NovaNam, Lalandii start new hake trawlers

April 18, 2018, 4:00 pm

NovaNam, Lalandii start new hake trawlers N$45 million investment Two Lüderitz fishing companies have kicked off with an investment of three new vessels.

Staff reporter - Last week, Lüderitz-based hake fishing companies, NovaNam and Lalandii, commenced with the cutting of the steel to build the first of the three brand new vessel investment commitments made in 2017.

This first vessel will be incorporated into the Lüderitz operations of Lalandii in 2019, and the other two vessels for NovaNam in 2020. All three vessels will be specially adapted to operate in Namibia’s waters, and to meet the specific value add needs of the state-of-the-art processing facilities on land in Lüderitz.

With these three new vessel investments, which will total N$450 million, NovaNam and its affiliate, Lalandii, both with the backing of Nueva Pescanova, have given clear signals of their commitment to Namibia and its fishing industry. NovaNam was established in 1990, the year of Namibia’s independence, and Lalandii was acquired by NovaNam in 2005 after the former had been placed into liquidation by its previous owners.

Both these companies employ a total of 2 100 people in Namibia, of which 1 800 are based in the wet fish operations in Lüderitz. A further 300 people are employed between NovaNam’s freezer fleet operations at sea and in the value-add factory on land in Walvis Bay.

All three new vessels will include high-efficiency and carbon emission friendly engines, the latest on-board processing equipment and systems, as well as accommodation and facilities which will provide greater comfort and enhanced quality of life and working conditions for all the crew.

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Africa briefs

April 18, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Africa briefs

SA's auditor general cancels all contracts with KPMG

South Africa’s Auditor General said on Tuesday he is terminating all contracts with auditing firm KPMG over a string of recent scandals that have cast doubt over the international audit firm’s professional and ethical conduct.

“Recent media reports relating to the external audit of VBS Mutual Bank and the conduct of KPMG audit partners are some of the reasons that prompted the decision to withdraw all KPMG audit mandates with immediate effect,” Auditor General Kimi Makwetu said in a statement.

-Nampa/Reuters

Uganda to borrow US$412m from China and WB

Uganda said on Tuesday it intends to borrow a total of US$412 million from the World Bank and China’s Exim Bank to fund projects in education, health and energy sectors.

Uganda’s public debt has grown rapidly in recent years on the back of the country’s voracious uptake of Chinese credit, raising concerns about the impact of high debt servicing costs on government finances.

-Nampa/Reuters

Nigeria's Senate seeks explanation of US$162m to buy helicopters

Nigeria’s upper chamber of parliament on Tuesday said it would invite the central bank governor and the ministers of finance and defence to explain the release of US$162 million to buy helicopters, it said on its Twitter feed.

Senator Sam Anyanwu said the money was withdrawn from the federal account in March without the approval of lawmakers.

“Senate resolves to invite the CBN governor and ministers of finance and defense to shed more light on the release of the funds,” the Senate said in a tweet.

-Nampa/Reuters

Mozambique state accountable for debt- President

Mozambique will assume responsibility for debt incurred by previous administrations, but there needs to be a shared responsibility by those providing the loans, the country’s president Filipe Nyusi said on Tuesday.

Heavily indebted Mozambique got cut off from multilateral and foreign donors such as the International Monetary Fund after the government admitted to US$1.4 billion of previously undisclosed loans in 2016. It presented a restructuring plan to its commercial creditors in March.

“We are making dialogue with the creditors and we are looking at what should be done, naturally this is a complex process,” said Nyusi, speaking through a translator at international think tank Chatham House in London.

-Nampa/Reuters

IMF makes positive about-turn on SA growth outlook

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is upbeat about South Africa's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in 2018, raising its forecast to 1.5% after cutting its prediction to 0.9% in January.

The international lender released its World Economic Outlook report in Washington DC on Tuesday, ahead of the IMF/World Bank Group Spring Meetings.

After experiencing 1.3% economic growth in 2017, amid a difficult economic climate, the IMF pencilled in 1.5% growth in 2018 and 1.7% in 2019. It slashed its forecast in January citing rising political uncertainty affecting investment and business confidence.

-Fin24

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Acute teacher shortage

April 18, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Etosha debacle sparks national probe

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Acute teacher shortageWorkload at schools untenable The education minister says despite efforts to lower the wage bill, more teachers are needed to respond to the increasing number of learners enrolling.

The education ministry has appealed for leniency and recognition that despite the directive to reduce state wage bills the ministry is in dire need of more teachers and other necessities to ensure equitable education for all.

“The lack of creating and filling critical teacher positions, in the absence of an allocated budget, has serious negative implications on the workload of teachers in our schools, classroom management and the quality of educational outcomes,” education minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa noted during her budget motivation speech delivered in parliament on Tuesday.

She explained that although her ministry has put in place stringent measures to lower the wage bill, teachers remain integral to the success of her ministry and the lives of young Namibians.

She said despite efforts to lower the wage bill, more teachers are needed to respond to the increasing number of learners enrolling, and to ensure the curriculum changes are managed effectively. “I thus request for leniency in the recruitment of teaching staff,” Hanse-Himarwa said.

Efforts to reduce wages include the on-going process by regional directorates to assess teaching staff complements at schools, re-assigning teachers from overstaffed to understaffed schools, and the soon-to-be implemented revision of the post provisioning norms later this financial year.

Budget talks

The ministry's total budget allocation was N$13.4 billion this financial year.

The operational budget allocation is N$12.8 billion and the development budget, which was increased by 29%, close to N$660 million.

The largest portion of the 2018/19 budget allocation, 79%, has been set aside towards the defrayal of staff salaries and allowances, Hanse-Himarwa said. “This has been a recurring trend over the years and is inevitable given the current rate of increase in the demand for teachers, which is at 3% annually.” She emphasised that a “critical priority” will be the continuation of efficient payroll administration. Challenges arising from lack of funds include the impact on pre-primary education, which is battling a lack of qualified teachers, she noted.

Access to pre-primary education is still of concern, with less than 50% of grade 1 learners accessing pre-primary, she noted.

Close to 756 000 learners fall under the ministry's purview in 1 883 schools, where 28 688 teachers are employed. Hanse-Himarwa said that between 2017 and 2018, learner enrolment increased by a total of 33 695.

“This growth means that the ministry needs to provide more classrooms to accommodate the growing number of learners.” Moreover, curriculum changes have added to the ministry's list of needs. Hanse-Himarwa further highlighted that the fiscal consolidation strategy could be felt mostly during the execution of the 2017/18 budget, especially in regions where services such as hostel catering and utilities were terminated due to non-payment. “The worst cases were where learners were sent home from hostels since meals could not be provided or electricity services were discontinued.”

Goals

Hanse-Himarwa explained that a major priority is the upgrading, renovating and constructing of education facilities and strengthening monitoring of on-going capital projects to ensure timely completion of these projects.

To this end, N$750 million was allocated to the ministry's budget for the accelerated school infrastructure programme over the medium-term expenditure framework.

The minister stated that in line with on-going curriculum changes which are being implemented, the “lack of targeted funding for reform implementation has been seen as the biggest stumbling block, and has contributed to over-spending in recent years.” She explained that the ministry has set aside funds for the implementation of the basic education curriculum, especially for grade 10 in 2019, by allocating N$60 million for the construction of new classrooms, N$58 million for the procurement of books for grades 10 and 11, and N$76 960 for the training of secondary school principals.

A further N$13.6 million was set aside for science consumables, among other budgeted funds to help with the curriculum changes.

The number of classrooms increased from 8 416 in 1992 to 25 050 in 2017, the minister said.

“However, there are still a significant number of non-permanent structures prevalent across the country.” A total of 105 additional classrooms are in the process of being constructed at a cost of N$53.5 million, she said.

JANA-MARI SMITH

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Etosha debacle sparks national probe

April 18, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Etosha debacle sparks national probe

The environment ministry has launched a full-scale investigation at the Deeds Office in Windhoek to determine whether there is any privately owned land in Namibia's national parks.

It is also investigating how a businessman from Windhoek came to own a piece of land situated in the Etosha National Park.

This follows after businessman Gerd Schoneke offered to sell a piece of land he owns in Etosha to the ministry for N$12 million.

Schoneke yesterday told Namibian Sun that he did not want to comment now, but would at a later stage provide all the facts to the media.

The piece of land measures 0.409 hectares and is located between the Okaukuejo Rest Camp and the Andersson Gate in Etosha.

According to the minister Schoneke apparently inherited the land from his grandfather who had bought it in 1905, two years before Etosha was declared a national park.

“We are investigating this. None of the documents that he has provided to the ministry has been validated yet. We are trying to see how he acquired the land, whether it was by a fair and just means. Legality must be determined,” Shifeta said.

The minister stressed that no private land ownership is allowed in national parks, especially not in Etosha.

He added that the land, which measures less than half a hectare, is not developed at all and that the selling price is inflated.

According to Shifeta negotiations with the ministry to sell the piece of land have been ongoing for 14 years, but he only heard about the issue last year.

He said a valuation by the lands ministry showed that the land is worth N$400 000.

Shifeta noted that the ministry would also take into account what a private buyer would pay for the land before deciding on a final price.

He explained that selling the land to a private buyer would be impossible. “You cannot erect infrastructure in the middle of the park. There is no private entrance,” he pointed out.

He said the ministry would offer fair compensation for the land should it be proven that it had been obtained legally.

“We are, however, still investigating how it was obtained. We respect the rights of the owner, but we have to make sure everything was done legally before we decide.”

According to Shifeta he has sent ministry officials to the Deeds Office to investigate whether there is any other privately owned land in other national parks.

Shifeta said that should the ministry come across other similar cases he had options which he could not reveal at this time.

“Private ownership is a problem. Land cannot be owned by private owners in national parks, especially Etosha.”

He said a concession could be granted in national parks, which meant that the land is leased to a private owner.

“The land belongs to the park, there is no private land and it can be a security concern,” he reiterated.

ELLANIE SMIT

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Living on the edge

April 18, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Living on the edgeAnguish, blame-game and unfulfilled housing promises Those who have illegally built shacks under power lines and in riverbeds will be relocated by the Windhoek municipality after the drowning of two people on Monday night.

The City of Windhoek will relocate shack dwellers who have erected structures in riverbeds following the tragic incident that claimed the life of a woman whose home was swept away by a flash flood after heavy rain on Monday evening.

The woman's three-year-old son is missing and feared dead.

The incident took place at the Abraham Iiyambo informal settlement on the outskirts of Hakahana in Windhoek.

The victims were identified as 32-year-old Saima Thomas and Jason Lukas Shindinge.

The woman's body was found in a riverbed about two kilometres from where their shack had stood. Thomas's partner managed to survive the tragedy, along with their three-day-old baby girl.

The unfortunate incident sparked anguish among community members, while Namibians also expressed a great level of shock and sadness.

While donations streamed in for the bereaved family, the City of Windhoek leadership also visited the family and the surrounding area.

Mayor Muesee Kazapua expressed sadness and sorrow at the unfortunate incident.

He added the City had been pleading with residents not to erect structures in hazardous environments like riverbeds.

“We have been warning residents not to construct those houses in the riverbeds, it is very dangerous.

Especially now with the heavy rains.

It is should also be a [lesson] for the community when leaders are warning them from settling illegally,” he said.

According to Kazapua, the City was aware of the growing outcry over housing delivery, which has been exacerbated by urbanisation.

Moses //Garoëb constituency councillor David Martin said some of the residents in the affected area have been living in the riverbed for over seven years now.

According to him, several warnings have been sent out but some residents simply ignored the call to move to safer ground.

“Even before the rains started I pleaded with them, but some people do not respect the advice given.

But we will now with the assistance of the City move them from the riverbeds,” he said.

'Govt to blame'

The Affirmative Repositioning Movement also visited the bereaved family and donated a bed, blankets and other supplies.

According to an AR spokesman, the sad situation must be “placed at the door of the government for the contempt it has shown to the poor”.

The AR also urged activists to frequently visit informal settlements and adopt families whom they can support and whose living conditions they can monitor and uplift.

“It is evident that government has no plan to address housing and assisting the masses of our people. The only thing our people have is AR,” the statement read.

City CEO Robert Kahimise, while addressing a workshop on transformational leadership on climate change, said the backlog in serviced erven created a disaster such the Monday incident.

“We will identify those living under the power lines and in the riverbeds and relocate them,” he said.

He added that the influx of people from outside Windhoek made it very difficult for the municipality to keep up.

“How can you slip into a town and the authority must plan for you? As we sit here 50 people are settling already.

And we put up structures… [but] toilets are vandalised,” he said.

Crisis

Kazapua called on the government to issue a directive making provision for the subsidising of housing for Namibians in all income brackets.

According to him some developers mislead the City with proposals that they will build affordable houses but afterwards raise the prices so that that most people cannot afford it.

JEMIMA BEUKES

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Johannes promoted following gold

April 18, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Johannes promoted following gold

Gold medallist Helalia Johannes has been promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer Class Two with immediate effect, after she won Namibia’s second gold medal at the recently ended 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia.
The marathoner was previously a Corporal Officer in the defence force, but has now earned another post due to her sporting abilities. Johannes completed the 42.2km marathon in a time of 2 hours 32 minutes 40 seconds, to finish well ahead of second-placed Lisa Weightman of Australia (2:33:23), while another Australian, Jess Trengrove won bronze in 2:34:09.
Johannes, along with two other runners, broke away from the pack early. By the 36km mark she took the lead, and gradually increased her lead eventually winning by a comfortable margin.

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Swapo celebrates 58th anniversary

April 19, 2018, 8:06 am

≫ Next: Child maids suffer like 'slaves'

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Swapo celebrates 58th anniversary

Swapo party members were today urged to pull together and work for the advancement of all Namibians in a birthday message by its president, Hage Geingob.
The party is celebrating its 58th anniversary today.
The Swapo party president used the anniversary to urge party members to rededicate themselves to working towards ensuring a better life for all Namibians.
“As we pause to reflect on the road travelled, honour our fallen comrades and compatriots who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our independence, we should think about the journey ahead. We should plan and work harder to meet the aspirations for a better tomorrow for the majority of our people,” said Geingob.
Geingob promised that Swapo, as an organisation, would continue to be an organisation of the people and would remain rooted in the destiny of the people.
“It is home for all Namibians. It is why the rank and file our party should commit to embody the values of unity, peace, patriotism, equality and equity.
Geingob also appealed to party members to work together, irrespective of rank, towards fighting corruption and inequality.
“As cadres, we must intensify efforts at all levels, within all structures and wings, towards serving our people with diligence and fighting the scourges of poverty, corruption and inequality,” said Geingob.
“Long live the Swapo party, happy birthday Swapo,” Geingob said in his letter to the party.

STAFF REPORTER

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Child maids suffer like 'slaves'

April 19, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Castro hands torch to Diaz-Canel

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Child maids suffer like 'slaves'Morocco's household servants speak out The northern African country had between 66 000 and 80 000 domestic workers aged under 15, according to a 2010 study.

“Even a pet animal is better treated,” sobs 17-year-old Fatima, one of thousands of young girls exploited and too often abused while working as housemaids for unscrupulous employers in Morocco.

She has managed to get to the Annajda help centre for battered women in the capital, Rabat.

“I only wanted to help my parents, my family was living in destitution,” murmurs the teenager, who has worked as a household servant for two years.

For the volunteers who offer support, such stories are commonplace despite recent legislation to protect minors from servitude.

Fatima's parents agreed to let her leave their southern village at the age of 15 to work as a domestic, with the aid of a local intermediary, or “semsar”.

A place was found and she was sent to work with a family in Rabat.

“At first I was well-treated,” she told AFP. “But gradually, violence became my daily life.

“The mistress used to beat me, insult me, she always had a reason.”

Fatima El Maghnaoui, who runs the Annajda shelter, talks of slavery and says teenage Fatima should be at school.

“It's a form of slavery, a violation of the right to education and of Morocco's international commitments,” she said. There are no official figures on the employment of maids.

But a study carried out in 2010 by non-governmental bodies reported that Morocco had between 66 000 and 80 000 domestic workers aged under 15.

INSAF, an NGO which has campaigned for women's rights for nearly 20 years, lists “degrading working and living conditions” suffered by the girls, who are usually from the country and illiterate.

Latifa's story caught public attention recently after the 22-year-old was taken to hospital in Casablanca with third-degree burns and broken bones. She had been a maid since adolescence and long abused by her employer.

INSAF has helped her find shelter.

For Fatima, work began at 07:00 and ended late into the night, “sometimes 03:00,” she says.

“I used to sleep on the terrace in the cold, like a domestic animal.

“I used to eat the scraps and my feet always ached from standing up.”

She was not even paid.

“A salary of 800 dirhams a month (nearly 70 euros, around US$85, or a third of the minimum wage) was agreed, but I didn't get a penny,” she adds. After the first year she asked for what she was owed, only for the mistress of the house to confiscate her identity papers and forbid any contact with her family.

Caught in a trap, Fatima decided to run away.

“I didn't know anyone, I had no money and did not even know the address where I was working,” she says.

In the end, a young man who lived nearby helped her get in touch with an aunt and “bring the ordeal to a close”.

Omar Saadoun, who heads INSAF's programme against child labour, says that the fate of maids, such as Fatima, starts with “failure at school in rural settings, poverty and parental ignorance”.

In some areas, “girls are considered inferior to boys and are the first in line to be married off or sent to work as a servant when extra money is needed,” he said.

Long awaited, amid years of debate, legislation to protect maids was passed in the summer of 2016. It sets a minimum age of 18 for household work. The law covers labour contracts, a minimum wage, one day off a week, annual holidays and financial penalties for failure to abide by the rules. Government has hailed the law as major social progress.

However, it allows another five years for the employment of 16-18 year-olds, much to the annoyance of human rights activists, and there has been little or no assessment of implementation.

“We need a global strategy... the legislation does not bring any guarantees, there is no system for support, rehabilitation, to identify families,” says Saadoun.

“Many maids who are minors do not even know the address of their employer.”

And, noted El Maghnaoui, “work inspectors are not authorised to investigate inside households where abuse can take place far from prying eyes.”

NAMPA/AFP

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Castro hands torch to Diaz-Canel

April 19, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Castro hands torch to Diaz-Canel

Cuba was poised for the end of an era yesterday as President Raul Castro stepped down, formally handing power to his long-time deputy Miguel Diaz-Canel - and thereby ending his family's six-decade grip on the island.

The silver-haired Diaz-Canel, 57 - a top Communist Party figure who has served as first vice president since 2013 - will become the island's first leader born after the 1959 revolution, and the first in 60 years who is not named Castro.

Between them, father of the nation Fidel and his younger brother Raul made the Caribbean island a key player in the Cold War and helped keep communism afloat despite the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Raul, now 86, has been in power since 2006, when he took over after illness sidelined Fidel, who seized power in the revolution.

Diaz-Canel, who has spent years climbing the party ranks, was named the sole candidate for the presidency on Wednesday. He was formally confirmed as the country's leader yesterday - the anniversary of the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion, when Fidel Castro's forces defeated 1 400 US-backed rebels seeking to overthrow him.

Havana has long hailed the showdown as American imperialism's first great defeat in Latin America.

It is also the day before the new president's 58th birthday. Diaz-Canel, who some say bears a passing resemblance to American actor Richard Gere, is a fan of The Beatles whose penchant for wearing jeans has set him apart in Havana's corridors of power.

NAMPA/AFP

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BoN a yeleke iifuta yoombaanga moshilongo

April 19, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Omulandu gwiilonga tagu ka talululwa

≪ Previous: Castro hands torch to Diaz-Canel

BoN a yeleke iifuta yoombaanga moshilongo

Otashi ulike kutya ombaanga yoSME, ndjoka ya pata omvula ya piti, oya li yi na iifuta yi li pevi noonkondo okuyeleka niifuta yoombaanga dhilwe moshilongo, sha landula olopota yiifuta yombanga ndjoka ya itithwa kOmbaanga Onene mOshilongo.

Olopota ndjoka ya pititha, oBank of Namibia oya topolwa miitopolwa itatu, yaayakulwa yoombanga moshilongo.

Oongundu ndjoka ongaashi mboka taya kongo egameno, aanamuthigululwakalo oshowo aakalekipo yomayalulo gawo.

Mongundu yotango yaamboka taya kongo egameno, okwa fatululwa kutya mboka aayakulwa ye na omwaalu gwiimaliwa gwangambekwa na ohaya longitha oombaanga konyala okumona omayakulo agehe.

Aanamuthigululwakalo oya fatululwa kutya oomboka ye na ondondo dhelongo lyopetameko na ohaya mono iiyemo yi li pevi na oye na woo omayakulo omashona gombaanga. Ongundu ndjoka okwa hololwa hayi longitha noonkondo omashina gokunana iimaliwa ano, automatic teller machines oshowo iitayi yoombaanga omanga aakalekipo yomayalulo gawo oomboka ihaya shenjde unene oombanga. Molopota ndjoka omalongitho omashona gomayakulo gombaanga ngoka ga tothwamo enano lyoshimaliwa shooN$200 oshowo epungulo lyongushu yooN$600.

Elongitho lyopokati enano lyiimaliwa taku longitha o automated teller machine (ATM), iimaliwa yongushu yooN$500, epungulo limwe lyongushu yooN$800, omafutilo giilandomwa nuukalata geli gahetatu gongushu N$300, oshowo omatumo giimaliwa pamalungula gaali gongushu yooN$2 650.

Elongitho enene ndyoka lya lopotwa omanano giimaliwa okuza pomashina goATM gongushu yooN$1 500, epungulo limwe lyongushu N$1 500, omafutilo giilandomwa nuukalata ge li 16 gongushu yooN$600 oshowo omatumo giimaliwa okulongitha omalungula gopaali gongushu yooN$10 000.

Olopota oya popi woo kombinga yelongitho lyuukalata wombaanga mokufutila iilandomwa moostola oshowo efuto lyimaliwa komuntu omutitatu okupitila momayakulo goombaanga, naambyoka ayihe oyi li mongundu ndjoka ontitatu.

Olopota ndjoka oya ngongwa po okuza komayalulo goombaanga ge li 21 unene komayalulo gomapungulo, okuya komayalulo gombaaga ngoka ga nuninwa mboka haya mono iiyemo yi li pombanda.

Oombaanga adhihe dhopangeshefa odha kwatelwamo molopota ndjoka, kakele kombaanga yoLetshego oshowo Trustco Bank.

Omulongithi gwiimaliwa yi li pevi mongundu yaamboka taya kongo egameno okuna omayalulo gombaanga nale ndjoka ya pata yoSME, keyalulo lyoSilver Professional Cheque Account yongushu yooN$8.03 omanga ngoka el i pombanda oku na eyalulo lyoBank Windhoek, Ordinary Cheque Account kongushu yooN$174.32

Mongundu yotango yoSafety seekers aayakulwa mboka ohaya futu oshimaliwa shi li pooN$407.39 keyalulo lyoBank Windhoek Transaction Account omanga aayakulwa yombaanga nale yoSME Bank, keyalulo lyoSilver Cheque Account haya futu ooN$98.83 komwedhi. Aalongithi unene yombaanga, oya futu oshimaliwa shooN$727.71 koBank Windhoek Transaction Account omanga ombaanga ndjoka ya gandja iifuta yi li pevi kongundu yaayakulwa mboka oSME komayaluo gawo goSilver Professional Cheque Account.

Aanamuthigululwakalo oya futu oshimaliwa shooN$159.48 koBank Windhoek keyalulo lyo Ordinary Cheque Account omanga koSME keyalulo lyoSilver Cheque Account ya futu, N$8.03. Natango oya futu oshimaliwa shoo$406.19 koBank Windhoek keyalulo lyoTransaction Account omanga koSME ya futu N$100.59 koSilver Professional Cheque Account.

Aalongithi yombaanga unene mongundu ndjoka oya futu oshimaliwa shooN$741.93 koBank Windhoek, keyalulo ndyoka lyoTransaction Account omanga ya futu keyalulo lyoSME Bank lyoSilver Professional Cheque Account oshimaliwa shooN$164.41.

Aayakulwa yoBank Windhoek, keyalulo lyo Ordinary Cheque Account ohaya futu komwedhi konyala oshimaliwa shoN$145.59.

Aayakulwa mboka yeli mongundu ontitatu oya futu ooN$389 keyalulo lyoBank Windhoek lyoTransaction Account omanga koSME, ya futu oshimaliwa shoo$99.14 koSilver Professional Cheque Account.

Aalongithi unene yomayakulo gombaanga mongundu ndjoka, ohaya futu ooN$728.21 koBank Windhoek, komayalulo go Ordinary Cheque Account oshowo oshimaliwa shooN$162.96 koSilver Cheque Account yoSME Bank.

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Omulandu gwiilonga tagu ka talululwa

April 19, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Omulandu gwiilonga tagu ka talululwaNamibia ta kongo ekwatho kuKorea Oopresenda owala 20, dhaakongi yiilonga ye li 15 569 mboka ya shangithwa noNamibia Integrated Employment Information System (NIEIS) moshikako shomvula yo2017/18 ya mono iilonga. Uuyelele mboka wa pitithwa kOminista yIilonga, Erkki Nghimtina owa hololwa kutya aantu owala 3 116 yomongundu ndjoka ya mono iilonga.

Minista okwa popi ngaaka pethimbo, a popile omutengenekwathaneko giimaliwa mbyoka ya pewa uuministeli mboka moshikako shokomumvo shonuumvo.

Nghimtina okwa popi kutya oya taaalela omashongo ogendji meshangitho nekongelo lyiilonga aakwashigwana mboka. Okwa popi kutya omashongo gamwe ongaashi eshangitho lyanuundipala lyoompito dhiilonga okuza kaagandji yoompito dhiilonga moshilongo.

Okwa tsikile kutya aantu oyendji itaya mono iilonga okupitila komaishangitho goNIEIS, ihe omokupopya owala, omakwatathano gopaumwene, okuza kaaniilonga yakwawo nenge muuyelele taya mono kuyakwawo okuza momapandanda nenge woo komakwatathano gopainternet.

Okwa popi woo kutya ompumbwe yuunongo notseyo otayi etitha egwo pevi lyeliko lyoshilongo, oshowo sho kape na owino nehalo lyokwiilonga.

Nghimtina okwa popi kutya nonando epangelo olya tula miilonga omusindalandu omuwanawa ngoka gwa nuninwa okukongela aakwashigwana oompito dhiilonga, omusindalandu ngoka itagu gandja iiyimati iiwanawa ngaashi sha tegelelwa.

“Ngele eliko itali koko opo andola li totepo oompito dhiilonga nena omukalo ngoka tagu longithwa ogwa pumbwa okutalululwa.”

Okwa popi kutya opo ku yiwe moshipala omupyadhi ngoka ya taalela omusindalandu ngoka guuministeli, nena otaya ka ninga omalunduluko moNIEIS opo ya kwashilipaleke kutya kehe oompito yiilonga ndjoka yi li po oya shangithwa nepangelo.

Okwa tsikile kutya uuministeli otawu ka tota po oprograma yelongelokumwe naKorea yuule woomvula ndatu okutameka muMei, opo kuyambulwepo omusindalandu ngoka gwoNIEIS.

Uuministei mboka owa tamekitha omapekaapeko neyambidhidho lyoInternational Labour Organisation (ILO) opo ku vule okutulwa miilonga omalolelo goNational Minimum Wage for Namibia.

Nghimtina okwa popi kutya shoka osha pumbiwa unene moNamibia, sho natango moshilongo mu na aaniilonga oyendji mboka haya futwa oondjambi dhi li pevi noonkondo okuyeleka niilonga mbyoka haya longo.

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Uuministeli womidhingoloko wa yelitha

April 19, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Nangolo a yamukula komapopyo ga Mushelenga

≪ Previous: Omulandu gwiilonga tagu ka talululwa

Uuministeli womidhingoloko wa yelitha

Otaku ka ningwa tango omakonaaakono kUuministeli wOmidhingoloko uuna omuntu a dhipagwa koshiyamakuti, opo ku monike ngele inaku longwa uuhasha wontumba. Shoka oshimwe shomiipumbiwa momulandu omupe gwoNational Human Wildlife Conflict Policy, ngoka gwa tseyithwa kuyele mOmutumba gwoPashigwana.

Uuministeli owa yelitha shoka inashi uvikako nawa na osha kuthwa ko kutya uuministeli itawu ka futa aantu mboka ya dhipagwa koongandu oshowo oondjambameya.

Euveko ndyoka olya holoka, sha landula oshipopiwa shaMinista Pohamba Shifeta, pethimbo kwa patululwa oMaurus Nekaro Conservancy moKavango West Region.

Shifeta kwa popi kutya ngele aantu oya dhipagwa koongandu noondjambameya onga oshizemo shuuhasha, nena oofamili dhawo itadhi ka futwa oshimaliwa shooN$100 000, shoka sha nuninwa omayambidhidho gefumbiko.

Omunambelewa omupopiliko guuministeli mboka, Romeo Muyunda, okwa popi kutya shoka itashi ti kutya itaku ka gandjwa iifuta ngele omuntu a dhipagwa kongandu nenge kondjambameya.

Okwa yelitha kutya miipotha yiIi ngaaka, omakonaakono otaga ka kala shimwe shomiipumbiwa.

Okwa popi kutya shoka otashi ningwa onga omukalo gwokukunkilila aakwashigwana, molwaashoka oya hala egameno lyoomwenyo, okuza kiiningwanima yoludhi ndoka.

Muyunda okwa popi kutya uuministeli owa limbililwa kondjele yomwaalu gwaantu mboka taya kanitha oomwenyo dhawo onga oshizemo shomaponokelo ga ningwa koongandu, koondjambameya oshowo kiiyamakuti yilwe.

Okwa indile oshigwana shi hulithepo omikalo niilonga mbyoka tayi tulitha moshiponga oomwenyo dhawo kiiyamakuti niilikami.

Muyunda okwa popi kutya iinima ngaashi okuyoga momilonga nenge okuwapalekela iikutu pomilonga, osha nika oshiponga na otashi vulu okuyandwa.

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Nangolo a yamukula komapopyo ga Mushelenga

April 19, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Auntie Nangy

≪ Previous: Uuministeli womidhingoloko wa yelitha

Nangolo a yamukula komapopyo ga MushelengaYa hala okulundulula oombelewa dhelelo lyoshilongo Gumwe gwomwaamboka ye li moshikumungu shoontamanana meleo lyaNdonga okwa yamukula komapopyo gominista yEyambulepo lyIitopolwa nOondoolopa Peya Mushelenga.

Mushelenga okwa li a popi kutya etokolo okulundululila oombelewa dhelelo lyoshilongo shoka mOniipa, kali li paveta.

Momasiku 20 gaMaalitsa, Nangolo okwa shangele Mushelenga omukanda, onga ominista ndjoka yi na oshinakugwanithwa shomalelo gopamuthigululwakalo, opo e mu tseyithile oompangela dhawo dhokulundulula oombelewa dhelelo lyaNdonga okuza mOluno okuya mOniipa.

Mushelenga, okwa yamukula kutya shoka kashi li paveta, momukanda ngoka a shanga momasiku 23 gaMaalisa.

Nangolo okwa yamukula kutya etokolo okulundulula oombelewa ndhoka oli li oshiyetwapo netokolo lya ningwa kaakwashigwana.

“Aakwashigwana yaNdonga ngaaashi ye na uuthemba okushininga oya pula elundululo lyoombelewa ndhoka opo ya vule okukala taya mono omayakulo. Oshe ya onga ehaluko kaakwashigwana yaNdonga sho minista a popi kutya etokolo ndyoka lyaakwashigwana kali li paveta. Aakwashigwana oya ningi etokolo ndyoka opo oombelewa dhi lundululwe ngaashi tashi uthwa kontopolwa onti 3(1), konima sho ya kongo omayele gopaveta,” Nangolo a popi.

Nangolo okwa popi kutya ombaapila ye yotango kaya li tayi kongo epitiko okuza kuMushelenga ihe okumu tseyithila owala shoka sha tokolwa kaakwashigwana, na okwe mu tseyithile pankatu ye onga omupeha gwomukwaniilwa, Elifas, sho a li uuliwa komukwaniilwa mo 2002, onga omulanduli gwe.

Nangolo okwa tsikile kutya ota ndopa okugwanitha po iilonga ye ngele nena okwa ndopa okutseyithila minista shoka sha tokolwa kaalelwa yoshilongo shoka.

Nangolo ina nyanyukilwa woo oohapu dhaMushelenga kutya eindilo lyompangu ndyoka lya tulwa mo kookansela mboka olya kuthwa mo momusholondondo gwiipotha mbyoka tayi pulakenwa mompangu, momasiku 19 gaMaalitsa.

Nangolo okwa tseyithile Mushelenga kutya ye keli oshitopowa shaamboka ya tulamo endilo ndyoka, ta popi wo kutya eindilo olya undulilwa komasiku 14 gaMei.

Mushelenga, ngoka e li mwene gwomukunda Oshigambo melelo lyaNdonga, okwa lombwele oNamibian Sun kutya Ominista yUuyuuki Sacky Shanghala okwa tsakanena nale noongundu ndhoka mbali tadhi nanathana, na okwa ukitha olopota ye kokabinete.

Nangolo, ngoka uulikwa onga omulanduli gwomukwaniilwa mo 2002, ota yambidhidhwa kongundu yimwe melelo lyoshilongo shoka.

Aayambidhidhi ye unene ookansela mboka ya li ya tidhwa miilonga komukwaniilwa Elifas omvula ya piti.

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Auntie Nangy

April 19, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Inside a dark and twisted mind

≪ Previous: Nangolo a yamukula komapopyo ga Mushelenga

Auntie Nangy Am I pregnant?

Dear Auntie Nangy, I am a 24- year-old lady. I'm worried about myself… I have signs like I'm pregnant. I used to vomit, my breasts became bigger… but this month I receive my period. Is this possible Auntie?

It is really easy to find out if you are pregnant and you could be relieved of this worry you have. Are you in a sexual relationship with anyone? You would not be in this situation if you have not have sex at all. When last did you have unprotected sex? Was it with a stable boyfriend or a random person, and perhaps this is the reason why you are freaking out? If the above questions are positive chances are you are but we can only be sure if you get tested. Missing periods does not always mean you are pregnant; stress also causes one to miss their periods. All the signs you mentioned are not 100% indicators so you cannot base your theory on that. Just go and get tested. Auntie can see you are not ready for motherhood so the next time, please make sure you use protection or abstain all together. There is more that you should be worried about from unprotected sex than just pregnancy, there are STDs too.

Am I infertile?

Dear Auntie Nangy I'm a girl, 20. I'm just concerned about my fertility. I'm having an irregular menstruation cycle - sometimes three months will just pass by without getting it. Is there a possibility that I won't have babies?

How long has this been going on? An occasional missed period is regarded as a normal thing. However, not having a regular period can be risky. I will advise you to seek professional help from a gynaecologist or go to the nearest hospital.

Toxic friends

Dear Auntie Nangy, I have a situation at school. I am in grade 11 and the people I hang around with are always trying to get me into trouble. They ask me to do things that can get me suspended and it has gone to the point where my parents were called to school twice and the third time I could get expelled. How do I leave this toxic group?

It's good that you know they are not your friends and that they are bad for you. Why do you feel the need to please these people? Do they have something on that you would do anything including being expelled? If you can't stop, stand up against these bullies on your own… why don't you go to someone else you can trust and ask them to go to the principle on your behalf? The ball is in your court and you have to decide when you want this to stop and tell those people off. You are just grade 11, you should not be this miserable. There is more to life then pleasing a group of people who don't add value to your life.

I have been naughty

Dear Auntie Nangy, I have been very naughty the past few months of this year. I have so far slept with four different men and this is usually not how I behave. The truth is I just want to be taken seriously and all these men seemed like they would. By the time I realised I just gave in, they are not evening replying my texts anymore. Now there is a fifth man who wants me to give him a chance and I am very scared. How do I know he just doesn't want to use me?

Wow girl. Please slow down before you sleep with everyone? Is this all a desperate attempt to be in a relationship? First of all, have you been using protection with any of these men? It really upsets Auntie when girls just open their legs to anyone that comes their way just to please them. A man who respects you and wants to have something serious with you will not ask you to open your legs like that. And if we are just in the fourth month how long have you stayed with each of them? And now you are contemplating the fifth man already? No child. Take a breather, get your thoughts in order and understand that running through men week after week will not make the right one come faster. Whatever you do don't give in easily with this one. Take it slow.

Very shy and awkward

Dear Auntie Nangy

I am a very socially awkward person. I am forever alone and the only friends I have are my cousins. Immediately when I knock off at work I just go home. I want to meet people and mingle too. Please help.

This basically means you are never comfortable in social settings. You are not the only one, if this will make you feel better. It's all easy, next time at work; try to make small talk starting with the person who sits next to you at work. You might love it in the end. You could also try to see a psychologist to get to the root of this. It could be something from your childhood and once you are aware of it you could get rid of this problem.

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Inside a dark and twisted mind

April 19, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Searching for our new queen

≪ Previous: Auntie Nangy

Inside a dark and twisted mind

Written and directed by, Ashwyn Mberi, under the mentorship of renowned theatre practitioner Tanya Terblanche, Tales of Roses in Concrete is a thought-provoking play, set out to challenge and or illuminat, you as an audience member.

This is a story about Bantu an artist, a black fantasy writer exorcising his demons through the written word.

On a deadline evening, with inspiration dry and pressure from his agent mounting, he interviews other artists to draw parallels with his own journey.

The cast features, award-winning actor in theatre and film, Ndinomholo Ndilula as Bantu. Kaarina Nambinga and Natasha who both acted on the National Theatre of Namibia (NTN) stage before will take on the roles of Linda, Bantu's ex-lover a very calm and reflective young lady and Nomzamo, an editor, who is very confident, official in conduct, strong-willed and assertive but internally troubled.

Newcomers Charlene Mubita, Fesse Amunyela and Keith Vries will all make their debut as actors.

Mubita will take on the role of Trish, Bantus' sister with the demeanour of an otherwise happy child, but also very confident, observant and emotionally mature.

While the charismatic and charming rapper, Amunyela will play the very outspoken and 'conscious' Thabiso Black, a rap artist with a poetic presence. Vries plays Jonas, Bantu's manager, a hustler of note; very confident, commands the room, a fast talker; who is always on the move, always has to be somewhere and forever dressed in a suit.

Tickets for this play are available at all Computicket outlets nationwide as well as the NTN Box Office at N$50 for general access and N$30 for students and pensioners. The play will be on from 26 and 27 of April and will start at 20:00 at the NTN Backstage.

Staff Reporter

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Searching for our new queen

April 19, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: General's Grabber AT3 dominates in tough test

≪ Previous: Inside a dark and twisted mind

Searching for our new queenMiss Namibia 2018 officially launched If you think you are the fairest of them all, here is your chance to prove it by applying to take part in Miss Namibia 2018.

For 38 years, Miss Namibia has been celebrating Namibian women. The search for a new goodwill ambassador and a national representative was officially launched this week by event organiser Conny Maritz. The annual crowning extravaganza of Miss Namibia 2018 will take place on 7 July at the home of Miss Namibia pageant, the Windhoek Country Club Resort and Casino.

This year's event promises to be bigger and better as the organisers have identified new and young designers to dress the finalists for the main event. The newly appointed designers include Cayla Boucher and Wilma Kawedi for the cocktail scene, and Donald Diergaardt for the evening gowns.

“To stage the pageant in a manner of doing justice to the importance of the occasion and to justify the national interest in the event is a costly affair. Thank you to every sponsor for their contributions,” said Maritz.

Like last year, an exciting line-up will be prepared for the contestants, such as fundraising events which will lead to the last day of the main event. The pageant, together with the 30 semi-finalists will host a fundraising winter ball, where the lady that will raise the most funds will be an automatic finalist in the competition and will receive the title of Miss Debutant. During this evening the other top 11 finalists will be announced who have been selected by a panel of judges, and Standard Bank's Women of Excellence winners will be announced. Confirmed sponsors include Windhoek Country Club Resort and Casino, NBC, Air Namibia, Coca Cola, Pupkewitz Toyota, Standard Bank, Biosculpture Namibia, Torga Optical, Graftobian Make-up and Emanya- Etosha. The closing date for entries is 21 May and the 30 semi-finalists will be announced on 23 May.

JUNE SHIMUOSHILI

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General's Grabber AT3 dominates in tough test

April 19, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: A laugh a minute

≪ Previous: Searching for our new queen

General's Grabber AT3 dominates in tough testBattle of the off-road tyres Succeeds award-winning Grabber AT as General Tyre's accomplished all-terrain offering.

In the February 2018 edition of SA4x4, the magazine ran a comprehensive 12-page feature, covering what was billed as the most extensive all-terrain tyre test ever done in South Africa.

Seventeen tyres representing all major manufacturers were included in the test, and after five different tests evaluating their dynamics on road, gravel, sand and rocks, the Continental General Grabber AT 3 came out on top.

The testing was conducted at the Klipbokkop test centre, using two identical Ford Ranger 3.2 XLT double cab 4x4s, helmed by veteran tyre tester and 4x4 expert Gerhard Groenewald, whose feedback was described as an asset to the test.

Worthy winner

The Grabber AT3 replaces the previous-generation Grabber AT, General Tyre's multiple award-winning tyre designed for all-terrain applications.

Retaining the 50/50 on/off-road bias of its predecessor, the new AT3 was developed to meet the needs of sport utility vehicle (SUV), bakkie and off-road vehicle drivers who demand the combination of exceptional off-road abilities and confident on-road manners.

“Offering the latest designs and technologies in its segment, the General Grabber AT3 further raise the benchmark in terms of capability and durability, building on General Tyre's proven performance, reliability and American heritage that spans more than 100 years,” says Ryan Visagie, product communications manager at CTSA.

“As one of the leading contenders in the all-terrain replacement tyre category, the Grabber AT3 continues our proud legacy with superb all-round performance and dependability,” Visagie adds.

Grabber AT3

The General Tyre Grabber AT3 is a highly capable all-terrain tyre designed to suit a wide range of 4x4 vehicles used in a variety of on- and off-road driving conditions.

Building on the success of the highly-rated Grabber AT, the new AT3 features three innovative technologies developed to enhance all-round performance and durability: Tracgen, Duragen and Comfort Balance.

The standard Grabber AT3 tyre range is available in 13 sizes catering for 15- to 20-inch rim diameters. Later this year, the Grabber AT3 range will be bolstered with a further nine reinforced light truck (LT) offerings in 15- to 18-inch sizes, which are designed for heavy-duty applications.

Compared to its highly rated predecessor, the new Grabber AT3's on-and off-road performance has improved in several key areas, including noise levels and irregular wear. Traction in snow, muddy conditions and on wet grass has been improved, along with cut-and-chip resistance.

– BestDrive Multityre

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A laugh a minute

April 19, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Economic growth picks up in region

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A laugh a minuteMake way for Patrick Sam Patrick Sam proves how life is a comedy for those who think, and a tragedy for those who feel.

He is a comedian, television presenter, an academic, and one of Namibia’s most sought-after MCs. Sam is a multifaceted and talented person. He has made a name for himself in the comedy industry and has made comedy one of his main objectives. He talks to tjil about his journey and his future plans in this field.

At the recent Free Your Mind African-themed comedy show, Sam cracked jokes around Africans always late at arriving at places, or achieving their goals on time, and he says “this is because Africans got their things late. For example, they get land late, graduate late or even get jobs late.” He also said although Africans are always late, they are very great.

Sam started doing comedy in 2005 in California. Not only does he have a sense of humour when it comes to his comedy but he also a strong academic background to back his comedic skills. He has a degree in Social Sciences from the University of California. “The University of California offered classes in stand-up comedy and we had to perform every week. Stand-up comedy for me is important because I get to say what I want,” he said.

Sam uses comedy as a platform to express himself and to highlight issues that take place in society. “Generally in a social, political or economic setting people are controlled and cannot express themselves, but as a comedian, when I am on stage my comedy becomes a true essence of being free,” he says. The comic says he always dares to break barriers and always aims to be a distinct comedian in the country. “When I first did comedy in the country the first platform was Free your Mind and I did my first show wearing only my boxers. It was a different way to do a comedy show and my break into the Namibian comedy industry,” he shares.

His preferred mode of communicating his poetry is through commentary and says he does not try to box himself in when it comes to his style. “A lot of my comedy comes from the ability to be conscious and to move us, as a nation, to a better place, and to understand what we are doing as a country,” he says. He believes that there is an interest for comedy for many Namibians and suggests that in order for comedian to be successful at what they do they need to network. “Comedy is accessible in Namibia. Comedy is lucrative and we need to grow it by creating more platforms for comedians to express themselves,” he says. He is believes that comedy will grow in Namibia if many comedians stick to their cultural routes and tap into people who speak vernacular languages. “We need to expand towards indigenous comedy. Doing comedy in English will become saturated but if we do comedy to tap into existing cultural fields in Namibia, it will grow. We need to see comedians do comedy in Oshiwambo, Setswana, Otjiherero and many other languages,” he says.

Although comedy is on the rise in the country, Sam is of the opinion that there is not enough done in the arts industry in Namibia. “We do not have enough people advocating for the arts in the country. Arts are what make life beautiful. Whether you wear jewellery, listen to music or have paintings, art is important. If we want to experience more beautiful things in life we need to put more money in art,” he expressed.

He advises his fellow comedians to be authentic and true to their art by saying that they should not always strive to be funny. “Comedy is not about being funny; I think it is about telling a story in a humorous way and to make people laugh. People are the ones who consider you funny and sometimes comics try too hard to be funny and sometimes they are not,” he shares.

The comedian, who draws inspiration from actor Will Smith and The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, says he is passionate about storytelling and says wants look for different mediums to share his stories in the future. “I want to travel and have many experiences so that I can have enough material for my comedy and I will use that to have my own one man show in a year or so. I also want to contribute to other comedy shows and maybe even produce a satire show and just build the comedy industry in Namibia,” he says. For updates on his activities, follow Sam on his social media platforms.

June Shimuoshili

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Economic growth picks up in region

April 19, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Labour to fast-track gender in workplace

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Economic growth picks up in regionWorld Bank’s latest forecast With demographic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa standing at 2.7%, economic growth is just enough to push up revenue per capita. A number of countries have doubled their debt in five years and 18 African countries are now exposed to a high risk of overdebtedness. - Albert Zeufack, Chief Economist Africa: World Bank

Economic growth is set to pick up to 3.1% in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2018, following a number of disappointing years, the World Bank wrote in a report published on Wednesday.

Growth is then expected to accelerate further to 3.6% in 2019 and 2020, the bank wrote in its regular half-yearly report, "Africa's Pulse".

The drop in prices of raw materials from 2014, on which many African economies depend, has weighed on economic activity in those countries for some years.

In 2016, growth on the African continent stood at a meagre 1.5%, but accelerated to 2.6% in 2017.

"Growth has rebounded in Sub-Saharan Africa, but not fast enough," the World Bank's chief economist for Africa, Albert Zeufack, said.

With demographic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa standing at 2.7%, economic growth is just enough to push up revenue per capita, Zeufack told a news conference.

However, "growth is insufficient to eradicate poverty in the near horizon," he added.

Countries

Within the vast region of Sub-Saharan Africa, a number of countries enjoyed dynamic growth, namely the Ivory Coast and Senegal in the west, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Tanzania in the east.

All of these notched up growth rates of more than 6% as they bore the fruit from moves to diversify their economies and boosted infrastructure investment, the World Bank said.

By contrast, central African economies stagnated as they were overly dependent on raw materials.

"It is important that these countries boost their resilience by making diversification strategies an absolute priority," said the World Bank's main economist, Punam Chuhan-Pole.

But the bank expressed concern about the sharp increase in public debt in some of the countries.

"A number of countries have doubled their debt in five years and 18 African countries are now exposed to a high risk of overdebtedness, compared with eight in 2013," Zeufack warned. – Nampa/AFP

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Labour to fast-track gender in workplace

April 19, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Hanse-Himarwa on trial next month

≪ Previous: Economic growth picks up in region

Labour to fast-track gender in workplaceAudit scheduled The labour ministry has also been working with the Social Security Commission to put the national pension fund into operation. Any Namibian who has held a decent job in his/her life time should be able to live a decent life beyond the scope of work. – Erkki Nghimtina, Labour minister

Jo-Maré Duddy

The ministry of labour, industrial relations and employment creation, with the assistance of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), has embarked on a three-year programme to mainstream gender in the key areas of its work, minister Erkki Nghimtina said Tuesday.

Motivating his budget vote in parliament, Nghimtina said “the struggle to achieve equal opportunities in employment has borne some fruit”.

According to the latest annual report by the Employment Equity Commission (EEC), based on 877 affirmative action reports, nearly 47% of the workforce in 2016/17 was women.

Only 20% of all executive directors were women. A third of senior management were women, and about 47% of middle management. Nearly 48% of specialised or supervisory positions were filled by women and nearly 49% of the skilled workforce was female.

Nghimtina said a training course for 15 facilitators has been completed. They will conduct a gender audit of the ministry and its programmes.

“The audit will lay the basis for several gender-responsive programmes, including stakeholder training and instituting measures to mainstream gender-awareness programmes in the implementation of the National Employment Policy and the labour market generally,” he said.

“For Namibia to develop her human resources it has to be informed and guided by its needs,” he continued.

Pension

Nghimtina said the ministry has been conducting vocational counselling sessions and school talks to inform students to make good career choices. “Making a good career choice enhances one's employability and entrepreneurship opportunities while propelling innovation in the labour market,” he said.

The ministry has also been working with the Social Security Commission (SSC) to put the national pension fund into operation. Nghimtina said the fund will have to cover all employees at an affordable rate, including those who are in the informal economy and self-employed. The final modalities and preference method of contributions are currently discussed by the SSC, he said.

“It is this ministry's conviction that any Namibian who has held a decent job in his/her lifetime should be able to live a decent life beyond the scope of work,” Nghimtina said.

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