Hockey receives colours ahead of Zim clash

November 30, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Hockey receives colours ahead of Zim clashYouth hockey making strides The Namibia Sport Commission (NSC) awarded colours to the Hockey Union of Namibia as they prepared to face Zimbabwe in the international test hockey series which started yesterday. It will be the first boys' test series at school level between the two countries and will see Zimbabwean under-16 and Under-18 teams taking on their Namibian counterparts from November 30 to December 2.

The tour follows the successful staging of the girls' series between the two countries in Namibia in August, where Zimbabwe won the under-18 test series and Namibia the under-16 series.

Under-18 team manager Andre van der Merwe said the teams represent the best hockey players in the country at the moment. He said the players have a lot to play for and that the teams have seen a lot of transformation thus far.

“The boys were picked for the teams based on their ability and skill and are ready to take on the visitors.”

He also said that they wish to send a team next year to Algiers for the World Cup hockey qualifiers.

The captain of the under-18 team, Nico Jacobs, said if they played as a team they would beat the visitors.

“We have trained hard and covered all the basics,” he said.

The captain of the under-16 squad, Nico Neethling, said they had a strong team this year and would go out and destroy Zimbabwe on the field.

Freddy Mwiya, chief administrator at the NSC, said the teams should perform to the best of their ability and make the country proud. He also encouraged the young players to stay clear from doping and any other illegal substances as they are ambassadors of the country.

“Wearing national colours is a great achievement. You are stars of this country and should be role models wherever you go,” he said. Namibia National Olympic Committee (NNOC) secretary general Joan Smit encouraged the players to emulate the performance of the Brave Warriors when they beat Zimbabwe recently in the 2017 Dr Hage Geingob Cup.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

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Macron passes buck on Libya

November 30, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Macron passes buck on LibyaBlames Africa for slave trade During a speech in Burkina Faso, Macron lost his cool when he was questioned about his country's role in Libya's slave trade. During his four-day traverse across Africa to promote relations between France and African nations, French President Emmanuel Macron lost his temper when asked about human-trafficking in Libya which has burgeoned following Nato's invasion of the African country.

In Burkina Faso, Macron spoke to a crowd at the University of Ouagadougou, and addressed his country's colonial and exploitative past by saying that the “crimes of European colonisation are indisputable.” The French president proposed a joint European-African plan to combat human trafficking in the region but quickly placed the burden of solving this problem on Africans themselves.

“In Libya, we're engaged in diplomatic relations to find a political solution,” he said in his speech before quickly turning on local communities.

“Who are the traffickers? Ask yourselves – being the African youth – that question. You are unbelievable. Who are the traffickers? They are Africans, my friends. They are Africans. Ask yourselves the question.

“It's not the French who are the traffickers, it's the Africans. So everyone should understand the responsibility, and we've started to do that, to dismantle them. But stop the argument saying, 'It's someone else.'

“Show me a French, Belgian, German person, who carried out trafficking between Nigeria and Libya. This person doesn't exist,” Macron added in his remarks.

“So, these days in Africa, there are Africans who make other Africans slaves, this is the reality.

“And there are Europeans who benefit from this misery in Europe, it's unacceptable. In both cases, these are crimes. We are fighting both cases.”

A student at the university in which the speech was delivered asked Macron about the presence of French soldiers in Africa, which seem to outnumber the number of African university students.

Macron referred to the deaths of French soldiers in Africa, recommending that the student applaud the service of French soldiers.

Macron is no stranger to distasteful remarks as he has in the past said that the continent's problems are “civilisational” problems and blamed women that are having “seven or eight children”.

Similarly, Macron's reaction to Libya's blossoming slave auctions avoided addressing the role of France in Libya's fall from having the highest standard of living in the African continent, to a virtual failed state.

France was an instrumental part of the EU-Nato alliance as French jets led the invasion and struck Libyan military forces before allies followed close behind.



TELESUR

Iifuta yi li pombanda kwaamboka taya yonenwa kiiyamakuti

November 30, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Iifuta yi li pombanda kwaamboka taya yonenwa kiiyamakutiOmwenyo gwomuntu tagu ka futwa etata lyomiliyona Okomitiye tayi ithanwa parliamentary standing committee oya ningi omagwedhelepo opo omwaalu gwiifuta tayi futwa omolwa omakanitho taga etithwa kiiyamakuti gu londe pombanda. Okwa hololwa kutya iifuta tayi gandjwa ngele omuntu okwa dhipagwa koshinamwenyo tayi londekwa pombanda sigo opoN$500 000 oshowo oshimaliwa shooN$10 000 shoka tashi gandjwa shokulongekidha efumbiko.

Okomitiye yoNational Council Standing Committee on Habitat oya ningi omagwedhelepo opo iifuta mbyoka yi tulwe pombanda nonando uuministeli womidhingoloko owali wa talulula iifuta yawo mbyoka hayi gandjwa uuna kwa holola omayonagulo ga ningwa kiiyamakuti.

Momatalululo ngoka ga ningwa kuuministeli, iifuta oya gwedhelwa okuza poshimaliwa shooN$100 000 okuza pooN$5 000 ngoka haga gandjwa monena. Okomitiye ndjoka oya ningi omagwedhelepo gawo, sha landula sho ya talelepo iitopolwa ngaashi Zambezi, Oshikoto, Oshana, Ohangwena, Omusati, Kunene, Kavango East oshowo Kavango West oshitopolwa shErongo.

Okwa gandjwa woo omagwedhelepo opo ku totwepo oshiketha shoka tashi kala tashi gandja omayambidhidho goshimaliwa shooN$500 komwedhi kaanona aashona oshowo N$1 000 kaanona haya yi kooskola mboka aakuluntu yawo ya dhipagwa kiiyamakutui.

Okomitiye oya gandja omagwedhelepo opo ku futwe oshimaliwa shi li pokati koN$8 000 nooN$15 000 kehe mongombe yadhipagwa kiiyamakuti.

Monena oshimaliwa shooN$1 500 ohashi futwa uuna omuntu ongombe ye ya dhipagwa shoshiyamakuti.

Natango omagwedhelepo oga tsikile opo aanafaalama ya kale taya futwa oshimaliwa shooN$1 000 muutana woomwedhi 0 sigo 6 mboka wa dhipagwa kiiyamakuti oshowo N$2 500 muutana mboka wu na oomwedhi 6 sigo 12.

Monena uuministeli ihawu futu sha ngele okatana ka dhipagwa kiiyayamakuti.

Omwaalu tagu futwa uuna oshikombo sha dhipagwa okwa ningwa omagwedhelepo opo guye pooN$2 000 okuza poN$2 200 omanga oonkambe N$5 500.

Monena ngele oshikombo sha dhipagwa koshiyamakuti ohaku futwa oshimaliwa shooN$200, onzi N$250 omanga onkambe N$500.

Omagwedhelepo oga tsikile kutya momapya kehe taga yonagulwa po kiiyamakuti, oshimaliwa shooN$6 000 nashi futwe mohecta kehe ya yonagulwa, okuza poshimaliwa shooN$800 shoka hashi gandjwa monena, omanga uuministeli wa li wa gwedhele oshimaliwa shoka okuya N$1 000.

Olopota ndjoka oya holola kutya aakwashigwana ogendji mboka ya ningwa nayo oonkundathana, kaya uvitile ombili omwaalu gwiifuta ngoka hayi gandjwa monena.

Monena ihaku gandjwa iifuta ya sha ngele omuntu okwa ehamekwa kiiyamakuti, nokomitiye ndjoka oya gandja omagwedhelepo opo mboka taya ehamekwa ya futwe oshimaliwa shooN$50 00.

Olopota oya tsikile kutya itashi ka vulika kepangelo li kale tali futu omwaalu guli pombanda onga oshizemo shiikolokosha pokati kaantu niiyamakuti, onkene otashi ka kala oshihwepo ngele iikolokosha mbyoka tayi yandwa.

Aantu oyendji okwa hololwa woo kutya oya pumbwa omahungomwenyo omolwa iikolokosha mbyoka ya holoka pokati kawo niiyamakuti omanga natango oyendji ya holola okuuva nayi kwawo omolwa omaihumbato gaanambelewa yuuministeli womidhingoloko uuna aakwashigwana taya lopota iikolokosha pokati kawo niiyamakuti.

Ohaku gandjwa omayamukulo meendelelo ngele iiyamakuti yi li muupyakadhi okuyeleka ngele aantu yeli muupyakadhi omolwa iiyamakuti, nomapopyo ngoka oga uvika okuza kaakwashigwana miitopolwa ngaashi Zambezi, Kavango East oshowo Kunene.

Olopota oya holola woo kutya olundji omapya gaantu otaga yonagulwa po kiiyamakuti ngaashi Khorixas, Otjozongombe oshowo Omatjete, oondjamba dha yonagulapo oompungulilo shiikulya yaakwashigwana oshowo iimuna.

Olopota oya tsikile kutya aakwashigwana mOtjozongombe oshowo Omatjetje ihaya pitimo momagumbo gawo ngele kwaluudha omolwa uutile woondjamba.

ELLANIE SMIT

A pondola sha landula sho a tulululwa mofaalama

November 30, 2017, 2:00 pm

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A pondola sha landula sho a tulululwa mofaalama Onkalo ya nkundipala yoofaalama dhomatulululo moNamibia oya kala tayi nyenyetwa uule woomvula, ihe Gabes Muteka okwa gandja uumbangi kutya oshindji otashi vulu okupondolwa moofaalama ndhoka.

Mo 2013 omunamimvo 62 okwa tulululwa mofaalama yuunene woohecta 2 500 moWelgemoed muuninginino woRehoboth moshitopolwa shaKhomas. Muteka pamwe nomukulukadhi gwe Ndahafa ayehe oonakulwa aakulu ohaya longo owala momahuliloshiwike mofaalama yawo ndjoka, nomo 2015 oya mono epapa lyoAgra onga aanafaalama dhingi mboka ya tulululwa. Muteka okwa popi kutya inaye shi pondola owala komapukululo ihe omolwa einekelo lyawo ndyoka ya tula muKalunga. Okwa hokolola kutya oya tameka owala ofaalama yawo ndjoka kaye na sha. Okwa hokolola kutya oya kala haya lala mohauto yawo yombaki, omanga inaya tulapo otenda nolwanima oya ningi po ondunda yiipeleki moka ya kala haya lala.

Oyeshi pondola okutunga oshigunda shiikombo oshowo shoongombe.

Oya pewa omukuli gwokulanda oongombe dha thika po 80 koAgrabank na oya pungula woo oshimaliwa opo ya vule okukwatela po iilonga mofaalama yawo. “Uunafaalama kashi shi uudhano. Ngele ngoye omunafaalama nena omayalulo gombaanga yoye aluhe ohaga kala kage na sha oshimaliwa. Owu na okulonga nuudhidginini opo wu pondole. Uunafaalama kashi shi owala okupa iimuna omeya niikulya ihe okusila woo oshipwiyu iimuna yoye, na otashi kutha ethimbo neidhidhimiko.” Okwa kumagidha aanyasha moshilongo oshowo aanafaalama yakwawo mboka ya tulululwa opo ya tsakaneke epangelo ondjilakati.

Gabes pamwe nomukulukadhi gwe oya hokanene muupongekwa pondje yoshilongo na oya galukile moshilongo pehulilo lyoomvula dho 1980. Aahokanathani mboka oya kala ya tegelela uule woomvula 18 opo eindilo lyawo lyevi li tambulwe.

Ndahafa ngoka a tameke noshikunino she oshinona okwe shi pondola okulikola nokuteya okuza moshikunino she iihape ngaashi oomboga, oonyanga, omatama niihakauto oshowo iinima yilwe. Okwa popi kutya ota kambadhala okulola okukuna iinima oyindji ya yooloka molwaashoka evi ndyoka edhigu okumona kutya otali wapala iimeno yi nipo. Okwa ninga woo omalolelo gokukuna omuti gwomayapela ngoka gwa mene nawa, na okwa popi kutya iikunwa yawo ohaye yi landithile megumbo lyawo mOvenduka. Aanafaalama mboka oye na woo opoloyeka yoondjuhwa.

Aanona yaanafaalama mboka, Merrill, Tauya naEmma, oya gandja woo ekwatho kaavali yawo mekalekepo lyofaalama ndjoka.

Gabes okwa pula aanyasha ya ethe iinima mbyoka kayi na oshilonga e ta ya tameke iikunino yawo yawo iishona nokuyiyambulapo, ta gandja oshiholelwa shaatiligane mboka haya kala owala ya zala oombulukweya oofupi ihe omayalulo goombaanga dhawo ogo ga kwata eliko lyoshilongo omolwa okulonga kwawo nuudhiginini.

Etsokumumo lye, okulonga nuudhiginini nokusimaneka mushiinda shoye.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Aahololimadhilaadhilo taya fundju

November 30, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Aahololimadhilaadhilo taya fundju Omunambelewa omukuluntu gwelelo lyondoolopa yaShakati, Werner Iita okwa popi kutya ongundu yaalandithi momatala mboka ya ningi ehololomadhilaadhilo oshiwike shika kombinga yoondando dhoohiila momatala ngoka itaya popi oshili.

Iita okwa popi kutya ongundu ndjoka ya ningi ehololomadhilaaadhilo mEtiyali poombelelwa dhelelo lyondoolopa, tayi pula opo ohiila yokulandithila momatala yi shune pevi, otayi kwatelwa komeho kwaamboka yahala oshushunitha pevi elelo lyondoolopa.

“Elilo lyawo kali na oshili. Aantu mboka itaya popi oshili. Momatala omu na okomitiye ndjoka ya kwatela mo woo aalandithi na oya hogololwa owina opo yi pulakene komanyenyeto nomakemo gawo. Omolwashike itaya pitile mokomitiye yawo ngele oyo ye yi hogolola,” Iita a pula.

“Elelo otali fekele kutya ope na ngoka e li konima aantu mboka, a hala a ninge ondoolopa yi kale kayi na oompango noshinima shoka itatu shi pitika.”

Iita okwa popi kutya elelo olya yamukula komaindilo ngoka ga ningwa kaalandithi mboka muMei, taya pula opo oondando yi shune pevi oshowo omadhidhiliko ngoka taga ulike mpoka tapu adhika omatala ngoka. “

Otwe ya yamukula oshikando shotango sho ya ningi omaindilo, ngele owa tala konkalo ndjoka otwa tula po omathano taga ulike mpoka tapu adhika omatala ngoka. Sho tatu popi ngaashiingeyi elelo otali kundathana nooindjinia opo ku tulwe opate yoteya ya za mondjila yaKahao- Oshakati, ndjoka tayi kwatakanithwa woo nomatala ngoka omape. Omayamukulo geni po yahala.”

Kombinga yoondando okwa popi kutya aalandithi mboka haya futu oshimaliwa oshindji oshi li pooN$600, omanga mboka haya futu oshimaliwa oshishona yeli pooN$5 komwedhi.

“Ongundu ndjoka aluhe ohayi gandja oshiholelwa shokatala hoka haka futilwa oshimaliwa shooN$1 200, ndjoka yili ondando yopombanda ihe mokatala moka omuna owala omuntu gumwe oye ha landithilemo mokati kaalandithi omathele taya adhika momatala ngoka, na oha longitha owala ombinga yimwe, ndjoka ha futile oshimaliwa shooN$600. Aantu naya ilonge okupopya oshili.

Aantu otaya futu ondando dhishi okwiidhidhimikilwa, na otu na omapulo ngele mboka taya ningi omahololomadhilaadhilo aalandithi tuu shili.”

Iita okwa popi kutya okwa haluka sho aalandithi mboka taya pula omayamukulo kiinima yali inaye yi pula nale, ngaashi oshikumungu shoombesa dhiinano iile, oshikumungu shaalandithi yomomapandanda mboka taya popi kutya naya kale taya vulu okulandithilla kehe pamwe na okwa popi kutya mboka uumbangi tawu ulike kutya aantu mboka oye li we monima.

Aalandithi mboka oya gandja kelelo lyondoolopa omasiku 10 opo li kale lya yamukula. Pamusholondondo gwoondando dhomomatala 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

Heading to London

November 30, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Heading to London Namib Film and Magic Touch Films are proud to represent Namibia and the Namibia Film Commission at Focus 2017, the most prestigious production location event in the world, to be held in London on 5 and 6 December 2017.

Focus, now in its third edition, is the only European audio-visual event to attract film commissions, locations providers and production service companies from over 50 countries.

Through one-on-one meetings, inspirational talks, networking events with prominent advertising, film and TV producers, and a chance to discover different production hubs, it has become the ideal platform to showcase Namibia to thousands of visitors and delegates.

Namib Film, the longest running film production company in Namibia, and its sister company, Magic Touch Films, will travel to the United Kingdom for the third consecutive year to represent Namibia at the meeting place for international production. It forms part of the companies' aim to showcase Namibia as a premier international location destination, with world-class services and support.

What makes this year's visit even more special is the fact that the team will represent the Namibia Film Commission, truly turning the spotlight on the country's film industry.

The Namibian delegation is led by Namib Film's executive producer Guy Nockels, who will meet with various international filmmakers, television producers and directors, reconnect with some who have worked with the companies and the Namibia Film Commission in the past, while showcasing the experience and professionalism of the teams.

According to Nockels, attending Focus opens opportunities for international productions to film in Namibia, showcasing Namibia's rich production experience and infrastructure, alongside the fact that film production companies such as Namib Film and Magic Touch Films can cater for productions of any magnitude.

Staff Reporter

Kongoma, on again

November 30, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Kongoma, on againEmpowering dancers countrywide The second go at the Kongoma Dance Group will be hosted at the Zoo Park next week. The Kongoma Dance Group will be hosting their second annual dance competition next weekend at Zoo Park in Windhoek. The competition continues to shine a light on dancers who are grossly overshadowed by artists even though they are both expressional arts, and should be celebrated as such. The 12 final teams will be battling it out for the grand prize of N$20 000.

Kongoma Dance Group Competition was founded by Issy Nakamwe who used to be a dancer in his early days and decided to ensure that every dancer lives their dream and is recognised for it. Nakamwe believes that dance, which makes most performances lively, is overlooked and this is why he pursued the dream of Kongoma.

The finalists will also present the Chokolo dance, which is choreographed by Namibians for Namibians. The dance incorporates all local music genres and will be performed for the first time at the Kongoma dance finales. Chokolo dance was made to show local talent and pride on international platforms and competitions. “The dance is so unique that it has Sally as its patron and she went as far as producing a song for it. It will be performed for the first time next weekend,” said Nakamwe.

The regional search began in February throughout all 14 regions which lead to the finalists competing on 9 August, to the finale next week Saturday. He says the response from the regions was much better than last year as more people are aware of the competition compared to last year.

There will be a special appearance by West Champs and performances by King Elegance, Top Cheri and Wiseman Damara Punch. Prizes include N$20 000 and gift vouchers.

June Shimuoshili

Calling for unison

November 30, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Calling for unisonArtists fed up with local DJs Local artist pleads for DJs to give them equal airplay as they do with international music in clubs and at parties, to help get their music to reach the masses. It is not news that local DJs have a reputation of not playing local artists' music, especially in clubs.

Singer Zulu from award-winning group Ama-Daz-Floor believes this is due to ego, beef and lack of research.

The musician experienced it for himself when he was at a local chilling spot and asked the DJ to play his song which was right for the session, mood and moment.

“I gave him my USB with the track which was not yet out, mind you. This was a perfect opportunity because people go out to have fun and to listen to music too.

“The DJ only played international songs and when I reminded him he still didn't play the song until I left very disappointed,” said Zulu.

Zulu says that many DJs have too much pride which could be a reason as to why they don't play local music and the lack of DJs not doing enough research on local artists to keep up with the latest music.

“I think it is also caused by unnecessary beef and just because they don't like you personally they punish you though your music. The thing they don't realise is that they are not playing for themselves but for the crowd,” said Zulu.

The lack of many DJs not playing local music has a negative effect on local artists according to Zulu as DJs reach masses of people at the same time and this helps to create awareness of the songs.

“It bothers me when they play international music. This is a contributing factor as to why many people don't know our songs.

We have to meet each other halfway and promote our talent.

“If this exercise is done with every Namibian song it will be worth it,” he said.

He says strict rules and regulations should be implemented that allow local DJs to play 80% local music and the public should speak up when they notice that local music is not played as often as international music at parties and clubs.

June Shimuoshili

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A leap of faith

November 30, 2017, 2:00 pm

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A leap of faith Have you ever tried stepping out of your comfort zone and it sort of freaked out the people that are around you just a little bit? Lol, like changing your dress code for the first time in a while and everybody is like, wow. Too soon son! Now you’re stuck like that, with all the teasing because you can’t just put the clothes under your bed as they were expensive. Or, say you’re a known to be a rapper and decided to twist things around a little and try acting! Then your fans assume that you smoked something because that ‘isn’t’ you. But then you run into a stranger and they stop, tell you how awesome you look. Now my question is who’s fooling who? The answer - nobody. Trying new things has never been easy. But how then will we learn our limits? I’m really a liker of new things. Well, except for food, but that’s a story for another time. Here is the thing… you have to let go, step out and try new things. You will be shocked at how you have been holding back your potential for so long and your confidence levels… hello, to the roof! Trying new things also teaches you how to appreciate yourself. Have you always wanted to change genres? Try it. I mean The Dogg and Gazza started off as Kwaito guys and now they are making international house tracks featuring international artists too. The thing about trying new things is that they also help you break out of your ordinary lifestyle. I’ve heard of so many people who, after seven generations in their family history, are the first to graduate this year. Because they didn’t say ‘oh well, it has never happened in our family so why even bother’, but instead, they said I will do this for those that have passed and those to come. Who knows, they were probably petrified of failing but fear has never killed anybody. You need to come to a space of peace with making blunders and for sure, learning from them too. What I’m trying to say is we all have to be like that little dog Courage, facing all those monsters he was terrified of, leaping to new heights to save his loves Muriel and Eustace. Eventually, those who thought you were crazy for dyeing your whole head red will get used to the crazy side of you and won’t have a choice but to accept it. Why, because you are happy with that new you. Because courage is the new confident. May you be fully clothed in it.

June Shimuoshili

june@namibiansun.com

We care

November 30, 2017, 2:00 pm

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We careThe change begins with all of us The date 1 December 2017 marks World Aids Day under the theme Everybody Counts. Local celebrities take a stance to advocate for access to safe, effective, quality and affordable medicine which will ensure that no one is left out. The Dogg

I would advise the younger Dogg to be vigilant and responsible by sticking to one sexual partner and to practice safe sex. Safe sex in such a way that he shouldn't have sex while drunk and he should read to know more about being safe.

DJ Seboa

Obviously I'd advise her on safety first and most importantly, to put herself first. The best gift one could ever have is health so she must get herself tested regularly and if it happens that she gets infected, it's not over. I'd let her know that she can still live a full life and most importantly, to always use protection.



Patrick



Today's generation have access to evolving technologies. As a result there is a lot more research and experiments being tried and tested. Advice I would give younger versions of myself is that life is short so do not be in a rush to grow up. The age 15-26 is a relatively important time in one's life. You are truly finding yourself and building a foundation for your future self with tertiary education and self-growth. Now you will build friendships with individuals and becoming closer emotionally which will lead to feelings being involved and a sense of attraction, and there is nothing wrong with that.

Maria

I'd advise a younger version of myself to be more woke, things have changed now and information is readily available on HIV. Go to the nearest health centre and ask for educational resources .On sex; don't allow anyone force you to have unprotected sex, it's not cool. We need to be very healthy in order to be a very productive nation and as youth we play a very vital role in uplifting our economy. Lastly on relationships, don't get into one just because your friends are in one. Be emotionally and mentally ready.



Dillish

These stats are shocking for a young country like Namibia because these are the most educated age groups in schools when it comes to HIV, sex and relationships. I will advise a younger version of me to get as much information as possible on HIV and utilise it. Don't get into a relationship just because of sex. Your health is one of the best gifts. Know what you want out of the relationship and get tested with your partner before dating. As to those that are infected with HIV, it's not too late; take your medication as prescribed, take good care of yourself and continue living your life in the best way possible.

Luis

I would advise a younger me to keep it up and do what I've always done. I wouldn't change a single thing. Keep your nose buried in those books and have a clear focus of the future, Luis. I lost my virginity at university at 21 because a younger Luis didn't have time to party and be in relationships. I was taught by my parents that relationships are for people with the intention of getting married.

Adriano

The disease Aids is eventually caused by not taking care of oneself. There are a lot of social issues that lead to people not taking care of themselves and eventually they contract Aids and die. We are all as a nation obliged to assist and develop the country. Social issues such as poverty and dependency drive people to end up in the wrong relationships either for the lack of love or for better survival. Let's accept those living with HIV and support them.

Kalux

You need to get tested and should you be positive, then go and get your treatment. I think it's better because once you're on treatment that reduces the chances of the virus taking over your system. If you are not infected, use protection and play safe. To the fellow guys, get circumcised as it reduces the chance of getting the virus.

Lize

Sex automatically comes with responsibility. If you are active, be safe. Communicate with your partner. Share even the toughest of truths because you owe it to your partner. Today, Aids is not a death trap anymore, but be safe for yourself and your own wellbeing.

June Shimuoshili

Avis tests fully connected wireless car fleet

November 30, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Avis tests fully connected wireless car fleetGlobal target 2020 Vehicle connectivity is a building block in the process of developing self-driving cars. I think it's going to be a bumper crop, I just don't know what the hell it's going to be yet. - Bob Bennett, chief innovation officer: Avis Kansas City Nick Carey - Avis Budget Group Inc said yesterday it has launched in the Kansas City, Missouri, area its first fleet of cars that are fully connected to the internet, other vehicles, and to the car rental company via wireless technology as it seeks to enhance its fleet-management services.

The Parsippany, New Jersey-based company's so-called Mobility Lab will connect all 5 000 cars in its Kansas City fleet and share live data with the city from those vehicles so it can sharpen computerised traffic flow models, and collaborate on ways to improve tourists' experiences when they rent through Avis.

A "connected car" is linked wirelessly to the internet, other vehicles and, in Avis' case, to a centralised network, which the company said will enable it to automate many processes that are currently performed manually.

Vehicle connectivity is a building block in the process of developing self-driving cars, which major automakers are rushing to bring to the market.

In June, Waymo, Alphabet Inc's self-driving car unit, signed a multi-year agreement for Avis to manage its growing autonomous vehicle fleet.

"As we think about how we're managing our own fleet, we're also looking to see how we can do this for others as well," Avis chief executive officer Larry De Shon told Reuters. "There's a lot of learnings that will come out of this that will be beneficial as we look at fleet management as a service."

Major automakers are racing to roll out alternatives to private car ownership including ride sharing amid the rise of Uber and Lyft Inc. The rush is based on the notion that instead of buying cars, future consumers - especially city dwellers - will generate revenue through vehicle usage.

Challenge

A challenge for automakers is how to manage fleets of vehicles when their core traditional business is building cars.

Avis has said its global fleet will be fully connected by 2020. According to industry estimates, the company's US rental fleet numbered close to 400 000 vehicles in 2016.

Worries about overcapacity and industry pricing have weighed on shares of rental companies like Avis and rival Hertz Global Holdings inc, as have concerns that off-lease cars are flooding the used-car market. The rise of car- and ride sharing companies also makes some investors wary.

De Shon said a fully connected fleet will help automate manual processes and manage the entire life cycle of its vehicles, allowing each car "to say 'I'm on the lot, I'm cleaned and serviced, and I'm ready to be rented.'"

"You can't really start changing your business processes and improve fleet management when some of the cars are connected and some are not, so we really needed a lab where we could get our hands dirty," De Shon added.

Connected cars allow Avis customers to manage their entire rental through an app, including locking and unlocking car doors via smartphone or honking the vehicle's horn when they cannot locate their car.

Bob Bennett, the chief innovation officer for Kansas City, Missouri, said Avis' connected car fleet will augment the city's wireless network covering 54 contiguous blocks, providing data to enhance its traffic flow models.

The city will hold talks with Avis in the coming months on how to use connected cars to improve Kansas City's parking apps and tourist experience, Bennett said. For instance, if a consumer's telephone shows they are interested in baseball or history, they may receive a "push notification" from their car recommending the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum or the National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri.

"This is fertile soil that has not yet been farmed," Bennett said. "I think it's going to be a bumper crop, I just don't know what the hell it's going to be yet."– Nampa/Reuters

Dissolve NSFAF's board

November 30, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Dissolve NSFAF's board Much has been written about the never-ending infighting at the beleaguered Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) amid reports of corruption. This institution continues to hog the headlines for all the wrong reasons and there appears to be no end in sight to the many problems befalling it. One of the key objectives of a company's board is to ensure sustainable direction whilst meeting the interests of its shareholders and stakeholders.

The management and board should at all times embrace good governance and there must be proper measures to provide good checks and balances. However, the infighting at NSFAF tells a different story. For many months the management and a divided board have been implicated in a number of irregularities.

There is a bitter power struggle that has been brewing for months at this important institution and at one point higher education, training and innovation minister Itah Kandjii-Murangi had to be roped in to help find a lasting solution. In 2015 there were reports that NSFAF board members were paid N$2.2 million in sitting fees, while there were allegations that N$120 000 was also paid to board chairperson Patty Karuaihe-Martin, for a trip to Cuba.

Many other allegations involving the under-fire CEO Hilya Nghiwete have also made headlines, with the latest reported this week in The Namibian. There is clearly a breakdown in trust, with the majority of board members not willing to work with Nghiwete. Calls for an inquiry into board members and the management also appeared to have fallen on deaf ears. It is further regrettable that government has failed to invoke its authority in mending this failed relationship.

Those in the upper echelons have allowed the NSFAF circus to continue unabated even though it appears cabinet has approved a new board to take over the reins.

It is high time leaders act decisively on under-performing state-owned enterprises instead of allowing the situation to spiral out of control. At the end of the day it is the poor staff and taxpayers who are faced with the brunt of the goings-on at parastatals such as NSFAF.

Parenting gone horribly wrong

November 30, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Parenting gone horribly wrong Its official! Modern-day parents have it tight raising children. Back in the day, children would play outside, never knew where babies come from and only referred to sex as ‘fiki-fiki’! That is not the case with modern-day children – these kids know everything!

The other day I was battling different techniques on how best to sit my son down to tell him all about the birds and the bees. He is in his puberty and the school counsellor reckons lest I talk to him about sex, he will not stop imitating ‘the act’ on the plastic school chairs! Poor thing – those chairs are hard man!

As I talk to him about sex, I realised I was the one needing tutoring. To hell with the story about parents buying children, or my repeated attempts to tell the boy that Aunt Helena and I are merely good friends – he had it all figured out.

This is the situation facing many modern parents; we have no clue on how best to raise a child. Should we allow him more hours in front of the telly, or rather let him play on his PlayStation? Which is safer than the other? It’s a terrible conundrum!

But what puzzles me even more is the manner in which some of us try to desperately win the affection of our toddlers. What I saw during a recent visit to one of my friend’s place has left me with endless nightmares! I never knew it is that hard to get a toddler to do something.

My friend’s wife was sitting with little Junior on her lap and was feeding him some form of baby food, or so I gathered. Junior took in a few spoonful before he decided he was not going to take in any more. The mother, realising that Junior has just launched World War 3, opted to plead with the young boy for his mercy.

I stared in disbelief as the mother promised the little man everything from more toys to bringing the moon down for him! The scene playing itself out in front of my eyes reminded me of one of those movies where survivors of a plane crash stumble upon a remote village kingdom, ruled by an evil cannibal who bays for the blood of strangers.

The dance my friend was forced to do in front of Junior to get him to eat is a true replica of one of those dances done by these strangers to get accepted into the clan! I tell you, that man would have passed any day for Kevin Costner role in ‘Dances with Wolves’.

At one point, Junior gave in and allowed his mother to feed him a few more spoons. But the victory over the little man was short-lived – Junior realised that I was not singing along to the made-up tune composed by the parents in the heat of the moment to make the boy eat.

“Daddy, Uncle Charlie is not singing…,” the boy said before deliberately spitting in his food and folding his arms over his chest.

I was dumbstruck! What? I needed to sing too? Hell no, let the little bastard starve! Suddenly the picture of all those Idol’s Wooden Mic winners comes to the fore! I could hear one of the judges saying “…Charlie, we have two kind of people – the shower singers and the stage singers. You rate lower than the shower singers….” or “Charlie, if your wife hears you sing, it will be the last thing she hears from you, for she will pack and leave at the earliest available opportunity.”

“Dave, come on man. You do not seriously want me to sing. Can’t you just beat the kid up; threaten him with the police or something like that? I mean, that’s what ordinary people do,” I protested.

Dave and his wife both looked at me, jaws dropped and eyes widened in disbelief. A long story short, I ended up doing Katrina and the Waves’ ‘Walking on the sunshine’, using my expensive Parker pen for a mic! Eish, step aside Justine Bieber – Charlie is on a roll!

As the song ended, I could see Junior doing the moonwalk to the song. We had the house’s roof on fire for sure. At least I lived to fight another day.

Until then…

tjatindi@gmail.com

Company news in brief

November 30, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Company news in brief Naspers reports 65% jump in H1 profit

Africa's biggest company by market value, Naspers, reported a 65% in first-half profit, boosted by internet businesses that include the largest stake in China's Tencent Holdings.

Naspers, which owns about a third of the Chinese internet company, said headline earnings rose to US$1.5 billion, or 350 cents per share, from US$914 million, or 212 cents per share.

Its internet division contributed 77% of Naspers' revenue, up from 72% a year earlier.

The share price of Naspers, which also has stakes in Germany's Delivery Hero, Russia's Mail.ru and India's Flipkart , has doubled this year buoyed by Tencent's sharp climb. – Nampa/Reuters

Lonmin to cut social, discretionary spending

Troubled platinum producer Lonmin plans to cut spending on social and labour projects and freeze "non-critical" recruitment, part of an array of measures to save cash.

In a presentation to stakeholders earlier this month, the company signalled it would stop all discretionary spending and save R250 million via energy and water initiatives. It also reiterated plans to cut capital spending.

Cutting expenditure on social and labour plans - called SLPs in South Africa - could be problematic as mining companies are required to meet certain obligations to provide housing and other services to the communities around their shafts to maintain their operating licences. – Nampa/Reuters

VW expects new sales record in 2017

Volkswagen is headed for record group sales this year as the "strong trend" in deliveries is set to continue with November and December figures, chief executive Matthias Mueller said.

Registrations at the world's largest automotive group including the Audi and Porsche nameplates jumped 8.2% in October to 940 800 cars, extending the 10-month gain to 3.2% or 8.75 million.

In 2016, the first full year after VW's emissions test-cheating "Dieselgate" scandal, group sales increased 3.8% to a record 10.3 million cars, helped by a double-digit increase in China and gains in Europe. – Nampa/Reuters

SAA's losses set to widen

Losses at South African Airways (SAA) are set to widen to R4 billion in 2017/18 from a previous estimate of 2.8 billion, the state airline's chief financial officer said, piling further pressure on government finances.

CFO Phumeza Nhantsi told parliament's finance committee that the higher projected losses for 2017/18 were related to the retirement of five leased narrow-body aircraft, which meant flights had been cancelled and planes grounded.

Vuyani Jarana, SAA's CEO, said the airline had outstanding debt of R13.8 billion as of this month and that it needed to pay back domestic lenders and US bank Citi R4 billion by March 2018. – Nampa/Reuters

GSK in African study of injectable HIV drug

ViiV Healthcare, GlaxoSmithKline Plc's HIV unit, has started an African study to evaluate long-acting injectable drug for the prevention of HIV infection in sexually active women.

The cabotegravir study seeks to enrol 3 200 women aged 18 to 45 years from Sub-Saharan African countries.

The HPTN 084 Phase III study will evaluate injections given every two months, ViiV Healthcare said. – Nampa/Reuters

How to spend a holiday bonus

November 30, 2017, 2:00 pm

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How to spend a holiday bonus The holiday season brings plenty of good cheer but it can also bring a financial windfall if you're on the receiving end of an employee bonus. Getting a bonus may relieve some of the stress of wondering how you'll pay for holiday gifts but that's not the only way to put it to use.

There are a number of other ways to spend a holiday bonus, however. With the right approach, you may be able to reap the rewards of a holiday bonus all year-round. Here's how to do it.

Play Catch Up With Your Retirement Savings

One-third of Americans have nothing saved for retirement, while 55 percent have less than $10,000 set aside for their later years.

If your retirement account balances are lower than you'd like them to be, a holiday bonus is a prime opportunity to change that.

If you don't have an individual retirement account, for example, you could use a holiday bonus to open one.

Enhance Your Emergency Cushion

An emergency fund can be a financial life raft when an unexpected expense derails your plans. If you'd rather save than spend a holiday bonus, you could use it to jump start your emergency savings account.

But where's the best place to park a bonus? A regular savings account offers safety and convenient access, but traditional banks typically offer very low interest rates. If you'd like to grow your money faster and you don't mind forgoing the ability to visit a branch, a high-yield savings account from an online bank may be the better option.

Just remember to review the interest rates, fees and the options you have for accessing your emergency savings when you need it.

Start Your Home Down Payment Fund

If buying a home is in your future, you'll need a certain amount of cash to seal the deal. A big chunk of that centers on your down payment. In a Zillow survey, more than two-thirds of renters said a lack of down payment savings was the biggest obstacle standing in the way of buying a home.

Invest in Yourself

Treating yourself is one final way to spend a holiday bonus but take some time to think about what would yield the most value. You could go on a shopping spree, for example, but you may get more leverage from a bonus by using it to expand your skill set or develop a side business in addition to your 9 to 5 gig. Alternately, you could invest in a gym membership or exercise equipment to improve your health. Thinking about the goals you want to achieve for the New Year can help you decide how best to spend a holiday bonus on yourself.

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Gecko denies legal threat

November 30, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Gecko denies legal threatStands by its EIA which it says is adequate Gecko Namibia has denied reports that it is threatening to sue the environmental commissioner in a bid to secure a clearance certificate for salt mining. Gecko Namibia says it never threatened to sue environmental commissioner Teofilus Nghitila and the environment ministry for denying them a clearance certificate to mine salt at the Otjivalunda salt pans north of Etosha.

However, Gecko Namibia is of the view that the environmental impact assessment (EIA) report it submitted to the environment ministry is complete, scientifically sound and complies with the relevant legislation.

In a statement, Gecko Namibia managing director Pine van Wyk said his company never threatened legal action against the environmental commissioner or the ministry of environmental and tourism, as was earlier said by Reinhold Iita. Iita is the spokesperson of the Uukwambi Traditional Authority, which is a shareholder in Gecko Otjivalunda Holdings (Pty) Ltd.

“The statement that Gecko Namibia is threatening court action against the mining commissioner and the ministry is factually incorrect and devoid of all truth. The views expressed in the article are those of Mr Iita and not the official views of Gecko Namibia,” Van Wyk said.

Van Wyk explained that Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Gecko Otjivalunda Holdings (Pty) Ltd, holds 50% of the ordinary issued shares of Ondonga-Uukwambi Mining Enterprises (Pty) Ltd (OUME), which is the holder of exclusive prospecting licence (EPL) 4365, which covers 20 650 hectares . The remaining 50% of the issued shares of OUME are equally held by the Ondonga Community Trust Fund and the Uukwambi Community Trust Fund.

“Gecko Namibia and OUME, assisted by Enviro Dynamics, conducted a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) during 2013 in relation to the proposed salt mining operations and the construction of a production plant at the Otjivalunda salt pans. The EIA was submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Tourism on 6 December 2013 for environmental clearance, which the environmental commissioner formally declined on 25 July 2014,” he said.

He added that Gecko Namibia appealed against the environmental commissioner's decision on 7 August 2014 and was still waiting for the outcome.

“Gecko Namibia is of the view that the EIA report submitted to the ministry is complete, scientifically sound and complies with the relevant legislation, both in form and substance,” he said.

According to Van Wyk, the proposed project holds enormous potential not only for the Otjivalunda community through job creation but also Namibia as a whole. The various salts found at the Otjivalunda salt pans are used in the production of soap and detergents currently being imported into Namibia. According to him, the local production of washing powder and export of purified sodium sulphide are both new industries that would be created in Namibia through this project.

The governor of Oshana, Clemens Kashuupulwa, has also appealed to the environment ministry to review its findings of the environmental impact assessment that led to them denying an environmental clearance certificate for the envisaged Otjivalunda salt mining and soap production facility. Kashuupulwa claimed that instead of consulting him, Nghitila and his team only consulted a concerned group comprised of a few traditional leaders and residents of Otjivalunda, who were against the project on the basis of cultural heritage. Otjivalunda is located within the Iipumbu Ya Tshilongo Conservancy.

The envisaged mining would take place in two salt pans situated on state land immediately to the north of the Etosha National Park. The salt pans at Otjivalunda are among the few places in the world where the rare mineral trona is naturally found.

Trona is a common source of soda ash, which is a significant economic commodity because of its applications in manufacturing glass, chemicals, paper, detergents, and textiles. It is also used to condition water and to manufacture bicarbonate of soda.

Concerned members of the public claimed that Gecko was driven by German investors who were not interested in salt mining but rather wanted to mine trona.

“The environment ministry must reject this proposal. These people are interested in the trona and once they remove it, there will be no more salt in that pan. Namibia's cultural and natural heritage, including its biological diversity, must be protected and respected for the benefit of future generations,” said one source.

Another said that a trona resource takes up to 20 years to mature once it is harvested. It is reported that more than 400 exploration holes have been drilled on the 700 hectares. Currently there is no infrastructure at the pans. Gecko's proposed processing plant will be located at Embandu settlement, which is 10km west of Oshakati and 120km by road from the pans.

Nghitila refused to issue the environmental clearance certificate, saying the salt-mining operation was an ecological risk.

“Gecko Namibia and OUME will continue to work constructively with the ministry of mines and energy to obtain approval for the development of this significant project to the benefit of Namibia and its people,” Van Wyk said.

ILENI NANDJATO

Omatala demonstrators accused of lying

November 30, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Omatala demonstrators accused of lying The Oshakati town council’s chief executive officer, Werner Iita, says the vendors who staged a protest demanding lower rent at the town’s open market earlier this week did not tell the truth.

Iita said the council suspected that the group was instigated by a third party in order to cause chaos and make the town ungovernable.

“Their cry is not genuine. Those people are not telling the truth. At the open market we have a committee which consists of vendors who operate at the market and they were elected legitimately to listen to the issues of the vendors and report to the council. Why are they sidestepping the committee if they elected them?” Iita asked.

“We suspect that there is someone who is instigating them to make the town ungovernable, which is something we are not going to tolerate.”

Iita said the council did respond to the demands of the vendors when they first marched to the council buildings in May. They demanded the lowering of rent, the erecting of signs to direct potential customers to the open market, as well as an access road from the old market to the new one.

“We responded to them the first time they protested, because if you look at the situation on the ground, we have erected signs directing people to the open market and as we speak the council is in the process of appointing a consulting engineer for the tarred access road which will connect the Oshakati–Okahao road with the new open market. What answers do they want?” Iita said.

On the issue of rent, Iita said the prices were reasonable and the council did not see any reason to lower them.

He said the highest rent paid at the moment is N$600 per month, while the vendors who sell recharge vouchers are charged only N$5 per day.

“The group always make reference to N$1 200, which is the price for a big stall but currently there is only one person out of the hundreds of vendors operating in that space and he only uses half of the space therefore he only pays N$600. We even contacted him and he said he was happy with the price. The people must learn to tell the truth,” Iita said.

“The people are paying their rent as the price is reasonable, therefore we also question whether the people that demonstrated are really vendors at the open market,” Iita further said.

Iita also pointed out that the protesters were demanding answers to issues they had not raised in their previous petition.

“We were surprised when the lady who read the petition was talking about issues pertaining to long-distance buses, and the issue of street vendors who they say must be given the right to sell wherever they want in town. This is evidence that the group is being used by certain people,” Iita said.

However, in order to find an amicable solution, all the vendors who rent stalls at the open market will be called to a meeting soon.

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

How to deal with a co-worker who can't stop venting

November 30, 2017, 2:00 pm

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How to deal with a co-worker who can't stop venting If your co-worker complains one more time, you're going to lose it. You used to enjoy his little “hellos” to your work space, but now you've come to dread it when he stops by. You used to respect him, but now you just want to avoid him.

1. Ask if They Want to Vent or if They Want Advice.This is a simple step that so many people skip when they’re on the receiving end of drama. And because of that, miscommunications happen. Think: “Dan keeps coming to me for advice on dealing with his boss, but never does what I say” or “My sister won’t stop complaining about her boyfriend’s cleaning habits and didn’t seem to appreciate that article I sent her on the topic.”

If They Want to VentTruth: Sometimes people just want or need to vent. That’s OK and if you know that, you have two options: to listen or to say, “I hear you, however, you’ve been venting a lot lately and I always leave our conversations feeling a little down. I think I need a vent-free week, is that OK?”

Of course, this is hard to say, especially to someone you truly like. But if you were the person being a drain on your friend, you’d want to know, right?

If They Want AdviceOffer it if you have it. If not, refer them to resources, such as an article, your HR department, or a career coach. If you feel it’s deep-seated or they’re not wanting to work on a solution, mention the help that a trained professional can provide. It’s also fine to say, “That’s a really complicated situation you’re in and I don’t know what I’d do. Whenever I’m in a tricky spot, I reach out to my mentor. If you’d like, I can see if he’d be able to chat.”

2. Help Them Frame the IssueWorkplaces are made up of people, and we know that there’s nothing predictable about human beings interacting with each other. Your co-worker may benefit from a different perspective.

Summarizing it for them—“I see your situation like this, and if I had to resolve it, I’d probably work it through this way [your sage advice here]. What do you think of this approach?”—helps to push the conversation forward. Which leads me to...

3. Strongly Encourage Them to Create Actionable Next StepsIf you keep hearing about the same issue over and over again, try asking this simple question: “What steps are you taking to address this?”

source: themuse.com

Shifeta takes aim at anti-hunting lobby

November 30, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Shifeta takes aim at anti-hunting lobbyDemands respect for country policy In an address to Napha members, environment minister Pohamba Shifeta warned that anti-hunting lobby must remain factual and respectful. Environment minister Pohamba Shifeta lashed out against anti-hunting lobbyists that are spreading rumours about Namibia's conservation programme and tarnishing the country's reputation.

He said Namibia has worked very hard to earn its reputation in conservation and it must be respected.

“Misguided and unfounded allegations about Namibia's conservation programmes and activities must be refuted to protect the country's reputation.”

Speaking at the Namibia Professional Hunters Association (Napha) annual general meeting, Shifeta said Namibia must be allowed to continue to utilise wildlife as an important natural resource.

“I think we can be proud of what we have achieved in conservation in Namibia. The more we do, however, the more international attention and scrutiny we attract.

“Not all of this is constructive. We have vocal opponents who will probably never support the sustainable use of wildlife or hunting.

“Some of them live in this country and feel free to say whatever comes into their minds, often resulting in rude and abusive statements on social media. Some are not Namibian nationals.

“Some are interfering with our conservation programmes on State land. To them, I say, we respect their freedom of speech but I call on them to stay away from spreading rumours and misinformation.

“So show us the respect that we deserve.”

He urged Napha and its members to continue to observe and promote ethical hunting by adhering to regulations at all times.

He said the ministry is working together with Napha and other stakeholders to develop best practices and a new code of conduct for hunting.

The ministry is currently reviewing its legislation through the drafting of the Protected Areas and Wildlife Management Bill with the intention of strengthening it for better management of conservation hunting in the country. Hunting contributes nearly 50% of the revenues earned by the community-based natural resource management programme and is thus a primary incentive for the communal conservancies to set land aside for wildlife and to invest in wildlife protection.

In addition, hunting is an important source of revenue for almost half of all commercial farms in Namibia, including both game farms and farms where both livestock and wildlife are kept, said Shifeta.

“Wildlife has become an indispensable part of our farming landscape and the resilience of rural communities to drought and climate change.”

Namibia's national biodiversity conservation strategy therefore depends on the sustainable economic use of wildlife to create economic incentives for the protection of wildlife habitat and the integration of wildlife in various forms of land use. He said hunting is used to deal with the rise in wildlife numbers over the past decades.

“This led to another conflict, as there are those who do not believe that Namibia should use hunting or trophy hunting as a conservation tool.

“The results obtained through sound scientific research and monitoring, however, speak for themselves.”

He said since 1996, when the government gave the rights over wildlife on communal land to the people who live there, the lion population in the northwest of Namibia outside protected areas increased from 25 individuals to at least 150, and on occasion as many as 180.

There are currently around 450 lions in Etosha National Park.

“Each year at least 25 to 35 individuals are recorded as destroyed outside the park in protection of livestock. This number could possibly be much higher if there is under-reporting as we suspect.

“The good news is that landowners especially on the southern boundary of Etosha are converting towards a wildlife-based land use and there are now a significant number of such lions living permanently on some farms.”

He said to improve gene flow across populations the ministry is creating corridors for these movements in areas where the human-lion conflict can be managed.

The aim is to eventually connect the corridors from the Skeleton Coast National Park with its stable lion population to Etosha National Park, via the conservancies in between.

ELLANIE SMIT

Drive safely this season

November 30, 2017, 2:00 pm

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Drive safely this season The start of the festive season between 22 and 26 November has seen a 21% increase in car crashes and a 29% increase in injuries, while the number of fatalities dropped by 67% compared to the same period last year.

The Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund recorded a total of 52 crashes over those five days, in which 97 people were injured to varying degrees.

Two people were killed in car crashes.

The most crashes took place in the Khomas Region, with 26 recorded, followed by nine accidents recorded in the Erongo Region.

In the Otjozondjupa Region, five crashes were recorded, while one crash was recorded in Oshikoto, Kunene and Hardap over those five days.

The crashes that led to the two deaths took place in the Kunene and Oshana regions.

The MVA Fund stated that roll-over crashes were the cause of 19 accidents and 50 injuries.

The 15 collisions caused 25 people to be injured.

“Factors such as driver fatigue, inattentiveness, inappropriate driver behaviour, driving under the influence of alcohol and exceeding prescribed speed limits contribute to these types of crashes,” the MVA found.

The MVA also warned that the extent of these types of crashes increases the likelihood of fatality, as roll-overs and collisions claimed 50% each of the total fatalities.

The main focus area for road-safety authorities over the festive season will be driver fitness, vehicle fitness and passenger safety.

The MVA urged Namibians to avoid driving when tired, to carry a valid driving licence and not to drink and drive.

Drivers are also cautioned to ensure that their cars are in good condition, to switch on headlamps at all times and to make sure that wiper blades are fully functional to enhance visibility when it rains.

All drivers and passengers are urged to wear seatbelts and passengers making use of public transport should enter their details on passenger lists.

“Drivers, do not overload vehicles as such vehicles are harder to control, more unstable and more difficult to stop in an emergency and consequently endanger the lives of passengers and other road users.”

Crashes can be reported to the MVA Fund accident response number at 081 9682. Namibians can also visit the MVA Fund Facebook and Twitter pages for road-safety tips.

JANA-MARI SMITH