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Windhoek Gymnasium scoops gold

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Windhoek Gymnasium scoops goldWindhoek Gymnasium scoops gold LIMBA MUPETAMI



Windhoek Gymnasium Private School's under-15 and under-19 rugby teams were unstoppable this weekend as they both won the Capricorn Group Sevens rugby team Champions in their age groups. The U-15's beat Windhoek Technical High School 19-14, while the U-19's defeated Windhoek High School 26-14 in their final. Windhoek Gymnasium managing director Colette Rieckert said the tournament means a lot, because it shows how important the game of rugby and sport is for schools. “We want to create a platform where Namibians can see excellent quality international sport and enjoy it.” The matches were played at the Windhoek Gymnasium Private School sports field.

Audi e-tron prototype unveiled

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Audi e-tron prototype unveiled Audi e-tron prototype unveiled Vorsprung durch voltage Audi’s first all-electric SUV charges the atmosphere at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show The Audi e-tron prototype offers a preview of the first all-electric model from the Audi brand. The camouflaged exterior conceals a sporty premium SUV with space for five people along with plenty of luggage room – the space and comfort are similar to that of a typical Audi luxury class model.

With a range suitable for longer journeys and the comprehensive charging options planned to be available, customers can drive purely electrically without making any compromises.

The production version of the Audi e-tron prototype can fill up electricity at fast-charging stations with up to 150 kW of charging capacity in just under 30 minutes.

Audi Evolved

The production version of the Audi e-tron is planned to be launched to the European market at the end of 2018, when more details about the vehicle will be revealed. The car is produced at a carbon-neutral plant in Brussels.

The launch of the Audi e-tron, sets an important milestone for Audi’s future. In 2020, the brand plans to have three all-electric vehicles in the product range, with a four-door Gran Turismo – the production version of the Audi e-tron Sportback concept – and a model in the compact segment joining the sporty SUV.

Audi plans to launch more than 20 electric cars and plug-in hybrids by 2025 – spread across all segments and concepts.

Showcasing high-voltage technology

The Audi e-tron prototype does not wear the traditional prototype camouflage, but instead illustrates its electrification genes with a specially developed design film in the colours of black, white and orange.

The distorted e-tron lettering stretches across the entire flank, as if it was charged with electricity. The “e” winds its way around the tailgate at the height of the front fender and is literally electrifying. Mimicking the high-voltage grid, orange elements illustrate the fact that the Audi e-tron prototype is fully electric – the lower part of the car, for example, is encircled with alternating orange and black segments. The expressive sills, with their colourful inserts, indicate where the battery and energy center of the car is located.

Four continents, more than five million kilometres

Up until the Audi e-tron is officially launched at the end of the year, the sporty SUV will complete test drives on four continents as part of its testing.

Whether it’s in the cold temperatures of Scandinavia or in the heat of Africa; in the mountainous altitudes of Asia or on the north loop of the Nürburgring; in the stop-and-go traffic of major Chinese cities or on American highways – the purely electrically powered SUV has to prove its all-round qualities in uncompromising practical tests under extreme conditions.

Audi is testing the pre-series vehicles for customer-focused operation in all climate zones ranging from below -20 to above +50 degrees Celsius. In addition, intensive tests of the charging technology are being conducted worldwide – an important safeguarding criterion for battery-electric models. The individual charging standards are tested on proving grounds and in public areas to validate the full range of different charging options.

In total, just fewer than 250 Audi e-tron prototypes are to be used in the tests. They will cover more than five million kilometres – roughly equivalent to 125 times around the earth and 85,000 hours on the road.

Hunting down the prototype in Geneva

Prior to the world premiere, part of the Audi e-tron test fleet will be out on public roads wearing the electrifying camouflage design. The distinctive prototypes made their first stop in Geneva, driving past prominent sites in the Swiss metropolis as part of the 2018 Geneva Motor Show activities. – Photos QuickPic

Shot of the day

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Shot of the dayShot of the day PRESIDENT FOR LIFE: A decorative plate featuring an image of Chinese President Xi Jinping is seen behind a statue of late communist leader Mao Zedong at a souvenir store next to Tiananmen Square in Beijing. China's propaganda machine kicked into overdrive recently to defend the Communist Party's move to scrap term limits for President Xi Jinping as critics on social media again defied censorship attempts. The country has shocked many observers by proposing a constitutional amendment to end the two-term limit for presidents, giving Xi a clear path to rule the world's second largest economy for life. Photo: NAMPA/AFP

Baby-making investor plan ludicrous

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Baby-making investor plan ludicrousBaby-making investor plan ludicrous Politicians, especially those who find themselves in ruling parties, are known to shovel the kind of verbal manure they hope will sprout votes.

At the best of times, they are trying to capture ballots and say things to please audiences.

With this in mind, the utterances of Omusati regional governor Erginus Endjala last week in Outapi, where he was quoted as saying that government wants to introduce so-called “birth incentives” in order to boost the population and the economy were disconcerting to say the least.

Now we don't know under which rainbow Endjala is living, but Namibia is barely able to feed its current population of 2.5 million and is rife with baby dumping.

To be fair, the governor did mention that many investors are reluctant to come to the country, given its small population, while claiming there is no market.

But is “incentivising” the wanton making of babies really something that Namibia should be contemplating?

For example, in a story we published in today's edition, Endjala, in the context of climate change, states the livelihoods of many households in his region and in the northern communal areas generally are faced with a multitude of challenges, which include recurrent droughts, frequent floods, limited grazing, limited access to fresh produce markets, limited value-addition, high unemployment and high incidents of poverty.

Just last month, the gender ministry called on pregnant mothers to turn to it for help instead of dumping their babies, often in life-threatening conditions. Besides advocating for the decriminalising of baby dumping, the ministry underlined this would encourage unwilling mothers to place their infants in places of safety, where social workers could make the necessary arrangements, instead of placing newborns in a deserted place, where the baby is endangered.

Given the unfolding economic climate it is also irresponsible to now push for en masse child-bearing.

Perhaps Endjala should enlighten the nation further about how encouraging more women to bear children will attract more investors into the country.

From where we sit this is quite a perturbing and worrisome strategy, if it indeed emanates from government and not from an overactive imagination.

New SON board unveiled

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New SON board unveiledNew SON board unveiledExperts drawn from different sectors The new board has put together a plan to tackle issues related to administration, the 50th anniversary Special Olympics celebrations, national games and regional familiarisation trips, among others. LIMBA MUPETAMI



The new Special Olympics Namibia (SON) board of directors, appointed in November 2017, was introduced last Thursday in Windhoek.

In a media statement the board announced that members are drawn up from different areas of expertise such as governance, strategic planning, law, human development, youth, security, safety and sport.

The statement also said they are credible, experienced officials, whose work has contributed immensely to the development of their respective sectors over many years.

“They are all committed personnel, dedicated to the advancement of people living with disabilities in Namibia and Africa as a whole,” the statement said.

Following their appointment, the new board put together a plan for 2018 to tackle issues related to administration, the 50th anniversary Special Olympics celebrations, national games, regional familiarisation trips, leadership programs for coordinators, law enforcement and special awards.

SON is set to take part in the 50th anniversary celebrations of Special Olympics, in world's largest sports organisation for people with intellectual disabilities. The main event takes place in Chicago in the United States, with some activities planned locally.

SON has also given Deon Namiseb a special award “for showing tremendous courage and for being an inspiration”.

“Namiseb, who has an intellectual disability, has been a figure of hope in his community and in the sporting world, reminding us to believe in ourselves and to never give up,” the statement said.

Namiseb has been involved with SON since 1998, the year the organisation was established. He was the captain of the SON football team that won silver in 2007 and was the Special Olympics global ambassador at the 2011 Summer World Games.

SON was last year stripped of its license by Special Olympics, due to the alleged misappropriation of funds, maladministration and lack of financial supporting documents, among other issues, but with the appointment of the new board, their licence was automatically reinstated.

The new board members will be in office for the next four years.

They are Taimi Itembu, Wahl Abrahams, Mbanga Siyomunji, Abraham Kanime, Paul du Plessis, Gertrude Garises and chairperson Cliff Olivier.

However, a few more members will be added soon enough to ensure wider representation and to comply with the Special Olympics requirements.

-Additional reporting by NAMPA

Adrian snatches second in Cape Town

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Adrian snatches second in Cape TownAdrian snatches second in Cape Town LIMBA MUPETAMI



Namibian road cyclist Vera Adrian finished second at the 40th Cape Town Cycle Tour which ended at the Cape Town Stadium yesterday.

The women's race was closely contested, but Kim le Court edged the Namibian and South African track specialist Maroesjka Matthee with a time of 2:11:50 in the 76km race that started in perfect weather conditions at Glencairn just outside Simon's Town. A group of 12 went clear on the Suikerbossie climb, including seven-time champion Anriette Schoeman and national road champion Carla Oberholzer.

Adrian is in top form after having recently won the 2018 Nedbank Cycle Challenge in Namibia.

Her sprint was strong when she took part in that race and she edged elite cyclist Michelle Vorster. The cyclist has been perfecting her climbing skills and is working towards the Commonwealth Games that starts in April.

In the men's race Nolan Hoffman won, claiming his third victory in the event, while crossing the line in a bunched sprint.

Hoffman, riding for BCX, finished in a time of 2:37:30 ahead of Sam Gaze of New Zealand and Reynard Butler.

Regional councils fail parity test

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Regional councils fail parity testRegional councils fail parity testOnly 20 female councillors out of 121 Namibia is showing significant progress in terms of female representation in the political arena, as well as in high school and tertiary enrolment, but regional councils are lagging far behind. Despite giant gender parity strides, including Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah being elected as Swapo vice-president last year, the country's regional councils remain male-dominated, with only 20 female councillors out of a total of 121.

This is according to gender ministry permanent secretary Valencia Uiras who was speaking last week at a network breakfast on International Women's Day held under the theme 'From Peace in the Home, to Peace in Namibia: Press for Progress'.

Uiras highlighted Nandi-Ndaitwah's Swapo vice-presidency election, which puts her in pole position to succeed President Hage Geingob after the anticipated completion of his second term as head of state in 2025, should he win next year's presidential elections.

However, in the same breath Uiras said only 20 women had been elected as regional councillors in 2015 out of 121 councillors.

“We have regions that do not have any female regional councillors; in this regard the Omaheke and Zambezi regional councils stand out.”

The Hardap, //Karas, Kavango East, Kavango West, Kunene, Ohangwena and Omusati regional councils each have only one woman on their councils.

Meanwhile the Erongo, Oshana and Oshikoto regional councils each have two female representatives, while Khomas and Otjozondjupa have the most female councillors, with women occupying four of the 10 constituency seats in Khomas Region and three of the seven seats in Otjozondjupa. As of May last year there were 57 local authorities with women holding the position of mayor in 18 (32%) and the deputy mayor posts in 24 (42%).

Uiras said this means women comprised 37% of the total number of people in both positions.

However, women accounted for only seven of the 57 chief executive officers of local authorities (12%), who are appointed by the councils.

She added currently 29.4% of permanent secretaries and 41% of deputy permanent secretaries are female, while female directors stand at 42% and deputy directors at 48%.

Only 20% of private sector CEO positions are held by women, with Uiras adding there is however a significant increase in the appointment of females on the board of directors (49.5%).

According to women currently occupy 75% registrars of the court posts and 33% of presidents of the courts positions, while 20.8% of judges are women and 49.5% of the country's magistrates.

Uiras said the unemployment rate is higher for females than for males, and the gap is widening.

In 2016, 51% of males aged 15 and above were working, compared to 41% of females,

“Unemployment is particularly acute for rural women. Women who are unemployed tend to be out of work for longer than men who are unemployed.”

According to her between 2006 and 2013, approximately 33% of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Namibia had female participation in ownership and 27% of firms in Namibia had a female top manager, compared with 16% in sub-Saharan Africa.

With regard to education, Uiras she said gender parity in enrolment for female students at institutions of higher learning is being realised and in some instances has far exceeded the enrolment of male students.

For example, in 2017 enrolment for female students at the Namibia University for Science and Technology (NUST) stood at 50.3% compared to 49.7% for male students and at the University of Namibia (UNAM) female enrolment figures stood at 65%, compared to 35% males.

“This scenario could be attributed to large numbers of females enrolled in female-dominated fields of study such as nursing and education. We are however not seeing significant increases of enrolment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”

In Namibia 51% the population are women and 49% are men, while 44% of households in the country are headed by females.

According to Uiras while the overall unemployment rate for the country stands at 36%, the unemployment rate for women is 38% while for men it stands at 30%.

“We are showing a positive increase in numbers in areas that are already and will significantly influence the quality of leadership and influence women can make in our country.” Uiras said at independence, inequality and minimal respect for the advancement and role of women was the order of the day.

“However, Namibia has since made great strides and can pride itself as a nation that can stand out at any international platform and acknowledge the positive progress that has been made to ensure that women count,” said Uiras.

She pointed out that Namibia has a parliament that evolved from only having five woman in its first National Assembly to 48 women in its sixth National Assembly (2015-2020).

“The proportion of women in parliament is currently 40% compared to our first parliament at only 6%.

This achievement has resulted in the ranking of Namibia among the top African countries which advanced women in politics and decision-making structures.”

ELLANIE SMIT

Seatbelts slash injuries, fatalities by 50%

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Seatbelts slash injuries, fatalities by 50%Seatbelts slash injuries, fatalities by 50% The MVA Fund has launched its 'Click for Life' campaign which seeks to instil a culture of safe travel with minimal injuries and less fatal crashes, through the correct use of seatbelts.

The campaign was trigged by a World Health Organisation (WHO) report indicating the correct use of safety belts or child restraints reduces crash-related injuries and fatalities by 50%.

Through the campaign, the fund intends to positively reinforce the correct use of seatbelts, educate road users on how to correctly install child car seats and restraints, and outline the benefits of using seatbelts. A 2007 study conducted on 'Safety-belt Compliance in Namibia' by the Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP) Namibia confirmed the average driver compliance level on safety belt usage in the country is 40.7%.

Accordingly, these results draw attention to the high injury rate of over 6 000 people who sustain varying degrees of injuries on average, every year.

The fund says this number may invariably be linked to the improper or non-use of seatbelts and child restraints resulting in both drivers and passengers facing increased risk of injury.

While seatbelts and child restraints do not prevent crashes from taking place, they play a major role in reducing the severity of injury of those involved in a collision. An occupant's chance of survival therefore increases greatly when appropriately restrained, says the fund.

Adherence to the correct use of seatbelts and child restraints may mean the difference between life and death and severity of injury. Therefore, all road users are advised to buckle up.

According to the fund this can reduce serious injuries such as traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. It can also reduce medical costs. All road users are therefore urged to use seatbelts correctly at all times to minimise road crash injuries.

STAFF REPORTER

Company news in brief

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Company news in briefCompany news in brief MTN cuts dividend to rein in debt

South African telecoms firm MTN Group cut its 2018 dividend on Thursday to cut debt but outlined increases in the next three to five years, lifting sentiment in the firm which some investors had expected to scrap this year's payout.

MTN said it was cutting its 2018 dividend to 500 cents from 700 cents in 2017 but would use this year's figure as a base to increase payouts by 10 to 20% in the next three to five years, describing this as a "progressive" dividend policy.

MTN, which operates in more than 20 countries in Africa and the Middle East, wants to expand from telecoms services into financial services, music streaming and e-commerce.

The new dividend policy would help cut MTN's net debt, which stands at R57 billion, more than double the pile of its nearest rival Vodacom.

Group service revenue rose 7.2% to R124 billion, due to strong performance in Nigeria, the company's most lucrative where it has also been embroiled in a dispute over repatriating funds and unregistered SIM cards. – Nampa/Reuters

Eskom to launch probe into SAP contract

South Africa's state-run power utility Eskom said on Thursday it would launch its own probe into a contract with German software maker SAP which has ensnared the company in a wider graft scandal.

SAP said on Thursday it had found compliance breaches and "indications of misconduct" in public sector deals in South Africa involving the Guptas, friends of former president Jacob Zuma accused of corruption.

Both Zuma and the Guptas have denied any wrongdoing. – Nampa/Reuters

Exxaro eyes Optimum quotas

South Africa's Exxaro Resources Ltd said on Thursday it was interested in buying coal export quotas from the Gupta family's Optimum Coal mine that is now in business rescue proceedings.

Chief Executive Mxolisi Mgojo made the comments as he announced Exxaro's results that showed an impairment charge had driven down full-year earnings by 65%, despite an improving operating profit.

The impairment relates to replacing its economic empowerment vehicle used to boost the level of black shareholders in Exxaro.

Optimum Coal mine, which has faced a strike by its workers over unpaid salaries, sought protection from creditors on Feb. 20 with seven other companies owned by the Guptas who are accused of corrupt ties to former President Jacob Zuma.

Exxaro declared a final dividend of 400 cents per share, compared with 410 cents last year. – Nampa/Reuters

Botswana pays Russia's Norilsk Nickel

Botswana has paid Norilsk Nickel US$45 million to settle a dispute after its state-run mining company pulled out of buying a stake in a South African mine from the Russian firm, the minerals minister said on Friday.

Botswana's state-run BCL Mine pulled out of a 3 billion pula (US$281 million) deal in October 2016 to buy a 50% stake in Nkomati Nickel Mine from Norilsk due to a lack of funds, prompting the Russian firm to file a legal claim.

Minster of Minerals Sadique Kebonang confirmed the settlement and said the payment was approved through a presidential directive on Jan. 24.

Norilsk Nickel declined to comment. – Nampa/Reuters

China Resources Beer in talks with Heineken

China Resources Beer (Holdings) Co Ltd is in talks to acquire Heineken NV’s China business in a deal that could be worth more than US$1 billion, as the country's largest brewer seeks new growth from premium brands, five people close to the discussions said.

The negotiations come as global beer giants such as Heineken, AB InBev and Carlsberg are facing fierce competition from local rivals and each other in emerging markets, which have been touted as the growth engine for the world's biggest brewers.

China is the world's largest beer market by volume. CR Beer's biggest brand, Snow, is the world's top-selling beer, but is almost exclusively sold in China.

One of the sources said the deal between CR Beer and Heineken would most likely include three breweries – in Guangdong, Hainan and Zhejiang provinces - Heineken's distribution operation and its brands in China.

The two brewers have discussed a share-swap as part of the transaction, the source said. – Nampa/Reuters

Dream team

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Dream teamDream teamBenjamin chooses his top 11 Collin Benjamin continues to leave an indelible mark following his playing days, where he faced and played alongside some of the best in the world. Here he shares his 11-man dream team.LIMBA MUPETAMI StrikersStrikers

Anthony Yeboah: Also known as 'the king'.

“Tony mentored me when I joined Hamburg in 2001. He was a superstar not only in Ghana but the whole of Africa. The king could kick with both feet and once he had the ball, three guys would normally be needed to take the ball from him. I was proud to have one of the greats in Africa calling me his 'son',” Benjamin said.

Being African and being the top goal scorer twice in Germany speaks to his abilities.

Ruud van Nistelrooy: “I haven't seen somebody like him in the box - a born striker. From 10 chances in the box he would put away 10 and the goalkeeper would be injured for two days,” Benjam

in said.

“He kicks so hard and would always say that putting chances behind the net are not only goals for him, it's a message to the goalkeeper.” Benjamin described Van Nistelrooy as a true professional and gentleman.

“I never use to tackle him at training; too much respect. Seriously, I grew up watching the guy on TV and all of a sudden we are playing together. We still keep contact via WhatsApp.”

GPS collars to track Namib cattle

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GPS collars to track Namib cattleGPS collars to track Namib cattle Twelve Global Positioning System (GPS) collars valued at N$74 000 were donated to the Gobabeb Research and Training Centre and will be used to track the behaviour and movement of cattle in the Namib Desert.

The donation was made by the Japanese Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation, together with their Namibian joint venture partner Reptile Mineral Resources and Exploration. Namibian student Eric Shiningayamwe will be studying the behaviour of cattle in the desert by using the GPS collars and the study will form part of his research towards a Master's Degree in Rangeland Management at the University of Namibia. The study will examine the daily movement and activities of desert cattle in relation to the vegetation and local conditions of the lower Kuiseb River, which may elaborate specifically on animal feeding habits, definitive information about predators and competition with wildlife and animal responses to extreme heat and weather.

In collaboration with the Topnaar community, the GPS-enabled collars will be attached to free-roaming cattle owned by traditional farmers along the lower Kuiseb River.

According to Gobabeb executive director Dr Gillian Maggs-Kölling the collars will record the position, temperature, and posture of cows every 10 minutes, from which Shiningayamwe can determine the activity, rangeland preferences, foraging range and response to climate by cattle in one of the most extreme rangelands of the world.

He said through the deployment of such cutting-edge precision agriculture techniques, the knowledge developed will be to the benefit of all Namibian farmers.

“I was astounded by how fat the cattle in the Namib are when there is no grass. I believe that my research will help all Namibian farmers by being able to advise them better on where their cattle go, when they like feed, rest or walk, and why they go to specific areas. Such knowledge will make farming in Namibia more profitable and better oriented to conserving our rangelands,” said Shiningayamwe. Dr Katrin Kärner from Reptile Mineral Resources and Exploration said as operators in the Namib-Naukluft National Park they are committed to a sustainable environment in the park. “As such, we are pleased to support the cattle tracking project, initiated by Gobabeb, which will greatly assist in achieving this objective. We are also delighted to see a dedicated and motivated young Namibian taking on this research and wish him all the best and success.” Gobabeb is situated in the Namib-Naukluft Park, where it is a catalyst for gathering, understanding and sharing knowledge of the Namib Desert and its arid environments. The Gobabeb Research and Training Centre offers local and international scientists the opportunity to work in one of the foremost dry land research centres of the world.

ELLANIE SMIT

Omusati suffers climate change woes

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Omusati suffers climate change woesOmusati suffers climate change woesHouseholds face food insecurity, poverty Poverty in Omusati is exacerbated by the effects of climate change, which include high temperatures, droughts and floods. Climate change is eroding the efforts ploughed into Omusati's agricultural sector over the years.

This is according to Omusati governor Erignus Endjala, who was speaking at a two-day regional conference on water, food security and climate change adaption.

Endjala said the region is the second most populous region in northern Namibia with a population of 243 166 people, while it also has 332 584 cattle and 295 780 goats.

Omusati also boasts the largest green scheme project in the country.

In addition, it has one of the most vibrant small-scale horticulture producers based around Olushandja dam and along the Calueque – Oshakati canal. The Olushandja Horticultural Producer Association has 255 hectares under production with 70 farmers, six of which are large-scale, five medium-scale, and 59 small-scale producers. “They have marketed 619 metric tonnes formally during the 2016/17 season and a lot more goes through the informal market,” said Endjala.

Butternuts, pumpkins, watermelon, cabbage, tomatoes, beetroots, green peppers, sweet potatoes and green maize are produced under irrigation. The majority of farmers practice dry land crop production. According to Endjala it is at Etunda that the first commercial production of asparagus is happening in Namibia, which will culminate in the establishment of agro-processing facilities and exports.

He, however, said the livelihoods of many households in the region and in the northern communal areas are faced with a multitude of challenges, which include recurrent droughts, frequent floods, limited grazing, limited access to fresh produce markets, limited value-addition, high unemployment and high incidents of poverty. Endjala said these challenges are exacerbated by the effects of climate change that include high temperatures, droughts and floods. He said these challenges are eating away at the gains and efforts government has ploughed into the agriculture sector over the years.

According to the governor most households are therefore food insecure and suffer huge livestock losses during droughts, and this affects the establishment of agriculture-based industries that are being advocated for, as the cornerstone of farmers' livelihoods are not viable.

“This unique conference has been necessitated by recurrent challenges that have become endemic and are becoming worse every year. We need to make sure that we find ways to secure water for agriculture purposes.”

Endjala said agricultural productivity needs to be improved to ensure food security. “We also need to ensure secure markets for our producers, we need to make sure that our livestock have enough feed throughout the year, we need to make sure that we enhance the availability of our products throughout the year through value-addition and agro-processing and above all we need to make sure that we have in place the adaptive measures that will ensure the effects of climate change are minimal, as we cannot stop climate change from happening, we have to adapt.”

The conference was hosted by the Omusati Regional Council, in collaboration with the Adaptation at Scale in Semi-Arid Regions (ASSAR) project.

ASSAR is a five-year research project (2014-2018), funded by the Canadian International Development Research and the UK Department for International Development. It is aimed at deepening the understanding of climate vulnerability and adaptation in semi-arid regions, to inform an influence adaptation practice and policy.

ELLANIE SMIT

Residents fume over potholed roads

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Residents fume over potholed roadsResidents fume over potholed roads Residents of Oshakati's Ehenye township are complaining about the bad roads they have to endure on a daily basis, which they say are causing damage to their vehicles.

The residents who spoke on condition of anonymity told Namibian Sun they have been experiencing bad terrain since last year's rainy season and nothing was done to improve the roads.

“After last year's flood our roads were affected and we expected council to do something but the situation remained the same. Currently we are in the rainy season and thus far we have experienced heavy rains that have further damaged the roads,” one of the residents said. They residents are demanding that council look into the matter with urgency.

“Council must really do something about this because our vehicles are getting damaged and it's a costly exercise,” the residents said.

During a drive through Ehenye, Namibian Sun observed the damaged parts on the road that forces road users to sway into the opposite lane in order to avoid driving into the huge potholes.

When contacted for comment Oshakati Town Council CEO Werner Iita said people should expect gravel roads to be affected during the rainy season.

Iita asked the public to be patient, saying that if council decides to regravel the road during the rainy season it will be waste of resources because the rain will damage it again. He however pointed out that if council assesses the situation and discover there are huge potholes that have the potential to cause serious damage to people's vehicles, they will act accordingly.

KENYA KAMBOWE

BA sink Pirates

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BA sink PiratesBA sink PiratesRivals thumped 3-0 in derby Black Africa sank their arch-rivals Orlando Pirates at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek on Friday, keeping their title hopes alive. Black Africa temporarily reduced African Stars' lead at the top of the Namibia Premier League (NPL) log by four points on Friday, with a thumping win over arch-rivals Orland Pirates.

However, Stars then went on to beat Chief Santos 2-0 to reopen a seven point lead. Both Pirates and Stars had a further game yesterday, with the results not available at the time of going to print.

BA beat Pirates 3-0 during round 22 of the NPL, keeping the title race alive with eight rounds left to play.

In one of the most exciting Katutura derbies in a long time, which was witnessed by just a handful of spectators, the two sides came out with attack-minded strategies, but it was Black Africa who had the better plan in the first half after having the larger share of possession.

It took them 19 minutes to find the back of the net after Marco van Wyk's brilliant play allowed McCartney Nawaseb to open the score in the 19th minute.

The half-time score was 1-0. In the second half, Black Africa came out even stronger and controlled most of the play. They were rewarded with a penalty in the 49th minute, with Emilio Martin making no mistake.

Despite Black Africa having a two-goal lead, Pirates created a number of scoring chances, but Lady Luck was just not on their side.

With the game reaching injury time, Black Africa put the final nail in their arch-rivals' coffin when Wendell Rudath's brilliant free-kick left Pirates goalkeeper Welcome Nail stranded.

With this win, Black Africa were in second position on 43 points and they were due to clash with Life Fighters yesterday.

Also in the hunt are Young African, Tura Magic and Unam.

Speaking to the media after the game, Black Africa coach Lucky Richter said the time to challenge for the title is now.

“We are just four points away from African Stars (on Friday),” he said, while expressing the hope that Stars would drop some points over the weekend in Tsumeb and Oshakati.



Results of Saturday's NPL matches:

Young African 1-1 Life Fighters

Chiefs Santos 0-2 African Stars

Unam 2-0 Blue Waters

Citizens 3-2 Eleven Arrows

Rundu Chiefs 1-1 Tura Magic

Mighty Gunners 0-3 Tigers

Young Chiefs 0-1 Civics

Young Chiefs 0-1 Civics

-NAMPA

NFA officials attend CAF courses

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NFA officials attend CAF coursesNFA officials attend CAF courses NFA



The Namibia Football Association (NFA) secretariat continues to benefit from the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) quest to develop football on the continent.

Three NFA members will attend developmental workshops in Cairo, Egypt and Rabat, Morocco this week.

Referees manager Absalom Goseb and national referees' chairperson Erastus Shilunga flew to Cairo yesterday to attend the CAF Referees Development Workshop from 13 to 15 March.

The workshop aims to improve the standard of refereeing in Africa through sharing and exchanging ideas, networking and connections, standardising the vision of the referees and establishing future collaborations between member associations and the CAF.

Shilunga and Goseb will be expected to deliver an eight-minute presentation on, amongst others, organisational structure, the number and categories of referees, the appointment system or criteria of selection of international referees, development programmes, including those for youth and women, competitions, technology, challenges and future plans.

Meanwhile, NFA technical director Timo Tjongarero left Namibia on Wednesday to attend the CAF Technical Directors Seminar in Rabat.

The course started on Friday and ends today.

The objective of the seminar is to review the entire CAF coaching licensing system and align it with other confederations to obtain an equivalence agreement with them.

The meeting will also introduce a new CAF coaching licence convention.

Tjongarero is expected to make a presentation on the activities within the NFA.

N$740m for Air Namibia

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N$740m for Air NamibiaN$740m for Air NamibiaScoops 50% of SOEs' budget Amid a continued government belt-tightening exercise Air Namibia has once again scooped the lion's share of the budget for state-owned enterprises. National carrier Air Namibia has received the lion's share of the funding allocated to public enterprises for the current fiscal year - a whopping N$740 million.

Air Namibia's budgetary allocation for the 2018/19 financial year, announced as part of finance minister Calle Schlettwein's national budget statement on Wednesday last week, represents 50% of the total allocations given to public enterprises.

This towers over the amount given to rail operator TransNamib which received N$171 million and the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation's N$140 million.

Other public enterprises that received significant allocations include the Namibia Statistics Agency (N$94 million), Development Bank of Namibia (N$80 million), the National Youth Service (N$36 million), the Road Contractor Company (N$21 million), the National Council for Research, Science and Technology (N$11 million), the Agro-Marketing and Trade Agency (N$15 million), New Era Publications (N$15 million) and the Namibia Press Agency (N$15 million), while the media joint-venture between the governments of Namibia and Zimbabwe (Namzim) got N$10 million.

Commenting on the allocations to public enterprises, its line minister Leon Jooste said it was a situation that would need to be embraced.

According to him, funding mechanisms would need to be sought to help plug potential gaps.

“The reality of our current budgetary constraints should be embraced by us all and that includes the public enterprises. The allocations to public enterprises will have to be complemented and supplemented by creative funding mechanisms and the leveraging of their respective assets,” said Jooste.

He added there was also a continued dependence on government support packages, without finding other sources.

“Most public enterprises have relied exclusively on funding from the state as shareholder without taking the responsibility for sourcing alternatives,” said Jooste.

Independent analyst Klaus Schade felt more would be needed to understand the support packages required for public enterprises.

“A more detailed analysis of the public enterprises that have received financial support and for what purposes is needed. Some public enterprises receive bailouts to keep afloat while others receive financial support for infrastructure development,” said Schade.

He also felt government would need to monitor allocations to public enterprises to ensure it would be in a position to honour existing obligations.

“Guarantees granted to public enterprises have more than doubled from N$6.4 billion (2015/16) to N$12.8 billion (2017/18) and are expected to reach N$14.8 billion in 2018/19 and N$17.4 billion in 2020/21, which amounts to about 7.9% of Gross Domestic Product. It is important to closely monitor and evaluate the performance of public enterprises to ensure that government does not need to honour these guarantees,” said Schade.

Labour expert Herbert Jauch said efforts should have been made much earlier to rein in bailouts.

“A more coherent and strategic approach to subsidies for public enterprises and cutting lavish management packages could also have been adopted years back,” said Jauch.

Academic Roman Grynberg felt the issue of unending bailouts was not being addressed properly.

“From what I can see insufficient attention is being paid to dealing with public enterprise deficits and poverty alleviation should be receiving the money used to ensure the existence of SOEs,” said Grynberg.Public enterprises received a total of N$1.47 billion for the current year.

OGONE TLHAGE

Suicides rock Swakopmund

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Suicides rock SwakopmundSuicides rock Swakopmund Two suicides were reported in Swakopmund last week.

Erongo regional crime investigations coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Erastus Iikuyu, said no foul play is suspected in both incidents.

The first case involves Simeon Ndewiika Tileinge (27) who hanged himself last Thursday at 13:18.

“His body was found hanging from the ceiling of a ghetto at house number 7592 in new DRC, near the soccer field. He used a rope,” said Iikuyu.

He added the deceased's father was informed by neighbours that they last saw Tileinge two weeks ago. The ghetto was locked from inside and there was a very bad smell coming from it.

“The ghetto's door was forced open and the body was found in a decomposed stage hanging from the rope. A suicide note was found in the ghetto. The body was taken to the Windhoek Police Mortuary for a post-mortem examination,” Iikuyu said.

In another case, a 76-year-old man shot himself with a pistol on Friday morning at Anton Lubowski Street in the same town.

According to the police, the man was found lying on his bed with a bullet wound between his left ribs.

“It is suspected that the deceased shot himself with his pistol which was found next to his left hand, with four rounds left in the magazine. The deceased was staying alone and was apparently suffering from depression, according to his neighbours.

“The neighbours allegedly saw the deceased's garage door open on Thursday (between 18:30 and 20:30), but they didn't suspect anything. On Friday, at about 07:15, they saw that the garage door was still open and notified the police,” said Iikuyu.

He further said the deceased's next of kin have not yet been traced, as they might be in South Africa or Germany. The body was taken to the Walvis Bay Police Mortuary for a post-mortem examination. Police investigations in both cases continue.



Adolf Kaure

Ex-SME Bank staff plan lawsuit

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Ex-SME Bank staff plan lawsuitEx-SME Bank staff plan lawsuit Former SME Bank employees are planning to file a class action lawsuit following the demise of the lender last year.

The former employees, through the Namibia Financial Institutions Union (Nafinu), have sought legal advice union leader Asnath Zamuee told Namibian Sun when approached for comment this week.

According to her, the matter is currently under review by their legal team.

“We have engaged our lawyers in this regard. There are a few hurdles we are still working on. We are encouraged by the commission of enquiry instituted by the liquidators. However, we are concerned the case will be carried out in secret. This is not right since various parties have an interest in the outcome thereof, such as the affected workers,” said Zamuee.

Nafinu had previously raised their intent to pursue a class action suit against the former directors of the SME Bank.

“We are of the view that the insolvent situation of the bank was as a result of gross negligence and carelessness on the part of those who were entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring the prudent administration of public funds deposited at the bank,” said Zamuee.

Nafinu felt it important that the class action suit be filed as a result of massive job losses suffered and placed the blame squarely at the feet of the former directors and senior management team of the bank.

“The board failed miserably in its oversight function and now innocent employees have to pay with their jobs. While we will continue to engage the liquidators, we wish to state that we fully understand their role and function and have no desire to make their task difficult,” said Zamuee.

Former SME Bank chairman and current secretary to cabinet, George Simataa, previously said his conscience is clear following the demise of the bank.

“I am at peace with myself. However, as a responsible citizen I am equally deeply concerned with the hopeless situation of over 200 employees of the bank, who face a dark future and economic consequences that result from the manner in which the SME Bank Limited matter was handled,” said Simataa, before adding, “I must categorically state that my conscience is very clear, as any investigation will undoubtedly exonerate me from any liability.”

Meanwhile, the High Court has ordered the setting up of a commission of inquiry that should investigate the financial collapse of the bank and the suspected disappearance of nearly N$175 million that was supposedly invested in South Africa, it was reported recently.

High Court Deputy Judge President, Hosea Angula, recently granted an order establishing the commission of inquiry in terms of the Companies Act of 2004. The inquiry is to be headed by legal counsel Natasha Bassingthwaighte, who is practising law as a member of the Society of Advocates of Namibia.

The Bank of Namibia took control of the SME Bank on 2 March 2017 after it had come to light that between N$181 million and N$196 million had been invested in questionable financial instruments in South Africa.

The SME Bank was placed in provisional liquidation on 11 July, sealing the fate of 208 employees, who are now jobless. The bank was placed under the management of liquidators Dave Bruni and Ian McLaren.

OGONE TLHAGE

Nipam, NSI sign cooperation agreement

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Nipam, NSI sign cooperation agreementNipam, NSI sign cooperation agreementBetter quality training A committee will be established to ensure that activities in the agreement are undertaken. The Namibia Institute of Public Administration and Management (Nipam) and the Namibian Standards Institution (NSI) have signed an agreement that will amongst others promote co-operation and understanding of common public sector training standards.

The five-year agreement, signed in Windhoek on Thursday, will see the two institutions collaborate on the development and adoption of standards relevant to the mandate of Nipam and the public sector which are benchmarked regionally and internationally.

Speaking during the signing of the agreement, NSI chief executive officer Chie Wasserfall said countries that want to be industrialised need to be innovative and the application of standards should become the norm.

Certification

She said in order to ensure compliance to the applicable standards, third-party certification was encouraged by the NSI.

“Certification from the NSI provides organisations with the assurance that their products and services consistently comply with certain predefined standards, customer requirements and applicable legislation,” Wasserfall said.

Furthermore, a committee will be established to ensure that activities in the agreement are undertaken.

Nipam executive director Andrew Ndishishi said the agreement will facilitate the improvement of the quality of training at Nipam.

“Our people are able to execute their duties competently, as well as deliver efficient services in line with expectations of government,” Ndishishi said. – Nampa

Namibia to participate in 2020 World Expo

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Namibia to participate in 2020 World ExpoNamibia to participate in 2020 World Expo Namibia will participate in the 2020 World Expo, which will be held in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

The expo will take place from 20 October 2020 until 1 April 2021.

The minister of information and communication technology, Stanley Simataa, said Cabinet approved the country’s participation during its second meeting for 2018 held on Tuesday.

He said Cabinet further prioritised renewable energy as a national project for promotion during the expo.

Cabinet also directed the Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development, and the Ministry of Mines and Energy to coordinate Namibia’s participation in the expo.

The six-month expo is a platform for millions of people to share ideas, showcase innovation, encourage collaboration and celebrate human ingenuity.

The last expo was held in 2015 in Milan, Italy. - Nampa
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