Fishing needs private sector help

November 28, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Otavi valuation roll debacle continues

The private sector has been requested to make resources available to enable Namibia to utilise fishing opportunities available beyond its jurisdiction.

This refers to an area in the South East Atlantic Ocean managed by the South East Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (Seafo).

Namibia, South Africa, South Korea, Japan, Norway, Angola and the European Union make up Seafo.

This organisation deals with the management and conservation measures of all living resources in the area, based on scientific research.

Fisheries minister Bernhardt Esau made the request for resources on Monday when he opened the 14th annual meeting of the Seafo Commission in Swakopmund.

Esau said six entitled members of the organisation are already fishing in the Seafo area, but Namibia cannot yet due to lack of capacity in terms of fishing vessels and other resources.

“It is a concern to us, and I have been speaking to the private sector to see if we can utilise the opportunity. It will benefit us to catch more from outside and process it at home to create jobs.”

He said currently Namibia catches a total of 500 000 tonnes of fish per year of the total allowable catches.

If this can be increased by fishing in the Seafo area, he said, it will contribute to economic growth.

The minister also touched on the plan to expand the Seafo secretariat, which is based in Swakopmund.

He said in order to increase the secretariat, a bigger office as headquarters needs to be built.

“We engaged the Swakopmund municipality on land availability and we were given the plot next to our offices in Swakopmund. We are now looking at how to finance the project.”

During the five-day meeting, the commission will discuss ways to finance the building, such as mobilising resources from elsewhere, as the membership fees to Seafo alone will not be sufficient.

About 30 representatives of the commission are attending the meeting which will provide updates on the yearly activities, the projects for 2018 and how to improve administration and research activities.

NAMPA

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Otavi valuation roll debacle continues

November 28, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Omatala vendors demand cheaper rent

≪ Previous: Fishing needs private sector help

Otavi valuation roll debacle continues

The start of the controversial debate around the Otavi town council's drive to sharply increase the town's property values was described as a “circus” by some onlookers after yesterday morning's proceedings.

Residents attending the court said only 30 objections were filed this time, as opposed to at least 200 in March, a situation blamed by residents on inadequate public announcements of the court proceedings by the municipality.

In March hundreds of concerned Otavi property and building owners converged at the valuation court, protesting the town council's attempt to increase valuations by as high as 1000% and 1400% of properties in some cases, and more than 350% reportedly on some building valuations.

It was estimated that low-income residents would also be hit hard, with average monthly rates on properties increasing by an estimated 500%, from N$20 to N$120 a month.

Residents said the provisional valuation roll would be unaffordable and earn Otavi the underserved title as the most expensive town in Namibia in terms of property prices, despite lack or inadequate services, infrastructure and maintenance.

“Why would it be cheaper to live in Otjiwarongo than in Otavi? You can't even compare the two towns in terms of infrastructure and services,” a resident said in March.

It was reported that attempts yesterday by the town's legal counsel to make some submissions were declined.

These documents were considered crucial by residents to support their stance.

The valuation court was presided over by a board, consisting of Magistrate Joseph Shikongo, as well as representatives from the town council, urban and rural ministry and a property assessor.

Lawyer Maronel du Plessis told Namibian Sun that it was a big concern that many people were not aware of the court date, as evidence by the low turnout.

A last-ditch attempt was made by a resident yesterday morning before court to spread the word and invite people to attend.

A request to allow the court to hear their objections was also declined.

Reportedly the findings contained in professional valuations obtained by some of the objectors, at considerable expense, and submitted to court, were queried by the board.

Du Plessis said the court said they would not regard the submitted evaluations unless the valuer was in court to support his valuation.

Further, the court refused to accept valuations handed over by Du Plessis unless they could be matched to that person's objections.

Those who could not afford to appoint independent assessors were informed that they were not qualified to make valuation assessments on their properties.

Yesterday's low number of objections was blamed on the municipality, who failed to sufficiently spread the word, in multiple languages, and on several radio stations, as had been requested.

Two notices were placed in English and the date was broadcast on radio, the municipality responded.

Shikongo in March declared the provisional valuation roll null and void and ordered the Otavi town council to start from scratch.

Namibian Sun will report on the details of the proceedings that took place until late yesterday afternoon in due course.

JANA-MARI SMITH

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Omatala vendors demand cheaper rent

November 28, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: 'Black Mamba' gets bail

≪ Previous: Otavi valuation roll debacle continues

Omatala vendors demand cheaper rentComplain about lack of response from the council The Oshakati town council has told unhappy vendors at its open market to raise their grievances through the committee they had elected to represent them.

About 40 vendors from the Oshakati open market yesterday staged a demonstration demanding a decrease in their rent.

This is the second time this year that the vendors have demanded lower rent.

On 23 May about 100 of them marched to the Oshakati town council building to call for the rent to be lowered to N$200 or less.

They gave the council 21 days to respond to their petition.

Yesterday, the vendors told the council officials that they were still waiting for a response.

A spokesperson for the group, Martha Lukolo, who read their petition, said the council ignored their request for cheaper rent at the open market.

The petition was accepted by the council's CEO, Werner Iita.

Lukolo said the vendors never agreed to the rent imposed on them.

Furthermore, she said that the open market was not strategically located, therefore it was hard for them to attract customers.

She called for more signs to be erected to direct potential customers to the market.

She also said that the council should build an access road from the old open market to the new one.

“We came here today seeking answers to our previous petition. We are not happy.

“We want the prices to go down because they are too high. We never agreed on these prices,” Lukolo said.

Lukolo also spoke about the situation at the local bus terminal, where some bus owners allegedly have been chased away by those in charge. She requested the council to look into the matter.

She also said that car dealers should be allowed to trade along the town's main roads and not in the fenced area near the bus terminal in the open market.

Lukolo said if the council did not respond to the petition within ten days they would stage another protest.

Iita said the council was only notified of the demonstration on Monday, giving it no time to prepare a response.

He further said that the vendors should not take matters up directly with the council, as there are was an office at the market as well a committee that the vendors had elected themselves.

“You did not even give the council enough time to negotiate about your issues.

“Secondly, you have elected a committee to represent you and I am informed that you did not inform them about this demonstration,” Iita said.

He said he would talk to the committee about their demands.

According to the municipality's tariff structure, the monthly rent at the market ranges from N$100 for a drinks or cosmetic stand to N$40 for selling traditional products in the open, N$65 for selling traditional products in shaded areas, N$150 for selling cooked food and drinks, N$45 for chicken vendors, N$300 for fish and raw meat vendors, and N$600 for a stall with a small storeroom.

KENYA KAMBOWE

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'Black Mamba' gets bail

November 28, 2017, 2:00 pm

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'Black Mamba' gets bailCharged on four counts after fatal crash Boxer Willberforce Shihepo has been granted bail in a case where he faces four charges related to the death of a man and a child in a car crash.

A month after his alleged negligent driving led to the death of a six-year-old child and an adult man, former Namibian boxing champion Willberforce Shihepo was granted bail of N$7 000 by the Okahandja Magistrate's Court on Monday.

Shihepo faces four charges related to the accident that took place on Saturday, 28 October, shortly after 20:00 about 30km south of Okahandja.

He is charged with culpable homicide, another count of failing to stop at the scene, removing the vehicle from the position it came to rest and failing to ascertain the injuries of persons involved in the accident.

After his arrest, he initially faced additional charges of operating an unroadworthy vehicle and failing to render assistance to injured persons.

Those charges have been withdrawn in the meantime, an official at the court confirmed yesterday.

The official said it was not yet known whether Shihepo had posted bail.

The official said Shihepo had contracted a private lawyer employed at Sisa Namandje law firm.

Toivo Linda Teopoline Nghipuyoonda (6) and Likius Petrus (54) were instantly killed, when, as police suspect, Shihepo's metallic grey Jaguar crashed into the back of the Toyota sedan in which they had been travelling.

Medical teams at the scene tried to save their lives and were forced to reach them by using the Jaws of Life.

It was alleged that the Jaguar was unregistered at the time of the accident.

Earlier that same day, Black Mamba, as Shihepo was known in the ring, was allegedly stopped at the police checkpoint for a driving infraction.

Reports of the accident, and the fact that Shihepo had left the scene, led to a storm of outrage on social media.

The police launched an intense manhunt which eventually forced Shihepo to hand himself over on the Monday after the accident.

Shihepo was initially denied bail after his arrest.

Shihepo is a former World Boxing Organisation Africa super middleweight title holder.

The case has been postponed to 30 January 2018 for further investigation.

JANA-MARI SMITH

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MTC network expansion begins

November 28, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: SA’s S&P downgrade to affect Namibia

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MTC network expansion begins

Staff reporter - Mobile operator MTC this week accelerated the growth of its network with the launch of its first 081Nation site in Okahandja’s Oshetu informal settlement. Its 081EVERY1 campaign seeks to ensure 100% coverage of the entire country.

Through the initiative, MTC is set to commission around 524 new sites.

Such is the objective behind MTC’s announcement in July 2017, to undertake the 081EVERY1 project, which is set to transform the national communications network grid in the country.

Once completed in 2019, rural areas which previously had only 2G network access will now have access to 3G connectivity.

Speaking at the commissioning of the new site, information and communication minister Tjekero Tweya said it was a positive development that MTC was expanding its network.

“Today we witness the commitment MTC made that in which we declared publicly that we are set to transform the network landscape and therefore we took our first steps towards bridging and closing the gap on digital divide,” said Tweya.

The Kaibasen site is a 25-metre lattice base transmitter station which is 3G enabled and will serve the residents of Oshetu 1, 2 and 3 informal settlement area as well as some sections of the Nau- Aib residential area.

According to Tweya, MTC deserved praise for implementing its network expansion project.

“The 081EVERY1 project is commendable and indeed needs to be praised, for the simple reason that it seeks to redress the long-held untenable state of affairs, which have put especially our rural areas at a less advantaged position when it comes to access to quality networks, mobile connectivity, broadband accessibility and access to the information superhighway,” he said.

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SA’s S&P downgrade to affect Namibia

November 28, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Two more rhinos poached

≪ Previous: MTC network expansion begins

SA’s S&P downgrade to affect Namibia‘Interest rates higher for longer’ South Africa’s latest junk label can affect Namibia on various fronts, ranging from trade and SACU income to interest rates and consumer pressure. Interest rates cannot come down now even though the stagnant economic growth calls for rate cuts. - Claudia Boamah, Capricorn analyst

Ogone Tlhage - South Africa’s recent downgrade by ratings agency Standards and Poor’s will have some negative consequences on the Namibian economy, according to Economics Association of Namibia director Klaus Schade.

Because of the downgrade, currency depreciation is to be expected while trade will further be affected, impacting Southern African Customs Union (SACU) receipts, he said.

“The downgrade by Standard & Poor’s indicates that the South African economy still faces severe headwinds, which will have an impact on the Namibian economy. The South African rand weakened only slightly against the US dollar but could come under more pressure,” he said.

Since the Namibia dollar is pegged one-to-one to the South African rand, it will also depreciate according to him.

“The depreciation will result in rising import prices for goods and services charged in US dollar and other hard currencies, in particular oil, which could result in increasing fuel prices,” said Schade.

He also felt that since no economic stimulus could be expected from the South African treasury, and foreign investors might wait for signs of improvements in the fiscal and economic environment, the South African economy would not recover strongly, which would have a negative impact on the demand for Namibian goods and services.

“Furthermore, South African imports from outside SACU will also not grow and hence SACU transfers to the other SACU member states including Namibia will come under pressure,” said Schade.

Consumers

Capricorn analyst Claudia Boamah shared Schade’s sentiments.

According to her, consumers are expected to remain under increased pressure, with no interest rate cuts on the horizon because of the downgrade.

“Interest rates higher for longer: In order to attract or maintain investment in South Africa, protect the currency and counteract inflation; interest rates cannot come down now even though the stagnant economic growth calls for rate cuts.”

Since SARB is now in a position where at best it has to keep the repo rate where it is or, at worst, hike rates, the Bank of Namibia (BoN) will likely follow suit to maintain the currency peg to the rand, she felt.

“Households and businesses are under financial pressure as evinced by declining private sector credit extended (PSCE), the economy would have really benefitted from a cutting cycle,” said Boamah.

The downgrade would also affect trade, Boamah felt. According to her, this would further impede growth, particularly for Namibia.

“With declines in investments on the horizon due to uncertainty and political and policy risk it looks like South Africa can expect further economic disappointment. This does not bode well for Namibia’s net exports which in turn do not bode well for our own growth [prospects],” she said.

S&P cut South Africa’s international debt by one notch last week Friday to BB grade. This is the equivalent of junk status.

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Two more rhinos poached

November 28, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Land, water projects stalled

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Two more rhinos poached

Two rhinos have been shot and killed in yet another poaching incident this past weekend, bringing the total to 30 for the year.

The poaching incident occurred on a private farm in central Namibia, whose name and location cannot be released for security reasons.

wwJaco Muller from HoRN.nam yesterday confirmed the incident to Namibian Sun. He said it was first discovered on Saturday when a wounded rhino calf arrived at a waterhole on the farm without its mother.

Investigations were immediately launched and the rhino cow's carcass was discovered. The rhino had been shot and her horns were removed. Her calf died yesterday morning.

According to Muller, HoRN.nam on Monday went to assist with the investigations on the farm and a gyrocopter and helicopter were sent there.

Four other wounded rhinos were also found. Two of them, a cow and her five-month-old calf, were critically wounded.

Three suspects were arrested on Saturday in connection with the poaching.

Last week a white rhino was poached on a farm outside of Windhoek.

This brings the total number of rhinos poached this year to 30 in comparison to the 60 poached last year. In 2015, a total of 95 rhino were poached and 56 rhino in 2014.

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Land, water projects stalled

November 28, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Investigation continues to identify dumped baby

≪ Previous: Two more rhinos poached

Land, water projects stalledNo govt investment in water infrastructure A parliamentary committee has slammed the government for expecting NamWater to bear full responsibility for water infrastructure in the entire country.

Land development and the supply of potable water to rural communities are, according to a newly released report, utterly stagnated.

The report of the National Council's Standing Committee on Habitat on the progress made on rural water supply and land servicing says at July this year, N$713 million was owed to NamWater, of which N$417 million was due from government and local authorities.

Water points in rural areas owe NamWater N$209 million and accrued interest totals N$77 million.

The committee yesterday tabled its report that surveyed all the regions, except Erongo, in the National Council.

NamWater left behind

The committee is also of the view that NamWater is left behind while other parastatals repeatedly receive funds.

“The total amount of money NamWater received from government since its inception in 1997 was N$227 million; an amount that could easily be dwarfed by sums of money other government entities had so far received.

“There was no point in time where the government poured money into the refurbishment of water infrastructure in the country. Therefore, expecting NamWater to replenish the water infrastructure in the entire country on its own is a far-fetched proposition.”

NamWater also receives no budgetary allocation like other parastatals.

The debts accumulated had hindered the supply of water to many communities that accessed water through pipelines.

The committee said the current debts emanated from a number of issues including the reluctance of water point users to pay bills, water point committees that abandoned their duties, and failure of public entities such as schools and clinics, to pay bills. They also write of the 'sabotage mentality' where infrastructure is vandalised.

Most towns also raised concerns that infrastructure was outdated.

“Many of these pipes were installed in the pre-independence era and their sieve-like state means that they also contributed to the ever-accumulating NamWater bills.”

In Keetmanshoop, for instance, the porous pipes accounted for 20% water loss every month, which amounted to N$600 000 per month.

It was also found that the alkaline levels rendered much of the water in many parts of the northern regions undrinkable and was present in boreholes in regions such as Oshikoto, Ohangwena, Oshana, Omusati, Kunene and Zambezi.

Land shortage

While the findings in most regions of northern Namibia were dominated by water issues, the findings from central to southern Namibia were dominated by land and land servicing concerns.

The need for land had seen land grabbing and conflicts erupt at certain towns in Namibia.

For instance, the migration of newcomers to Eenhana was rated at 1 250 people monthly. These newcomers would settle on land vacated by others and the town would then be confronted by the challenge of providing sanitation facilities.

One of the reasons that hindered land servicing initiatives in many regions is that towns are surrounded by commercial farms and cannot expand to accommodate the increasing number of new residents.

“The impact of commercial farms was vehemently observed in the Omaheke, Hardap, Otjozondjupa and //Karas regions,” says the report.

For instance 75% of the Hardap Region's land was commercial farmland, 15% was national parks while only 10% was communal land.

According to the report, the arrival of laid-off farmworkers in towns is fuelled by the increase in the minimum wage. “The situation had seen farmworkers flock to towns at an alarming rate,” the report says.

It was recommended that government buy more commercial land to allow towns to expand.

No money

The committee also blasted housing projects.

The lack of funds brought a halt to the Build Together project in Aroab and the Mass Housing project in Keetmanshoop was also delayed due to budget cuts. In Omuthiya land servicing activities were slowed down as from the 2016/17 financial year and in Gobabis, land reserved for the mass housing project had since been shelved.

The servicing of 250 plots for low-cost housing in Eenhana could not be completed and Extension 15 in Outapi could not be fully serviced with electricity and sewerage.

Also, in Opuwo the Mass Housing contractors had downed tools due to non-payment.

At Nkurenkukru, the budget cuts ensued with swatches of plots at Kahenge that remained partially serviced with no electricity and 200 houses under the Shack Dwellers' Federation could also not be completed at the town.

In many instances, the committee noted with horror that vandalism takes place at these projects with the most notable damage seen at Keetmanshoop.

In Rundu, the formalising of settlements had slowed down while in Katima Mulilo the town needed more money to complete outstanding projects.

Town councils also raised concern with the prolonged process of acquiring land for servicing.

The dissatisfaction with the current procurement process was raised in Keetmanshoop, Kavango East and Katima Mulilo.

They suggested that the town planning activities be decentralised.

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Investigation continues to identify dumped baby

November 28, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: BoN wins SME Bank liquidation bid

≪ Previous: Land, water projects stalled

Investigation continues to identify dumped baby The Oshana police say that they will need an expert forensic investigation in an attempt to seek justice in the case of a three-month-old baby that was dumped at the Etango shopping complex in Oshakati on 2 April 2016.

The regional police commander, Commissioner Rauha Amwele, told Namibian Sun that the investigation was continuing.

Amwele said she did not know how long the process would take. Until it is finalised, the baby's body cannot be buried. Although the police are in possession of surveillance camera footage of the incident, it was not clear enough to identify the woman who dumped the baby.

The footage has been circulated in an attempt to identify the woman but there has been no success.

There were earlier reports of a 26-year-old woman from Otjiwarongo who was questioned in connection with the case. The police would neither confirm nor deny the reports.

Meanwhile, a report by the Legal Assistance Centre (LAC) indicates that the increasing crimes of baby dumping and infanticide are committed by people who need help.

The report by the LAC's Gender Research and Advocacy Project coordinator, Diane Hubbard, highlights the problem of baby dumping in Namibia, the causes and how Namibia can solve the problem.

According to the report, police statistics only reflect the reported cases.

“It is difficult to estimate the true extent of infanticide and baby dumping in Namibia as such cases may go unreported. However, police statistics and anecdotal information suggest that the problem is a significant one,” the report states. The report says infanticide is usually combined with charges of concealment of birth.

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BoN wins SME Bank liquidation bid

November 28, 2017, 11:34 pm

≫ Next: Four nabbed for rhino poaching

≪ Previous: Investigation continues to identify dumped baby

BoN wins SME Bank liquidation bid

High Court Judge Hannelie Prinsloo this morning ruled in favour of the Bank of Namibia in the liquidation matter of the now defunct SME Bank.
The application to finally liquidate the SME Bank was brought by the Bank of Namibia against the government, the Namibia Financing Trust, the Metropolitan Bank of Zimbabwe, World Eagle Properties, and the ministers of finance and industrialisation. The central bank during March, took control of the SME Bank after it came to light that N$174 million was lost in an investment made in South Africa.
Advocate Anthony Bishop, instructed by Sisa Namandje, on behalf of his clients, the two Zimbabwean minority shareholders, the Metropolitan Bank of Zimbabwe and World Eagle Properties, said the application by the central bank did not comply with certain provisions of the companies and banking acts and that the provisional order of liquidation was not published. Bishop asked the court to set aside the provisional order which was made on 11 July of this year.
Advocate Andrew Corbett (SC), instructed by Advocate Deon Obbes had argued for their client, the Bank of Namibia, that the SME Bank was not able to recover its N$174 million from South Africa and said that since the provisional liquidation order, nothing had changed in the bank's financial position.
Judge Prinsloo ordered the defendants to pay costs.

STAFF REPORTER

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Four nabbed for rhino poaching

November 29, 2017, 5:55 am

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Four nabbed for rhino poaching

Four suspects have been arrested in the most recent poaching incident on the farm in the Otjozondjupa Region in which several rhinos were shot and three have died. Spokesperson in the environment ministry, Romeo Muyunda confirmed that one black rhino was poached about two weeks ago on the same property and said this weekend another white rhino cow was also shot and died due to her injuries. Her five-month-old calf also died. Four other rhinos were wounded and two were injured critically. This brings the total rhinos poached this to 30, excluding the calf, whose death the ministry does not consider as poaching.

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Victory Race winners awarded

November 29, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Nekundi: Hotshot scorer

≪ Previous: Four nabbed for rhino poaching

Victory Race winners awarded

LIMBA MUPETAMI

The winners in the 2017 Old Mutual Victory Race series were awarded yesterday in the capital.

This year's event saw almost 3 000 athletes, professional and aspiring, participating in the four-race series with prizes worth N$ 1million.

The winners in the junior category, Simon Paulus and Rondengudus Gustaf, each received N$12 000.

In the senior male category Thomas Rainhold walked away with N$15 000, Mynhardt Kauanivi N$10 000 and Reonard Namupala received N$5 000. In the female category Helalia Johannes took N$15 000, Lavinia Haitope N$10 000 and Beata Naigambo N$ 5000.

The four-leg race series started on 10 June in Oshakati. The second race took place at Keetmanshoop on 8 July, followed by the Swakopmund leg on 29 July.

In Oshakati Kefas Kondjashili won the race, while Johannes won the women's category. In the second race at Keetmanshoop, Uveni-Nawa Kuugongelwa walked away with the first prize in men's category, while Johannes took the prize in the women's category.

On 29 July, in the third race at Swakopmund, Kondjashili came to the fore again and walked away with the first prize, followed by Rainhold. Beata Naigambo won the women's 21km category. Rainold and Haitope also won the last race in Windhoek.

The winners will be entered into next year's Two Oceans Marathon in South Africa, with all expenses paid.

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Nekundi: Hotshot scorer

November 29, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Desert Storm to pack a punch

≪ Previous: Victory Race winners awarded

Nekundi: Hotshot scorerTop five players in the NPL African Stars Panduleni Nekundi is the current top goal scorer in the Namibia Premier League after he opened the season in style, scoring eight goals in seven matches.

The race for the Golden Boot is well and truly on as Namibia Premier League (NPL) strikers have often come under a lot of criticism for their poor finishing in front of goal.

Nekundi, however, has no problem with finding the net as he leads the pack with his goals, a tally he wants to increase with the more matches he plays, as he has already missed two matches due to an ankle injury he has picked up.

The 29-year-old Oranjemund-born player played for Unam and Tigers before moving to Stars, and said that the result of his goals are due to the fact that he enjoys himself on the field and does not put a lot of pressure on himself to impress. He said he works hard in his team as nobody wants to be seen as a weak link.

“We believe in ourselves and in each other. We have great quality and always give our best as there is a strong culture of winning at the club.”

He said what sets him apart from other forwards is the fact that he is a humble student of the game. “I always want to improve and my success is aided by the fact that my coach Bobby Samaria pushes me to always do better.

“Our focus is obviously to win the league - that is my wish for my team. We need to be undefeated if we want to achieve that goal,” Nekundi said.

He has four caps for the Brave Warriors and said that he would someday like to play, for at least a season, in the South African premier league as it is widely broadcasted and marketed in Africa.

“Facilities are great and my talent would be exposed if I joined a team there,” he said.

Pat-Nevin Uanivi, Stars captain, said Nekundi is an important player for their system of play.

“He is a full packet and contributes immensely to the team. He is a team player and I am proud to have him as a teammate.”

He further said that Nekundi's injury is still healing.

“Even though he played against Black Africa on Tuesday, he is still recovering from injury but in due time, he will increase his goal scoring tally,” he said.

Other scorers hot on his heels are Itamunua Keimuine of Tura Magic with seven goals, Useb Kleophas from Life Fighters with six, and Hashipala Marius Tangeni of Blue Waters and Emilio Martin of Black Africa, with five each.

Nekundi also had an impressive game on Tuesday in the derby against Black Africa, even though the score ended with no goals from both teams. “Expectations are high and it makes the result seem bad but it's not. We still have more games,” he said.

Round 13 of the premier league starts tonight as Tigers face Tura Magic at Sam Nujoma Stadium at 20:00. Advance tickets are available at NFA Football House for N$30, and N$50 at the stadium.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

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Desert Storm to pack a punch

November 29, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Third Bank Windhoek gala concludes

≪ Previous: Nekundi: Hotshot scorer

Desert Storm to pack a punchLast showdown of the year The MTC Nestor Sunshine Boxing and Fitness Academy will bring the boxing bonanza titled 'Desert Storm in Action' on 2 December at the Windhoek Country Club in Windhoek.

This will be the final boxing bonanza for the year from the academy and boxers are expected to produce fireworks.

There will be two WBO African titles on the line Sakaria 'Desert Storm' Lukas defending his WBO featherweight title against Tello Dithebe of South Africa, who is the current WBA Pan African featherweight champion.

On the same night, Jeremiah 'No Respect' Nakathila will also defend his WBO Africa junior lightweight title against Sibusiso Zingange of South Africa.

Following in the footsteps of his father and more experienced boxers, is Harry Simon Jnr who will face Johannes Kutumba in the lightweight division for four rounds.

Besides these three fights there will also be six other fights on the undercard.

A Bantamweight (four rounds), fight between Andreas Mwenyo and Jamba Gabriel, who will make his professional debut, will take place. The Catchweight (four rounds) will be contested by Nghitumbwa Fillipus and Josef Mateus.

In the Bantamweight category Andreas Amupolo and Frans Nanda will come face to face. Flyweight (four rounds) will be contested between Jacob 'Ja-Ja Jacob and Ruben Kandimba.

The Welterweight (four rounds) bout will be between Charles Shinima and Jason Mashala.

In the Junior Middleweight (four rounds) Max Ipinge and Hedison Nghipondoka will exchange gloves.

In the Featherweight (six rounds), Timoteus 'Remember' Shuulula will fight Niikoti Johannes.

Desert Storm, after whom the bonanza is named, said he is ready to fight and is scared of no one.

“I can give punches and I can take them too. Come fight night I will emerge as winner.”

His opponent Dithebe said he will pull the carpet out from under the Namibian's feet.

“I deserve the title. I want to be the world champion. I don't fear anyone as boxing is for people who have a heart.”

Simon Jnr also promised to end the night early.

“I want to send Kutumba to the floor. I have great sparring partners and have trained hard and well,” said the young boxer.

Tickets for the boxing bonanza are available from Computicket, the MTC Nestor Sunshine boxing office and Antonio's Art shop in Post Street Mall.

General tickets sell for N$200, while a VIP table sells for N$10 000.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

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Third Bank Windhoek gala concludes

November 29, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Third Bank Windhoek gala concludes

A total number of 126 swimmers participated in the third Bank Windhoek Long Course Gala that took place last weekend at the Olympia Swimming Pool in Windhoek.

Swimmers from Aqua Swimming Club, Dolphins Swimming Club, Marlins Swimming Club and Namib Swim Academy, participated in 748 events. Despite the high level of competition, no records were broken on the day.

Heleni Stergiadis once again achieved the highest final points of 608 in her 200 IM. Two master swimmers, Gabor Salamon (61) and Francois van der Westhuizen joined by Lushano Lamprecht, who recently came back after a long absence from swimming, also took park in the gala.

“This December holidays, some of our swimmers will be participating at the South African swimming gala. We would like to wish them all the best of luck and thank you Bank Windhoek for making this possible,” said Phinelia Stergiadis, on behalf of the Namibian Swimming Union (NASU).

The fourth Bank Windhoek Long Course Gala, is scheduled to take place on Friday, 26, and Saturday, 27 January 2018. Thereafter the Bank Windhoek Namibia Long Course National Championships will take place towards the end of February 2018.

SPORTS REPORTER

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Stabilising Syria, finding peace

November 29, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Nakweekelahi okanona mEtango ina monika natango

≪ Previous: Third Bank Windhoek gala concludes

Stabilising Syria, finding peaceRussia emerges with diplomatic victory Relative peace and calm has returned to Syria with the final pockets of Islamic organisations pushed to the east of the country and under heavy air bombardment.

The Syrian conflict has made headlines across the globe since it began with an uprising in March 2011. As the conflict in the country escalated, the response by the international community has raised eyebrows. Powers such as the United States, the UK and France, have surprisingly opted to arm rebel groups on the ground in the country leading to the massive militarisation of all the factions fighting in the country. Turkey is in a particularly difficult space with this conflict as it has an interest in limited Kurdish expansion but also assisting is allies, both the US and Russia. Israel has repeatedly attacked Iranian military installations within Syria whenever it has perceived to have had an opportunity. Its primary motive is the presence of Hezbollah and Iran in Syria as long as the Assad regime stands.

None of these forces took any direct action in the crisis, choosing instead, more covert support as well as intelligence interference.

In mid-2015, four years after the conflict began, Syrian president Bashar al-Assad appealed to the international community to assist in the fight against terror organisations exploiting the chaos in his country and making millions from the trafficking of oil. As the chaos on the ground escalated more strides were made by especially ISIS and human rights infringements and abuses became commonplace. The human rights commissioner of the United Nations Navi Pillay, has made repeated requests to halt the arming of the groups fighting in the country as this was fuelling the conflict, death toll and abuses.

Arming rebel groups

According to the United Nations Human Rights Commissioner (UNHCR), casualties in the conflict could not continue past the end of 2013 due to lack of access. At the start of 2014, the UNHCR said 128 000 were killed, roughly two million wounded and many more disappeared.

There are several groups fighting either for themselves, for the Assad government or, to topple the Assad regime. These include the Free Syrian Army, the Syrian Democratic Forces, the Kurdish People's Protection Units, Jabhat Fateh al-Sham (formerly al-Nusra), Hezbollah and ISIS. Iranian and Afghan fighters are also active, fighting for Assad.

Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to Assad's call and on 30 September 2015, launched Russia's legitimate military operation primarily against ISIS and Jabhat Fateh al-Sham.

Putin's administration has viewed the uprising in Syria as a destabilising factor in the region and one which could create a foothold for terror organisations, including al Qaeda and ISIS. ISIS has also openly declared war on Russia but has made no such direct threats to other major powers on the world.

“The complete eradication of terrorists is the first step to settle the Syrian conflict,” Valery Gerasimov, the chief of the Russian General Staff said at the time.

At the start of the operation, terror groups controlled roughly 70% of Syrian territory. Oil was being sold illegally and several companies, including arms manufacturers in Italy, Belgium and even Switzerland, have been implicated in selling weaponry while other firms have sold communications equipment and other materials to drive the war.

Targeting terrorists

The Russian military, up until 30 September this year, had conducted 90 000 airstrikes and 28 000 military sorties. Weapons and munitions supply routes were cut off, oil trafficking has all but come to a halt and the area controlled by the Syrian Arab Army has increased four-fold.

Senior US officials have admitted, according to several sources, that Russia had, as early as December 2015, achieved its central goal of stabilising the Assad government and, “with the costs and casualties relatively low, was in a position to sustain the operation at that level for years to come”.

Russian forces aided the Syrian government to retake control of the central and northern areas of the country, reclaiming terror footholds like Aleppo, Homs and Hama, and oil fields were returned to government control. With Russian assistance, Assad's government also regained control of the southern border with Iraq and Jordan.

Work has now begun to the east of the country at Deir ez-Zur where Islamic groups had been redeployed. According to Russia Today, Syrian troops are currently making steadfast advances along the west bank of the Euphrates and ousting ISIS. The news comes after a series of major defeats for the jihadists, close to being wiped out in eastern Syria.

Final bombardment

Last week, the defence ministry said that the final target will be the areas west of the Euphrates River and those attacks, supported by the Syrian army, started a few days ago, marking great successes.

Many settlements have since joined the reconciliation process under Russian reconciliation centre and the number now stands at 2 287. While 234 armed groups have laid down weapons and are under reintegration programmes at the centre.

According to Sergey Shoigu, the Russian defence minister, Syrian government forces, with Russian support, had liberated 998 cities and villages. More than 90% of total territory was free from ISIS at the end of November and the group no longer controls any major Syrian city.

Russia has largely driven the peace effort in Syria and the BBC concurs with American military officials stating that “Putin has achieved success in Syria with relatively few Russian casualties and with a relatively limited military deployment.”

The humanitarian effort is underway but there are obstacles. Security measures by the US on the Iraqi border have trapped more than 50 000 refugees in the Rukban camp, the head of the Russian centre for Syrian reconciliation Sergei Kuralenko, said.

Many other areas however, previously closed off due to terrorist activity, have been opened following the Russian offensive, and aid organisations are able to reach these civilians.

Russia has done its share for humanitarian aid with 2 219 tonnes delivered and almost 69 000 civilians treated by Russian medical specialists.

President Putin continues to work on a roadmap for peace and this week, held a series of meetings with Erdogan and Assad, as well as Iran to engage in dialogue to find a lasting solution.

Jonathan Marcus of the BBC summed it up when he wrote that “Russia has emerged from the Syrian crisis with its military and diplomatic reputation significantly enhanced. It has ensured the survival of the Assad regime at the same time expanding its own small military footprint in the country. It, not the United States, is the 'go to' player. Russia is marshalling a loose alliance of Iran and Turkey to try to plot Syria's future. Even the Saudis have had to beat a path to Moscow's door.”

*Additional information provided by the Russian Embassy in Windhoek.

STAFF REPORTER

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Nakweekelahi okanona mEtango ina monika natango

November 29, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: 'Black Mamba' a pewa omboloha

≪ Previous: Stabilising Syria, finding peace

Nakweekelahi okanona mEtango ina monika natango

Opolisi yaShana oya popi kutya otayi pumbwa omakonaakono goforensic moonkambadhala dhokumona uuyuki moshipotha shokanona komwedhi ndatu hoka ka ekelwa mEtango shopping complex moOshakati momasiku gaali gaApilili 2016.

Komanda gwopolisi yaShana, Rauha Amwele, okwa lombwele oNamibian Sun omakonaakono otaga tsikile.

Amwele okwa popi kutya keshi kutya omakonaakono ngoka otaga ka kutha ethimbo li thike peni ihe sigo uuna ga manithwa okanona hoka itaka vulu oku fumbikwa. Nonando opolisi oyi na okavideo ka kuthwa methano ndyoka tali adhika pehala ndyoka lyoongeshefa, hoka taka ulike omukiintu ngoka a kelehi okanona, omukiinu ngoka ina dhidhidhilikwa natango nokumonika.

Opwa li pwa hololwa oolopota dhomukiintu gwoomvula 26 gwomOtjiwarongo ngoka a li a ningilwa omapulo shina ekwatathano noshipotha shoka, ihe opolisi inayi koleka nenge yi tinde oolopota ndhoka.

Lwopokati olopota ndjoka ya pitithwa koLegal Assistance Centre (LAC) oya holola kutya iimbuluma yi na sha noku ekelahi uunona otayi ningwa kaantu mboka ya pumbwa ekwatho.

Olopota ndjoka ya ngongwa po komukwatakanithi gwo LAC's Gender Research and Advocacy Project, Diane Hubbard, oya tothamo uupyakadhi wokweekelahi uunona moNamibia, oshiyetithi shuupyakadhi mboka na nkene Namibia e na okuya moshipala uupyakadhi mboka.

Olopota oya popi kutya omiyalu dhopolisi otadhi holola owala iipotha mbyoka ya lopotwa.

KENYA KAMBOWE

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'Black Mamba' a pewa omboloha

November 29, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Aalandithi momatala gaShakati ya ningi ehololomadhilaadho

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'Black Mamba' a pewa omboloha

Omudhani gwuudhano woongonyo, Willberforce Shihepo okwa pewa omboloha miipotha ya thika pu ine mbyoka ta tamanekelwa omolwa oshiponga shohauto shoka sha faalela omwenyo gwomulumentu nokanona.

Omwedhi gumwe ngashiingeyi gwa piti, sha landula oshiponga shinyanyaleki sho a hingi nuuhasha sha etitha eso lyokanona koomvula hamano oshowo omulumentu omukuluntu.

Willberforce Shihepo okwa pewa omboloha yoshimaliwa shooN$7 000 mOmpangu yaMangestrata gwaKahandja mOmaandaha.

Shihepo ota tamanekwa omolwa oshiponga shoka sha ningwa mOlyomakaya yomasiku 28 gaKotomba lwopotundi onti-20:00 oshinano shookilometa 30 muumbugantu waKahandja.

Ota tamanekelwa woo oshipotha shedhipago lyaashi lyoshiningilawina, okundopa okuthikama pehala lyoshiponga, okukutha po ehauto pehala mpoka lya thikama konima yoshiponga oshowo okundopa okugandja ekwatho kwaamboka yeehamekelwa moshiponga.

Konima sho atulwa miipandeko, okwa tulilwamo woo oshipotha shokushinga ohauto kayi na oombaapila, oshowo sho a ndopa okugandja ekwatho kwaamboka ya monena oshiponga moshiponga shoka. Iipotha mboka oya kuthwa mo manga, pauyelele wa kolekwa komunambewa gwompangu.

Omunambelewa ngoka okwa popi kutya inashi yela natango ngele Shihepo okwa futa tuu omboloha ndjoka.

Toivo Linda Teopoline Nghipuyoonda (6) oshowo Likius Petrus (54) oya dhipagelwa moshiponga shoka, sho ohauto yaShihepo yiidhenge mohauto yawo moka yali okuzilila konima.

Aanambelewa aagandji yuunamiti oya kambadhala okuhupitha oomwenyo dhawo sho ye ya tetemo mo miiteleka yehauto.

Otaku popiwa kutya ohauto yaShihepo inayi shangithwa ethimbo ya ningi oshiponga shoka.

Olopota natango oya holola kutya Shihepo okwa thigi po ehala lyoshiponga, na omanga oshiponga shoka inashi holoka okwa li aniwa a thikamekwa kopolisi peinda lyondjila omolwa okuya pondje oompango.

Opolisi oyali ya yi molukongo lwaShihepo, sha etitha ye mwene opo iigandje kopolisi mOmaandaha konima yoshiponga shoka sha ningwa mOlyomakaya yomasiku ga tumbulwa. Okwa tindilwa omboloha pethimbo a holoka komesho yompangu tango.

Shihepo okwa li nale enyakwa muudhano woWorld Boxing Organisation Africa super middleweight, noshipotha she osha undulilwa komasiku o 30 Januari 2018.

JANA-MARI SMITH

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Aalandithi momatala gaShakati ya ningi ehololomadhilaadho

November 29, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: New Volvo XC40 en route

≪ Previous: 'Black Mamba' a pewa omboloha

Aalandithi momatala gaShakati ya ningi ehololomadhilaadhoAalandithi ya hala ondando yohiila momatala yi shune pevi Elelo lyondoolopa yaShakati olya lombwele aalandithi momatala gomondoolopa ndjoka mboka kaya uvite ombili, opo ya holole omanyenyeto gawo okupitila mokomitiye ndjoka ya hogololwa okuya kalelapo.

Konyala aalandithi yomomatala gaShakati ya thika po 40 oya ningi ehololomadhilaadhilo mEtiyali taya pula opo ohiila yomahala ngoka yi shunithwe pevi nokugandja woo omayenyeto gawo galwe kelelo lyondoolopa.

Shika oshikando oshitiyali nuumvo aalandithi mboka taya pula opo iimaliwa mbyoka haya futu komwedhi onga ohiila momatala ngoka yi shunithwe pevi.

Momasiku 23 gaMei nuumvo, aalandithi natango ya thika pe 100 oyali ya ningi ehololomadhilaadhilo taya pula ondando yi shunithwe pevi pooN$200 nenge yi shune natango pevi. Oyali ya gandja omasiku 21 kelelo lyondoolopa opo li yamukule, ihe aalandithi mboka oya popi kutya sigo onena oya tegelela omayamukulo gawo okuza kelelo lyondoolopa.

Omupopiliko gwongundu ndjoka, Martha Lukolo, ngoka a lesha omukandanyenyeto gwawo pehala lyongundu okwa popi kutya elelo olya idhimbike eindilo lyawo opo ohiila yi shunithwe pevi.

Omukandanyenyeto ngoka ogwa tambulwa komunambelewa omukuluntu gwondoolopa ndjoka, Werner Iita.Lukolo okwa popi kutya aalandithi mboka inaya itaala ofuto ndjoka ya pewa. Okwa tsikile kutya omatala ngoka oga tungwa pehala inali talika nawa, onkene oshidhigu kuyo yamone ookastoma. Okwa pula woo opo ku ningwe omadhidhiliko taga ulike mpoka pe na omatala ngoka.

Oya pula opo natango elelo lyondoolopa li tunge ondjila yuuka komatala ngoka omape tayi zi pomatala ngoka omakulu.

Lukolo okwa popi woo kombinga yonkalo yomathikameno goombesa momatala ngoka, sho ooyene yamwe yoombesa ya tidhwa po kumboka taya tonatele hala ndyoka. Okwa pula elelo lyondoolopa li tale moshinima shoka. Aalandithi mboka oya popi kutya ngele elelo lyondoolopa inali ya yamukula muule womasiku 10 nena otaya ka ninga natango ehololomadhilaadhilo limwe.

Iita okwa popi kutya elelo olya li owala lya lombwelwa kombinga yehololoomadhilaadhilo ndyoka mOmaandaha, na inali pewa ethimbo lya gwana opo li yamukule.

Okwa popi kutya aalandithi inaya pumbwa okufala yooyene omanyenyeto gawo kelelo lyondoolopa, ihe naya pitile mookomitiye ndhoka dha tulwa po kelelo. “Inamu gandja ethimbo lya gwana kelelo lyondoolopa opo li kundathane uupyakadhi weni. Oshitiyali omwa hogolola okomitiye ndjoka tayi mu kalele po na onda tseyithilwa kutya inamu yi lombwela kombinga yehololomadhilaadhilo ndika.”

Iita okwa popi kutya iifuta yohiila yomatala oya tameka pooN$100 kwaamboka taya landitha iikunwa oshowo iikwamagadhi okuya pooN$40 kwaamboka taya landitha iinima yopamuthigululwakalo muutala. Mboka taya landithila iilandithomwa yawo yopamuthigululwakalo momizile ohaya futu oshimaliwa shooN$65. Oshimaliwa shooN$150 ohashi futwa kwaamboka haya landitha iikulya ya telekwa niikunwa, ooN$45 okaalandithi yoondjuhwa, N$300 oomboka haya landitha oohi nonyama inayi telekwa omanga N$600 oomboka ye na uutala wu na omahala gokupungula.

KENYA KAMBOWE

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New Volvo XC40 en route

November 29, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Shot of the day

≪ Previous: Aalandithi momatala gaShakati ya ningi ehololomadhilaadho

New Volvo XC40 en route Premium compact SUV segment continues to excite Groundbreaking design and minimalist refinement make the newcomer a hot proposition.

The new Volvo XC40, the Swedish car maker’s answer to the popular premium compact SUV segment, is on its way to Southern Africa.

Due for local launchmid- 2018, the new SUV is set to create yet another stir for the Volvo brand in Southern Africa where the XC90, S90 and V90 Cross Country have paved the way for new-era Volvo cars.

The new SUV will arrive with the choice of two trim levels (R-Design and Momentum), two engines (D4 diesel or T5 petrol), and all-wheel drive on all models. Inscription derivatives arrive later in 2018, along with a broader engine line-up which includes a D3 diesel and T3 and T4 petrols, including a selection of all- and front-wheel drive.

The new Volvo XC40 brings a breath of fresh Swedish air to the premium compact SUV segment, throwing away the rulebook to create a new motoring experience where individual style meets a functional and supremely minimalistic driving environment.

A new evolution of Volvo’s latest design language has resulted in an expressive and unique exterior, while a bespoke interior inherits all of Volvo’s latest design elements, including the revered 9-inch Sensus Connect touch screen and digital instrument cluster.

Individualistic style

New design elements like the optional contrasting black or white roof, white mirror caps and wheels, Oxide Red leather and ‘Lava’ carpets, which are made from 100% recycled materials, will allow XC40 customers to express a more individualistic style than in other Volvo cars.

Functional practicality has also been a major focus on the inside of the XC40, where smart features like a removable rubbish bin, a cubby hole hook, a dedicated smartphone storage area with wireless (inductive) charging, and a multi-adaptable boot floor, transform a typically cluttered and sometimes messy car interior into a place of serenity and organised efficiency.

The XC40 also introduces the new Care by Volvo subscription model, whereby customers are able to subscribe to a car rather than buy it, for a fixed monthly fee which includes the likes of service, maintenance, insurance and other added value benefits. Care by Volvo is under consideration for introduction in Southern Africa.

Assertive pricing sets the tone

Volvo Cars have confirmed indicative pricing for the new XC40 range and with keen figures across the board, the new XC40 will be taking a strong fight to its more established (and traditional) rivals.

And, as is the case with all Volvo cars in Southern Africa, superior levels of standard specification as well as Volvo’s class-leading safety features, some of which will be segment firsts, make the list prices even more appealing.-QuickPic

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