Okanona ka si omeya mEpalela

January 16, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Okanona ka si omeya mEpalela Ofamili yaMushinonge Ulinana, 13, ngoka a si omeya mokanala kaCalueque-Oshakati mEpalela moshitopolwa shaMusati, otayi pula NamWater a hulithepo manga okupombela omeya mokanala hoka opo ya vule okumona omudhimba gwokanona kawo.

Ulinana okwa si omeya mokanala hoka mEtitano lya piti mondjila ye okuza koskola. OkwaIi ta kambadhala aniwa okunwa mokanala hoka, nomuthimba gwe inagu monika natango.

Okanona hoka komomukunda Omakuya ohaka taaguluka okanala pamwe nuunona uukwawo mboka haya hiti pamwe nayo oskola, pOnhoko Primary School moka a li mondondo onti 3.

Hekulu, Antonious Petrus, okwa lombwele oNamibian Sun kutya NamWater ita longele kumwe nofamili molukongo lwomuthimba gwokanona.

“Otwa kala tatu kongo olutu lwokanona okutameka Etitano ihe ina tu pondola sha. Molyomakaya otwa pula ehangano lyaNamWater opo li hulithepo okupombela omeya mokanala hoka opo tu vule okumona omuthimba gwokanona ihe sigo omena inashi ningwa,” Petrus a popi.

Omupopiliko gwOpolisi yaMusati, Sergeant Anna Kunga okwa koleke koNamibian Sun kutya olutu lwokanona hoka inalu monika natango naanambelewa yopolisi yokuyoga oya kala kehala hoka okutameka Olyomakaya ihe inaya mona sha natango.

“Otatu kambadhala shoka tatu vulu okuninga po. Momusati katu na mo aanambelewa yokuyoga omeya, otwa pula okuza mOshakati. Oya kala kehala hoka okutameka Olyomakaya ihe inaya mona sha,” Kunga a popi.

Omupopiliko gwoNamWater, Johannes Shigwedha, ngoka e li monooli pethimbo ndika okwa popi kutya oyuuvite uukwawo wanankali nofamili yokanona, ihe itaya vulu okuhulitha po okupomba omeya molwaashoka otashi vulu okuya moshipala olukongo ndoka.

Shigwedha okwa popi kutya okuza pehala mpoka okanona ka gwile momeya, ope na oshilambo shuule wookilometa mbali, na otaya fekele kutya olutu lyokanona omo lu li moshilambo shoka.

“Ope na oshilambo shi na iinima oyindji mbyoka ya kungululwa mokanala. Ngele otwa hulitha po okupomba omeya, nena omeya moshilambo shoka otaga kala ga thikama nolutu italu vulu okumonika nuupu. Oshihwepo ngele twa tsikile nokupomba omeya,” Shigwedha a popi.

ILENI NANDJATO

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Namvet a tindi oolopota dhetopoko mongundu yawo

January 16, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Namvet a tindi oolopota dhetopoko mongundu yawoTaya pangele okuninga ehololomadhilaadhilo enene Omuleli gwoNamibia War Veterans Trust (Namvet), Jabulani Ndeunyema, okwa tindi nomuthindo oolopota dhetopoko mongundu ndjoka oshowo kutya ongundu yawo otayi ningi omatilitho gomiyonena. Ndeunyema okwa hiya owina iikundaneki mOmaandaha nokuyelitha kutya ongundu ndjoka tayi ithanwa Namvet Liberation Movement ongundu yokukondjitha nokukwashilipaleka egameno lyiilyo yoNamvet, ndjoka natango uule woomvula mbali monena taya pula opo ya pewe uukwatya woonakulwa aakulu.

Ndeunyema okwa popi kutya okwa pitithwa oolopota dhiifundja kutya ongundu yiilyo nale yo SWATF no Koevoet yi li 34 oyiikutha mo mongundu yawo na otayi ningi omatilitho getiko lyombinzi ngele omakemo gawo inaga talika.

Okwa popi kutya ye naIsrael Katjaimo, gumwe gwomiilyo yaamboka ya totopo oNamvet, oya totopo oNamvet Liberation Movement opo ya gamene iilyo yoNamvet komacockroache niilyani.

“Ngame naKatjaimo pamwe nayalwe otatu ungaunga naanapolotika yoSwapo. Mpoka tapu yi aanapolotika yoSwapo, opo tapu kala omacockroaches. Ongundu ndjika otayi yi moshipala opo omacockroaches ngoka kaga ye miigongi naNickey Iyambo oshowo Presidende Hage [Geingob],” Ndeunyema a popi.

Okwa popi kutya ongundu ndjoka oyi na iilyo ya thika po 500, aakwiita nale pamwe naanona yawo mboka ya pyakudhukwa okuyamukula ngele okwa longithwa sha mokuyonagula uuyuuki moshilongo.

“Namvet ehangano enene. Oto vulu okuyeleka Namvet noSwapo. Oopresenda 89 dhiilyo nale yoSWATF oshowo Koevoet pamwe naanona yawo oyeli iilyo yehangano ndika.”

Ndeunyema okwa ekelehi omapopyo kutya ongundu ndjoka oya ningi omatilitho gomiyonena, ta popi kutya komanda gwongundu ndjoka, Utjiravi Muheue, okwa li a popi kutya iilyo yongundu ndjoka “oya pyakudhukwa okudhipagwa kuSwapo, opo Swapo a uve ombinzi tayi nika molwaashoka okwa kala nokunwa ombinzi pethimbo lyekondjelomanguluko”, Ndeunyema ta popi.

Okwa tindi kutya ongundu ndjoka otayi ihumbata onga ongundu yopakwiita, na okwa popi kutya kaye na iilwitho ya sha.

“Iilwitho oya fa evi muAfrika. Kaye na iilwitho ya sha otaya kondjo owala nomakana gawo ihe ngele iinima oya lundulukaa nena otaya vulu okuya mbala nokumona sha opo yetu gamene,” Ndeunyema a popi.

Omukomeho ngoka okwa popi kutya Omukuluntu gwOpolisi yaNamibia Sebastian Ndeitunga okwa yamukula koonkundana dhoka dha lopotwa kombinga yomatilitho ngoka, omanga ina koleka ngele oolopota ndhoka odhi na tuu uukwashili.

Okwa tsikile kutya oonkundana ndhoka odha etitha omatukano komapandja gomakwatathano gopainterneta.

Okwa popi kutya mboka ya valwa konima sho oshilongo sha manguluka oya longitha omakwatathano ngoka mokutuka iilyo nale yoSWATF oshowo Koevoet oshowo omalelo gopamuthigululwakalo gAaHerero molwaashoka aniwa oyendji mboka ya unga oontanda poCommando Hall moKatutura aapopi yelaka lyOshiherero.

Okwa popi wo kombinga yomutono gwelaka nomalaka omawinayi ga longitha moshikumungu shoka koradio yoNBC yOshiWambo oshowo OshiHerero mooprograma dhawo dhokudhengelamo oongodhi.

Inamu gandja uusama kombinga yimwe. Ndeunyema okwa tsikile kutya SWATF, Koevoet oshowo oSwapo oye na mo olunyala ayehe moombila nomamonitho giihuna ngoka ga ningilwa aantu pethimbo lyekondjelomanguluko, ta gwedha po kutya Omusindalandu gwEdhiminathanopo ogwa li guna okukala gwa hanganitha oombinga ndhoka mbali.

Okwa popi kutya omanga aantu monooli yaNamibia ye na momadhilaadhilo gawo omathano gomaCasspirs naantu yalwe moshilongo oye na omathano gaashoka sha ningwa muLubango.

Ya hala iiyimati yoshilongo

Ndeunyema okwa tsikile kutya ngele epangelo itali vulu okuyambidhidha aakwiita mboka nale niimaliwa omolwa ompumbwe yiimaliwa ndjoka ya taalela oshilongo, nena nali gadje oompito dhokuninga oopoloyeka kiilyo mbyoka.

Okwa tsikile kutya oGross Domestic Product yoshilongo otayi vulu okukwatha kehe gumwe ngele oya pewa omayambidhidho. Okwa popi kutya oohi dhaNamibia otadhi vulu okupalutha kehe gumwe, ngele uulingilingi wa vudhwa mo moshilongo. Okwa pula epangelo opo li yambidhidhe aakwiita mboka nale opo ya vule okupula komeho noonkalamwenyo dhawo.

Namvet okuna oompangela dhokuninga omatseyitho meni lyiiwike iyali twa taalela omolwa omunyanyo omunene ngoka ta pangele tagu ka kuthwa ombinga kiilyo nale yo SWATF oshowo Koevoet, ya thika po 10 000, pamwe noofamili dhawo oshowo mboka kaye na evi niilonga, opo ya ka shangithe omanyenyeto gawo kepangelo.

“Omaihumbato gepangelo lyaSwapo, opolisi oshowo AaNamibia, otaga ka utha ombili yomunyanyo ngoka.”

CATHERINE SASMAN

Zimbabwe okwa pyakudhukwa okuya mongeshefa yopauyuni

January 16, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Zimbabwe okwa pyakudhukwa okuya mongeshefa yopauyuni Zimbabwe okwa pyakudhukwa okutotapo iimaliwa ye iipe oshowo okuyambulapo etumo lyiilandithomwa ye momalanditho gopondje yoshilongo muAfrika oshowo muuyuni nokutungulula oshilongo she.

Ndhoka oohapu dhomuleli omupe gwoshilongo shoka, Emmerson Mnangagwa, ngoka a yi koshipundi shuuleli, konima sho aakwiita yoshilongo shoka ya kutha ko elelo lyoshilongo koonkondo, okuza komuleli nale, Robert Mugabe muNovemba gwomvula ya piti.

Mnangagwa okwa talelepo mOmaandaha Omupresidende Hage Geingob, na okwe mu lombwele kombinga yoompangela dhe dhokulundulula Zimbabwe nokushiningwa shimwe shomiilongodhingi mEnenevi Afrika lyomUumbugantu.

Mnangagwa okwa lombwele iikundaneki kutya Zimbabwe okwa ninga oshilongo shoka tashi longo oondya dhasho yene, oshikando shotango konima yoomvula odhindji.

“Otwa longo oondya odhindji moZimbabwe, na otu na oondya odhindji dhoka dha hupuko. Ngashiingeyi otatu tala mokutuma momalanditho gopondje iilongomwa yetu yimwe mbyoka twa longo moshilongo, ngaashi epungu, omakaya niiyimati.

Otatu ka tuma iinima mbyoka momalanditho gopondje.”

Pahapu dhe, epangelo lyaNamibia olya gandja omusholondondo gwiinima mbyoka lya hala okuza kuZimbabwe,

Mnangagwa okwa ekelehi omapopyo inaga kolekwa kutya oshilongo she oshi na oompangela okuwayimina oSouthern African Customs Union (SACU), nenge shi kale tashi longitha iimaliwa yaSouth Africa.

“Nonando ongaaka oshi li mondjila, sho eliko lyoshiongo shetu lya gu pevi, otwa tula miilonga elongitho lyiimaliwa yiilongo yimwe po.

Ngashiingeyi otu wete kutya osha simana opo Zimbambwe a kale e na iimaliwa yemwene ihe okuninga ngaaka otwa pumbwa okukala tu na oongudhi dhopaliko dhili miilonga omanga ina tu tula miilonga iimaliwa yetu yene, ihe itayi ka kala iimaliwa yaSouth Afrika.

Otatu kala niimaliwa yetu tseyene.”

Okwa tsu omuthindo kutya elalakano enene lyepangelo lyaandjawo okuyambulapo eliko lyawo nokuhwepopaleka oonkalamwenyo dhaantu ye.

Okwa popi kutya otaya yakula okuza kiilongo yimwe eyambidhidhi lyelongelokumwe ewanawa. Omanga ina talela po Namibia, Mnangagwa okwa talelepo Omupresidende gwaSouth Afrika, oshowo Omupresidende gwaAngola, nokutopola oompangela dhe dhokuninga omalunduluko moshilongo shaandjawo.

“Ngaashi omithigululwakalo dhetu dhaAfrika tadhi utha, otatu tsikile nokusimaneka omuleli gwetu nale, Robert Mugabe. Otatu mu sile oshipwiyu, nokumupa egameno neyambidhidho. Oye he yoshigwana shetu nependafule miikwapolotika yaAfrika.”



JEMIMA BEUKES

Oshigwana tashi lili Nghidinwa

January 16, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Oshigwana tashi lili Nghidinwa Amushanga gwoSwapo, Sophia Shaningwa okwa popi kutya nakusa Rosalia Nghidinwa, omuleli omuwanawa ngoka a li ha pulakene nomutima gwe aguhe.

Nghidinwa okwa hulitha ongulohi yOsoondaha konima yuuwehame wethimbo efupi. Okwa hulitha mepupi lyoomvual 65.

Nghidinwa okwa li nale ominista yuuthike pamwe nonkalonawa yaanona. Okwa li woo omukomeho gwopapolotika muuministeli wiikwameni nomatembu omanga ina ya moshipundi shevululuko mo 2015. Shaningwa okwa popi kutya ezepo lyaNghidinwa olya thigi po omwaka onene mongundu yoSwapo.

“Tse mOngundu yoSwapo otatu gandja omahekeleko kaanona yaNghidinwa naakwanezimo ye. Onga ongundu otushi shi kutya oya dhengwa pomitima noonkondo,” Shaningwa a popi. Okwa hokolola kutya Nghidinwa omukondjelimanguluko gwoshili ngoka a yambidhidha oshindji kekondjelomanguluko.

“Opo a li pethimbo lyekondjelomanguluko lyoshilongo elulu, na okwa yambidhidha aakwaita yoPLAN. Okwa kutha ombinga miinyangadhalwa oyindji mbyoka ya nuninwa eyambulepo lyaakiintu oshowo oshigwana moshilongo.”

Shaningwa okwa hokolola kutya Nghidinwa oha longo nuudhiginini na okwa li omuntu a pyakudhukwa okulonga kehe shimwe.

Omwanamati gwanakusa, Setson okwa lombwele oNamibian Sun kutya, yina okwa dhigipo iikwapolotika na okwa wayimine oopoloyeka dheyambulepo lyaakiintu poondondo dhopetameko. Okwa li woo omunafaalama sigo opethimbo a taambelwa moshipangelo kuna owala oshiwike shimwe kokrismesa. Okwa thiga ko aanona ye yahamano, nomusamane gwe Sam Nghidinwa okwa hulako nale mo 2009.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Hepatitis E highlights need for better sanitation

January 16, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Hepatitis E highlights need for better sanitation The Hepatitis E outbreak, which has put the lives of thousands of Namibians at risk, is another sad reminder that the sanitation conditions and water situation in this country is not adequate. Hepatitis E is caused by the HE-virus and spreads mainly through contaminated water. According to New Era, the health authorities have reported 59 new cases of Hepatitis E since the outbreak was confirmed by minister Bernard Haufiku late last year. Three of the victims are in critical condition according to the health ministry. The Hepatitis E outbreak has mainly affected Windhoek's informal settlements of which sanitation levels are extremely poor, to say the least. It is also goes without saying that the outbreak is turning into a serious epidemic, which can lead to unnecessary loss of lives, if not entirely controlled. So far, a state of emergency to combat Hepatitis E has not been declared even though lives have been lost. The authorities appeared to have everything under control, with the health minister noting in December that the key focus was to ensure affected communities improve basic sanitation and hygiene. However, the situation is worsening with each day despite the ministry of health dispatching teams to conduct awareness campaigns on basic hygiene measures like hand-washing. The outbreak has also brought to the fore the need to improve sanitation conditions and the water situation in the informal settlements of our country. For far too long our people have had to deal with no access to clean water, while thousands lack access to sewage infrastructure. This is not only disturbing, but a huge shame for a country that has promised to ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all its citizens by 2030 as per the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal. For a country that is not densely populated, we have of the lowest sanitation coverage in the region, with the majority of our people still struggling to have improved sanitation access despite endless promises during elections and so on. The bottom line is that the living conditions of our people need major improvement if we are to successfully tackle deadly diseases as such as Hepatitis E.

Shot of the day

January 16, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Shot of the day UNCERTAIN FUTURE: A young girl looks on as other immigrants and activists protest near the White House to demand that the Department of Homeland Security extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for more than 195 000 Salvadorans on 8 January in Washington, DC. The US government announced Monday the end of a special protected status for about 200 000 Salvadoran immigrants, a move that threatens the deportation of tens of thousands of well-established families with children born in the United States. Photo: NAMPA/AFP

Peals of laughter

January 16, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Peals of laughter…as Mnangagwa shares tips on how to become president Meeting with Zimbabwean expats in Windhoek, the new Zimbabwean president, Emmerson Mnangagwa was light-hearted and open. Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa left hundreds of Zimbabweans living in Namibia in stitches on Monday when he offered practical tips on how to become president of a country.

“First, you need to be poisoned and you need to survive the poisoning. Next, you need to become a border jumper. Thirdly, you need people like Lieutenant-General Sibusisiwe Moyo somewhere,” the president said to roars of laughter from Zimbabweans, who gathered for a business forum with him in Windhoek.

The Zimbabwean head of state was taken violently ill while at a rally in 2017. He had to be airlifted to South Africa for treatment, which he now says was successful.

He survived another attempt on his life shortly after he was fired from government and fled, partly on foot, to Mozambique before catching a flight to South Africa from the port city of Beira. He returned to Zimbabwe to take control of the country as he had promised within weeks.

Moyo, now the foreign affairs minister under Mnangagwa, became the face of the bloodless transition that forced former long-ruling President Robert Mugabe to step down after 37 years in power.

He was a major-general in the Zimbabwe National Army when the army stepped in to deal with what it described as a criminal cabal that had surrounded Mugabe and was causing untold suffering to ordinary Zimbabweans. The lot fell on Moyo, who holds a PhD in International Relations, to appear on state broadcaster the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation and after saying “Good morning Zimbabweans”, to contextualise the military intervention.

On Monday, Moyo's now familiar booming voice rang over the public address system in Windhoek as he introduced the president.

“Good afternoon Zimbabweans,” he began but had to wait for nearly a minute while those in the audience, familiar with his authoritative voice and events leading to Mugabe's resignation, ululated and clapped.

On his part Mnangagwa, who was relaxed, friendly, and joked most of the time, said when he spoke to Mugabe on the telephone shortly after his tactical retreat into South Africa, the nonagenarian had asked him to report to State House to help “resolve things”.

The new Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces who was in Namibia to meet his counterpart Hage Geingob, said after 37 years of “sweet independence”, it was time to work and to rebuild Zimbabwe's economy.

He said he had set targets for his first 100 days in office and called for all hands on deck, saying he would not hesitate to crack the whip on uncooperative or incompetent cabinet ministers.

On food security, Mnangagwa said the Command Agriculture Scheme which he spearheaded while he was deputy president, had been a roaring success. He revealed that there were plans to build more dams in the country so that Zimbabwe could be food self-sufficient - come rain or shine.

He said work had begun on dualisation of Zimbabwe's major highways as well as on upgrading the country's railway network.

A former white commercial farmer who now lives in Namibia asked the president if it would ever be possible for him and others to return to Zimbabwe “and grow and export like we used to”.

Mnangagwa said white commercial farmers, like all other Zimbabweans, could apply for land from the government “and join the queue” or go into joint ventures.

Asked by veteran former newscaster Joseph Madimba how calls for people who stashed money outside Zimbabwe had been received, Mnangagwa said substantial amounts of money had already been returned. He revealed that he had a list of people who had spirited money out of the country and warned that appropriate measures would be taken after the grace period.

It was hilarious moment when Mnangagwa said: “I thank you!” at the end of his remarks and his captive audience roared back: “Asante sana!” which Mugabe once said to the disappointment of many who expected him to resign when he addressed the nation at the height of the transition. He only later stepped down when the heat became too hot in the kitchen.

Finance minister Patrick Chinamasa, who accompanied Mnangagwa to Namibia, called for Zimbabwe's own currency, saying relying on foreign currency “kutenga mazhanje ne mbeva” (to buy African chewing gums or snot apples and mice) was not sustainable.

George Charamba, the permanent secretary in the information ministry, also accompanied Mnangagwa to Namibia. SADC PF secretary-general Dr Esau Chiviya and Zimbabwe's ambassador to Namibia, Rofina Chikava moderated discussions during the forum.



Moses Magadza

NaTis fraud trial to continue April

January 16, 2018, 2:00 pm

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NaTis fraud trial to continue April The issuing of a roadworthy certificate for the payment of N$400 for a Toyota Corolla in Windhoek, has a vehicle examiner at the Namibian Traffic Information Systems (NaTis) of the Roads Authority in trouble.

The 55-year-old Isaak Kamatu Vekuua, who works at NaTis, and the 44-year-old Brave Mbande Katjiteo, are on trial for contravening the provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act.

The state alleges that Vekuua, the vehicle examiner at NaTis between 24 and 26 April 2012 in Windhoek, working in concert with Katjiteo, corruptly used his position in the company to obtain N$400 as gratification for issuing a roadworthy certificate to untested Toyota Corolla with registration number N43711W. The accused denied guilt and are putting the onus on the State to prove its case against them. The case against the two men, who are respectively out on N$1 000 and N$2 000 bail, were warned by Windhoek Magistrate Vanessa Stanley to appear on their next appearance date of 5 April.



FRED GOEIEMAN

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Land grab at Goreangab

January 16, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Land grab at Goreangab The Namibian police had to intervene on Monday to stop about 250 people from grabbing land in the Goreangab informal settlement in Windhoek.

People started demarcating plots of land on Sunday night and on Monday, they were busy clearing the land and erecting poles near Penduka.

One of the land grabbers, Tlorencia Tjeriunga told the media they have been waiting for the municipality to avail land in that area to them since 2016, when people also attempted to settle in the area illegally. They were however told by the municipality they had to service the land first, but this, she said, has still not been done. Tjeriunga said even after the land is serviced, it is “given to people with money”.

“It is better for us to service land with our own hands and put our shacks there and they (municipality) can provide us with water,” she said.

Speaking to the media, the councillor for the Samora Machel constituency, Fanuel Shivute, said last year, the City of Windhoek allocated N$53 million for the servicing of the land, which he said is underway.

He also informed that a meeting was held with the public at 17:00 on Monday evening with City representatives in this regard.

NAMPA

Company news in brief

January 16, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Company news in brief Samsung to double Africa's share of its revenues

South Korea's Samsung Electronics plans to double the annual revenue contribution from its African markets to 20 percent of the firm's global total in the next five years, the head of its business on the continent said.

Sung Yoon said the electronics giant, which accounts for over half of the mobile handsets and televisions sold in African nations like Kenya, would set up shops and other retail channels in more African countries and cut product delivery times.

Telecom executives say more African consumers are turning to smartphones for more basic models, helped by faster Internet speeds, to use social media and banking applications.

Samsung faces competition in Africa from cheaper devices, undercutting even Samsung's more basic smartphones. Its rivals include China's Huawei Technologies and Tecno, owned by Hong Kong's Transsion Holdings. – Nampa/Reuters

Lego teams up with China’s Tencent

Danish toymaker Lego is teaming up with Chinese internet giant Tencent Holdings Ltd to jointly develop online games and potentially a social network aimed at Chinese children.

Privately-owned Lego has seen a slowdown in sales growth in recent years, but the Chinese market has been a bright spot with sales growing 25%-30% in 2016.

It is competing with Barbie maker Mattel Inc and Hasbro, the firm behind My Little Pony, for a slice of the US$31 billion toys and games market in China.

Tencent is Asia's most valuable company with a market capitalisation of US$537 billion. – Nampa/Reuters

Shell OKs first UK North Sea project in six years

Royal Dutch Shell gave the green light on Monday for an expansion of the Penguins oil and gas field in the UK North Sea, its first major new project in the ageing basin in six years.

Shell said the development, which includes the construction of a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, reaffirmed the Anglo-Dutch company's commitment to the region after it sold around half of its assets there last year.

The project will generate profits even with oil prices below US$40 a barrel, Shell said, making it competitive against other offshore basins and most of North America's shale production.

Shell gave no details on the cost of the project, which analysts at Bernstein last September estimated would be up to US$2.5 billion. – Nampa/Reuters

Renault reports rise in 2017 sales

French carmaker Renault reported a rise in its global sales for 2017 and expected more growth this year, thanks to expectations of higher sales in overseas markets and due to its renewed range of models.

Renault said the overall group sold 3.76 million vehicles in 2017, up 8.5% from the previous year, with record sales levels for its Renault and Dacia brands.

The company added it expected the global car market to grow by 2.5% in 2018 compared to 2017.

While the European car market was also expected to expand by 1%, the Russia market was seen growing by 10%, while Brazil, China and India were expected to have growth of between 5%-6%. – Nampa/Reuters

High Namcol demand in the north

January 16, 2018, 2:00 pm

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High Namcol demand in the north About 50% of the total Namibia College for Open Learning (Namcol) learners are from the northern regions of Oshana, Omusati, Ohangwena and Oshikoto.

This was announced by Namcol's director Heroldt Murangi during the institution's scholarship award ceremony at Ongwediva on Monday.

Murangi said that annually, the institution registers a total of 41 225 learners for the Grade 10 Junior Secondary Certificate (JSC) and Grade 12 Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinal level (NSSCO), and 50% of these learners are from the northern regions. He said that the figure confirms that the demand for Namcol's programme offering is highly competitive in northern Namibia.

“Namcol's combined enrolment for Grade 10 JSC and Grade 12 NSSCO stood at 12 044 and 29 181 respectively and the northern regions effectively contribute about 50% of these numbers. From the 18 000 spaces available for this academic year, the northern regions are projected an intake of 8 862 or 49%,” Murangi said.

Murangi added that there are 59 enrolment points established within the northern regions and he urged all prospective learners to visit these points as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

“I encourage and remind learners to ensure to approach these points and to be ready with all the required documentation which includes the subject fees and certified copies of your documents,” he said.

He further cautioned all prospective learners to be diligent when approaching enrolment points saying criminal elements normally target them as they will be carrying enrolment fees.

On Monday, a group of learners flocked to Namcol's regional centre in Ongwediva to enrol. Murangi said that enrolment started on Monday 15 January and runs up to 7 February. Learners are expected to register their interests within that period of time.

ILENI NANDJATO

Conservancies see more wildlife conflict

January 16, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Conservancies see more wildlife conflict More than 6 300 human-wildlife conflict incidents were recorded in Namibia's conservancies during 2016.

These, however, were only recorded at 69 of the 82 conservancies in the country and indicate that the figure might be an under-estimation of the situation on the ground as eight conservancies did not hold audits in 2016.

The figure indicates that human-wildlife conflict has more than doubled since 2003 when a total of 3 019 incidents were recorded in only 29 conservancies in the country.

The information is contained in the 2016 State of Community Conservation in Namibia.

According to the report, in 2016 there were an average number of 92 attacks per conservancy and an average of 0.2 attacks per conservancy on people.

That year the average attack per conservancy was 75.5 and the incidences of crops damaged averaged 13.4.

Comparing these incidents of human-wildlife conflict to 2014, when all 82 conservancies held audits, there were 7 774 incidents reported, while the highest number incidents were reported were 9 228 in 2013.

The report indicates that in the Zambezi Region animals that caused the most conflict in 2016 were elephant with 380 incidents recorded, while 180 conflict incidents with crocodiles were recorded and 70 conflict incidents with hyaena.

In the Kunene Region, a total of 630 conflict incidents were recorded with hyaena, 500 incidents with cheetah and 490 with elephants.

According to the report, the number of conflict incidents with elephant in the Zambezi Region has decreased dramatically from 714 in 2015, to 354 in 2016. Elephants range freely between Botswana and Namibia, making the numbers of human-wildlife conflict incidents unpredictable.

Meanwhile, in the Erongo-Kunene regions the number of lions destroyed as a percentage of the number of conflict incidents increased from 1.5% to over 4% between 2015 and 2016 and for leopards, from 0.25% to over 2%.

This demonstrates that lions are not so much killed for the damage they cause, but because of the danger or perceived threat these species pose to farmers themselves, according to the report.

The general increase in the total number of human-wildlife conflict incidents in conservancies is mostly due to the increase in the area covered by conservancies.

“Recorded incidents of human-wildlife conflict have increased due to the increase in wildlife populations and shifting movement patterns of humans and wildlife in response to drought. However, the average number of incidents per conservancy remains generally stable.”



ELLANIE SMIT

Community conservation leads

January 16, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Community conservation leadsMore than half of our land in community control Conservation models that are community-based have become the poster child for preserving wildlife and ecosystems. Namibia's community conservation is continuing to expand, increasing the number of people who benefit from natural resources, as well as the areas under conservation.

More than 200 000 people are now living in community conservation areas while the contribution by the sector to the country's net income stood at close to N$6 billion at the end of 2016.

At the end of 2016 there were 82 registered communal conservancies and 32 community forests in Namibia as well as one community association in a national park, covering 165 182 square kilometres. This represents 52.9% of all communal land in Namibia and 19.66% of Namibia's total land area.

According to the just-released 2016 State of Community Conservation in Namibia report, there were no registered community conservation areas and freehold conservancies at independence and a mere 12% of land was under recognised conservation management.

However, since the beginning of 1990 to the end of 2016, community conservation had contributed about N$5.98 billion to Namibia's net national income.

By the end of 2016, there were an estimated 195 258 people living in conservancies with another 5 752 members of the Kyaramacan Association living in Bwabwata National Park.

The total cash income and in-kind benefits generated in conservancies, which includes the Kyaramacan Association, grew from less than N$1 million in 1998 to more than N$111 million in 2016.

Of this amount tourism generated N$64.6 million, consumptive wildlife use (which includes hunting and live game sales) generated N$42.9 million, indigenous natural products generated N$1.6 million and miscellaneous income N$1.9 million.

From consumptive wildlife use, meat to the value of N$10.4 million was distributed to conservancy residents, while residents earned a total cash income of N$52.4 million of which N$32.1 million was from joint venture tourism, N$14.7 million from conservancies, N$3.5 million from conservation hunting and N$1.9 million from SMEs.

Furthermore, conservancy residents earned cash income of N$1.4 million from indigenous plants and N$1.4 million from crafts.

The report adds that returns have been rising since 1998, when the first conservancies were formed.

However, in the last few years, and particularly in 2016, Namibia experienced a surge in tourism.

“While tourism has provided the greatest cash income to households, consumptive wildlife use, especially conservation hunting, has returned more cash directly to conservancies and provided more in-kind benefits, due to the value of game meat (calculated at N$20 per kilogramme),” it says.

In summary, returns including salaries and benefits totalled N$87.5 million while capital and operating costs totalled N$12.2 million.

The report, however, points out that although the N$111 million generated in 2016 is an impressive figure, much of the related cash income is required to cover conservancy costs such as game guard salaries, vehicle operation and maintenance, and office expenses.

“Once these have been deducted, there is often little left to provide meaningful benefits to members. Indeed, 21 out of the 83 conservancies including the Kyaramacan Association generate no cash income at all.”

According to the report, the Namibian economy is diversifying, and tourism now accounts for an estimated 14.9% of Namibia's GDP when associated value chains are taken into account.

“This is reflected in Namibia's communal sector by 53 joint-venture tourism agreements between conservancies and private sector operators.” These employed 954 full-time, and 72 part-time, staff.

By the end of 2016 there were 853 people employed at conservancies while 950 conservancy representatives received allowances.

Furthermore 38 conservancies were directly involved in tourism activities and 55 conservancies had conservation hunting concessions with 136 full-time and 179 part-time employees.

A total of 1 284 indigenous plant harvesters worked in conservancies during 2016 while 570 people produced crafts.

“Considerable management responsibilities are carried out over huge and often inaccessible areas, despite the fact that most conservancies are under-staffed and underfinanced, and many do not have a vehicle,” the report says.

Only five conservancies are less than 100 square kilometres in size. Nine of the 82 registered conservancies are between 5 000 and 9 000 square kilometres in size, which is between 65 and 120 times the size of an average commercial farm in Namibia.

The report adds that conservancies manage both tourism and hunting enterprises, and also harvest game to sell and to distribute as a community benefit. They actively monitor wildlife using event books and by taking part in annual game count.

“While democratic oversight and grass roots participation is vital, good management is also necessary. There has been a concerted effort to strengthen regional conservancy associations as well as management, so that responsibility for conservation is increasingly placed in the hands of the people who live in conservancies, and support organisations can focus more on technical issues.”



ELLANIE SMIT

Exiled Zimbabweans welcomed back

January 16, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Exiled Zimbabweans welcomed backMnangagwa meets local business sector Zimbabwe’s new president has given his ministers 100 days in which to carry out ambitious reforms meant to improve the state of the economy. We have declared Zimbabwe open for business. - Emmerson Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe president Ogone Tlhage - Zimbabwean president Emmerson Mnangagwa is keen to see citizens return home and rebuild the country, and has committed to creating a conducive environment for expatriates who return.

He made the comments on Monday when the local Zimbabwean business community hosted him during his short stay in Windhoek.

“We have declared Zimbabwe open for business,” said Mnangagwa when he addressed a packed hall at the Safari Court on Monday.

“I am happy to see so many Zimbabweans here. You would think you are in Harare,” he told the audience.

He encouraged them to return to Zimbabwe, saying: “Home is home. Some of you are here because of conditions. Once we create greener pastures back home, most of you will return home.

“Many of you are professionals and can come back and pick at the menu [of opportunities]; you will get support from my administration.”

He gave the assurance that conditions back home would improve and said he had given his ministers 100 days in which to carry out ambitious reforms meant to improve the state of the economy.

“Zimbabwe is not the same and will never be the same. My administration focuses on unity, love and work. All Zimbabweans will get united under one flag. I would like to see you back home. If you must go out, it must be by choice,” Mnangagwa concluded.

Mnangagwa also had a meeting with President Hage Geingob, where he expressed his desire to increase Zimbabwean exports to Namibia.

Bank Windhoek appoints head of procurement

January 16, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Bank Windhoek appoints head of procurement Jacques Joubert is the new head of procurement at Bank Windhoek. He has over 20 years’ experience in the procurement environment in both the public and financial sectors, including supply chain processes such as receipting, warehousing, stock control, purchasing and supplier management. Joubert obtained several advanced certificate programmes in purchasing and supply management from Unisa, and completed various courses in management and leadership. His main responsibilities will be to head the group procurement strategy, ensuring implementation and compliance with policies, procedures and relevant legislative requirements.

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Africa must celebrate itself – Gawanas

January 16, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Africa must celebrate itself – Gawanas The newly appointed special adviser on Africa to the United Nations, Bience Gawanas, wants the continent's success stories to be told.

UN secretary-general António Guterres this week appointed Gawanas to the high-profile position to succeed Maged Abdelaziz of Egypt.

Gawanas, who previously served as commissioner of social affairs at the African Union Commission, currently serves as the special adviser to poverty eradication minister Zephania Kameeta.

She singled out the resilience of African women toiling in fields to feed themselves, as well as the kaleidoscope of cultures that attracts tourists, as areas that must be celebrated.

The proponent for social justice emphasised that while African countries develop at different paces the world must acknowledge that the continent's nations have achieved certain measures of development.

“You know when I was at AU I always wondered why should our continent only be known for wars and disease. Let us look at the other side of the coin rather just seeing poverty, despair and conflicts. I am not wishing this away; I am sure it is the reality of the continent,” she said.

She said there should be a clear distinction between peace and development and that is not just the absence of war but indeed the absence of poverty and deprivation.

Gawanas yesterday told Namibian Sun that she brought a wealth of experience with African governments and heads of state to the United Nations portfolio.

“I always believe that the reason why organisations such as the AU and UN exist is to first and foremost serve the people. Poverty is a big challenge on the continent. I feel that maternal mortality is still unacceptably high in our area,” she said. Gawanas said she looked forward to share Namibia's social protection systems with other African countries that do not have these systems in place.

Gawanas's appointment has been well received across the region and the rest of the world.

The minister of international relations and cooperation, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, yesterday described Gawanas as exceptionally qualified for the position.

“Having distinguished herself as AU commissioner for social affairs, a position to which she was twice overwhelmingly elected and served for eight years, we have full confidence in her intellectual abilities and professionalism. Her vast experience on AU will serve her in good stead in her new position, thus facilitating the consolidation of effective cooperation between the AU and the UN,” said Nandi-Ndaitwah.

The chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, congratulated Gawanas on her appointment and said Africa would be well served.

“I wish to warmly congratulate our sister Bience Gawanas for being appointed to this important position to which she brings her formidable continental experience as a former commissioner of social affairs and as a legal scholar and an advocate for social justice and equity in her native Namibia,” he said.



JEMIMA BEUKES

Man overturns stolen car, dies

January 16, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Man overturns stolen car, dies A 25-year-old man from Oshituu village in the Omusati Region died after a car he had stolen overturned during a police pursuit.

According to the Omusati police spokesperson, Sergeant Anna Kunga, the incident occurred on Monday around 02:00 at Onandjaba settlement.

Kunga said Hauwanga Shikalepo allegedly stole the keys to Shisande Sheefeni's Toyota sedan while he was asleep.

Sheefeni noticed that his car was missing at around 02:00.

It is suspected that Shikalepo snatched the car keys through Sheefeni's open bedroom window earlier that night.

It is further alleged that Shikalepo pushed the vehicle out of the yard before starting it.

Sheefeni called the Onandjaba police and minutes later they spotted the vehicle on the Okalongo-Omafo road.

“They chased the vehicle on the Okalongo-Omafo main road and here the driver lost control of the vehicle which overturned,” Kunga said.

Kunga said Shikalepo sustained multiple injuries and was first transported to the Engela hospital before he was transported to the Oshakati State Hospital where he died.

KENYA KAMBOWE

Travel warning issued for Brandberg

January 16, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Travel warning issued for BrandbergLions kill sheep kept in wildlife area Tourism operators in the Brandberg area are taking precautions after two lions caused havoc in a sheep kraal, while the environment ministry said there should be no farming in the wilderness area. A travel alert was issued yesterday to travellers in the Brandberg area after lions killed more than 170 sheep there.

Two lions on Monday night killed more than 170 livestock in the communal farming area in the vicinity of the Brandberg.

The National Heritage Council of Namibia yesterday issued the warning, stating that no tours will be conducted at the Brandberg Heritage Site (White Lady Hike) until further notice.

“The service at the site is therefore put on hold until the institution finds a solution to the above-mentioned problem.”

It is suspected that two well-known desert-adapted lions from the Ugab River killed 172 sheep at Brandberg in the vicinity of White Lady Lodge on Monday night.

The 172 sheep that were killed were part of between 600 and 700 sheep owned by the owners of the White Lady Lodge in an area where they operate a tourism business.

The environment ministry yesterday confirmed the incident and said officials were immediately deployed to the scene to verify and investigate the incident.

According to the ministry preliminary investigations indicated that two lions were seen in the area close to the lodge and are suspected to have killed the sheep.

The ministry said lions from the Ugab River system had established themselves in the Brandberg area over the years and that the area is a good wildlife habitat with increasing tourism.

“While we are concerned by so many sheep being killed by wild animals in one night, we are shocked about lodge operators keeping livestock in a tourism business area and very close to their lodge.

“This is a wildlife habitat area where the lions should be roaming. We have also confirmed that the lodge owners were assisted by some people in the area to construct lion-proof kraals for the protection of the livestock but these kraals have been built to low standard and poor quality which could not prevent this incident.”

All predator-proof kraals should be built to specific standards and specifications, which can be obtained from the ministry, it said.

Officials of the ministry remain in the area for further monitoring of this pride and possible further action if necessary.

The ministry said despite efforts to manage human-wildlife conflict, it appears that human-lion conflict incidents are on the rise.

High rainfall variability associated with the recently experienced drought influence the distribution of predators and prey species, as well as the movements of people and their livestock. In order for the ministry to manage human-lion conflict, measures are being implemented in accordance with the North West Human Lion Conflict Management Plan and the National Policy on Human Wildlife Conflict Management.

These include improved livestock husbandry, early warning systems and establishing rapid-response units.



ELLANIE SMIT

Namvet denies reports of breakaway

January 16, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Namvet denies reports of breakawayWe're 50/50 responsible, says leader The former soldiers say they were forced to form a pressure group to fight injustice. The leader of the Namibia War Veterans Trust (Namvet), Jabulani Ndeunyema, has vehemently denied reports of a breakaway group and also denied that this group has threatened violence.

Ndeunyema said at a media briefing this week that the group called the Namvet Liberation Movement is a “pressure group” to ensure the safety of members of Namvet continuing their sit-in to demand war veteran status.

Ndeunyema said it was falsely reported in the media last week that a group of 34 former SWATF and Koevoet members had broken away and threatened to “spill blood” if their demands were not met.

He said he and Israel Katjaimo, another founding member of Namvet, formed the Namvet Liberation Movement to act as “bodyguards” to “protect” Namvet members from “cockroaches and predators”.

“I, Katjaimo and others deal with Swapo politicians. Where a Swapo politician goes, is where these other cockroaches [go]. They [the group] will stop the cockroaches from entering meetings with Nickey Iyambo and President Hage [Geingob],” said Ndeunyema.

He said the group consisted of 500 “energetic former soldiers and their children” to effectively act as bouncers who should “try by all means to use everything in their possession to destroy injustice in this country”.

“Namvet is an extremely large organisation. You can compare Namvet with Swapo. Eighty-nine percent of former SWATF and Koevoet and their children are members of this organisation,” he said.

Ndeunyema reiterated that this group never threatened violence. According to him, the commander of the group, Utjiravi Muheue, merely said that members of the group were “ready to be killed by Swapo so that Swapo can smell blood because it has been […] drinking people's blood during the liberation struggle”.

He denied that it was a paramilitary group and stressed that it did not have access to weapons.

“Weapons are like sand in Africa. They do not have weapons; they are fighting with their mouths now but if things go the other way they can quickly go and get something to protect us,” Ndeunyema said.

He added: “Do not miscalculate this group. This group has massive support from massive operation in the country.”

Ndeunyema said police chief Sebastian Ndeitunga did not verify any of the alleged threats made by the group before he commented that they were tantamount to treason.

The allegedly false media reports of the breakaway group have caused a storm on social media platforms.

Ndeunyema said born-frees have misused such platforms to “insult” the former SWATF and Koevoet and the traditions of the OvaHerero, presumably because the majority of those participating in the sit-in at Commando Hall in Katutura are Ovaherero.

He said of particular concern was the “tone and language” used on NBC Oshiwambo and Otjiherero radio phone-in programmes regarding the former SWATF and Koevoet soldiers, which he said could ignite “civil unrest” between the two language groups.



Don't blame one side

Ndeunyema went on to say that SWATF and Koevoet on the one hand, and Swapo on the other, were both responsible for atrocities and human rights abuses and that the policy of national reconciliation should have made it possible for both sides to unite as one nation.

He said while thousands in northern Namibia were haunted by images of Casspirs hunting them down, so were many others in the rest of the country haunted by images of what had happened to them in the Lubango dungeons.



Want economic inclusion

Ndeunyema said if the government cannot assist the former soldiers with money because of the current cash crunch it should provide them with the material means to start food production projects.

“Namibia's GDP [Gross Domestic Product] can accommodate every Namibian if we are [to be] taken well care of. Namibian fish alone can sustain the whole nation if corruption is rooted out,” Ndeunyema said.

He added: “It is essential that the government of Namibia include former SWATF and Koevoet in the mainstream of the economy so that they can go on with their lives.”

Namvet intends to make an announcement within two weeks of a planned “very large march” of more than 10 000 former SWATF and Koevoet members, their families and landless and unemployed people to register their disgruntlement with the government.

“The behaviour of the Swapo government, the police and of Namibians will determine the peacefulness of that march,” Ndeunyema said.

CATHERINE SASMAN

Nghidinwa to get state funeral

January 16, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Nghidinwa to get state funeral President Hage Geingob yesterday morning issued a directive that former cabinet minister Rosalia Nghidinwa be granted a state funeral.

This was confirmed by secretary to cabinet George Simataa.

The former gender minister died in a Windhoek hospital where she was admitted on 19 December.

She was 65.

A memorial service is expected to be held in Windhoek at the Parliament Gardens next week Wednesday.

Her remains will then be transported to Nkurenkuru in Kavango West where she will be laid to rest on Saturday.

Speaker of the National Assembly Peter Katjavivi also extended his condolences to the family and friends of the late Nghidinwa on behalf of parliament.

Nghidinwa served as deputy labour minister from 2000 to 2005, home affairs minister from 2005 to 2012, having been re-elected to the National Assembly in 2010.

She was subsequently appointed as the gender minister since December 2012 until 2015.

“As a parliamentarian, she had a strong commitment towards community development programmes in rural areas and improving the welfare of vulnerable groups including elderly citizens, women and children. The parliament and the nation at large will indeed miss a seasoned leader and mother with a passion to care for the needy. She was a pillar in the molding of the future of our nation,” said Katjavivi.



JEMIMA BEUKES