Get your groove back

April 5, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Get your groove back I have a feeling a lot of people today are in their fields doing whatever it they do because they have no choice. People get bored, I know, but the power to make it existing is all in you. You get people when they started singing for instance; they were vibrant and full of life but looking at them today they are so uninspired. Like, what went wrong? Maybe most importantly, how do we revive spirits?

I always read a lot on social media on how one should always remember why they started doing something. Trials and tribulations will be there; sometimes your support system of friends isn't there anymore and there really just isn't anyone to hear you out. We are not super humans and we are not supposed to be having it all, all the time. And problems are real and exist. And sometimes persistent too. You find having to make decisions on whether to spend your last coins on an amazing project that could push your career, or helping out family who think you are wasting time by being a creative. These things should not limit you from being the great person you initially were.

I say and believe it is important to have a few minutes to break down and cry about situations but, you pick yourself up immediately. This is very crucial in the entertainment industry. There are so many great local artists who got mental diseases such as depression and because they never had people to talk to, they failed themselves and their fans. Let's take care of ourselves and our arts. It is already struggling as it is with lack of funding and etc. We can't let the arts die because we feel uninspired.

Taking control is important. At the end of the day we end up with an industry that is inconsistent and we lose out globally. Don't feel sorry for yourself for too long. You may be thinking your work is unappreciated but there is an individual or two out there who wakes up because of your music or who feels better when they look at your painting.





june@namibiansun.com

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Erna Chimu scoops Akademia award

April 5, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Erna Chimu scoops Akademia award Global recognition for Namibia Go-getter Erna Chimu speaks to tjil about how she seizes every opportunity that comes her way. With this mindset, the jazz artist managed to win herself an honorary award at the Akademia awards. Jazz fusion artist Erna Chimu seems to have the Midas touch as she keeps winning both locally and globally. The artist recently shared the thrilling news with her fans on social media about the latest award she bagged from the Akademia Music Awards.

“The award means more hard work and always keeping my music original and genuine. I never thought I stood a chance. Over five billion songs, my song ended up among the top 15 000 and later to the top 10. I’m reaching for the number-one spot,” said the excited artist.

The awards are dedicated to identifying and developing top musical talent from across the globe and were established in 2008. According to the website, winning an Akademia Award is a career milestone that immediately pulls one out of the crowd and distinguishes one’s achievements. The Akademia Music Awards provides the opportunity for artists to embark on a full promotional campaign through radio, press, video, retailers, and licensing and live event channels.

Chimu says the importance of such awards is the fact that people are exposed to the artist’s music and one can easily get invited to various festivals selling artists to the world. She encourages other artists to explore whatever platforms are available online and to share their music.

“You’ve got nothing to lose. We can’t and won’t grow as a nation if we don't support and appreciate our music and culture. These are our roots and this is what makes us unique to stand out against the rest of the world,” she said.

The winning song, “Telewaniba” (San version) which means nothing is impossible when one has God on your side is taken from her first album “Imamakunguwen” released in 2009. Chimu says the song keeps opening doors for her as it won her, her first NAMA award for best traditional song 2010, got her signed to South African-based company, Sheer Publishers and it got her on the compilation album of Salon International “Musique Africane” (Sima) in Cameroon.

“You've been watching other people’s ideas in movies, reading their stories, listening and singing to their music. Where are your ideas? When will the world hear your story,” she asked.

June Shimuoshili

Ovi-trap makes waves

April 5, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Ovi-trap makes wavesNew, and local genre, makes it onto the NAMA nominations list We have had self-made genres such as Hikwa by Sunny Boy but today, Nga-I talks to tjil about how his culture impacted his musical career and the origins of his genre Ovi-trap. Namibian rapper, Ngaihape Mupurua, known as Nga-I, has come out of nowhere to stake his claim as one of the leaders in the local hip-hop game, with his self-created rap style, widely known as Ovi-trap. Ovi-trap is a fusion of enchanting Otjiherero vernacular lyrics, with what has become known as trap music. Trap music is a subgenre of hip-hop that originated during the 1990s in the southern parts of the United States. It is typified by its ominous lyrics and sound that incorporate double or triple-time sub-divided hi-hats, heavy-kick drums from a Roland TR-808 synthesiser, layered synthesisers and cinematic strings.

The term 'trap' initially referred to places where drug deals take place. In recent years it has been incorporated with electronic dance music (EDM) by artists who have remixed and made trap songs with more EDM-like aspects. In Namibia, Nga-I has gone one better, by mixing this emerging sub-genre with Otjiherero rap lyrics, while in the process carving out a niche for himself on the local scene.







The 23-year-old artist is full-time student at IUM, but he is also certainly serving up some fresh and innovative musical creations, which has pushed him to the forefront of the local hip-hop game. Speaking to tjil, Nga-I confirmed he had indeed created a new music genre called it Ovi-trap, but has received mixed reactions about it from other rappers.

“Some of the rappers here hating because I created my own style of rap using the Otjiherero vernacular with trap beats,” he said.

He does admit, however that he's not the first to use Otjiherero vernacular while rapping, but he's the only one that makes it sound that good. Nga-I released his debut album titled Ovi-trap Chief late last year and this culminated in his hit track titled 'Kurama' being nominated in the Best Rap/Hip-Hop and Song of the Year categories at this year's Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMA). He says that Ovi-trap is actually a mosquito trap, and it originates from South America.

“My older sister, Snowflake, was rapping with the Contract Killers back in the day, and I would listen and be inspired by her raps. High school played a big role in motivating me to start rapping professionally. My friends and I would perform at high school events or just even during break time, so it was easier for me to dedicate my time and money to my craft,” he said. During his school days, the blossoming rapper would use his money to pay for studio time as he honed his rapping skills.

According to his Sound Cloud page, Nga-I started writing music in 2004, but it was only in 2009 that he started to record his music. He was in grade 9 when he recorded his first-ever hit track in Jerry's studio. Nga-I recalls the studio not being much, but he did not care as he just wanted to rap. He further said that he wants to dedicate his music to a school friend, who has since passed away.

Nga-I recorded his first demo in 2014, and went on to record four mix tapes in 2015, before dropping an extended play recording in March 2016. His first Ovi-trap song, titled 300, received 2 900 views on YouTube. However, his music video latest offering has hip-hop lovers all over the country going crazy. Nga-I's Ovi-trap songs speak about his life, especially about him being a “farm boy” growing up in Windhoek.

“I'm a farm boy, I like to farm, I stay in Windhoek, but I regularly go to the farm to find inspiration for my music.”

He tries to motivate young people, while also focusing on the fun elements of life, including partying and meeting girls. In the song 300, for example, he speaks of needing just N$300 for new shoes and to entertain girls for his birthday. This is a far cry from the ominous, bleak and gritty lyrical content of American trap music, which focuses on the underground criminal sub-culture, including drug deals and pimping. Typical trap lyrical themes include street life, poverty, violence and harsh experiences in urban inner city surroundings. However, African artists such as Phyno from Nigeria and Cassper Nyovest from South Africa have been pushing Afro-trap in recent years, which is more closely aligned with the fun elements, as portrayed by Nga-I.

The Namibian rap sensation said he is adamant that he will not be just another one-hit wonder, but someone who wants to contribute to Namibian hip-hop, and Namibian music, overall.

Snakes and hood rats are not friends

April 5, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Snakes and hood rats are not friends I hate to admit it but I now know that my friend, Pieter van der Merwe is a brave man. The man is indeed crafted from a rare fibre.

Pieter and his family own a farm a few kilometres outside Gobabis and I often visit him to touch base on a wide range of things. Actually, we only end up talking about how accomplished writers such as Chris Barnard, Antjie Krog and Dalene Matthee were.

I am still finding it hard to determine if these writers were really great or was it rather our grade 9 teacher Miss Plat's threat that we would fail the grade if we don't pass Afrikaans Eerste Taal that made me fall in love with them.

Well, let bygones be just that! To be honest, I still to this day struggle understand Chris Barnard's “Boela van die Blou water”, but I passed with flying colours in the essay examination on that book.

Ok, so Pieter and I have just finished having lunch and were pacing around the farmhouse when we came upon a fresh track of what appeared to be a large snake. My mind was shouting python, anaconda and all the largest of snakes I could imagine.

Pieter kneeled down and studied the pattern of the tracks, before concluding that it was that of a venomous snake, given the way it moves its body to one side or something to that extent. Forgive me, but at this stage I had stopped listening to most of what this man was saying. A snake track, in my terms, means run for cover!

“It appears that it is heading towards the farmhouse. We must go and look for it,” Pieter said.

“We? Look for it…what?”

“Ja, lets trace it and see for ourselves. The poor thing could be trapped somewhere and may need to be freed,” Pieter replied.

At this point I am looking at this white boy and thinking, 'You must be out of your mind to expect me to find a snake and free it'. I mean, if it's stuck somewhere - even better for me! Ja, that way I could land a nice blow to its skull with the giant rock I was already holding in one hand.

Pieter looked at me and asked: “What happened to you, my friend. Why all the violence?”

I looked at him and could not believe that he was actually serious about his question. I mean, hitting your girlfriend is violence … even smacking my pet dog - Tiny (named after its size) would constitute violence. How on earth is killing a snake a violent act?

Fearing being labelled a bangbroek or Coward of the County, I followed my friend's lead and went along with his plan. To be honest, I was convinced more by the glances of Saartjie, Pieter's unmarried sister who was peeing through her bedroom window. If I play this game right, Saartjie would be butter in my hand!

So, off we went. Within a few minutes, Pieter shouted me to stop.

“It is there. You see it? Look, there is the head between those rocks,” he said.

My love for Saartjie, the human race and my beloved Mahindra Scorpio bakkie appear to be fading fast! Knowing that I am no Steven Segal or Chuck Norris, I however held my fort and remained calm.

Then, out of the blue, Pieter reach out and grabbed the snake by its neck.

“Joh, joh, joooooooh … mbuae! What are you doing muatje! All of a sudden my English disappeared and my Otjiherero accent became heavier than usual.

He admired the snake for a while, before letting it slither away into the dense bushes.

“That is a Mozambique Spitting Cobra, one of the most venomous and highly aggressive snakes in southern Africa,” he calmly said as we watched the snake disappear.

“Well, it's a long way from home, don't you think,” I said, trying my best to be calm. Thoughts of Saartjie's window glances keep me going strong again. Deep down however, I was silently singing “Precious Lord, take my hand…”

Pieter is either a mental case or he has a death wish – either way, I shall take no part in his madness. A word of advice from a hood rat, my Karoo friend - snake equals to death!



Until then…



tjatindi@gmail.com

Swapo's crumbling foundation

April 5, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Swapo's crumbling foundation There is enough reason to believe that the ruling party has somewhat become too comfortable in the face of widespread corruption and injustices being meted out to ordinary citizens. To its credit, the liberation movement still remains a well-oiled machine when it comes to electoral campaigns. In the last general elections Swapo scooped 80% of the total vote, while its presidential candidate, Hage Geingob, was declared president following an 87% whitewash. As was the case during the Hifikepunye Pohamba election victory, Geingob proved to be more popular than Swapo. In spite of the massive support that Swapo continues to enjoy at the polls, there are hanging questions about intra-party democracy and the relevance of this political movement. The party has not really moved with the times and issue-based politics, as highlighted in its aims and objectives, are no longer the order of the day. Today the party has been silenced into submission, with no opposing views are being entertained. There is evidently also a political cult curse as part of the new dispensation, which has seen the voice of the youth, among others, increasingly becoming alienated. Ageing leaders are still hanging on to power and the party is seemingly not interested in elevating the role of the youth in mainstream politics, in order to maintain its relevance. There is simply no succession planning and the party has admitted this much. The current youth leaders have been tamed by the elders in the party and dare not question policies and rampant corruption, which is eating away Namibia inch by inch. This is undoubtedly a far cry from the radical, militant, politically and intellectually astute youth league of Elijah Ngurare and Bernadus Swartbooi, who used to champion critical bread and butter issues. At the moment there is no battle of ideas within Swapo and a think tank to critically analyse and provide solutions to the most pressing of social and economic challenges. Swapo requires a genuine paradigm shift, which will require leaders to come out of their cocoons and address the issues of the day. There is also a need to embrace criticism and dissent, which is voiced in the national interest.

Shot of the day

April 5, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Shot of the day THICK AS THIEVES: Namibia and China strengthened existing ties and signed a range of agreements. The most prominent discussions centred around a concessional agreement for China to fund the upgrade of the Hosea Kutako International Airport and the remainder of the highway to the facility. PHOTO: NAMPA/AP

The crossover ­Lexus NX 300 F Sport

April 5, 2018, 4:00 pm

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The crossover ­Lexus NX 300 F SportPosh practicality Sophisticated, stylish and highly advanced Cobie Bok - The Lexus NX will make you feel like you're in the comfort of your dream home.

The Lexus NX 2018 has a revamped ­interior and exterior and the performance of the turbo models has been beefed up.

The Lexus NX is available in four models: the NX 300 E two-wheel drive, NX 300 EX all-wheel drive, NX 300H EX all-wheel drive and the NX 300 F Sport all-wheel drive.

Exterior

Sculpted to perfection, the NX is designed to have dose of the beauty and the beast.

The body features a spindle grille and door panels that complement the rear lamps' three-dimensional look.

Additional features are added to all new models, such as panoramic view monitors, rain-sensing wipers and dynamic headlamps.

Interior

The NX is fitted with satin-covered door handles, faux leather door trimming, and a three-spoke leather steering wheel, with a perfectly positioned steering switch for the telephone, audio and cruise control. It offers electrical seat adjustment for the driver and front passenger seats, adjustable rear headrests, an electrometric rear-view mirror, panoramic view monitor, and a 360-degree reverse camera.

Performance

The 2.0-litre turbo engine has a four-cylinder engine with direct turbo-charge injection. Fuel efficiency and driving performance go hand in hand. The six-speed automatic transmission is paired with a sophisticated electrical control on the all-wheel drive. Shifting gears can be done with a gear lever or a paddle shifter on the steering wheel. Tuned suspension offers enhanced handling that minimises vibration, giving you a smooth ride.

The NX is fitted with eight airbags.

To learn more about the Lexus NX 300, visit Pupkewitz Lexus or contact Chad Wright, the Lexus brand ambassador, at lexus@pupkewitz.com.

Engagement a prelude to rape, murder

April 5, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Engagement a prelude to rape, murder State witness Andre Tropa has testified in the Windhoek High Court that he left 56-year-old Dinah Diedericks in the company of South African citizen Willem Wimpie Derick Februarie, who is now on trial for her rape and murder

Februarie (36) is accused of the dastardly crime, which took place on 21 July 2014.

Dierdericks had earlier in the day attended an engagement party for Februarie and his fiancé Audrey Bock, where the drinks had flowed liberally for several hours.

Tropa testified on Tuesday he left Februarie in the company of Diedericks on the night she was attacked and murdered.

Februarie is accused of killing and sexually violating Dierdericks.

Her body was found in the backyard of her home and Februarie was arrested the next day.

Tropa said he and a few friends, including Diedericks and Februarie, had attended the engagement party which lasted from the afternoon until about 22:00 at his home on the premises of the Windhoek Correctional Facility. Bock left after a quarrel with Februarie, her fiance, but he chose to remain behind.

Tropa said he offered to drive Diedericks home because she was intoxicated.

Diedericks had also dismissed overtures from Februarie to drive her home, as he did not have a driver's licence.

According to Tropa, at the close of the drinking party, Februarie indicated he wanted to continue the revelry at Dierdericks' residence.

Tropa said a friend he referred to as Fredericks, along with Diedericks and Februarie, drove to the victim's house in her car.

Tropa told the court that later at Diedericks' home, he and Fredericks decided to take a taxi back to the prison.

At about 23:00 he received a message on his cellphone from Bock, which said Diedericks had been raped and killed.

Bock had also told him that Februarie was with her, but Tropa informed her that he had in fact left Februarie at Dierdericks' house earlier.

The trial continues today.



FRED GOEIEMAN

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Address NEEEF, wage bill

April 5, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Address NEEEF, wage billReduction of government salaries essential Economic analysts speak on what President Geingob should address in his fourth State of the Nation Address next week. Ahead of the State of the Nation Address (SONA) by President Hage Geingob, analysts say they want him to discuss initiatives to reduce the government's wage bill, the implementation of the New Equitable Economic Empowerment Framework and new ideas for the education system. Geingob will deliver his fourth SONA on 11 April. He is expected to use the opportunity to present ideas for moving Namibia towards industrialisation.

Independent analyst Klaus Schade feels that Geingob will have to give an update on the implementation of NEEEF, the outcome of the Invest in Namibia International Conference, progress made with the Namibia Investment Protection Act (NIPA) and international agreements. “How does government envisage to stimulate the economy? What is the status of NEEEF and NIPA? What are the outcomes of the investment conference and the signing of MoUs so far?” Schade asked.

Shifting his attention to competitiveness, Schade felt not much progress was being made to elevate Namibia as an investment destination, and cited the difficulty in registering a business. Namibia is currently ranked 106th out of 190 countries for its ease of doing business by the World Economic Forum. It ranks seventh within the Southern African Development Community for ease of doing business.

“Namibia is not making much progress in improving her competitiveness. Starting a business remains cumbersome despite the creation of Business and Intellectual Property Authority and the launch of the NamBizOne portal,” said Schade.

In September 2015, the prime minister's office announced plans to reduce the public service wage bill. At the time the study was commissioned, the annual wage bill stood at N$22.9 billion. In the 2017/18 national budget, about N$28.1 billion was set aside for civil servants' salaries. This amount was increased to about N$28.3 billion in the Mid-Year Budget Review. In the same document, total expenditure on the wage bill in 2018/19 was estimated at approximately N$28.4 billion.

“Rightsizing the public sector needs to go beyond early retirement and freezing of positions. We need a comprehensive review of government functions and of public enterprises,” Schade said. His sentiment was echoed by PSG Namibia analyst Eloise du Plessis. “The size of the civil service and the spending by the defence ministry needs to be addressed,” she said.

Schade also felt Geingob needed to strongly address corruption and money laundering, saying: “Both threaten to taint our otherwise good reputation as an investment destination.”

Simonis Storm analyst Indileni Nanghonga said the government would need cohesive development plans. “We have numerous plans in place such as Harambee Prosperity Plan and the fifth National Development Plan. Surely more focus should be placed on Vision 2030 and NDP5? It goes without saying that what Namibia needs is not more plans, but rather more pragmatic solutions to challenges to bring us closer to our long-term vision.” Nanghonga also felt that more consultation between the private sector and the public sector would be needed in the drafting of such plans.

“Private- and public-sector relations have deteriorated. Proper and consistent consultation should happen between government and the private sector. Due diligence on plans should be done before execution,” said Nanghonga. Professor Roman Grynberg felt that it was now time to implement NEEEF. “He has to tell us what he is finally going to do with the NEEEF. This issue is the single biggest block to investment in Namibia and there is still no clarity,” said Grynberg. Du Plessis felt that the time was ripe to partially privatise some state-owned enterprises.

“I would like to see action on the partial privatisation of state-owned enterprises with profit-making potential,” she said.

She also felt that the use of technology in education would be a great addition to Geingob's SONA.

“There also needs to be new solutions for giving our children good education. The recent changes to introduce vocational subjects and keeping kids in school until they have completed the national senior secondary examinations are welcomed but more needs to be done to leverage technology to ensure all children get a quality education,” said Du Plessis.

OGONE TLHAGE

Winnie called me son - Geingob

April 5, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Winnie called me son - Geingob President Hage Geingob has described the late Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, who he said referred to him as “son”, as a genuine comrade-in-arms and a steadfast freedom fighter who devoted her life to resistance against racial oppression and the tyranny of apartheid.

In a media statement issued by State House, Geingob said Madikizela-Mandela's passing is a loss to her family and South Africa, including the former liberation movement – the African National Congress (ANC).

Geingob went on to define Madikizela-Mandela as a courageous revolutionary and a colossus in the fight for freedom in South Africa and the struggle for a better life for the majority.

Recalling her life and times, President Geingob said Madikizela-Mandela joined the liberation struggle in South Africa at an early age, at untold personal cost and harm and affectionately became known as the “Mother of the Nation”.

“Comrade Winnie, who would call me son, lived a life of service in the interest of the oppressed people, working tirelessly for the realisation of economic freedom. I must say that the struggle for liberation and socio-economic justice has lost a once-in-a-generation heroine,” said Geingob.

The president also sent his heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Namibian people and its government to the people of South Africa and its government, as well as the ANC, for the loss of a stalwart of the struggle.

“At this hour of mourning, our thoughts and prayers go out to the bereaved family, whom we hope will find solace in the global outpouring of compassion and well wishes”, Geingob added.

Madikizela-Mandela died on Monday at the age of 81 in a Johannesburg hospital. Her state funeral will take place on 14 April.



NAMENE HELMICH

Governors receive N$7m from Namsov

April 5, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Governors receive N$7m from NamsovMoney to be used for regional development Namsov has continued its liberal corporate social responsibility initiative, this time giving N$500 000 to each region for development initiatives. Namsov Fishing Enterprises on Wednesday handed over a total of N$7 million to the country's 14 regional governors, who received N$500 000 each for development initiatives.

The programme is a grassroots support initiative in which the Namsov Community Trust harnesses the power of partnerships, by working through the regional governor offices and their constituencies.

It was established in 2014, in partnership with the governors, to encourage regional structures to identify their own needs, prioritise them and intervene at their points of necessity. To date the Namsov Community Trust has disbursed N$28 million towards the Governors Regional Development Programme.

This funding support has been divided over a four-year period and is spread equally across all 14 regions in Namibia. According to Tuna Willem, Namsov chief sustainability officer and community trust administrator, the company has contributed over N$101 million through its employee development programme, regional development programme and corporate social investment.

“It is no longer enough for us as an organisation to do charitable work, we need to empower our constituencies to be able to understand social responsibility and engage in it as daily way of life,” said Willem.

Namsov Fishing Enterprises chairperson Sebby Kankondi said many projects were identified and established, while others are in the pipeline, which are intended to benefit Namibia and its people.

“The evolution and our journey in understanding the need of our communities has brought us very close with all 14 governors. When we reached an agreement and made a commitment four years ago, we and the governors worked very hard to fulfil our promises.

“We have promised ourselves to develop skills, to create jobs, to assist our people with attaining education. We promised to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurship and we promised to reach all corners of Namibia.”

Oshana governor Clemens Kashuupulwa said the programme has breathed new life into his communities and uplifted the living standards of the youth.

“Many poverty-stricken youth and women in rural and urban areas finally had the opportunities to earn a living. Some were provided scholarships to pursue their careers in tailoring, catering, setting up of hammer mills and barbershops. Others have become successful in plumbing, painting, panel beating, carpentry, joinery and auto-mechanics, to mention a few,” he said.



STAFF REPORTER

Oniipa inaugurates junior council

April 5, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Oniipa inaugurates junior council The Oniipa town council in Oshikoto has inaugurated its first-ever junior council to tackle issues affecting the youth in the youngest town in the country, promulgated in 2010.

Oniipa is among the four 2018 Namibia Town of the Year competition's finalists.

The seven-member junior council is made up of learners from the only two senior secondary schools in the town, the Hans Daniel Namuhuja and the Heroes Private schools.

The junior political leaders promise to establish a link between the youth and council in order to have their voices heard.

The town elected a grade 11 learner at Hans Daniel Namuhuja Senior Secondary School, Soini Nambinga, as the junior mayor, deputised by grade 10 learner Simon Nambandi from the same school.

Nambinga said their main responsibility for the next two years is the eradication of poverty among the youth in the town.

“We will establish programmes that will encourage the youth to become entrepreneurs, and coordinate programmes for orphans and vulnerable children within the town's jurisdiction. It will not be easy, but we will do it.”

Nambinga added they will try to keep the youth away from social evils by trying to source funds for the establishment of a youth centre, recreational parks, a library, and Saturday seminars and debates in an effort to keep them busy.

Oniipa's mayor Immanuel Kambonde urged the junior councillors to focus and acquaint themselves with their terms of reference and their functions. He also told them they must have a servant's heart.

The Town of the Year team will be visiting Oniipa on Monday.

ILENI NANDJATO

Three killed in croc, hippo attacks

April 5, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Three killed in croc, hippo attacks Three people, including a four-month-old baby, were killed in wildlife attacks in north-eastern Namibia recently.

The environment ministry yesterday confirmed that a 28-year-old woman and her baby were killed by a crocodile on the Okavango River in the Shighuru area in the Kavango East Region.

Mungomba Maria Magdalena was washing clothes in the river when she was attacked by the crocodile on 26 March.

Her four-month-old baby, Kaneymba Paneyambeko, whom she was carrying on her back, also died in the process. In another incident in the Zambezi Region a 45-year-old man, Mahoto Mwilima, was killed by a hippo while fishing in the Linyanti River in the Maunga area. The incident happened on 25 March.

The director of wildlife and national parks, Colgar Sikopo, said these unfortunate incidents were worrisome, especially the attacks by crocodiles on people swimming and washing clothes in the rivers and floodplains.

With the good rains in certain parts of the country the river levels are rising and floods are already experienced in some areas.

Crocodiles, hippos, snakes and other wetland wild animals are also following the floodwater. Sikopo warned people living in these areas not to take risks that might endanger their lives.

“We advise that people should collect water from the river and immediately move to the banks where they can conduct their usual activities such as bathing and washing clothes, or to do so at their villages and not directly in the river.”

Sikopo said those fishing in the river should be very careful.

Ministry staff in the regions have been instructed to warn local communities of these dangers. Sikopo added that crocodiles and hippos were being offered for hunting under the conservancy programme so that rural communities could benefit from these animals.

In addition the ministry was investigating the possibility of granting local communities concessions to operate crocodile farms so that they could generate income from the sale of skins and meat.



ELLANIE SMIT

Corruption - A social disease (Part 135): Board members and the damaging effect of perceptions of conflict of interest

April 5, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Corruption - A social disease (Part 135): Board members and the damaging effect of perceptions of conflict of interest Positions of power can create conflict of interest.

Situations of possible conflict of interest should be avoided because if it cannot be refuted with hard evidence, it can nurture endless perceptions that such leaders are corrupt. The real damage, even if people are not guilty, is contained in the fact that they are perceived as being corrupt.

An example of a board member that is under suspicion of alleged conflict of interest is prominent lawyer Dirk Conradie, a previous chairman of Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) who allegedly tried to used his power as chairman of the board to convince the advertising company DV8 Saatchi & Saatchi to employ Sara Damases (wife of Petrus Damaseb, the Deputy Chief Justice). In exchange, Conradie allegedly promised to use his influence on the MTC board to award a tender of N$60 million to the advertising company (Asino).

According to King (2006), a leading authority on the fiduciary duties of directors, one of the obligations of a director is to ask the following question before taking any board decision: Will the company's image be negatively affected if the board decision is published in a newspaper the following day?

A CULTURE OF DOUBT

“Where there is no evidence for the validation of perceptions, the problem is that, if such perceptions are not fully and without doubt cleared, for example by the media and courts, it creates a culture in which people doubt the integrity and morality of leaders” (Coetzee). Such behaviour is in itself a co-producer of corruption as a general (systemic) community practice.

If people think that leaders are corrupt (even if they are not), public perception of alleged corruption can be used by members of the public to justify their own attempts at being corrupt. For example, people tend to justify their corrupt activities to evade tax because they perceive leaders in the country, or just some of them, as being corrupt.

Some of the real damage is in the knock-on-effect of public perceptions that are not refuted and/or clarified and quantified in monetary terms. With immoral leaders and/or leaders whose integrity is doubted the society loses hope for a better future. Such leaders as described are not respected and not trusted, they cannot inspire people to work harder for creating a better society for everybody.

Can the damage of board members and/or people in leadership positions that are not respected and not trusted be quantified in monetary terms? What is the legacy such leaders are leaving? What is the cost of such legacy?

If we are in a leadership position - and we are all - ensure we leave a legacy that guarentees a cumulative return on investment (ROI).

References

Asino, T. 2013. “Court re-summons Conradie and Damases on corruption charges”. New Era, 1 November, Windhoek.

Coetzee, J.J. 2012. Systemic corruption and corrective change management strategies: A study of the co-producers of systemic corruption and its negative impact on socio-economic development. Unpublished PhD dissertation. Stellenbosch: University of Stellenbosch.

King, M.E. 2006. The Corporate Citizen. Governance for all Entities. Johannesburg: Penguin Books.

jcoetzee@nust.na

Namsov invests N$ 28m in regions

April 5, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Namsov invests N$ 28m in regions Namsov Fishing Enterprises (NFE), through the Namsov Community Trust (NCT), officially hands over the annual investment contribution of N$7 million , towards the 14 regions of Namibia for community development projects.

In 2014, Namsov Community Trust embarked on a development programme in partnership with Namibia’s 14 regional governors ¬and created the Governors’ Regional Development Programme. To date Namsov Community Trust has disbursed N$ 28 million towards the Governors Regional Development Program. This funding support has been divided over a 4-year period and spread equally across all 14 regions in Namibia.

The Governors’ Regional Development Programme is a grassroots support initiative in which Namsov Community Trust harnesses the power of partnerships, by working through the regional governors’ offices and their constituencies.

A project and technical committee who administrates the programme guide each regions intervention. This partnership allows us to identify the need and role of each region.

The purpose of the Governors’ Regional Development Programme is to encourage the regional structures to identify their own needs, prioritise them and intervene at their point of needs. This in turns builds capacity for social and economic development in the regions of Namibia. It is no longer enough for us as an organisation to do charitable work, we need to empower our constituencies to be able to understand social responsibility and engage on it as daily way of life.

Highlighting the immense socio-economic impact that the fishing industry, including NFE, has had on the Namibian economy, NCT’s chief sustainability officer, Tuna Willem, said that the program is, “A good indication that stakeholders in the industry have the continuous capacity and willingness to build the Namibian communities through education, health and community development projects.”

Namsov Fishing Enterprises was established in 1990 with the primary purpose of localising and developing the midwater trawl industry in Namibia. Built on existing marine and commercial legislation, acts and regulations, Namsov Fishing Enterprises now employs over 640 people.

Since 1991, Namsov Fishing Enterprises contributed over N$101 million through its employee development programme, regional development programme and corporate social investment. This investment has and continues to change the lives of the Namibian people.

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MTN to start SME Masterclass

April 5, 2018, 4:00 pm

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MTN to start SME Masterclass In a bid to bridge the ICT literacy gap, MTN Namibia will be conducting the MTN SME Masterclass, to be offered as a series of engagements targeted at small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from across the country, starting with the first masterclass to be held at the Ongwediva Trade Fair Centre on 12 April 2018.

The MTN SME Masterclass is an initiative by MTN Namibia aimed to build an ecosystem for Namibian SME operators to share knowledge about the obstacles and opportunities faced in today's digital economy by providing a platform to network and establish beneficial business linkages, while enabling and equipping them on how to become viable and sustainable through the use of technology.

Explaining the essence behind the SME Masterclass, MTN Namibia manager: sales, business development and partnerships, Keith Handura says, “We are currently repositioning our focus because when MTN Namibia started in 1998 as UUNet the first internet services provider in Namibia, we were servicing the government, parastatals and local as well as multi-national corporates, however Namibia, together with the rest of Africa has evolved socio-economically and SMEs have become the lifeblood of our economy.

“Our goal as MTN, is to open horizons for the SME sector and this through technology, which like education is a great equaliser. We want to equip SMEs across Namibia with the necessary tools and skills, and the knowledge that the moment they go digital, they can go continental or even international.”

MTN Namibia last year introduced an affordable and innovative product, the SME Nawa data bundles into the market, and the inaugural SME Masterclass at Ongwediva will focus mainly on this offering and elaborate on its benefits.

The Nawa SME Connect has various data packages tailor-made to suit SMEs at different levels of their entrepreneurship. The packages are Nawa Lite, Nawa Lite Plus, Nawa Essential, Nawa Premium and Nawa Express designed especially for new business owners and SMEs.

MTN Namibia has partnered with prominent industry experts and technology partners to bring the MTN SME Masterclass to life as a platform to inspire and empower people eager to learn how to make a success of their businesses.

Topics to look forward to in future masterclasses will be centered on MTN Namibia and technology partner products and service offering focusing mainly on SMEs, digital branding, cyber security, innovation and profiling target audiences through big data for sustainable growth, while at the same time driving some thought leadership conversations.

“MTN, which operates in 23 other countries across Africa and the Middle East, is renowned for tapping and unearthing potential in various markets and adding value to the lives of people in communities and economies we operate in. That is the same approach we have for Namibia, and with the SME Masterclass we also want to identify the bright sparks and unleash growth, not only in their businesses but the economy as a whole.

“The Masterclass is the enabler for SMEs and entrepreneurs within the digital space by creating an opportunity to network, collaborate, share ideas, learn and find solutions. We believe that by investing in SMEs we are investing in the future of Namibia.”

Having operated in the country for the past 20 years, MTN Namibia is cognizant of the need to drive economic growth by reducing unemployment and poverty, and does business that is in line and supportive of the National Development Plans and the Harambee Prosperity Plan.

The SME Masterclass fits within the MTN BRIGHT strategy whose six pillars focus on technology excellence through best customer experience, returns and efficiency focus, igniting commercial performance, growth through data and digital and impacting on consumers' hearts and minds.

The MTN SME Masterclass will take place once every month in different towns across the country, which include, but not limited to, Windhoek, Keetmanshoop, Rundu, Katima Mulilo, Otjiwarongo, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.

Those interested in participating in the Ongwediva SME Masterclass taking place on 12 April 2018, are requested to register at www.mtnevents.com.na, or call +264 84 000 8000 for more details.

No mercy for Chinese tax evaders

April 5, 2018, 4:00 pm

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No mercy for Chinese tax evaders Increasingly common cases of tax evasion and money laundering by Chinese nationals in Namibia were discussed during President Hage Geingob's weeklong state visit to China.

Many Chinese nationals in Namibia have been accused of deliberate tax evasion. A multibillion-dollar tax fraud case involving Chinese nationals, which was uncovered last year, is the country's largest money-laundering scam yet.

Finance minister Calle Schlettwein yesterday said at a press conference that China was clamping down hard on tax evasion and also tightening its customs administration.

He said the topic of tax evasion was discussed during the state visit and the president of China, Xi Jinping, gave his assurance that Chinese nationals who break Namibian laws would not receive any protection from China.

“We were very much comforted to hear this,” said Schlettwein.

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who doubles as international relations minister, remarked that the finance ministry must work harder in collecting tax from businesses. She specifically referred to some businesses in the north, including Chinese shops, where customers do not receive invoices for transactions. That makes any declaration of income impossible.

Schlettwein agreed that cash businesses were often guilty of not paying tax and not declaring their income. China Town is infamous for accepting cash only and not using cash registers.

Schlettwein further said that customers participating in this type of cash transaction, where no invoice or receipt was given, were just as guilty.

However police chief Sebastian Ndeitunga remarked that some businesses did not have the facilities to issue receipts.

“Then you must ask for the facilities and not participate in illegal transactions,” replied Schlettwein. He added that contrary to pervasive perceptions, Chinese businesses operating in Namibia were not tax exempt and everyone doing business here, regardless of nationality, were obliged to pay tax.

“Our tax system is not based on nationality but on the source of income, meaning that all income received, or deemed to be, from a Namibian source is taxed in Namibia.

“Similarly, any tax exemption is based on income, not the person who received the income. This means that it is the specific income that is exempted from taxation and not the recipient who receives such income,” inland revenue commissioner Justice Mwafongwe told Namibian Sun earlier this year.

According to the Chinese embassy in Namibia, there were up to 7 000 self-employed Chinese businessmen and more than 60 Chinese enterprises operating in Namibia last year. Last year Chinese billionaire Jack Huang was arrested in connection with alleged fraud, money laundering and tax evasion totalling N$3.5 billion, which was allegedly siphoned out of Namibia through a customs clearing business. Several other suspects were also arrested.

ELLANIE SMIT

Doctor in the dock for rape

April 5, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Doctor in the dock for rape A 40-year-old doctor working at the Oshakati hospital, who was arrested on a charge of rape, appeared yesterday in the local magistrate's court.

The accused, Bernhard Shitende Mulumba, appeared before Magistrate Makapa Castro Simasiku on a count of rape, assault with intent to cause bodily harm and assault by threat.

Mulumba is accused of raping a 20-year-old student on Monday evening, after he allegedly offered her a lift home.

It is alleged Mulumba drove to a nearby village and had sexual intercourse with the victim in his car against her will. The victim arrived home and informed her family. She was taken to hospital before opening a police case at the Ongwediva police station. Mulumba was arrested on Tuesday morning.

State prosecutor Mpule Siyomunyi argued that based on the seriousness of the offence and the incomplete police investigations, the matter should be remanded until next Wednesday and the accused should remain in police custody. Simasiku granted the state's application. A formal bail application will take place during the next court appearance. Mulumba is represented by lawyer Tuwilika Shailemo.

KENYA KAMBOWE

A mixed bag of wins, losses

April 5, 2018, 4:00 pm

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A mixed bag of wins, lossesThumbs up, down for Geingob administration The presidency is credited with more transparency but it is said not enough is being done to curb corruption. The first three years of President Hage Geingob's presidency got a mixed bag of reactions from political and economic pundits, barely a week before his much-anticipated State of the Nation (SONA) address.

Geingob was described as a “president of rhetoric” but questions were raised about his follow-through to turn such rhetoric into reality.

Panellists at a discussion of his three years in office on Wednesday, however, did agree that his presidency has brought more transparency and accountability in government affairs.

The executive director of the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), Graham Hopwood, said Geingob in the past had been credited for setting the tone on improved governance and service delivery through his rhetoric on the Namibian House and inclusivity.

However, he added, after rhetoric comes the reckoning.

“And this year, it is appropriate that the government's record should come under closer scrutiny,” Hopwood stated.

Hopwood was of the opinion that Namibia's democracy remained intact, but expressed concern over the “heavy-handedness” in some areas, like suggestions that the media be regulated by the state and the “draconian” research law which is still on the cards despite its constitutionality being the subject of a High Court case.

A concern for Namibian democracy was the lack of citizen engagement, Hopwood added.

Hopwood and official opposition leader McHenry Venaani agreed that Geingob should be credited for the introduction of performance evaluations of public officials and the political leadership, but said it could be improved upon.

Venaani also lauded the president for publicly declaring his assets and for the introduction of the food bank.

Venaani, however, said it was important that the country create its own food security and not rely on imports.

Another plus for Geingob is the recognition he has given for the need to gain control over the national budget to save future generations from having to repay accumulated debts, as well as the improved social welfare, principally the increased old-age pension.



Harambee

Geingob got the thumbs up for introducing the Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPP), which his economic advisor, John Steytler, said was an accelerated impact plan of certain developmental targets contained in the National Development Plans (NDPs).

Hopwood said the HPP was of more value than the NDPs, which he said had not caught the public imagination, nor total government support judging by the lack of reporting and feedback from ministries on NDP 4.

“No one has mentioned that every desired outcome in NDP 4 was missed,” said Hopwood, suggesting more open and honest discussions of why this happened and what corrective measures should be taken.

“We have a great base or foundation to build on. Why should we limit ourselves? We hang back on so many issues,” Hopwood added.

He advocated for an HPP 2, which he proposed should be based on more consultation before it gets finalised.



Bane of corruption

Marring the Geingob administration, said Venaani, was corruption and how the president dealt with it.

Venaani castigated Geingob for not holding the defunct board of directors of the looted SME Bank to account and said Geingob fell short of taking action against those who had wilfully inflated the tender of the Hosea Kutako International Airport upgrade.

“Cancelling the tender does really fight corruption,” said Venaani, adding that most major tenders were riddled with corruption by “inside traders”.

He also criticised the fact that most of the major infrastructure tenders were awarded to foreign players who leave with cash in hand.

Venaani said the biggest bane of the national budget was the corrosion of corporate governance in state-owned enterprises and skewed priorities, such as the uneconomical routes pursued by Air Namibia for example.

“We need to reform the SOEs even if it means we go into strategic alliances,” Venaani proposed.

Hopwood said what hampered good governance was the slowness of implementation of government programmes which would have a major impact on intended poverty reduction before 2025.



The economy, national budget

Indileni Nanghonga, economist and analyst at Simonis Storm Securities, cautioned that broad unemployment had increased by 5.9% to 34% in 2016, with youth unemployment now estimated at 43.4% in 2016, up from 39% in 2014.

She said the total government debt over the last three years had doubled, with domestic debt increasing by 103%, which she said was unsustainable.

Nanghonga said it was likely that the government's debt-to-GDP ratio was edging towards 45%. The HPP target is 30%.

Steytler said the fact that Namibia's international reserves had increased two years after an economic downturn was good news.

He admitted that government debt had escalated but said the increase in debt was starting to decelerate. “Maybe we will reach the 30% benchmark debt-to-GDP [Gross Domestic Product] ratio but I think we are in a good space,” Steytler said.

He said although the infrastructure development pillar of the HPP had been negatively affected by budgetary constraints, a lot had been done on social progress and the increased focus on technical vocational training.

Nanghonga suggested that the country should try to allocate at least 20% of the budget to development projects. Currently more than 80% of the budget is spent on operational expenditure, of which about 50% is on the public wage bill.

Venaani said it was unsustainable for the country to spend 4.2% of its GDP on a defence force instead of creating sufficient jobs and housing.

CATHERINE SASMAN

How to manage your time settings – and make sure you do not miss meetings

April 5, 2018, 4:00 pm

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How to manage your time settings – and make sure you do not miss meetings Depending on the software you use, your computer may still show “winter time” or Daylight Saving Time although the previous time change in Namibia was abolished with legislation.

Here are tips how to adjust your time settings and how to make sure your schedule for meetings is not wrong.



CHANGING THE TIME

1 Go to the control panel on your desktop or laptop.

2 Choose “Date and Time”

3 Untick boxes for Daylight Saving Time

4 Choose “Change Time Zone”

5 Select UTC+02:00 Harare, Pretoria (i.e. Central African Time)

6 Press OK to save changes

The time on your computer should now display correctly.



MY MEETINGS

You might see in Outlook that times for meetings and appointments still show a difference of one hour. This is because the time zone for meetings is still set to Windhoek and the now defunct Daylight Saving Time.

1 When scheduling new meetings or appointments adjust the time zone to UTC+02:00 Harare, Pretoria.

2 Check meetings scheduled previously and adjust the time zone as above where required.