No S&T delays verdict

January 24, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Nama and OvaHerero in court today

Magistrate Helvi Shilemba was due to deliver judgment on Tuesday in the Windhoek Magistrate's Court in the corruption trial of Tobie Aupindi, former Namibia Wildlife Resorts chief, and businessman Antonio di Savino.

This was postponed to 21 and 22 February because court officials did not put in a requisition for Shilemba to travel to Windhoek from Eenhana to deliver her judgement.

The matter has been dragging on since February 2012 when the two first made their appearance before Magistrate Shilemba.

Aupindi and Di Savino were charged by the Anti-Corruption Commission. It is alleged that Di Savino paid for the construction of a swimming pool at Aupindi's residence in a bid to secure an NWR tender. The two were also charged with providing false information to an ACC officer, alternatively obstruction of justice. At one point during the trial, the two asked Magistrate Shilemba to recuse herself. She refused and her decision was upheld on appeal in the High Court. Ntelamo Mabuku appeared for the State while Louis du Pisani appeared for Di Savino and Richard Metcalfe for Aupindi.

STAFF REPORTER

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Nama and OvaHerero in court today

January 24, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Nama and OvaHerero in court todayAll eyes on New York federal court About 50 representatives of the indigenous people of Namibia, Botswana and South Africa are attending the session of the New York federal court where the genocide case against Germany is being heard today.

The Namibian government is watching the New York federal court case with a keen eye, where Germany is being sued for the 1904-08 Nama and OvaHerero genocide.

Following the dismissal of its motion to reject the case, Germany is expected to make its first appearance in court today facing the descendants of the Nama and OvaHerero people.

The two communities are represented by leading lawyer Kenneth McCallion, who also worked on the settlement of many of the Holocaust claims against Germany and the Swiss banks.

The Namibian government's genocide reparations special envoy, Zed Ngavirue, yesterday said he could not comment on the court case but was waiting to see what would transpire today.

“It is too early to comment. We will have to wait and see what the judgement is, if there is a judgment. That will obviously create another matter that the Namibian and German governments have to consider,” said Ngavirue.

Ida Hofmann, the chairperson of the Nama genocide technical committee, yesterday said they were more than ready for the court case.

Hofmann is not part of the delegation that went to New York because she must attend to her ill daughter.

“I have to attend to this, because I know this is not the last court hearing. We are looking forward to the proceedings today. I am so sure no one, not the Namibian nor the German government, expected for it to get to this stage,” she said.

She added that the affected communities had faith in their lawyer and were convinced of a victory.

“We really do not care how long and how far this goes, we will go to the end and make Germany pay,” she said. McCallion this week told Namibian Sun that he would approach the case the same way he did when the represented the Jewish Holocaust claimants.

“There are similarities to the Holocaust case against Germany, since both cases involve genocide and unlawful taking of property in violation of international law.

“Germany settled its claims with the Holocaust victims, so there should be no impediment to Germany also settling the claims with African victims.

“Certainly racial and ethnic differences between the victims of genocide, Holocaust victims being European and white, and the OvaHerero and Nama victims being African and black, should not make a difference to Germany's willingness to come to terms with its past genocidal policies and practices,” he said.

According to him, if the Nama and OvaHerero win, they will receive a monetary judgment in an amount to be determined by a jury, plus an order from the judge directing that they be included in the ongoing negotiations with Germany and the Namibian government, assuming the Namibian government is going ahead with its case against Germany.

A delegation of approximately 50 representatives of the indigenous people from Namibia, Botswana, South Africa and the United Kingdom, including the paramount chief of the OvaHerero people, Vekuii Rukoro, will attend today's proceedings.

On Friday 26 January an OvaHerero and Nama genocide lecture and panel discussion will be hosted by the Association of the OvaHerero Genocide in the USA.

JEMIMA BEUKES

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Mouton denies guilt in drunk-driving case

January 24, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Mouton denies guilt in drunk-driving case NAMPA

A young man accused of killing a City Police officer and two civilians while allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol in July 2015, on Wednesday denied causing the accident.

Morné Mouton was arrested on 4 July 2015 after he allegedly ran over off-duty City Police officer Manfred Gaoseb, 35; Werner Simon, 22; and Joshua Ngenokesho, age unknown.

The accident occurred along Sam Nujoma Drive in Windhoek’s Hochland Park residential area at around 04:00.

The 21-year-old accused denied any wrongdoing or causing the accident when he entered a not guilty plea to the three charges of culpable homicide and driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol at the start of his trial in the Windhoek Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.

Mouton furthermore, through his privately-instructed defence lawyer Sisa Namandje, submitted a statement in which he explained in detail all elements in respect of his not guilty pleas and defence.

He entered his not guilty pleas before Windhoek Magistrate Vanessa Stanley.

Mouton is free on N$6 000 bail, which was extended until Thursday for the continuation of the trial.

He was driving a sedan at a high speed while allegedly heavily intoxicated, and hit the three men who were standing on the pavement.

Senior public prosecutor Rowan van Wyk is representing the State in the trial.

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Five things SMEs need to consider in 2018

January 24, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Five things SMEs need to consider in 2018Expert shares tips Even though 2018 is unlikely to come with an SME development boom, a solid homegrown business can still grow substantially, FNB Namibia maintains. SMEs will have to do the hard yards to engineer any form of business growth. – Sam Ikela, Head of SMEs: FNB Namibia

In 2018, small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be looking for a glimpse of inspiration to chart a new growth path and scale their businesses. This is off the back of a tough 2017 and previous years which have inhibited the growth of local SMEs.

Sam Ikela, head of SMEs at FNB Namibia, says “small business' success has become a monumental task when there's arguably very little to no real economic growth overall”.

“However, every challenge presents an opportunity and in Namibia, not only are we fortunate to consistently have SME development as a key objective on the national government agenda, but many corporate institutions are also willing to contribute to the growth of small businesses through means of its procurement policies,” Ikela says.

Here are some important issues business owners should consider with regard to growing their SMEs, Ikela says.

Economic digitalisation

Across the globe, consumers and businesses are rapidly migrating services to digital channels for its sheer efficiency, convenience and scalability.

Thus, small businesses are encouraged to adapt to a digital style in its operations or risk being outperformed by competitors who have identified technology as sheer growth in the twenty-first century. This may include a few basic elements such as digitising accounting processes with software, using social media as a platform to campaign to and reach customers. Additionally, when unsure where to start, start by observing your customers and listening carefully to how they expect experience with a business like yours, Ikela says.

“You can't go wrong by putting yourself in your customers' position and then reflect on your business through their eyes.”

Don't rely on the economy

The Namibian economic forecast for 2018 indicates an estimated growth of 2.5%, Ikela says.

“This is a fairly firm indicator that SMEs will have to do the hard yards to engineer any form of business growth.

The focus should thus mainly be on differentiating your business, products or services compared to competitors through marketing or even innovation if possible.”

Maximise your banking relationship

Banks are investing a lot of time to understand the needs of businesses and have some of the tools to help SME's run efficiently, Ikela says.

“The relationship should not only be limited to just banking. With the multitude of rewards and value-add services offering by most banks, with just a bit of time spent understanding the offerings, great value can be derived for you and your business. “Examples of these offered by FNB include the newly launched Rewards programme, electronic banking options, if used properly – come with minimal service fees and the special SME Fund which aims at assisting SMEs on a variety of levels, not only financially,” he says.

'Think local, act global'

Your business may be based in Namibia, but its potential to scale shouldn't be hampered by your location, Ikela says.

“In other words, be open to the opportunity of growing your business beyond the Namibian borders, especially if your service or product has universal appeal and relevance.

With global market places such as Alibaba and AirBnB, the world market has never been more accessible and easier to do business with.”

Avoid the race to the bottom

Market forces continue to show that consumers aren't only focused on the cheapest product or service despite the tough economic conditions, according to Ikela.

“These days offering great service will build trust and loyalty with customers and keep them coming back. If you combine this with good quality, accessible products and services you will generally have an edge over your competitors offering the same or similar products and services.”

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Tourism dodges recession

January 24, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Tourism dodges recessionSector not hampered by financial storm Namibia's tourism industry outperformed all other economic sectors last year.

Tourism seems to have escaped the brunt of the recession felt across the country last year, performing exceptionally well. Namibia was able to maintain its good results it attained in 2016, with the overall room occupancy reaching 58.5% last year. This is only 1% lower than 2016. The central and southern regions performed slightly better, both having above 60% room occupancy rates while the north and the coastal areas had 53.3% and 57.8% room occupancy rates. According to the CEO of the Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN), Gitta Paetzold, the first two quarters of last year were on average higher than during 2016.

This indicated a shift towards balancing out the load to the traditional low season. Paetzold said this trend must be pursued to alleviate the pressure on the high season in the second half of the year.

The domestic market, which constituted just under a third off all occupancies in 2016, seemed to have experienced a dip of about 4% in 2017. A total of 203 270 (28.8%) Namibian visitors were recorded.

Namibia experienced a 4% increase in German-speaking tourists, with over 27% (190 884) of visitors coming from Europe. France, Italy, the UK, Spain, Portugal and the US all showed a slight increase.

According to Paetzold this is proof that the European market still holds great potential for Namibia and remains the key source market for the industry.

Visitors from South Africa decreased by about 1.5% from 2016 to 11.5% in 2017. A total of 80 901 visitors were recorded.

“The performance of both the domestic and South African market seems reflective of the tight economic grip both countries and their people find themselves in,” said Paetzold.

According to her, as a way forward HAN initiated a tourism stakeholder meeting this week where about 30 selected people from the tour operation, car rental and accommodation sectors and the NTB came together to discuss ways of optimising utilisation of Namibia's tourism infrastructure.

Infrastructure, in terms of roads, air access and services at immigration points, is a key factor that will influence Namibia's efficiency in rolling out its tourism services to the international community.

The stakeholders are convinced that greater interaction, management of and flexibility in the reservation systems may allow for occupancy to reach a level of 80% in high season.

“Namibia remains a very popular destination, with a recent ranking by the international institution Bloomberg listing it as part of the 20 most popular destinations worldwide and together we need to ensure that we explore the opportunities and challenges this brings. A recent ranking by Forbes Magazine even rated Namibia as one of the most affordable travel destinations in Africa, another important accolade.”

Paetzold said it is reassuring that some international travel experts view Namibia as a very affordable destination to travel to. This makes Namibia very competitive in international tourism.

“Naturally pricing always depends on economy of scale, and type of travel, and it should be remembered that what makes Namibia as travel destination so special is the fact that our country in fact offers a great variety of products and packages, catering for both the high-quality, exclusive taste, as well as the traveller touring on a shoestring budget.”

While Namibia has managed to retain the flow of tourists, the seasonal spread is extremely important, as this helps lessen the pressure on service providers in the high season from August to October, said Paetzold.

During this time Namibia is now already known to be “sold out”, with operators finding it extremely difficult to get confirmation on forward bookings for the high season.

In discussions with key tourism stakeholders this week it was agreed that more flexibility and creativity in packaging Namibia, both in terms of offering highlights in different seasons, and amending the tour itineraries to offer diverse circular tours, would address the bottleneck situation in some of the hotspots of Namibia.

Stakeholders agreed that while a general “round tour” to include all of Namibia is still a bestseller, the fact that Namibia has many repeater tourists allows for venturing into more specialised packages. This will allow visitors to delve more into experiencing a place, its people, cultures and the environment.

Some of the new focal areas Namibia can and should focus on are developing new tourism niches and packages, which should include the showcasing of the Namib, the country's geological richness and wealth in gemstones and adventures with small miners could also be a part of a tour itinerary and add to the diversity of Namibia's tourism product.

ELLANIE SMIT

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Standoff over Nehale honour

January 24, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Standoff over Nehale honour

A war of words has erupted between the leadership of the Ondonga Traditional Authority and veteran artist Ndasuunje 'Papa' Shikongeni over the planned Nehale War commemoration.

The traditional authority insists it is not aware of the commemoration, which is planned for Etosha National Park this weekend.

Shikongeni, who chairs the commemoration committee, however, said the traditional authority leadership was unaware of it “because they are illegally occupying the offices and they do not want to be aware”.

Shikongeni this week sent out an invitation on a traditional authority letterhead inviting members of the Ondonga and other Namibians to attend the commemoration on Saturday.

Shikongeni told Namibian Sun that on Sunday he received a call from the authority's secretary, Nepando Amupanda, which turned into an argument about the planned commemoration.

“These traditional authority people, since they are illegally occupying the offices, think we are on a mission to go over their heads. Our committee was not established to deal with that, it was established before the Ondonga chaos. We are dealing with King Nehale's 1904 war commemoration. We are not dealing with those in the office because they failed to give us their appointment letters,” Shikongeni said.

He said that he used to sit with King Immanuel Kauluma Elifas, but currently he was not in a state to talk or make any decisions.

Shikongeni said their seven-member committee was established in 2016 and last year they held the first commemoration which was aimed at unveiling the place for the statue and to raise funds to erect Nehale's statue at Namutoni in Etosha National Park.

“We already have people in this committee and we are not bothered by those who want power. Our event is going ahead as planned.

We are representing the heritage of the Ondonga and nothing else,” he said.

The deputy chairperson is the dismissed traditional authority councillor and former Oshikoto governor Vilho Kamanya.

The programme indicates that the denounced successor to the king, Fillemon Nangolo Shuumbwa, will speak on behalf of the Ondonga king, while the deputy minister of environment and tourism, Tommy Nambahu, is expected to speak on behalf of the government.

Both the king's spokesperson, Naeman Amalwa, and Nepando told Namibian Sun that they were unaware of the planned event and could not comment.

Shikongeni said what they were doing was to commemorate the event following the identification of the place for Nehale's statue by King Elifas together with Founding President Sam Nujoma in 1993.

“This will be an annual commemoration until we erect a statue, irrespective of the situation,” Shikongo said.

King Nehale lya Mpingana led the historic 1904 battle at Namutoni Fort against German imperial forces.

Around 500 soldiers participated in the war, which led to the killing of about 68 Ondonga warriors. About 40 German soldiers were unaccounted for, while 20 were injured during the battle.

ILENI NANDJATO

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MTC awards tenders for 081Every1 project

January 24, 2018, 2:00 pm

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≪ Previous: Standoff over Nehale honour

MTC awards tenders for 081Every1 project

MTC says its 081Every1 project, which will realise Namibia's 100% population network coverage, has shifted into higher gear.

This follows the completion of the tendering proceedings, which were finalised late 2017, MTC said in a statement.

MTC has now finalised the appointment of the companies that will immediately start working on the project.

“Through technology and innovation this project will help change the way people live, work and communicate, providing an important platform for sustainable growth and development. The 081Every1 project will be a catalyst for change to accelerate the development of rural areas in the country,” said Tim Ekandjo, MTC's chief human capital and corporate affairs officer.

A total of 17 different companies have been appointed to be responsible for the supply, delivery and installation of base transmitter station (BTS) infrastructure that will be needed to complete the construction of 524 new towers across the country.

“We have strategically opted for 17 companies as opposed to one to speed up the implementation of the project so that the construction of towers commences simultaneously in all regions,” Ekandjo said.

In addition, MTC has also appointed six companies that will be responsible for the tower loading analysis services (TLAS). This six are also wholly-owned Namibian companies.

As for the supply of solar, grid and lithium type batteries, a further 19 companies have been given these tasks to ensure that these vital components are readily available for the projects team as the projects forges full steam ahead in the weeks to come.

The MTC 081Every1 project is a N$1.2-billion project and was officially launched in July 2017.

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Namibia tops SA in development index

January 24, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Namibia tops SA in development index

Namibia has topped South Africa and several larger economies in a newly composed development index, a new World Economic Forum study has found.

Instead of using Gross Domestic Product data to illustrate development, the WEF composed a benchmark, the Inclusive Development Index, to measure growth in a sample of over 40 countries.

“Designed as an alternative to GDP, the Inclusive Development Index (IDI) reflects more closely the criteria by which people evaluate their countries' economic progress,” the WEF said of the need to compose a new measuring tool.

Ranked out of 40 emerging market economies, Namibia scored higher than Asian economic power house India, its biggest trade partner South Africa and Egypt.

Namibia attained an overall development index score of 3.25, following Burundi closely which scored 3.27 on the index.

The other African countries to achieve a better score than Namibia were Tanzania, which achieved an overall score of 3.43, Ghana (3.34) and Cameroon (3.32).

According to the WEF, the use of its new index allows policymakers to benefit from a metric that cuts across society when effectively used to gauge development.

“As many countries have experienced and the Inclusive Development Index data illustrate, growth is a necessary but not sufficient condition for robustly rising median living standards.

Accordingly, policymakers and citizens alike would benefit from having an alternative, or at least complementary, bottom-line metric that measures the level and rate of improvement in shared socioeconomic progress,” the WEF said.

Ogone Tlhage -

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Warriors plan to stun Morocco

January 25, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Warriors plan to stun MoroccoUnderdogs meet hosts Ricardo Mannetti's Brave Warriors are set to meet Morocco tomorrow in the Chan quarterfinals.

Namibia's senior men's side, the Brave Warriors, are plotting to cause an upset when they face hosts Morocco in the 2018 Africa Nations Championship (Chan) quarter-final match at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca in what will probably be a cracker of a match.

Namibia, the underdogs in Chan, surprised everyone when they started the tournament on a high after beating Group B favourites Ivory Coast 1-0 in the last minute of the match.

They repeated the performance by beating Uganda 1-0 in their second match.

Their third match ended in a draw against Zambia on Monday as they went on to secure second place in Group B after Zambia.

The 'Lions of the Atlas', as the Moroccan football team is known, also started the tournament off on a high note by humiliating Mauritania 4-0, beating Guinea 3 – 1 in their second match and playing to a nil-all draw with Sudan in their third match.

Agnes Tjongarero, deputy minister of sport, implored the Warriors to do their best against Morocco tomorrow.

“Morocco are at home but we can surprise them,” she said.

The Moroccan national stadium holds 67 000 spectators and Tjongarero called on the players to concentrate on their game and shut out the noise from the stands.

“They have come this far and anything is possible. Morocco will be under pressure to win at home, so it will be an interesting game indeed that I will watch with keen interest,” she said.

She added that more needed to be done for the team to ensure they bring out their best at international competitions.

“We have a lot of work to do in terms of preparing the team. The players and the technical team are working very hard together but they need government support.

“In an ideal world the team should have a psychologist, chef, dietician and other specialists so that they are well prepared for all situations but now the technical team is overworked and the food the players are eating is not what they are used to or need and that can also impact their game.

“So we have to do a lot for this team and all other national teams,” Tjongarero stressed.

The Warriors will have to combine the tactical plan from their earlier three games with speed to beat the hosts, said Namibia Football Association (NFA) president Frans Mbidi, who recently joined the team in Morocco.

He said the hosts would be under pressure and the Warriors would need to be clever on the day.

“We have nothing to lose on Saturday. The boys have outdone themselves and now we go out there and enjoy our game. Use our tactics from the first three games and mix that up with speed and we can reach the next stage,” said Mbidi.

He added that Morocco's strength lay in their wings and the local team must be smart enough to eliminate that.

“North African sides play with the wing, we need to cut that out then we stand a great chance,” he explained.

The match is expected to kick off at 18:30 Namibian time.

- Additional information: NFA

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Jonas trains with Sunshine

January 25, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Jonas trains with Sunshine

The MTC Nestor Sunshine Boxing and Fitness Academy is helping Jonas Junias with his preparations for the 2018 Commonwealth Games slated for 4 to 15 April in Australia.

In a media statement send to Namibian Sun Sport, promoter Nestor Tobias said Jonas is a good boxer and if nurtured and guided well he can become a superstar one day.

Tobias said the academy had invested N$10 000 in the boxer's preparations for the Games.

“If he does well, Namibia will do well. We have also in addition extended an invitation to him to use our gym at any time in preparation for the games,” he said.

He added that along with other boxers, Jonas will go and represent Namibia well and that he wished them and the training staff all the best.

Jonas was overwhelmed by the support offered and thanked MTC Nestor Sunshine Promotions for the great gesture. “For any boxer to do well preparation is key and I'm fortunate to be the recipient of such necessary assistance because the better prepared I'm the better my chances are of winning.

“Thanks to Sunshine and to MTC. I will go and make the connection and do my country proud,” remarked Jonas.

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Namibians win at last

January 25, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Namibians win at lastKenya prove too weak The two African nations faced off yesterday with Namibia emerging victorious over Kenya in the 13th place quarterfinals playoff.

Namibia won their first game of the under -19 Cricket World Cup in Australia after beating Kenya by eight wickets yesterday morning.

Kenyans also continued their miserable form in the competition given they have lost all their games at the hands of big nations. It took less than 47 overs for Namibia to bowl Kenya out and then chase down the target. It was a comprehensive victory for the African side, outplaying Kenya in all aspects of the game.

Following up on Petrus Burger's fifer, skipper Lohandre Louwrens slammed a 76-ball 114 to finish the formalities.

So far, Namibia has lost to Bangladesh, Canada, England and Zimbabwe.

The country's hopes of making it to the next stages of the competition have been however shattered by the powerful nations.

Namibia's overall results at the competition

Bangladesh Under-19s 190/4 (20/20 ov); Namibia Under-19s 103/6 (20/20 ov)

Namibia Under-19s 196/9 (50/50 ov); England Under-19s 198/2 (24.1/50 ov)

Namibia Under-19s 193 (46/50 ov); Canada Under-19s 197/6 (42/50 ov)

Namibia Under-19s 113 (40.1/50 ov); Zimbabwe Under-19s 114/3 (19.3/50 ov)

Kenya Under-19s 176 (46.5/50 ov); Namibia Under-19s 180/2 (27/50 ov)

JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA

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School reclaims land Grace grabbed

January 25, 2018, 2:00 pm

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School reclaims land Grace grabbed

A top private school in Zimbabwe is trying to reclaim prime land allegedly seized from it by former first lady, Grace Mugabe.

The 23-hectare plot of land is in the heart of Harare’s plush northern Borrowdale suburb, just a few kilometres from the former first family’s private mansion.

According to the private NewsDay, Grace Mugabe took over the land some years ago with the help of former local government minister, Ignatius Chombo, without the knowledge of the school.

"Eaglesvale Senior School has now renewed its fight for the large piece of land donated to it by RCZ (Reformed Church of Zimbabwe) close to 40 years ago and registered under the Eaglesvale Daisyfield Trust (EDT)," the report said.

It's understood the school, which is located in Harare’s southern industrial sites, wants to build a new campus on the Borrowdale property.

Grace Mugabe has reportedly been growing maize on the land, which is close to the main Borrowdale road. The well-tended crops are clearly visible to motorists.

This week school officials visited the property, changed locks on the gate and erected a billboard. But the Mugabes later broke the locks and took down the notice with the help of police, reports the paper.

"Mugabe’s family came (on Monday) and the old man (Mugabe) was there in person. They asked for police escort to break the lock, went inside and pulled down the billboard and left," an unnamed source close to the police told the paper.

Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi denied police involvement, describing it as a "civil" matter. He said that both parties were "engaging each other".

Independent reports say Mugabe’s family and close relatives own close to 16 000 hectares of land between them.

NEWS24

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Land is greatest killer

January 25, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Aatomi puAdolfi ya pulwa ya tunge okatomeno

≪ Previous: School reclaims land Grace grabbed

Land is greatest killerNigeria’s land battles threaten stability Almost double the number of people in Nigeria are being killed by land battles than by Boko Haram.

Boko Haram may dominate headlines about Nigeria, but more than twice as many citizens are being killed in battles over land between farmers and herders than they are by jihadists.

After decades of government inaction, skirmishes over resources have become blood feuds and threaten to morph into something even deadlier.

The conflict already claims more lives than the Boko Haram insurgency.

According to a report by the International Crisis Group released last year, more than 2 500 people were killed by the violence across the country in 2016. According to the Global Terrorism Index, there were 1 079 deaths attributable to Boko Haram the same year.

"If nothing is done urgently, it's going to get worse," warned SBM Intelligence, a Lagos-based advisory firm, in late November, saying its "worst-case scenario" was already "materialising".

That scenario came true in the first week of January, when at least 80 people were killed in the central state of Benue alone.

Nomadic herders and sedentary farmers are fighting for fertile land in Nigeria's "middle belt" - the agricultural heartland between the palm-fringed shores of the tropical south and the semi-desert north.

Drought and desertification have forced the herders and their estimated 135 million head of cattle to abandon old grazing routes and move further south, encroaching on the fields of sedentary farmers.

Nigeria already has 180 million inhabitants and is set to become the third most populous country in the world by 2050, according to the UN.

Rapid population growth is aggravating the situation, while government inaction is allowing old wounds to fester.

"Nigerian security apparatus has failed woefully, thereby creating an environment that emboldens herdsmen to use violence to access private property for grazing purposes while farmers resort to self-help to defend their land," said SBM Intelligence.

Abandonment of the state

Laws establishing migratory routes and grazing areas for the nomadic herders date back to 1965 but have mostly never been applied.

The proliferation of farming settlements and the expansion of large agricultural farms restricts their movement, said Ibrahim Thiaw, deputy executive director of the UN environment agency (UNEP).

Nigeria's situation is not unique, said Thiaw, a former minister of agriculture in Mauritania.

"The majority of West African countries have always given priority to agriculture despite the importance of livestock in job creation and the economy," he told AFP.

"This dates from colonial administrations, which favoured agricultural exploitation for the needs of the big cities.

"But since independence, African states have been unable to integrate pastoralism and invest more in this sector."

Under pressure after the New Year carnage in Benue, President Muhammadu Buhari's administration last week set up a committee to create ranches of several thousand hectares (acres) to avoid future confrontations with farmers.

But the ranches are being met with stiff resistance, particularly in the central states of Benue, Taraba and Ekiti, which have all recently banned free grazing on their land.

Increasing politicisation

A more serious concern is that the conflict has taken a turn to identity and religion, accentuating the split between a predominantly Muslim north and largely Christian south, particularly as elections approach in February next year.

For weeks now, politicians have increased violent diatribes against the herders - most of who are Fulani Muslims -accusing them of "massacring Christians" or wanting to "forcibly Islamise" areas where they are in the minority.

"There are a lot of confusing messages and the use of the conflict for political ends is very dangerous," said Tog Gang, head of conflict management for the NGO Mercy Corps in Nigeria.

Many settled herders who have lived peaceably alongside farming communities for decades have now found themselves targeted, even though they may have nothing to do with the violence, he added.

Nigeria's presidency last Sunday attributed the recent attacks in Benue on Boko Haram Islamists who had infiltrated the ranks of the herders.

But according to most observers, armed and violent nomads are often from neighbouring countries such as Cameroon, Chad or Niger at the end of the rainy season.

In Benue state, whose southeastern tip borders Cameroon, many herders just "destroy everything because they have no relationship with the indigenous community," said Gang.

In recent months, tens of thousands of people have fled their villages fearing more violence linked to the movement of cattle.

Fields have been abandoned and cattle herds decimated, destroying the livelihoods of both.

NAMPA/AFP

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Aatomi puAdolfi ya pulwa ya tunge okatomeno

January 25, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Aatomi puAdolfi ya pulwa ya tunge okatomenoOmalelo ga hala aanangeshefa ya tunge okatomeno opo ku kalekwepo uundjolowele woshigwana Omitoto kutya onyama ndjoka hayi tomenwa momudhingoloko gwaAdolfi otayi falwa komahala ga yoloka moshilongo, odha etitha omalelo ga nkondopele omakonaakono pomainda goondjila.

Omalelo moshitopolwa shaShana otaga indile mboka haya tomene oongombe dhawo moAdolfi momukunda Ekolyanaambo popepi nOmaalala mondjila onene yaNdangwa-Ngwediva opo ya tungepo okatomeno nenge ongeshefa yawo otayi patwa.

Monena aatomi mboka otaya tomene oongombe dhawo nokulongekidha onyama ndjoka hayi landwa koshigwana kohi yomiti. Okwa lopotwa kutya iimuna mbyoka ihayi konaakonwa kaanambelewa yuundjoowele na oshi li sha nika oshiponga kuundjolowele waantu.

Omahala ngoka haga tomenwa kage li muuyogoki nolundji ohaga kala popepi nomahala gokweekelahi iiyagaya.

Omukundu gumwe oongoka kutya onyama ndjoka natango aniwa ohayi falwa komahal ga yooloka nokupita woo oongamba dhomusinda omutiligane, na otashi tula moshiponga onkalo yuundjolwele wiimuna momudhingoloko dhilwe, okuza komithi ngaashi ekondo nelaka.

Kansela gwOndangwa Rural, Kaushiweni Abraham, okwa lombwele oNamibian Sun kutya onyama ndjoka hayi longekidhilwa pomudhingoloko dha tumbulwa ohayi liwa konyala moshilongo ashihe.

Okwa popi kutya omolwa onkalo ndjoka kutya onyama ohayi liwa kehe pamwe moshilongo, osha pumbiwa opo ku tulwe miilonga ekondololo lyopaundjolowele , naatomi mboka oya pumbwa okulundulula omukalo ngoka haya longitha monena mokutoma oongombe dhawo nokulongekidha onyama dhawo.

Okwa tsikile kutya oya ningi omutumba naanangeshefa mboka muJuli gwomvula ya piti, nomutumba ngoka ogwa kaliwa kaanambelewa yuundjolowele, opolisi omalelo gopamuthigululwakalo oshowo aanambelewa yoshitopolwa. Okwa popi kutya pethimbo lyomutumba ngoka aanangeshefa mboka oya lombwelwa kutya oya pumbwa okutunga okatomeno nelelo lyomuthigululwakalo olya holola kutya olya pyakudhukwa okugandja evi lyokutunga okatomeno hoka, onga omukalo gwokukalekapo uundjolowele.

Ope na aatomi ya thika puyatano mboka haya dhipagele oongombe dhawo nokulanditha onyama kaalongithi yondjila ndjoka yaNdangwa- Ongwediva. Ohaya landitha woo onyama kaalandithi momatala gaShakati, Ongwediva, Ondangwa oshowo omahala galwe monooli yoshilongo.

Abraham okwa popi kuty ombelelewa ye pamwe nomunambelewa omukonaakoni guundjolowele mOshana, Abner Niiwale, oya ningi iigongi iikando yontumba naanageshefa mboka nokuya yelithila kombinga yuundjolowele woshigwana na okwa adhika etsokumwe nokatokolitho opo aanangeshefa mboka ya tungepo okatomeno kawo.

Okwa tsikile kutya elelo lyopamuthigululwakalo olya gwanitha po oshinakugwanithwa shawo, okukwashilipaleka kutya oongombe adhihe hadhi tomwa odha shangithwa nokudhidhilikwa, opo ku yandwe uulunga wiimuna.

Kansela okwa popi kutya nonando ongaaka oshikondo shomayakulo guundjolowele wiimuna itashi kutha ombinga mokukonaakona uundjolwele wiimuna mboka, naanangeshefa mboka inaya holola ngele otaya ka tunga okatomeno nenge ahowe.

Sho a ningwa naye ekwatathano, omunambelewa omukomeho guundjolowele wiimuna muuministeli wuunamapya, Dr Kenneth Shoombe okwa lombwele oNamibian Sun kutya etomeno lyiimuna kohi yomiti, oli li kohi yuuministeli wuundjolowele. Okwa popi kutya yo kaye na oonkondo dhokuya nokukonaakona uundjolowele wiimuna mbyoka tayi tomenwa kohi yomiti, poohango nenge pomafumbiko. Okwa popi kutya oshilonga shawo okugandja omikandapitikodshomainyengo giimuna oshowo okukonaakona onyama ndjoka hayi tumwa pondje yoshilongo.

Okwa tsikile kutya onyama ontiligane oya indikwa okupita oongamba dhomusinda omutiligane, nongele ope na mboka taye shi ningi nena oya pumbwa okugeelwa nokuninga oshiholelwa kuyakwawo.

Sha landula omapulo ga ningilwa oMeat Board, olutu ndyoka olya popi kutya otaku ka nkondopekwa omahadho pomainda gondjila, opo ku kwashilipalekwe kutya onyama ndjoka inayi falwa komahala hoka inayi pitikwa.

Omaipulo ngoka ogeli uupyakadhi unene komahango galwe gopashigwana ngaashi EU nomatsokumwe ngoka opo owala ga manithwa ngaashi etumo lyonyama moHong Kong naUnited States oshowo iilongo yilwe mwa kwatelwa South Afrika.

Oyena ondumbo

Gumwe gwomaanangeshefa mboka taya longele pomahala ngoka, ngoka a popi ina hala uukwatwa we wu hololwe okwa popi kutya omalelo ngoka otaga kambadhala owala okuya moshipala ongeshefa yawo molwaashoka otaya ningi iimaliwa oyindji.

Okwa popi kutya oshidhigu okuninga ongeshefa mokati kaakwashigwana aaludhe molwaashoka ngele oya mono kutya ongeshefa yoye otayi shi enditha nawa otaya tameke oohapu, opo ya shunithe ongeshefa yoye pevi.

Okwa popi kutya sho yatameke ongeshefa yawo, aantu oyali taye ya yolo ihe ngashiingeyi oya tsa ondumbo.

Aanangeshefa mboka oya kala mongeshefa ndjoka, okutameka oomvula dho 1990.

ILENI NANDJATO

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Omaishangitho gongundu yoPDM

January 25, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Aakalongo taya nyenyeta

≪ Previous: Aatomi puAdolfi ya pulwa ya tunge okatomeno

Omaishangitho gongundu yoPDM

Ongundu yoPopular Democratic Movement, okupitila mOmupresidende gwongundu ndjoka, McHerry Venaani, oya tseyitha kutya iilyo yongundu ndjoka otayi pumbwa okwiishangitha nokutameka okukala tayi futu oshimaliwa shuukwashilyo shooN$10.

Venaani okwa popi kutya otaya pangele okushangitha iilyo ya thika po 200 000 mo 2018.

Shoka osha hala okutya iilyo yongundu ndjoka monena itaya ka talika onga iilyo sigo uuna yiishangithulula nongundu.

Uumbo uukulu wuukwashilyo otawu pingenewa po nuukalata mboka tawu monika wa fa uukalata wombaanga.

Shoka otashi ningwa, sha landula elukululo lyongundu ndjoka oshowo oshilimbo oshipe shongundu ndjoka, nonando omalwaala gongundu ndjoka inaga landuluka.

Pahapu dhaVenaani, uukwashilyo uupe otawu ka vula okugandja ethano lyayela kaaleli yongundu kutya oye na iilyo ya thika peni nokupulitha nawa komeho niinakugwanithwa yongundu.

Okwa tsikile kutya otaya ka tulapo endiki lyomayakulo gongundu, opo ya vule okukwatathano niilyo yawo.

Ongundu ndjoka natango oya ningi omalolelo guundemokoli meni lyongundu pakuninga omauliko gelelo metata etiyali yomvula moka aaleli yoompoompito hamano dhopombanda taya ka kutha ombinga.

Venaani okwa popi kutya natango ongundu yoPDM otayi ka totapo iitayi ya thika po 700 moshilongo nokulundulula omalelo gopaitopolwa gongundu.

Ongundu otayi pangele woo okukakala omutumba noElectoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) opo ya kwashilipalweke kutya omahogololo gOpashigwana gUupresidende, ngoka taga ningwa mo 2019 otaga ka kala pauyuuki.

Venaani okwa popi kutya nonando ECN okwa li a uvaneke kutya omashina gokuhogolola omape goElectronic Voting Machines (EVM) otaga ka longithwa pamwe nomusholondondo gwaahogololi shoka inashi tulwa miilonga pethimbo lyomahogololo ga piti.

Okwa popi woo kutya ECN okwa li a kwatele komeho omahogololo ga piyagana shoka sha etitha aantu ya kale momikweyo uule womasiku gaali opo ya vule okuhogolola

Okwa popi kutya oonkundathana dhawo ndhoka, otadhi ka tala komaupyakadhi agehe ngoka ya dhidhilike.

JEMIMA BEUKES

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Aakalongo taya nyenyeta

January 25, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: OTA kayi na ontseyo kombinga yedhimbuluko lyaNehale

≪ Previous: Omaishangitho gongundu yoPDM

Aakalongo taya nyenyeta

Aakalimo yomomudhingoloko gwaKalongo, moshitopolwa shaMusati otaya nyenyeta omolwa iiyagaya mbyoka yi li yiihanena olukalwa lwawo na otaya pula omalelo gomondjila molukalwa ndoka opo ga katuke oonkatu, go ga kandulepo uupyakadhi mboka.

Aakaimo otaya gandja uusama komunambelewa gwoChief Control Administrative Officer, Amandus Kandowa molukalwa ndyoka kutya ita kuthako oshinakugwanithwa shokukwashilipaleka kutya olukalwa olu li monkalo ombwaanawa yopauntu oshowo pangeshefa.

Sho oshifokundaneki shoNamibian Sun sha talele po Okalongo oshiwike shika, olukalwa ndoka olwa adhika monkalo tayi etitha ohenda sho iiyagaya nomeya gonyata ngoka taga zi ezimba ewinayi giinanena nolukalwa ndoka.

Natango aanangeshefa otaya landithile owala iinima yawo popepi nonyata ndjoka nonkalo ndjoka otayi tula moshiponga uundjolowele waantu.

“Otwa loloka Kandowa molwaashoka ngele owa tala komeya ngoka gonyata nokutala mpoka pe na ombelewa ye, opopepi oonkondo, nonkalo ndjoka oheyi mono kehe esiku tayi kiilonga ihe okwa etha owala tu kale monkalo ya tya ngaaka ihe natu mu ithane ngaa kutya omuelli gwetu,” omukwashigwana gumwe a popi. Ope na omahala gamwe ga nyata noonkondo natango molukalwa ndoka, mpoka tapu adhika iitekela yomakende naakwashigwana natango otaya tula uusama komapepe gaKandowa. Sho a ningwa naye ekwatathano Kandowa okwa koleke onkalo ndjoka ihe naye okwa gandja uusama kaakalimo yomondoolopa unene aanangeshefa mboka haya ekele owala kehe pamwe iiyekelwahi yawo. “Otu na uupyakadhi ethimbo limwe naanangeshefa na ohatu popi nayo kombinga yoshikumungu shoka kutya ngele oyiiyadha ye na ondumba yiiyekelwahi oyindji mbyoka itayi gwanamo momandoloma gawo giiyekelwahi, na ya shange omikanda opo ya tulilwepo omandoloma omanene giiyekelwahi, pehala lyoku ekela owala iiyagaya kehe pamwe,” Kandowa ta ti. Okwa popi kutya olukalwa lwawo olya kala nuupyakadhi mokutotapo etoto lyiiyagaya. Kandowa okwa gwedha po woo kutya oye na okondalaka nehangano ndyoka hali futwa kehe omwedhi opo li kwashilipaleke kutya olukalwa olwawo olwa yela.

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OTA kayi na ontseyo kombinga yedhimbuluko lyaNehale

January 25, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: The day the music died

≪ Previous: Aakalongo taya nyenyeta

OTA kayi na ontseyo kombinga yedhimbuluko lyaNehale Elelo lyopamuthigululwakalo mOndonga olya popi kutya kali na ontseyo ya sha kombinga yoshituthi shedhimbuluko lyependa lyaNdonga, Omukwaniilwa nale Nehale, shoka tashi pangelwa okuningwa mehuliloshiwike ndika twa taalela.

Edhimbuluko ndyoka otaku pangelwa tali ningwa moshikunino shiiyamakuti, mEtosha National Park.

Omunashipundi gwokomitiye ndjoka tayi longekidha edhimbuluko ndyoka, Ndashuunye “Papa” Shikongeni, okwa popi kutya Elelo lyaNdonga kali na ontseyo kombinga yoshituthidhimbuluko shoka molwaashoka oyeli moombelewa dhelelo shaaheli pamulandu.

Shikongeni okwa pititha ehiyo oshiwike shika, pamukanda gu na oshilimbo shelelo lyaNdonga ta hiya aakwashigwana mOndonga oshowo AaNamibia koombinga noombinga opo ya wayimine oshituthi shoka tashi ningilwa mOlyomakaya mEtosha.

Shikongeni okwa popi kutya mOsoondaha okwa yakula ongodhi okuzilila kuamushanga gwelelo lyaNdonga, Nepando Amupanda, na oya nyenyeta kombinga yedhimbuluko ndyoka.

“Molwaashoka aantu mboka oey li moombelewa dhelelo shaaheli paveta, oye na owala uutile kutya otu na omalalakano gokuyakutha moombelewa. Okomitiye yetu hasho ya totelwapo shoka, na oya totwapo omanga nokuli iikolokosha yaNdonga inayi tameka. Tse otatu ungaunga nedhimbuluko lyuufule wOmukwaniilwa Nehale Kambonde mo 1904. Tse itatu ungaunga nombelewa yaNdonga molwaashoka oya ndopa okutupa omikanda dhomauliko,” Shikongeni a popi. Okwa tsikile kutya nale okwali ha kuutumba nokuya moonkundathana nomukwaniilwa, ihe ngashiingeyi omukwaniilwa okuli monkalo moka ita vulu okupopya nenge okuninga omatokolo.

Shikongeni okwa popi kutya, iilyo yawo yokomitiye yili iheyali oya ulikwa mo 2016 nomvula ya piti oya ningi edhimbuluko lyawo lyotango, ndyoka lya li lya nuninwa okusuukulula oshihongwathano shaNehale poNamutoni Front mEtosha National Park.

“Otu na nale aantu mboka twali twa pewa opo tu longe nayo mokomitiye ndjika na itatu piyaganekwa kwaamboka yahala elelo. Oshituthi shetu otashi pula komeho ngaashi sha pangelwa. Tse otatu kalelepo uuthiga waNdonga na kape na we shilwe.”

Omupeha omunashipundi gwokomitiye ndjoka, oVilho Kamanya, ngoka a li nale Ngoloneya gwaShikoto, na okuli gumwe gwomookansela mboka ya tidhwa miilonga melelo lyaNdonga.

Momulandu gwoprograma yedhimbuluko ndyoka, omwa hololwa kutya , ngoka a li uulikwa nale onga omulanduli gwomukwaniilwa Immanuel Kauluma Elifas, Fillemon Nangolo Shuumbwa, otaka popya pehala lyOmukwaniilwa gwaNdonga omanga Omupeha Minista gwOmidhingoloko Tommy Nambahu kwa tegelelwa a ka popye pehala lyepangelo. Omupopiliko gwomukwaniilwa, Naeman Amalwa oshowo Nepando oya lombwele oNamibian Sun kutya kaye na ontseyo yoshituthi shoka tashi pangelwa na itaya vulu okugandja uuyelele wa gwedhwa po.

Shikongeni okwa popi kutya ehala ndyoka tali ka tulwa oshihongwathano shaNehale olya ulikwa kOmukokoli Presidende, Sam Nujoma , pamwe nOmukwaniilwa gwaNdonga mo 1993. Hugunina Shikongeni okwa popi kutya otaya kala nokuninga edhimbuluko ndyoka kehe omvula, sigo oshihongwathano shoka sha tulwa po, kutya nee onkalo yelelo lyoshilongo shoka oyi li monkalo yi li ngiini.

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The day the music died

January 25, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: On your marks, get set, dance

≪ Previous: OTA kayi na ontseyo kombinga yedhimbuluko lyaNehale

The day the music diedFarewell Bra Hugh A Namibian music guru remembers the late Hugh Masekela, not only for his talent, but his humility.

Hugh Masekela, who rose to fame for his impeccable talent with the trumpet, is also known as a fierce anti-apartheid activist, a battle he fought with the barrel of his trumpet.

Namibian music composer Axali Doeseb said he gained much respect for the late Masekela who was, over the years, dubbed the father of South African Jazz, for fighting the evil of apartheid with his music. Doeseb, who composed the national anthem, said he would fondly remember the late Masekela for his humility.

According to Doeseb, Masekela always made an effort to familiarise himself with the local dialects of the country he was performing in.

“He was a man of strong lyrics, but his humility always reflected through his music. I met him at one of his shows in Germany; it was in the middle of a show that I introduced myself to him and he made me play a bit with his guitar,” related Doeseb.

Masekela, who died at the age of 78 on Monday, was married to South African songbird Miriam Makeba.

Masekela was known for his jazz compositions and for writing well-known anti-apartheid songs such as Soweto Blues and Bring Him Back in honour of Nelson Mandela.

He also had a number one United States pop hit in 1968 with his version of Grazing in the Grass, and is today known as one of the most talented trumpeters on the continent.

Masekela, who came to Namibia a number of times, had his biggest hit with Stimela, which talks about contract labourers heading to the gold mines in Johannesburg during the apartheid era.

Stimela is in fact a recital of a riveting poem of the “TjooTjoo Train” carrying labourers to the coal train in Johannesburg, leaving behind their land taken away from them with the barrel of the gun and loved ones they may never see again.

Bra Hugh's memories will live on in the hearts of his fans.

June Shimuoshili

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On your marks, get set, dance

January 25, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Artist with a heart of gold

≪ Previous: The day the music died

On your marks, get set, dance

Nikhita Winkler Dance Theatre (NWDT) is the first dance school in Namibia to change the rules of dance as we know it. tjil sat down with the founder and chatted about the upcoming programme.

Discipline, commitment, unity and respect are taught through this strict and vigorous programme. Nikhita Winkler says the training educates their students, parents and the community at large about the benefits and possibilities within dance, beyond its aesthetic and entertainment value. According to her, this is a programme where dancers are challenged to become flexible, versatile, strong and authentic artists and athletes for a competitive or personal purpose; redefining current standards within the industry through close evaluation of each student's progress and needs to grow within the class. The programme also breaks barriers of age by having created ability and non-age specific classes in which dancers are challenged to compete with themselves.

Enrolment and evaluation, which is an audition, placement and registration process, will start on the 5 February at the Pulse Health and Wellness studio, located in the Old Breweries complex, Shop 42B. Parents can bring their children on Monday, Wednesday or Friday between 13:00 and 17:00. Enrolment will end on 16 February and classes will commence on Monday 19 February.

“Our school programme will run from Monday to Friday 14:50. Prices per month depends on the age of the student and the number of dance courses that the student enrols in. Our starting price is N$500 per month for one course. Price lists will be shared via email to interested parties by 1 February.”

The programme is for students ranging from five years to 18 years with emphasis on the youngest group of dancers.

“We want them young so that we can start at an early age to discipline their minds, to shape their bodies and to train them for the world of dance and the lifestyle of a dancer,” said Nikhita.

JUNE SHIMUOSHILI

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Artist with a heart of gold

January 25, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Miss H headlines the coast's first Song Night

≪ Previous: On your marks, get set, dance

Artist with a heart of gold

Namibian gospel artist Lady Dyna joined international celebrities in the fight of keeping girls in school.

Research shows that in southern Africa alone, girls stay away from schools at least one to five days a month during their menstrual cycle. This amounts to roughly 25% of classes missed per year which will result in them missing out on their education, Lady Dyna, who is a social worker by profession, said. She works with young girls of different age groups, many of whom are afraid to talk about menstruation. Menstruation in many traditions is a taboo and this contributes to girls shying away from the topic.

Lady Dyna says she has seen families who are financially challenged and this forces them to prioritise food and other basic necessities over sanitary pads. “I shared my experience with my mentor and fellow gospel artist from Kambua from Kenya when I went to shoot my music video and she told me about a project she has embarked on. She advised me on how I could start the same project in Namibia. We both believe it's a good initiative to support girls to stay in school and that is what I did,” said Lady Dyna.

The artist and a team of helpers from D-Naff Entertainment have identified the first 10 girls that will benefit from the 'Keep a Girl in School' project through the SOS Family strengthening team. Lady Dyna will not only be giving out sanitary pads but will also empower the girls through hygiene awareness and linking them to available opportunities for them to complete their education.

“I want to be advocating for the government to do something so sanitary pads are seen as a necessity for girls which should be provided in schools, just like stationery. God gave us a special gift that we may be able to reproduce and fill the earth for Him. Many girls don't see the beauty of it because periods are terrible time for them,” she said.

The first handover was done last weekend and the girls will be receiving sanitary pads every 15th of each month. Lady Dyna said she wants to identify girls from the northern regions to benefit from her project and asks for anyone to become a sponsor. Sponsors can contact her on her social media accounts for sanitary pads to be picked up or dropped off.

June Shimuoshili

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