Pushing forward with the Namibia logistics hub

March 5, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Pushing forward with the Namibia logistics hubBold investments chart way forward The Walvis Bay Corridor Group continues to spur growth in the region We have active work groups in place to address the identified shortcomings along our routes, as we continue to move the dream of Namibia as a logistic hub forward. - Clive Smith, Acting CEO: WBCG Due to the global arena that the transport and logistics industry operates in, high standards are required. Clients are constantly on the lookout for new trade routes to improve the delivery of their products.

As an infant to the global logistics scene, Namibia needs to excel at competing with traditional routes into the region. To the Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG), innovation and persistence on trade facilitation is not an ad hoc activity. It is something that is integrated into its overall business strategy.

Clive Smith, acting CEO of WBCG, explains that a core focus for the year remains stakeholder engagements, whilst at the same time enhancing business development activities through the WBCG’s regional offices.

“We have to ensure we remain steadfast in our core mandate, that of attracting volumes to our corridors and coordinating both the public and private sector efforts towards effective implementation of the various projects and programmes of the Logistics Master Plan.”

The Logistics Master Plan is coordinated by a steering committee, chaired by the National Planning Commission (NPC). According to Smith, WBCG as the implementing agency for the master plan has embarked on several projects to mitigate bottlenecks on the Walvis Bay corridors and endorse the safe use thereof.

“We have active work groups in place to address the identified shortcomings along our routes, as we continue to move the dream of Namibia as a logistic hub forward.”

Bold new chapter

Through its Spatial Development Initiative (SDI), WBCG will continue to support the government in its efforts to accelerate development along what is traditionally known as transport corridors. With initiatives such as road safety projects, truck stops and regional industrial value chain projects, to name a few, we are adamant to further foster the transformation of these routes into economic corridors.

“Crafting a consistent and compelling trade and logistics industry for Namibia requires a fundamental shift in strategy from key stakeholders. As WBCG, we remain robust in our service delivery and in our commitment towards integrity, cooperation and applying principles of good corporate governance. With the vision of becoming the leading trade route for Southern Africa, we recommit ourselves to provide innovative service offerings to our customers by consistently exceed their expectations.”

WBCG’s calendar for 2018 reflects another year filled with extensive stakeholder engagements and industry related activities.

With past successes such as the tripartite agreement signed by the members of the Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Development Corridor, WBCG continues to garner more scope with its mandate. “We now a part of the steering committee of the Federation of Clearing and Forwarding Association of Southern Africa and played a role in eliminating restrictions on heavy motor vehicles. We continue to attract foreign trade for the Port of Walvis Bay.”

Reflecting

In the past year, WBCG continued to further consolidate strategic partnerships and played a title role in the establishment of the African Corridor Management Alliance (ACMA). It invested in capacity building for the logistics industry and offered the Pan-African Parliament a perspective on a Public Private Partnership.

Most recently, four new Ship-to-Shore Container Cranes (STSs) arrived at the Port of Walvis Bay.

“These cranes are the first of its kind at our ports. They are far more productive than mobile cranes and as such, ship turnaround times are improved.”

With the arrival of the cranes, the new container terminal now stands at 80% complete and on track for commissioning in 2019. The opening of the new container terminal signifies new business opportunities and growth in trade.

The bold are challenged to take up the opportunities presented by Namibia transforming itself into a logistics hub for the region.

To continue reading about the activities and achievements of the Walvis Bay Corridor Group, please visit our website: www.wbcg.com.na

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Former top cop claims unfair dismissal

March 5, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Former top cop claims unfair dismissal Former Otjozondjupa regional crime investigation coordinator, deputy commissioner Godfried #Khariseb, has filed a High Court application to challenge his dismissal from the force, and is demanding his reinstatement.

#Khariseb was dismissed on allegations that he has been absent from work from 18 January 2016 to 3 March 2016, the day he received his discharge letter from inspector-general Sebastian Ndeitunga.

He claims he has not been paid his salary or any other accrued benefits, including his pension, since the day of this dismissal.

#Khariseb denies the allegations that he had failed to report for duty after his annual leave had lapsed in January, claiming that Ndeitunga has so far failed to provide any evidence to the contrary.

He claims Ndeitunga wanted him “out of the job” and that his superiors wanted to “punish” him for unknown reasons.

#Khariseb, a veteran career police officer and former divisional head of the commercial crime investigation unit at the Windhoek police headquarters, was transferred to Otjozondjupa on 26 July 2014.

In his court application #Khariseb claims to have reported for duty to commissioner Joseph Anghuwo at the Otjiwarongo police headquarters on 12 January 2015 and since then he has only absented himself from duty when granted authorisation by Ndeitunga.

#Khariseb, however, claims that he has been made to feel unwelcome from the first day he set foot at the office.

He claims he was never introduced to any fellow police officers, was never given an office or office equipment or furniture to work from.

He further claims he was never introduced to officers who were supposed to report to him or to eminent persons such as the administrative or political leadership of the region.

#Khariseb further stated that he was never given any official briefing of important focus investigations in the region or any handover of responsibilities, as would have been expected for a ranked official such as himself at the time.

Despite all this, he claims he reported for duty every day.

Commissioner Anghuwo retired towards the end of 2015 and was replaced by commissioner Armas Shivute.

#Khariseb claims that commissioner Shivute had promised to write to Ndeitunga to request his intervention in the matter, but he says the situation remained unchanged.

He claims that Shivute held official meetings at his official residence with senior regional staff members when he [Shivute] first arrived as regional head of the police.

#Khariseb wrote an appeal to safety and security minister Charles Namoloh on 25 April 2015, but this was dismissed in December 2016, allegedly without any reasons provided.

He said at least eight other officers have vouched that he was on duty during the period he was allegedly absent, and stated that other officers were too scared to give sworn affidavits to that effect, for fear of victimisation.

Ndeitunga in his answering affidavit said there is no evidence that #Khariseb had performed his official duties and that he had failed to institute legal proceedings within the requisite 12-month period after his dismissal.

Ndeitunga also denied the allegation that #Khariseb was not welcomed by staff at the Otjiwarongo police headquarters, claiming he was met by two staff officers, retired deputy commissioner Deon Marais and deputy commissioner Katrina Andreas.

Ndeitunga further stated that #Khariseb had refused to occupy an office offered to him and declined to perform his official duties, which he should have done whether or not he was introduced to eminent persons in the region.

He said #Khariseb should also have taken it upon himself to engage his staff officers and that there could not have been a handover of duties because he had been transferred to a position that had been vacant.

Ndeitunga said the fact that #Khariseb was “in the vicinity” of the police head office does not mean that he has performed his duties.

Furthermore, Ndeitunga said #Khariseb ought to have prepared an inventory of all the work he found in the office and should have taken this up with his superiors.

The police chief added that #Khariseb had never claimed his benefits, as is required upon dismissal.

A date for the court hearing is yet to be set.



Catherine Sasman

Minister's corruption case transferred to High Court

March 5, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Minister's corruption case transferred to High Court Education minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa yesterday appeared in the Mariental Magistrate's Court on a corruption charge following Prosecutor-General Martha Imalwa's decision last Friday to charge her.

The case was transferred to the High Court in Windhoek, where Hanse-Himarwa will have to appear for a pre-trial conference on 21 June.

Hanse-Himarwa, who had been summonsed to appear before court, was warned by Magistrate Anna Matroos that she must appear in court in June, otherwise a warrant of arrest might be issued against her.

This was confirmed by the principal prosecutor in the case, Nita Meyer, who represented the State in court yesterday. Meyer is also the deputy PG.

“She appeared in court personally. She was represented by Sisa Namandje, who sent letters and documents to confirm that he was aware of the charge,” said Meyer.

The corruption allegations stem from the time when Hanse-Himarwa served as Hardap regional governor. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) alleged that she had corruptly placed relatives on a list of housing beneficiaries at Mariental in the place of the original intended beneficiaries.

In a statement on Friday the minister vehemently denied any wrongdoings and promised to clear her name.

“I state categorically that I neither abused my powers, nor was I motivated by a desire for my direct and or indirect benefit. The allegations levelled against me torment my person for a long time as it is difficult to defend yourself in a court of public opinion,” said Hanse-Himarwa.

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Local analysts blast ANC, EFF

March 5, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Local analysts blast ANC, EFFExpropriation move slammed as populism for votes Fears are increasing that the instability in South Africa, surrounding moves to expropriate land without compensation, will have a domino effect on Namibia's stability and economic wellbeing. Local political commentators are accusing South African political parties - specifically the ruling ANC and the EFF - of making decisions on land expropriation without compensation, in order to please their voters, but without taking into account the economic ramifications for the rest of the region.

They are also not buying assurances from South African caretaker president, Cyril Ramaphosa, who met with President Hage Geingob over the past weekend and said his administration will make sure that the neighbouring country's economy is not negatively impacted, as it strives to reclaim the land.

Local social commentator Ndumba Kamwanyah said he shares the sentiments of constitutional expert, Professor Nico Horn, who has painted a bleak picture of the forces that were unlashed last week when the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) united to pass a parliamentary motion that is set to trigger a constitutional amendment that will see land being expropriated without compensation.

Kamwanyah insists South Africa's political parties are making “head-over-heels decisions to please voters, without thinking of the economic ramifications on the rest of the region”.

“I really hope our government will not follow this example. What guarantee is there that the farms will be productively used? Kamwanyah asked.

The Namibian economy remains dependent on the neighbouring country through its currency being pegged to the rand and because the bulk of its imports originate in South Africa.

During a state visit to Geingob on Friday, Ramaphosa told local media his government is approaching its latest land reform policy in a positive way.

“We should take away the panic and fear that is being instilled in the hearts of a number of people in our country and say to them [that] we are going to handle this issue very responsibly.

“We are going to make sure that as we ensure that our people get land, access to land, and do it in a way that we see it as part of the economic growth path of our economy,” Ramaphosa said.

The South African parliament last week adopted a land expropriation without compensation motion brought by EFF leader Julius Malema that was supported by a vote of 241 in support and 83 against, with the ruling ANC throwing its full weight behind the move.

The biggest question is now whether the South African government is in a position to service outstanding farm debt, which stands at about R160 billion, should it proceed to expropriate land without compensation.

Horn believes that South African banks will fold if they are expected to wipe this debt off their records.

He is also concerned there may not be proper support structures in place to ensure resettled farmers can farm productively.

Horn is also worried that South Africa runs the risk of being shunned by international lending agencies such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

“The moment you do not honour your treaty commitments - say for instance you have said you support compensation for expropriation - then the World Bank and other international agencies will withdraw and they will also not bail out the banks in South Africa. The biggest weakness of this plan is that they see land in isolation,” said Horn.

He also questioned how the South African government plans to handle the question of infrastructure and machinery, and whether these will be included in the expropriation without compensation move.

Horn also questioned whether the South African government can ensure that expropriated land does not end up in the hands of the country's “autocracy”, as was the case in Zimbabwe. But most importantly he argued that the government must explain why it has failed to return land to its people.

“Look at the District Six situation; I do not think anyone could ever have had a problem that those people should have been compensated for their land. What kept the government from doing it?” he asked.

While South Africa insists it will expropriate land and not grab it, Horn said he is worried that the country has opened the sluices and may not be able to stop the landless from invading farms.

“Those are the things that are not addressed at this point; there is only euphoric rhetoric to fix injustices. My question is how do you stop people from grabbing land, if you whip up people, like Julius Malema does? You open a door up and get people to a point where they no longer care?”

Whale Rock to start production in April

March 5, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Whale Rock to start production in April600 jobs created The factory in February this year carried out its first blast to excavate limestone at its mine pit on Farm Cleveland. OTJIWARONGO – The Whale Rock Cement factory has set April 2018 as the date when it will start with its production of cement at the main plant outside Otjiwarongo.

The factory’s public relations officer, Manfred /Uxamb, said they are ready to start producing and packaging their product.

Trading under Cheetah Cement, the factory initially had plans to start production in January this year. However, discussions with local producers of clinkers who they had hoped could supply the factory, did not work out. Clinker is grey half-grinded stone particles that is grinded and mixed with limestone to produce cement.

“Now that we can get it in bulk from Egypt, we will start with production in April this year,” /Uxamb said.

He said about 24 000 tonnes of clinker have been already transported from Walvis Bay to Otjiwarongo.

The factory in February this year carried out its first blast to excavate limestone at its mine pit on Farm Cleveland.

Mine manager Immanuel Shilongo reiterated that their team of experienced cement engineers are ready to start production.

About 600 jobs are expected to be created once the factory is completely operational in August this year, Shilongo said. - Nampa

Nedbank Namibia opens branch In Dunes Mall

March 5, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Nedbank Namibia opens branch In Dunes Mall Nedbank Namibia has expanded its reach in the Erongo Region with the opening of a new branch in the Dunes Mall shopping centre at Walvis Bay.

Speaking at the official opening last week, Bertus Matthee, Nedbank Namibia’s executive for retail and business banking, said that the new Dunes Mall branch adds to the economic and development contribution the bank continues to make in the Erongo Region.

Nedbank Namibia also contributed as financiers of the mall to the tune of half a billion Namibia dollars.

“The fact that we were able to showcase the good that money can do when it is managed really well has been nothing short of heartwarming. Similarly, we are overjoyed for the privilege of contributing to the economic progression of the town of Walvis Bay, and by extension, to the Erongo region as a whole,” Matthee said.

“Banks provide a valuable service, and our citizens should have access to safely put away their hard earned money. Today's opening is a lucrative opportunity for Nedbank Namibia to build on its solid reputation in the banking industry and join hands with the business sector in the Erongo region,” said Adelheid Kandjala, special advisor to the governor of the Erongo Region.

Namfisa, NUST sign internship agreement

March 5, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Namfisa, NUST sign internship agreement Working alongside a seasoned professional allows students to take on meaningful tasks with real responsibility. - Kenneth Matomola, CEO: Namfisa The Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (Namfisa) and the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) have signed a memorandum of understanding in which the financial institutions watchdog committed to support students with work-integrated learning opportunities.

The agreement is effective from this month.

“Internships have become a key component at many institutions of higher education,” Namfisa CEO Kenneth Matomola said at the signing ceremony.

The value of internships have grown in reputation over the years for several reasons. They are often considered a win-win situation for students, universities and employers, Matomola said.

“Working alongside a seasoned professional allows students to take on meaningful tasks with real responsibility. Technical competencies are reinforced, analytical skills are improved and the students are able to experience first-hand the constant need for adaptability and creativity required in today’s world.”

Namfisa, in conjunction with the Bank of Namibia (BoN), last year undertook a skills gap study which identified some critical skills needed in the financial sector. Some of these include risk analysts, investment managers, actuaries and market research analysts.

The MoU between Namfisa and NUST focuses explicitly on the area of specific cooperation, which deserves increasing collaborative effort in providing students with a high quality of educational experiences in work-based environments.

NUST’s deputy vice chancellor: academic affairs, Dr Andrew Niikondo said: “We are signing this agreement as a joint statement of intent aimed at improving the scale and value of work-integrated learning so that Namibia can better meet the challenges and opportunities facing our economy and society.”

Soldier briefly appears for girlfriend's murder

March 5, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Soldier briefly appears for girlfriend's murder The case against a member of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) based at the Osona military base near Okahandja, who allegedly shot his girlfriend in January, was yesterday briefly heard in the Katutura Magistrate's Court. The matter was postponed to 18 March for further investigation.

Johannes Neuaka, 39, allegedly shot Shane Rittman in the head at her mother's house in Katutura on 21 January. The motive of the killing is not yet known.

He fled in a car, but later that same day handed himself over at the Katutura police station.

Prosecutor Muriel van Zyl yesterday informed Magistrate Bernedine Michelle Kubersky that the investigation into the matter was incomplete, as several witness statements were outstanding.

“There are a number of witnesses and they are not staying in Windhoek so police had to travel to get their statements and ballistic laboratory results are outstanding. This is a very serious case, it's not one of those cases were investigations take one month and we apply for a postponement,” Van Zyl submitted.

FRED GOEIEMAN

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AU Panel of the Wise meets Geingob

March 5, 2018, 2:00 pm

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AU Panel of the Wise meets GeingobPohamba leads African Union's peace effort The AU's most high-profile structure for preventing conflict on the continent visited State House yesterday. Members and friends of the African Union Panel of the Wise (AUPW) paid a courtesy call on President Hage Geingob at State House yesterday.

The delegation was led by former President Hifikepunye Pohamba in his capacity as AUPW chairperson.

Geingob told the AUPW that the core work they are dealing with, which is African peace and security, is very important.

“If there is no peace in our countries, we cannot think of development. We don't have a choice but to support your work,” he said.

He said when diplomacy fails people go to war, therefore preventive diplomacy is vital.

He emphasised that sometimes, governments start their own problems by oppressing their own people, then later blame the African Union (AU) or the United Nations for not solving the problem. “It is us who should stop either killing one another, jailing one another, because inclusivity in governance spells harmony and exclusivity spells conflict,” Geingob told the AUPW, advising that this is the diplomacy the panel must bring for Africa's transformation.

Former vice-president of Uganda Specioza Kazibwe, in her capacity as deputy chairperson of the AUPW, emphasised that they had agreed to work in line with the mechanisms put in place by AU heads of state to coordinate activities on the continent.

“We believe the preventive and peace-building arm of the AU, together with the country mechanisms, is ready to take off.”

Kazibwe stressed that the AUPW needs support and action from African states, “because it is a collaborative approach, which is to put together all the capacity we have in Africa so we do not say we don't have the money, we don't have the human resources, [or] we don't have the mechanisms in place”.

The AUPW is a consultative body of the African Union composed of five appointed members chosen for North, East, West, Southern and Central Africa. It is the AU's most high-profile structure for preventing conflict, conducting on-the-ground fact-finding, presenting policy options and brokering agreements, and providing opinions to the union's Peace and Security Council on issues relevant to conflict prevention, management and resolution. The panel has been in existence for ten years and changes its members every three years.

Each member is accorded a second term and after that, the member becomes a “friend of the panel”.

NAMPA

Africa Briefs

March 5, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Africa Briefs Egypt’s plan to manage state companies

Egypt is discussing the setting up of a sovereign wealth fund to manage state companies as it plans to list them on the stock exchange, the country's minister for public enterprise, Khaled Badawi, said yesterday.

The idea of the fund is being discussed internally and is in its early stages, he told a conference in Dubai.

Egypt is looking to offer shares in eight to 10 state companies on the stock exchange over the next 18 months, Finance Minister Amr El-Garhy told Reuters in January, as part of a drive to attract foreign investors. – Nampa/Reuters

Partners in Kenya's oil project eye pipeline deal

Companies developing Kenya's first oilfields expect to conclude agreement on construction of an export pipeline by the middle of this year, according to Toronto-listed Africa Oil, one of the partners.

Oil could account for about a tenth of Kenya's government revenue, on par with its biggest current export, tea, once production reaches its peak, officials say. Production is expected to start around 2021-2022.

London-listed Tullow Oil, which struck oil in Kenya six years ago, and its partners proposed in January to transport oil from the land-locked Amosing and Ngamia fields via pipeline to the Indian Ocean port of Lamu 750km away.

Tullow said in its 2017 annual report that the initial development stage will target about 210 million barrels of oil out of total 560 million of proven and probable reserves, with daily plateau production of 60 000-80 000 barrels per day (bpd).

Production could potentially increase to 100 000 bpd or more, Tullow added. - Nampa/Reuters

Congo tackles child labour in cobalt mines

The Democratic Republic of Congo will launch this month new monitoring and tracing mechanisms to tackle child labour in cobalt and copper production, a mines ministry official said.

Sourcing of the metals has come into focus as manufacturers scramble to secure supplies of cobalt, a key component in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, as production of electric cars surges.

Congo is by far the world's biggest producer of cobalt, accounting for more than half of global supply. But rights groups say child labour is used to produce some of that cobalt. Amnesty International calculates a fifth of the country's cobalt output is mined by hand by informal miners, including children.

Alexis Mikandji, the director general of the ministry of mines’ certification agency, CEEC, said the Congo had eliminated the practice in the production of diamonds, iron ore and tungsten. Now it has moved on to tackle child labour at copper and cobalt mines, Mikandji told a metals conference in London.

The new mechanisms would apply to artisanal or small scale miners, their customers and operations. - Nampa/Reuters

Nigeria capital inflow rose in Q4

The value of capital imported into Nigeria rose 29.9% in the fourth quarter to US$5.32 billion, as economic activity gathered pace after the first recession in a quarter century, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said.

Capital imports stood at US$12.2 billion for 2017, up from US$5.38 billion previous year, the NBS said.

Nigeria's economy climbed 1.9% in the fourth quarter to return to growth as oil revenues rose. The central bank has been injecting US dollars into the forex market to support the naira and the economy.

Capital imports were over US$4 billion in the third quarter, the first such quarterly rise since 2015. The rise was driven by portfolio and other investments, the NBS said in a report. – Nampa/Reuters

Tunisia to invest billions in energy projects

Tunisia will invest 12 billion dinars (US$5 billion) in electricity and other energy projects from 2018 to 2020, a government statement said.

The government also said it was planning a new airport close to the capital.

The energy projects include a 600 megawatt-underwater power cable to link Tunisia's power grid with Italy's. The 200-km line would cost 600 million euro, he said.

The North African country will also build two power plants with a capacity of 450 megawatts (MW) each. – Nampa/Reuters

Schlettwein to address coast

March 5, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Schlettwein to address coastNCCI partners with private sector The business breakfast session is part of the annual calendar of the NCCI's branch at Swakopmund. Finance Minister Calle Schlettwein will meet with the business community at the coast on Friday, brief them on topics including the national budget and the economic outlook for 2018.

He will also share information on projects earmarked for the Erongo Region, as well as information on tax.

The breakfast session follows an invitation by the Swakopmund branch of the Namibian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) and is sponsored by Standard Bank Namibia and Liberty Life. Additional Partners include PwC Namibia, which will provide an analysis of the 2018/19 Budget, and Namibia Media Holdings (NMH).

The chairman of the NCCI Swakopmund Branch, Paul Ndjambula, said the business breakfast session is part of the branch's annual calendar and one of the many platforms their office uses to share valuable information with the business community and various stakeholders.

“The benefit of these types of information sharing sessions is that members of the business fraternity are informed on national issues that affect or impact their businesses. Additionally, these types of events provide a platform for networking opportunities amongst peers,” Ndjambula said.

The NCCI Business Breakfast will take place at The Dome Swakopmund. Bookings can be made through the NCCI Swakopmund Branch. Entrance is free, but an RSVP is required.

Oshana Swapo coordinator nabbed again

March 5, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Oshana Swapo coordinator nabbed again Oshana Swapo coordinator Samuel Nelongo, who was arrested on stock theft charges last month, was rearrested on similar charges yesterday.

Nelongo's arrest was confirmed by the Oshana regional crime investigations coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Hilja Haipumbu.

Haipumbu said the police had been looking for Nelongo but he was nowhere to be found until he showed up at work yesterday morning.

She declined to give any additional information related to the arrest, saying Nelongo had not yet been charged.

Party sources said Nelongo has been out of office for the whole of last week. It is also reported that he was asked to hand himself to the police, but he refused.

Nelongo's re-arrest follows a series of police investigations after he was first arrested while transporting suspected stolen cattle with a party vehicle in the Oshikoto Region on 11 February.

Nelongo appeared in the Ondangwa Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Ilge Rheent on 13 February and was formally charged with stock theft. He was granted N$2 000 bail and the matter was postponed until 9 April.





The Oshana police have reportedly been investigating Nelongo on allegations of stock theft too. The alleged crimes were committed between 2016 and 2017.

“There have been rumours that cattle were missing in the Uukwiyu-Uushona grazing area and Nelongo has been linked to this. People have been monitoring him, together with the police,” a source, who requested anonymity, told Namibian Sun.

Nelongo's lawyer, Sisa Namandje, yesterday questioned the Oshana police motive. The seasoned lawyer compared the conduct of the police to that of the apartheid regime.

“The way those police officers acted is like makakunya (Koevoet). Two weeks ago they were saying they have no fear that he will run away, now they are re-arresting him again instead of compiling everything together. They are acting maliciously and they are acting like Koevoet,” Namandje charged.

Startling claims emerged last month linking Nelongo's arrest to the bitter factional battles that characterised the run-up to last November's Swapo elective congress.

Nelongo was said to have been a supporter of a faction that called itself Team Swapo, which opposed President Hage Geingob and his team.

It is not clear whether Nelongo will appear in court today.

ILENI NANDJATO

Cold meats recalled

March 5, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Cold meats recalledEnterprise polony, sausages unsafe Namibian shops are removing all Enterprise processed meat products after the South African government identified the culprit in a health crisis that has killed 180 people. Namibia has recalled all products linked to the listeria outbreak in South Africa and also cancelled all permits issued to manufacturers of these products.

South Africa recalled ready-to-eat meat products from shops after scientists traced the source of the dangerous food-borne disease to the Enterprise Food Production plant located in Polokwane. Two other facilities, an Enterprise facility in Germiston on the East Rand, and a Rainbow Chicken facility in the Free State, have also since been singled out as a source of the outbreak that started in January last year.

Enterprise polony was identified as a source of the disease, but other products such as viennas, russians, frankfurters and other sausages and cold meats not typically cooked could also be affected by cross-contamination. The chief veterinary officer in the agriculture ministry, Dr Milton Masheke, yesterday confirmed that these three facilities had been identified as the source of the outbreak in South Africa.

Masheke said all products from these facilities dating back as far as October last year will be recalled from shops in Namibia.





By yesterday morning the ministry was still drafting a notice to inform the public and the retail sector about the recall of these products. Masheke said the notice would be ready by 11:00 yesterday.

He said the recalled products included all ready-to-eat meat products manufactured by Enterprise Foods and Rainbow Foods, such as polony, sausages and ham. Food that needs to be cooked, such as bacon, is not included.

Although the ministry has stressed the safety measures that are taken when importing food into Namibia, Masheke said these specific products might pose a risk to people's lives and therefore had to be recalled.

According to Masheke strict measures are in place for testing food products before they are imported, including testing for listeria contamination.

He warned that the biggest threat to public health is cooking in unhygienic conditions. When meat is properly cooked the bacteria are destroyed even if the meat was contaminated.

The listeria infection is spread by raw food products that are contaminated with the bacteria.

However, he pointed out that cross-contamination between foods can also take place and it is therefore important to wash your hands when working with food.

Masheke furthermore stressed that the agriculture ministry and the health ministry were working closely together to collect all the recalled food products. They haven't decided what to do with the products, but they will probably be incinerated.

Shops in Namibia have been removing the products from their shelves since Sunday already.

The Shoprite Group in Namibia said all Enterprise and Rainbow products had been removed.

Johan Mostert of Spar Namibia also confirmed that they were removing all these products from their shelves. “We actually import very few Enterprise products ourselves and have a local supplier that will be uplifting all our stock for us.”

Mostert said customers would be refunded if they returned the products to Spar shops. “We are definitely playing ball, as this is a very serious matter.”

Pick n Pay (PnP) Namibia – a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group - said it had issued an urgent instruction to its branches countrywide to immediately remove all Enterprise and Rainbow Chicken Limited (RCL) products from their shelves.

O&L spokesperson Roux-Che Locke said the safety of their customers was their first priority.

“We believe that the impact of the recall on the Namibian market is not as severe since Pick n Pay Namibia has a diversity of suppliers, many of whom are local. While we are not aware of any confirmed reports of listeria in Namibia, we have taken this step as a precautionary measure as our customers' safety is important to us. Any customer who is concerned that they may have bought any affected meat product linked to the outbreak can return it to any of our stores for a full refund.”

Retailers must clean their fridges and meat slicers, and either remove the ready-to-eat meat products or place them in plastic bags in separate fridges.

South Africa has recorded 948 cases of listeriosis and 180 deaths, according to the latest statistics.

Pregnant women, babies, elderly people and anyone with weakened immune systems are at particular risk.

The bacterium Listeria monocytogenes can contaminate animal products and fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables.

The listeria bacteria cause a flu-like illness with diarrhoea, fever, body aches, vomiting and weakness, as well as infection of the bloodstream and infection of the brain.

Zambia has also announced that it is recalling ready-to-eat meat products imported from South Africa.

ELLANIE SMIT

Drama engulfs Erongo second division

March 6, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Drama engulfs Erongo second division Erongo second division football clubs say they are fed up with the incompetency of their executive committee members, who started the league despite a directive from Namibia Football Association (NFA) president Frans Mbidi not to do so.

Two second division coaches, Wycliff Martins and another who refused to be named, claim the executive committee chaired by Charles Muukua started the league knowing very well that league was declared null and void by Mbidi, because of irregularities that took place during 2015/16 season.

The second division football league was halted by Mbidi after clubs expressed their dismay with the way it was being run and there was no league action last year.

“There was so much confusion. We would get three different log standings with different score results. Clubs were not happy.

“We then called Mbidi and raised concerns and frustrations over how the league was run, he gave a directive for the league to regroup and follow the right procedures,” said Martins.

“The guys on the league executive committee however are just there doing their own thing and not listening to anyone and have now again kick-started the league with only five teams,” he added.

The two club mentors also claim that they were given a league coordinator, who was supposed to deal with registration of clubs, player cards and so forth during the 2015/16 season.

However, the committee released the coordinator and decided to do the work themselves.

“They know that they are not allowed to do that,” Martins said.

He said further they have no confidence in the league, as it has no sponsorship whatsoever, and he does not know why the five teams are playing and for what prize money.

Martins also claimed that Muukua invited two teams - Celtic and Gendev FC - which are not registered members, to play in the DebMarine Namibia Cup preliminaries last weekend.

“These players had player cards, which didn't have the NFA stamp. He needs to explain how that happened,” a frustrated Martins said.

“Muukua does not know anything about what he is doing. He does not read the constitution and if he does, he still does what he wants. He has been doing this for a long time since he took the chairmanship, but with other chairpersons before him things were running smoothly,” Martins said.

The other coach concurred with Martins' sentiments.

“There are just so many irregularities in the second division since the committee took charge.

These guys are not doing things by the book. We have written and complained to NFA, but nothing is happening.”

When contacted for comment Muukua asked for questions to be emailed to him, which he did not respond to at the time of going to print.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

War of words

March 6, 2018, 2:00 pm

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War of wordsOshikoto politicians in firing line for not supporting teams A verbal spat has erupted over the Oshikoto council not supporting its regional teams, who are battling with transport, food and accommodation costs. The Oshikoto Regional Council is being accused of not supporting its regional teams during national competitions.

The council confirmed that it does not support its under-20 regional team because the Namibia Football Association (NFA) Oshikoto regional body does not ask for its support.

Former NFA Oshikoto chairperson and current NFA national executive member, Shali Amakali, said that for the past 20 years he has been involved in football management in the region and he has never seen the Oshikoto council or regional governor offering any support to regional teams.

A frustrated Amakali made the remarks over the weekend at Omuthiya, while the region was busy preparing its U-20 team for the 2018 edition of the Newspaper Cup, which is slated to take place at Katima Mulilo in the Zambezi Region from 30 March to 2 April.

He said regional teams are not the responsibility of the NFA, but rather the regional sport organisers and regional councils. He said in Oshikoto the regional council is not being supportive at all.

“Since we started with the Newspaper Cup or any other regional team activities we have been writing letters to the regional council and regional governors requesting them to assist regional teams, but we never get any support from them.

They do not even come to us to offer motivations to the teams before departing for competitions. These are not NFA's responsibilities and they need interventions from regional bodies and government,” Amakali said.

He said after 17 years of the region participating in annual U-17 and U-20 competitions, the regional council was supposed to have a budget for these teams.

“We try by all means on our own to get transport, food and accommodation money for the teams during trials and competitions. Regional politicians are just quiet without doing anything for the teams. They do not even respond to our requests and this must come to an end,” fumed Amakali.

He said neither former regional governor Penda ya Ndakolo, who is currently the defence minister, nor current governor Henock Kankoshi, had shown any interest in supporting regional teams.

“Last year when we lost at the Skorpion Zinc U-17 championship I saw governor Kankoshi calling me. I opted not to answer his call, because it was of no use. Why does he have to call me after the region lost, if we have been calling for his support?

“Other regional governors support their regional teams, where do they get the money and time from? He was supposed to be in the front, lobbying for support from the business community, but he is just quiet,” Amakali said.

Kankoshi agreed that he does not support regional teams, saying his office did not receive any letter from regional team organisers requesting his support.

“I never saw letters from them asking for support. They must come and visit my office to see what we have promised them, instead of just talking there,” Kankoshi said.

Oshikoto regional councillor responsible for sport, who is also the former NFA Oshikoto regional treasurer, Sacky Nangula, from Omuntele Constituency, also said he has never seen any letters from regional teams requesting for their support.

“I was a regional treasurer, I advised them to write letters to the chief regional officer requesting support, but they have never done so. Their office is opposite the regional council, but we never received any letter. They must provide us with those copies if they are telling the truth,” Nangula said.

He said if regional team organisers write to the regional council, councillors will look into their request during council meetings and see how best they can assist them.

“Their requests can either be accepted or rejected, depending on what they have requested,” he said.

Oshikoto has never won the Newspaper Cup, but they were the runner-ups in 2002 and 2015.



ILENI NANDJATO

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Salvos fired

March 6, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Salvos firedArgentinean threatens to destroy Kautondokwa An Argentinean boxer has threatened to “bring the curtain down” on Walter 'The Executioner' Kautondokwa's boxing career, when they face each other on 20 March. Argentinean pugilist Billy Godoy is talking big ahead of his 20 March clash with Walter 'The Executioner' Kautondokwa, when they go toe-to-toe at the Ramatex complex in Windhoek at the Legacy Fight Boxing Bonanza.

On the line is the Namibian boxer's WBO Africa middleweight title and Godoy has sent a very strong message ahead of the fight.

In his short message, Godoy said: “I have heard so much about Walter, and it is time to bring the curtain down on him. I'm coming to destroy him in his own backyard and I will definitely win by a knockout to teach him a good boxing lesson.”

But Kautondokwa fired back immediately, saying the Argentinian has no respect.

“This boy Godoy has no respect, threatening me in my own country. So many of them have come here to say the same thing and I always refer them back to my 94% knockout ratio.

“I take Godoy very seriously as an opponent. I'm now rated number three and a win might see me contend for the world title, so this fight is important to me and perhaps the most important fight of my career so far.

“I promise the fans another win, and as for Godoy, I do my talking in the ring,” Kautondokwa said, while responding to the threats.

The Namibian boasts an unbeaten record after 16 fights and is yet to be truly tested in the ring.

The Argentinean boxer has a record of 40 fights, 36 wins and four losses to his name.

The boxing bonanza will see three WBO Africa titles being put on the line.

Besides the Godoy/Kautondokwa fight, the main supporting bout will be between WBO number five contender Jeremiah 'Low-Key' Nakathila and Patrick Okine, for the WBO Africa junior lightweight title, while WBO number 14 ranked Mike Shonena will exchange blows with Idd Pialari for the WBO Africa welterweight belt.

The boxing bonanza will be held in honour of Founding President Sam Nujoma, former President Hifikepunye Pohamba and the incumbent head of state, President Hage Geingob.

It will feature 11 undercard fights in total, with the development bouts kicking off ahead of the premier fights that will end the night.

There will also be live entertainment, with the likes of Destruction Boyz from South Africa and One Blood entertaining the fans.

General tickets are selling for N$50, while VIP tickets cost N$500.





LIMBA MUPETAMI

Ominista yelongo tayi tamanekelwa uulingilingi

March 6, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Ominista yelongo tayi tamanekelwa uulingilingi Ominista yElongo mOmaandaha oya holoka mOmpangulilo yaMangestrata gwaMalinda, omolwa iipotha yokulunga nokwiitapula mbyoka ta tamanekwa sha landula etokolo lya ningwa komupanguli-ndjai Martha Imalwa.

Oshipotha shoka oshuundulilwa mOmpangulilo yoPombanda yaVenduka okuza mompangulilo yamangetrata gwaMalinda, moka Katrina Hanse-Himarwa kwa tegelelwa a ka holoke paufupi momasiku 22 gaJuni.

Hanse-Himarwa, okwa li a pewa elombwelo lyopampangu opo a holoke mompanguli mOmaandaha, na okwa kunkililwa kuMangestrata Anna Matroos kutya na holoke mompangulilo muJuni nongele hasho nena taka tulilwa mo omukandapitiko gwetulo miipandeko.

Shoka osha kolekwa komufali gwiihokolola mompangu, moshipotha shoka, Nita Meyer, ngoka ta kalelepo epangelo. Meyer okuli woo omupeha omupanguli-ndjai.

“Okwa holoka mompangulilo yemwene. Okwa kalelwa po kuSisa Namandje, ngoka a tumu oombaapila noondokumende tadhi koleke kutya okuuviteko yiipotha mboka ta tamanekelwa.”

Iipotha yuulingilingi mbyoka tayi tamanekelwa Hanse-Himarwa oya zi nale omanga a li ngoloneya gwoshitpolwa shaHardap.

Okomisi yoAnti-Corruption Commission (ACC) oya holola kutya miipotha moka omwa kwatelwa okutula ofamili ye momusholondondo gwonakumona omagumbo moMalinda, pehala lyaamboka ya li ye na okumona omagumbo ngoka.

Momushangwa ngoka a shanga mEtitano, minista okwa popi kutya ye ina ninga epuko lya sha, na okwa uvaneke kutya otaka yeleka edhina lye.







OMUTOOLINKUNDANA GWOMENI

Nelongo a tulwa ishewe miipandeko

March 6, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Nelongo a tulwa ishewe miipandeko Omukwatakanithi gwongundu yoSwapo, moshitopolwa shaShana, Samuel Nelongo, ngoka a li a tulwa miipandeko omolwa iipotha yuulunga wiimuna omwedhi gwa piti, natango okwa tulwa ishewe miipandeko omolwa iipotha ya faathana.

Etulo miipandeko lyaNelongo olya kolekwa komunambelewa omukwatakanithi gwiimbuluma mOshana, Omupeha Komufala Hilja Haipumbu. Haipumbu okwa popi kutya opolisi oya kala tayi kongo Nelongo, ihe kayi wu wete sigo osho e ya kiilonga mOmaandaha.

Omupeha komufala okwa tindi okuya muule wiipotha mbyoka ya tulitha ishwe Nelongo miipandeko.

Onzo yimwe mongundu yoSwapo, oya holola kutya Nelongo okwa kala ke mo mombelewa oshiwike sha piti , na okwa li a pulwa opo iigandje kopolisi ihe okwa tindi.

Etulo miipandeko lye etiyali olya landula omakonaakono ngoka ga ningwa kopolisi konima sho a li a tulwa miipandeko omwedhi gwa piti, sho a adhika a humbata ongombe ya yakwa momasiku 11 gaFeruali. Nelongo okwa holoka mompangulilo yamangestrata gwaNdangwa, Ilge Rheent momasiku 13 Februali na ota tamanekelwa oshipotha shuulunga wiimuna. Okwa mangululwa komboloha yooN$2000.00.

Oshipotha she osha li shuundulilwa komasiku 9 gaApilili.

Opolisi yaShana oya holola kutya iipotha mbyoka tayi tamanekewa Nelongo oyiimbuluma ya longwa pokati ko 2016 no 2017.

“Opwa kala oohapu kutya ope na oongombe tadhi kana moshitopolwa shuulithilo shaUukwiyu-Uushona naNelongo ota kwatakanithwa nuulunga mboka. Aantu oya kala taye mu kondolola pamwe nopolisi,” onzo ya holola.

Hahende gwaNelongo Sisa Namandje okwa pula oshilalakanenwa shopolisi yaShana. Namandje okwa holola kutya omaihumbato gopolisi yaShana, otaga faafanithwa naangoka gomakakunya.

Okwa li kwa holoka omapopyo kutya etulo miipandeko lyaNelongo oli li onga iikonene ya etithwa komutumba gwomahogololo gongundu yoSwapo, ngoka gwa ningwa muNovemba omvula ya piti. Nelongo otaku popiwa a li ta yambidhidha ongundu ndjoka ya li tayi ithanwa Team Swapo, ndjoka ya dhengwa mo momahogololo kongundu tayi yambidhidha omupresidende Hage Geingob. Inashi yela kutya Nelongo ota holoka mompangulilo uunake.

ILENI NANDJATO

Namibia ta shunitha iilandomwa yonyama ontalala yaSA

March 6, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Namibia ta shunitha iilandomwa yonyama ontalala yaSAKwa tukuka ombakiteli yuuzigo wiikulya moSouth Afrika Oostola dhaNamibia otadhi kutha momalandithilo gadho iilandomwa ayihe yoonyama dha talekwa dhaSouth Afrika, konima sho aantu ye li 180 ya hulitha kombakiteli yalisteria moSouth Afrika. Namibia ota shunitha iilandomwa ayihe mboka tayi kwatakanithwa nombakiteli ndjoka yuuzigo wiikulya, na okwa tula mo oondjindikila opo iilandomwa mbyoka kayi e twe moshilongo.

South Afrika okwa kuthamo moostola dhe iilandithomwa yoonyama ndhoka ihadhi pumbwa okutelekwa unene omihaka, sha landula sho aanongononi ye ya dhidhilike ombuto yuuzigo wiikulya ya nika oshiponga ndjoka taku popi wa kutya oya zilila mofakitoli yokulonga iikulya yoEnterprise Food Production moPolokwane.

Oofakitoli dhilwe dhoEnterprise moGermiston moEast Rand, oRainbow Chicken moFree State, nandho odha tothwamo kutya omo mwa zilila ombuto ndjoka okutameka muJanuari.

Omundokotola omukuluntu guundjolowele wiinamwenyo, mUuministeli wUunamapya, Milton Masheke, okwa koleke kutya omandiki gatatu okwa kolekwa kutya ogo ga etitha etukuko lyombuto ndjoka moSouth AFrika. Okwa popi kutya iilongomwa ayihe yofakitoli ndhoka, okutameka muKotomba gwomvula ya piti, otayi ka kuthwa mo moostola moshilongo.

Ongula yOmaandaha, uuministeli owa popi kutya owiipyakidhila nokuninga etseyitho lyopashigwana oshowo oshikondo shoostola kombinga yeshunitho lyiilongomwa mbyoka.

Masheke okwa li a popi kutya etseyitho ndyoka otali ka kala lya pwa okuya potundi onti 11:00 mOmaandaha. Okwa tsikile kutya iinima mbyoka tayi shunithwa omwa kwatelewa oonyama adhihe ngaashi omihaka, oshowo konyala omaludhi goonyama nale ndhoka dha pya. Oonyama ndhoka inadhi pya inadhi kwatelwa mo. Nonando uuministeli owa holola kutya otaku katukwa oonkatu dha kwata miiti mokukwashilipaleka kutya okwa tulwa miilonga eindiko lyokweeta iilandithomwa mbyoka moshilongo, Masheke okwa popi kutya iilandithomwa mbyoka oya nika oshiponga kuundjolowele wiimuna, onkene oya pumbwa okushunithwa.

Masheke okwa tsikile kutya okwa tulwa nale miilonga omilandu ngaashi okuningila omakonaakono iikulya ayihe mbyoka tayi e twa moshilongo. Okwa kunkilile kutya uupyakadhi natango owuli ngele iikulya inayi telekwa nawa. Okwa tsikile kutya ngele onyama tayi longekidhwa momukalo guundjolowele yo tayi pi nawa nena ohayi vulu okukala ya gamenwa kombakiteli ndjoka, nonando oya li yi na ombakiteli.

Okwa kunkilile natango opo oshigwana shi tule miilonga omukalo gwokwiiyoga komake pethimbo taya longekidha iikulya.

Masheke okwa popi kutya uuministeli wawo otawu longele kumwe nuuministeli wuundjolowele opo oonyama adhihe ndhoka taku fekekela kutya odhi na ombakiteli ndjoka, opo dhi kale dha kuthwa mo momalanditho na inaya tokola natango kutya otadhi ka ningwa shike, ihe ngiika otaye kedhi hwikapo.

Oostola moNamibia odha tameke nale mOsoondaha okukutha mo iilandithomwa mbyoka molaaka dhawo. Oostola dhaShoprite moNamibia odha holola kutya iilandithomwa ayihe yoEnterprise oshowo Rainbow oya kuthwa mo moostola dhawo.

Johan Mostert gwoSpar Namibia naye okwa kokele kutya otaya kuthwa mo iilandomwa mbyoka moostola dhawo, ta popi kutya ohaya landa owala iilandithomwa iishona yoEnterprise nomoolaka dhawo unene hamu kala iilongomwa yomoshlongo. Mostert okwa popi kutya ookastoma otadhi ka shunithilwa iimaliwa yawo, ngele ya shunitha iilongomwa mbyoka kostola dhawo.

Oostola dhaPick n Pay (PnP) Namibia – ndhoka dhi li oshitayi shoOhlthaver & List (O&L) Group – odha popi kutya odha gandja elombwelo kiitayi yawo moshilongo ashihe opo ku kuthwemo momalandithilo meendelelo iilandomwa ayihe yoEnterprise oshowo Rainbow Chicken Limited (RCL).

Omupopiliko gwoOhlthaver & List (O&L) Group, Roux-Che Locke okwa popi kutya uundjolowele wookastoma dhawo, owo tango kuyo. South Africa okwa lopota iipotha yombakiteli ndjoka yi li po 948, oshowo omaso geli 180 taga kwatakanithwa nombakiteli ndjoka.

Aakiintu mboka yeli momategelelo, oohanana naakokele oyo unene yeli moshiponga oshowo aantu mboka ye na aakwiita yolutu ya nkundipala.

Ombakiteli ndjoka ohayi adhika kiikulya yoonyama ngaashi omihaka, iiyimati oshowo iihape.

Omandhindhiliko gombakiteli ndjoka, oshimvu, sha fa ekunku pamwe noshimela, oshimvu, olutu talu ehama, onkungo oshowo okwaahena oonkondo. Zambia naye okwa tseyitha kutya ota shunitha iilandomwa ayihe yoonyama ndhoka dha pya nale, mbyoka a kutha kuSouth Afrika.

ELLANIE SMIT

Small-stock farmers brainstorm

March 6, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Small-stock farmers brainstormFarming subsector shrinks Sheep farmers met at Keetmanshoop last week to discuss an action plan for the shrinking small-stock farming sector. The Livestock Producers Association (LPO) in Namibia rallied small-stock producers last week in Keetmanshoop for a brainstorming session to formulate a vision for the small-stock industry.

According to the Namibian Agricultural Union (NAU), representatives agreed that there is a lack of correct and reliable marketing figures for small stock. Various actions were identified to address this issue.

The union said the concern regarding a reduction in small-stock production was high on the agenda. Although it seems that the small-stock industry has been in a more favourable position than the beef industry in terms of profitability the past five years, small-stock production has decreased drastically.

“Reasons that were speculated on varied from an increase in venereal diseases of the rams, an increase in predator numbers, an increase in theft, and the long term drought situation,” said the union.

According to the union there is also a tendency to change from small-stock production to cattle and game production. Producers in general have lost their trust in the industry and this negatively impacts on investments. Management practices were also looked at as well as the age group of the majority producers which results in less further investments, especially in infrastructure. The NAU said the marketing environment has an impact on the production environment and interference in this sector, together with issues such as land reform, create frustration and uncertainty.

Small-stock representatives at the meeting were of the opinion that production could pick up again and there must be an investigation how to change the methods in order to realise an open border, whilst still operating within government policies. The day resulted in positive suggestions that will receive serious attention in the following weeks.

STAFF REPORTER