Cuba reels after 110 deaths

May 21, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Cuba reels after 110 deathsComplaints about charter company a prelude to air tragedy Authorities have raised concerns over the safety record of company whose plane crashed in Cuba, leaving 110 dead. The Mexican charter company whose 39-year-old plane crashed in Havana had been the subject of two serious complaints about its crew performance over the last decade, according to authorities in Guyana and a retired pilot for Cuba's national airline.

Mexico's government said late on Saturday that its National Civil Aviation Authority will carry out an operational audit of Damojh airlines to see if its “current operating conditions continue meeting regulations” and to help collect information for the investigation into Friday's crash in Cuba that left 110 dead.

The plane that crashed, a Boeing 737, was barred from Guyanese airspace last year after authorities discovered that its crew had been allowing dangerous overloading of luggage on flights to Cuba, Guyanese Civil Aviation director, Captain Egbert Field, told The Associated Press on Saturday. The plane and crew were being rented from Mexico City-based Damojh by EasySky, a Honduras-based low-cost airline. Cuba's national carrier, Cubana de Aviacion, was also renting the plane and crew in a similar arrangement known as a “wet lease” before the aircraft veered on take-off to the eastern Cuban city of Holguin and crashed into a field just after noon Friday, according to Mexican aviation authorities.

A Damojh employee in Mexico City declined to comment, saying the company would be communicating only through written statements. Mexican authorities said Damojh had permits needed to lease its aircraft and had passed a November 2017 verification of its maintenance program. They announced a new audit late Saturday.

Cuban transport minister Adel Yzquierdo Rodriguez told reporters Saturday afternoon that Cubana had been renting the plane for less than a month under an arrangement in which the Mexican company was entirely responsible for maintenance of the aircraft. Armando Daniel Lopez, president of Cuba's Institute of Civil Aviation, told AP that Cuban authorities had not received any complaints about the plane in that month. He declined to comment further.

Yzquierdo said it was routine for Cuba to rent planes under a variety of arrangements because of what he described as the country's inability to purchase its own aircraft due to the US trade embargo on the island. Cuba has been able to buy planes produced in other countries, including France and Ukraine, but has pulled many from service due to maintenance problems and other issues.

“It's normal for us to rent planes,” he said. “Why? Because it's convenient and because of the problem of the blockade that we have. Sometimes we can't buy the planes that we need, and we need to rent them.”

He said that with Damojh, “the formula here is that they take care of the maintenance of the aircraft. That's their responsibility”.

He said Cuba didn't have pilots certified to fly the Boeing, so it had hired the Mexican crew with the expectation that they were fully trained and certified by the proper authorities.

Yzquierdo also said the jet's 'black box' voice recorder had been recovered and that Cuban officials had granted a US request for investigators from Boeing to travel to the island. Eyewitness and private salon owner Rocio Martinez said she heard a strange noise and looked up to see the plane with a turbine on fire.

“It had an engine on fire, in flames, it was falling toward the ground,” Martinez said, adding that the plane veered into the field where it crashed, avoiding potential fatalities in a nearby residential area.

Field told AP that the Boeing 737 with tail number XA-UHZ had been flying four routes a week between Georgetown, Guyana, and Havana starting in October 2016. Cubans do not need visas to travel to Guyana, and the route was popular with Cubans working as “mules” to bring suitcases crammed with goods back home to the island, where virtually all consumer products are scarce and more expensive than in most other countries. After Easy Sky cancelled a series of flights in spring 2017, leaving hundreds of Cubans stranded at Guyana's main airport, authorities began inspecting the plane and discovered that crews were loading excessive amounts of baggage, leading to concerns the aircraft could be dangerously overburdened and unbalanced. In one instance, Guyanese authorities discovered suitcases stored in the plane's toilet.

“This is the same plane and tail number,” Guyanese infrastructure minister David Patterson said. He and other Guyanese authorities said they did not immediately know if the crew suspended last May was the same one that died in Friday's crash. Damojh operates three Boeing 737s, two 737-300s and the 737-201 that crashed Friday, according to Mexican officials. Ovidio Martinez Lopez, a pilot for Cubana for over 40 years until he retired six years ago, wrote in a post on Facebook that a plane rented from the Mexican company by Cubana briefly dropped off radar while over the city of Santa Clara in 2010 or 2011, triggering an immediate response by Cuban aviation security officials. As a result, Cuban officials suspended a captain and co-pilot for “serious technical knowledge issues,” and Cuba's Aviation Security authority issued a formal recommendation that Cubana stop renting planes and crews from Damojh, Martinez wrote.

“They are many flight attendants and security personnel who refused to fly with this airline,” Martinez wrote. “On this occasion, the recommendation was overlooked and they rented from them again.”

NAMPA/AP

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SA govt agrees to wage deal

May 21, 2018, 4:00 pm

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SA govt agrees to wage deal The South African government has agreed a three-year wage deal with public sector unions, granting modest salary increases only slightly above inflation, in an attempt to tame its large budget deficit.

Under the deal, the government will increase salaries of public sector employees by up to 7% in the first year. In the second and third years the government will provide hikes of up to projected inflation plus 1%.

The salary increases are well below the 12% initially demanded by unions and will be seen as a victory for the President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is trying to restore confidence in South Africa's public finances and stave off ratings downgrades. Khaya Xaba, spokesman for the National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union (Nehawu), said his union would sign the wage deal.

“We are not happy. However, we have done our best in terms of pushing the employer from the 4.5% they were offering,” said Mugwena Maluleke, chief negotiator for Cosatu, the largest trade union federation.

The Public Servants Association, a smaller union, said it had rejected the government's offer. However, the deal will still go through if larger unions accept it.

The Department of Public Service and Administration said it would brief the media following the conclusion of talks.

The government and public sector unions have been locked in negotiations since late 2017.

NAMPA/REUTERS

Uuklinika wa gandjwa omagano kuUS itawu tongola

May 21, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Uuklinika wa gandjwa omagano kuUS itawu tongola Ombelewa yomukalelipo gwaUS oya yamukula kutya uuklinikA mboka wa pewa aakwashigwana yokomikunda moshikandjohogololo Okongo inawu nuninwa owala okutopola omiti dhoantiretroviral (ARV) nenge epango lyoTB.

Oshiwike sha piti, oshigwana osha popi kutya uuklinika mboka itawu kwatha sha koshigwana, na owa pumbwa oku egulukila aakwashigwana ayehe, omanga Ominista Bernhard Haufiku a popi kutya omalongekidho ngoka otaga tongola, aantu mboka taya lumbu nombuto yoHIV oshowo oTB.

US okwa popile omagano ngoka kutya uuklinika owa tulwa pomahala mpoka pe na nale omandiki gomayakulo guundjolowele.

Epangelo lyaUS mo2016 olya gandja omagano guuklinika mboka momikunda ngaashi Onamihonga, Oshalumbu, Onghalulu, Oupili, Oshitishiwa, Olukula, Oshifitu oshowo Omutwe-womunhu.

Oya popi kutya uuklinika mboka owa nuninwa okugandja omayakulo agehe.

Deputy chief of mission, Peter Lord, okwa popi kutya Us okwa longulula nokuwapaleka uupangelo wu li 8 womuupangelo 14 moshikandjo shaKongo moshitopolwa shaHangwena.

Okwa popi kutya uuklinika mboka owa pumbwa okuyambulwapo nokutulwa omahala ga gwana negameno lyaapangwa oshowo egandjo lyomiti, opo aapangwa kaya ende iinano iile okukakonga omakwatho komandiki galwe guunamiti.

Oopoloyeka ndhoka odha kwatelwa komeho koCentres for Disease Control (CDC), okupitila moPresident's Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar).

Lord okwa popi kutya elongululo lyuuklinika mboka olya kwatelwa mo okuyambulap omayakulo guuklinika mwakwatelwa okutulamo muuklinika mboka oombete dhanuninwa aakiintu mboka ye li momategelelo oshowo omayakulo gwamwe po.

Okwa tsikile kutya omayakulo guundjolowele muuklinika woludhi ndoka ohaga gandjwa omalupito pamalongekidho taga ningwa kuuministeli wuundjolowele.

Okwa tsikile kutya oprograma yoPepfar otayi tsikile nokugandja omakwatho kuNamibia, mekondjitho lyetaandelo lyombuto yoHIV.

Ombelewa yomukalelipo gwaUs moNamibia oya popi kutya konena oya gandja omayambidhidho kuNamibia gongushu yoobiliyona yimwe, mule woomvula 14 dha piti, okupitila moprograma yoPepfar.

ILENI NANDJATO

Amta a tindi oonkundathana dheyambidhidho noomiliyona 9

May 21, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Amta a tindi oonkundathana dheyambidhidho noomiliyona 9Ya hala okwiilikolela iiyemo kuyoyene Ehangano lyoAgro-Marketing and Trade Agency (Amta) olya tindi okupewa eyambidhidho kepangelo lyoshimaliwa sha thika poomiliyona 9, nopehala olya pula ku tulwe miilonga etokolo lyokabinete ndyoka tali ka yambulapo omukalo gwokumona iiyemo yehangano ndyoka. Ehangano ndyoka olya zimine kutya olya gwile mompumbwe yoshimaliwa shoomiliyona ndhoka momumvo gwoshimaliwa nguka, ihe inali hala eyambidhidho lyepangelo lyiiyemo, ihe olya hala ku tulwe miilonga etokolo ndyoka tali ka pitika iikondo ayihe yepangelo yi kale hayi landa iihape yawo noonday okuza kehangano ndyoka lya yama kepangelo.

Omukomeho gwehangano ndyoka, Lucas Lungameni muuyelele mboka a gandja kOminista yUunamapya, Alpheus !Naruseb okwa popi kutya etokolo ndyoka lyokabinete otali ka pitika opo oombelewa adhihe dhepangelo dhi kuthe oondya okuza koompungulilo dhoondya dhopashigwana.

Okwa popi kutya ngele etokolo ndyoka olya tulwa iilonga, nena otali ka yambulepo iiyemo yehangano, nokuninga li kale tali imonene iiyemo lyolyene.

Amta okwa tamekitha woo oopoloyea dhe mwene ndhoka dha nuninwa okukonga iiyemo, ngaashi okuhiilitha omaloli gawo, iifuta yomakonaakono gomandjembele omanga inaga tumwa momalanditho gopondje oshowo iifuta yilwe ya gwedhwa po mbyoka tayi ka etela ehangano ndyoka iimaliwa tayi tengenekelwa poomiliyona 20.

Iimaliwa mbyoka tayi pumbiwa kuAmta miilonga ye oya thika poomiliyona 79, ihe ehangano oli li mompumbwe yoomiliyona 9, pahapu dhaLungameni.

Amta okwa kala miilonga okutameka omvula 2013, na oku na oshinakugwanithwa shokuhwahwameka elongo lyoondya moshilongo nokupungula woo oondya moompungulilo dhopangeshefa.

Pahapu dhaLungameni oompungulilo dhopashigwana dhonational strategic food reserves odha pungulwa oondya dhongushu yootona okuza pootona 18 900 okuya pootona 22 900.

Oompungulilo ndhoka otadhi adhika ngaashi moTsandi moka mwa pungulwa oontona 3 000, Okongo ootona 4 500, Omuthiya ootona 4 000, Rundu ootona 4 000 oshowo Katima Mulilo ootona 7 400.

Lungameni okwa popi kutya oompangela dhawo andola okukala ye na oompungulilo dhoondya dha thika pootona 67 000 ndhoka tadhi vulu okupungulwa iilya uule woomwedhi dha thika puhamano.

Ootona dhiilya dhi li 7 983 odha landwa mo2017/18 okuza kaanafaalama kongushu yoomiliyona 43.

Lungameni okwa koleke kutya aanafaalama ya thika po 4 247 oya mono uuwanawa okuza melanditho ndyoka.

Okwa tsikile kutya oshimaliwa shoomiliyona

85.3 osha pumbiwa opo ya lande iilya okuza kaanafaalama, konima yeteyo.

Kombinga yoompungulilo dhiihape, okwa popi kutya oya pumbwa ookila dhokutalalela opo ya vule okupungula iihape yongushu yi Ii pombanda.

Omahala gokupungula iihape oga tulwa mOngwediva oshowo moRundu nOvenduka.

Moshikako sho 2017/18 ootona 3 671 dhiilya odha landithwa kongushu yoomiliyona 30, naanafaalama 477 oya mono uuwanawa okuza melanditho ndyoka.

Sho a popi kombinga yekondololo lyoongamba, okwa popi kutya oye na oosasiyon 17 dhekondololo lyoongamba, ndhoka tadhi kwashilipaleke kutya aanafaalama oya simanekwa oomilandu dhepangelo.

Moshikako sho 2016/17 omaloli geli po 23 256 oga kondololwa na okwa dhidhilikwa eshuno pevi noopresenda 74 lyomaihumbato gonayi.

Pahapu dhe ootona 237 033 dhiilya odha etwa moNamibiaa kongushu yoobiliyona 1.06, omanga iihape yotona 6 271 ya e twa moshilongo kongushu yoomiliyona 43.

ELLANIE SMIT

'Aapolisi oya longitha omumwandje'

May 21, 2018, 4:00 pm

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'Aapolisi oya longitha omumwandje'Opolisi tayi konaakona omapopyo ngoka Eso nefumbiko lyomunamimvo 34, Sackeus 'Kablou' Amateta olya etitha yina yanakusa a popye kutya aapolisi oya ongitha omona mokulonga iimbuluma, sho ya kala haye mu ile megumbo nokumuninga oshilongitho shawo shiimbuluma. Johanna Nekwiyu-Amateta okwa popi ngaaka pethimbo lyoshituthidhimbuluko shanakusa, shoka sha ningwa mehuliloshiwike lya piti.

Amateta okwa fumbikwa pomukunda gwaandjawo pEngoyi popepi nOnyaanya moshitopolwa shaShikoto.

Opwa holoka iikolokosha pefumbiko lye, sho ongundu yookume ke kuniwe einekelo kutya oya zilila mOvenduka, ya tameke tayi umbu oondjembo nokuhinga nayi iihauto pomawendo.

Nekwiyu-Amateta okwa popi kutya kuuvite ko kutya omolwashike opolisi yi na okudhipaga omona, molwaashoka oya kala ookume ke na oya longele kumwe.

Okwa tsikile kutya olundji okwa kala nokupenduka moomposi omolwa omainyengo taga limbilike na okwa mono iilyo yetanga lyopolisi tayi konkola pekende lyanakusa nokumu kutha mo megumbo opo ya ka longe iimbuluma.

Okwa popi kutya okwa li he ya tidha po nokuya lombwela kutya:

“Ohamu ya mu ile omumwandje nokumulongitha iimbuluma, ihe ngele iinima yeni oya ende nayi ohamu ya mu mutule miipandeko omanga ne mwa yela koonyala dheni kiilonga nokutsikila tamu longele oofamili dheni. Sho a dhipagwa onda uvi nayi noonkondo kutya omolwashike aapolisi ye na okumudhipaga, ngele ohaya longele pamwe. Omumwandje okwa kanithile omwenyo gwe miilonga yiimbuluma na osha uvitha ndje nayi noonkondo.”

Kablou okwa yahwa kopolisi lwopotundi 18:30 pondunda yomanwino tayi adhika moWanaheda mOsoondaha yoshiwike sha piti, omanga a li ta kambadhala okutsa omupolisi nombele. Aanambelewa yaali yopolisi otaya konaakonwa omolwa eso lye, sha landula aatalelipo mboka ya yekwa iinima yawo esiku olyo tuu ndyoka, moKlein Windhoek. Omakonaakono geso otaga ningwa opo ku monike kutya Kablou okwa yahwa iikando ingapi.

Omukomeho gwopolisi, Sebastian Ndeitunga okwa popi kutya okwa uva oohapu dhayina yaKablou ndhoka a popi mehuliloshiwike na otaka konaakona oohapu ndhoka.

“Onda uvu oohapu dhe dhoka a popi pefumbiko, ihe itandi dhimbuluka a lopota kutya ope na aapolisi mboka ya longele kumwe nomona mokulonga iimbuluma. Otatu ke shi landula nokukonga uushili musho,” Ndeitunga a popi.

Ndeitunga okwa popi kutya otaya ka ninga omakonaakoo opo ya vule okumona mboka ya kala nokulongela kumwe naye, molwaashoka otashi vulika pe na aapolisi yamwe po mboka ye li miikutu yiilonga ihe otaya longo iimbuluma naamboka inaya pumbiwa metanga lyopolisi.

Opolisi otayi konaakona wo ekuthomo lyoondjembo mokati koshigwana pethimbo lyefumbiko. Okuniwe einekelo kutya efumbiko ndyoka noshituthidhimbuluko osha kaliwa kookume yanakusa oyendji nofamili okuza mOvenduka.

Nakusa okwa tseyika kutya okwa kala omukwateli komeho gwoongundu dhaalongi yiimbuluma mOvenduka oshowo pomidhingoloko dhopopepi.

Komanda gwopolisi yaShikoto, Armas Shivute, okwa lombwele oNamibian Sun kutya opolisi oya li pomawendo gopEngoyi sha landula oolopota dheumbo lyoondjembo na oya ningi omainda gopolisi pomahala ga yooloka. Okwa tsikile kutya oya li ya tumu iilyo yawo pehala ndyoka sha landula olopota, ihe oya a dha aantu ya mana nale, na otaku popiwa kutya eumbo lyoondjembo ndyoka olya ningwa kookume yanakusa, aniwa onga omukalo gwokuthindikila omukomeho gawo.

Oshiwike sha piti opolisi oya pititha omukanda sha landula omatilitho gokuningila oshigwana nopolisi omiyonena ga ningwa kookuume yaKablou onga iikonene medhipago lye. Opolisi oya li ya kunkilile kutya otayi ka ungaunga nakehe ngoka ta kambadhala okuya ombili moshipala.

Kablou okwa kokele pamwe naakuluntu ye moFreedomland mOvenduka sigo osho a hulitha okwa kala ha zi megumbo lyaakuluntu ye. He Thomas Amateta okwa hulitha omvula ya piti kuKotomba.

Okwa tameke oskola ye yaanona po Moses van der Byl Primary School na okwa tsikile koImmanuel Shifidi Senior Secondary School, hoka a hulile mondondo onti 9. Pahapu dha meme gwe okwa tameke ta yaka omanga a li e na oomvula 12, ihe oonkambadhala dhokumu kwathela a hulithepo iilonga yiimbuluma odha hulile muunyengwi.

Okwa dhiga ko yina, aamwayina yatano oshowo omonamati.

ILENI NANDJATO

A hala aanafaalama ya ye muunangeshefa

May 21, 2018, 4:00 pm

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A hala aanafaalama ya ye muunangeshefa Ngoloneya gwoshitopolwa shaMusati okwa lombwele aanafaalama ya ikaleke kokule nokukalo gwokukala ye na iimuna oyindjiyindji omanga taya dhengwa koluhepo.

Erginus Endjala okwa popi kutya aanafaalama yamwe mboka otaya mono oondya dhoshikukuta okuza kepangelo, naashoka kashi li mondjila.

Endjala okwa popi ngaaka, pethimbo a patulula pambelewa omutumba tagu ithanwa Omusati Investment Conference oshiwike sha piti, moka a longitha ompito yomutumba ngoka, okutsa omukumo aanafaalama ya ye muunangeshefa, pehala lyokukala taya mono iihuna omanga taya vulu okumona iiyemo okuza miimuna yawo.

“Ope na aanafaalama mboka ye na oongombe dha thika pe100. Ihe aantu sho taya shangithwa oshikukuta nayo ohaya yi ya ka shangwe. Oshinima shoka kandi shi uvite ko,” Endjala a popi.

Pauyelele wa landula omapekaapeko nomayalulo gopashigwana ngoka ga ningwa mo 2011 koMeat Board of Namibia, oga holola kutya oshitopolwa shaMusati oshina oongombe dhi li po275 000, iikombo 245 000 oshowo oonzi 15 000.

Endjala okwa tsikile kutya omukalo ngoka aantu haya tala ondjele yuukengeli wawo paku tala komwaalu gwiimuna mbyoka ye na ogwa pumbwa okulundululwa nopehala naya longithe iimuna yawo muunangeshefa nokutidhila kokule oluhepo oshowo onkalo yokwaanena iilonga.

Okwa popi kutya nonando aanafaalama yomonooli otaya indikwa okukutha ombinga mongeshefa yopashigwana, omolwa omusinda omutiligane ngoka gu li miilonga natango, otaya vulu natango okulanditha onyama yawo meni lyiitopolwa yomonooli.

Okwa popi kutya ethimbo olya thikana opo aapunguli pamwe naakalimo yomoshitopolwa ya paathane omayele nokukutha ombinga miiyetwa po ngaashi public-private partnerships (PPPs), opo ya vule okulongitha oonzo ndhoka itadhi longithwa.

Ngoloneya okwa popi kutya oshitopolwa she oshi na oonzo ondhindji ihe oonzo ndhoka itadhi longithwa omolwa ompumbwe yuunongo nuuyelele.

Okwa popi kutya ethimbo olya thikana opo aapunguli naakwashigwana ya longele kumwe momapungulo gopangeshefa.

KENYA KAMBOWE

Refreshed Ford Ranger Arrives in 2019

May 21, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Refreshed Ford Ranger Arrives in 2019 More performance, efficiency and features Ockert Berry, vice president of operations, Ford Middle East and Africa: “The current generation Ford Ranger has been a phenomenal success, both in Southern Africa and internationally, and the updated models that will be released next year will raise the bar further in the highly competitive light commercial vehicle sector.” QUICKPIC

The new-generation powertrain will feature a 10-speed automatic gearbox and all-new Bi-Turbo engine on selected models.

Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa will be launching an even more capable Ford Ranger when production commences for the refreshed new model scheduled for launch in 2019.

Following an investment of R3 billion at its South African operations, the updated Ranger will be assembled at Ford’s Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria, with engines produced by the Struandale Engine Plant in Port Elizabeth.

“Ford’s recent investment has been geared towards expanding our local production capacity and preparing for the updated Ranger, including the first-ever Ford Ranger Raptor,” said Ockert Berry, vice president of operations for Ford Middle East and Africa.

“Once again, this reaffirms Ford’s long-term commitment to the region, as well as to our employees, suppliers and partners. It also acknowledges the confidence that Ford has in our local operations to produce truly world-class products for domestic sales and an extensive list of export markets,” Berry added.

“The current generation Ford Ranger has been a phenomenal success, both in Southern Africa and internationally, and the updated models that will be released next year will raise the bar further in the highly competitive light commercial vehicle sector.”

The refreshed Ranger line-up, which will continue to be exported from South Africa to over 148 markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, combines exceptional levels of technology, safety and convenience features.

Building on the Ranger’s ‘Built Ford Tough’ heritage, the latest model is destined to further expand the capabilities and proven off-road credentials that have contributed to the Ranger becoming one of South Africa’s top-selling vehicles overall, and in the light commercial segment.

Advanced powertrains for proven performance

For 2019, the Ford Ranger will offer a greater choice of powertrains, including the new high-tech Bi-Turbo diesel engine that will, most notably, make its debut on the exciting all-new Ranger Raptor. The new-generation diesel engine will be produced on an all-new assembly line installed at the Ford Struandale Engine Plant in Port Elizabeth.

With common-rail direct fuel injection, an integrated intake manifold, and a belt-in-oil primary drive, the Bi-Turbo is compact, lightweight, powerful and efficient. It takes advantage of sequential turbocharging to deliver greater responsiveness, drivability and maximum efficiency.

The sophisticated Bi-Turbo diesel engine is coupled to an advanced 10-speed torque-convertor automatic to bring greater torque, improved flexibility and a quieter, more comfortable drive.

With 500 Nm from a low 1 750 r/min, the Bi-Turbo delivers a greater torque spread, with the 10-speed’s close ratios reducing gaps in power and acceleration to confidently conquer all types of terrain, while maintaining the Ranger’s exceptional payload and 3 500 kg towing capability.

Ranger’s fresh face

Rugged good looks define the current generation of the Ford Ranger, and the refreshed model for 2019 sees styling changes that further enhance the off-road stance and visual appeal. Led by a cleaner new grille which features the distinctive ‘nostrils’ and a more distinctively chiselled lower bumper with broader intake, it offers a more dynamic look.

There will also be a clearer distinction between models visually, with bumper treatments and colours reflecting the unique character of each model – whether a hard-working Ranger XL, or a go-anywhere Wildtrak.

Tougher, smarter

Already at the forefront of its segment in terms of advanced technologies for driving, safety, convenience and entertainment, the updated Ranger will raise the stakes even further.

Ford’s Pre-Collision Assist using Inter-Urban Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Vehicle Detection and Pedestrian Detection will be introduced on selected Ranger models in 2019.

The system is designed to detect pedestrians as well as vehicles and to bring Ranger to a complete stop, to help mitigate rear-end collisions and road-traffic collisions with pedestrians at speeds above 3.6 km/h.

This will be complemented by Passive Entry Passive Start (PEPS) keyless entry and push-button start. The Ranger’s easy-to-live-with features will also now include Active Park Assist (APA) on the range-topping derivatives, reducing stress by enabling semi-automatic parallel parking.

Loading will be made far easier with the introduction of an easy-lift tailgate on all pick-up models. With a new internal mechanism, the Ranger’s tailgate is lighter to lift, with a 70% reduction in initial force required to raise it for closing.

On-road comfort, off-road conquered

For 2019, the Ranger’s suspension has been upgraded across the range to reduce and better control roll, with an emphasis on improving the driving experience when fully laden and towing.

New packaging also enables geometry changes that bring improved ride, a reduction in body roll as well as improved steering precision. Crucially, while improving the drive and refinement, the suspension changes do not impact on Ranger’s exceptional towing and payload capabilities.

More details, including specifications, model range and pricing, will be released closer to launch.

Suksesvolle markdag vir Lingua Internasionale Opleidingskollege

May 21, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Suksesvolle markdag vir Lingua Internasionale OpleidingskollegePraktiese opleiding bly 'n wenner "Ons studente is geneig om meer geleenthede te kry in vergelyking met Unam (Universiteit van Namibië) en Nust (Namibië Universiteit van Wetenskap en Tegnologie) s’n.” - Leon Mettler, besturende direkteur, Lingua. Michelline Nawatises





Die Lingua Internasionale Opleidingskollege het op 16 Mei 'n markdag by die kollege se perseel in Windhoek aangebied. Dié dag was gemik op studente wat in toerisme- en bemarkingsrigtings studeer. Die studente het verskillende stalletjies aangebied, wat braaivleis, koek, koeldrank, tradisionele sap en skoonheidsprodukte verkoop het. Douglas Munangwa, ’n bemarkingsdosent, het gesê die markdag het ten doel om teoretiese kennis in die praktyk toe te pas en om studente met entrepreneursvaardighede toe te rus. Die bemarkingshoof, Albert Makuvaza, het gesê die markdag is 'n jaarlikse geleentheid en dat dit vanjaar so na aan die werklikheid as moontlik gemaak is om studente in staat te stel om hul uitgawes ook aan die belastingstelsel te koppel. Dit stel hulle in staat om te ervaar hoe die mark in werklikheid funksioneer. "Ons leer vooraf die teoretiese aspekte van bemarking en bespreek vooraf watter produkte verkoop gaan word. Studente se aanbieding, voorbereiding en die produk self word geëvalueer," het Makuvaza gesê.

Hy het bygevoeg studente word opgelei om werkgewers te wees en nie werknemers nie. Dít om studente aan te moedig om selfstandig te wees en hulle sodoende op die korporatiewe wêreld voor te berei. Volgens Leon Mettler, Lingua se besturende direkteur, is werkloosheid in Namibië endemies, veral onder die jeug. Lingua akkommodeer ook studente wat nie aan die minimumvereistes voldoen het nie. Van Lingua se derdejaarstudente is permanent in diens van organisasies terwyl hulle hul internskap van ses maande doen. "Met markdag moedig ons studente aan om entrepreneurs te wees sodat die werkloosheidsyfer kan daal, want die werklikheid is dat nie almal wat gradueer, in diens geneem gaan word nie,” sê Mettler.

Studente was opgewonde oor die dag, want nie net kon hulle die resultate van hul harde werk bewonder nie, maar ook hul opbrengs hou. Toini Haipinge en haar medestudente het pannekoek, koek en kolwyntjies verkoop. Sy het genoem van die uitdagings wat haar groep beleef het, was min kliënte, en dit het hulle aanvanklik ontmoedig.

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LaRRI maai wat hulle gesaai het

May 21, 2018, 4:00 pm

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LaRRI maai wat hulle gesaai het Michelline Nawatises

Die Arbeidshulpbron- en Navorsingsinstituut (LaRRI) het hul gradeplegtigheid op 11 Mei by die Hoërskool Voorsitter Moa Zedong in 7de Laan gehou.

Die tema was "Belegging in werkersopleiding vir onafhanklike denke".

’n Totaal van 24 studente het eksamens by die instituut afgelê en het sertifikate in arbeidstudies ontvang. Vier studente het elk ’n diploma in arbeidstudies ontvang.

Die vier toppresteerders is Ambambi Andreas, Nel Zenovan, Mutukuta Rosa en Andowa Elifas.

Andreas is as die instituut se magna cum laude aangewys.

Volgens Marius Kudumo moet vakbonde erken hulle verteenwoordig die werkersklas en die land as geheel.

"Ons land het vakbonde nodig wat die politieke en sosioëkonomiese uitdagings verstaan ??wat die werkersklas in die gesig staar," het hy gesê.

Hy het gesê vakbonde moet druk op die regering en die privaat sektor uitoefen om die opleiding van werkers en instansies te finansier.

Kudumo het vakbonde aangemoedig om kwessies te identifiseer en openbare beleid te beïnvloed ten gunste van arm en kwesbare lede van die samelewing.

Tydens die seremonie het Michael Akuupa, LaRRI se direkteur, die gegradueerdes gelukgewens en hulle aangeraai om hul stempel op die samelewing af te druk, asook om hul studies by ander plaaslike instansies voort te sit.

LaRRI is 'n navorsings- en opleidingsinstituut wat toegewy is aan die politieke en ekonomiese onafhanklikheid van alle werkers in Namibië.

Die instituut beywer homself vir ’n regverdige maatskaplike en ekonomiese samelewing deur middel van arbeidsnavorsing, onderwys en voorspraak.

LaRRI bied 'n wye verskeidenheid opleidingsprogramme in die belang van verskeie agente in die arbeidsmark.

Die Arbeidstudies-sertifikaat is die organisasie se kern-opleidingsaktiwiteit en is “oop vir almal wat belangstel”.

Kraatz takes in more interns

May 21, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Kraatz takes in more interns Now in its seventh year of existence, the internship programme of Kraatz Marine – a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group – is host to 11 more Namibian students from the Namibia Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT), bringing the total of participants to 80 since inception. Over the next six months, the 11 NIMT students will acquire relevant practical skills in Boiler Making & Welding, as well as Fitting & Turning.

Kraatz Human Capital Manager, Roberto January says: “Regardless of the challenging economic times, we remain committed to contributing to skills development and growth of the Namibian economy. Established seven years ago, the Kraatz Internship Program has played a critical part in enriching participants with the necessary skills and experience required for the labor market. This speaks directly to the O&L Group purpose ‘Creating a future, enhancing life’ which Kraatz is very passionate about. The programme enables students to do their job attachment to gain practical experience in preparation for the job market. The students receive on-the-job training and mentoring from Master Craftsmen with years of experience in the Industrial, Marine and Offshore industry.”

O&L Group Director: Human Capital, Berthold Mukuahima: “Kraatz’ internship program has proven to be a great success over the past years. The O&L Group is extremely proud of the commitment of Kraatz management and employees to keep this program alive and through it contribute to ongoing skills development which is absolutely commendable.”

The Kraatz Internship Program offer job attachment not only to students in their 3rd levels but gives opportunity to level 1 students as well. The level 3 students stay with the company for a total of 12 months, which is required by NIMT to qualify or trade as level 4. Students will be rotated to give them the exposure within the Marine & Offshore and Industrial Divisions respectively.

Shot of the day

May 21, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Shot of the day ROYALTY: A combination of pictures created in London on 19 May 2018 shows Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and his new wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, (L) leaving Westminster Abbey in London, after their wedding ceremony on 29 April 2011 and Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and his new wife Britain's Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, (R) after their wedding at Windsor Castle on Saturday. Photo: NAMPA/AFP

The cadre deployment conundrum

May 21, 2018, 4:00 pm

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The cadre deployment conundrum In the parlance of our times, so-called state capture, where the political elite and their business buddies conspire to drain state coffers, is among our number one enemies.

This creation of a shadow state, in which government is milked by those connected to the high-ups, is not a unicorn that prances around in South Africa or other neighbouring states, it is a reality in Namibia. Taking this debate further is the inevitable conclusion that so-called cadre or comrade deployment, by ruling parties, in the offices, ministries and agencies of the government, must be seen as the principle enabler to these activities.

In both South Africa and Namibia we have seen, since liberation, senior and other positions being filled in ministries and SOEs simply on the basis of the political affiliation of individuals.

It is wholly surprising that civil society has not challenged this cadre deployment in our courts, as it runs against the very grain of putting the country first in a constitutional democracy.

Even party members should be objecting, because in modern day politics, it is essentially victorious factions that place their members in key positions.

Namibia is in no better a state than South Africa, where so-called Zumanomics, practised under former President Jacob Zuma and his cabal, saw a ruinous policy implemented of rewarding loyal cadres with well-paid jobs at SOEs and the wastage and plundering of tens of billions in taxpayer money. It was revealed by public enterprises minister Leon Jooste in February that government spent more than N$12 billion to sustain Namibian SOEs with subsidies and guarantees in 2017/18 alone.

About N$8.8 billion was in guarantees, while more than N$3.4 billion was in the form of subsidies.

By the end of last year, SOE debt was N$43 billion, about 25% of GDP.

Sixty-seven percent of the N$43 billion owed by SOEs is from commercial public entities, while non-commercial parastatals owe 17% and state financial institutions 16%.

This is wholly unsustainable and points to the impact of cadre deployment, where meritocracy has been replaced by pliable party apparaticks, who are either funnelling money to business networks or are incompetent, and are simply there because of their proximity to the political elite.

Namibia can no longer afford such 'luxuries'.

Company news

May 21, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Company news Murray & Roberts agrees to buy Aveng

South African-based Murray & Roberts has agreed to buy construction firm Aveng Limited, although its biggest shareholder ATON said it will not support the one billion rand (US$78.5 million) takeover.

The proposed deal announced by both firms on Friday would give additional scale in Murray & Roberts’ (M&R) key markets such as Australasia and Africa, while shoring up liquidity in loss-making Aveng in the near-term.

The deal comes after a month after Murray & Roberts (M&R) rejected a takeover bid by German investor and biggest shareholder ATON.

-Nampa/Reuters

Anadarko seeks to raise US$14-15b

Anadarko Petroleum is seeking to raise a record US$14 to US$15 billion from banks and export credit agencies for its huge liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Mozambique, sources close to the matter said.

Fast-growing gas demand from China and Southeast Asia is reassuring export project developers sitting on huge untapped gas discoveries in Mozambique and elsewhere that the market cycle is turning after three years of low prices.

-Nampa/Reuters

Steinhoff seeks three-year debt extension

Steinhoff International Holdings is seeking a three-year extension on most of its US$11.3billion of debt as the retailer battles to come to grips with an accounting scandal that’s wiped more than 96% off the share price.

The owner of Conforama in France and Mattress Firm in the US presented an initial restructuring plan to creditors in London on Friday it said is “essential” for the company to survive.

Steinhoff proposed its holding company debt be extended and that it pay no cash interest, except on loans of the Hemisphere real estate unit.

-Fin24

Postal Service urged to double rates for Amazon

President Donald Trump has personally pushed the postmaster general to double the rates the US Postal Service charges Amazon.com and other companies to ship packages, the Washington Post reported on Friday, citing three unnamed sources.

Postmaster general Megan Brennan resisted Trump’s suggestion in private conversations in 2017 and 2018, telling him that package delivery rates are set by contract and reviewed by an independent commission, the sources said, according to the newspaper.

She also told Trump, using a set of slides that showed other companies besides Amazon that partner for deliveries, that the arrangements have helped the financially challenged Postal Service, the Post said, citing the sources.

-Nampa/Reuters

LG Group chairman dies

The chairman of LG Group, Koo Bon-moo, who helped transform South Korea’s fourth-largest conglomerate into a global brand, passed away on Sunday after a battle with a brain disease.

Koo, 73, had been ill for a year, LG Group said in a statement.

Koo had been fighting a brain disease and had undergone surgery, said a group official who declined to be identified.

“Becoming the third chairman of LG at the age of 50 in 1995, Koo established three key businesses - electronics, chemicals and telecommunications - led a global company LG, and contributed to driving (South Korea’s) industrial competitiveness and national economic development,” LG said.

-Nampa/Reuters

Homeless People's Parliament to restore dignity

May 21, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Homeless People's Parliament to restore dignityStreet people accuse police of abusive treatment Homeless people last week spoke out about their lives on the streets and their struggle to benefit from public services. The devastating consequences of life on the street were laid bare during the inaugural Homeless People's Parliament that was held last week under the theme 'Voice of the Voiceless…Dignity Restored'.

Those who have made the country's bridges, riverbeds, and other unsavoury places their home accused the police of abusing their power and said that narrow-minded government policies shut out the most vulnerable.

Uncensored tales were shared of how people are kicked and woken with ice-cold water in the dead of the night, and how a mother was manhandled as the police took away her child under the pretext of social work.

“I never abused my child, I looked after my child… you [came] and grabbed him out of my arms. You even hurt my hips and you ran off with my child. You never asked me for the child. When I came outside there was no one. I was left with only the milk bottle and blankets of my child. You killed me,” sobbed Cynthia Xoagus.

According to her she was never informed where the child was taken and for how long he would be kept there.

City Police Superintendent Cecilia Kolokwe admitted that she was forced to take away Xoagus's child, who was severely malnourished, after six visits.

“You know very well why I took your child. The child ended up in the intensive care unit because of malnutrition. And I came back to you and I told you that you could get him if you got your things in order.”

Kolokwe added that Xoagus's situation enriched people who “took pictures” of her.

“Your situation is enriching other people. They are coming every day taking your pictures. Thousands and thousands are paid to them and you only get a thousand of that.”

Xoagus also accused the police of killing her brother. “You kicked my brother like a dog in Damara 7. You hit him with the 'prodder' and threw him with cold water and said 'we are not done'. What is the meaning?” she sobbed.

Kolokwe then challenged Xoagus to talk about the behaviour and sexual antics of street children.

“Those kids are sodomising each other but it is not reported. They are fighting with the matron at the hospital to sleep with their 13-year-old girlfriends in one bed,” she said.

Responding to a question whether the police are allowed to assault the homeless while they are asleep, Kolokwe said minimum force was allowed.

She emphasised that she would prevent crime at all costs and would not tolerate squatting in riverbeds and in the mountains.

“If you run into the tunnel and I am chasing you [then] I will shoot into the air. I will make sure I get you… ”

She warned that illegal squatting was not allowed.

The Speaker of the Homeless People's Parliament, Romanzo Steenkamp, said Rome was not built in one day.

“Unofficially we are still unemployed. Unofficially we are still homeless. But we have a voice and that glimmer of hope,” he said.

Steenkamp, who has been on the street for about ten months, lives in a local shelter which he calls a sanctuary. He said there was a perception that all homeless people are thieves, drug addicts, alcoholics, prostitutes and swindlers.

“It is not. We are educated and decent people but we have made a few bad choices and life gave us a raw deal and we must deal with it,” he said.

One of the members, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said some of them were driven to the streets and did things that went against their principles, but the “hustle must continue”.

“Sometimes we are forced to sell our bodies because we have children and parents who rely on us. Sometimes begging does not work and we need to sleep and eat so you are forced to do it,” she said.

When illness strikes, they say they cannot afford to pay the nominal fee for state health services.

Joan van Rooyen, a disabled homeless person who was medically boarded by her former employer, pleaded with the government to introduce a section specifically for the disabled.

“I know how it feels for a disabled person to be in pain. No one seems to care and sometimes we do not even have the money to have the [health] passport stamped.”

Charles Saulse shared that his two siblings and his mother all suffer from schizophrenia, but the medication they are given by the public health service does not work.

Puumue Katjiuanjo, director of epidemiology in the ministry of health and social services, said often the government advocates for certain human rights but forgets that there are people who do not have access to these rights.

“Often we are sitting in our revolving chairs and we do not know what is going on in the streets. We say, 'wash your hands before eating', but where is the water? We say, 'boil the water', but there is no fire. They say, 'do not take the medication on an empty stomach', but where is the food? It is your right to demand to be seen by health workers for free,” he said.

Seven resolutions were passed that included the provision of shelter, alcohol and drug abuse, lack of access to public services, and a plea to the government to assist with their reintegrated into mainstream society.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Concerns over campus safety

May 21, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Concerns over campus safetyStudents not feeling safe while being educated The Zone sat down with officials from the three main university campuses in the country to find out what exactly what is being done to ensure the safety of students. Tunohole Mungoba

The months of May and June are known to be examination season for university students, so libraries will be packed to the brim. Matilda* (not her real name) had just

finished a five-hour studying session at the University of Namibia (Unam) library and was headed home around 21:25 a month ago. “I was studying for a test I was going to write the following week and I always opt to study in the library, because I cannot focus at home. I went outside and stood by the taxi rank and I stopped a cab to go home in Rocky Crest. There were only two passengers in the cab. A woman in the front seat and a man in the back,” she said. Matilda got in the cab and did not have any suspicions until the taxi driver started driving slowly and reducing the volume of the car radio. “I thought someone was receiving a call and he turned down the volume so that one of us could answer their phone. This was not the case as the man sitting at the back behind with me pulled out a gun and

told me to give him everything I had,” narrated the traumatised Matilda. In fear of her life, Matilda tried to plead with the man to not pull the trigger and handed over her cellphone, schoolbag with her laptop, textbooks and wallet. “The taxi driver and the woman in front did not even react or turn around to help me. I suspect they were working together. “Although some people told me I was not supposed to give my things, because they are assuming the gun was not loaded with any bullets, I was not willing to take any chances. They stopped in some nearby bushes in Hochland Park and threw me out of the taxi,” she said. Matilda was fortunate enough to have relatives staying in that same suburb and walked to their house and reported the crime. Armed robberies in taxis are a growing phenomenon in Namibia and taxi drivers target mostly students making use of the public transport in the late hours of the night. Fighting crime The Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) has numerous measures in place regarding the safety of students on campus.

“We are approaching exams soon, so our students make use of the 24-hour external libraries. Although, it is rare, some students have been robbed when walking towards the end of the streets looking for cab,” said Nust SRC president, Marvellous Shilongo. “We have security guards who walk around campus with guns, in order to avoid crimes being attempted on the students and lecturers. They also stand by the entrances of the different lecture buildings to make sure that students are the only ones given access to enter these buildings,” she said.

“The major crimes being reported on campus that we have experienced so far are students being robbed of their goods, especially cellphones and laptops. However, this has not happened in a long time.” Similar to a neighbourhood watch, Nust has established the Nust Students against Crime Society (NSAC). “This society was established a few years back by students with the aim of empowering and supporting other students by fighting off crime and creating a safe haven on campus. This society works closely with the campus control, which is a body within Nust that monitors all activities on campus and deploys security guards to different stations. They also work closely with the City Police,” explained Shilongo.

“This makes it easier for crimes to be reported quickly and to receive a fast response from the police.” One of the biggest challenges that Shilongo and the rest of her SRC team struggle with is the absence of a taxi rank on campus, which forces students to walk far distances to get a taxi. “This increases their chances of being robbed, because we have security guards monitoring the end of different streets, but they too cannot go far from their station. The guards with guns at

the places where students are able to access taxis are there, but we try our best to protect our students.” Shilongo advises students to recruit a taxi driver that picks them up on a daily basis, instead of getting into different cabs each time. “It is safer than having a student use any taxi. Try your best to not get into cabs that look suspicious and always trust your gut.”

Safety and security

Fernando Lussati, SRC member for transport and security at the International University of Management (IUM) in Dorado Park, says the campus has cameras placed at different locations for tracking purposes. “We also have some outside the taxi rank, so they have the ability to capture some of those angles,” he said. Lussati says there have been a few incidents in which students’ schoolbags were stolen during examinations, because they were left outside the examination building. “The security guards got distracted and the thieves managed to get to the bags. This was difficult to trace for us, because the cameras did not reach those angles,” he explained.

The Dorado Park community has collaborated with IUM students by joining hands to fight against crime. “The neighbourhood watch approached us to work together and look out for the safety of the students. They urged students to start up a watchdog on campus as well.” During a meeting with management and the City Police, it was agreed that IUM security guards will escort students, especially females, when they come out of class and are looking for cabs. “At night, these cameras cannot capture the taxi information, so if something happens, at least we do our best to keep them safe. However, students should remember that we cannot control the movements of these taxis. Our duty is only to keep them safe within the boundaries of IUM,” warned Lussati. He has also noticed a pattern of hostel girls being targeted by thieves, as they usually walk to the shops for necessities. “Girls should always walk in groups as these criminals are always monitoring movements on the road. Once they notice the street is quiet, they will attack,” he said.

Major concern

Abel Jason, SRC secretary for internal affairs at the University of Namibia (Unam) says students do not adhere to the advice provided to them. “It is a very big challenge to us, as we have no control over anyone. We cannot force them to do things they do not feel like doing. For example, they have made it a habit to stay out very late and walk around at odd hours in the night, whilst there is poor lighting available on campus and it is not safe for anyone,” said Jason.

The university has also established a campus neighbourhood watch, which is made up of students - mostly student leaders that form part of the SRC, the hostel housing committee, society chairpersons, faculty representatives and members of the sport clubs. “With the help of at least two security guards, we do occasional patrols on campus in the late night hours and we report any suspicious activities taking place,” he said.

The SRC has also printed out safety tip posters that are displayed on notice boards all over campus. “Robbery at knifepoint is one of the most serious criminal activities we experience around here on campus. These robbers know that in late night hours, students carry their valuable items such as cellphones and laptops, especially around this time they are busy with their exams,” added Jason.

“Students walk at night to and from their studying areas, so they take advantage by preying on them like some hungry wild animals.

“There have also been numerous incidences of car break-ins, whereby people find their cars broken into, their items stolen from their cars and some of their car parts disappear, such as wheel covers and other parts that can be easily removed from a car. “In case you find yourself in a situation where you have to choose between your life and items, I advise you to let go of the items and spare your life, once you lose your life you lose yourself; an item can always be replaced,” said Jason.

Top safety tips

• Take responsibility for yourself: Make sure your cellphone is charged and is able to make calls when you go out, in case of an emergency or if you lose the people you are with; and always try to leave public places with friends.

• Have precautions in place when going out - especially if you are alone. Know how you will get home, and plan ahead if you’re going somewhere you don’t know. Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back. If you have to walk alone in the dark, try to avoid badly lit areas.

• Watch how much you drink: It’s easier to do something risky or foolish when you are drunk; and you’re more likely to lose your belongings. Eat before you drink alcohol, and drink plenty of water. Keep track of what and how much you’re drinking. Drinks do get spiked with drugs, so never leave your drink unattended or accept a drink from a stranger.

• Be extra wary of your car. Immobilise your car whenever you leave it, even for a few minutes. Think about where you park. Stealing from vehicles is a major problem and you should routinely remove your CD player and store it in a safe place.

• Keep personal details safe: Don’t leave yourself vulnerable to identity theft or be casual with your personal details. Keep your driving licence, ID and passport safe.

• Be extra careful with money. Check an ATM for signs of interference before using it. Never accept a stranger’s help when using a cash machine, and be aware of people crowding around you.

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Getting dirty…..

May 21, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Getting dirty….. In light of the upcoming nationwide clean-up campaign next week, FNB employees are playing their part countrywide. Elzita Beukes, communications manager at the bank said that the enthusiasm from the FNB branches and business units has been encouraging. “As custodians of our planet, we felt it important to join hands and to clean the Namibian house as requested by our President. We mobilised our staff members to get their hands dirty and clean our country and we are proud of the work done thus far. Clean-up campaigns have been happening all over the country and we thank all our staff and encourage them to continue with this great initiative.”

In the picture, FNB’s Maerua Mall branch staff cleaned from the mall all the way to Ausspannplatz park. Photo: Contributed

Zimbabwe mines need $11 billion to modernise

May 21, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Zimbabwe mines need $11 billion to modernise Zimbabwe needs up to US$11 billion to modernise its mines and boost production to maximum capacity over the next five years, the head of the country’s Chamber of Mines said on Friday.

Foreign investor interest in the southern African nation is growing after the fall of longtime leader Robert Mugabe following a de facto military coup last November but projects are still constrained by lack of funding.

Batirai Manhando, Chamber of Mines president, said with the exception of platinum producers, all other mines, including those of gold, nickel, cobalt and coal were operating below their installed capacity.

Mining generates more than half of Zimbabwe’s export receipts — last year it earned US$2.8 billion — but industry executives say it has the potential to earn more with increased investment.

“The local mining industry is currently operating below capacity on the back of capital shortages,” Manhando told an annual meeting of the mining chamber.

“At the beginning of the year the capital intensive industry required US$7 billion for both ramp-up and sustenance capital. The figure has lately been revised upwards to US$11 billion with renewed interest in our sector,” Manhando said.

Zimbabwe holds the second largest deposits of platinum and chrome after South Africa and has lately seen increased interest from lithium investors, who however say funding still remains a hurdle.

Manhando said mining companies in Zimbabwe faced problems that included high costs of electricity, labour and royalty fees when compared to other jurisdictions. There had also been little exploration in the country since 2000, he added.

Equipment at most mines was more than 50 years old, severely undermining efficiency and cost effectiveness of the sector, said Manhando.

Mines Minister Winston Chitando said the government would announce a new “mining vision” at the end of June and projected that the output of gold could rise to 85 tonnes in five years.

Output of gold, the biggest mineral by earnings, is expected to rise to 30 tonnes this year from 23 tonnes in 2017, according to Ministry of Mines data.

-Nampa/Reuters

Bridal Couple winners to be announced at NTE

May 21, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Bridal Couple winners to be announced at NTE With fantastic prizes up for grabs and the chance to walk away as the winners of Republikein's Bridal Couple of the Year, the ten finalist couples for this year's event are waiting in anticipation for the final taking place on Saturday, 2 June at the Namibia Tourism Expo (NTE).

Judging by the close to 7 500 SMSes the newspaper received to determine the top 10, the final taking place at the Mopani Hall at the Windhoek Showgrounds at 13:00 promises to deliver great excitement once again.

However, it cost months of preparation to get to where the finalists are now. Each couple that entered had to submit wedding photos as well as the romantic tale of how they met, their wedding day and plans for the future. Following a selection process by judges in the photographic, events planning and beauty professions, 30 semi-finalists where chosen out of the 160 entries received. No easy task!

An even bigger responsibility rested on readers' shoulders, as they determined which couples would be part of the finalists.

These couples will be announced in Republikein's Kollig supplement as well as the newspaper's Facebook page on Thursday.

Finally, on Saturday 2 June, the couples have the chance to introduce themselves to the public and to compete against each other for their share of the prizes.

To see the couples in action and dressed in their wedding attire, visitors to the NTE can keep a lookout for the participating couples on the showgrounds and in the Mopani Hall.

While they don't want to let the cat out of the bag with regards to what can be expected at the final, the organisers are willing to admit that it involves something sweet!

GERINE HOFF

The battle of the tour operators

May 21, 2018, 4:00 pm

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The battle of the tour operatorsRTA winners to be announced at Expo The three finalists in Namibia Media Holdings' Responsible Tourism Awards category for tour operators are Abenteuer Afrika Safari, Ultimate Safaris and Wild Dog Safaris. The winner of the Responsible Tourism Awards (RTA) in the tour operators' category will be announced at this year's Namibia Tourism Expo.

The finalists for this year are Abenteuer Afrika Safari, Ultimate Safaris and Wild Dog Safaris.

Abenteuer Afrika believes that visiting Namibia provides a unique wellness to the soul. This is the secret that not only attracts new people yearly, but makes them come back time after time. While guests can focus on enjoying this wellness experience, Abenteuer will deal with everything else. Whether you're travelling with a friend or in a group of a 100 people, Abenteuer is able to arrange your entire itinerary with ease, no matter how complicated, from arrival to departure and everything in between.

True to its name, Ultimate Safaris provides guests visiting Namibia with exactly that: the ultimate safari experience. For the conservationists at heart, Ultimate Safaris offers two conservation-themed safaris, one which focuses on the big cats, the other on giraffes. The tour includes three nights spent in the field with the researchers giving first-hand experience of the work done there.

When travelling with Ultimate Safaris, be sure to book a few nights at their //Huab mobile camp situated in Damaraland. Not only offering the ultimate in exclusivity, it also offers the chance to track desert-adapted rhinos with the local rhino rangers.

Specialising in camping tours, Wild Dog Safaris is definitely the way to see Namibia for those who are more adventure-minded. With 20 years of experience, you can be assured that your visit to Namibia will be an unforgettable experience. A great way to see the country is booking one or more of the scheduled tours offered and visiting some of the best Namibia has to offer in the expert care of an experienced guide.

If travelling in a group is not your thing, Wild Dog Safaris will create a private itinerary specially made to suit your interests and desires.

The RTA as initiated by Namibia Media Holdings (NMH) aims to acknowledge and reward tourism operators in accommodation establishments who practise ecotourism in their operations as well as those who invest in the communities where they operate.

The awards are linked to the Namibia Tourism Expo, an annual event which brings together tourism operators from Namibia and neighbouring countries to network and market their products and services.

The winners will be announced at the official opening of the Namibia Tourism Expo that will take place at the Windhoek Showgrounds on 30 May.

The theme of this year's expo is 'Conservation – Small Things Matter' and the RTA winners will be selected during an assessment process that focuses on this theme.





GERINE HOFF

Wernhil introduces Section 1 of Phase 4

May 21, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Wernhil introduces Section 1 of Phase 4To be completed by mid-2019 The construction of Wernhil Park Phase 4, will according to managing director of Broll Namibia, Marco Wenk ensure Wernhil Park will grow to offer approximately 55 000m2 of prime retail, allowing it to compete head-on with other regional malls located in Windhoek's ever expanding retail landscape. “I am impressed with what I see and have to commend the project team and Broll Namibia for meeting the initial development timeline”, Muesee Kazapua, Mayor, City of Windhoek At a cost of over N$450 million, Wernhil Park Phase 4 will be constructed in two sections with the first section scheduled to commence trade by 1 June 2018.

On Thursday, 17 May 2018, Broll Namibia - a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group – and O&L hosted the Mayor of the City of Windhoek, Muesee Kazapua, members of Council of the City of Windhoek, City of Windhoek strategic executives and other stakeholders for a site tour of the nearly completed first section of Phase 4 as well as providing an update on the remainder of the development.

O&L, through Broll Namibia has so far spent at least N$160 million on the construction of Wernhil Park Phase 4, and according to Wenk, Section 1 will host at least 9 new shops including: Dis-Chem; Soda Bloc; Exact; Due South; Markham; Sportscene; Donna; Fabiani, and @Home. Wenk: “We are extremely happy with the progress of the entire development and thank all crucial stakeholders as well as the development team for their efforts and perseverance in getting us to this point.

We are excited to present our valued shoppers and tenants with the first section of Phase 4 when trade commences on the 1st of June 2018. Our tenants and shoppers' continued support and patience during the construction period is sincerely appreciated, and we can assure you that the unfortunate inconvenience that comes with a development of this magnitude will be worth it in the end.”

The first section of the new phase involved the conversion of the upper parking deck located on the southern side of Wernhil Park, into prime retail shops.

Broll Namibia public relations & marketing manager, Sylvia Rusch says section two will entail the bulk of the development (consisting of retail, parking and an additional taxi rank facility) on the site where Cashbuild and Fruit & Veg used to be, as well as the bridge link currently under construction over Fidel Castro Street, connecting Sections 1 and 2. Rusch: “The extension to Wernhil Park will enhance the overall shopping experience on offer by not only providing more space, thus reducing congestion within the mall, but it will further ensure that the Centre's variety and choice from a retailer mix perspective, and convenience in terms of parking, will be significantly improved for the CBD shopper. In addition to this, a second taxi rank (public transport facility), a fully-fledged medical facility and overall easier pedestrian access into the mall from particularly the southern part of the Centre will add to the convenience factor of the future Wernhil Park.”

Kazapua during the walk-through of section 1 expressed his appreciation for the investment into the Central Business District (CBD). Kazapua: “I am impressed with what I see and have to commend the project team and Broll Namibia for meeting the initial development timeline..

This is certainly a great contribution to the initiatives supported by the City of Windhoek to further improve and add to Windhoek's CBD, which has over the years been impacted by decentralisation.”

Managing director of SIP Project Managers (Namibia), and project manager of Wernhil Park Phase 4, Jacky Jacobs: “The official site handover to the main contractor, Namibia Construction took place on the 3rd of July 2017 and a mere eleven months later, the 1st section of the development will be ready for trade. Although this is an extremely challenging project, progress on the balance of the development is going well and we look forward to meeting the completion deadline of the whole development by 1 June 2019.”

Since it first opened its doors twenty-eight (28) years ago, Wernhil Park has seen several stages of growth and development. This, according to Wenk falls in line with Broll Namibia's commitment to enhance and keep the shopping experience on par with international standards. The entire new phase of Wernhil Park is expected to be complete by June 2019.