Namibian Sun

Access roads for efundja comingClimate change programme assists Omusati, Ohangwena In line with a mitigation programme for climate change, 33 flood-prone schools and clinics in both Omusati and Ohangwena will receive access roads.

The works minister Alpheus !Naruseb has commissioned a N$112-million flood mitigation project that will establish 25 new gravel access roads to 33 flood-prone schools and clinics in Omusati and Ohangwena regions.

This forms part of a climate change mitigation programme co-funded by the government and the German development bank KfW. It will be implemented by the Roads Authority (RA) and the ministry of works and transport during the next 15 months.

During the past rainy season, 64 schools were closed in Omusati, and 19 309 pupils were sent home because of the efundja.

During the launch ceremony at Okalongo in Omusati, !Naruseb said that this is an effort to alleviate the plight of communities in the rural areas of the Ohangwena and Omusati regions - especially during the rainy season when access to services is cut off.

“Many schools and clinics in the two regions are without proper and safe access during the rainy season when the pans are flooded. Ohangwena and Omusati are both located in flood plains, making the two regions prone to torrential floods,” !Naruseb said.

!Naruseb, says that the project is addressed at a situation where every year, there have been cases of school-going children who have drowned as they are unfamiliar with the depth of the water.

“Thus, I am very happy that the KfW has agreed to co-fund this initiative.”

The Oshana, Omusati and Ohangwena regions are prone to efundja that cut off access during the rainy season. The three regions form part of the Cuvelai Delta which often floods when it rains.

“Service delivery remains our government's most important task. Our government does not just promise better access to electricity, clean water, government services and roads, we provide them, since these utilities and amenities are there for everyone to see. Our programme to provide access in all corners of our country is on track. These efforts are directed at the provision of services to improve the quality of life for communities in both urban and rural areas, through the undertaking of different types of infrastructure and other developmental initiatives. We know where we are heading and it's towards building a better Namibia for everyone,” !Naruseb said. He said the RA and the works ministry, with the assistance from KfW, deemed it appropriate to address this situation in earnest.

He also added that it is a well-known fact that road connectivity ranks the highest in terms of the provision of easy and required access to health centres, clinics, schools and other social services in Namibia. He also said that the rural parts of northern Namibia are among the areas where limited development, especially in terms of adequate access roads to social service centres, has taken place to meet the needs of communities as a means to improve their livelihoods.

The project has been split into six construction lots with different numbers and distances of access roads to be constructed.

Kettu Investment, Sash Trading, Moza Investment, Eponga and Tangeni and Odjove jv N'olune have been contracted to do the work under the supervision of the RA and WML Consulting Engineers.

!Naruseb says they are expected to apply labour-based construction methods and at the same time administer, manage, finance, train personnel, set out the works, and supply materials and equipment for the works scheduled under each specific lot for the project.

ILENI NANDJATO

All systems go for Swapo vote

Swapo secretary-general Nangolo Mbumba said it is all systems go for the ruling party's congress this weekend.

The congress will be attended by a number of African liberation and sister parties, Mbumba announced at a media briefing yesterday.

The accreditation and registration process of delegates will take place today from 14:00 ahead of the opening ceremony tomorrow.

“The congress shall be officially opened by President Hage Geingob at 10:00.

“Messages of solidarity from our former liberation movements and sister parties will follow,” he said.

He added that the election rules and procedures will be communicated to all delegates at the appropriate time during congress by elected returning officers, which will consist of legal practitioners and not politicians.

According to Mbumba, the congress will be attended by a list of international guests such as representatives of South Africa's ruling party African National Congress (ANC), Tanzania's ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi, Angola's MPLA, Frelimo (Mozambique) and Zimbabwe's Zanu-PF. The Botswana Democratic Party, the Zambian Patriotic Front, the Communist parties of China and Cuba, Polisario Front of Western Sahara, the Swedish Social Democratic Party, German Social Democratic party as well as the Russian Yedinya Rossia will also attend the congress.

“The 6th Swapo congress will deliberate a number of policy issues inter alia the report of the central committee to congress, implementation of resolution of the 5th congress, amendments to the party constitution and the Report of the 2nd Swapo party policy conference.

“The 6th congress will adopt resolutions that will serve as guidelines for the next five years,” he said. The delegates will vote for the top four of the party as well as the Central Committee.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Judge orders retrial in voter fraud caseSays State has prima facie case The 2014 discharge of Philemon Kanime, former ECN director, along with two others for voter registration fraud has been set aside and they have to return to court.

The former director of the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) Philemon Kanime and two others, who were at the beginning of 2014 discharged of voter registration fraud, were yesterday ordered for retrial in the Regional Court in Katutura.

The High Court in Windhoek yesterday, after a successful appeal by the State, set aside the discharge of the three accused, Kanime, Magnus Nangombe and Nicodemus Mingelius, on charges of fraud pertaining to the first local authority election for Omuthiya in the Oshikoto Region.

Judge Alfred Siboleka ordered that the three accused must be subpoenaed before the same regional court magistrate for the continuation of the trial on fraud and other related charges.

“In the event of the said magistrate's unavailability the matter should start afresh before another regional court magistrate,” Siboleka emphasised.

In January 2014, the Katutura Regional Court acquitted Kanime, Rally for Democracy and Progress member and ECN employee Nicodemus Mingelius on charges of fraud in connection with the first local authority election for Omuthiya in the Oshikoto Region.

Ed Marondedze, the State advocate had argued that it was inconceivable how the court decided to discharge them when the weight of evidence pointed towards their involvement.

Nangombe and Mingelius were also acquitted of forgery, or alternatively contravention of provisions of Electoral Act of 1992, as well as a count of uttering a forged document, read with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

The State had alleged that Nangombe had failed to register as a voter in February 2008 during the gazetted period. Nangombe, allegedly with the assistance of Mingelius, subsequently registered as a voter after the dates of registration had elapsed.

He allegedly forged a registration form number 2004305280 to appear as if he had been registered by a certain Ester Nangombe, who was an accredited voter registration officer for the Omuthiya local authority elections.

Marondedze maintained that there was evidence upon which a reasonable court could find the respondents guilty as the Regional Court never discredited State witnesses, and added that the court in fact agreed with some aspects of the evidence led by the State.

He had stated the court agreed that the handwriting and signature of Ester Nangombe had been forged and that the thumbprint on the forged document belonged to Magnus Nangombe.

“It therefore appears the court did not consider the credibility of witnesses to arrive at the verdict of not guilty as charged,” he said.

The court is said to have used its discretion that there was no evidence that all three respondents were aware that the form used for the application to register as voter was not a proper one.

Siboleka stated in the summary of judgment that the prosecution witnesses placed a solid prima facie case against the three respondents at the close of its case which should have disabled the trial court from granting them a discharge in terms of Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act.

“It is crystal clear from the evidence that the trial court could have convicted all three accused,” Siboleka stated and added that the reason being, in the absence of accused's version, the undisputed circumstantial evidence by the prosecution would have become proof.

“A prima facie case upon which reasonable court acting carefully may have convicted the three respondents on this matter has been established,” concluded the judge.

The lawyer Rohann Linde was standing in for Advocate Albert Strydom on behalf of the respondents.

FRED GOEIEMAN

Omaheke four want congress postponed

The chaos at the Swapo Omaheke elective district conferences was echoed in the High Court in Windhoek on Monday with calls to postpone the party congress, set to start tomorrow, pending the finalisation of the urgent application currently in court.

Tuhafeni Muhongo, appearing on instructions of Kadhila Amoomo Inc. for the applicants, Kejamuina Uhungira Mungendje, Maleagi Ndisiro, Frans Murangi and Progarius Muriambihu, argued that though the suggestion is not in the notice of motion, it is in the discretion of the court to postpone the congress. He argued the court must give the 80 respondents some time to deliver their responding papers before Thursday.

“It is not an afterthought, but a point of law. In order not to have the respondents prejudiced it is for the court to exercise its discretion to postpone the congress,” Muhongo argued.

However, Deputy Judge President Hosea Angula emphasised he cannot postpone the Swapo congress unless there are reasons presented.

“Currently I do not have the basis to order for a postponement,” Angula said and only granted for the postponement of the proceedings to today in order to give a chance to the respondents to file their papers.

The respondents were expected to file their papers by midday yesterday.

“Currently I do not have the basis to order for a postponement,” Angula said and only granted for the postponement of the proceedings to today in order to give a chance to the respondents to file their papers.

The respondents were expected to file their papers by midday yesterday.

The applicants in the matter, all prominent Swapo members in the Omaheke Region, are seeking, on an urgent basis, an order declaring the party's electoral process in the region null and void.

The electoral processes affected include district conferences for Aminius, Kalahari, Okokurambe, Otjinene and the Omaheke Regional conference, together with the Politburo endorsement.

The applicants want an order interdicting 57 of the respondents from attending the Swapo congress starting on Thursday.

The application is opposed by Festus Ueitele, the governor of Omaheke, Ernst Ndjavera, Asaria Tjingaete, Bernhardt Esau, Christine //Hoebes, Erastus Uutoni, Phillipus Katamelo, the Swapo Party Elders' Council, the party's women's council and other 74 members of the party. The electoral conferences of the affected districts were completed on 11 September.

The applicants are dissatisfied with the manner in which the processes were conducted.

They say they were not afforded the ethos of free, fair, transparent and credible electoral processes as per the party's resolutions, its constitution and its rules and procedures for the election of office bearers and representatives at legislative and government levels. They laid a complaint. In reaction the party directed that its' regional executive committee of Omaheke Region and the Politburo investigate. The complainants were informed on 11 October that the Politburo resolved to endorse the Omaheke regional processes.

Arguments are expected to be heard today.

FRED GOEIEMAN

Capricorn Group scoops regional awardIntegrated reporting acknowledged The awards recognise the importance of integrated reporting and the information it provides to shareholders and stakeholders. We believe that we are part of a bigger, interconnected global system. - Marlize Horn, Group executive: brand and corporate affairs: Capricorn

Capricorn Group recently scooped the Regional Company Award at the Annual Integrated Reporting Awards of 2017.

The event was hosted by Chartered Secretaries Southern Africa in partnership with the JSE Limited in Johannesburg.

Almost 100 companies entered their integrated reports in ten categories of which Capricorn Group won the regional company category, a category won by a Swaziland-based company in 2015 and 2016.

The Integrated Reporting Awards have been rewarding excellence in corporate reporting since 1956 by Chartered Secretaries Southern Africa, which is an independent professional body with an interest in good corporate governance and committed to promoting reporting excellence in the region. The ceremony recognised the importance of integrated reporting and the information it provides to shareholders and stakeholders. The judges scored entries against a score sheet similar to the Integrated Reporting (IR) Framework.

“We are extremely proud that we have been honoured with this award, which is recognition that our 2017 Integrated Report, only our second that adheres to the International Integrated Reporting Council’s IR Framework and our first report that includes our subsidiaries in Botswana and Zambia, is regarded as best practice in transparent communication with shareholders and other stakeholders,” says Marlize Horn, Capricorn’s group executive: brand and corporate affairs. Horn, who accepted the award on behalf of the group, is also the chairperson of Capricorn’s investor relations committee.

“As a leading financial institution listed on the Namibian Stock Exchange, Capricorn Group believes that credibility is key to value creation. We believe that we are part of a bigger, interconnected global system. Our approach to being a responsible, regional and global citizen is built into the DNA of all our businesses in Namibia, Botswana and Zambia.

“Our 2017 Integrated Report provides a holistic view of our group and reflects the value created during the financial year which ended on 30 June 2017 and is primarily aimed at providers of financial capital, but also takes a holistic and stakeholder-orientated view of the social, environmental and governance aspects that are related to the group’s activities and performance,” Horn says.

Africa Briefs

Nigerian economy grows 1.4% in Q3

Nigeria's economy grew 1.4% year-on-year in the third quarter, extending its slow climb out of its first recession in a generation.

Africa's largest economy returned to growth in the second quarter of 2017 but the recovery has been fragile due to the continuation of depressed oil revenues and a shortage of hard currency.

The National Bureau of Statistics said oil production, on which the OPEC member state's economy largely relies, stood at 2.03 million barrels per day in the third quarter. – Nampa/Reuters

Mombasa port traffic up 10%

Kenya's main port, Mombasa, handled 10.6% more cargo in the first nine months of this year, helped by an expansion of its handling capacity and a new railway system.

Activity in east Africa's biggest port is considered a measure of economic activity for the region. Mombasa handles imports such as fuel for Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mombasa handled 22.8 million tonnes of cargo between January and September compared with 20.6 million in the same period last year, Catherine Mturi, the port managing director, said. – Nampa/Reuters

Illegal power connection destroys hostel

Some learners of Oshela Senior Secondary School at Okongo were left only with their school uniforms after their belongings were destroyed by a fire that gutted one of the hostel blocks on Monday afternoon.

The Ohangwena education director, Isak Hamatwi, said a preliminary investigation indicated that an illegal power connection at the boys' hostel caused the fire.

No casualties were reported.

Hamatwi said one of the learners had apparently connected a radio with exposed wires.

“One hostel block caught fire on Monday afternoon while learners were attending their afternoon studies. The room where it started was completely gutted by the fire.

“It later spread to other rooms through the ceilings, making the whole hostel block uninhabitable.

It is reported that the fire was caused by an illegal connection of a radio on exposed wires by learners,” Hamatwi said.

Since there is no fire brigade in Okongo, those who came to fight the fire could only use the school's fire extinguishers.

The school's acting principal Eunike Shinyongo confirmed that the fire started while the learners were studying and workers and learners started fighting the fire.

“We were later assisted by the police and other officials. We managed to prevent it from spreading to other blocks. It caused severe damage to the learners' belongings and school property,” Shinyongo explained.

She said that a few teachers at the school have expressed interest to assist learners who lost their belongings.

The director said investigations continued and he was waiting for the school principal to report.

“For now we cannot really say the one who caused the fire will be held accountable because investigations are still under way,” he said.

Hamatwi added that learners were moved to other hostel blocks, where space was available because grades 10 and 12 had finished writing examinations and gone home.

When contacted for comment yesterday, the school's acting principal, Eunike Shinyongo, said she was compiling a report on the incident and could not comment.

ILENI NANDJATO

Team Swapo cries foul, cites threats'Congress delegates are being threatened and bribed' Ruling party presidential contender Nahas Angula has made allegations of underhanded tactics ahead of the Swapo congress which starts tomorrow.

Swapo presidential hopeful Nahas Angula says delegates are being threatened and bribed to vote for acting party president Hage Geingob and his slate at the upcoming congress.

Angula, who is campaigning under the banner of Team Swapo, yesterday told journalists that the playing field was not level in the ruling party's succession race.

“We have observed and learned with serious concern that the delegates to the congress have been intimidated by those in authority and are thus not comfortable to meet Team Swapo candidates during the campaign,” he said.

“Some delegates, as we speak, have been transported from their regions to certain privately owned farms as a way to contain them and thereby prevent Team Swapo candidate from meeting them.”

Team Swapo also criticised the party's outgoing secretary-general, Nangolo Mbumba, for not adopting a neutral stance in the ongoing campaign.

Mbumba has been criss-crossing the country along with Geingob to convince delegates to vote for the Team Harambee slate.

According to Angula, Mbumba did not even bother to greet or welcome their candidates to the Swapo headquarters when they launched their campaign a month ago.

“We are, however, not surprised by the behaviour of regional and district coordinators because we have observed the partiality and side-taking by the SG who has been squarely in the company of Team Harambee during this campaign to regions.

“The SG is supposed to serve all members and in this particular case all candidates equally, impartially and should therefore demonstrate a neutral position in this race,” he said.

Team Swapo also accused Team Harambee of threatening delegates that they would lose their government jobs, as well as business people who depend on government contracts.

“Bribery of delegates being offered money in order to join and vote Team Harambee is another trend that has become obvious and a matter of concern. Why buy votes if you claim to be popular and have support among Swapo members?

“Why should our party be led by people who will be voted into power either because of bribery and intimidation?” he asked.

Approached for comment, Mbumba said he never denied Team Swapo candidates access to the party facilities or material.

“I am not the party administrator. I personally nominated President Hage Geingob and I am standing with him.

I will not be jumping around from one place to another… I am proud of my decision to stand with Hage, this is the side that I am on,” he said.

Other Team Swapo candidates include Jerry Ekandjo, who along with Angula is vying for the party presidency.

Other candidates are home affairs minister and vice-presidential candidate Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana, Helmut Angula (vice-president), Armas Amukwiyu (secretary-general), Petrina Haingura and Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun, who are vying for the deputy secretary-general position.

They are standing against Geingob's slate, which includes deputy prime minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (vice-president), Sophia Shaningwa (secretary-general) and Marco Hausiku (deputy secretary-general).

The elective congress is scheduled to start in Windhoek tomorrow.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Out and proud at first lesbian festivalRaising awareness of rights abuses The participants and organisers of the festival hope that the event will create a platform from where the women can share a message of resilience, pride and courage.

More than 80 young Namibian lesbians from eight regions are taking to the stage at the inaugural lesbian festival this week to start a conversation about widespread human rights violations and prejudice against lesbians and to rally for their right to be a part of an inclusive Namibia where no one is left behind.

“We are holding our president accountable to his promise of building an inclusive Namibian house for all, in which no one feels excluded,” the organisers of the festival hosted by the Women's Leadership Centre (WLC) in Windhoek said at the launch yesterday.

Many in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in Namibia face intolerance, injustice and other abuses, ranging from refusal of services by police and health workers, being banished from families, churches and communities, bullying, crimes and more.

“I've been raped because of my sexual orientation. Men try to challenge us.

But I am a lesbian and I love women. Don't try to change me. I will still be me, even though you raped me,” said Laina Nairenge, who shared her story alongside four other young lesbians yesterday.

She said she knows of lesbians who have been beaten and violated in a number of ways, in the misguided belief that a lesbian will become a heterosexual.

Nairenge said she did not report her rape because she feared that because she is a lesbian, the police would blame her for the rape or simply ignore her.

She discovered she was pregnant, and is now the mother of a two-year-old daughter.

“The way you treat us, it just makes us stronger,” she said.

She said the birth of her daughter helped her to forgive the rapist, who was eventually sentenced to 18 years behind bars for another rape.

Nairenge said after she joined the WLC's young lesbian project, which advocates for the promotion and protection of lesbian women's human rights, and started focusing on poetry and music, she became more empowered and realised she had a “voice to speak up”.

The participants and organisers of the festival hope that the event will create a platform from where the women can share a message of “resilience, pride and courage” and help them “transform their living realities”.

Florence /Khaxas, WLC volunteer and director of the Young Feminist Movement - Namibia, said the young lesbians will use the three nights of performance art to creatively express themselves and give voice to their lives.

She said it's important for the LGBT community to speak up and share their realities.

“If we don't, who will tell our stories?”

She also warned that while mental health issues, especially untreated, are a generally widespread challenge in Namibia, in the LGBT community it is especially prevalent. She said alcohol and drug abuse is rife, to help “numb the pain”.

She said grassroots movements are crucial in helping the community build self-esteem and confidence in a life where they have faced crushing disappointments, being rejected by families and communities and told they do not fit the accepted roles.

She said it is crucial to challenge the belief that it is “not African” to be lesbian, or the religious dogma that overshadows the needs for human rights and dignity of the LGBT community.

The women told about being cast out from churches, from families and friends, and being told they could only get jobs if they dressed differently to look more like “a lady”.

Many have experienced denial of services, and abuse, at the hands of officials working at hospitals and police stations.

Ronatjie Tjivera, from Khorixas, said the LGBT community is asking for their rights to “feel free, to express our feelings freely”.

Boy Dons from Walvis Bay said the message is simple: “We are all created equally. We don't need to discriminate against each other. Just give us dignity and respect, and we will do the same.”

/Khaxas added that a main goal is to help strengthen and amplify the voices and resilience of young participants, so that they are empowered to go back to their communities and start their own projects and help others tell their stories.

The festival opened last night at the Warehouse Theatre, with the sharing of stories through dramatic performances, a photo exhibition and movies. Tonight, a panel discussion on the feminist movement will take place at the Imagine Games Café at the Zum Gruenen Kranz complex.

On Thursday, music, dance, poetry and spoken word performances will be hosted, free of charge, at the Warehouse Theatre.

The festival concludes on Saturday with a family and friends fun day at Brakwater Recreational Park.

JANA-MARI SMITH

‘I jumped to save my life’ ILENI NANDJATO

Warrant Officer Leonard Paulus (47), the acting station commander at the Omuthiya police station, is recovering in the Oshakati Intermediate Hospital after he was hit by a police car in the presidential motorcade on Sunday.

He told Namibian Sun that besides a broken left leg, he sustained only scratches and bruises.

Paulus said he tried to jump over the police car when he saw it approaching him at high speed. He said if he could not have jumped he do not think he could survived or he could has seriously injured.

He said the accident took place a moment after he had finished deploying police officers to maintain security during President Hage Geingob’s visit to the town.

He was standing at the turn-off to the Omuthiya Elcin church when the president’s motorcade approached from the Ondangwa side.

The police cars were escorting President Hage Geingob to the church for a service before his campaign rally at the same town that afternoon.

“When I was at the turning point I was vigilant and observant. There were three escort traffic vehicles leading the motorcade. The first two cars were travelling parallel while the third one was behind them.

“I noticed that the two leading cars knew were the turning point was and they started reducing speed while approaching the turn-off. The third car was still at high speed and it swerved out of the road to avoid hitting the other vehicles,” Paulus said from his hospital bed.

“I saw the car was coming straight at me. There was nothing I could do. Since I am a trained police officer, I decided to jump to avoid being hit. The next thing I saw I was already in the hospital.”

The car’s windscreen hit Paulus in the leg.

The hospital’s acting medical superintendent, Dr Vizkaya Amutenya, confirmed that Paulus sustained a broken leg and was recovering well.

The police have opened a case of reckless driving against the traffic officer who was driving the car.

The regional police commander, Commissioner Armas Shivute, said he was in contact with Paulus every day to check on his recovery.

Inside the billionaire's nestClose to N$1 billion spent on upgrades Namibian Sun was granted a visit to the 28 000-hectare game farm in the Dordabis area owned by Russian billionaire Rashid Sardarov.

The sprawling game ranch spanning thousands of hectares owned by Russian billionaire Rashid Sardarov in the Dordabis area not only offers exotic wildlife viewing but the property is also a rare find in the country.

Three lodges are situated on 28 000 hectares of land, while trophy hunting at the exclusive Marula Lodge, which includes a professional guide, transportation and lodging, can cost up to US$3 000 (about N$42 000) per night.

Sardarov hopes to carve out a niche for himself in the hunting industry and is now aiming to add 18 000 hectares of neighbouring farms to his most sought-after portfolio, which includes the Marula Farm House and Otjimukona Lodge.

Namibian Sun was yesterday granted the opportunity to have a sneak view of the most talked about game ranch. Surrounded by scenic mountains, the main lodge offers unparalleled views of nature.

“This is exclusivity that nobody can provide,” says general manager Johan Kotze, who took this reporter on tour of the lodge yesterday. Speculation has been rife about the 28 000-hectare Dordabis property after it became public that the Russian owner was seeking the right to buy three neighbouring farms to extend his ranch. Sardarov has also offered to donate N$24 million to the land reform ministry. Kotze is adamant that the lodge – located about 70km from Windhoek - is one of its kind and appeals to the high-end market.

According to Kotze, the luxury upgrades at the ranch took over four years to complete, while close to N$1 billion was spent on the project.

He said they are currently focused on trophy hunting and marketing to prospective hunters abroad.

“Since 2012 to 2016 development has taken place at Marula,” he said. The first piece of land was initially acquired in 2012 and within two years, additional farms were added to the existing property.

Sardarov was apparently looking for land to buy for quite some time in various countries before he came across the farm near Dordabis which at the time had a waiver.

According to Kotze, he chose Namibia for its scenery and political stability. Among other developments that have taken place over the years included the renovation and construction of staff houses, a clinic and a shop.

These farmhouses were eventually turned into the Marula Farm House and the Otjimukona lodge. A total of 500km of gravel roads have been constructed on the land.

According to Kotze, at one stage there were 450 workers living on site during the various refurbishments. Kotze said the Marula Lodge mostly serves as the house for Sardarov and his family and friends.

This lodge was located on a game farm bought by Sardarov and was then renovated to a five-star lodge, while extra chalets have been built. It includes everything on a person's wish list from a butler to a chef, sauna, spa, wraparound pool and snooker table.

Big money

According to Kotze at Marula Lodge hunters can pay US$3 000 per night. The package includes drinks, meals, hunt of the day, a professional guide and transport.

At the other two lodges, accommodation, which is inclusive of a professional guide and transportation, can cost up to US$450 (about N$6 300) per night.

Kotze believes the U$450 is competitive to what other hunting lodges in Namibia offer.

“Marula Lodge is however the exclusive part. Sardarov believes there are other people that want exclusivity. There is a need for this in the market, we are not just throwing a stone in the bush and hoping it works.”

Kotze said the ranch owner visits Namibia about three or four times a year, but appreciates his privacy. He was actually at the lodge just last week, he said.

He occasionally lands at Hosea Kutako International Airport with his private jet and then enjoys the short drive to the farm.

Asked to describe Sardarov, Kotze said he is a very driven man and a visionary.

“He is a big trophy hunter, but he sees the side of conservation,” he said. Kotze dismissed the reports that Sardarov is using the Marula Game Ranch as his personal play ground to hunt with family and friends.

“Yes he comes here with family and friends to hunt. But it is not that he shoots everything in sight. It is going to take time for us to get established in the market.”

Plenty of game

Meanwhile, Kotze said they have acquired a substantial number of game, with the ranch currently boasting 7 500 different species. These include antelope, giraffe, zebra, leeches, crocodiles, hippos, cheetah and other protected species.

Elephants have already been bought from Erindi Game Reserve and within the coming year it is expected that they will be transported to the game ranch. In the future they also want to include lions and if approved buffalo.

According to him, they have also approached the tourism ministry to become custodians of black rhinos. “We want to have the Big Five. It will have a huge impact on the country's impact if you can market these animals.” Kotze said that 7 500 is the realistic number of wild animals for the area.

Anti-poaching

The Marula Game Ranch also has its own anti-poaching unit of 15 members and has also acquired a helicopter that will assist with security and other game-related issues such as darting.

According to Kotze plans are also afoot to get their own veterinarian who they can then hire out with the helicopter to other farms.

“Then more lodges can be added and we can focus on tourism and one part of the game ranch can go towards hunting and another towards tourism. Because hunting and tourism does not go hand in hand,” he said. The lodge currently employs 46 permanent workers.

High Court upholds Omaheke vote

An urgent court application, which was seeking to set aside and nullify the outcome of the Omaheke Swapo regional conference, was dismissed in the High Court this evening. Deputy Judge President Hosea Angula ruled against four Omaheke Swapo members who had approached the court to declare the electoral process in the districts of Aminius, Kalahari, Okokurumbe, Otjinene as well as the politburo endorsement of the Omaheke regional conference null and void. The full judgement will only be available next year on 28 March.

FRED GOEIEMAN

Tjongarero positive about Warriors’ Chan hopes LIMBA MUPETAMI

The deputy minister of sport, Agnes Tjongarero, says the Brave Warriors will beat the other countries in the Chan qualifier group in Morocco next year.

The minister said this when a group from the Namibian senior men’s football side presented the 2017 Dr Hage Geingob Cup to her yesterday at her office in Windhoek.

Tjongarero is an avid supporter of the Brave Warriors and has on several occasions asked the team to retain the cup in the country.

Addressing the team, Tjongarero said the players should make winning a habit and culture and continue to win championships.

The minister, who was in a jovial mood, also said she would make arrangements for the players to present the cup in parliament on Tuesday in the hope of mobilising more funding for sport.

“I want everyone to see what we can achieve with more funding and what we do with the funding. Also, going forward, I am a positive person and I know the other countries in the same group will look and dismiss us, but we will beat them,” she said.

She said teams that won tournaments would be accorded the same privilege of going to parliament.

Ricardo Mannetti, Brave Warriors gaffer, said they heard and heeded Tjongarero’s challenge to win the cup.

“We were nervous at first but because we prepared well we managed to win the cup. We are people of our word,” he said.

He further said that the possibility of the minister and deputy minister of sport accompanying them to Morocco next year was high.

“The magnitude of the tournament is big. If there are funds available it will happen as they have always supported the team no matter what,” he said.

The Brave Warriors won the 4th edition of the Dr Hage Geingob Cup after beating Zimbabwe 3-1 at the Sam Nujoma Stadium. The tournament was jointly sponsored with N$4.1 million by Namibia Breweries Limited, through its Tafel Lager brand, MTC and Huawei Technologies.

The team is now focused on preparing for Chan where they will cross paths with Zambia, Uganda and Côte d'Ivoire in group B.

Athletes get scholarships Hamunyela is happy Many athletes have lauded the Olympic Solidary Commission through the Namibia National Olympic Committee (NNOC) for granting scholarships. JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA

The Namibia National Olympic Committee (NNOC) yesterday announced that 16 Namibians have received scholarships from the Olympic Solidarity Commission.

The scholarships will help the athletes prepare for the 2018 Youth Olympics and 2020 Olympic games.

Nine scholarships have been awarded to assist athletes to attend qualification events for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games.

Seven senior athletes also received scholarships which will allow them to train at high performance facilities to enable them to qualify for Tokyo 2020.

The recipients participate in archery, boxing, cycling, equestrian sport, gymnastics, rowing, triathlon, swimming, and wrestling.

The Tokyo scholarships were awarded to Maike Helga Diekman (rowing), and boxers Jonas Junias Jonas, Matias Hamunyela, Nestori Thomas, and Tryagain Ndevelo.

Cyclist Tristan de Lange and triathlete Jean-Paul Burger were also awarded scholarships.

The athletes in the youth category are Adrian Grobler (archery), Sade de Sousa and Ivan Geldenhuys (athletics), Nadine Fleming (equestrian), Lance Potgieter (gymnastics), Heleni Stergiadio (swimming), Ronan Wantenaar (swimming), and Hafeni Asino (wrestling).

The monetary value of the Tokyo scholarships is US$715 (N$9942.07) per month for each athlete.

A total of US$5 000 (N$69 524.99) per athlete has been allocated to the youth games athletes.

The NNOC said the athletes were screened according to the international criteria set by the Olympic Solidarity.

The criteria required athletes to demonstrate their potential to qualify for the Olympic Games.

The selected athletes must also abide by the standards of sporting ethics established by the Olympic Charter and the International Olympic Committee.

The NNOC said all the selected athletes were proven to abide by the Olympic Anti-Doping Code and had never been convicted of violating anti-doping rules.

NNOC president Abner Xoagub said: “Athletes are allowed to utilise the scholarship to fund attendance to appropriate training facilities.

“Athletes can also use this money to get a specialist coach in the relevant sporting discipline, regular medical and scientific assistance.

“The money can be used for accidental and illness insurance, boarding and lodging, pocket money, limited travel costs for the athlete to participate in relevant qualification competitions.”

Boxer Matias Hamunyela expressed excitement about the future.

“I can confirm that I have received my scholarship and I am happy about it.

“My job now is to work harder in order to qualify for the 2020 Olympics,” Hamunyela said.

NNOC secretary-general Joan Smit said 2018 will be a very busy year for Namibian athletes given the events taking place.

“The Commonwealth Games will take place at the Gold Coast of Queensland in Australia from 4 to 15 April.

“The African Youth Games will take place from 17 to 27 July in Algeria, while the Youth Olympic Games commence on 6 October in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 2018,” Smit said.

Smit assured the public that all the selected athletes would be monitored and that proper financial and technical reports would be submitted.

Okanguindi marathon announcedKamundu excited The vice-chairperson of the Okanguindi marathon, Seven Kamundu, has urged more participants to sign up for the annual 10km run next month.

People of Okanguindi village in the Otjozondjupa Region are in for a special sport treat as the village's mini-marathon will be staged on 23 December.

The village is situated about 65km east of Okakarara and is expected to come alive with a fine 10km race.

“The marathon has always been special to the people of this area and we hope for more participants this year.

“Last year the turnout was not so good and we hope that more people can come this year.

“We also invite any corporate sponsors to come on board in order to help us make this event a success,” Seven Kamundu said.

Participants will start gathering at 06:00 for final registration in the morning and the actual running starts at 07:00.

This will be the sixth consecutive event (from 2012) to be organised over the festive season by the community of this village.

Participants can chose either to walk or to run the course in various age categories.

The event is open to everybody. The age categories are: under-10; 11-15 years; 16-39 years; 40-49 years and over 50 years. All categories consist of male and female sections.

The aim of the race is to revive the spirit of exercise and fitness among the residents and visitors, with the long-term aim of producing future long-distance runners.

The organisers are inviting everybody, from nearby villages and farther afield, to be part of the event.

The running record is 35 minutes and 9 seconds, set by Tjeja Tjejamba in the senior men's category (16-39 years) last year.

The walking record for men is held by Perinai Kamundu at 58:28.

The running record for the senior women is 1:7:30, set by Tjipenandjambi Hirongua in 2013.

The veteran men's running category is the only one that has produced the same winner since the beginning of the event - Katuri Katjivikua.

The organisers are therefore calling all men over 50 to challenge the leader.

The registration fee for all the age categories above 16 years is N$20, while children under 15 years will participate for free.

Prizes will be handed out for the first three places in all the categories.

Although small donations are being made by the working people of Okanguindi village, the organisers would welcome more assistance, monetary or in kind, to add to the prizes.

JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA

KBA elects new leadership

The newly elected Khomas Basketball Association (KBA) leadership has promised to take the game back to its glory days.

The KBA held its elective congress over the weekend and elected its president, vice-president and treasurer for a four-year term.

Nigel Mubita was elected as the new president, and he will be deputised by Anthony Auchab, while Bukky Onwudinjo was elected as treasurer.

Speaking exclusively to Nampa on Tuesday, Mubita said their four-year goal is to take basketball back to the United Nations (UN) Plaza in Katutura from the current venue at the University of Namibia (Unam).

“We are going to meet today (Tuesday) to select a team that will work with us in improving the game of basketball in Windhoek. We want to take basketball back to the people in Katutura, as it used to be in the past,” he said.

Mubita also told this agency that one of their goals is to improve the game at high school level in the region.

“One thing we are going to work on is to pair senior men's basketball teams with secondary schools, so they can help develop players at grassroots level,” he said.

The president said there are many talented players in the region but they are not discovered or trained properly.

“It will be nice if these young players start competing in our second divisions or probably the premier league,” he added.

Mubati further said that one of the biggest goals is to start training more match officials and referees.

“In the next four years, we want to get people to love basketball more in the country. Our plan is to have teams in Okahandja, Otjiwarongo or Rehoboth join the KBA, which will make our league stronger and more competitive,” he said.

Mubita said he has a vice president and a treasurer who are hardworking individuals, and he is hopeful that with a strong management team running the league their plans will work.

The newly elected members replaced Corbin Prinzonsky (president), Michael Mabuku (vice-president), and Michael Mukumbutaa (treasurer).

NAMPA

Peugeot 3008 wins at Women's World Car of the YearTook top honours in the SUV category This year, 420 cars were contenders for the various titles across six categories.

The 2017 edition of the Women's World Car of the Year awards has taken place and the Peugeot 3008 won in the SUV category - making this the 35th title awarded to the luxury SUV.

This is the eighth edition of the prestigious award, chosen by an all-female judging panel of 25 motoring journalists from 20 different countries. The judges convene once a year to elect a winner in each category. The vehicles considered for awards must be sold in at least five countries, on at least two continents prior to 1 January of the year of the awards.

This year, 420 cars were contenders for the various titles across six categories: family, SUV, budget, green, performance and luxury vehicle.

“The Peugeot 3008 SUV won because of its Peugeot i-Cockpit - which the judges found elegant and impressive - its interior and exterior styling, as well as its road-holding and driving pleasure” said managing director of Women's World Car of the Year, Sandy Myhre.

Other winners included Ford Fiesta, Mazda CX-5, BMW 5-Series, Honda Civic Type R, McLaren 720S and the Supreme Winner, Hyundai Ioniq.

“The Peugeot 3008 SUV has received numerous accolades worldwide,” said Francisco Gaie, managing director of Peugeot Citroën South Africa.

“We are very excited that closer to home, it is also being acknowledged. Since its launch in August, the 3008 has been nominated as finalist in the prestigious WesBank South African Car of The Year competition and has also been voted a finalist in the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards competition. Both winners will be announced in early 2018.

“The number of awards bestowed on the Peugeot 3008 SUV are an indication of the exceptional quality and class-leading features it has to offer, and all at a reasonable price.”

“Its premium interior, up-to-date in car specification, refined drive and economical engine range puts it up there with the best cars in its class,” Gaie added.

“We are exceptionally honoured that the 3008 SUV has been given this recognition by an all-female panel of judges and look forward to its growing success in the Southern African car market.”

- MotorPress

Mugabe a zi koshipundi

Mugabe okwa kala omupresidende gwaZimbabwe okutameka mo1980.

Opaliamende yaZimbabwe oya tseyitha e zo koshipundi lyomupresidende gwoshilongo shoka, omunamimvo 93 Robert Mugabe. Robert Mugabe okwa zi koshipundi onga omupresidende gwaZimbambwe mEtiyali.

Shoka osha teyithwa komupopi mopaliamende ya Zimbabwe, Jacob Mudenda. E zo koshipundi lyaMugabe olya e ta pehulilo elelo lye luule woomvula 37. Mugabe okwa kuthwa oonkondo dhelelo konima sho aakwiita yoshilongo shoka ya kuthako elelo koonkondo.

“Ngame Robert Gabriel Mugabe ngaashi tashi uthwa kontopolwa onti 96 yEkotampango lyaZimbabwe otandi tseyitha e zo lyandje koshipundi meendeleleo,” Mudenda a popi, pethimbo a lesha omukanda ngoka gwa shangwa kuMugabe. Onkundana ndjoka oya taambiwako nenyanyu enene mopaliamende yaZimbambwe oshowo momapandanda goshilongo shoka unene moshilandopangelo Harare, sho omuleli ngoka a kala koshipundi okutameka omvula yo1980.

Omasiku ga piti, aakwashigwana yaZimbabwe omayovi oya yi momapandanda taya ningi ehololomadhilaadhilo taya pula opo omunamimvo 93 a ze koshipundi ihe Mugabe ngoka a lele oshilongo ina kondjithwa konima nkene oshilongo shoka sha mono emanguuko lyasho okuza kuBritain okwa li a tindi.

Oonkambadhala dhaMugabe dhokuninga omukulukadhi gwe Grace Mugabe omulanduli gwe, odho dha e ta aakwiita yoshilongo shoka ya kutheko elelo lyoshilongo koonkondo.

NAMPA/AFP

Team Swapo ta ningilwa aniwa omambandameko

Nahas Angula ngoka e li momusholondondo gwaakuthimbinga methigathano lyuupresidede okwa popi kutya aakuthimbinga yamwe momahogololo ngoka otaya ningilwa omatilitho na otaya futwa oombumbo opo ya hogolole Omupresidende Hage Geingob. Angula ngoka ta ningi omahwahwameko kohi yoTeam Swapo, okwa popi kutya aakuthimbinga momutumba ngoka gwomahogololo otaya ningilwa omatilitho na inaya manguluka okutsakanena naakuthimbinga momahwahwameko goTeam Swapo, pethimbo lyomahwahwameko gawo ngaka taya ningi.

Angula okwa popi kutya aakuthimbinga momahogololo yamwe po oya kuthwa miitopolwa yawo na oya falwa koofaalama dhopaumwene onga omukalo gwokuya ya moshipala ya ye mekwatathano naakuthimbinga yoTeam Swapo.

Okwa nyana woo kutya Nangolo Mbumba ngoka e li amushanga gwongundu okuli a gama ombinga yimwe po, sho a kala ta kutha ombinga momahwahwameko gomupresidede Geingob goTeam Harambee.

Angula okwa popi kutya Mbumba ina taambako nenge a popithe aakuthimbinga yoTeam Swapo, pethimbo ya ningile omahwahwameko gawo poombelewa oonene dhoSwapo moshilandopangelo, omwedhi gwa piti.

Angula okwa tsikile kutya inaya haluthwa komaihumbato gaaunganeki yongundu miitopolwa oshowo miikandjo molwaashoka oya mona nale kutya aantu yamwe po mboka yeli poonkatu dhontumba mongundu otaya gama ombinga oshowo amushanga gwongundu ngoka a gama kombinga yaGeingob.

Ongundu yoTeam Swapo oya popi woo kutya ongundu yoTeam Harambee otayi ningile aakuthimbinga omatilitho kutya otaya ka kanitha iilonga yawo mepangelo ngele oya gama kombinga yoTeam Swapo, oshowo aanangeshefa mboka yiikwatelela kookondalaka dhepangelo.

Efuto lyoombumbo kaakuthimbinga opo ya ka hogolole Geingob oshimwe natango sha hololwa kuAngula, ngoka a pula kutya omolwashike aantu ye na okulanda omawi gaahogololi ngele otaya popi kutya oye na aalanduli oyendji.

Angula okwa pula kutya omolwashike ongundu yi na okulelwa kaantu mboka taya ningi aaleli okupitila mefuto lyoombumbo oshowo mokuningila aantu omambandameko.

Sho a ningilwa omapulo, Mbumba okwa popi kutya ye ina indika ongundu ndjoka yi longithe omaliko gongundu .

Okwa popi kutya ye okwa hogolola Geingob na ota thikama pamwe naye na okwa nyanyukilwa etokolo lye ndyoka a ningi. Okwa koleke kutya okwa gama kombinga yaGeingob.

Aanapolotika mboka taya ka kondjitha Geingob ongaashi omunapolotika e li moshipundi shevululuko, Nahas Angula, oshowo ominista yOmaudhano, Jerry Ekandjo.

Omupevi presidende, methigathano omu na Helmut Angula, Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana naNetumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

Methigathano lyuuamushanga wongundu omu na oArmas Amukwiyu naSophia Shaningwa omanga lyuupeha amushanga, Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun, Marco Hausiku naPetrina Haingura.

Omahogololo gaaleli yoSwapo otaga tameke nena mOvenduka.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Toyota ready to take on Dakar 2018All-new Hilux’s raring to race Toyota stalwart and former Dakar winner, Giniel de Villiers, will again partner with German navigator Dirk von Zitzewitz. “This new version is sure to take all the best characteristics of the previous model, and deliver new levels of handling and balance thanks to its innovative design.” - Nasser Al Attiyah, Toyota Gazoo Racing SA driver

Toyota Gazoo Racing SA recently announced the team destined for Dakar 2018.

The Japanese manufacturer has been a force to be reckoned with in the Dakar Rally since first fielding a Toyota Hilux in 2012, and their latest all-new Toyota Hilux promises a leap forward which, combined with an all-star driver line-up, will ensure that Toyota Gazoo Racing SA is ready to take on the Dakar Rally in January 2018.

Toyota stalwart and former Dakar winner, Giniel de Villiers, will again partner with German navigator Dirk von Zitzewitz. The pair last won the world’s most grueling automotive race in 2009, but have gone on to attain four podium finishes for Toyota.

De Villiers recently clinched the South African Cross-Country Series championship with a round to spare, with navigator Dennis Murphy beside him. The pair won four races on the trot, preserving Toyota’s unbeaten record in the series, which stretches back to 2015.

De Villiers/Von Zitzewitz will be joined in the line-up by Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah and French navigator Mathieu Baumel. The pair also raced with Toyota Gazoo Racing SA at Dakar 2017, winning the opening stage and leading the Dakar before retiring on Stage 3. Al Attiyah and Baumel won their fourth FIA Cross-Country World Cup this year, their third in a Toyota Hilux, and they are looking forward to taking the all-new race vehicle into battle on Dakar 2018.

“The Toyota Hilux has a reputation for reliability and durability,” said Al Attiyah of the car. “This new version is sure to take all the best characteristics of the previous model, and deliver new levels of handling and balance thanks to its innovative design.”

The third crew in Toyota Gazoo Racing SA’s line-up will be Dutch driver Bernard ten Brinke, who will have French navigator Michel Périn beside him in the Toyota Hilux. Ten Brinke is no stranger to the Dakar Rally, having taken part since 2012. He raced a Toyota Hilux as part of the Overdrive Racing team in 2016, but 2018 will be his first outing as a full works driver.

“I’m looking forward to being part of the factory team,” said Ten Brinke. “I’ve always had vast respect for the team, and even though our race car has come from South Africa in the past, I’m really proud to be incorporated as one of the team’s own drivers.”

All-new Hilux for 2018

The three crews will all be driving the all-new Toyota Hilux, which features a mid-engine layout and a fresh suspension geometry. The new car conforms to the latest rules as set out by the FIA, and will race with a 38 mm air restrictor in Dakar 2018.

“The FIA has been working hard to try and balance the performance of the turbodiesel-powered cars and the naturally aspirated V8s, such as ours,” explains Toyota Gazoo Racing SA Team Principal, Glyn Hall. “This is an ongoing process, and while neither camp will probably ever be entirely happy with the rules, we are confident that the latest changes give us a better shot at Dakar 2018.”

The bigger restrictor, 12% increase in suspension travel and lower weight is sure to play a large role, as Dakar 2018 starts in the big dunes of Peru, where the soft sand will sap the Toyota V8 of power. The race then moves to Bolivia, where the stages take place at extreme altitudes, before finally descending into northern Argentina for the final part of the race. The 40th edition of the Dakar Rally starts in the Peruvian capital of Lima on January 6th, and ends in the Argentine city of Cordoba on January 20th.

“The Dakar Rally is undeniably the world’s toughest automotive race,” concludes Hall. “The terrain, temperatures, altitude and navigation all play major roles. But to us it is also the ultimate challenge, and we are looking forward to continuing our quest for glory this coming January.”

The world’s greatest race

The Dakar Rally remains the world’s greatest automotive race, bringing together more than 500 competitors from as many as 60 different nationalities. The race takes 15 days to complete, takes place in three countries and covers more than 10,000 km. It is, quite simply, the most spectacular motor race in history, and Thierry Sabine, the creator of the Dakar, summed it up like this: “A challenge for those who take part, a dream for those who watch.”

“The undeniable toughness of the Dakar Rally is a perfect fit for the Toyota Hilux,” says Calvyn Hamman, Senior Vice-President of Sales and Marketing at Toyota SA Motors. “Dakar provides us with a showcase for the legendary reliability of the Toyota Hilux, and we look forward to taking part in the 40th edition of this special race.”- MotorPress