Hanse-Himarwa on trial next month

April 19, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Hanse-Himarwa on trial next month Education minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa will go on trial on corruption charges at the end of May.

Hanse-Himarwa yesterday appeared before the Windhoek High Court, where she is facing corruption charges in terms of the Anti-Corruption Act. It is alleged that she corruptly used her office or position to obtain gratification for herself or another person.

The charges stem from the time that she was the governor of the Hardap Region.

At that time the then Ministry of Regional and Local Government and Rural Development constructed houses for low- and middle-income earners under the Mass Housing Development Programme. These houses were to be handed over to the beneficiaries on ­17 December 2014.

Teams comprising of ministry officials and the municipality of Mariental were entrusted with the vetting of applicants and selection of beneficiaries.

Hanse-Himarwa was to officially hand over the houses to the beneficiaries.

According to the indictment, when she was handed the list of beneficiaries she directed that two beneficiaries, Regina Kuhlman and Piet Fransman, be removed from the list.

Hanse-Himarwa allegedly instructed that the names of Justine Josephine Gowases and Christiana Lorraine Hansen be added in their place. Gowases is her niece and Hansen is her sister-in-law.

Hanse-Himarwa was consequently accused of unlawfully and corruptly using her power and influence as the governor of the region to overrule the decision of the selection team and award houses to her relatives.

It is also alleged that Hansen then rented out the house she was awarded.

“Hanse-Himarwa unilaterally altered the list to favour her relatives without consulting with the councillors and the selecting team,” the State alleges in the indictment.

In a pre-trial memorandum, Hanse-Himarwa indicated through her lawyer, Sisa Namandje, that she would plead not guilty to the charge and file a plea ­explanation.

She indicated that she would deny having committed an offence in terms of the provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act, or any other corrupt practice, thus placing the onus on the State to prove the allegations against her.

Judge Christie Liebenberg postponed the case to 29 May for trial.

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Job portal fails

April 19, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Job portal failsEmployment creation strategy needs rethink The labour ministry is revising its jobseekers' database to ensure that every job created in the country is registered by the government. Only 20% of the 15 569 jobseekers who were registered on the Namibia Integrated Employment Information System (NIEIS) during the 2017/18 financial year found jobs.

According to labour minister Erkki Nghimtina, only 3 116 could be placed in employment. This means that more than 12 400 people could not find employment through the system.

During his budget motivation in the National Assembly Nghimtina said this demonstrated that there were serious structural challenges in a component of the employment creation strategy that was intended to provide fair opportunities to all who sought work and to meet employers' hiring needs. Nghimtina said one of these shortcomings was the absence of compulsory registration by each employer of every job that is created in the country. According to him it appeared that many employees were not recruited through the NIEIS but by word of mouth, personal connections, recommendations by colleagues, or the internet. Other shortcomings were a lack of relevant skills necessary for economic growth and inadequate attention paid to recognition of prior learning. “Employment creation requires a serious and targeted approach and not only political and social talks without offering viable alternatives,” he said.

The minister said although the government had tried to create the necessary conditions and a conducive environment for employment creation, these had not realised in the creation of much-needed jobs.

“If the economy cannot grow and cannot create the necessary job opportunities, then it should be redesigned or remodelled.”

Nghimtina said to meet the above-mentioned challenges the ministry was revising the NIEIS to ensure that every job that was created was recorded by the government. This was in order to provide a true reflection of the state of job creation. Nghimtina further said that employment directives had been prepared to maximise employment and these must be strictly complied with by those who tendered for government contracts or applied for economic rights, concessions and licences. The ministry also commenced research and analysis with the assistance of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to determine the feasibility of introducing a national minimum wage for Namibia.

“This is necessary in a country like Namibia where many employees are still paid wages that are not commensurate with their job content and productivity and are considered to be part of the working poor.” He said parallel to this was the establishment of the Namibia Productivity Centre to balance productivity with innovation and decent work to make Namibia one of the most competitive economies in SADC.

To continue with these activities an amount of N$32.7 million was requested in the national budget.

Rape accused doctor gets N$15 000 bail

April 19, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Rape accused doctor gets N$15 000 bail A doctor accused of raping a 20-year-old woman in the Ongwediva area was yesterday granted bail of N$15 000 by the Oshakati Magistrate's Court.

The State unsuccessfully opposed the granting of bail to Bernhard Shitende Mulumba - a Congolese national employed as a doctor at the Oshakati Intermediate Hospital.

Magistrate Makapa Castro Simasiku in his ruling said the State had failed to satisfy the court as to why the accused should not be released on bail.

Mulumba (40) was arrested on 3 April for allegedly raping a student whom he had offered a lift the previous day.

He is charged with rape, assault with intent to cause bodily harm and assault by threat.

Mulumba has denied all charges against him, saying he never had sexual intercourse with the complainant.

Prosecutor Mpule Siyomunyi had opposed bail due to the seriousness of the case. He also told the court that Mulumba was a flight risk and could interfere in the ongoing investigation.

He also argued that the huge public interest in the matter was another reason to refuse the accused bail.

Magistrate Simasiku took note of the seriousness of the case, but was not satisfied with the State's argument that the accused is likely to abscond to his native country.

According to Simasiku, the State did not persuade him or present strong evidence which could back that claim.

As part of the bail conditions, Mulumba is to report once a day to the Oshakati police station. He may not leave the Oshakati district without permission from the investigating officer. Mulumba also surrendered his passport to the police.

The case was postponed to 28 June.

Silas-Kishi Shakumu appeared for Mulumba.

Africa briefs

April 19, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Africa briefs Mnangagwa says new investment law to open economy

Zimbabwe is working on a new investment law to open up the economy to foreign investors, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said on Wednesday, part of his government’s drive to revive an economy that stagnated under Robert Mugabe last years in power.

While giving the main speech during Zimbabwe’s independence celebrations, the first without Mugabe since 1980, Mnangagwa acknowledged the country had made mistakes and missed on investment opportunities in the recent past.

-Nampa/Reuters

Egypt ports to remain open 24 hours

Egypt will keep its ports running for 24 hours a day, up from 16 currently, in an effort to cut down on “long waiting times” for shipments, transportation minister Hesham Arafat said on Wednesday.

The extended port hours will not come at any added cost for shippers, he said. Arafat did not specify when the new port hours would come in to effect or how long the new policy would remain in place.

-Nampa/Reuters

South Africa's CPI falls to 7-year low

South African consumer price inflation slowed to its lowest rate in seven years on Wednesday as the end of the worst drought in decades helped push down food prices, data showed on Wednesday.

The rand briefly rallied to a session high after the inflation data before easing back above the 12 per dollar mark, with investors doubtful the unexpectedly low reading would be enough to persuade the South African Reserve Bank to cut interest rates more.

-Nampa/Reuters

IMF hints open to Angolan request for non-financial aid

The IMF indicated on Wednesday that it was receptive to a request from Angola for non-financial assistance to help it implement economic reforms.

Africa’s second-largest crude producer continues to suffer from lower oil prices, which have caused a dollar liquidity squeeze that has made it difficult for foreign companies to repatriate profits and discouraged many from investing.

-Nampa/Reuters

Mobile survey firm secures US$3.5m for Africa expansion

mSurvey, a Kenyan start-up that uses mobile phone short-messaging to gather customer feedback for clients, has secured US$3.5 million to fund expansion into Nigeria and South Africa, its chief executive said on Wednesday.

The firm, founded in 2012 with backing from Kenyan telecoms operator Safaricom, collects feedback for Kenyan firms including lender CBA Group and Java, a chain of coffee shops.

-Nampa/Reuters

Nghiwete defiant

April 19, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Nghiwete defiantClaims victimisation by NSFAF board The suspended boss of the government’s student loans fund is not taking her suspension lying down. CATHERINE SASMAN



The suspended CEO of the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF), Hilya Nghiwete, has demanded through her lawyer that alleged victimisation and disempowerment by the board be stopped.

She has given the board five days from 10 April to act, and added that the board should also stop instigating junior staff and the company secretary, Fillemon Wise Immanuel, to disregard her instructions.

Nghiwete’s suspension was announced by board chairperson Jerome Mutumba on 16 April after a board decision on the matter was taken on 9 April, alleging maladministration and/or administrative corruption, among other instances of misconduct.

Acting on behalf of Nghiwete, lawyer Sisa Namandje wrote a letter to Mutumba on 10 April, saying that documentation and correspondence provided by Nghiwete showed that the work of the board of directors “over the last few years” had been “in a sorry state”.

This clearly refers to the work of the board of directors led by previous board chairperson Patty Karuaihe-Martin, as well as the board now chaired by Mutumba.

Namandje wrote that the documentation provided to his law firm “discloses a tale of shocking maladministration and complete failure of moral courage on the part of the board of directors”.

Namandje claimed that there was a confirmed case of victimisation against Nghiwete by the previous board, which had overturned a disciplinary conviction against Immanuel without providing any reason.

The former attorney-general, Sacky Shanghala, had previously said the board’s interference in the Immanuel matter was wrong.

“[It] is now clear that the new board of directors appears to continue perpetrating victimisation of our client, and in particular disempowering our client of her functions she is fully entitled to carry out,” Namandje wrote.

He accused the new board, in particular Mutumba, of involving themselves in the day-to-day duties of the NSFAF secretariat and the CEO, stating that there were no provisions in the NSFAF Act that gave Mutumba these additional powers.

The letter accused Mutumba of having instigated junior NSFAF staff and company secretary Immanuel to disregard and disobey Nghiwete’s instructions and authority.

He said Mutumba had recently, for example, irregularly commissioned a special investigation by the internal auditor in respect of N$50 million “when the money to your [Mutumba’s] knowledge was properly spent”.

Nghiwete is reportedly particularly concerned over the manner in which Mutumba handled a board meeting on 23 March to which members of the executive committee were invited without her knowledge.

This meeting, it is alleged, turned out to be “a divisive and shaming exercise”.

It is understood that the March board meeting discussed the issues that eventually led to Nghiwete’s suspension.

Namandje said Mutumba should know that Immanuel was “properly convicted in the past but was unlawfully and irregularly saved” by the previous board of directors.

Namandje said Immanuel, with “tacit support” from Mutumba and his board, refused to provide Nghiwete the previous board’s handover report despite the fact that she was an ex officio member of the board.

“This must be immediately rectified,” demanded Namandje, and accused the board of wanting to frustrate Nghiwete “out of her position”.

Namandje charged that the previous and current boards’ actions in relation to Nghiwete were unlawful in several respects, saying Nghiwete was entitled therefore to approach a court of law for appropriate relief, not only to protect her interests but also to ensure the NSFAF was run and administered properly.

Nghiwete further threatened with court action if the findings of a disciplinary committee in Immanuel’s case were not reinstated.

It is understood that Nghiwete was in China when her lawyer’s letter reached Mutumba on 10 April, and was unaware that she had been suspended.

Mutumba said he was not in a position to comment on the matter at this stage.

Tsumeb protest disrupts court proceedings

April 19, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Tsumeb protest disrupts court proceedings CATHERINE SASMAN

More than 100 angry protesters at Tsumeb nearly brought the magistrate’s court’s proceedings to a standstill yesterday when they descended on the court demanding that murder-accused police officer Chief Inspector Bernhard Nghuulivali not be granted bail.

Witnesses at the court said the rowdy crowd forced the court to halt all proceedings while police officers attempted to control and calm down the crowd.

Nghuulivali, accused of having shot and killed 15-year-old Hendrik Eiseb in February, made a brief appearance before Magistrate Rubin Mutuku and the case was postponed until 30 July for further investigation.

“Yes, we are very angry,” said one of the protesters, Sharon Arabes, about yesterday’s disruption at the court. “We want to know why Nghuulivali was given bail.”

She said the protesters were waylaid from the court to another office of the Ministry of Justice and when they returned Nghuulivali’s hearing was done.

The protesters then moved on to the local prison where they demanded that all awaiting-trial prisoners be freed since Nghuulivali had been “allowed to walk free”.

Nghuulivali is still on duty while an internal disciplinary process has been delayed.

The protesters had demonstrated in front of the police station on Tuesday where they demanded a fair trial in the Nghuulivali case and called for a magistrate from outside Tsumeb to preside over the matter.

They repeated these demands during yesterday’s protest action at the court.

Purpose-eating allocation for trade

April 19, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Purpose-eating allocation for trade This state of affairs will undoubtedly lead to [a] dysfunctional ministry, SOEs and commercial offices. – Tjekero Tweya, Minister of trade, industrialisation and SME development Ndama Nakashole - There are no funds allocated towards the government’s equipment aid scheme this year, whose aim is to provide production machinery and equipment to needy SME operators.

The minister of trade, industrialisation and SME development, Tjekero Tweya, this week described the non-allocation of funds to his ministry’s equipment aid scheme for SMEs as “a pity to destroy the gain” derived from this scheme.

Motivating his ministry’s N$347.7 million budget in parliament on Wednesday, Tweya said the equipment aid scheme, which was allocated N$3 million in 2017/18 managed derived success stories. Among them is assisting five entrepreneurs with production in sectors of hair production, fashion design, meat processing, automotive servicing and youth in tourism projects.

“Since inception, the [equipment aid] scheme has helped to sustain and create new jobs in the budding SME sector,” he said.

Dysfunctional

Tweya’s ministry’s overall budget was cut by about 40%. In the development budget estimates for this year, Tweya said there were no allocations in “very critical” areas of the ministry, including support services to SMEs. He further said there is no provision to all commercial offices and SMEs resorting under the ministry.

“This state of affairs will undoubtedly lead to [a] dysfunctional ministry, SOEs and commercial offices,” he said.

SME victory

Tweya said that his ministry, trough the implementing agency, the Namibia Development Corporation (NDC), has to date constructed over 49 SME and industrial parks throughout the country. These business parks accommodate 676 business operators. These operators, according to Tweya, have created jobs for over 5 000 people on a permanent basis and during the construction of these parks, over 7 000 jobs were created.

“It is evident that the costs of acquiring business premises have increased over the years and though SMEs are regarded to be the main drivers of wealth creation, funding institutions are reluctant to lend to them,” he said.

He said this led to the demand for operating space to increase dramatically, and Tweya said the ministry is in the process of constructing additional parks countrywide.

NTTU commands all taxis to strike

April 19, 2018, 4:00 pm

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NTTU commands all taxis to strike JANA-MARI SMITH

Namibia Transport and Taxi Union (NTTU) boss Werner Januarie has urged all Windhoek taxi drivers to join a mass taxi strike on Monday, while the Namibia Bus and Taxi Association (Nabta) warned that the strike would be illegal.

In a press statement issued by Nabta yesterday, secretary-general Pendapala Anakathingo warned that the NTTU did not have the mandate to call a strike and highlighted that Nabta was the officially recognised organisation dealing with public transport issues.

“Nabta is hereby informing all transport operators to continue with their operation as usual and the public not to panic over the service interruption but to remain calm until further notice,” the statement read.

Anakathingo told Namibian Sun that without Nabta’s explicit approval, the NTTU would be engaging in an illegal action.

“The NTTU does not have the mandate to call for a strike. As a union they can only demand salaries or other benefits for employees, but not anything else,” he said.

He said he welcomed NTTU’s input but Nabta “cannot support something that is done outside of the rules”.

The statement issued yesterday said Nabta did not condone the strike and further highlighted ongoing work being done on behalf of drivers.

Nabta was in consultations on a bus and taxi fare increase that would become effective from June or July, Anakathingo said.

NTTU’s Januarie yesterday said the strike was still on, and his instructions to all operators were clear.

“My command is I do not want to see any taxi driving around on that day. Not a single taxi.”

He said: “if anything happens on that day to someone who is found operating, we cannot be held accountable.”

Januarie said he sympathised with commuters who use taxis, but they should keep in mind that they too have unions that bargain on their behalf.

“Allow the taxi union to do the work on behalf of taxi drivers.”

He extended a wholesale invitation to all Namibians to join the strike in solidarity with taxi drivers.

“The country must come to a standstill,” he said.

Januarie said the striking drivers would congregate at the City Police headquarters on Monday morning and proceed from there.

The planned strike would include an indefinite picket by taxi drivers at the ministry of works and transport, Januarie said.

He said the striking drivers would hand over a memorandum to the permanent secretary of transport and were demanding immediate “appropriate and satisfactory answers”.

He warned that unless their demands were met immediately, “we are not going to move or start operations again”.

A primary issue for the union is traffic fines, which Januarie argues are out of proportion to the average income of a taxi driver.

“Traffic fines must be reduced immediately on the day of the strike. They are unconstitutional and unjustified. On average, taxi drivers earn between N$1 800 and N$2 500 a month, but you can get a single fine of N$4 000.”

He added that despite the high fines, authorities have not improved or expanded taxi facilities.

“The authorities are failing dismally to perform the work they should do.”

Another thorn in the side of the taxi union is the lack of recognition for the industry.

“The other issue is immediate recognition of taxi drivers in Namibia. All their effort and work they do for the nation. The industry needs to formalised so that taxi drivers are recognised by the whole of government.”

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Unam confers posthumous PhD

April 19, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Unam confers posthumous PhD ILENI NANDJATO

A University of Namibia lecturer who died last year was honoured with a posthumous doctor of philosophy (PhD) degree during the Unam northern campus’s graduation ceremony at Oshakati yesterday.

Selma Neshulu Niitembu died in October 2016, months after completing her PhD in agriculture.

The congregation observed a moment of silence in her honour, while a family member received her degree certificate as well as a printed copy of her dissertation.

Niitembu was based at Unam’s Ogongo campus at the time of her death. She conducted her PhD research on the productivity of pearl millet-cowpea and peal millet-bambara groundnut intercrops under conventional and no-tillage systems in north central Namibia.

During yesterday’s ceremony Unam conferred diplomas, bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degrees on more than 610 graduands from Angola, Congo, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia mainly in agriculture, computer science, education, engineering and nursing.

Unam chancellor Nangolo Mbumba also attended the ceremony and offered words of encouragement to the graduates.

“We expect our graduands who have gained theoretical or practical proficiency of degree courses they have completed in various academic disciplines to be guided in the application of such knowledge to address the development challenges facing Namibia by ageless principles such as truth, justice and good morals, and to make healthy and beneficial decisions for their personal and the country’s wellbeing,” he said.

Entitled honourables

April 19, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Entitled honourables MP wants exclusive gym in new parliament A deputy minister has called for an exclusive gym for MPs, while retired Bishop Zephania Kameeta feels the time is right for a new parliament building. JEMIMA BEUKES



Labour deputy minister Tommy Nambahu has revived debate about a new parliament building, saying a gymnasium must be built for parliamentarians because the existing public facilities are not safe for them.

Contributing to the National Assembly budget debate, Nambahu said MPs cannot exercise in an “unpredictable” environment, saying their wellbeing must be considered.

“The point is that you are an honourable. When you are saying something that does not please a person and you are under your things pushing up (sic) are you not more vulnerable there? You do not know who the people are there; you do not know the premises. You do not know what is what,” said Nambaha to the chagrin of opposition members seated in the opposite direction.

Nambahu’s suggestion was immediately shot down by PDM parliamentarians who questioned his entitlement mentality.

The PDM’s Elma Dienda angrily said the MPs should not focus on themselves but on the “women and children that are raped and killed in the streets on a daily basis”, while his fellow MP Vipuakuje Muharukua asked Nambahu to sign up for a public gym facility “like the rest of the nation”.

Poverty eradication minister Zephania Kameeta also entered the fray by suggesting that the current parliament had become uninhabitable and the time was right for a new structure. \

Kameeta, who is a former deputy speaker of the National Assembly, also proposed that the Tintenpalast, which is the building housing both the National Assembly and National Council chambers, be turned into a vocational training centre for young people.

Kameeta said MPs of both houses were packed in the National Assembly chambers for a good three hours when President Hage Geingob presented his State of the Nation Address.

“If someone shouted it was an emergency and shouted ‘fire’, there would have been a lot of injuries as people scrambled to get out of the building,” he said.

Plans to construct a new parliament building at a cost of over N$700 million, which would include about 400 offices, living quarters as well as a wellness centre and a gym, were first entertained in 2014, sparking outrage and condemnation from members of the public and some members of the opposition.

More than a year later, Speaker of the National Assembly Peter Katjavivi told Namibian Sun in an exclusive interview that government was planning a state-of-the-art parliament building in the shape of the national plant, the Welwitschia mirabilis.

In 2014, the former secretary to the National Assembly, Jakes Jacobs, said a feasibility study commissioned by parliament showed that the cost had ballooned to N$700 million from an earlier figure of N$127 million.

That sparked much criticism from the Namibian public, who demanded that the government spend the money on social upliftment instead.

Protesters also urged the government to rather build new hospitals and clinics in order to revitalise the struggling public healthcare system.

Shortly after that a team of private quantity surveyors and civil engineers was appointed to get the construction of the new parliament building off the ground.

A total of N$500 000 was set aside in the 2012/13 financial year for the feasibility study, as well as for the drawing and approval of architectural plans.

Young activists under the banner of the Affirmative Repositioning Movement also staged a march in June 2016 to protest against the idea.

By 2016 the government had already spent N$20 million on professional fees for preparatory work on the proposed new parliament.

Despite the outcry a parliamentary committee dominated by ruling party members went ahead and endorsed the plan to construct a new parliament.

President Hage Geingob had in the past dodged responsibility and in 2016 told lawmakers that his hands were tied insofar as the new parliament building was concerned. He further advised MPs to determine the way forward.

Budget

Meanwhile, Katjavivi said for the 2017/2018 financial year the National Assembly was allocated an amount of N$110 million for operational expenditure and N$24 million for the development budget, which was specifically earmarked for ‘Upgrading and Renovation of the Parliament Building’.

Due to the economic crisis, N$10 million was cut from the development budget and returned to treasury. For the current financial year, the National Assembly received N$112 million for operational purposes; while a mere N$5 million has been budgeted for the development budget. With government enduring financial troubles at the moment, it remains unclear as to whether plans to construct a new parliament building will be realised in the coming years.

Welwitschias confront Valke tomorrow

April 19, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Welwitschias confront Valke tomorrowFirst test for home side The national rugby team hopes to capitalise on the hard lessons they learned last year. The Windhoek Draught Welwitschias will meet the Hino Valke at the Hage Geingob Stadium tomorrow in the first match of this year's SuperSport Rugby Challenge.

The home side's efforts in the inaugural tournament were uneventful last year, with the team failing to make an impact in the tournament.

Now they plan on using the challenge as a step up from their club rugby and to qualify for next year's Rugby World Cup.

Coach Lyn Jones said there were many lessons learnt from last year and much to look forward to this year.

“Our players learnt the importance of becoming fitter and stronger. Dedication to your sport and the detail required to challenge in tight situations to influence the score line are but a few of the key factors experienced from last season's SuperSport Rugby Challenge.

“No one wants to concede versus anyone. It won't happen this season. You must realise the players and teams we play against play rugby for a living, so they should always be better than us. But like last season, it's not always the case,” he said.

The Welshman also spoke about how the rugby challenge has allowed different players to enter the selection pool.

“Last season brought so many new players into the selection pool for Phil Davies, the national team coach. Local players grew and understood how to play and how to train. Players returning from South Africa to train with Namibia noticed how improved local players have become. We need to keep growing the player base and improve our behaviour culture.”

He further said all players were motivated to have a chance of playing in the African Gold Cup.

“They want to be tested versus the best on the continent.

“The players here have been lucky that Davies was in Namibia for six weeks and he helped with coaching, along with Roger Thompson and JP Nel.

“Sergio de la Harpe has provided as good strength coaching as you will get anywhere in the world. Lots of our shortcomings have been addressed but they will not be cured in such a short space of time,” he added.

Jones said he did not like to make predictions, “but this tournament is very challenging. We will be a little better this time around and will keep improving as long as the plan is adhered to. It would be great to gain the respect of the larger unions like the Lions, Pumas and the Bulls.”

The Windhoek Draught Welwitschias will play in their new kit, sponsored by Mizuno. The match kicks off at 16:00.

Entrance fees are N$50 for adults and N$10 for children. Tickets are also available online at www.webtickets.com.na, Pick n Pay supermarkets or at the entrance. Food and drinks will be for sale.

–Additional reporting SuperSport

Warriors brave enough for Zambia

April 19, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Warriors brave enough for Zambia Brave Warriors coach Ricardo Mannetti insists that his team will not fear Zambia in the Council of South Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) Cup tournament.

This is after Cosafa announced that Namibia would play their old foes in the quarter-finals of the tournament.

The 2015 champions are adamant that they can send Zambia packing based on their form and the players they have this year.

Cosafa on Wednesday announced the draw for the regional showpiece competition to be staged in South Africa's Limpopo province from 27 May to 9 June. Namibia will take on their nemesis Zambia in the quarterfinals and coach Mannetti calls it déjà vu.

“We played Zambia at the quarterfinals stage in 2015 when we went on to win our first Cosafa title and I hope that happens again.

“We also beat them in 2016 in the Plate final at home and we recently met at CHAN finals in Morocco and played a draw.

“We are sides that know each other very well and can't get enough of facing each other,” Mannetti said.

He added that he believed his side had the upper hand in their recent clashes.

“In the last five encounters we have been the better side and at Cosafa this year that should continue. They will be prepared and we will also be ready. The game goes on.”

Zimbabwe return as defending champions, having claimed a record fifth Cosafa Cup title in South Africa last year, and they will face the winner of Group B in the quarterfinals, which contains powerhouse Angola, Botswana, Mauritius and Malawi.

Hosts South Africa will take on the winner of Group A, which contains Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros Islands and Seychelles. The other two quarterfinals will see four-time winners Zambia clash with Namibia and Lesotho take on Swaziland.

South Africa and Zambia have each claimed four titles in the Cosafa Cup competition before, while Angola have three and Namibia celebrated their single success in 2015.

- Additional reporting by NFA

Youth Games announced

April 19, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Youth Games announcedMulti-disciplinary games to attract fresh talent Next month's National Youth Games will see under-20 ­athletes from all 14 regions competing in ten sports codes. The Namibia Sport Commission (NSC), together with the ministry of sport, has announced an N$820 000 sponsorship for the first-ever multi-disciplinary National Youth Games which will take place from 10 to 13 May in Windhoek.

Local companies such as Meatco, Namibian Breweries Limited, Coca-Cola and NamPower came on board to boost the games.

The under-20 event will have the theme 'Enhancing the Future of a Sporting Nation' and will attract local athletes who will be representing the 14 regions in ten different sport codes: football, netball, volleyball, boxing, tennis, judo, athletics, Para-athletics and swimming.

Minister of sport Erastus Uutoni, who was present at the handover, said the NSC had engaged stakeholders and visited all 14 regions' governors to ensure that teams are sent to participate in the Games.

“Youth sport development cannot be undermined if we want to be a winning nation in sport. Therefore as government, we are fully committed to the development sports as we have done for the past 28 years,” said Uutoni.

However, the minister emphasised that developing sport should not be seen as the job of the government alone but be regarded as a multi-sectoral responsibility.

Johan Manuel, vice-president of the organising committee, said the games would allow the country to discover hidden sport talent.

“Hopefully we will discover another Helalia Johannes or Jonas Junias,” she said. The athletes will be housed at various hostels in the city and the athletics events will take place at the University of Namibia's sports facilities. The swimming events will be held at the Olympia public pool, and football matches will take place at the NFA Technical Centre in Katutura. The games will serve as trials for selecting athletes for the Region Five Games that will take place in Botswana in December.

The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) will broadcast the events on all its radio stations to reach the masses.

Marvel Studios festival

April 19, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Marvel Studios festivalFind who your inner super hero is From Star Wars to the Fast and Furious, Harry Potter, James Bond, Blackout, Bucket List and recently, Oscar's pop-ups; DSTV offers more with the latest Marvel Studios pop-up channel. What is your absolute favourite film of all time? The one that opened your eyes, tugged at your heartstrings and made your soul leap with joy? Were you born in the golden age of cinema?

Is there a stack of fantastic features your like-minded friends and family have been raving about, which you're sad to admit you haven't seen yet? If any of those movies are a Marvel production and you are a DStv subscriber, then you are in for a treat. Last week, MultiChoice launched yet another exciting pop-up channel that will dazzle viewers with a great entertainment offering on their Marvel Studios pop-up channel.

Asked on how they select the movies they play, given the vast amount of movies to choose from, Lynn Fourie, the head of acquisitions at M-Net movies, says the pop up channels are a special treat from MultiChoice to their viewers to watch the movies with time, and at the same time enriching lives with great entertainment. MultiChoice also has a research department which is aimed to finding out their customers' needs and they use these findings to meet those needs.

“We listen to our customers; we don't just play what we feel like. We have platforms where we as a brand personally engage with the brand and that is where we get our indications as to what to air and what needs a pop-up channel,” said Fourie.

This selection of fine film is being showcased on DStv's channel 109 and the cinematic journey will end this Sunday. The super-powered channel has started to showcase 15 of the most pulsating films that play the whole day in chronological order. Spiderman: Homecoming, will close the channel on Sunday.

June Shimuoshili

PhredGot1 gripe

April 19, 2018, 4:00 pm

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PhredGot1 gripe Artist PhredGot1 believes there is a better and different way that the local music industry should be moving forward with.

This, however, can only be changed if, according to him, the existing artists change the way they operate. The artist says he is frustrated by how artists and the general public look at one when you declare your interest in music. This, he says, is discouraging.

PhredGot1 says artists must do their level best to deliver quality work all the time as they represent each other. He says one thing that needs to stop is the dishonesty whereby artists who are not good are made to believe so, while the ones that deserve the praise are not told anything.

“We are gassing up people that are not flammable. This is killing the industry because instead of this person working on themselves they get comfortable and keep delivering poor quality work. I'm not speaking down on others but we have issues to resolve,” he says.

“The God Family Music” singer believes today's artists are on social media too much which prevents them to make the best out of their careers. PhredGot1 says this hinders productivity and it creates egos which will not help one to be successful.

“As much as our target as young artists are on social media we don't need to be on there 24/7. We neglect potential fan bases that are not on the internet. If you are just on social media how will the cab drivers who take the young people to school and work know about you? How will those on the ground get to know and hear of you,” he questioned. He says there is hope for the industry provided there is unity and the will to learn.

June Shimuoshili

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How to slay the blue carpet

April 19, 2018, 4:00 pm

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How to slay the blue carpetNAMA fashion predictions, how to own the runway and what not It's that time of the year where stars either go hard or go home as everyone puts their best foot forward for the extravagant event. What's trending

Fashionista Leah Misika says red carpet trends this year have had a lot to do with what is going on in the world right now. She believes one can expect to see two things; designs from designers that are very much aware of the world feminist movement and want to add to it with very powerful and regal pieces, or designers that are very much aware of the negative vibes of 2018 who will aim to lighten the mood up with a more fairy tale-like attitude that will leave behind an air of a happily ever after and an air we all need.

“So expect a mix of bold, strong colours and with light, fluffy and soft fabrics. The silhouettes of choice are anything but mermaid, but some clients just look really good in that style so those few will hopefully be forgiven,” says Misika.



Who's your designer?

SynEdgy designs founder Simeone Johannes says the world over is embracing the idea of less is more; there will be more minimal, simple and well put together garments at the NAMAs blue carpet this year. In terms of silhouettes, the mermaid cut will definitely be the go-to-style for this year's carpet.

“Fashion should not be limited by age, for as long as something looks appropriate and elegant, go for it. Let's all be blue carpet ready, avoid looking too casual or too street style. Think of Hollywood, look to South African red carpet looks for inspiration. Jeans and t-shirts are not red carpet staples and we shouldn't see it on this year's carpet, or ever. Men should avoid wearing suits with sneakers, it's neither fashion forward nor blue carpet worthy,” said Johannes.

Johannes' only advice is for people not to call designers to make you an outfit as last minute arrangements don't work out well. He says one should always opt for something that will make one stand out on the blue carpet… and it doesn't have to be the comfortable garment, because fashion doesn't necessarily equal comfort.



The right make-up

One very important thing about attending a red carpet event is to look memorable. It is essential to make sure you look good by making sure the make-up is camera-ready. Make-up artist Jay Aeron urges everyone to slay in whatever they are wearing by being bold. Colours like red, purples, and emerald green are colours that look amazing in photographs. He says the trick to get one's make-up to last the whole night is to use an amazing primer that gives your foundation a great finish. To prevent a shiny face, translucent and pressed powders can be used just before hitting the blue carpet for that photo-ready look.

“The beauty of make-up products is that they also have a variety of setting sprays from different brands. If you spritz on some setting spray after your make-up is done, you are guaranteed to have it on for the whole night,” he says.



Lights, camera, click

Red carpet pictures live on the internet forever hence the importance of getting your poses right. Although posing does not come naturally for some people, renowned red carpet expert Rumano says one has to put in extra effort to make sure your pictures comes out good. Owning the red carpet is all about oozing confidence and those that don't have it must fake it till they make it.

“My go-to pose on any carpet is the hand-on-the-hip pose thing. I do that to draw attention to my waist in an attempt to make me look thinner. When doing that you have to lightly place your hand on your hip instead of aggressively clutching onto your flesh. It'll make you look uncomfortable. Always, put one leg in front of the other. That will make you look taller in pictures and gives my body a more hourglass like shape,” said Rumano.

Rumano's quick tip to wardrobe malfunctions is trying to make the incident look less obvious. One can also block the malfunction with a hand bag or clutch or one can simply pose in such a way that the malfunction is not seen.

“Overall the most important thing is that you shouldn't try to copy poses of celebrities that you've seen on social media. Work with your body and what you have,” he concluded.



Stylist tips

Award-winning stylist Reinhard Mahalie says the trick to shopping cheap and still looking great is to invest in pieces that one can wear over a long period and ones that will also blend with the glitz of the blue carpet. Although he doesn't advise last minute shopping; for those who have not yet gotten their outfits can rent garments from designers.

“Your garment needs to be memorable. Keep your look, simple, elegant and well-tailored. Also stick to soft or neutral pallets. Make sure you wear clothes that will make your photographs look stunning,” he says.

June Shimuoshili

Amazonkies all over

April 19, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Amazonkies all overAppreciating their fans, arts and collaborations With nearly 2 000 views within the two weeks the video has been uploaded on YouTube, small-town trio Amazonkies are aiming for the stars. Having released their album at the end of last year and getting an overwhelming response, the trio decided to give their fans a treat with a single music video. The northern-based group said they didn't expect their album to do so well taking into account how saturated the industry is.

“We made 7 000 copies in August when we released the album and as we talk right now there are no copies left at all the outlets. We distributed the album all over the country and it is sold in towns as far as Rundu. The love is beautiful,” said the group.

Amazonkies, who also have their own music label, say in the industry today one can only make it if one is not under any music label as the big and existing labels have agendas. The Kalawa Bloma label owners believe these existing owners are only interested in enriching themselves and focusing on their own music as many of them are musicians themselves. They have not signed anyone under their label yet but will when they have mastered being successful owners.

“We have had artists ask to us to sign them but we turn them all down because we are not ready and we cannot take lead in their careers while we still need to get a grip on ours. We established this brand ten years ago and we want to be around for more before we can take on other artists,” they said.

The music video for All Over has received massive love from the public. Breaking barriers within the industry, the trio added a special feature by having northern-based designer Usuta's collection on their set. They believe in supporting and consuming local products and were more eager to feature the designer to show the unity in the industry. They urge other artists to feature all forms of local arts in their music videos to help build each other.

“You never know who will watch the video, these people may need that visual artist's painting or that designer's outfit and that's how we grow together,” they said.

Amazonkies is currently working on a single titled Give Me that with Ees and will be shooting the video this weekend. They say their fans are in for a treat as the song will be a banger.

June Shimuoshili

It shouldn't be a hustle

April 19, 2018, 4:00 pm

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It shouldn't be a hustle The fuss over the NAMAs and who deserves to be nominated made me remember words spoken by a dear friend who said Namibian artists must learn to cheer each other on and put their differences aside.

Perhaps some artists are deemed arrogant and divas feel they can justify their behaviour judging from the likes that they get or the following they have on Instagram or Twitter, but we can surely learn a thing or two from bigger industries such as South Africa and America. During the funeral of South Africa liberation stalwart Winnie Mandela we saw Simphiwe Dana singing along with Judith Sephuma and cheering her on. This kind of solidarity is absent in Namibia.

Namibian artists do not root for each other and certainly allow very little space for each other. One wonders if this kind of attitude could be what keeps Namibian artists from growing into global brands. Very few Namibian artists have truly made it onto the real continental entertainment scene and yet they act like divas, ready to compete with legends such as Michael Jackson or Whitney Houston. Speaking of Whitney Houston, these two legends were basically each other's BFFs. We do not have that here. All of this I mentioned above has been proven by conversations I've had with a few artists who all believe there is zero unity.

Maybe now with the NAMAs at hand, we must ask why there is so much anger and so much beef amongst artists. What is this beef about? Is this rivalry even justified? It is sad that our very infant entertainment industry is smothered by the egos of very little-achieved artists.

Of course beefing is everything, it's on Instagram and pops up early morning on Twitter, but can our artists afford to be so preoccupied with beef? I think not. Should our time not be better spent on improving our brands, checking ourselves and the size of outfits before we take to the public stage?

Perhaps our artists must become responsible and not expect to be treated like divas after dropping one fabulous album, or not. This makes me wonder if the media could be blamed. Should we give airtime to every artist that knocks on our doors without seeing for ourselves how the public find their music? Have we created this monster where everyone with a microphone fancies himself an artist deserving of quarter-page reviews in our entertainment pages? Someone must draw the line. It could be you, me or someone else but it must be drawn.



June Shimuoshili



june@namibiansun.com

The truth shall set us free

April 19, 2018, 4:00 pm

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The truth shall set us free By: Deutsch Südwester

My dear compatriots, it is great that Germany is paying for the genocide that happened 114 years ago but the propaganda should stop! We all want a united house, Harambee, and we must stand strong because a divided house will fall. Let us stay with facts. Let the Namibian government and their German counterparts initiate a Truth and Reconciliation Commission with international judges to help us separate facts from fiction

One hundred and fourteen years ago, the Ovaherero chief, Samuel Maharero, declared war against Germany. Within a few days, 120 German civilians were killed. Those early Ovaherero were actually the first freedom fighters of Namibia. Now this led to the German Schutztruppe, who happened to be down south at Warmbad having a problem with the Bondelswarts at that time, to quickly return to be able to react to the Ovaherero uprising.

Naturally, the Ovaherero followed a strategy of hit and hide, a guerrilla war which was very effective and hard for the German soldiers to win. After the Ovaherero consolidated at the Waterberg, the Germans planned to beat the resistance there and they planned accordingly.

On 11 August 1904, a fierce battle was fought at Hamakari and surrounding at the Waterberg. Both sides had to endure heavy losses. More than 100 German soldiers were killed along with an undisclosed number of exceptionally brave Ovaherero fighters. When night fell the shooting stopped and the completely exhausted Germans were relieved, but still afraid that fighting would continue. But, lucky they were because the Ovaherero decided to leave during the night. Contrary to widespread belief the Germans did not win that battle. The Ovaherero withdrew using the tried and tested and very effective strategy of hit and hide again.

Some of the Ovaherero turned north towards the Oshiwambo and Angola, and Chief Maharero with his headmen and a large group turned southeast to reach the then British protectorate of Betchuanaland, now Botswana. After enduring a lot of hardship the Botswana border was reached by Maharero during September where they asked the British High Commissioner for asylum, which was granted.

The Germans on the other side were so exhausted after the day of the battle they had to rest and reorganise the entire following day and hadn't been able to follow the disappearing Ovaherero. Only on the second day did they start searching for their enemy. It must be remembered that the German soldiers had a big disadvantage of not knowing the terrain and not being used to the climate, the bush and burning sun, whereas the Ovaherero knew the land perfectly well and were strong and brave people.

As could be expected the Germans couldn't get hold of the Ovaherero in the vast bush and a bitter and frustrated German general decided on a different approach. After receiving word that Chief Maharero and his men had reached the Botswana border in September, the cruel and stupid General von Trotha made a proclamation order which is widely known as the Shooting Order on 2 October which reads as follows:

I, the great General of the German troops, send this letter to the Herero people.

The Herero are no longer German subjects. They have murdered and stolen, they have cut off the ears, noses and other body parts of wounded soldiers. Now out of cowardice they no longer wish to fight. I say to the people: Anyone who delivers a captain will receive 1 000 mark, whoever delivers Samuel will receive 5 000 mark.

The Herero people must however leave the land. If the populace does not do this I will force them with the Groot Rohr [cannon]. Within the German borders every Herero, with or without a gun, with or without cattle, will be shot. I will no longer accept women and children, I will drive them back to their people or I will let them be shot at.

These are my words to the Herero people.

The great general of the mighty German Kaiser.

Now the question arises: Did the cruel general give above proclamation because he was utterly frustrated as he couldn't get hold of the Ovaherero in the vast bushland? And how many Ovaherero could he actually get his cruel hands on to have them killed? Did he want to get all of the Ovaherero nation out of the country into Botswana to follow their chief into asylum?

This very inhumane order was then heavily criticised in Germany which lead the Kaiser to replace same after two months by an order to have mercy on the Ovaherero. The missionaries were then asked to help with bringing the Ovaherero into concentration camps were they could at least have decent meals again after they went through unbelievable hardship to survive, their cattle and land having been taken or destroyed.

Now I want to make some basic facts clear. For the Germans it is a virtue to accept guilt and they have accepted that a genocide did happen. Furthermore, it is a fact that the Ovaherero and also the Nama did go through utter hardships and that they lose their land. So let the German government pay what should be due. It is also unquestionable that the traditional authorities of both should be part and parcel of the negotiations between the Namibian government and Germany for reparations. It also should be obvious that at least half of the amount of the reparation sum should go directly to the Ovaherero and Nama communities because it was they who suffered. The other half should be invested in infrastructure in the whole of Namibia as the whole of the country is of course also used by both those communities.

Let us then close this ugly chapter in our history and build on standing together in our Namibian House, Harambee. Spreading hatred and divide must be something of the past. The best way to come to terms with this is to create a Truth and Reconciliation Commission which should then separate fact from fiction. Also remember that the killing fields have always been with humankind. Before the Germans arrived a lot of killing happened between the Ovaherero and Nama. There was a time when Jonker Afrikaner had the upper hand and then again the father of Chief Maharero won the fighting. Surely the Germans were also utterly beaten twice in a timespan of 30 years and now they are best friends with their erstwhile enemies. I personally also feel that it is very important to keep Germany as our foremost development aid partner for the future.

What is top secret?

April 19, 2018, 4:00 pm

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What is top secret? The much-awaited urgent application pitting the Namibia Central Intelligence Service (NCIS) against the local weekly, The Patriot, will take centre stage in the High Court today. The NCIS is desperately trying to block a planned article from being published in the weekly newspaper. The article, according to The Patriot, relates to the acquisition of two farms in the Otjozondjupa Region as well as a house by the spy agency. The total cost of the two farms, which were bought in 2015, reportedly cost government N$57 million, while N$8.2 million was spent on a house in 2016, The Patriot's editor Mathias Haufiku said in his affidavit. Instead of responding to queries by the newspaper, the NCIS chose to approach the High Court to ask for a court interdict against the newspaper. The NCIS claimed that the publication of this report would contravene the 1982 Protection of Information Act and threaten or jeopardise national security. It further insisted that all information about the activities and assets of the NCIS must be kept secret. The leaking of inside information, which the spy agency strongly considers as “classified”, puts the NCIS under more scrutiny than ever. There is no doubt that The Patriot/NCIS case has a direct bearing on the media industry in the country and will set a legal precedent for other similar cases. The question is what kind of information is deemed as classified and sensitive enough to national security, so much so, that access to it must be controlled and restricted. The media has an important role to play in society and that includes keeping the authorities and government on their toes to ensure a great level of accountability. All in all, we are in total concurrence with the Editor's Forum of Namibia (EFN) in condemning the archaic 1982 Protection of Information Act which the NCIS is using to impose a gag order against the newspaper. This complete lack of transparency makes the NCIS a law unto itself, which is a threat to our democracy. The acquiring of properties can therefore not be regarded top secret. At the end of the day the media has the right to investigate questionable dealings of this nature with the ultimate aim of safeguarding national interests.