Single currency dream dismissed

March 22, 2018, 3:00 pm

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Single currency dream dismissedUnrealistic expectations, analysts say Experts have poured cold water on the South African president's suggestion that a 'single, digital' currency for the African continent is the logical next step. South African president Cyril Ramaphosa's idea of a single currency for all 54 African countries has been met with cynicism by experts who believe that the suggestion was not well thought through.

This past weekend, speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the African Union extraordinary summit in Kigali, where 44 countries signed a deal to establish the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Ramaphosa said a single African currency was the natural next step.

“We will begin to interface with the idea and notion of a single currency, possibly even a digital currency, and it's possible that a digital currency will precede a real single currency because it is easier than having a proper full currency,” Ramaphosa told the Mail and Guardian.

Ramaphosa agreed that it might take many years before his idea could become reality.

“It may take time, it may take years, but it's interesting that something that we never spoke about in the past, we are now talking about. Because people always had a sense of sovereignty around their own currency, feeling that their currency is about their sovereignty, their nationhood, but people are now thinking beyond the borders of their own nation.”

Commentators say Ramaphosa's suggestion would not be easy to implement and cited the difficulty around a single monetary area like the Eurozone. “The only reasonable response is, 'Cyril, are you sure you are well?' Yesterday [last week Sunday] Nigeria would not even sign a continental African free trade area agreement and you want to talk about a single currency?,” asked University of Namibia professor Roman Grynberg. According to Grynberg, there were lessons to be drawn from Botswana's reluctance to belong to the Common Monetary Area which includes South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho and Swaziland. “Ask the British and Norwegians what they think of the euro. And if that seems too far to go to get a lesson on why monetary union is so difficult, then just ask Botswana why they left the Rand Monetary Area and created the pula,” said Grynberg.

He urged patience and said economic integration would not be easy to achieve right away.

“Please be patient and leave some African integration work for your grandchildren,” said Grynberg.

IJG head of research Eric van Zyl said vast economic differences and the political instability experienced in some African countries would prove to be a notable challenge for policymakers. “It would pose significant challenges to implement. The differences in economic and political stability between countries, not to mention creditworthiness, would likely make implementation more challenging than setting up the euro was,” said Van Zyl.

The African Union first mooted the idea of a single currency for Africa as far back as 2009.

Economic affairs commissioner at the African Union (AU) Maxwell Mkwezalamba previously told Reuters that the African currency would be implemented no later than 2021.

“The date is not yet established but it will not be later than 2021... we may bring it down to 2018,” Mkwezalamba said. He said free movement of goods and services and the creation of an African Central Bank to be based in Abuja, Nigeria, all needed to be in place first.

“We need to harmonise our fiscal and monetary policies and then have an intermediate step towards having an African central bank which is going to issue the common currency,” he said.

OGONE TLHAGE

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I was fired by thieves - Swartbooi

March 22, 2018, 3:00 pm

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I was fired by thieves - Swartbooi Former deputy land reform minister Bernadus Swartbooi, who is now the leader of the Landless People's Movement (LPM), has told South Africans he was fired because he urged his then Swapo colleagues to stop stealing and return land to the dispossessed.

He also urged South Africans and Namibians to regroup for the sake of their children, while adding they can no longer trust the leaders they thought would lead the transformation of their countries.

He called these leaders “traitors”.

Swartbooi was speaking at a land expropriation without compensation rally in Johannesburg on Wednesday, as South Africans celebrated Human Rights Day and Namibia had its eyes fixed on an Independence Day commemoration in Tsumeb.

He said southern Africa is characterised by stealing and the failure of governments and their leaders to do what they were elected to do.

He told the South African crowd the struggles they are waging in is precisely the struggles Namibians are battling with.

Swartbooi shared the Beyers Naudé Square spotlight with Zwelinzima Vavi, who is the general secretary of the South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu).

“Those traitors we can no longer trust, we can no longer treat them as human, because while you are celebrating Human Rights Day we recognise the many wrongs that was done by these governments that we have elected ourselves,” he said.

Swartbooi told the audience that the fact that he was fired from his job as deputy minister was a blessing.

“[I] was in politics in the ruling party and appointed as governor, your equivalent of premier, and I said 'stop stealing; stop stealing in the evening, stop stealing in the toilet, stop stealing in parliament, stop stealing in government offices and they did not listen.



Caucus with Khoisan

“Then [I] was elected into parliament and became deputy minister of land reform, and here [I] said return the land to the people that were dispossessed and they did not listen, because the parliamentarians and politicians from the ruling party have become the major beneficiaries of land reform in Namibia, as is the case in South Africa… and then eventually... I was eventually fired.”

The South African parliament recently adopted the motion seeking to change the constitution to allow land expropriation without compensation.

Swartbooi was also due to caucus with leaders of the Khoisan Movement in South Africa.

This comes at a time when ancestral land claims in both Namibia and South Africa are taking centre stage, and as the Khoisan battle for their first nation status in the neighbouring country. Swartbooi, was fired as deputy land reform minister following a heated public spat with his senior at the lands ministry, Utoni Nujoma, and was subsequently removed as an MP before resigning from Swapo, when he failed to apologise as was demanded by President Hage Geingob.

JEMIMA BEUKES

The time for disabled women in Namibia

March 22, 2018, 3:00 pm

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The time for disabled women in Namibia Take your rightful position These were the words of Mr Elia Shapwe, Acting Secretary General of the National Federation of People with Disabilities in Namibia (NDPDN), at first Day of the Disabled Woman which was hosted at the NFPDN on 14 March.

Women with disabilities ranging from Deaf, visually impaired to physical disabilities attend the event to address the problems they face and share encouraging and motivating stories and performances.

Ms Hileni Uulumbu, Councilor from the City of Windhoek, said that it is important for the women with disabilities to have a woman's day separate to the official International Day of Women, which is held on 8 March every year, so that the focus can fall on them and the unique challenges they face.

Deaf women are victimized by criminals because sigh language make reporting all the details very difficult while albinos are regularly called derogatory names. According to Miriam Sam (NADAWO) women with disabilities are commonly mistreated.

The Time is Now! Is the theme for 2018 and it calls for disabled women to take their life into their own hands and make a difference to their own lives while setting an example for other.

Some of the highlights of the performances were the “singing” of the National Anthem in sign language and a touching sign language poem by Lirogengeni Kakumo.

The WB Supermarket Group sponsored the event through their WB We Care Trust. Frieda Kandjii, Senior Operational Manager at the group, said that organizations, such as NFPDN, are welcome to apply for grants from the WB We Care Trust, because the group aims to assist positively in all.

Tragedy on Independence Day

March 22, 2018, 3:00 pm

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Tragedy on Independence Day The police are investigating an apparent road-rage incident in the early hours of Independence Day in which a man shot dead a 22-year-old student and wounded two others travelling in a taxi.

The police confirmed that Nayman Amakali (22) died on arrival at Katutura State Hospital after he was shot at the four-way stop on Hans Dietrich Genscher Street in Khomasdal at 01:45 on Wednesday morning.

Two other passengers, a 24-year-old and a 25-year-old man, one of whom was a relative of Amakali's, were wounded.

A case of murder and attempted murder is being investigated. No arrests had been made by yesterday afternoon.

Amakali was a student at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust), where he was pursuing a bachelor's degree in science health information system management.

The police said the taxi in which Amakali and his friends were travelling was stopped by a man driving a black Volkswagen Polo.

The man allegedly accused the taxi driver of reckless driving.

An argument erupted and the suspect drew a firearm and began shooting at the taxi. He allegedly fired at least 11 shots before fleeing the scene.

The student representative council of Nust extended their condolences to the family and friends of Amakali.

JANA-MARI SMITH

Blacklisted farmers petition Agribank

March 22, 2018, 3:00 pm

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Blacklisted farmers petition AgribankUnable to repay their loans About 100 defaulters have demanded that Agribank extend their repayment periods to 33 years. A group of disgruntled loan holders have marched to Agribank's headquarters, as well as the finance ministry offices, to demand that their repayment periods be extended to a maximum of 33 years, without undue delay.

The farmers marched from Katutura to the Agribank premises, where they also demanded to be removed from ITC blacklisting.

The farmers have on previous occasions complained they have been blacklisted following the bank's decision to rope in debt collectors to collect outstanding loan arrears that have been heaping up over the years.

About 100 farmers joined the march on Tuesday, as they handed over their petition in which they said they are still haunted by the horrific dispossession of their land during German colonialism and racist South African rule.

In their petition, the group said they are disappointed and disillusioned by the summary removal of both the government guarantee and subsidy to affirmative action loan scheme (AALS) farmers by the finance minister about ten years ago.

“We are further disheartened by the total lack of support for the AALS and the involved black Namibian farmers by the government, in a manner that clearly discriminates against this scheme and those participating in it, when compared to the resettlement programme and its beneficiaries,” the petition read.

The petition also pointed out that the farmers find themselves in a “near impossible state” to meet their debt service requirements, due to the combination of the high contributions required from them at the point of purchase, the high prices of land, the high interest rates charged on land and perpetual drought.

“We therefore hereby wish to categorically reiterate our considered position borne out of our collective experience regarding the efficacy of the AALS as an intervention measure by government on this vexed issue of land reform and redistribution,” the petition said further.

The farmers called on finance minister Calle Schlettwein to immediately reinstate the guarantee and subsidy for AALS farmers.

Agribank communications and marketing manager, Rino Muranda, said the bank is studying the petition and that the board will discuss it and pronounce itself before a response is issued within the stipulated time of 14 days.

“In the meantime, our stance remains the same; individual farmers have to visit our offices and make individual repayment agreements that will be based on their respective circumstances.

“The bank is and has always been willing to meet with the clients on a one-on-one basis, just like we did when they came to apply for these loans,” he said.

Deputy finance minister Natangwe Ithete received the petition on behalf of Schlettwein.

He told petitioners the ministry will deal with the issue within the confines of the country's laws.

JEMIMA BEUKES

The Personality Traits That Will Get You Hired

March 22, 2018, 3:00 pm

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The Personality Traits That Will Get You Hired What should you work on?

When you are applying for a job, professional success and industry experience are only part of what your interviewer wants to see. Here is a list of skills you should work on.

Employers want to know that you are qualified for a position, but they also want to see that you will fit in with the company culture. The only way to assess this is to get a sense of your personality.

Hiring experts and business leaders weighed in on the personality traits that can make the difference between a strong candidate and a new employee.

1. A multitasker

Employees are rarely hired to perform a single function. Especially in a small business setting, companies need people who are willing to come out of their roles and do whatever is necessary, said Ron Selewach, founder and CEO of talent acquisition software company Human Resource Management Center Inc.

"A small business needs people who can not only tolerate chaos, but thrive in it," he said.

2. A strategist

Career psychologist Eileen Sharaga said that every business needs a strategic thinker. Hiring managers want someone who can identify long-term goals. It’s critical to demonstrate that you have not only a vision for the future, but also a plan to get there, she said.

3. A decider

People who can use their own judgment and take decisive action are valuable to any company, Selewach said. Business leaders can't be involved in every minor decision, so they look for a candidate who is not afraid to pull the trigger. The ability to act and take responsibility for the outcome is essential for anyone hoping to move into a management or leadership position.

4. A cautious person

Beth Gilfeather, CEO and founder of Sevenstep Recruiting, noted that a more cautious employee acts as a counterbalance to risk-takers. "They are risk-averse, but sometimes, you need people to provide stability and fairness, and keep your business from taking on too much," she said.

5. An independent thinker

Some employees go along with everything the boss says, without question. These people may be good for an ego boost, but ultimately, leaders need team members who will challenge the status quo if it's better for the business.

"I want people who will … not be afraid to stand up for what they think is the right thing for the company," said Meg Sheetz, former president and COO of weight loss program Medifast. "I also look for people who understand that they will not necessarily agree with every decision that the company may make, but ... they have to find a way to support their teams in a unified approach."

6. A team player

Most jobs require some kind of collaboration, whether with a team of other employees, a group of clients or occasional outside contractors. The ability to work pleasantly and effectively with others is a key part of nearly any job.

"Employers value candidates who are flexible enough to get along well with a variety of personalities and work styles," said Peppercorn. "Examples of accomplishments working on a team should be part of every job-hunter's interview repertoire."

7. A cultural fit

Individual employers may value different traits, but they all look for the elusive cultural fit. Every company's culture is slightly different, and each is founded on different core values. What matters most to employers is that the person they hire embodies those values in their everyday lives.

"Our culture is founded upon a work-hard, play-hard, humble, self-reflective and collaborative environment," said Max Yoder, CEO of online training software company Lessonly. "Different roles obviously call for different specifics, but all of us share those core motivations."

How to highlight your personality

Personality traits are difficult to demonstrate on a resume, so it's essential to highlight them during the interview. Sheetz noted that strategic storytelling can get your personality across to a hiring manager.

"Sharing stories that demonstrate how you performed during an experience is extremely important to help get across your personality traits," she said. "[Discuss] how you handled yourself in a crisis, or how you showed up as a leader during a positive or negative time."

Haefner agreed, adding that simply stating you're a team player, for instance, isn't enough for most hiring managers. Instead, provide a concrete instance of when you worked on a team to accomplish a goal, she said.

Yoder said the best way to express your personality is to simply be yourself. "If you're a great fit, it will be apparent. If you're not, it will also be apparent. The most important thing to remember when walking into an interview is that it is completely two-sided – you're interviewing us as much as we are interviewing you."

www.businessnewsdaily.com

The job of safeguarding an image and reputation

March 22, 2018, 3:00 pm

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The job of safeguarding an image and reputationEstablishing and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships Lydia Atuhe Shifa, chief public relations officer of Khomas Regional Council sat down with Careers and shed some light on this interesting, yet very challenging occupation. Tunohole Mungoba

“The main function of a public relations officer is to establish and maintain mutually beneficial relationships between an organisation and its various stakeholders,” says Lydia Atuhe Shifa, chief public relations officer of Khomas Regional Council.

“My typical day at work starts with analysing media coverage to find out if my organisation is featured anywhere. I also check the online tracking system to see if my organisation is mentioned in online conversations,” she explains. “This is done in order to respond proactively to any possible negative publicity and make sure that correct information is provided to the masses.”

Her other duties include liaising with, and provide prompt responses to enquiries from the media, individuals and other organizations, writing and editing in-house newsletters, press releases, speeches and annual reports, preparing and supervising the production of publicity materials, including brochures and handouts and organizing corporate events such as press conferences, exhibitions as well as national days.

After studying journalism and communications at Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), where she specialised in public relations, Shifa worked in radio for over five years, before joining the NBC’s public relations department, where she kick started my career and passion for public relations

Shifa says that being in the public relations’ field was not her initial dream job as she originally wanted to be a radio presenter. “I grew up listening and mimicking Muala Muchila and Rejoice Itembu, my two favourite presenters on National Broadcasting Chanel (NBC) National Radio and I wanted to be just like them,” she recalls.

“I did my research on the field of studies I need to take to become a radio presenter and basically that is how my journalism journey started,” says Shifa. “However, when I finally got into radio, I realised that no one really cares whether one has a qualification or not in that field,” she explains. This discouraged Shifa from pursuing her radio dream and that is how she ended up in public relations. “This was as an alternative field, which surprisingly turned out to be my true passion,” she adds.

Shifa says the excellent communication skills is key for someone to excel in public relations. “This is required when writing and producing presentations, press releases and when speaking publicly at interviews, press conferences and presentations,” she says.

“The person must also have excellent interpersonal skills because they will be dealing with people from different walks of life who are part of the various stakeholder groups of the organisation.”

Shifa adds that someone interested in this department must have the ability to cope with pressure that comes along with the occupation. “This is because PR is fast paced and unpredictable with endless deadlines,” Shifa says. “A crisis can happen anytime and negative publicity can pop up any minute, so one needs to have a backbone to deal with such unplanned occurrences.”

Shifa also tells Careers creativity, imagination and initiative are essential character traits in her field of work because “creativity is a prerequisite in designing promotional materials, layout of magazines and newsletters, updating the website and planning corporate events.”

Her highlights that come along with her job include the great opportunities to meet and network with different people including celebrities, diplomats, politicians and community leaders. “With every amazing job, there come lowlights such sometimes you work long hours and under pressure, especially when there is a crisis.”

Haufiku puts in 12-hour shift

March 22, 2018, 3:00 pm

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Haufiku puts in 12-hour shift The spirit of service was celebrated in true style when health minister Dr Bernard Haufiku worked a 12-hour shift at the Katutura State Hospital's casualty ward on Independence Day.

Although Haufiku refused to be photographed during his shift, he told Namibian Sun he felt this was the best way in which he could honour Namibia's fallen heroes and heroines.

Haufiku, who relieved a doctor in the casualty ward, said there had been a lot of complaints about the hospital's operations.

“I think 60% of cases reported here are not really emergencies, but minor cases that can still be seen at a clinic the next day. The other thing is sick leave; I already picked up about 50% of the cases are people who want to be booked off on sick leave,” he said.

According to him this is a bad habit and especially young people are abusing the system. He urged hospital staff to be firm when dealing with this issue.





Haufiku also said the Katutura Health Centre, which is expected to open its doors in April, will alleviate the burden at the casualty ward.

“The health centre will open 24 hours a day, if I am not mistaken. We were waiting for the new cycle of the budget to be able to pay the staff overnight.



If you work at night you are basically working overtime; you are not working the stipulated hours of the Labour Act. This will help to further decongest the situation at Katutura,” he said.

The minister is adamant his random reporting for duty at hospitals and clinics countrywide is not a publicity stunt, but rather goes a long way in informing effective policies.

Haufiku has on numerous occasions rolled up his own sleeves to join other doctors and medical specialists during medical outreaches and has become a regular face in state hospitals.

“I do this anytime; I can even go to Keetmanshoop or Katima Mulilo hospital anytime. I think I have entirely the right to do it anytime, but not to be a casualty doctor. I do what I do, but I mostly pick up a lot of first-hand experiences. We make better policies and better coded behaviours,” he said.

One of the things he picked up is that there is no air conditioner in the doctor's room and the chairs are falling apart.

“Our doctors are also human beings,” he said.

JEMIMA BEUKES

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Power fears grow

March 22, 2018, 3:00 pm

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Power fears growNew supply solution urged after Xaris canning The cancellation of the Xaris project tender has sparked fears that Namibia may not be able to meet its electricity demand once a deal with South Africa's Eskom runs out. Arandis Power managing director Ezio Vernetti has urged NamPower to re-engage with his company as the “reserve bidder”, following the unceremonious canning of the N$5 billion Xaris project, which would have delivered a 250 megawatt stop-gap power solution for the country.

Vernetti said there was a very real risk that Namibia would not be able to meet its electricity supply needs, once NamPower/Eskom agreement runs out in two years' time.

NamPower currently imports 60% of the country's electricity supply annually and spends at least N$2.6 billion to foot the bill.

An African Development Bank assessment revealed that power demand in Namibia is projected to grow at close to 9.5% per year between 2015 and 2020.

Recently appointed energy minister Tom Alweendo confirmed earlier this month that the NamPower board had informed him of its termination of the multibillion-dollar Xaris tender for the construction of a power station at Walvis Bay.

The tender had been extensively reported on, given Vice-President Nangolo Mbumba's ties to the company.

The Xaris proposal attracted negative criticism, including that of favouritism and concerns that the electricity generated would be costly for customers.

Vernetti said he hoped that in the aftermath of the Xaris saga, NamPower would now stand by its word, and talk to them.

“We are hoping that NamPower will refer back to us. We do not want a blank cheque, we would merely like to propose a solution. They undertook to refer back to us.

“That would be the right thing to do for them to re-engage with us. We should not be denied the opportunity to talk… stand by your word and let us talk,” Vernetti said.

When asked what the cancellation of the tender would mean for NamPower, Vernetti said there was a risk Namibia would not be able to meet its energy needs should the NamPower/Eskom contract runs out in two years' time.

According to him, it would be beneficial if NamPower would consider building a long-term base load power project to secure Namibia's energy self-sufficiency.

“What NamPower needs is a long-term project… not a stop-gap project,” said Vernetti.

Arandis Power is hoping NamPower will kick-start a process where it will invite bids following the cancellation of the Xaris power project.

Arandis Power was one of the companies vying for the lucrative tender and lost out to Xaris Energy, which was selected to construct what was deemed at the time as a stop-gap project by NamPower.

Speaking to Namibian Sun this week, Vernetti said he was hopeful NamPower would commit to its written undertaking for the construction of the 120 megawatt (MW) project.

“We do trust that NamPower will stand by its written undertaking to re-engage with us in a power purchasing agreement negotiation for our original 120MW proposal that was put 'temporarily' on hold pending the conclusion of the controversial 250MW tender,” said Vernetti.

His firm said it would also not compel NamPower to re-advertise the project.





“Arandis Power has no intention to compel NamPower to re-advertise the tender for the 120/250MW power project,” Vernetti said.

A court process had established that Xaris Energy had offered a power plant outside the required tender specifications, according to Vernetti.

NamPower said it will not re-advertise the tender.

“Please be informed that the request for proposal (RFP) for the joint development of a 230-250MW power project, (for) which (the) RFP was issued in 2014, was cancelled on 1 February 2018. NamPower is however not at liberty to provide reasons for the cancellation,” said the power utility's managing director, Simson Haulofu.

A damning 2016 report compiled by New Energy Consulting and Thunder Energy Solutions, which were tasked by the mines ministry and the Electricity Control Board, poked holes in the Xaris project.

It even questioned the manner in which NamPower came to the conclusion that Xaris Energy was the preferred bidder.

The report also questioned Xaris' technical and financial bid, and said the bid had failed to comply with the tender requirements, when compared to the submission of Arandis Power.

The aim of the study was to look at whether the Xaris project could be a fast-track solution that could be implemented by July this year to address the country's short-term electricity supply problems, and also to serve as a medium to long-term back-up to Kudu.

The study was supposed to determine whether Xaris would be able to meet the tender objectives within the stated period, and whether Xaris is the best alternative in terms of costs, risks, security of supply and ultimately end-user tariff impact.

Interestingly, Arandis Power was not included in the report analysis. Arandis Power was awarded the 'reserve bidder' status for the 250MW tender.

“Xaris is a relatively expensive option,” read the report, which pointed out that the various alternatives were evaluated deliver power at significantly lower cost and risk than the Xaris project.

The report concluded the Xaris project would cost N$7.6 billion by completion.

OGONE TLHAGE

Nam doesn’t agree to giant trade bloc

March 22, 2018, 3:00 pm

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Nam doesn’t agree to giant trade blocAfrican Continental Free Trade Area Namibia is yet to explain why it didn’t join 44 other African countries in signing the CFTA agreement. What is at stake is the dignity and well-being of Africa's farmers, workers and entrepreneurs. - Michael Kottoh, Analyst: Confidential Strategies Namibia, together with ten other countries including Nigeria and South Africa, didn’t sign the AU agreement in Kigali to form a US$3 trillion continental free-trade zone encompassing 1.2 billion people.

A total of 44 African leaders agreed on Wednesday to sign the agreement. The African Union started talks in 2015 to establish a 55-nation bloc that would be the biggest in the world by member states, in a bid to increase intra-regional trade, which sits at a measly 15 percent of Africa's total commerce.

By the time of going to press, questions sent to the Namibian delegation in Rwanda by Market Watch were still unanswered.

Rwandan president Paul Kagame, host of an AU summit called to conclude the initial negotiations, declared the meeting a success after 44 African nations signed up to establish the free trade bloc within 18 months.

It was not immediately clear why Nigeria stayed on the sidelines, but South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa said he would sign once necessary legal processes were done.

"President Ramaphosa has undertaken that South Africa will become a signatory to the agreement once the legal and other instruments associated with [the trade bloc] are processed and ratified by South African stakeholders and parliament," the presidency said in a statement.

Others staying out of the bloc were Botswana, Lesotho, Zambia, Burundi, Eritrea, Benin, Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau.

"It would have been great if the two biggest economies on the continent, Nigeria and South Africa, had signed, but the most important is that the rest of the continent is sending a right message to these two biggest economies that we are moving ahead without you," said Michael Kottoh, an analyst at Confidential Strategies in Ghana.

The project needed a minimum of 22 countries signing up to get off the ground and Kagame hailed the effort so far.

"What is at stake is the dignity and well-being of Africa's farmers, workers and entrepreneurs," he said.

AU trade commissioner Albert Muchanga also put a positive spin on the absence of the top two African economies, telling Reuters they would soon join in.

"They are still doing national level consultations and so when they finish they will be able to come on board," he said.

Trade zones

Economists point to Africa's low level of intra-regional trade as one of the reasons for the continent's enduring poverty and lack of a strong manufacturing base.

It is blamed on a host of factors, from colonialism, to high internal tariffs to poor road and rail links to excessive border bureaucracy and petty corruption at frontier checkpoints.

The relatively small size of many African markets – only Nigeria and Ethiopia have populations estimated at 100 million people or more - also inhibit private sector investment.

Africa already has an alphabet soup of competing and overlapping trade zones - ECOWAS in the west, EAC in the east, SADC in the south and COMESA in the east and south – although only the EAC, driven mainly by Kenya, has made significant progress towards a common market in goods and services.

Borders

Analysts said governments needed to do more to ensure goods and people flowed freely across borders.

"If they just sign the agreement without opening the borders, without getting rid of non-tariff barriers and if they don't work on free movement of people, it is not going to work," analyst Kottoh said.

Even the six-nation EAC has its sticking points – Tanzania has been known to kick out Kenyan executives and impound Kenyan imports at the border, in violation of EAC rules.

Businessmen said the current set-up forced them to look outside the continent, particularly Asia for manufactured goods.

"It is easy and cheaper to buy in Asia than to buy in the sub-region because of less-flexible rules of origin and non-tariff barriers that are not clear," said Meriem Bensalah-Chaqroun, head of the Moroccan Confederation of Businesses.

Sudden changes in rules and impromptu checks on goods also held up supply chains.

"Some countries all of a sudden decide they are going to do a quality check on goods but they don't really know what they want to check. That slows the trade," said Thomas Schafer, CEO of Volkswagen Africa.

"We are not able to bring a vehicle from South Africa into Zimbabwe in a cost-efficient and fast way. That needs to change."– Own report and Nampa/Reuters

Construction, fishing bleed jobs

March 22, 2018, 3:00 pm

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Construction, fishing bleed jobs Jo-Maré Duddy – Nearly 17 000 people – mostly in construction and fishing –lost their jobs in 2016/17 because of retrenchments and non-renewal of contracts.

These figures only reflect the 877 employers who submitted affirmative action reports to the Employment Equity Commission (EEC) during the year under review.

In total, the services of 60 093 employees were terminated – 28% or 16 846 because of retrenchments and non-renewal of contracts. Of the 14 291 employees’ whose contracts weren’t renewed, nearly 69% were men. Nearly 81% of workers who were retrenched, were also men.

In the construction sector, 3 411 contracts were not renewed, while 913 jobs were lost due to retrenchments. Fishing did not renew 2 872 contracts and retrenched 171 workers.

Wholesale and retail was also affected by the economic downturn. Here 165 workers were retrenched and 1 540 contracts didn’t get renewed. In the services sector, 1 297 contracts weren’t renewed and 430 people were retrenched.

A third of all employment termination in 2016/17 was due to resignations. About 14% or 8 467 workers lost their jobs because of misconduct.

According to the EEC’s latest annual report, which was tabled in parliament recently, 67 922 people were recruited in 2016/17. Of these, nearly 72% were permanent appointments. Most of these – 34% and 27% - were semi- and unskilled workers.

The EEC report covers a total of 263 720 employees. Comparing the latest figures with those in previous reports is difficult, as 15% more affirmative action reports were submitted to the EEC in 2016/17 than the previous year.

Geingob to undertake state visit to China

March 25, 2018, 3:14 am

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Geingob to undertake state visit to China President Hage Geingob will undertake a state visit to China from 28 March to 3 April, following an invitation from the President Xi Jinping.
Geingob will be accompanied by First Lady Monica Geingos and several cabinet ministers, senior government officials and a contingent of business people from a variety of sectors.
The visit, Geingob said, comes at a time when Namibia is looking to strengthen its relations with China.
“My state visit to China will strengthen commercial relations, development cooperation and people to people exchanges between our two nations, with the aim of contributing meaningfully to our economic and industrial development,” said Geingob.
The statesman also said Namibia stands to learn significantly from China, which has seen its profile rise while becoming a major global player.
“We have a lot to learn from China, a major power, a key centre of excellence and technological innovation, and one that has been able to lift close to 800 million people out of poverty in less than four decades,” said Geingob.
He and his entourage will not travel with the presidential jet to China.
STAFF REPORTER

Big shoes to fill

March 25, 2018, 3:00 pm

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Big shoes to fillTjongarero reaffirms belief in country's para-athletes A total of 39 Namibian para-athletes will be competing in South Africa between 28 March and 3 April, amid high expectations that they will bring home medals to the Land of the Brave. Deputy sports minister Agnes Tjongarero says the nation has optimism and belief that its para-athletes will always return with medals from international competitions.

Tjongarero said this at the sending off ceremony for 39 mixed para-athletes who will be competing at the 2018 South Africa Nedbank National Championships for Physically Disabled from 28 March to 3 April in Bloemfontein.

The championships will serve as an opportunity to get the athletes classified in different categories, as only four in the group are actively classified athletes.

The deputy minister reminded the group that they are entering a cauldron where the likes of Ananias Shikongo, Johannes Nambala and Johanna Benson have been in the past.

“You have big shoes to fill. These athletes build this house so you have to work hard to break the records they have set.”

She further urged Johanna Benson, who will also be taking part in the competition, to get back to winning ways and show the nation what she is made of.

“We are used to receiving medals from you, so do not disappoint us,” Tjongarero said.

The deputy director of marginalised people and women in sport, Jo-Ann Manuel, said there is only one International Paralympics Committee (IPC) sanctioned tournament, so it is imperative that the para-athletes know which class they fall in.

Manuel added that Coca-Cola has done a lot in terms of supporting the athletes to travel.

“Many companies should plough back into sport, that's why the push is there for the social responsibility policy to be passed by parliament, mandating companies operating in Namibia to give generously to sport,” she said.

The para-athletes president Johannes Litwayi said the athletes were selected from different regions, in order to secure wide representation.

“There are many new faces which we want to train for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. We want a big number to represent the country when the time comes,” he said.

Litwayi also thanked para-athletes coach Michael Hamukwaya, who will also being travelling to United States for a month-long internship programme.

“Uplift the para-athletes and keep working hard as you have done for the past years,” the president said.

Hamukwaya will be mentored on different aspects of disability sport and will use the knowledge gained to better local athletes.

The athletes left on Saturday and will return on 4 April.

Seven sporting codes, namely goal ball, seven-a-aside football, judo, para-cycling, boccia, powerlifting and athletics will form part of the event.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

Gudeta shatters record in Spain

March 25, 2018, 3:00 pm

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Gudeta shatters record in Spain Ethiopa's Netsanet Gudeta broke Kenya's dominance in the World Half Marathon Championships by smashing the women's only race world record in Valencia, Spain on Saturday.

Kenyan women had swept the medals at the previous two championships but Gudeta pushed on alone from 15 kilometres to win in a time of one hour, six minutes and 11 seconds.

The 27-year-old finished a comfortable 43 seconds ahead of Kenyan Joyciline Jepkosgei, who holds the overall world record of 1:04:51. Jepkosgei's compatriot Pauline Kamulu came third. The previous record for a single-sex race was set by Lornah Kiplagat in Udine, Italy in 2007.

Earlier, Geoffrey Kamworor won his third successive title in the men's event in a time of 1:00:02. The Kenyan, who won silver in the 10 000 metres at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, was followed over the line by Abraham Cheroben of Bahrain and Aron Kifle of Eritrea.

NAMPA/REUTERS

Bafana lift Four Nations Cup

March 25, 2018, 3:00 pm

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Bafana lift Four Nations CupMothiba, Tau propel SA to victory Bafana Bafana beat Zambia 2-0 to win the Four Nations Cup on Saturday. Goals by Lebo Mothiba and Percy Tau inspired Bafana Bafana to victory in the final of the Four Nations tournament on Saturday evening at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, Zambia.

France-based Lebo Mothiba completed a fruitful week by scoring the goal that sealed the win for South Africa over hosts Zambia.

Bafana Bafana were hanging onto the lead Tau gave them after 15 minutes, when the Lille striker came off the bench.

Making only his second international appearance, Mothiba put the match beyond the reach of Zambia with a second goal in the final minute of regular time.

The 22-year-old also scored in his international debut last Wednesday at the same ground, as South Africa scraped past Angola on penalties to reach the final.

He flew to southern Africa this week having scored for French Ligue 1 strugglers, Lille, last weekend in a 2-1 defeat at second-placed Monaco.

Angola edged Zimbabwe 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw to come third as teams took advantage of a FIFA international window ahead of 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers this year.

Greece-based Djalma Campos starred for Angola, as he equalised twice to cancel out goals from Abbas Amidu and Talent Chawapiwa in a curtain-raiser to the final.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Vincent Wanyama scored twice as Kenya drew 2-2 with the Comoros in the Moroccan city of Marrakech.

The Kenyan converted an early penalty before goals in each half from Mohamed M'Changama and Djamel Bakar put the Comorans ahead.

Wanyama levelled six minutes from time to spare the 'Harambee Stars' the embarrassment of losing to a nation 27 places lower on the FIFA world rankings.

Ill-prepared minnows Sao Tome and Principe suffered a 3-1 defeat away to Uganda, having arrived in Kampala just 12 hours before the kick-off.

Joseph Ochaya, Murushid Jjuko and Abraham Ndugwa gave the home team a commanding lead and Varela Jose claimed a late consolation goal. Sao Tome are ranked 179 out of 211 FIFA nations, but boast one of the most interesting national team nicknames, the falcons and true parrots team.

Botswana left it late to defeat Lesotho 1-0 in Gaborone, with Tebogo Sembowa netting six minutes from time.





NAMPA/AFP

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Whyte retains WBC Silver title

March 25, 2018, 3:00 pm

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Whyte retains WBC Silver title Dillian Whyte retained his WBC Silver heavyweight championship, knocking out Lucas Browne early in the sixth round of their title fight.

“I'm a good fighter, but no one's ever seen it yet,” Whyte said after the fight.

“I'm gonna lay out all these fighters one by one. I wouldn't be here today if I didn't believe I can be a major world champion.”

The bout was very disappointing for Browne, who looked lacklustre after the slow opening round came to an end.

He looked tired and already had a cut over his left eye. Browne was peppered with several hard body shots in the second round.

In the third, Browne tried to show off his chin, while getting rocked by a plethora of punches. Whyte's accuracy was simply too good in the round, and throughout the whole fight. After a quieter fourth and fifth rounds, Whyte finished things off in the sixth with a nasty combination of shots that knocked Browne out cold in the middle of the ring. Browne was tended to by paramedics after the knockout, and while he got to his feet, he was transported to a nearby medical facility for evaluation.

Following the win, Whyte called out WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder to fight him.

“Deontay Wilder where you at? Whyte yelled. “Let's go! Let's go! I'm ready! I'm number one, baby!”

Whyte added he would also be willing to fight Anthony Joshua if he is successful in his title unification bout with Joseph Parker. Whyte lost to Joshua back in December 2015.

“I hope the WBC makes Whyte the mandatory challenger to Wilder,” Eddie Hearn, Whyte's promoter, said. “He can take on Joshua; he can take on Wilder in June. But Whyte deserves a shot.”

FIGHTSPORTS

Oongangala dha yi ontuku noshimaliwa shooN$200 000

March 25, 2018, 3:00 pm

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Oongangala dha yi ontuku noshimaliwa shooN$200 000 Oongangala dhi li ne odhiiteyele megumbo lyomunamimvo 55 omukiintu moshitopolwa shaMusati kuyele oshiwike sha piti, nokuya ontuku noshimaliwa shooN$200 000 koomuma, ihe oya yi ontuku kolupadhi sho oohauto dhawo mbali ndhoka yaali taya longitha mokuya ontuku, dha tindile montopo.

Omupopiliko gwopolisi yaMusati, Sergeant Anna Kunga, okwa popi kutya oshiningwanima shoka osha ningilwa momukunda Embumba moshikandjohogololo shaShikuku, lwoptundi ontu 22:00, sho oongangala ne dhiiteyele megumbo lyaRauna Haiduwa.

Kunga okwa popi kutya oongangala ndhoka odha tete ekende lyongulu, nokuyahapo omweelo gwondunda yokulala yanakuninga oshihakanwa.

Okwa popi kutya oholo yimwe oya gumu nakuninga oshihakanwa ngoka a falwa koshipangelo.

Kunga ina vula okukoleka ngele nakweehaekwa natango okuli moshipangelo pethimbo onkundana ndjika ya nyanyangidhwa.

“Oya yi niinima yongushu yooN$216 530 mwakwatelwwa oshimaliwa koomuma shoo which N$200 000.” Okwa popi kutya aafekelwa mboka oya yi woo notiivi, ndjoka ya adhika muyimwe yomoohauto dhoToyota Corolla ndhoka ya thigi po sho dha tyuulile.

Pethimbo onkundana ndjika ya pitithwa kape na ngoka a tulwa miipandeko, ihe opolisi oyi li molukongo lwoongangala ndhoka.

KENYA KAMBOWE

Haufiku a longo oowili 12 mEsiku lyEmanguluko

March 25, 2018, 3:00 pm

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Haufiku a longo oowili 12 mEsiku lyEmanguluko Etyapulo lyEsiku lyEmanguluko lyoshilongo olya ningwa momukalo gwayooloka, moshipangelo shaKatutura mOvenduka, sho Ominista yUundjolowele, Dr Bernard Haufiku a longo oowili 12 mewalanda lyomathikilo moshipangelo shoka, mesiku ndyoka.

Nonando Haufiku okwa tindi okuthanekwa pethimbo a li ta longo, okwa lombwele oNamibian Sun kutya oku uvite kutya ngoka ogwo omukalo gwomondjila kuye okutyapula esiku lyemanguluko lyoshilongo, nokusimaneka oomwenyo dhomapendafule ndhoka dha kanene mekondjelomanguluko.

Haufiku ngoka a li ta longo pehala lyomundokotola gumwe po moshipangelo, okwa popi kutya okwa kala omanyenyeto miilonga yoshipangelo shoka.

“Ondi wete kutya iipotha ya thika poopresenda 60 mboka ya lopotwa kayi shi lela yomeendelelo, na iishona mbyoka tayi vulu oku ka pangwa kokapangelogona mesiku tali landula. Oshinima shimwe natango omafudho guuwehame. Onda mono iipotha ya thika poopresenda 50, yaantu ya hala okupewa omafudho guuwehame,” minista a popi.

Okwa tsikile kutya omukalo ngoka omwiinayi unene mokati kaanyasha mboka taya longitha pambambo onkalo, ndjoka na okwa pula aanambelewa yuundjolwele ya kale ya kotoka uuna taya ungaunga nonkalo ndjoka.

Haufiku okwa popi woo kombinga yendiki lyuundjolowele lyoKatutura Health Centre, ndyoka kwa tegelwa li patulule omiyelo muApilili, kutya endiki ndyoka otali ka yambidhidha ishewe oshipangelo shoka.

“Endiki ndyoka otali ka kala tali longo oowili 24 mesiku, ngele inandi puka. Otwa tegelela oshikako oshipe shomutengenkwa gwelongitho lyiiyemo opo tu vule okufuta aaniilonga, mboka taya longo uusiku. Ngele oto longo uusiku nena oto ogo olutayima molwaashoka ito longo oowili ndhoka dha tothwamo kEkotampango lyAaniilonga.”

Minista okwa popi kutya onkalo ye yokuya miilonga miipangelo nuuklinika wa yooloka moshilongo, kagu shi omukalo gwokwiiulika, ihe okuyambulapo nokutala konkalo ya taalela oshikondo nokuninga omilandu dhili mondjila.

Oshinima shimwe shoka a dhidhilike pethimbo a li ta longo, ompumbwe yomupepo oshowo iipundi yakulupa mondunda yoondohotola moshipangelo shoka.

“Oondohotola dhetu nandho aantu.”

JEMIMA BEUKES

Aanafaalama aayakulwa yoAgribank ya nyenyeta

March 25, 2018, 3:00 pm

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Aanafaalama aayakulwa yoAgribank ya nyenyetaYa hala omikuli dhilelepekwe noomvula 33 Konyala aanafaalama ya thika pe 100 mboka inaya vula okushunitha omikuli ndhoka ya pewa kombaanga yuunamapya yoAgribank, oya pula opo ethimbo lyokufuta omikuli dhawo lilelepekwe. Ongundu yaanafaalama mboka ya ningi ehololomadhilaadhilo poombelewa dhombaanga yoAgribank oshowo poombelewa dhuumiisteli wemona, nokugandja omakemo gawo opo omikuli ndhoka ya pewa dhilelepeke nethimbo lyoomvula 33.

Mboka otaya pula woo opo omadhina gawo ga kuthweko koITC, hoka haku tulwa omadhina gaamboka ya ndopa okufuta omikuli dhaantu.

Aanaafalama mboka oyali ya nyenyeta kutya omadhina gawo oga falwa koITC, sho ombaanga ya tokola opo yi longithe aakongi yomikuli mokukutha ko oongunga dhawo ndhoka dhi niwe kaanafaalama mboka.

Aanafaalama ya thika pe 100 oya ningi ehololomadhilaadhilo mEtiyali lyoshiwike sha piti, na oya gandja omukanda gwomanyenyeto gawo taya popi kutya natango otaya mono iihuna sha zilile kekutheko lyevi lyawo pethimbo lyuukoloni.

Mboka oya popi kutya oya uvithwa nayi sho ya kuthwa mo momusholondondo gwaamboka taya mono omayambidhidho okuza kepangelo okupitila moaffirmative action loan scheme (AALS), omayambidhidho ngoka haga pewa aanafaalama kuuministeli wemona, na oya kuthwa mo oomvula 10 dha piti.

Oya tsikile kutya eyambidhidho lyepangelo kaanafaalama mboka unene mboka yoshipa oshiluudhe kali po okuyeleka keyambidhidho tali pewa mboka ya tulululwa moofaalama.

Momukandanyenyeto gwawo natango aanafaalama mboka oya popi kutya otaya iyadha monkalo ondhigu, na otaya nyengwa okufuta omikuli dhawo, omolwa oondando dhili pombanda uuna taya landa iikwaniilongitho yomoofaalama dhawo ngaashi omashina, iishoshela yevi yepangelo yi li pombanda nopethimbo mpoka ya talela onkalo yoshikukuta.

Aanafaalama mboka oya pula ominista yemona, Calle Schlettwein opo a shunithe miilonga oprograma yoguarantee and subsidy ya nuninwa aanafaalama kohi yoAALS.

Omunambelewa gwomakwatatano moAgribank, Rino Muranda, okwa popi kutya ombaanga otayi konaakona omayenyeto gaanafaalama mboka, nelelo lyombaanga otali ka kundathana omanyenyeto ngoka nokugandja omayamukulo muule womasiku 14.

“Pethimbo ndika omulandu gwetu inagu lunduluka.

Aanafaalama oya pumbwa okutalela po oombelewa dhetu nokuninga oonkundathana dhopaumwene mokufuta omikulu dhawo, shiikwatelela koonkalo moka yeli,” Muranda a popi.

“Ombaanga aluhe oya pyakudhukwa okutsakanena naayakulwa yawo koogumwe ngaashi owala ya ningi sho ya ningi omaindilo gomikuli ndhoka.”

“Omupeha minista gwemona, Natangwe Ithete okwa yakula omukandanyenyeto gwanafaalama mboka, pehala lyaminista Schlettwein.

Okwa lombwele aanafaalama kutya uuministeli otawu ka ungaunga nonkalo yuupyakadhi wawo, kwiikwatelelwa komilandu dhoshilongo.

caption

YA LYA MOONYANDI: Ongundu yaanafaalama mboka ya pewa omikuli koAgribank, ya ningi ehololomadhilaadhilo poombelewa oonene dhombaanga ndjoka moshilandopangelo, oshowo poombelewa dhuuministeli wemona.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Omwiilongi gwomoNUST a yahwa okusa

March 25, 2018, 3:00 pm

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Omwiilongi gwomoNUST a yahwa okusa Opolisi otayi konaakona oshiningwanima sha ningwa koongulasha dhesiku lyemanguluko moshilandopangelo, moka omulumentu a yaha okusa omwiilongi gwoomvula 22, nokweehameka yakwawo yalwe yaali mboka ya li naye motaxi.

Opolisi oya koleke kutya Nayman Amakali (22) okwa hulitha pethimbo a thiki poshipangelo shaKatutura, sha landula sho a yahelwa mepandanda lyaHans Dietrich Genscher moKhomasdal lwopotundi onti 01:45 ongula yEtitatu lya piti.

Aafaalelwa yalwe motaxi ndjoka, omunamimvo 24 oshowo omunamimvo 25 gumwe e li omukwanezimo gwaAmakali oya ehamekwa.

Okwa patululwa oshipotha shedhipago oshowo onkambadhala yedhipago, na kape na ngoka a tulwa miipandeko natango.

Amakali okwali omwiilongi moshiputudhilo shoNamibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), moka a li tiilongele obachelor's degree in science health information system management.

Opolisi oya hokolola kutya otaxi moka mwa li Amakali nookume ke oya thikamekwa komulumentu ta hingi ohauto yolwaala oluudhe yoVolkswagen Polo.

Omukumentu ngoka aniwa okwa lundile omuhingi gwotaxi kutya ota hingi nayi.

Oontamanana odha tameke, nomufekelwa okwa kutha mo ondjembo ye na okwa tameke tuumbu uukitha motaxi. Okwa umbu ooholo 11 omanga inaya ontuku. Olutu talu kalelepo aailongi moshuputudhilo shaNUST olwa gandja omahekeleko kofamili nookume kaAmakali.

JANA-MARI SMITH