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Mugabe ouster for 'personal gain'

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Mugabe ouster for 'personal gain'Mugabe ouster for 'personal gain' Zimbabwean opposition parties have reportedly criticised the appointment of Vice President and former military chief Constantino Chiwenga as the country's new defence minister.

Chiwenga, 61, who led a military takeover that helped end Robert Mugabe's 37-year rule in November, was on Thursday sworn in as one of the country's two vice presidents.

According to NewsDay, Chiwenga, however, retained his stranglehold on the military after he was - on the same day - allocated an extra duty to administer the affairs of the Ministry of Defence and War Veterans, a portfolio previously held by his counterpart, Kembo Mohadi, who will now be in charge of the National Peace and Reconciliation organ.

The opposition, however, slammed Chiwenga's appointment, saying that it “brings full circle a sinister scheme by the military to push out former president Robert Mugabe for selfish reasons”.

A New Zimbabwe.com report quoted the Morgan Tsvangirai led Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party as saying that the development showed exactly that Chiwenga was the “real power” behind the recently inaugurated President Emmerson Mnangagwa.In a statement, MDC spokesperson Obert Gutu maintained that the real power behind Mnangagwa's presidency was the military.

“It has always been clear that Chiwenga was the real power behind the throne. It's pretty obvious that he wields tremendous power and influence in the Mnangagwa administration,” Gutu was cited as saying.

Gutu said that Chiwenga was being rewarded for orchestrating the military take-over last month.

The People's Democratic Party (PDP), led by former finance minister Tendai Biti concurred, adding that president Mnangagwa had surrounded himself with military veterans that included one other former general Sibusiso Moyo.

NEWS24

Emino lyoTantalite lya tameke moWarmbad

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Emino lyoTantalite lya tameke moWarmbadEmino lyoTantalite lya tameke moWarmbad Sha landula etamekitho lyiilonga yomina yokumina otantalite moWarmbad, mwene gwomina ndjoka oshowo omukwateli komeho gwiilonga yomina Kennedy Mineral Resources ota pangele okuyambulapo emino ndyoka, pakutula miilonga eshina epe lyiilonga opo ya vule okuyambulapo elanditho lyotantalite muuyuni.

Ehangano lyoKennedy Minerals nuumvo momwedhi Maalitsa olya tula miilonga eshina epe ndyoka tali kwathele emino lyoshilongomwa shoka momina tayi adhika moshitopolwa sha

//Karas . Omukomeho gwehangano ndyoka, Larry Johnson okwa holola euvo lye lyonawa sho ehangano lyoKennedy Minerals lye shi pondola okwaadha omwaalu gwiilonga omunene muule wethimbo efupi, omina ndjoka ya kala miilonga.

Omunambelewa ngoka okwa popi kutya oye shi pondola okulonga oshindji muule wethimbo efupi, na otaya tsikile nokulonga nuudhiginini opo ya vule okulonga oTantalum Ore yongushu yopombanda.

Ehangano okwa holola kutya oli li moonkundathana naapunguli oshowo naalandi yoshilongomwa shoka okuza koChina oshowo United States, pauyelele mboka wa tulwa kepandja lyomakwatathano gopainternet lyehangano ndyoka.

Ehangano lyoKennedy Minerals, olya popi kutya otantalite ohayi longithwa mokulonga iitopolwa yiikwamalusheno oshowo iilongomwa yilwe ngaashi oongodhi dhopeke, oolaptop nookompiuta, omathano gokuthaneka oshowo omathano guuvideo.

OGONE TLHAGE

Namibia shimwe shomiilongo dhingi momatalelepo muuyuni

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Namibia shimwe shomiilongo dhingi momatalelepo muuyuniNamibia shimwe shomiilongo dhingi momatalelepo muuyuni Namibia okwa tulwa momusholondondo gwiilongo dhingi mbyoka iiwanawa nokuya momafudho oshowo okutalela po mo 2018 muuyuni.

Sho omwaalu gwaatalelipo tagu londo pombanda moshilongo oshowo omahangano gomatukodhila ogendji tage ya nokulongela moshilongo, shoka osha tula pombanda oshikondo shaatalelipo moshilongo. Namibia okwe shi pondola okuya momusholondondo gwiilongodhingi mbyoka iiwananwa nokutalela po mo 2018. Iilongo mbyoka oya hogololwa nokunyanyangithwa opo yi tuminwe omuleli gwaAmerika Donald Trump, ngoka a li a tumbula edhina lyaNamibia lya puka ta ti “Nambia”- naashoka osha tula oshilongo mokaalita. Nonando oongaka olopota yomusholondondo ngoka oya holola kutya oshilongo oshi na oshindji oshowo omatompelo ogendji okutalela po oshilongo shoka. Namibia natango okwa tulwa mushimwe shomiilongo itano muuyuni mbyoka yi na oombuga dha talala nawa nokutalela po momvula yo 2018. Palopota yoEvening Standard ombuga yaNamib Desert otaku hokololwa ya kala po uule woomvula oomiliyona 55, na inayi lunduluka sha. Oshilongo natango osha tulwa momusholondondo gwiilongo mbyoka yi na omafudho gen a ombiliha nokuya momvula yo2018.

Ehangano lyoElite Daily Namibia olya holola kutya olya nyanyukwa komwaalu guli pombanda gwaatalelipo oshowo egameno moshilongo. Oshilongo osha tulwa woo momusholondondo gwoSustainable Travel Destinations for 2018. Menenevi Afrika, iilongi ngaashi South Africa, Mauritius, Kenya naNamibia oyo iilongo yi li ponomola yotango yi na iikondo yomatalelipo tayi shambula nokuninga iilonga iiwanawa nokutalelapo muuyuni. Nonando onkalo yopaliko otayi shongola moshilongo, oshikondo shomatalelepo inashi gumwa konkalo ndjoka. Namibia okwa talelwapo kaatalelipo ya thika poomiliyona 1.46 nuumvo, nomwaalu ngoka ogwa kalela po e yo pombanda lyoopresenda 5.9 okuyeleka nomvula ya piti moka oshilongo sha talelwapo kaatalelipo ye li omiliyona 1.38. Omwaalu gwaatalelipo mboka ya talelepo oshilongo mo 2016 ogwa londa pombanda noopresenda 3.6 okuyeleka naamboka ya talelepo oshilongo mo 2015, yeli poomiliyona 1.51, nokuya poomiliyona 1.57.

ELLANIE SMIT

Aanona yekondjelomanguluko ye na omukumo nomo2018

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Aanona yekondjelomanguluko ye na omukumo nomo2018Aanona yekondjelomanguluko ye na omukumo nomo2018Ya hala okupula komeho noonkalamwenyo dhawo Ongundu yaanyasha mboka ya valelwa mekondjelmanguluko pondje yoshilongo, mboka ya unga oontanda poombelewa dhongundu yoSwapo mOshakati, oya popi kutya oye na omukumo kutya ongundu yoSwapo otayi ka tala komakemo gawo nokukandula po omukundu gwawo momvula twa taalela. Aanyasha mboka oya popi kutya sha landula sho ongundu ya yakwawo ya thika 173, mboka ya mono omadheulo nangashiingeyi oya mona iilonga, oyo ya landula ko.

Konima nkene ya tameke okuunga oontanda dhawo pehala mpoka mo 2014, aanyasha mboka oya ningi iikolokosha poompito dhilwe opo ya dhiminike andola epangelo li tale komanyenyeto gawo.

Onkalo ndjoka oya lunduluka sho aanyasha mboka ya mono yakwawo ya thika po 150 ya tumwa komadheulo mo 2016 kepangelo, na oya mono iilonga konima yomadheulo miiputudhilo yepangelo ya yooloka.

Oya popi kutya ngashiingeyi oye na omukumo opo kaya longithe omikalo dhuuhwapindi opo andola yapewe ekwatho kepangelo.

Oshifokundaneki shoNamibian Sun osha yi moonkundathana naanyasha mboka poKandjengedi mpoka pe na oombelewa dhoSwapo mpoka ya unga oontanda naanyasha mboka oya holola onkalo ndjoka yiiyadha muyo konima nkene ya kala ya unga oontanda mpoka, oshowo omukumo ngoka ye na okuya mo 2018.

Stefanus Simeon okwa popi kutya omvula yo 2017 inayi ya endela nawa molwaashoka iinima inayi enda nawa ngaashi yali ya tegelela omolwa onkalo yokwaahena woo iilonga ndjoka ya taalela.

“Otwa tameke onkalo ndjika mo 2014 molwashoka katu na iilonga nomaindilo getu inaga talika. Otatu kala mpaka sigo twa tumwa komadheulo kiiputudhilo ya yooloka, na otu na einekelo kutya otatu ka tumwa kiiputudhilo.”

Okwa gwedha po kutya okuya kegumbo, kashi shi etokolo lye okuninga ngashiingeyi.

Simeon okwa tsikile kutya onkalo yethiminiko okuza kaakokele komikunda oshimwe shomiinima mbyoka itayi ya shunitha komagumbo.

“Oshili ooshoka kutya otatu mono iihuna huka.

Ka tu na we shoka tatu vulu okuninga molwaashoka ngele otwa shuna komagumbo aakuluntu otaya popi kutya otatu kongo shike, molwaashoka yakwetu oye shi pondola okumona iilonga pakukala ya unga oontanda nokuninga omahololomadhilaadhila, na oyeshi pondola onkene natse osho tu na okuninga,” Simeon a yelitha.

Okwa popi kutya otaka ya owala kegumbo uuna a mana omadheulo ge na okwa mona iilonga, opo nduno ta shuna a kasile oshisho ofamili ye.

Okwa popi woo kombinga yomaupyakadhi ngoka ya taalela kehe esiku ngaashi okukala inaya lya uule womasiku, ootenda dhawo ndhoka dha kulupa omolwa omutenya nomvula, oshowo okukala kaye na iimaliwa ya tumine komagumbo. Simeon okwa tsikile kutya pethimbo lyomuloka ngaashi ngoka tagu tameke ngashiingeyi ohaya sikile ootenda dhawo noonayilona opo kaya lokwe, ihe shoka itashi ya teya omukumo opo ya shune komagumbo.

Julius Kasheeta, okwa popi kutya ekondjo lyawo olya ninga ethimbo ngashiingeyi onkene epangelo nali pulakene komakemo gawo.

“Ngele owe tu tala otatu kulupa. Tse yamwe otuli nale moomvula dho 30 ihe katu na natango iilonga. Itatu pula tupewe iilonga yontumba andola tatu hogolola, otwa hala owala okukala tu na iilonga nokuyambidhidha kekoko lyeliko lyoshilongo,” Kasheeta a popi.

Kasheeta okwa popi kutya oye na omukumo kutya otaya ka tumwa komadheulo taga landula ko opo ya vule okupula komeho noonkalamwenyo dhawo.

“Otuli ongundu onshona ngashiingeyi, tu li owala 30, na otwa kala tatu ihumbata nawa ethimbo ele ngashiingeyi.

Epangelo nali tu tume komadheulo, lyo tali ikutha omukundu gwaanona yekondjelomanguluko komapepe.”

KENYA KAMBOWE

The time for accountability is now

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The time for accountability is nowThe time for accountability is now We have heard many senior government officials and their platitudes made to the issue of transparency and accountability throughout 2017. The president too, has made it clear that civil servants will be held accountable and has promised more transparency.



However, this is not trickling down into the substrata of the public service domain.



While President Hage Geingob was addressing the media at the start of December, on the very issue of accountability and transparency, black, green-plated luxury vehicles were parked in Maerua Mall, also on pensioner's parking, doing their festive shopping.



We have unverified reports of another green-plated black Mercedes-Benz holidaying in Cape Town.



Government vehicles abound at shopping centres and back-to-school outlets, and also, at drinking spots.



Corruption, and the theft of the little left in State coffers, is rife and continues unabatedly.



In the meanwhile, however, the child welfare ministry has bemoaned the lack of shelters for vulnerable and abused children in Namibia. At the very least, is it not their responsibility to ensure that these safe havens, for our most vulnerable citizens, exist?



Complaints continue to stream in regarding the chaos at the Receiver of Revenue, the heartbeat of this country, where returns are lost, documentation is misplaced, telephones remain unanswered, emails are misunderstood and later ignored, while honest taxpayers are reminded monthly of debt which they do not owe, and receipts of monies owed by the Receiver remain unpaid.



The media has complained for years about the inability to receive timeous, quality responses from government officials for balanced reporting but, are regularly threatened by the authorities about sensationalism or biased reporting.



We implore the head of state, and the entire cabinet, to make 2018 the year of accountability and transparency. We are desperate to see action when civil servants infringe on the law, we are desperate for a process to lodge complaints about lack of service from government departments. We have been waiting for years to see action.



And that action, must come from the top and trickle down to line managers and supervisors so that the system finally works and if it does not, there is some sort of recourse for those who pay the salaries of those not doing their jobs.

Shot of the day

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Shot of the dayShot of the day WORLD WITHOUT COLOUR: Dog walkers cross a snow covered field during a snow fall in Stanford on Avon, Britain during the weekend. Major snowfalls have been recorded in both Europe and the US starting just before Christmas. PHOTO: NAMPA/REUTERS

Self-driving vehicles, good or bad?

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Self-driving vehicles, good or bad?Self-driving vehicles, good or bad? A future characterised by driverless cars might be safer, according to proponents. However, critics point to the potential job loss that automation of transport might entail.

The technology is still in its infancy, but it will continue to develop over the coming years.

"According to the British government, driverless cars could create up to about 30 000 jobs in the United Kingdom," Al Jazeera correspondent Laurence Lee, reporting from Coventry in London, said.

"The number sounds okay until you hear that in this part of the country, automation could cost as many as 300,000 jobs."

For the United Kingdom, the possibility of increased automation brings back memories of a time when car factories closed en masse because of foreign competition.

"It's pretty clear that governments like the one in Britain need a job strategy for automation," he said.

LEAP FORWARD

Despite this gloomy job forecast, proponents of driverless cars think the technology will be a leap forward that will change the way we travel and make it a lot safer.

According to them, there might be a future where car ownership is limited, and people move from driverless pod to driverless pod.

"Monorail systems near airports are driverless, and people use those quite happily," Tom Sorell, a University of Warwick professor, told Al Jazeera.

"So long as the speeds are fairly low, it's probably a safe proposition."

Some even say people will be able to sleep or work in their vehicle, while the automated driver takes care of what happens on the road.

According to critics, however, automation could lead to the loss of millions of jobs, especially in the transport sector.

And some are not so sure it is safe yet to go completely driverless, at least not in urban areas.

"There's too much going on. It's an extremely busy and complex environment with lots of potential distractions, like people suddenly crossing the street. It's probably too complex," Neville Stanton, a Southampton University professor, told Al Jazeera.

The rapid progress of the technology means that drivers, commercial or private, will probably be obsolete sooner rather than later.

And although the promise of safer roads sounds enticing because automated cars are said to be less prone to mistakes, many fear that the loss of jobs will be a disaster on a different scale.

AL JAZEERA

Uber working on deal to sell Xchange Leasing

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Uber working on deal to sell Xchange LeasingUber working on deal to sell Xchange Leasing Ride-hailing company Uber is working on a deal to sell its U.S. auto-leasing business Xchange Leasing to start-up digital car marketplace Fair, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Uber Technologies Incorporated said in September it was shutting down the auto-leasing business, which had heavy losses.

Over the last few months Xchange Leasing has started to unwind the business, which was started to lease new cars to Uber drivers, selling cars at auction.

The net book value of Xchange Leasing's more than 30 000 vehicles was roughly US$400 million, according to The Wall Street Journal, which first reported the deal with Fair on Tuesday. The newspaper in August said that Uber was losing roughly US$9 000 a car, 18 times more than previously believed.

As of August, Xchange Leasing had about 14 showrooms in the United States, Reuters previously reported.

Fair and Uber both declined to comment on Tuesday.

Uber launched Xchange Leasing in 2015 in a bid to attract new drivers who could not otherwise afford a car because of spotty or poor credit. Xchange Leasing offered more flexible return and mileage limit policies than traditional car leases.

However, many Uber drivers complained of Xchange Leasing's predatory practices, saying that exorbitant rates forced them to drive full time just to cover the cost of the car, with little or no profit left over.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Fair will offer jobs to about 150 of the 500 or so employees at Xchange Leasing. Fair, which is based in Southern California was founded in 2016, matches customers with cars based on what they are able to pay each month. Customers get approved and pay for their car through Fair, which owns the vehicle, and pick up the car at a dealership. They can keep the car as long as they want.

As part of the deal, expected to close early next year, Uber will offer potential drivers in the United States access to Fair to lease a car, the Journal reported.

Uber is eyeing an initial public offering in 2019, and is looking to pare its losses under the leadership of CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, who took the job in August, and chief operating officer Barney Harford, who starts next month. Uber lost US$1.46 billion in the third quarter this year, up from US$1.06 billion in the previous quarter.

NAMPA

Two years for armed robber

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Two years for armed robberTwo years for armed robber A 20-year-old man who robbed a German tourist in Swakopmund at knifepoint, was found guilty and sentenced during his first appearance in court on Thursday last week.

The accused, Hawie Kahuika, and his co-accused, Goodwin Gariseb (17), attacked the 32-year-old tourist at Strand Street on Monday. She was sitting on a bench next to the Vineta walkway along the ocean when the suspects approached her. Kahuika reached over her shoulder and grabbed a Samsung Galaxy tablet S5 from her. When she turned around he threatened her with a knife and left the scene with Gariseb who was allegedly standing nearby.

The incident was reported to the Swakopmund Neighbourhood Watch shortly thereafter and members and reservists reacted immediately. According to the Erongo crime investigations coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Erastus Iikuyu, the suspects were arrested shortly after the incident and the stolen property was recovered.

Kahuika was convicted and sentenced to two years' imprisonment without the option of a fine. Gariseb was acquitted.

In another tourist robbery, the police's tourism protection unit on Thursday arrested three men suspected of having robbed South African tourists.

Iikuyu said the incident occurred in Sam Nujoma Avenue in Swakopmund on Wednesday last week at 12:30. The three suspects allegedly smashed the window of the tourists' rental car and stole a big backpack, two towels and a book valued at N$2 700. All the stolen items were recovered and the accused appeared in the Swakopmund Magistrate's court on Friday.

JESSICA BOTES

Struggle kids hope for a better 2018

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Struggle kids hope for a better 2018Struggle kids hope for a better 2018Say they will stay put until trained The Oshakati group of struggle kids are optimistic about being absorbed into the government training scheme this year in a bid for them to get jobs. The group of about 30 so-called struggle kids camping at the Swapo party office in Oshakati say they remain hopeful that government will address their plight in 2018.

They believe that following the completion of training for 173 of their compatriots who are now employed, they are next to being taken care of.

Having camped at the site since 2014, the group have in the past resorted to violence and chaos in order for government to hear their plight.

All of this changed, however, when the group saw that 150 of their counterparts who in 2016 were taken for training at various government centres are now doing well as they have been employed.

This, they say, has motivated them not to follow the chaotic manner to get their needs met.

Namibian Sun sat down with the group that are camping at Okandjengedi and they shared their reflections of the year past and what they expect 2018 to be for them.

Stefanus Simeon said that in 2017 things did not go as they expected as their challenge of unemployment has not been overcome.

“We started this in 2014 because we did not have jobs and until that need is met, I will remain here waiting for the next intake at the various training centres, hopeful that we will be taken away,” Simeon said.

He added going home is not an option for him at this point.

He added that pressure from elders at their villages is also a contributing factor as to why they remain firm not to return home.

“To be honest with you, we are suffering here, we have no other alternative because if you go home the elders will ask you what you are doing. They argue that our fellow comrades who were sent for training achieved it through camping and protesting therefore we should do the same,” Simeon explained.

“The only way I can go home is when I am done with my training and when I have a job to care for my family. When I meet my comrades in the street and hear they are now employed, it gives me a reason to stay here,” Simeon added.

He pointed out that the challenges they face on a daily basis have become 'normal' including going hungry for several days, hustling for new tents when theirs have worn out because of sunny and rainy conditions and also having no money to send back home.

As the rainy season has commenced, Simeon pointed out that they are forced to cover up their tents with plastic to avoid their belongings getting soaked but still, he remained adamant they will not move.

“We have been exposed to strong rainy conditions in the past but we remained, so therefore, even though this season's rain might cause damage to our property, we will remain and wait for government to take us away from here,” Simeon said.

According to another camper Julius Kasheeta, their struggle has been going on for too long, saying government must address their plight fast.

“If you look at us, we are getting old. Some of us are in our 30s and still jobless. We are not asking for specific jobs, any kind of job will do.

“If we are not employed now and contribute to the economy of this country, when will we be useful for our nation,” Kasheeta said. Kasheeta said they look forward to the next intake at the various government institutions and hopefully they will all be absorbed and move on with their lives.

“We are a small group now, only 30 or so, and we have behaved for a long time now. Government can just take us to training and remove the burden of the 'struggle kids' from their shoulders,” Kasheeta remarked.

KENYA KAMBOWE

Venezuela looks to launch cryptocurrency

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Venezuela looks to launch cryptocurrencyVenezuela looks to launch cryptocurrencyDoubts however linger over its serious intent The development in Venezuela is seen as a move to offset a financial crisis brought on by US backed sanctions Venezuela's cryptocurrency will launch within days and be backed by 5.3 billion barrels of oil worth US$267 billion, in a bid to offset a deep financial crisis, the socialist government said on Thursday.

President Nicolas Maduro surprised many earlier this month when he announced the ‘petro’ cryptocurrency, to be backed by Organisation of Oil Producing Countries (OPEC) member Venezuela's oil, gas, gold and diamond reserves.

Despite the scepticism of cryptocurrency experts who do not think Venezuela has the wherewithal to pull it off, communications minister Jorge Rodriguez said the first petro offering would come within days.

"Camp one of the Ayacucho block will form the initial backing of this cryptocurrency," Rodriguez told reporters, referring to part of Venezuela's southern Orinoco Belt.

"It contains 5.34 billion certified barrels of oil. We're talking about backing of US$267 billion," said Rodriguez, adding that that differentiated the petro from other cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.

Miners were already lined up, he said, without giving more details. Cryptocurrencies are obtained by users setting up computers to do complex mathematical calculations in a process known as mining.

Cryptocurrencies are decentralised and their success relies on transparency, clear rules and equal treatment of all involved. Venezuela gave no technical details about the petro.

The government appears to be hoping the petro will offset a collapse in Venezuela's currency – 97% in one year against the US dollar on the black market - and isolate the country from the US dollar and Washington.

Rodriguez also hopes to use the petro as part of a mechanism to pay international providers, many of whom have stopped supplying to Venezuela given its inability to pay its debts.

With Venezuela's 30 million people suffering shortages, runaway prices and a fourth year of recession, Maduro has long blamed the US government for an ‘economic war’ against it. Critics say incompetent policies are to blame for Venezuela's economic mess.

Earlier on Thursday, Maduro blamed US pressure on Portugal for blocking imports of pork leading to a shortage over Christmas in Venezuela. US President Donald Trump's administration has imposed various political and financial sanctions on Maduro's government, accusing senior officials of rights abuses and corruption.

"It will be materially impossible for the dictatorial financial centres of the world to intervene against this initiative," said Rodriguez, citing the Portugal case. "It will allow us to overcome any financial blockade."

Cryptocurrencies have grabbed global attention partly because of the remarkable rise in the price of Bitcoin, making millionaires of many early investors, including some in Venezuela who used Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to shield themselves from strict foreign exchange controls which economists blame for the crisis.

NAMPA/REUTERS

Apple apologises after outcry over slowed iPhones

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Apple apologises after outcry over slowed iPhonesApple apologises after outcry over slowed iPhones Facing lawsuits and consumer outrage after it said it slowed older iPhones with flagging batteries, Apple Incorporated is slashing prices for battery replacements and will change its software to show users whether their phone battery is good.

In a posting on its website Thursday, Apple apologised over its handling of the battery issue and said it would make a number of changes for customers "to recognise their loyalty and to regain the trust of anyone who may have doubted Apple’s intentions".

Apple made the move to address concerns about the quality and durability of its products at a time when it is charging US$999 for its newest flagship model, the iPhone X.

The company said it would cut the price of an out-of-warranty battery replacement from US$79 to US$29 for an iPhone 6 or later, starting next month. The company also will update its iOS operating system to let users see whether their battery is in poor health and is affecting the phone's performance.

"We know that some of you feel Apple has let you down," Apple said in its posting. "We apologise."

On December 20, Apple acknowledged that iPhone software has the effect of slowing down some phones with battery problems. Apple said the problem was that aging lithium batteries delivered power unevenly, which could cause iPhones to shutdown unexpectedly to protect the delicate circuits inside.

That disclosure played on a common belief among consumers that Apple purposely slows down older phones to encourage customers to buy newer iPhone models. While no credible evidence has ever emerged that Apple engaged in such conduct, the battery disclosure struck a nerve on social media and elsewhere.

Apple on Thursday denied that it has ever done anything to intentionally shorten the life of a product.

At least eight lawsuits have been filed in California, New York and Illinois alleging that the company defrauded users by slowing devices down without warning them. The company also faces a legal complaint in France, where so-called "planned obsolesce" is against the law.

NAMPA/REUTERS

VW to try to block emissions audit in court

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VW to try to block emissions audit in courtVW to try to block emissions audit in court Volkswagen AG said on Thursday it would petition Germany's constitutional court in an effort to overturn the appointment of a special auditor to investigate the actions of management in the "Dieselgate" emissions scandal.

A lower court appointed the auditor in November, in a victory for shareholder groups that want to establish whether VW bosses withheld market-moving information about the manipulation of vehicle-emissions tests.

The court in the town of Celle ruled that VW could not appeal, which the auto maker views as a violation of its fundamental rights, the Sueddeutsche Zeitung said in a report released in advance of publication on Friday.

The carmaker will try to get the work of the auditor suspended before the constitutional court hearing, said the newspaper, which researched the report together with public TV channels NDR and WDR.

A company spokesman confirmed that VW would go to the constitutional court but did not elaborate. It was not immediately clear whether or when the constitutional court would take up the case.

Shortly after the Dieselgate scandal broke in September 2015, VW hired US law firm Jones Day and advisory firm Deloitte to investigate the circumstances of its wrongdoing and who was responsible.

Although VW had pledged to improve transparency, it never published the findings that were used as the basis for a US$4.3 billion settlement with the US Justice Department.

Investor groups seeking billions in damages from VW are trying to establish when VW's executive management board first became aware of cheating in the emissions tests and whether it disclosed possible financial damage to investors promptly.

German securities law requires companies to publish any market sensitive news in a timely fashion. The matter is also being investigated by German prosecutors. VW has said it believes its management complied with obligations under German disclosure rules.

NAMPA/REUTERS

Rape-accused stepdad gets N$2 000 bail

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Rape-accused stepdad gets N$2 000 bailRape-accused stepdad gets N$2 000 bailMother refused to lay charge on child's behalf Rapes, stock theft and murder have, amongst other crimes, been reported over the festive season and a stepfather, accused of raping his minor stepdaughter, is out on bail. The 59-year-old man from Onandjaba village in the Omusati Region, who was arrested in September last year on charges of raping his stepdaughter, now 17, has been released on bail of N$2 000 in the Outapi Magistrate's Court.

Magistrate Karrel Muyeghu granted the man, whose identity cannot be revealed to protect the identity of the victim, bail of N$2 000 on 30 November 2017 with a condition that that he does not interfere with the investigations by either contacting the victim or the witnesses in the case.

In his bail application the accused had indicated that he will reside in Oshakati.

The case has been remanded to 1 February for further police investigations.

His arrest followed a report made by the girl at the Onandjaba police station September 2017 but she refused to file charges even though the police and social workers advised her to do so.

It is also alleged that her mother, who is married to the accused, refused to lay charges on behalf of her daughter.

However, the police opened a statutory rape case after the girl claimed in her statement that the sexual relationship with her stepfather has been going on for more than a year and she was under 16 at that time.

According to court documents it is alleged that the man had sexual intercourse with the girl on five occasions between January 2016 and September 2017 in various towns in the north including once at their residence in Onanjaba.

The accused is represented by the Jan Greyling and Associates while Martha Hasheela prosecutes.

Meanwhile, last week Friday Shikufinde Gabriel (44) from Onavivi village made his first appearance in the Outapi Magistrate's Court for the murder of Ekonia Ndapanda at Omayela location in Okafitukeonde village on 26 December 2017.

Ndapanda was stabbed in the neck and died instantly at the spot.

Gabriel was denied bail.

Gabriel indicated that he will conduct his own defence and will lodge a formal bail application. The matter was remanded to 21 February.

In Erongo, three cases of rape were reported before the end of the year. According to the Erongo regional crime investigations coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Erastus Iikuyu, one of the rape cases took place before midnight in the Mondesa suburb of Swakopmund, last week on Tuesday.

A woman, 46, was sleeping with her boyfriend in their shack, when her boyfriend saw a man busy having sex with her from behind whilst she was asleep and he woke her up,” said Iikuyu.

Iikuyu said it is alleged that boyfriend and his brother assaulted the suspect whom they identified as a certain Kapata.

“He escaped from them and fled the scene. He is well known and will be arrested soon,” he said.

In another case, it is alleged that a 25 year old man followed his victim, 31, from Western Bar in Karibib to her home in Old Location.

“The suspect attacked and overpowered her and raped her. It is further alleged that both were heavily under the influence of alcohol during the incident. The suspect was arrested and will appear in Karibib,” Iikuyu said.

In Omatjete, it is alleged that a 35-year-old man was drinking homebrew with a woman, 48, at Otjohorongo village.

“They ended up at the victim's family house, where the suspect had sexual intercourse with her by force,” he said.

The suspect was arrested and will appear in the Omaruru Magistrate's Court today.

Two separate cases of stock theft took place in Erongo last week.

Iikuyu said no one has been arrested for the incidents which took place in Karibib and Usakos.

“It is alleged that on Thursday 28 December suspects stole nine goats and nine sheep valued at N$12 600 from a kraal in the Karibib area, at the municipal camp from Esau Amamub,” said Iikuyu.

In another case, it is alleged that “between 17 and 30 December 2017, suspects trapped seven cattle with wires at Farm Goabeb, which is about 25 kilometres from Usakos.”

According to Iikuyu, the cattle which belonged to Phillip Haradoeb were valued at N$70 000.

No arrests have been made and the animals have not been recovered. Investigations are ongoing.



KENYA KAMBOWE & ADOLF KAURE

Nascam royalty payments delayed

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Nascam royalty payments delayedNascam royalty payments delayed Frustration mounts as artists wait patiently for their royalties from the Namibian Society of Composer and Authors of Music (Nascam) for 2017.

According to the CEO, John Max, the holdup is caused by technicalities and the duplication of some artists' names. However, he said they have been working tirelessly to rectify the matter.

“If there is a mistake, the system picks it up and until it is rectified the payments will not go through.

“The corrections have been made on the first batch processed and 55 of 100 members have received their payments.

“The other members will be paid within this week,” Max told Namibian Sun.

The first payments Nascam made were to the longest registered members of Nascam, enlisting between 1992 and 1996, and the last payments will be made to members who joined after that.

In total, Nascam will be making payments to 4 000 local artists to the tune of N$1.6 million and this year, Namibian artists will be getting the bigger chunk of the money.

The highest paid member thus far received N$1 300 and the lowest, N$210. Some of the members who have been paid include Oteya, Jossy Joss, Willem Afrikaner, Muambo Gwaambambi and Peter Auchab.

“Many radio stations pay biannually and some pay N$60 000 per year which is too little to be distributed to more than 4 000 artists. So we let the money accumulate for three years and make payments after the administration costs and international artists royalties are paid,” Max said.

Nascam does have consequences for radio stations who do not pay their dues, including legal avenues.

Max added that some artists complain they get too little in royalties despite large airplay saying the number of artists increase annually while the market does not.

“We have new artists every day and the money being paid out is coming from advertisers which are stagnant which doesn't really help.

“Some artist claim not to have been paid over the years but this is not true at all.

“The money is not a lot and some just don't see it, but we do have proof that everyone does get paid,” said Max. He told Namibian Sun that members who have not yet received their royalties should be patient.

“Artists who provided more than one bank account need to confirm with Nascam on which account the royalties should be paid to avoid unnecessary charges when the account is closed and the funds are returned to us,” he said.

June Shimuoshili

San chief gives to his people

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San chief gives to his peopleSan chief gives to his people The Hai//Om Traditional Authority chief Dawid //Khamuxab has reached out to his community and handed out Christmas hampers.

The organiser of the event, Maria #Guises, said the chief's gesture was motivated by the hardship faced by many of his people.

According to her, some of them live with their children and grandchildren and go hungry over the festive season since they do not have any money to buy food.

“It is really everyone's wish to receive a gift or something on Christmas. And it is for this reason that we have prepared these hampers,” she said.

The hampers consisted of rice, macaroni, bathing soap, laundry soap, sugar, tea, jam, maize, sweets and Vaseline.

The hampers were distributed on a number of farms including Seringkop, Werda, Nuchas, Mooiplaas, Balalaika, Toevlug, the Tsintsabis district, Tsumeb area and Ondara. The chief and the organisers also expressed their deep gratitude to P.E. Minerals and the education ministry that supported them to make this a reality.

The Hai//Om are the largest San population in Namibia, numbering some 15 000 people, and they are some of the most widely distributed San people in the country. The San remain largely marginalised and often live in very harsh conditions throughout the country. Most of the San work as generational farm workers and do not own land with the exeption of the San living in the Tsumkwe District.

STAFF REPORTER

Sudan, Saudi Arabia restoring banking ties

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Sudan, Saudi Arabia restoring banking tiesSudan, Saudi Arabia restoring banking ties Sudan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to re-establish banking relations, the official Sudanese news agency SUNA said, a move that may help restore confidence in Sudan's economy after the lifting of US economic sanctions.

The agreement, which will allow for banking transactions between the two countries, came after meetings between the Sudanese central bank governor and the Saudi Monetary Authority governor in Riyadh, SUNA reported.

Representatives of major Saudi banks attended the meetings, signalling approval of the move to allow Sudanese users to open accounts at their banks.

Sudanese central bank governor Hazem Abdelqader said he expected banking transactions with Saudi Arabia in the next year to reach US$600 million.

In October, the United States lifted 20-year-old sanctions against Sudan, whose economy has suffered since its south seceded in 2011, taking with it three-quarters of oil output, the country's main source of foreign currency.

NAMPA/REUTERS

US stocks find favour in 2017

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US stocks find favour in 2017US stocks find favour in 2017Excellent returns drive US investment appetite US equities attracted the biggest inflow of funds from investors all over the world in 2017 Investors poured US$24.1 billion into US-based stock funds in the week to December 27, Lipper said, sending a gift to equity markets already on pace to record a year of double-digit percentage gains.

This marks the largest week of inflows for mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) collectively since December 2014, according to the Thomson Reuters research service, and comes after US lawmakers finalized a massive corporate tax cut that markets admired.

Cash is also shuffling around during a typically active period for funds, despite holidays, as investors plan for taxes and report end-of-year performance statistics. Equity fund outflows totalled US$22.2 billion the week prior.

The flow result counters the dominant trend in U.S.-based funds this year - a reticence to buy stocks at home despite an S&P 500 index poised to deliver a 2017 return of more than 20%.

Domestic stock funds posted an estimated US$23.4 billion in outflows for the year, according to Lipper, compared to US$165 billion inflows for their counterparts invested abroad and US$283 billion inflows for funds for taxable bonds.

"You see people attracted to equities, but they're not backing up the truck to buy equities at 20-times earnings," said

David Lafferty, chief market strategist at Natixis Investment Managers, referring to the seemingly rich price-to-earnings ratio of the S&P 500. "I don't see any euphoria." This week, though, domestic equity funds pulled in nearly US$18 billion, compared to US$6.4 billion to their internationally oriented peers, according to Lipper.

Funds based in the United States but focused on Chinese stocks took in US$408 million during the week, the largest inflows since June 2015, during a week in which strong demand for copper seemed to presage growth in the emerging market and around the world.

NAMPA/REUTERS

Hofmeyr petition M.I.A.

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Hofmeyr petition M.I.A.Hofmeyr petition M.I.A. The initiator of the 'Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration of Namibia: Ban Steve Hofmeyer' petition, said she handed in the official petition at the ministry of Home Affairs but the minister, Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana, has pledged ignorance.

According to local human rights activist Lee Garises, she had hand delivered the petition to the ministry's spokesperson on 22 December and said she was promised that “it would reach the right people”.

The petition reads: “Herewith, I would like to bring to the attention of your office, a formal petition to have South African apartheid apologist, Steve Hofmeyr, banned from performing in Namibia on 28 December, or any future date.

“Steve Hofmeyr, as you might be aware, is a known racist, whose neo-apartheid agenda has made him unpopular in many countries with Zambia, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa among them. The singer openly associates with apartheid rhetoric, even performing the apartheid anthem, Die Stem, on occasion. This is a clear indication of a person who fully endorses what's happened to black Namibians.”

However, Iivula-Ithana told Namibian Sun she had no choice but to authorise Hofmeyr's visit to Namibia as there was no formal petition forthcoming for which she had waited “patiently” after learning about the online petition.

“I cannot go to the internet to look for petitions there. We work with official documents. I was in the office until Friday 22 December and my two directors were here with me, but we never heard that a petition was delivered,” she said.

In the meantime, Hofmeyr's performance at the Swakopmund Kunstefees went ahead unhindered on 28 December, despite the uproar.

He took to Twitter to brag about his “explosive” show and took a jab at Garises and her co-petitioners saying their boycott came to nothing.

Hofmeyr tweeted a picture of supporters at his show and wrote “another petition falling through its arse”.

He also referred to Namibians as “Suidwesters” making reference to Namibia's colonial past when Namibia was called South West Africa, which elicited the ire of several well-known Namibians who took to social media to criticise the South African singer.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Not 'fit' to pay rates and taxes

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Not 'fit' to pay rates and taxesNot 'fit' to pay rates and taxesCouncil accused of taking away their livelihoods The former residents of Katwitwi, who traded informally at the market, say they are not 'ready' to pay rates and taxes because they lost their businesses. The days when former residents of Oshikango's Katwitwi location lived for free without paying a cent to council, are over. They have been relocated to a new area and are now expected to pay rates and taxes.

For many years hundreds of people lived at Katwitwi, trading at the informal market there and while they were there illegally, the Helao Nafidi Town Council could not enforce the payment of rates and taxes.

Things have changed now as council, in November 2017, started the process of relocating the resident and by 6 December, the relocations were complete with people moved to Extensions 1 and 7.

These new extensions have been formalised and residents are expected to construct their own houses on plots supplied. They are to apply for water and electricity to be installed.

Namibian Sun visited Extension 1 at the weekend and found several unhappy residents. They bemoaned the payment for services saying they were not mentally and financially prepared to start paying rates and taxes.

They argue that they ran businesses at Katwitwi which is no longer the case and thus, they have no money to pay.

“We use to survive from our businesses - whether it was selling food, tombo, wood or alcohol. We had money to look after ourselves and our families, but now we have been brought here where we are not allowed to sell but we are expected to pay monthly rates and taxes,” they argued.

“Where does council expect us to get the money from if they shut down our businesses? We are not all fortunate enough to have a stall at the new open market. This is why you find us here at home, sitting and doing nothing,” they told Namibian Sun.

The residents also complained about the issue of not having access to water all the time, as well as a lack of electricity in their homes, although they have street lights installed as well as toilets. They are making use of the nearby bushes to relieve themselves when nature calls.

Speaking to Namibian Sun, Helao Nafidi's mayor, Eliaser Nghipangelwa, he said that he is aware of the complaints of the people that have been relocated to the two extensions, however, he pointed out that council did everything in accordance with the law.

Nghipangelwa said the people who are complaining about the relocation are not wrong as he understands that it is not easy when one is not used to paying for services.

In the same vein, he added that council will also not shy away from its mandate of providing services to its people.

“We do not want our people to keep living in informal settlements. They have elected us into power and it comes with responsibilities. We as a council have the mandate to provide services to the people we serve, and we are simply doing that,” Nghipangelwa said.

Regarding the issue of basic services the people are complaining about, he said council has explained to them that they should construct their own houses, apply for the services of water and electricity from council which will thereafter be installed.

As for the construction of toilets, Ngipangelwa said council is not supposed to construct public toilets in a formal area therefore everyone should construct his or her own sceptic tank toilet.

Nghipangelwa said council made an effort to introduce the Shack Dwellers' Federation of Namibia to them in order for those who qualify to construct their houses with the federation.

Namibian Sun was also made to understand that not all the Katwiwti residents had been relocated. Nghipangelwa said there were issues that needed to be ironed out first before those placed on a waiting list will be given erven.

One of these is that there were people who owned structures at Katwitwi and were renting them out, however, disputes between the tenants and the landlords are still being sorted out and as such, these people cannot be relocated.

KENYA KAMBOWE
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