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Possible solution to plastics pollution

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Possible solution to plastics pollutionPossible solution to plastics pollution Scientists have accidentally discovered a mutant enzyme that can fully eat up and decompose common plastic, and could help the world solve the problem of plastic waste.

Researchers in the US and UK examined an existing enzyme which had occurred naturally in landfill sites and was able to slowly digest man-made plastics.

But in the course of testing the enzyme's origins, the researchers made biological changes to it that turbo-charged its ability to digest plastics, according to Britain's University of Portsmouth. According to The Guardian, the enzyme starts breaking down plastic in a matter of days, a process which would take centuries under normal conditions.

The enzyme is called PETase, because it eats polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the lightweight plastic used in bottled water and soft drinks.

Professor John McGeehan, one of the scientists leading the study, said: “Serendipity often plays a significant role in fundamental scientific research and our discovery here is no exception.

“Although the improvement is modest, this unanticipated discovery suggests that there is room to further improve these enzymes, moving us closer to a recycling solution for the ever-growing mountain of discarded plastics.”

The mutant enzyme is still in its early stages, and the scientists are now working on developing it for use on an industrial scale.

Right now, plastic bottles that are recycled can only be turned into opaque fibres, which can then be used to make clothes or carpets. A more effective method would enable recycled plastic to be put to a far wider variety of uses.

About 8.3 billion tonnes of plastic has been produced since production began about 70 years ago. Around 6.3 billion tonnes (6.9 billion tons/6,300 billion kg) is waste, the BBC reported.

NEWS24

Omalambo ogeli ondjambi yomuloka omuwaanawa

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Omalambo ogeli ondjambi yomuloka omuwaanawaOmalambo ogeli ondjambi yomuloka omuwaanawaAaniihauto taya dhengwa pomitima Sho omapandanda ogendji gaVenduka taga adhika nomalambo sha landula omvula ndjoka ya loko, aaniihauto otaya futu ondjambi yi li pombanda noonkondo omolwa omalambo ngoka taga yonagula iihauto yawo, nonando aaniilonga yelelo lyoshilando otaya kambadhala opo ku thitikwe omalambo ngoka. Mwene gwongeshefa yoTiger Wheel & Tyre Windhoek, Ewald van Rensburg, okwa popi kutya ongeshefa yawo oya mono e yo pombanda lyaalandi ya thika poopresenda 25, mboka ya pumbwa okulanda omataiyela omape giiyenditho yawo omolwa eyonagulo lya ningilwa omataiyela gawo komalambo ngoka ge li mondjila.

Charlton Swartz, menindjera gwoSupa Quick Tyre Experts Windhoek, naye okwa popi kutya ongeshefa yawo ohayi kwathele aalandi yeli puyatatu nenge ya ne mesiku, mboka taya nyenyeta kutya omataiyela giiyenditho yawo oga yonagulwa komalambo.

Van Rensburg okwa yelitha kutya eyonagulo ndyoka hali ningwa komalambo ngoka, otali etitha omataiyela ga gonuke nokutulwa gamwe omape, shoka tashi pula woo mondjato.

Ondando yomataiyele okwa popi kutya oyi li pokati kooN$600 sigo N$5 000.

Swartz okwa gweha po kutya elando lyomataiyela oshinima shoka hashi kala inashi tegelelwa nenge inashi pangelwa onkene ohashi uvitha nayi ooyene yiiyenditho noonkondo.

Okwa popi kutya mboka taya ningi iihakanwa unene ooyene yootuukala, molwaashoka iihauto mbyoka inene ihayi mono unene iihuna onga oshizemo shomalambo.

Dirk Reed, omukomeho gwoshikondo shoka hashiungaunga noondjila nomeya goshikungulu melelo lyaVenduka, okwa yelitha kutya omalambo ngoka otaga etithwa komeya , uuna opate ya tutu komeya, nongele okwa ende oshihauto nena oshitopolwa shopate ohashi teka po nokuninga elambo.

Reed okwa tindi oohapu ndhoka tadhi popiwa kutya pomahala gamwe, elelo ohali endelee okuwapaleka ondjila okuyeleka nomahala gamwe, ta popi kutya ohaya kambadhala okulonga meendelelo ngaashi tashi vulika pomahala agehe.

Okwa tsikile kutya onkalo yongashiingeyi oyi li omukundu gwe ya taalela, omolwa ompango yoProcurement Act ndjoka tayi katekitha euliko lyaalongi yondjila.

Okwa tsikie kutya oye na einekelo kutya aalongi yondjila otaya ka ulikwa okuya muMei, opo ya tameke okuthitika omalambo ngoka.

Okwa tsikile kutya nonando oye na ongundu yawo ndjoka hayi thitike omalambo iilonga oyi li konima noonkondo omolwa ompumbwe yoonzo dhopauntu.

Omunambelewa ngoka okwa tsikile kutya konyala oshilando ashihe osha gumwa konkalo yomalambo.

Elelo lyaVeunduka olyiikalekela oshimaliwa sha thika poomiliyona 70, dhoka dha nuninwa okulongulula oompate.

Reed okwa pula aakwashigwana ya lopote omalambo kehe ngoka geli moondjila.

Kombinga uuzilo woB1 Bypass, omalambo ngoka naga lopotwe konomola yongodhi 061 290 2775, omanga kuuninginino woB1 Bypass otaku lopotelwa konomola yo 061 290 2061.



JANA-MARI SMITH

Ompumbwe yiimaliwa itayi shololitha Oniipa

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Ompumbwe yiimaliwa itayi shololitha OniipaOmpumbwe yiimaliwa itayi shololitha Oniipa Omunambelewa Omukuluntu gwondoolopa yaNiipa, Junias Jakob, okwa gandja oompangela dhondoolopa yawo, pethimbo lyomutumba ngoka gwa ningwa naakuthimbinga melelo lyondoolopa ndjoka.

Oshigongiilonga shoka osha nuninwa okugandja oompangela dhondoolopa oshiwike sha piti. Ondoolopa ndjoka tayi adhika moshitopolwa shaShikoto, oyi li metifa lyokuninga oompangela dhawo dhotango.

Jacob okwa popi kutya omutumba ngoka gwa ningwa mEtitano ogwa li epondolo enene.

Omutumba ngoka ogwa kwatela mo omalelo gopamuthigululwakalo, aanangeshefa iiputuhilo ya yooloka oshowo aakwashigwana.

Jacob okwa popi kutya pethimbo lyomutumba ngoka ya ningi oya mono omaiyuvo gomayele ga yooloka kombinga nkene ye na okuyambulapo ondoolopa, na otaya ka tula kumwe omayele ngoka nomaiyuvo opo ya ngongepo oompangela yondoolopa yawo.

Okwa tsikile kutya oku na omukumo opo oompangela ndhoka dhi kale dha manithwa okuya muJuli nuumvo. Ndjoka otayi ka kala omusindalandu gwompangela yondoolopa yaNiipa yotango ya nuninwa omvula yo 2019 sigo 2023. Omunashipundi gwokomitiye yelelo lyondoolopa ndjoka, Thomas Matse okwa koleke oohapu dhaJacob, ta gwedha po kutya ngoka omutumba gwawo gwotango naakalimo yomondoolopa oya pyakudhukwa nokutambulwako opo ya gandje omaiyuvo gawo nomayele gawo, metungo lyeyambulepo lyondoolopa ndjoka.

Okwa tsikile kutya ayehe ya pumbwa okukutha ombinga opo kaya ka kale taya ulikathana nominwe ngele iinima ya uka kuuwinayi.

Pehala lyokukonga aatseyinawa metotepo lyoompangela dhawo, elelo lyondoolopa ndjoka olya tokola okukonga ekwatho kelelo lyondoolopa yaTjiwarongo, okupitila momunambelewa gwostrategic executive for community services, mondoolopa ndjoka Agatha Mweti, ngoka a li ta kwatele komeho omutumba ngoka gwa ningwa. Mweti ota gandja omayakulo ngoka pakwiiyamba na ita pewa iifuta ya sha.

Jakob okwa lombwele aakuthimbinga kutya Oniipa inayi pangelwa nawa na oyi na owala omahala gaali ga simana, Onethindi proper oshowo Onethindi Extension One.

Jacob okwa popi woo kombinga yomauyakadhi ngoka ya taalela, ngaashi ompumbwe yaaniilonga. Okwa popi kutya oya pumbwa andola aaniilonga 23, ihe oye na owala aaniilonga 15, ihe nonando ongaaka, shoka itashi imbi ya pule komeho meyambulepo lyondoolopa yawo.

MuJuni gwomvula ya piti, elelo lyondoolopa yaNiipa olya yi metsokumwe nongeleka yoEvangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN) opo evi lyongeleka ndjoka li ye momake gelelo lyondoolopa yo yi vule okuyambulapo evi ndyoka, unene sho ongeleka oyo yi li mwene gwoshitopolwa oshinene shevi mondoolopa moka.

Onandjokwe ndjoka oyo yi li unene ehala tali nana oyendji oya totwapo mo 1891 kaatumwa yaSoomi. Ehala ndyoka olya ningi endiki lyaaSoomi, nokonima olya ningi oombelewa onene dhaELCIN.

Ongeleka oya longo ehala ndyoka nasho Oniipa ya ningwa ondoolopa mo 2015, ongeleka oya adhika nale ya longa ehala ndyoka mwakwatelwa oshipangelo shaNandjokwe.



ILENI NANDJATO

Ya hulitha sho ombashu yawo ya kungululwa po komeya

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Ya hulitha sho ombashu yawo ya kungululwa po komeyaYa hulitha sho ombashu yawo ya kungululwa po komeya Omukiintu okwa hulitha omanga okanona ke kokamati koomvula ndatu kuniwe uutile kutya nako oka hulitha, sha landula sho ombashu yawo ya kungululwa po komeya ongulohi yOmaandaha.

Oshiningwanima shoka osha holoka molukanda lwedhina

Abraham Iiyambo pondje yaHakahana mOvenduka.

Omupopiliko gwopolisi, Kauna Shikwambiokwa popi kutya oonakuninga oshihakanwa oya dhimbululwa kutya omunamimvo 32, Saima Thomas nomonamati Jason Lukas Shindinge.

Omudhimba gwomukiintu ngoka ogwa adhika momulamba gwomeya oshinano shookilometa mbali okuza mpoka pwa li ombashu yawo.

Omusamane gwaThomas, okwa hupu moshiponga shoka pamwe nokanona kawo kokakadhona ke na omasiku gatatu.

Mboka yaali pamwe nuunona wawo uwali, oyo owala yali mombashu moka, pauyelele mboka wa gandjwa kuShikwambi.

“Omulumentu ngoka aniwa okwa kutha po ohanana nokuya ontuku okuza mombashu, sho omukulukadhi gwe oshowo okanona hoka kokamati ya kungululwa po komeya,” Shikwambi a popi.

Olutu lwokanona inalu monika natango pethimbo onkundana ndjika ya pitithwa mEtiyali.

Shikwambi okwa kunkilile aantu ya kale ya angala pethimbo lyomuloka yo taya yanda okutaaguluka omilamba.

Okwa pula aantu ya tale tango ondjele yomeya omanga inaya tokola okutaaguluka omeya, molwaashoka osha nika oshiponga noonkondo.



JEMIMA BEUKES

Venaani a gandja uusama kuGeingob

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Venaani a gandja uusama kuGeingobVenaani a gandja uusama kuGeingobOkwaahena iilonga kwa londa pombanda Pethimbo lyoshipopiwa she, shoka a ningi kuyele oshiwike shika, omuleli gwongundu yoPDM, okwa gandja uusama kOmupreidende Hage Geingob, ta popi kutya onkalo yiihuna moshilongo oshowo embandapalo oshinima sha kehe esiku. Pahapu dha McHenry Venaani, Geingob okwa ndopa okugandja oshipopiwa sholela shopashigwana, pethimbo a gandja oshipopiwa shopashigwana oshiwike sha piti, momutumba gwoPaliamende.

Okwa popi kutya onkalo yondjele yokwaahena iilonga moshilongo onkene yi li pombanda noonkondo.

Venaani okwa popi kutya oopresenda 45 dhaanyasha mboka ye na oomvula dhili kohi yo 35 ka ye na iilonga, na otaya lumbu moombashu, omanga AaNamibia mboka ye na iilonga taya futu omwaalu omunene gwoondjambi dhawo miifuta yomagumbo, nenge oohiila dhomahala mpoka haya zi. Ondjodhi yokulikola egumbo, mokati koofamili odhindji moshilongo itayi tsu, onkene shoka otashi thiminike aakwashigwana ya ze moombashu, ngele ya tembukile miilando moonkambadhala dhawo dhokukonga uuhupilo.

Okwa tsikile kutya omwaka omunene gu li po pokati kondjambi yaakwashigwana nomwaalu gwiimbumbiwa yawo yesiku, omunene noonkondo, naashoka osho tashi thiminike aantu ya kale moombashu nonando oya mono iilonga tayi kalelele. Venaani okwa popi kutya okwa haluka nokuuva nayi, sho Geingob a ndopa okutaamba ko kutya Namibia okwa taalela uupyakadhi wompumbwe yomagumbo gaakwashigwana oshowo ondjele yokwaahena iilonga ndjoka yi li pombanda noonkondo.

Venaani okwa tsikile kutya, pehala Geingob okwa hokolola oombinga mbali dhoshilongo, pethimbo lyoshipopiwa she. “Ope na Namibia ndyoka li na Omupresidende, ofamili, ongeshefa nookume, nongundu oshona oshowo Namibia ndyoka li na aakwashigwana ya hupako yoomiliyona 2.5,” Venaani a popi.

Pethimbo lyoshipopiwa she, Geingob okwa popi kutya uulingilingi owu li omukundu omunene ngoka gwa taalela oshilongo, na otawu hwahwameke oluhepo, ta popi kutya ope na owino okuza kopolitika, opo ku kondekwe onkalo yuulingiingi.

Okwa taambako woo onkalo yoompata kombinga yevi lyuuthiga, ta popi kutya oshipopiwa shoka otashi ka kala oshitopolwa shomutumba gwevi omutiyali ngoka tagu ningwa nuumvo moshilongo.

Venaani okwa popi kutya epangelo lyaGeingob kali na uuyelele womondjila ombinga yoompito dhiilonga moshilongo.

“Omupresidende oku na tuu uumbangi kombinga yondjele yoonakumana omailongo gawo mboka kaye na iilonga? Omupresidende oku na tuu uuyelele kutya omwaalu gwaalongi oshowo aapngi mboka ya manitha omailongo gawo ihe oya kuutumba momagumbo kaye na iilonga?”

Venaani okwa popi kutya inaya uva kombinga ya nkene ku na okuyambulapo oongeshefa opo ku vule okutotwa oompito dhiilonga, dhaakwashigwana mboka ya taalela onkalo yokwaahena iilona.

Okwa tsikile kutya Geingob muule woomwedhi dha piti, okwiiningi owala omuleli gwokuninga omauvaneko ngoka itaga gwanithwa po.

Venaani okwa popi kutya ongundu yawo oya kala neinekelo kutya omupresidende otaka yelitha kutya omolwashike ya ndopa okugandja ooplota 200 000 dha wapalekwa, omolwa omauvaneko ngoka a ningi, sha landula omutumba ngoka ya ningi nomuhwahwameki gwiikumungu yevi, Job Amupanda oshowo pamwe nehwahwameko lye lyoAffirmative Repositioning Movement.

Okwa tsikile kutya omauvaneko ngoka inaga gwanithwa po, kakele oyuuvite epangelo tali popi kutya olye shi pondola okugandja ooplota 10 000 kaakwashigwana mboka ye li mompumbwe.

Venaani okwa pula woo epangelo li kondolole oPublic Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme (Psemas) opo ku vule okuhupithwa iimaliwa, ko kuyambulwepo omauwanawa gaaniilonga mboka ye li iilyo yoshiketha shoka shokugandja uuwanawa wiifuta yuunamiti kaaniilonga yepangelo.

Okwa gwedha po kutya epangelo nali gandje ooambulansa kiitopolwa yokuushayi opo ku vule okuyambulwapo onkalo yegandjo lyuunamiti.



JEMIMA BEUKES

New Boxster, Cayman GTS launched in SA

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New Boxster, Cayman GTS launched in SANew Boxster, Cayman GTS launched in SAPorsche’s polished showpieces Sporty additions to the Porsche 718 family "In addition to a number of performance-oriented features, the GTS models boast a high trim level, even in the basic package. Sporty contrasts and exceptional details give them that added extra." Porsche South Africa JANINE VAN DER POST

Porsche has spruced up its 718 range with an enhanced Boxster and Cayman GTS, now benefiting from more power and improved tech.

Here's all you need to know about Porsche's new mid-engine sports cars.

The best GTS models thus far

"The two new GTS models are the sportiest and most emotional designs in the 718 line. They are aimed particularly at drivers who love design and appreciate a vehicle that is ideally suited for everyday use but do not want to sacrifice sportiness,” Porsche South Africa said in a statement.

"In addition to a number of performance-oriented features, the GTS models boast a high trim level, even in the basic package. Sporty contrasts and exceptional details give them that added extra."

The new cars are powered by a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo flat engine with a redeveloped intake duct and optimised turbocharger; compared to the S variant, power increases by 11 kW to 269 kW. Depending on the transmission, maximum torque is 430 Nm with PDK or 420 Nm with a manual six-speed transmission.

Compared to the GTS predecessor (with naturally aspirated engine) its 26 kW/ 70 Nm more powerful.

Performance

With the Sport Chrono Package as standard and PDK, the 718 GTS can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds. Top speed is 290 km/h.

The 718 GTS models are fitted with 20" Carrera S wheels painted in black. Front brake discs have a diameter of 330 mm and the rear discs are 299 mm.

The Sport Chrono Package, including dynamic gearbox mounts, is fitted as standard. The standard chassis with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) lowers the body of the GTS derivatives by 10mm compared to the S model.

Design

Visually, the GTS gains a new 'Sport Design' front, black-tinted Bi-Xenon headlights, tinted tail lights, black logos, black rear apron and centrally positioned black sports exhaust, black GTS logos and 20" wheels painted in black.

Inside

The GTS has sports seats with alcantara leather. The steering wheel rim, shift lever and armrest are also covered with Alcantara, as is the roof lining in the 718 Cayman GTS. The headrests features embroidered GTS logos.

The standard Porsche Track Precision app allows automatic recording of driving data on a smartphone.

Porsche Communication Management

The new 718 GTS models also feature the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system as standard. The online navigation module, voice control and Porsche Connect are available as options.

The PCM features a high-resolution touchscreen display with built-in proximity sensor that is very simple and convenient to use. As with a smartphone, it is operated using multi-touch gestures on the screen. Mobile phones and smartphones can be connected via Wi-Fi using the optional Connect Plus module.

Real-time traffic information is available as an option, allowing quick and reliable navigation. In addition to providing a rapid overview of the traffic situation, this information also enables dynamic route adjustments.

A large number of further Porsche Connect services are also available. For a detailed overview of the Connect services available for each country and vehicle, visit www.porsche.com/connect.

The Sport Chrono Package is also included as standard. In addition to an analogue stopwatch on the dashboard and digital stopwatch in the instrument cluster, this package includes a performance display. The enhanced Porsche Track Precision app is available for the new 718 GTS models for the first time.

This smartphone app, which has its origins in motorsport, connects directly to the vehicle systems and automatically records and displays information obtained when driving on racetracks, as well as performing detailed analyses of this information.

Drivers can trigger and record their own laps from 130 predefined circuits around the world. If the desired racetrack is not already available, drivers can add it themselves within the app.

Optional assistance systems

The standard equipment in the 718 Boxster GTS and 718 Cayman GTS already includes extensive safety systems such as the multi-collision brake. The system can reduce the severity of a subsequent impact by slowing the vehicle automatically after the initial collision. Porsche Stability Management (PSM) keeps the mid-engine sports cars under control even when driven at their limits.

The available assistance systems allow the new GTS models to be individually tailored to personal requirements: The optional cruise control function brakes moderately if the set speed could be exceeded on a downwards gradient. The optional adaptive cruise control system (ACC) includes a coasting function in combination with the PDK.

The Lane Change Assist function increases the safety of GTS models when driving on fast, multi-lane roads. Once driving at over 15 km/h, the system uses radar sensors in the rear end to monitor the area behind the vehicle and the driver’s blind spot.

At speeds between 30 km/h and 250 km/h, the system uses a warning light in the mirror attachment point finisher to inform the driver about vehicles approaching from the rear or located in the driver’s blind spot. If the driver begins indicating or if the system detects a lane change, the warning signal illuminates. - Wheels 24

Shot of the day

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Shot of the dayShot of the day IT IS FAKE: One hundred cardboard cut-outs of Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg stand outside the US Capitol in Washington, DC recently. Advocacy group Avaaz is calling attention to what the groups says are hundreds of millions of fake accounts still spreading disinformation on Facebook. Photo: NAMPA/AFP

A tenuous grasp on survival

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A tenuous grasp on survivalA tenuous grasp on survival The unexpectedly heavy rainfall that fell in most parts of the country may have come as a welcome relief for many Namibians, especially farmers who have been longing for a wet spell. There is no doubt that the significant rain received over the last few days helped allayed fears of a possible drought in the country. Many farmers are looking forward to a bumper crop harvest as well as improved conditions for their livestock. Regrettably, the rain also brought misery to some people, especially those living in makeshift structures and shacks. The widely reported and unfortunate incident involving a family of four makes for a very sad reading. Saima Thomas' lifeless body was discovered more than two kilometres from where their shack had stood after a flash flood caused by heavy rain on Monday evening swept away their structure and the only place they call home. Thomas had just given birth to a healthy baby girl two days earlier. The baby girl fortunately survived the tragedy after she was rescued by her father, who also made it out unscathed. The couple's three-year-old son, however, has disappeared and is still reported missing. This family's tragic loss has sparked anguish, not only amongst community members, but many Namibians have expressed great shock at what has happened. This unfortunate event is likely also to spark debate on the challenges of informality and the lack of action aimed at improving the quality of life of Namibians living in poor conditions where desperation and despair are the order of the day. It was out of desperation that this family gambled by erecting their structure in a highly hazardous environment with deficient infrastructure. And although there are no words to describe the anguish being felt by those left behind, it is important that authorities take the plight of shack dwellers seriously, with the ultimate aim of restoring their right to dignity. Until when should our people be allowed to languish in squalor and in the most unpalatable circumstances where they have to contend with flooding, fires, contagious diseases, landslides and other disasters?

Company news

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 Company news Company news Starbucks to temporarily shut 8 000 cafes for bias training

Starbucks is temporarily closing more than half of its US stores next month so employees can undergo racial-bias training, a response to the arrest of two black men at one of its cafes in Philadelphia.

The coffee chain plans to shut its more than 8 000 company-owned stores during the afternoon of May 29. In the US, about 59% of its locations are Starbucks-owned. The rest are licensed locations.

Starbucks is facing an outcry following the Philadelphia incident, which involved a manager summoning police after the two men waited at a Starbucks table without ordering. chief executive officer Kevin Johnson apologised for the arrests, calling them a “reprehensible outcome,” and vowed to better train employees.

-Fin24

Eskom coal supply woes worse

Credible reports in the possession of EE Publishers show significant coal supply problems at numerous Eskom coal-fired power stations in Mpumalanga.

The reports, shared with EE Publishers by a source with knowledge of the situation, indicate that the coal supply problem has become so serious that Eskom’s primary energy division has recommended to the utility’s new generation head, Thava Govender, that a coal supply emergency be declared.

After persistent questioning, Eskom confirmed to EE Publishers that it has been relying on emergency, diesel-driven, open-cycle gas turbines (OCGTs) regularly to meet demand this year.

-Fin24

Panel considers extending KPMG inquiry to VBS

The secretariat to the Ntsebeza Inquiry into auditing firm KPMG will discuss the latest revelations around KPMG's audit of VBS Mutual Bank to decide whether this should be included as part of the probe.

In response to a query from Fin24 on Monday, the secretariat said that while it has not received a complaint related to the VBS issue, its terms of reference allow for media reports to be taken into consideration.

KPMG announced on Saturday that its partners Sipho Malaba and Dumi Tshuma, who were facing disciplinary charges related to work done for VBS Mutual Bank, had resigned with immediate effect.

Both Malaba and Tshuma are members of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica). The inquiry is restricted to investigating members of the organisation.

-Fin24

United Airlines profit rises with higher fares

United Airlines said on Tuesday quarterly profit rose, as higher fares helped offset the costs of fuel and a rash of winter storms.

The third-largest US airline by passenger traffic reported first-quarter net income of US$147 million, or 52 cents per share, compared with US$99 million, or 32 cents per share, in the year-ago quarter.

Excluding some one-time items, it reported earnings of 50 cents per share. That beat Wall Street’s average estimate of 43 cents, according to Thomson Reuters.

-Nampa/Reuters

Goldman profit up 27% as trading surges

Goldman Sachs Group Inc reported a 27% rise in quarterly profit on Tuesday, driven by a surge in trading revenue due to increased market volatility. The bank said net income applicable to common shareholders rose to US$2.74 billion, or US$6.95 per share, for the three months ended March 31 from US$2.16 billion, or US$5.15 per share, a year earlier.

Analysts on average had expected earnings of US$5.58 per share, according to Thomson Reuters. It was not immediately clear if the reported figures were comparable.

-Nampa/Reuters

PDM threatens legal action over August 26

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PDM threatens legal action over August 26PDM threatens legal action over August 26 The Popular Democratic Movement has threatened to take legal action should ombudsman John Walters not respond to their letter about August 26 by tomorrow.

PDM President McHenry Venaani said this on Monday during his party's 'real state of the nation address'.

The letter to Walters was according to the opposition leader written on 21 July last year. Venaani said he has been requesting the defence ministry's August 26 Holdings to submit financial reports to the National Assembly. “We don't want to know how many weapons they bought. All we want is for them to tell the nation how and on what they spend the taxpayers' money.” The parastatal, according to Venaani, has since its incorporation in 1998 not published and submitted audited financial reports to the National Assembly as required by law. Various institutions, according to earlier reports, including the finance ministry, the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, opposition political parties, as well as ordinary citizens have publicly expressed concern over the lack of accountability and transparency at August 26 Holdings. Venaani also said PDM is mobilising resources to legally challenge the case of about N$200 million that went missing through the SME Bank should his request to President Hage Geingob to establish a judicial inquiry in this matter not be met. “This is what we as the PDM think would be the best approach to call the suspects to book as well as recover the money,” the opposition leader said, adding that it would however not be an easy task. He called on business people to start supporting the opposition parties in the fight against corruption. Responding to Venaani during his State of the Nation Address, Geingob said a judicial commission of inquiry to recover approximately N$200 million missing from the SME Bank, is a considerable option, if the ongoing liquidation process fails to yield any fruitful outcome.





NAMPA

China, Nam to take hands on poaching

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China, Nam to take hands on poachingChina, Nam to take hands on poachingProposal has been drawn up The Chinese charge d'affaires Li Nan says that wildlife protection is very important to China and no national of their country will receive protection if guilty of wildlife crimes. A proposal has been made for Chinese and Namibian authorities to cooperate in eliminating poaching and cracking syndicates that operate in both countries.

The news has been welcomed following the announcement that 14 rhinos have been poached in Namibia this year, making it almost one animal each week.

According to Chinese charge d'affaires Li Nan the Chinese embassy to Namibia has made a joint proposal to both countries for collaborative efforts in curbing poaching.

“We need joint efforts to fight criminals and deter poachers,” said Li.

According to him the countries must still decide whether they are interested in collaborating.

Li stressed that wildlife protection is very important to China and this is also clearly expressed among Chinese nationals.

He pointed out that China this year totally banned all ivory products.

China has long been one of the world's biggest markets for ivory, but as of this year all trade in ivory and ivory products in the country is illegal.

“No ivory products are allowed to enter China anymore according to our new laws. Here in Namibia you can still purchase ivory, but not in China. That indicates China's strong stance on wildlife protection,” said Li.

He added that lawbreakers are punished very seriously when it comes to wildlife protection.

“We will never provide protection to lawbreakers and have zero tolerance when it comes to this. If a Chinese national is involved in these crimes they must be subjected to the local law. We fully respect the law.”

However Li said that an entire community of people cannot be painted with the same brush because of the crimes of a small group of individuals.

His remarks follows dozens of poaching cases and other illegal activities involving Chinese nationals over the past few years that have led to pervasive views that all Chinese nationals in Namibia are involved in poaching.

Li said the Chinese community in Namibia contribute to the economy. “They are good people. The pay taxes and they provide jobs.”

According to the embassy's estimates there are only about 3 500 Chinese nationals living in Namibia. Li said that many Chinese left the country because of the economic crisis.

He continued to say that the Chinese embassy had embarked on a public awareness campaign to inform Chinese nationals about wildlife laws in Namibia.

Li said that the embassy has also made donations to the environment ministry and created a wildlife fund in an effort to assist in the fight against poaching.

According to Li the embassy will donate items to the value of N$14 million next month to the ministry which will assist with anti-poaching efforts. These items will include 30 bakkies and also tents for rangers.

He further said that the embassy was working together with the CEO of the Namibian Chamber of Environment, Dr Chris Brown, on projects which include rhino site inspections.

According to Li these site inspections were already planned for last year but due to unforeseen circumstances they would hopefully be concluded this year.

The spokesperson of the environment ministry, Romeo Muyunda, confirmed to Namibian Sun that a total of 14 rhinos and 23 elephants have been poached this year.

Last year 35 rhinos and 23 elephants were killed by poachers. In 2016 a total of 60 rhino were poached while in 95 rhino were poached in 2015 and 56 rhino in 2014.

In 2016 a total of 101 elephants were poached, while 49 elephants were poached in 2015 and 78 in 2014.

ELLANIE SMIT

Negligence must be probed in wildlife conflict

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Negligence must be probed in wildlife conflictNegligence must be probed in wildlife conflict Investigations have to be conducted by the environment ministry when a person is killed by a wild animal to ensure that there was no negligence.

This is one of requirements in the new National Human Wildlife Conflict Policy that was recently endorsed by Parliament.

The ministry yesterday clarified misconceptions that it will not pay compensation for people killed by crocodiles and hippos.

The misconceptions arose in light of comments made by environment minister Pohamba Shifeta at the launch of the Maurus Nekaro Conservancy in the Kavango West Region with regard to the new policy.

Shifeta said if people are killed by crocodiles and hippos as a result of negligence their families will not be paid the N$100 000 assistance for funeral costs as provided by the policy.

According to the spokesperson of the ministry, Romeo Muyunda, this does not imply that no compensation will be paid to the family of anyone killed by hippos or crocodiles. Rather, the aim was to warn people that although there is such a provision, there are requirements that must be met.

“One of the requirements is that the ministry must conduct investigations when such incidents occur to ascertain that there was no negligence.”

He said the ministry's concern is not the money they have to pay out for funeral expenses, but rather to preserve the lives of citizens.

“As the custodian for wildlife the ministry is disturbed by the rate at which people continue to lose their lives as a result of crocodiles, hippos and other predators.”

Muyunda added that human-wildlife conflict had become more frequent and the ministry was putting in place measures to mitigate it.

“We constantly call upon the public to refrain from undertaking activities that may endanger their lives, particularly those who live along the rivers and floodplains.”

According to Muyunda the minister cited swimming and doing laundry in the rivers as risky practices that can be avoided.

Muyunda further stressed that the ministry does not compensate for human life losses or damage to property by wild animals. The ministry offsets the losses, which means it provides assistance for farmers and communities to start somewhere in replacing damaged property.

“Human life can never be valued and there is no amount of money that can compensate it, therefore our small contribution towards funeral arrangements.”

ELLANIE SMIT

Half a billion worth of home loans

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Half a billion worth of home loansHalf a billion worth of home loansFNB Namibia realtor competition FNB Namibia expects an up-tick in the housing market this year. Our latest valuation report indicates that 15% of properties valuated result in valuations below asking price. – Magda Talbot, Acting head of home loans: FNB Namibia Staff reporter – Total business registered in FNB Namibia’s annual competition for estate agents amounted to about N$550 million, the group said in a statement.

The total business received from the top ten agents was more than N$175 million and the top five agencies supported FNB Namibia with around N$200 million worth of registered business.

Speaking at the annual Realtor Club gala dinner recently, the chief executive officer of FNB Namibia Group, Sarel van Zyl, said 2017 had been a tough year for the Namibian economy, and the property market in particular.

“Although there were pockets of excellence, the market was subdued with low average house price growth,” Van Zyl said.

However, FNB Namibia believes that 2018 will be more positive.

“Yes, there’s always the small print disclaimer to that, but looking at where we were a year ago and where we are today, I feel positive about 2018 in general and our property market in particular. My wish is that the partnership between FNB and estate agents remain a lasting relationship, because we value your clear commitment to playing an active role in the development of Namibia, particularly in the property industry,” Van Zyl said.

Market

Magda Talbot, the acting head of home loans at FNB Namibia, said house price growth of 4% prevailed nationally during 2017, down from 5.4% in the previous year. Volumes were up 16.2%, the highest in over three years.

“Central property prices were up 8.7%, while weak price growth experienced in the Far North brought growth stimulation. Our latest valuation report indicates that 15% of properties valuated result in valuations below asking price,” Talbot said.

The current total mortgage book in Namibia exceeds N$36.5 billion, of which FNB Namibia has the largest market share of 36.5%, she said. The FNB Namibia mortgage book amounts to over N$13 billion.

“The industry experienced an increase in non-performing loans and FNB Namibia is grateful to report that our NPLs are still far below that of the industry,” Talbot said.

FNB Namibia is in the process of finalising the second part of its front-end application system, she said. “A lot of work went into this project and we are excited to report that our turnaround times are improving daily.”

The FNB Namibia Realtor’s competition includes an overseas trip to Turkey this year, a South African trip and a Namibian trip. A total of 13 trips were awarded to deserving agents and principals to thank them for their ongoing support.

PLEASE PUT in BLOCK

And the winners are …

· Estate agents who have registered transactions between N$10 million and N$20 million: Hans Ipinge, Hayley Fay, Jannie Erasmus, Kestodia Tobias, Lindie Lourens, Lusia Hango, Marion Wolf, Naomi van Tonder, Simone Konings

· Estate agent with registered transactions between N$20 million and N$30 million: Gretha Dos Santos

· Rural estate agent: Kaino Shakuma, Ediva Real Estates

· Rural estate agency principal with the highest combined agency figures: Kaino Shakuma of Ediva Real Estates

· Estate Agency of the Year: Rightmove Properties

· Estate Agent of the Year: Anita Dames

Liquidators' powers reined in

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Liquidators' powers reined inLiquidators' powers reined inSME Bank saga drags on Rights granted to the two SME Bank liquidators to litigate if need be in Zimbabwe, South Africa and locally, have been set aside by the Windhoek High Court. The extra powers granted to the two liquidators, Dave Bruni and Ian McLaren, by the High Court on 2 February, under whose management the liquidated SME Bank was placed, was on Tuesday cancelled and set aside by the Windhoek High Court.

Judge Thomas Masuku found that the order was granted in error within the meaning of Rule 103. The provisions of that rule stipulate that a party who applies for relief under this rule, must make its application on notice to all parties whose interests may be affected by the rescission or variation.

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

The SME Bank was placed in provisional liquidation on 11 July after it was found factually insolvent, and Judge Hanneli Prinsloo on 29 November finally liquidated it and placed under the management of liquidators Bruni and McLaren.

Masuku, in his judgment on Tuesday, stated that the applicants, Metropolitan Bank of Zimbabwe and World Eagle Properties, were not afforded an opportunity to enter the field of play and to canvass their case. The 2 February ruling gave Bruni and McLaren powers to search, and litigate if need be in Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia in the matter of the SME Bank liquidation. The two applicants in this matter were respectively 30% and 5% shareholders in the defunct SME Bank while the Namibian government through Namibia Financing Trust held 65%.

Masuku said that on facts and evidence they had rights and interests which stood to be affected by the granting of the order in their absence, and particularly without notice to them.

The provisional liquidators mandate needs to be augmented and perfected, if deemed necessary, he said.

Though the matter was not raised in papers nor fully argued, he said that it is nonetheless an important matter that may not be passed without mention.

Masuku made no finding on the matter but ordered the Registrar of the High Court to serve a copy of the judgment on the Master of High Court to act on issues raised in the judgment, including the compliance with the provisions of section 370 (1) (a) of the Companies Act, if that has not been complied with so far.

The two liquidators had stated that the applicants do not have a financial interest in the ruling that was granted on 2 February, let alone a direct substantial interest.

“They are only shareholders with limited rights and interests and given the fraudulent conduct of those who represented them, they will probably not even qualify for a dividend, even in circumstances where all the creditors are paid before the SME Bank is finally deregistered and even in circumstances where they are fully paid up shareholders,” the liquidators had argued.

“The allegation that they may not qualify for a dividend because of fraud perpetrated by their representatives is speculative and has to wait for a proper investigation to be carried out and the balance of appropriate processes to run to their logical conclusions before the question whether the applicants will be entitled to any dividend has to be answered,” the judge emphasised.

He further stressed the importance of rule of law which emphasises the principle that no person should be judged without a fair hearing in which each party is given the opportunity to respond to the evidence against them.

“It reflects a fundamental principle of fairness which underlies or ought to underlie any just and credible legal order. The principle that no person should be judged without a fair hearing expresses a principle of natural justice,” he quoted from South African case law.

According to him the principle that the other side must be heard before an order is granted against him is one of the oldest and most universal principle enshrined in our law.

“The duty to cite and serve the applicants with the application clearly rested on the liquidators. Evidently they did not do that,” he found.

Advocate Pearce Rood (SC) assisted by South African-based lawyer Anthony Bishop and Namibian lawyer Sisa Namandje appeared for the Zimbabweans while Advocate Raymond Heatcote (SC) assisted by Jesse Schickerling on instructions of Francois Erasmus & Partners appeared for the respondents.



FRED GOEIEMAN

All roads lead to Oranjemund

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All roads lead to OranjemundAll roads lead to Oranjemund Oranjemund is open for business and has been since October last year, and you can take part in an exciting new chapter for the southern town, and for Namibia. Because of its history as a diamond town in the middle of the Sperrgebiet (Tsau //Khaeb) National Park, tourists have already started to visit the town freely without any hindrance of town entry permits, required in the past.

During the December holidays and through the first quarter of 2018, Oranjemund welcomed visitors from all over Namibia and South Africa, plus many other foreign countries on at least three continents.

To further assist these visitors, a Tourist Information Centre, the Hub, has been opened in the middle of town, next to the museum. The citizens formed OMD 2030, a non-profit voluntary association, to emphasise citizens' responsibility in transforming the town. That association is the primary driver for the tourism activities among other things.

The centre also offers locally made souvenirs as well as branded clothing items to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of a town opening to the world for the first time.

In November, 70 Oranjemund citizens received hospitality training from Nust, and the town is expanding its work in making Oranjemund an exceptional tourist destination.

Wildlife enthusiasts will find the area particularly interesting, with Oryx and springbok wandering the streets safely along with citizens, and jackals seen in the evenings and ostrich all around the town.

Birdwatching is particularly active with numerous species only to be seen in this area.

There is a quarterly bird count that tourists can help with if they come at the right time.

Those tourists interested in plants will find very rare species here that are literally not found anywhere else in the world, like the flowering stone plants (Lithops species) found in the Swartkops area.

Tomorrow, there is a stunning tourism market at the Hub where fun can be had by all. Oranjemund is also a finalist in the 2018 Namibia Town of the Year competition.

Look out for the NTY team who will be there for an engagement process towards the final voting that will take place from 21 May to 1 June and the winner will be announced on 2 June 2018 at the Namibia Tourism Expo.

STAFF REPORTER

New conservancy land disputed

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New conservancy land disputedNew conservancy land disputed A Kavango West man has accused the Uukwangali Traditional Authority of stealing his land, which he claimed was now allocated to a newly proclaimed conservancy.

Vilho Kangumbe from Mangogo village claims the piece of land allocated to the Maurus Nekaro Conservancy, which was officially launched by environment minister Pohamba Shifeta this past weekend, belongs to him.

In an interview with Namibian Sun, Kangumbe alleged he inherited the 11-hectare piece of land from his parents. Without his consent, he said, the traditional authority is now planning to chase him off the land. “My parents were the rightful owners of this piece of land before they died. My father died in 1982 while my mother died in 1988 and that time I was a child. I am now grown up and would like to develop my land. To my surprise, I am told that my land is within the conservancy and no building is allowed,” Kangumbe said. Uukwangali chief Eugene Siwombe Kudumo refuted the allegations and accused Kangumbe of trying to sell the land to private individuals. He said Kangumbe has failed to produce proof that the land belongs to him. “We are aware of Kangumbe's plan to sell the land in question. That land is within the conservancy and we will not allow him to sell it for other development,” said Kudumo. “The land does not belong to him or his deceased parents as he is claiming. We have informed him that if he wants to build himself a homestead he can go ahead, but we will not allow him to fence off large tracts of the land that he wants to sell,” Kudumo said. Kangumbe confirmed he does not have documents in his possession to prove ownership of the land. While launching the conservancy at Kayeura on Saturday, Shifeta told community members that the Maurus Nekaro Conservancy was officially declared on 1 August 2017. The conservancy has diverse wildlife resources.

“Based on available scientific data from game counts, existing policies and legislation, number of human-wildlife conflict incidents and indigenous knowledge, the environment ministry already allocated an annual trophy hunting quota for Maurus Nekaro Conservancy for sustainable use of their wildlife resources and income generation. The trophy hunting quota includes two elephants, two crocodiles and one hippo,” he said. The conservancy is named after the late Kavango governor Maurus Nekaro who died in 2013.

ILENI NANDJATO

40 years after battle of Cassinga

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40 years after battle of Cassinga40 years after battle of Cassinga The Angolan president, João Lourenço will attend the Cassinga Day commemoration on 4 May as guest of honour and will lay a wreath at Heroes' Acre where the commemoration will be held.

The Angolan president will be in Namibia on a state visit from 3 to 5 May, on the invitation of President Hage Geingob.

On 4 May 1978, the South African apartheid regime attacked the Cassinga refugee camp in southern Angola and killed thousands of Namibian civilians.

Hundreds of Angolans were also killed.

At the same time, an attack also took place at Vietnam camp.

Many of the Cuban internationalists, who were attempting to come to the rescue of the Namibian civilians, were killed.

“As a nation, we will always remember the Namibian heroes and heroines who lost their lives during the attack on the Cassinga and Vietnam camps.

These massacres will remain sacred in the collective national memory of present and future generations,” the international relations ministry said in a statement.

The ministry invited all Cassinga survivors and other fellow Namibians to attend the national commemoration.

STAFF REPORTER

PM warns employees of shorter leash

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PM warns employees of shorter leashPM warns employees of shorter leash Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila this week warned staff members of her office that she would not accept complacency and that she would shorten the leash when it came to discipline.

She was speaking during a staff meeting in the former Cabinet Chambers yesterday morning.

Addressing the packed chamber, Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said she was embarrassed by complaints about the government's service delivery, or lack thereof.

“Recently I have been receiving complaints where members of the media have been complaining about service delivery … we are not polite, we come across as not knowing what we do. You can imagine how distressing and embarrassing it is to me as a leader,” she said. According to her, such behaviour was unjustifiable and showed how complacent government employees were. She warned that there would be serious consequences.

“We will be holding to account supervisors. Reckoning will not end with only politicians but will trickle down. We are going to shorten the leash. I want proposals to fire people for not meeting targets,” Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said. “I call on supervisors to evaluate performance charters as part of performance agreements. People are saying that they do not see performance agreements in implementation,” she added.

Kuugongelwa-Amadhila also asked her staff to promptly address complaints and queries.

“If a person sends a query and it is not addressed, they must be held accountable. We must make sure complaints are timeously dealt with. When we do not deal with complaints lodged, we are complacent. That would erode the image of government,” she said. Turning her attention to the first national satisfaction survey, she said the rudimentary report was vague and the government would have to improve on future surveys. “The customer satisfaction survey is going to be conducted every year and we don't want to see the same results.

I will hold everyone accountable and do not want to see the same results. I will not accept lack of funds as a reason for failure. There is no way you cannot deliver and draw a salary,” she said.

Kuugongelwa-Amadhila also implored staff to step down if they were not up to the task of performing services for government with dedication.

“You cannot accept a salary and not deliver a service. What are you drawing a salary for? Government is definitely going to bite and hold people accountable and some will be discharged,” she said.

OGONE TLHAGE

Ondonga heir apparent hits back at Mushelenga

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Ondonga heir apparent hits back at MushelengaOndonga heir apparent hits back at Mushelenga One of the claimants to the Ondonga throne, Fillemon Shuumbwa Nangolo, has taken issue with urban and rural development minister Peya Mushelenga following his recent remarks in which he described the decision to relocate the traditional authority offices to Oniipa as 'lawlessness'.

On 20 March Nangolo had written to Mushelenga as the minister responsible for traditional authorities, informing him of a decision to relocate the authority's offices from Oluno to Oniipa.

Mushelenga, however, replied on 23 March saying it was lawless.

Nangolo further responded that the idea to relocate the office was initiated by the community.

“The Ondonga community as they are lawfully entitled demanded that the office be relocated in order to enable continued operations. It came as a shock to the Ondonga community that the honourable minister regards the action of the community as lawlessness. The community in its decision to relocate office did so having regard to Section 3(1) of the Act and after having received legal advice,” Nangolo said.

Nangolo said his letter was not to seek permission from Mushelenga to relocate the office, but to communicate the decision of the community as permitted in terms of the Act.

“I addressed my letter to you in my capacity as the deputy chief duly appointed by the king. It is therefore important to acknowledge and confirm that King Elifas is still alive and he is the head of the Ondonga. It is a common cause that I have been delegated as a deputy chief in 2002 and have since performed such duties and responsibilities assigned to me by the king,” he said.

“I would therefore fail in my duty if I do not assure the honourable minister that the Ondonga community, headed by myself as the deputy chief, would not engage in any act of unlawfulness. I therefore invite you to engage with me on the many assumptions and accusations made in your letter,” he said.

Nangolo was also not happy with Mushelenga's statement that a court case lodged by the dismissed councillors was struck from the court roll on 19 March. Nangolo informed Mushelenga that he is not part of such a legal challenge and the case has not been struck but it was postponed to 14 May for case management.

Mushelenga, who is also the village headman for Oshigambo within the Ondonga jurisdiction, told Namibian Sun this week that justice minister Sacky Shanghala has already met with the warring factions and has submitted a report to cabinet.

“What they are seeking is an audience with the government and the justice minister has already met them. He compiled a report that he presented to cabinet. What I need to do is to consult the minister instead of meeting them,” Mushelenga said.

Nangolo, who was named as successor by ailing king Immanuel Kauluma Elifas back in 2002, enjoys the support of a rival group within the traditional authority.

His supporters include mainly senior and ordinary councillors that were dismissed by Elifas last year over the succession issue. Nangolo's nomination is being challenged by the royal family.





ILENI NANDJATO

Tourism sector cuts jobs

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Tourism sector cuts jobsTourism sector cuts jobsRecession hits once booming sector The tourism industry is expected to remain subdued this year and recovery is only expected next year. There was a significant decline in Namibia's travel and tourism sector last year and statistics show that 66% of hotel operators have laid off staff following a turbulent 2017.

Meanwhile a further 54% of businesses plan to impose a recruitment freeze or staff cuts within the next three months.

Tourism business performance has also declined, with revenue and capital expenditures decreasing

The travel business will remain subdued in 2018, and is only expected to return to positive territory next year.

This is according to the FNB/Fenata tourism index, which shows that the sector contracted by 8.4% during the fourth quarter of 2017.

“After a dramatic and unprecedented year, the tourism sector was certainly shaken, if not stirred, as a result of a general slowdown in consumer spending power. This further impacted spending on travel and tourism in 2017,” says FNB analyst Josephat Nambashu.

According to him all four quarterly reports of 2017 speak to a significant decline in the country's travel and tourism sector, with the FNB/Fenata travel index contracting quarterly throughout the year.

Nambashu says given the economic backdrop, it is no surprise that the index retreated deeper into the negative after another set of disappointing fourth-quarter figures.

“The foreign currency translation provided some support during the quarter on the back of a weaker rand against the euro; however, it was the load factors and bed occupancy rates' negative trends that drove the overall index down.”

According to him load factors, which measure the capacity utilisation of airlines, show that even though international arrivals to Namibia continued to grow they did not match the growth in flights and as a result load factors fell.

According to the European Travel Commission, tourist numbers to Africa as a whole grew by only 6.6% last year, which demonstrates considerable slowing in recent months.

Nambashu says occupancy rates were also subdued, decreasing by 3.8% when compared with the same quarter last year.

Of those beds occupied, only 17.5% were by European nationals while Americans took up about 4.1% of beds available.

Tourists from France were the largest percentage, followed by those from USA and Canada.

The FNB/Fenata tourism index further states that tourism operators expect to see improved tourist numbers during the first quarter of 2018, with 52% anticipating increased revenue during this period.

Almost three quarters of tourism businesses expect improved business performance going forward and a mere 4% expect a downturn in their businesses in the coming three months.

“However, we are still of the opinion that the ever-increasing operational costs in the sector will pose a threat to the ability to compete in the long run for some, in light of the deteriorating load factors. At some point airfares will have to rise or unprofitable routes will be closed. Either way, Namibia will become increasingly uncompetitive, which does not bode well for the industry's growth aspirations.”

According to Nambashu the tourism industry continues to face challenges including the general economic slowdown, lack of quality accommodation for larger groups, business costs and lack of readily available capital for investment. “These make up some of the worrying issues for firms consecutively over the past three surveys.”

He said a total of 40% of firms ranked these as their number-one concern.

Inexperienced staff was also ranked as a worry, making it the second highest issue throughout the year. Other challenges include reduced consumer confidence, aviation access and the tough competition from the neighbouring countries South Africa and Botswana.

ELLANIE SMIT
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