and Wrestling Control Board (NPBWCB) on Thursday held a Boxing Indaba in Windhoek.

It was facilitated by Peter Ngatane, a Boxing South Africa (BSA) board member, together with Tsholofela Lejaka, BSA CEO, and Archie Nyingwa, BSA provincial manager for Gauteng.

Speaking exclusively to Nampa at the end of the gathering, NPBWCB board member Ronald Kurtz said as a board they are satisfied with the outcome of the event, which drew participation from boxers, referees, time keepers, judges, promoters, trainers and coaches.

“The feeling from the participants is very positive. From our side, we will have a continuous engagement with our stakeholders. The process will help facilitate the steps again when we engage them (stakeholders) as we deal with the enactment of a new act for professional boxing,” he said.

He added that the event helped the board explain certain principles and rules, which some stakeholders were not aware of.

Also on the agenda was the dispute resolution mechanism which will be fast-tracked so that all licensees have an avenue to raise their discomfort internally before going to external avenues.

The participants further looked at the licensing application period, sanctioning compliance, handling of purse money and supporting documents.

The other issues raised included the ratings, establishment of a medical commission, media and communication, tournament delivery and the burning issue of female boxing.

Joseph 'Smokey' Hilongwa, a boxer and match-maker at Salute Boxing, applauded the control board for coming up with the indaba, saying this will help elevate the sport in the country.

“We learnt a lot from the South Africans and I realised that we have a long way to go before we can have a proper industry,” he said.

Imms 'AC' Moses of AC Boxing concurred with Hilongwa, saying he was looking forward to the board implementing the points discussed during the meeting.

“Problems in the sport will always be there, but as long as we implement the proposed measures, we can become a force to be reckoned with,” he said, calling on the board to continue engaging the stakeholders so as to improve boxing.

Meanwhile, Kurtz said the ball is now in the court of all stakeholders to work hand in hand in implementing the resolutions that were discussed at the conference.

-NAMPA

Basetsana through to third round

November 19, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Tesla unveils electric big-rig truck

≪ Previous: Nam holds Boxing Indaba

$

0

0

Basetsana through to third round The South African Women's Under-20 national team (Basetsana) walloped Burundi 5-0 in the return leg of the second round of 2018 FIFA u-20 Women's World Cup qualifiers on Saturday afternoon at Dobsonville Stadium after coming into the clash on the back foot after a 2-0 defeat in the first leg two weeks ago.

Basetsana knew from the onset that anything less than three goals would mean they would have to kiss their World Cup dream goodbye. As a result, the hosts were ruthless in front of goal and were 4-0 up at half time with goals scored by Khanya Xesi in the ninth minute, Lalona Daweti in the 24th minute and a brace from captain Linda Motlhalo in the 36th and 40th minutes of the opening half.

The Swallows of Burundi had no responses to the four early goals, as Basetsana kept piling on the pressure early into the second half and were lucky not to have conceded more goals from the threatening trio of Mothlalo, Daweti and Gabriela Salgado.

Unable to handle the relentless attack of Basetsana, Burundi conceded a fifth goal in the 77th minute after a good build-up from the middle of the park concluded with a fine finish from Salgado.

“We are very proud of the ladies and the fact that we converted the five chances. We are happy to have won 5-2 on aggregate and qualify for the third round of the qualifiers,” said Basetsana coach Maud Khumalo.

“We do, however, need to stay focused and remember that this is not the end but a stepping stone towards the World Cup and next year will be another challenging task”.

South Africa will take on the winner between Nigeria and Morocco in two legs, with the first leg scheduled for the weekend of 12-14 January and the second leg over the weekend of 26-28 January next year.

-NAMPA/ANA

Tesla unveils electric big-rig truck

November 19, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: New Era books a shambles

≪ Previous: Basetsana through to third round

$

0

0

Tesla unveils electric big-rig truck Tesla Inc on Thursday unveiled a prototype electric big-rig truck, throwing itself into a new market even as it struggles to roll out an affordable sedan on which the company's future depends. Chief Executive Elon Musk unveiled the big rig, dubbed the Tesla Semi, by riding the truck into an airport hangar near Los Angeles in front of an invited crowd of what Tesla said were potential truck buyers and Tesla car owners. Photo Nampa/Reuters

New Era books a shambles

November 19, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Company news in brief

≪ Previous: Tesla unveils electric big-rig truck

$

0

0

New Era books a shamblesMPs grill SOE once again The state-owned media company has not submitted PAYE returns amounting to N$1.4 million over to the Ministry of Finance. The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Accounts, Mike Kavekotora, last week shot down every possible excuse presented by the New Era Publications Corporation (NEPC) to justify the poor governance and financial state it finds itself in.

Kavekotora repeatedly emphasised that he has serious doubts that the state-owned newspaper has the capacity to continue its operations into the future.

The NEPC has been given qualified reports for five consecutive years, and an adverse audit opinion for the year ended March 2016.

Kavekotora last week warned the corporation that this essentially means the auditor-general has “washed his hands” of the matter, much like the biblical Pontius Pilate.

“What the auditor-general basically says with these opinions is that he cannot make out heads or tails with your financial records,” he said.

Expressing his opinion, the auditor-general said NEPC had not submitted PAYE returns amounting to N$1.4 million over to the Ministry of Finance, it could further not account for full PAYE liability amounting to N$11 million, could not account for differences on two of its current accounts held with Bank Windhoek and Standard Bank of N$621 000 and N$604 000 respectively, and could not account for receipt accounting to N$1.5 million.

NEPC CEO Audrin Mathe distanced himself from most of the financial disarray, saying most of the existing management were not employed with the parastatal at the time.

“In general terms, the corporation has been in a financial crunch for a very long time. Part of it is as a result of underfunding… there were no rules in the organisation that could really guide anyone on what needs to be done. In just three years alone, we have introduced more than 30 policies that speak directly to issues of governance,” he said.

Mathe joined the NEPC in 2013.

Kavekotora, however, rejected this explanation.

He said he is not convinced that the auditors will accept this explanation and added that the parastatal's finances are still not in order despite the introduction of these policies.

He asked Mathe whether he would have done a different job had NEPC been his own company to which Mathe responded as, “if it was my own institution I would not have let it slumped to where it is now”.

Mathe pointed out that whoever is responsible for the governance issue - even if they are present - must be held accountable.

“There must be consequences when things are not done properly… where things are found not to have been appropriated, there must be consequences,” he said.

Kavekotora, however, told Mathe that he promised the committee during the last hearing that things would improve, however little has changed.

Another committee member Bernadette Jager asked why the corporation found it difficult to improve its financial standing despite being audited year after year.

“One of the issues that we found was that there was not a structure that could take care of risks and audits. The second critical thing we then introduced were policies to address elements which the auditor-general pointed out in prior reports, and some of these were only approved last Friday,” Mathe explained.

He added that there was no internal auditor and said they appointed Ernst and Young in 2013.

Kavekotora, however, questioned whether the organisation is getting value for its money because according to him the auditing function from Ernst and Young does not seem to yield results.

The NEPC chief financial officer Beatus Amadhila, however, noted that internal audits come at a cost and that audits for all departments were not completed.



JEMIMA BEUKES

Company news in brief

November 19, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: NRU bemoans SA's World Cup loss

≪ Previous: New Era books a shambles

$

0

0

Company news in brief Benin expels local MTN boss amid fees row

Benin's government expelled the head of South African telecoms giant MTN Group's local unit amid a dispute over more than US$200 million in unpaid fees.

In a signed order dated Nov. 14 and made public on Thursday, interior minister Sacca Lafia accused Stephen Blewett, a South African national, of "activities detrimental to security and public order", without elaborating. Blewett was given until Nov. 24 to leave the country.

The expulsion comes one week after MTN said Benin's regulator was reviewing its local unit's reasons for not paying US$213 million in frequency fees for 2016 and 2017, a sum MTN says is excessive. – Nampa/Reuters

Siemens to cut nearly 7 000 jobs

Siemens will cut about 6 900 jobs, or close to 2% of its global workforce, mainly at its power and gas division, which has been hit by the rapid growth of renewables.

Most of the cuts, about 6 100, will be made before 2020 at Siemens's Power and Gas division, which once thrived on supplying large gas turbines for electricity generation but has been overtaken by the global surge in solar and wind capacity.

Siemens said roughly half of the job cuts would be made in Germany, a move likely to be unpopular with politicians currently trying to form a government. – Nampa/Reuters

Deutsche Boerse hires new CEO

Deutsche Boerse named UniCredit banker Theodor Weimer as its new CEO to steer the company away from an insider trading investigation and move on from a failed merger with the London Stock Exchange.

Weimer, who headed UniCredit's business in Germany, will take the reins from Carsten Kengeter, who resigned from the German exchange operator amid an ongoing insider trading investigation. Kengeter has denied any wrongdoing.

The changing of the guard propels Weimer to the pinnacle of German finance and comes at a crucial moment for Deutsche Boerse. It hopes to profit from Britain's decision to leave the European Union by capturing a portion of the lucrative euro clearing market that is currently centred in London. – Nampa/Reuters

Wal-Mart’s 3Q earnings plunge

Wal-Mart Stores raised its full-year profit projection despite reporting a plunge in third-quarter earnings due to one-time costs.

The world's biggest retailer continued its strong performance in the US market, where comparable store sales rose 2.7%, boosted in part by higher sales in hurricane-affected regions.

Executives also said newer initiatives such as online grocery pickup and a voice shopping venture with Google were succeeding with customers.

But third-quarter earnings sank 42.4% to US$1.7 billion due mainly to a loss connected to debt payments.

The retailer also set aside a total of US$283 million for settlements and compliance programmes related to foreign bribery probes. – Nampa/Reuters

NRU bemoans SA's World Cup loss

November 19, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Shipanga hints at January return

≪ Previous: Company news in brief

$

0

0

NRU bemoans SA's World Cup loss South Africa's loss of the rights to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup to France by 24 votes to 14 in London on Wednesday, will affect Namibia in many different ways.

This is the view of Elizma Theron, the acting CEO of the Namibia Rugby Union (NRU).

Speaking exclusively to Nampa on Thursday, Theron said if Namibia qualifies for the 2023 World Cup, they will have to spend a lot of money preparing for the tournament in Europe, while a tournament in SA would have seen the NRU spending less of its resources in those preparations, in addition to the favourable and familiar playing conditions.

“Logistically, it would have been much easier if it was in SA as we are neighbours and we know the circumstances. We know the training grounds, we know the people and we have connections,” she said.

Theron said it would have been easier to prepare for the tournament, but conceded that the recent decision for France to host the tournament may also work in Namibia's favour as it may help the team to play without any pressure from the local fans who would have found it easy to go to SA.

She added that besides financial and logistical challenges, Namibia will lose out on top rugby playing nations setting up camp in Namibia, as was the case in 1995 when South Africa hosted the Rugby World Cup.

The acting CEO said as NRU, they sympathise with their SA counterparts who spent a lot of resources preparing for the tournament.

“We are very disappointed for our friends and for ourselves as we know that a tournament of that magnitude would have been good for tourism,” she concluded.

Namibia has participated in the last five consecutive World Cup tournaments since 1999.

-NAMPA

---

Shipanga hints at January return

November 19, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Russian relations to strengthen

≪ Previous: NRU bemoans SA's World Cup loss

$

0

0

Shipanga hints at January returnDreams of stunning 2018 Paulus Shipanga may have parted ways with Tura Magic, but he has plans of getting another club in January. Jesse Jackson Kauraisa



The life of many coaches is almost similar given the paths they take, and for Paulus Shipanga it is no different.

He has devoted his life to the beautiful game and helping many people prosper in their career, is one of his biggest desires.

Although he is currently without a coaching job, the 37-year-old still has the interest of players at heart.

The journey of Paulus Shipanga has had its up and downs, but he still strives to become one of Namibia's most successful coaches.

The former Brave Warriors international was born on 19 May 1980 during the apartheid era.

As child, football was always something Shipanga cherished and had aspirations of representing his country one day.

The former player attended his school in Walvis Bay where he played for the school team at all the levels possible.

“I think my biggest competition during my school days was playing in the Rössing Cup.

“I enjoyed every moment of playing for the school team because it was the thing that made us popular,” Shipanga remembers.

After his school days, Shipanga started his premier league career at Eleven Arrows where he played as a striker.

Tormenting defenders and scoring goals, this led to his first Brave Warriors call-up in 1998.

“Coach Peter Uberjahn called me for training and I did not fail to impress at the end of 1998.

“It was a good time for Namibian football because the team was doing so well having the likes of Elifas Shivute and many more.”

Shipanga played in the final of the Cosafa Cup in 1999 when Namibia lost 2-1 on aggregate to Angola.

In the early 2000s, the former forward joined Wits University where he played for three seasons.

At the time, Shipanga joined Wits University, the club was still playing in South Africa's lower divisions.

Shipanga and his teammates helped the team move up the table and earned it a promotion to South Africa's topflight league.

Having stayed in South Africa for three years, he decided to move to Malaysia.

“I joined a Malaysian football club named Sabah FC where I only played for a season.

“It was one of the best experiences of my life, but my stay in that country was cut short because of family commitments.”

Shipanga returned to Namibia from Malaysia to take care of family matters.

In 2008, he had a short spell with Bidvest Wits before returning to Eleven Arrows where he also only lasted for a few months.

After Arrows, Shipanga signed for South African club Bay United in July 2008.

“I was at Bay United for more than two seasons and I enjoyed playing my football there.

“However, as time was moving , I decided to return to Namibia to complete my football career here at home.

“I came to play a bit for Orlando Pirates and we won the Namibia Premier League.

“After Pirates, I went back to Blue Waters were I actually played and coached.”

Shipanga decided to take his coaching career seriously after officially hanging his boots in 2012.

He took over Blue Waters and helped them avoid relegation in the 2015/16 season.

After his stay at Blue Waters, the coach was appointed by Tura Magic at the end of the 2015/16 season.

The season, however, did not start due to a lack of sponsorship and Shipanga had to remain idle until the beginning of the NFA Debmarine competition.

He helped Tura Magic reach the semi-finals of the competition, but unfortunately failed to take them all the way to the final.

Last week the club announced that they have parted ways with the coach through a mutual agreement.

“I know that I will get a club in January and that is why I will not be in a hurry to look for a club at the moment.

“My aim is to help players realise that they have to plan life after football.

“I also want to venture into business and give back to the community which has supported me for so many years,” Shipanga noted.

Shipanga is a proud father of two daughters and one son and is married.

“Football is something that will always remain close to my heart and I will continue to inspire.

“Namibia is a nation that has plenty of talent which is waiting to be explored.”

Russian relations to strengthen

November 19, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Increases in construction sector still to be gazetted

≪ Previous: Shipanga hints at January return

$

0

0

Russian relations to strengthenVarious agreements signed or pending Local trade with Russia has been described as disappointing and this year, has amounted to under US$1 million. However, this is set to soon change. Minister of international relations Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says relations between Namibia and Russia are good and can improve even further, thus realising better trade opportunities between the two countries.

She made the comments following the visit of a Russian delegation led by the deputy prime minister, Yuri Trutnev. This is the seventh visit aimed at exploring and improving trade relations between Namibia and Russia. The committee dedicated to the growth of bilateral relations and trade was established in 2006.

Nandi-Ndaitwah said it was pleasing that Namibian students were benefiting from an agreement signed between the two countries.

“I am encouraged to note that progress has been made in the education sector since the signing of an agreement and reciprocal visits that have taken place between our institutions of higher learning.”

At the moment 214 Namibians were studying medicine, pharmacy and dentistry at Russian universities, she said.

Further to this, more than 30 Namibians were specifically trained for childbirth and neonatal care and are working in Namibia. This training was done at various Russian institutions and according to standards set by the World Health Organisation.

Russia had aided in training many Namibians since independence. Studies include engineering, medicine, the oil and gas fields and others.

“Many are now working in the different sectors of our economy, thus contributing to the development of our country. This cooperation should be enhanced,” she said.

Progress had also been made in the areas of animal and plant health, she said.

“I am pleased to learn that cooperation in the area of veterinary services and phytosanitary surveillance has committed in earnest between our respective agricultural experts following the submission of information on import requirements for animal and plant products,” she said.

The two countries are soon to perform audits for the import and export of various products.

Nandi-Ndaitwah said it would be necessary to strengthen relations between the two countries even if relations were already good.

“Much more needs to be done to give impetus to our bilateral cooperation. On the political front, our relations have grown from strength to strength.”

Russian deputy prime minister Yuri Trutnev shared his Namibian counterpart's sentiments.

Given that much of the trade between Russia and Namibia had been of a military nature, Trutnev said it was necessary to seek cooperation in other areas as well, particularly agriculture and mining.

“We can cooperate in the areas of nuclear energy, agriculture and mining,” Trutnev said.

He said he hoped a meeting held with local business people as part of the Russian delegation's visit would materialise in better opportunities between the two countries.

A series of agreements were expected to be signed at State House on Friday, a programme prepared by the ministry of international relations showed.

More agreements are set to be signed early next year, once modalities are ironed out. This would include the enhancing of health cooperation and information sharing in healthcare.

OGONE TLHAGE

Increases in construction sector still to be gazetted

November 19, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Shaningwa shames mobiliser

≪ Previous: Russian relations to strengthen

$

0

0

Increases in construction sector still to be gazettedProbably effective in first quarter of 2018 With an agreed future increase of 5.6% on minimum wage payable the deadlock of negotiations between the CIF and Manwu has been resolved. Close to 47% of employees in the industry have lost their jobs. - Bärbel Kirchner, Consulting GM: CIF The Construction Industries Federation of Namibia (CIF) and the Metal and Allied Namibian Workers Union (Manwu) have signed a collective agreement which includes the future increase on minimum wage payable in the industry, which will be 5.6% for selected job categories in the construction sector.

At this stage it is not clear when the increase on minimum wage payable will become effective, the CIF said in a statement.

In order for the increase of minimum wage payable and the minimum employment conditions to be implemented, the ­minister of labour, industrial relations and ­employment creation, Erkki Nghimtina, has to promulgate the extension of the collective agreement, and therefore the agreed minimum wage payable and minimum employment conditions, to the entire construction sector, the statement says.

“As the collective agreement becomes effective on the date of promulgation, the date of when the increase of minimum wages payable, is not determined as of yet.”

According to the CIF, the duration of the process - from the signing of the collective agreement to the date of promulgation - normally takes some time.

“It can be anticipated that the increase on the minimum wage payable will come into force during the first quarter of 2018,” the federation says.

Until that time, the currently gazetted minimum wage payable of N$16.04 per hour and minimum employment conditions will remain applicable.

With an agreed future increase of 5.6% on minimum wage payable the deadlock of negotiations between the CIF and Manwu has been ­resolved.



Negotiations

The CIF, representing employers in the construction sector, says it wasn't in the position to agree to the demands of the union. The federation maintained that the entire sector would be affected if the increases of the minimum wage payable, were to be increased unreasonably high.

Manwu initially demanded increase of 15% on minimum wage payable. Additional demands for minimum employment conditions meant that the overall demand constituted an increase of over 70%, the CIF says.

“The construction sector had been hit severely by the economic downturn and since September 2016, has seen large-scale retrenchments in the entire supply chain - close to 47% of employees in the industry have lost their jobs,” the CIF says.

“The CIF maintained the position that instead of hiking up the increase of only a few remaining employees that one needed, to make every effort to keep as many persons employed as possible. A drastic increase would have meant that more employees would have needed to be retrenched as employers would not have been in the position to afford it.”

After engaging its members, the CIF had been provided with a revised mandate. This provided the CIF the scope to increase their offer. Taking into consideration the current economic climate, both parties to the negotiations felt it was important to reach an agreement in order to avoid industrial action. Thus an agreement for one year, 2018/19, was reached regarding a future increase of 5.6% minimum wage payable.

“We are aware that an increase of minimum wage payable unfortunately still means that more persons will be retrenched if there is not an immediate upturn,” Bärbel Kirchner, consulting general manager of the CIF, said in the statement.

“However, we are hopeful and optimistic that government's commitment to pay outstanding invoices will increase the cash flow and also that government's announcement of an infrastructure fund with the Namibia Development Bank will indeed materialise,” she said.

Shaningwa shames mobiliser

November 19, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Striking fishermen to petition Esau

≪ Previous: Increases in construction sector still to be gazetted

$

0

0

Shaningwa shames mobiliserOngwediva Swapo leader in firing line A Swapo leader in Oshana is being accused of sending text messages to fellow delegates, reportedly asking them to boycott the Team Harambee's rally. Swapo's district mobiliser for Ongwediva in the Oshana Region, David Akuunda, has rejected claims that he sent an SMS to his fellow regional delegates to the upcoming congress telling them not to attend the Team Harambee rally that took place at the town last week.

During that rally, Team Harambee's secretary-general candidate Sophia Shaningwa lashed out at a Swapo member in the region who had reportedly told delegates to boycott the rally, which was also addressed by acting party president Hage Geingob.

Shaningwa shamed the author of the message, saying he failed as 31 congress delegates out of 54 attended the campaign event.

“I am informed that an SMS was sent to congress delegates threatening them not to attend this gathering.

“Shame on those telling people not to attend President Hage Geingob's meetings. Shame on you. You failed because delegates are here. Shame on you.

“Hage [Geingob] will get a second term,” she said. Shaningwa said that since she joined Swapo in exile it has always been about 'One Namibia, One Nation' but now people are trying to destroy this concept and are “bad-mouthing” Geingob. Namibian Sun has seen the SMS in question and delegates are adamant that it was authored by Akuunda on Wednesday last week.

The message reads: “Good morning liberation and veterans of Swapo. Cde [comrades] we have Galatea on you and trust we request all our delegates not to attend the harambee rally at Mayor's Park just keep yourself… we are your office duty. Regard Akuunda,” (sic).

Approached for comment, Akuunda rejected the allegations, saying he was not even aware of the meeting.

“How can I send such an SMS as if they invited me to their gathering? I do not know such things and I only learned that there was a gathering the day after it took place,” Akuunda claims.

Geingob and his slate, which includes Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Shaningwa and Marco Hausiku, also addressed rallies in Omusati, Ohangwena and Oshikoto at the weekend.

The events were attended by congress delegates and Swapo members from all over the country and various party wings.

The meetings were, however, snubbed by regional coordinators of Oshana, Omusati and Oshikoto. Team Harambee is contesting against Team Swapo which comprises of veteran politicians and presidential candidates Jerry Ekandjo and Nahas Angula.

Home affairs minister Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana and Helmut Angula are candidates for the vice-presidency, while Armas Amukwiyu is a candidate for the secretary-general position.

Businesswoman Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun and former deputy health minister Petrina Haingura are also vying for the deputy secretary-general position.

Team Swapo also held a well-attended rally at Rundu on Saturday. The elective congress is scheduled for 23-26 November in Windhoek.



ILENI NANDJATO

Striking fishermen to petition Esau

November 19, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Springboks scrape home 18-17 against France

≪ Previous: Shaningwa shames mobiliser

$

0

0

Striking fishermen to petition Esau It is now more than two years that more than 1 000 Namibian fishermen at Walvis Bay and Lüderitz are on strike and continue to picket for better working conditions at sea without a definitive commitment from the government to step in to their aid.

The chairperson of the United Fishermen of Namibia, Mathew Lungameni, and last week said repeated requests for an audience with the fisheries minister, Berhnardt Esau, have fallen on deaf ears.

“We are being ignored; we have given the minister seven days within which he must respond to us,” Lungameni said.

The “expiry date” for this response was 14 November.

“The minister knows that companies are not complying with the labour laws of this country and yet he simply continues to give out [fishing] quotas. We want the government to force companies to comply with the laws immediately. We will not back down until the government and companies enforce the law,” Lungameni said.

They want non-compliant fishing companies to be barred from being allocated fishing quotas.

The fishermen intend to hand over a petition to Esau today.

They reiterated that they are not on an illegal strike, as government insists, saying that they are withholding their labour while working conditions remain precarious and worsening for scab workers, or strike-breakers, who have in the meantime replaced them on fishing vessels.

The 12 fishing companies with which the workers have declared a dispute with have refused to re-employ the workers.

The Labour Commission has in December last year refused to accept disputes that were readmitted to its office on 24 October 2016, saying that the previous disputes the fishermen declared have expired.

The Mining, Metal, Maritime and Construction Workers Union (MMMC) has denied this, saying that it has again lodged a dispute with the fishing companies two days ahead of the expiry date, which was on 24 October 2016. The MMMC insists that it has filed its case with the Labour Commission (case number LC-347-2016) already on 24 October last year.

The workers further dismissed denials of injuries suffered by fishermen at sea with a list of 25 names of fishermen who have over the years lost appendages (mostly fingers), broken arms and legs, lost teeth, and so on and one disappearing at sea (in 2014).

They said at least 19 of the fishermen have died since the strike started. Some of these deaths were as a result of suicides.

Catherine Sasman