The state of local comedy

May 31, 2018, 4:00 pm

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The state of local comedy This week, Tapiwa shares his views on Namibian comedy and how we could better it.

A lot of people can tell you that you can sing, act or crack a joke. Some will even advise you to take it up and make it a job. It has been proven that only 25% of people have been successful in these careers after been told by friends to take them up. Tapiwa Makaza, previously known as Taap the Guy, is one of the few who can share a story of success. Here's what the local comedian says.

Having been in the industry and with the Free Your Mind (FYM) comedy show since the age of 15, Makaza believes there is growth that needs to be appreciated more. He says the Namibian comedy sector has come far and credit must be given to the likes of Neville Basson and Lazarus Jacobs. The comedian says a lot needs to be done though as there is only one platform in the whole country which is FYM and this is not good enough. One of the major setbacks, according to him, is that one cannot be a full-time comedian yet.

“I wish people could take comedy more seriously for it to be an industry within the entertainment and arts field. This is will allow comedians to emerge and give them a platform to showcase their talent, which we have a lot of,” he says.

One of his aspirations is for Namibia to produce a comedy movie starring local actors and comedians. He says this will strengthen unity within the industry and it can also help elevate its standards. With this in mind, the comedian says he's working on a sketch show that could perhaps open up doors and get the public and stakeholders involved.

“Many of the film productions made here have strong messages behind them and none of them are really just funny. I want to make something like the Saturday Night Live Show but way smaller, for now,” he says.

The FYM comedian will be taking part in the upcoming Comrades in Comedy which will feature all the top Namibian comedians. Makaza is excited to perform as he was an MSC Seaside cruise liner comedian the whole of last year and was touring Europe. The show will be at the Warehouse Theatre on 7 June from 20:00. Tickets are selling for N$100 in advance at PayToday and all Airtime City Kiosks and N$150 at the door.

“Usually all our FYM shows are themed but not this one, which is why it is going to be epic. Everyone should come out and show our South African guest Mapomani that we too know how to crack jokes and laugh at them,” he concluded

June Shimuoshili

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Made In Africa show to empower local designers

May 31, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Made In Africa show to empower local designersNamibian designer to take part Hosted by Nandi Madida, Made In Africa is reality series searching for the continent's best emerging fashion designer. In the wild and creative world of fashion, the true stars are the ones who not only think outside the box, but imagine that the box does not even exist. BET in Africa brings you a brand new local production, aimed at discovering the best emerging designers from across Africa. The reality series spotlights the quest that is Africa's fashion revolution on BET (DStv 129).

Made in Africa is hosted and co-produced by multi-talented style queen Nandi Madida. Speaking to tjil, Madida says she is honoured to be working both as the host and co-producing the show. Speaking from experience where she was looking at for wanting more, Madida said females being given the opportunity to be behind the camera is a great step forward and she believes producing is becoming less of a 'man's world'.

“The producing world for a long time has been male-dominated. But we now see it changing and that is great because we are no longer seen as pretty faces. Females all over are rising and we see this with the #MeToo campaign. Finally our sisters and mothers stand a chance,” she said.

The series is a partnership between BET in Africa and the KZN Film Commission. The African fashion industry has boomed in the past decade, with fashion designers from the continent blowing up catwalks across the world with their bold prints, bright colours and unfettered creativity. BET celebrates design from across mother Africa where emerging designers battle it out to be a cut above the rest.

The reality show is the first of its kind that celebrates African designers and their creativity. Madida says the platform is long overdue and is grateful for BET Africa recognising this and giving African talent a platform. The search is for Africa's next design star where the last designer left standing will have their collection made available to consumers in a leading national retail store.

Each episode features main panellist Vanessa Leisegang along with a rotating panel of fashion industry experts including Zama Mathe and Adama Amanda Ndiaye from Senegal, discussing the latest industry trends and news in the world of fashion. A theme is assigned for the contestants to draw inspiration and creativity for their masterful designs. This includes drawing inspiration from architecture, the wilderness, bridal wear, film, sports, visual arts and the red carpet. In the first episode of Made In Africa we meet designers, Noloyisa Lubelwana and Towa Mungandi as the two go head-to-head in a competition against the clock, hoping to impress the judges in the Fashion-In-The-Wilderness challenge.

STAFF REPORTER

Like a phoenix, KK rises with great creative juices

May 31, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Like a phoenix, KK rises with great creative juicesEverything you didn't know about KK's Khaima song and video KK speaks to tjil about his past flaws and pains, and how he channelled them all into his music. Khaima, which when loosely translated means 'stand up', is the latest offering from renowned hip-hop artist KK.

The song and video which features kwaito acts Tswazis have been the talk of the town for a while now and it has been nothing but praises to the artist. KK, who admits to being inconsistent with his career, has shown how much he has grown as an artist with his latest work, and said he plans on keeping up his status. In an interview with tjil, the artist shares deep sentiments about his work and answers the how and why questions that his fans may have.

Tjil (T): There are a lot of emotions visible Khaima's lyrics. What space were you in when you made the song?

KK: I was going through a rough time especially during the last couple months of 2017. That influenced how I came about writing the song. It is very emotional because it's influenced by everything I went through.

T: In your opening line you sing 'been at it for some years now so little to show for I'm still going to go for it'. Why did you opt to start with that?

KK: I have been a mainstream artist for almost ten years now and due to my inconsistencies and lack of focus for many of those years, I missed out on a lot of accomplishments. Yes, I achieved a lot of things which I'm proud of and grateful for, but had I been more focused, I feel I would have been much further in my career. I regret nothing and the way I take on life is with the motto whatever must be, will be and everything that happened was for a reason. I learn from it all.

T: What was the goal of the video's storyline?

KK: I wanted people to understand where I come from, my background, roots and culture. I was raised in Gibeon and I spent most of my childhood there and a lot of people don't know this about me. I just wanted people to understand that. Hip-hop is a western medium which we adopted and somewhere along the line, we lost our roots and we are somehow being judged for this. With the video storyline I felt that we needed to stay true to hip-hop and at the same time stay true to who we are as Namibians and Africans.

T: Will we be seeing more of this in your work?

KK: Definitely, this is something I want to continue to be able to represent my country and who we are as Nama/Damara, Namibians and Africans. More of these elements will feature in my future projects.

T: What else will we be getting from you this year?

KK: I am busy wrapping up my album I.N.R.I and two more videos. There is a lot that my team and I have planned so expect a lot more and keep on supporting.

JUNE SHIMUOSHILI

New landmark for chart-topping Discovery Sport

May 31, 2018, 4:00 pm

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New landmark for chart-topping Discovery SportUnique special edition The Land Rover Discovery Sport Landmark Edition will be available from September 2018. The Discovery Sport is loved by customers because it demonstrates the breadth of Land Rover’s ability. - Finbar McFall, Global Product Marketing Director: Land Rover Land Rover has enhanced its record-breaking Discovery Sport range with a new special edition.

The new Landmark Edition salutes Discovery Sport's success as the fastest-selling Land Rover of all time – coinciding with the brand's year-long 70th anniversary celebrations. The Landmark comes in a unique colour and trim combination, and is available with the Td4 132kW diesel 2.0-litre Ingenium engine.

Finbar McFall, Global Product Marketing Director, said: “The Discovery Sport is loved by customers because it demonstrates the breadth of Land Rover’s ability, offering unrivalled all-terrain capability with the versatility for up to seven people and a premium interior. We have sold more than 350 000 Discovery Sports globally since its introduction in 2014, with 126 078 models sold in 2017 – the best single-model annual sales in Land Rover’s 70-year history.”

The first model to be built on Land Rover’s 70th birthday on 30 April was a Discovery Sport, at Land Rover’s Halewood plant in Merseyside. This vehicle will be used to support a number of projects in 2018, starting with a community resilience project in Scotland which will be announced in June.

The Discovery Sport Landmark is available in three colours: Narvik Black, Corris Grey and Yulong White, all crowned with a Carpathian Grey contrast roof. It features a sporty and dynamic front bumper, with Graphite Atlas exterior accents and 19 inch Style 521 ‘Mantis’ wheels in Gloss Dark Grey. The interior features Ebony grained leather seats and an Ebony headliner, complemented by dark grey aluminium finishers around the centre stack. - MotorPress

Open-air version of Nissan LEAF debuts

May 31, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Open-air version of Nissan LEAF debuts Nissan showed the Nissan LEAF Open Car, an open-air version of the new Nissan LEAF, in Tokyo last week. The 100% electric car was displayed at a forum to celebrate the milestone of 100 000 sales of the Nissan LEAF in Japan since the model was first introduced in 2010. The new generation of the Nissan LEAF debuted in October 2017, featuring improved range and advanced Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies such as e-Pedal, the ProPILOT driver assistance system and ProPILOT Park. There are currently no production plans for the LEAF Open Car. Photos MotorPress

Goodyear presents top technologies at Tyre Cologne 2018

May 31, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Goodyear presents top technologies at Tyre Cologne 2018 The futuristic Oxygene photosynthesis tyre, that symbolises Goodyear’s vision for clean mobility in the cities of the future, impressed the entire jury at this year’s Creative Awards and won in the category Best Green Idea.

“The much-coveted Creative Award acknowledges our company’s innovative power, as we are working towards the mobility solutions of tomorrow,” summarises Jürgen Titz, Goodyear’s Chairman of the DACH.

With real moss in the sidewall, the Oxygene tyres trigger the process of photosynthesis to match the manufacturer’s vision for better air quality in cities of the future.

Commenting on the benefits of using these tyres, Saburo Miyabe, Chief Engineer at Goodyear Germany, said: “If around 2.5 million cars would drive on moss tyres in a city like Paris, there would be around 3 000 tonnes more oxygen and 4 000 tonnes less carbon dioxide in the air.”

Clean start to the future

The prototype of the EfficientGrip Performance with Electric Drive Technology – a tyre especially designed to meet the specific demands of the growing market of electric vehicles – will also be showcased in Germany. The high-tech tyre will be on European roads by 2019.

Miyabe explains the technology behind this: “The tyre compensates better for the high torque of electric vehicles and is exceptionally quiet. The tyre is also able to counter the additional weight of the battery and scores with its extremely low rolling resistance, which increases the range of electric vehicles.

Other highlights for cars include the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3, in which the manufacturer also provides a design for SUVs.

The Tyre Cologne is a new trade fair for tyres and wheels celebrating its premiere from 29 May to 1 June 2018 in Cologne, Germany. The four-day event is a business- and trend trade fair, and includes trade congresses, special and other events. - QuickPic

Get it and get it right!

May 31, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Get it and get it right! In this day and age we have models that double as radio presenters, MCs, video directors, actors and dancers - all under one roof.

They are the people who everyone runs to for almost every event. Some of them have become household names and are respected for their handiwork.

We can see there is professional development in being a jack of all trades. The fact that many entertainers, or those in the entertainment industry, have many talents puts them at a competitive edge over their peers in the industry. They can do a variety of things without difficulty.

As a multi-talented person, you have a choice. Possessing numerous interests and essentially being capable of selecting one or more to follow is a luxury. Many generations before us didn't have a choice.

Although it can be a burden for many people the jack of all trades have mastered the art of doing numerous things at once and some are excelling in their careers.

Although it is definitely a bonus but for some people, it also lead to burnout.

The pressure is too much and the cracks start to show. I understand a few people have taken full advantage of their talents, but many have also become victims to their many talents.

There are singers who are MCs and their masters of ceremony careers overshadow their singing careers. Sometimes even the public is confused about what some people are doing, because they are involved in everything.

People have a very short attention span and some entertainers have long been forgotten, because they have involved themselves in way too many things.

You become so popular, it is very annoying for some people, and then they eventually move on from you, because they have been overexposed to your personality already.

We can only appreciate you on your journey and will certainly applaud many of the multi-talented individuals, but they also need to keep in mind that having many talents comes with the good and the bad.



June Shimuoshili



june@namibiansun.com

Nascam rallies behind its members

May 31, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Nascam rallies behind its membersLegal action to be taken by artists should event organisers refuse to pay The CEO of Nascam shared solutions regarding musicians who perform without being paid, and event organisers calling it 'exposure' or underpaying. Nascam CEO John Max urged event organisers to respect artists and stop paying them with 'exposure'.

Max says it's high time a career in the music industry is treated as any other, and that artists are treated well for their work.

According to Max, music has a long-lasting value, one that is timeless.

Its creation has led to the development of laws that protect the creators of the intellectual product called sound accompanied by thoughtful words that bring people together, all over the world.

“There are companies in Namibia and all over the world that have invested in the music world. This is a sign of its value,” said Max.

Max said the public at large - all the stakeholders from artists, dancers, producers, lecturers, performers and choir leaders should be treated with respect.

He added event organisers who request artists to perform at their events should adhere to the terms provided for, especially by the Nascam members.

Should the conditions not be met, Max says legal action must be taken.

“Please, if the agreement has not been adhered to, there should be no other option and law enforcement or legal processes should immediately take their course. We urge to the Namibian police and law firms in Namibia to help proceed with prosecuting those trying to disturb our cultural and music industry and its true worth and value,” he said.

He concluded by saying should organisers not have enough funds to pay the artists, they should not take chances with them and that the culture of 'exposure' must come to an end.

He also said artists must not be treated like lower class citizens as 'exposure' does not pay bills or provide food for their families.

“Please do not take chances with our members. You want to give them 'exposure' for content that is made through so much effort? That is not fair. Unfortunately, 'exposure' does not pay the rent, it does not buy groceries and toiletries,” he concluded.

JUNE SHIMUOSHILI

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Women in beauty defy the odds

May 31, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Women in beauty defy the odds Beauty Fusion, which brings the sector together, will be hosted for the second time this weekend.

Lumiere - The Style Avenue, which also hosted the first Beauty Fusion event, where local women in the beauty business gathered to network and showcase their businesses, will also host tomorrow's all-day

Beauty Fusion is a platform for beauty-related entrepreneurs to display their products or services. This first event of its kind in Namibia was hosted earlier this year and was a success.

With the overwhelming response, the style avenue resolved to host another event tomorrow. “What we are doing is just creating a platform to engage with our clients on a personal level, as this hardly happens due to busy schedules. We have hairstylists, makeup artists and nail technicians, who sit down and talk to the clients and advise them on what products best suit their skin types. “Our aim is to promote emerging entrepreneurs in the cosmetic and beauty sector, as we are of view that this sector is historically overlooked. However it's full so of potential and contributes greatly to eliminating unemployment,” said Danté Ilovu, the organiser. Owner of Beyond Beauty World, Christofine Iiyambo, says such platforms are needed for the sustainability of SMEs.

She further said that the collaboration was needed in order to create magic and flair, since it's something different.

“We were very strategic in choosing once again to take part in Lumiere - The Style Avenue's Beauty Fusion, as we not only wanted to defy the odds that us women cannot work together, but wanted show support in terms of women empowerment. I want to take the opportunity to showcase and market our unique threading skills and a beauty treatment that we offer for the purpose of creating a market for our clients,” she said.

June Shimuoshili

All things music and Nashawn

May 31, 2018, 4:00 pm

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All things music and NashawnBehind the mic and in front of the camera This week, popular radio presenter shares his story about how his love for local music got him his latest job - hosting the Yo! Music Countdown. Nashawn Marenga is indeed the true definition of 'a jack of all trades'. He has been in the media from as early as he could remember and despite opportunities to leave the industry, he says it is his true love and doesn't see himself anywhere else. Marenga is an artist, radio presenter, actor and to add on another title, a TV host.

He recalls how he came onto the radio and acting world, saying he would go as moral support for a friend and he would end up getting the part. In 2005, 14-year-old Marenga hosted a children's show on NBC called Frenzy Special and from there on, he knew that being in the media was his destiny. The art enthusiast is a Unam Media Studies graduate with a major in public relations.

“I used to watch TV and listen to Ryan Seacrest growing up and he is one of the major reasons I am in the media world today. I did the kiddies show for the thrill of it. At that age I didn't understand the impact of it until I was grown,” he said.

Marenga says listening to the radio while growing up made his love for it stronger. He says a programmee on NBC's national radio called Young and Cool was amongst his favourites and he would look forward to it every day. When he was in grade 11, he was determined to be in the media world. His top two goals upon getting to Unam were to join the campus radio and the choir - which he did. In 2014 he was nominated as Best Radio Presenter which he believes opened doors for him.

“I finished my degree and I had no job anymore as one can only host the campus radio shows if you are a student. For months I applied to many local stations but they didn't call me back and I stopped.





I then got a call from Radio Energy asking me if I wanted to work and the rest is history,” he says.

In 2015 he started hosting the local hip-hop and RNB top ten show and five months later he was giving his own show called the Urban Drive which he hosts to today.



Marenga, during his stay also hosted the Breakfast Show which he loved. He says the good thing about the morning show is one having the ability to have the energy to wake people up which not everyone can do.

“Morning shows require a lot of discipline, from always being informed, to the ability to wake up so early and being at work on time, and also having the right amount of positive energy to pass it on to the listeners. Nobody wants to listen to someone that is sleepy,” Marenga said.

As of this month, Marenga will be officially hosting the Yo Music Video Countdown show that will air on One Africa TV. The show is about reviewing the latest local music videos live. The weekly show that airs on Saturdays also allows the viewers to engage by giving them a platform to vote for their favourite videos.

“The entertainment industry is not so easy to work in. There is a lot of truth in the statement 'it's all about the people you know' when it comes to getting gigs. I'm really grateful for the opportunity that I got because I deserve it, and I will work as hard as possible. I'm excited about this because now my fans can see the face behind the voice,” Marenga jokes.

Having been in the music industry for seven years now as a critic, Marenga believes the local music industry has improved greatly. He says the artists have what it takes to build an international identity but that still needs to be worked on.

“One should be able to know that a song is Namibian but we don't have an identity yet, that distinct sound that when you hear it, you immediately know that it's Namibian. The quality of music videos is there but we still lack great story concepts,” he said.

Asked if the old-school media still has the power to motivate and inspire today's youth to join the media stream as it did for him, he says remains hopeful. He says the older generations are the ones that listen to radio but they have the power to influence the youth. He urges the youth to look into the media as a career and give it a chance.

“Today's youth have it so good that they even have the radios on their phones compared to us back then. Radio is powerful tool but only if you use it wisely. The parents have to instil the values and culture of reading and listening to educational programmes on air in the children. There are many opportunities that can come from just listening,” he concluded.

June Shimuoshili

The death of opposition

May 31, 2018, 4:00 pm

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The death of opposition Opposition parties in Namibia face an uphill battle and major obstacles to wining majority support. Although we have seen liberation movements in South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe continually losing some electoral support over the years, the issue has been quite different in Namibia, where Swapo remains the party of choice for many. Having secured close to 87% of the total vote in the presidential elections in 2014 and about 80% in the National Assembly elections, Swapo's victory was an honest reminder that opposition parties aren't trusted by many and are therefore not seen as a viable alternative to the all-conquering ruling party. Some local opposition parties have been their worst enemy. Just recently, the National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) failed to hold a successful congress to elect a new leadership, after violence broke out between party members as the leadership battle intensified. The Worker's Revolutionary Party is also in the limelight for all the wrong reasons. This relatively new party has been dogged by infighting since the last general elections and there appears to be no end in sight to the deadlock. Another party that has lost focus is the Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP). The once official opposition, which was established by chiefly disgruntled Swapo members, is now on political life support and the least said about the Congress of Democrats (CoD), the better. However, it is not all doom and gloom as we have seen the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), which is headed by the youthful McHenry Venaani, doing everything possible to remain relevant in the public eye. Venaani and his party must now prove their mettle and popularity at the ballot box next year. Yes, it is true that a fragmented and disoriented opposition, with no ideology, is never good for our democracy. Political parties must realise this and step up a notch, by offering alternatives and setting the agenda for the many issues facing Namibians. Swapo, with its many weaknesses, will forever be comfortable, as long as there is no serious challenge from the opposition ranks. This makes our politics sterile and poorer, as far as holding power accountable is concerned.

I am a modern-day 'plastic' parent

May 31, 2018, 4:00 pm

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I am a modern-day 'plastic' parent Its official! Modern-day parents have it tough raising children. Back in the day, children would play outside, never knew where babies come from and only referred to sex as ‘fiki-fiki’! That is not the case with modern-day children - these kids know everything!

The other day I was battling with different techniques on how best to sit my son down to tell him all about the birds and the bees. He is in puberty and the school counsellor reckons if I at least talk to him about sex, he will not stop imitating ‘the act’ on the plastic school chairs! Poor thing - those chairs are hard man!

As I talked to him about sex, I realised I was the one needing tutoring. To hell with the story about parents buying children, or my repeated attempts to tell the boy that Aunt Helena and I are merely good friends – he had it all figured out.

This is the situation facing many modern parents; we have no clue on how best to raise a child. Should we allow him more hours in front of the telly, or rather let him play on his PlayStation? Which is safer than the other? It’s a terrible conundrum!

But what puzzles me even more is the manner in which some of us try to desperately win the affection of our toddlers. What I saw during a recent visit to one of my friend’s place has left me with endless nightmares! I never knew it is that hard to get a toddler to do something.

My friend’s wife was sitting with little Junior on her lap and was feeding him some form of baby food, or so I gathered. Junior took in a few spoonful before he decided he was not going to take in any more. The mother, realising that Junior has just launched World War 3, opted to plead with the young boy for his mercy.

I stared in disbelief as the mother promised the little man everything from more toys to bringing the moon down for him! The scene playing itself out in front of my eyes reminded me of one of those movies where survivors of a plane crash stumble upon a remote village kingdom, ruled by an evil cannibal who bays for the blood of strangers.

The dance my friend was forced to do in front of Junior to get him to eat, is a true replica of one of those dances done by these strangers to get accepted into the clan! I tell you, that man would have passed any day for Kevin Costner’s role in Dances with Wolves.

At one point, Junior gave in and allowed his mother to feed him a few more spoons. But the victory over the little man was short-lived - Junior realised that I was not singing along to the made-up tune composed by the parents in the heat of the moment to make the boy eat.

“Daddy, Uncle Charlie is not singing,” the boy said, before deliberately spitting out his food and folding his arms over his chest.

I was dumbstruck! What? I needed to sing too? Hell no, let the little bastard starve! Suddenly the picture of all those Idol’s Wooden Mic winners comes to the fore! I could hear one of the judges saying, “Charlie, we have two kind of people - the shower singers and the stage singers. You rate lower than the shower singers” or “Charlie, if your wife hears you sing, it will be the last thing she hears from you, because she will pack and leave at the earliest available opportunity.”

“Dave, come on man. You do not seriously want me to sing. Can’t you just beat the kid up; threaten him with the police or something like that? I mean, that’s what ordinary people do,” I protested.

Dave and his wife both looked at me, jaws dropped and eyes widened in disbelief. A long story short, I ended up doing Katrina and the Waves’ classic song Walking on the sunshine, using my expensive Parker pen for a mic! Eish, move aside Justine Bibber - Charlie is on a roll!

As the song ended, I could see Junior doing the moonwalk to the song. We had the house’s roof on fire for sure. At least I lived to fight another day.

Until then…

tjatindi@gmail.com

Stellar motor show at the Expo

May 31, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Stellar motor show at the ExpoShining showpieces awe attendees Eleven exhibiting dealers elevate the Namibia Tourism Expo and Motor Show to greater heights. Yochanaan Coetzee - The Namibia Tourism Expo and Motor Show has officially kicked off and though the halls are buzzing with exciting attendees enjoying an incredible variety of food, drink and the latest in hospitality offerings, for motorheads, the real action is outside.

This year’s Namibia Tourism Expo and Motor Show will surely top any petrol head’s motoring hit list.

Between the 11 motor dealers exhibiting their wheeled wares at the Show Grounds, there are some definite standout moments, like when the good folk at Volvo pulled the covers off two of their most anticipated cars to date, the exhilarating XC40 and the astonishing XC60.

Not to be outdone, M+Z Motors also went to great lengths to ship in an X-Class, much to the delight of the attendees, who couldn’t get enough of what is definitely the bakkie everyone, literally everyone, around the world has been waiting for.

Though we’re not allowed to drive it before the official launch takes place in a few weeks, we did have a feel of the throne and it’s definitely an interesting place to be, thanks to the juxtaposition of the bakkie basicness and Merc’s prodigious plushness.

Swift sales

Besides bling bakkies like the X-Class and the beautiful new Toyota Hilux Dakar, there’s tons of variety to suit every budget or begeerte. From sexy little compacts, to advanced commercial vehicles from MAN and Iveco, or motorised bicycles, the Namibia Tourism Expo and the Motor Show truly caters for all.

Another highlight was the launch of the new Suzuki Swift, which is a spunky little thing, with a power to weight ratio, that few others on the market could ever match.

Beyond that, attendees get to see the very latest in motoring and outdooring accessories from a variety of fitment centres. They also get to enter exciting competitions like the Win-a-Car competition or our other activations at the Tourismus Stand, where guests can see our Tourismus Bakkie up close, and the Land Rover Owners Club of Namibia who may just have a iconic old wheeler up for grabs.

With all this and epic deals courtesy of Wesbank and Old Mutual Short Term Insurance, the Namibia Tourism Expo and Motor Show is a must for anybody with a passion for cars and even those looking to capitalise on the red hot deals on offer.

See you at the expo!

Company news

May 31, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Company news Coca-Cola to invest US$100m in Kenya

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), the continent’s largest soft drinks bottler, said on Wednesday it would invest US$100 million in Kenya over the next five years to improve infrastructure and launch new products.

The company, which sells and distributes Coca-Cola Co products in Africa, plans to introduce 50 new products in Kenya to add to more than 130 existing ones in the country, local managing director Daryl Wilson said in an interview.

“As the middle class is (growing)... they are wanting more variety,” he said, adding the new offerings would include various sugar-free and flavoured water beverages.

-Nampa/Reuters

Samsung Life sells US$ 1 billion shares in Samsung Electronics

Samsung Life Insurance Co Ltd said on Thursday it sold 1.12 trillion won (US$1 billion) worth of its shares in Samsung Electronics Co Ltd.

The stake sale, aimed at removing regulatory risks, was scheduled to be completed before Thursday’s market opening, it said in a regulatory filing.

-Nampa/Reuters

Uber, Waymo in talks about self-driving partnership

Uber Technologies Inc is talking with Alphabet Inc’s autonomous driving unit Waymo about using its technology on Uber’s ride-hailing app, Uber chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi said on Wednesday, signaling a possible thaw in relations between the firms.

Khosrowshahi said on stage at the Code Conference that Uber’s relationship with Waymo was “getting better” since Uber in February agreed to pay Waymo US$245 million in shares to settle a legal dispute over trade secrets.

-Nampa/Reuters

IATA says Airline profits unlikely at forecast level

Profits in the airline industry are unlikely to reach the record levels forecast in December due to a jump in fuel costs, the head of the world’s leading air transport group said on Thursday.

International Air Transport Association (IATA) chief executive Alexandre de Juniac said his organisation will issue fresh forecasts next week, and that airline profits were still likely to be robust.

The December projections were based on oil at US$60 per barrel, Juniac said. Brent crude LCOc1 is currently over US$77 per barrel, having risen roughly 15% so far this year.

-Nampa/Reuters

Adidas takes lead over Nike in World Cup shirt deals

Adidas can declare itself the winner over arch rival Nike in the upcoming soccer World Cup even before the first match kicks off as it is kitting out the most teams.

However, the German sportswear brand, which is also the official sponsor of the tournament, expects only a limited financial impact, partly because this year’s World Cup takes place in Russia, where the economy is in the doldrums.

“The World Cup in Russia does carry lower financial opportunities than the similar event four years ago in Brazil,” Adidas chief executive Kasper Rorsted said earlier this month.

-Nampa/Reuters

Oshikoto wants its own education head office

May 31, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Oshikoto wants its own education head office The Oshikoto Regional Education Directorate continues to operate from offices in Ondangwa in the Oshana Region, which is said to be a costly exercise for the government because officials must often drive long distances.

This was one of the challenges that Oshikoto governor Henok Kankoshi highlighted during his State of the Region Address (SORA) this week.

He said regional education offices should preferably be built at Omuthiya, where the Oshikoto Regional Council is already situated.

Kankoshi said it would save officials hundreds of kilometres of travelling if the office was moved to Omuthiya, which is more centrally located.

Currently officials from as far as Tsumeb have to drive about 250 kilometres when they have to attend meetings at the regional office in Ondangwa.

That distance could be reduced to about 220 kilometres.

Besides the added risk of road accidents, the frequent travelling means that the government spends large sums on subsistence and travel (S&T) costs for the officials.

When contacted for comment, Oshikoto Region education director Lameck Kafidi said the situation was serious but there was nothing they could do since budget cuts had put the construction of regional offices on hold.

Kafidi said if the governor emphasised the need for relocating the office, it meant the situation was very serious indeed.

Kafidi said he and his officials were risking their lives by often driving long distances.

He added that the implementation of the Procurement Act would make things even worse for them, as the procurement process requires the director to sign purchase orders before funds are released.

“Some people don't know the exposure at which you put your staff members when they are travelling, that is how serious it is.

We will have to endure the distance and keep travelling,” Kafidi remarked.

He said the expenditure on S&T allowances was very high.

“Imagine if I have to call all my 200 principals for a meeting. How much do you think the government will have to pay for the S&T? It's a lot of money,” Kafidi said.

KENYA KAMBOWE

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PDM calls for Angolan fuel agreement

May 31, 2018, 4:00 pm

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PDM calls for Angolan fuel agreementWants filling station at Oshikango The official opposition says petrol smuggling from Angola could be stopped by legally importing fuel from the neighbouring country. The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) has called on the government to negotiate a fuel agreement with Angola in order to address fuel smuggling at the border town of Helao Nafidi.

People living along the border, sometimes with the assistance of long-distance truckers, have been smuggling in and selling cheap fuel from Angola for decades.

The Namibian police have been confiscating the smuggled fuel and prosecuting the smugglers, but this approach has failed to stop the practice.

PDM's Ohangwena coordinator, Hidipo Hamata, says it is time for the two countries to discuss an agreement to legalise fuel imports from Angola.

“We are calling on our government to negotiate with the Angolan government so that these two countries can trade fuel as soon as possible to prevent the further smuggling of fuel into the country,” Hamata said.

It is not the first time this call has been made, but concerns were raised over the standard of Angolan fuel.

A year ago the Association of Service Station Owners expressed about the smuggling of Angolan fuel across the northern border.

“Fuel from Angola does not meet our standards. It is detrimental to our industry,” said the association's spokesperson, Jackie Scholz.

“If you continue buying Angolan fuel, by the time your car puts 30 000 kilometres on the odometer, problems will start appearing. That fuel does not meet our standards.”

Hamata disagrees, saying that Namibians have used Angolan fuel for a long time without complaints.

He suggested that a filling station be built at Oshikango for a start.

“If most of our people are at ease with Angolan fuel and have been using it for quite a long time now without complications or objections, why is it hard for the government to permit people to freely go and buy fuel from Angola, or invite Angolan companies to build a service station at Oshikango so that Namibians who use Angolan fuel can freely fill their vehicles without crossing the border,” Hamata said. Namibia currently imports all of its refined fuel products from South Africa.

KENYA KAMBOWE

Hoachanas to get a periodic court

May 31, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Hoachanas to get a periodic court The Ministry of Justice will make the necessary arrangements for a periodic court to be built at Hoachanas settlement in the Hardap Region.

The periodic court for the area is located at the village of Derm and that makes it hard for Hoachanas residents to arrange transport to appear before court.

The court often finds these people to be in contempt of court and issue fines that they are unable to pay.

“This situation is the antithesis of the meaning of access to justice,” justice minister Sacky Shanghala said at Hoachanas on Monday after a meeting with constituency councillor Simon Dikuleni, the Kai//Khaun chief, Kaptein Petrus Simon Moses Kooper, and members of the settlement's development committee. He said he was compelled to visit the settlement after representatives from Dikuleni's office and the traditional authority travelled to Windhoek on 23 April to explain the problem to him.

Shanghala said the ministry would no longer buy land from local authorities to erect buildings for government services.

“The value that the services bring to the community outweighs the cost of land, and local residents ought to appreciate that,” Shanghala said.

He commended the initiative taken by the Hoachanas residents and urged other local authorities requiring government services to follow their example.

According to him Dikuleni approached the ministry with a clear description of the problem, suggested solutions and said they were willing to provide land to the government to build a temporary court structure and accommodation.

“Such an attitude increases the provision of services and, in this case, true access to justice,” Shanghala said.

FRED GOEIEMAN

Goal-driven Newman joins FNB

May 31, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Goal-driven Newman joins FNB Bryan Newman was recently appointed as the facilities manager at First National Bank (FNB) Namibia. He is an enthusiast who stares opportunity straight in the eye and does his best to make a change wherever he is. There is never a moment of doubt with him. Elizabeth Joseph

Before joining the team, Newman was employed at other big companies.

He worked for Jensen Electronics, at which he was the branch manager, and stayed there for six years.

Newman was the youngest manager and then decided to switch lanes and join Bank of Namibia.

He worked there as a technician until he was promoted to building engineer, taking responsibility for all facilities and operations.

He attended many training courses and programmes to help familiarise himself with the property environment.

After 11 years, Newman decided it was time to change his scenery and moved to Saager Aircool as a project manager. Not long after that he was re-employed by the Bank of Namibia.

He attended to their security systems for a short while and then joined JHI Properties as operations manager.

Working with JHI Properties helped Newman develop a passion he had not realised he had.

“I experienced a whole other new and exciting environment. I knew I wanted to work in that setting for a long time,” he says.

He finally made his way to FNB and is excited about his journey. There is nothing more important to Newman than to make a change and he wants to change the way people have always seen property.

His short-term goals include bringing awareness to his business unit to help change the perception of the building industry.

“My short-term goals are to ensure that all company-wide goals are met with speed and excellence, to equip my colleagues with the necessary skills to perform their duties efficiently and effectively and to be the best supporting team to FNB Namibia as a whole,” he said.

“In the industry we tend to do repairs and maintenance when things start to fall apart and then we spend lots of money instead of doing regular maintenance that stops deterioration, while keeping the value of your investment growing.”

Newman is inspired by passionate people and effort. He enjoys being a part of a team that is goal-driven.

When he is not in the office, Newman enjoys making music and spending time outdoors.

The future looks bright for the newest edition of the FNB team.

SA’s Treasury backs CEO of state pension fund

May 31, 2018, 4:00 pm

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SA’s Treasury backs CEO of state pension fundOpposition calls for suspension The South African Treasury has dismissed media reports that it will suspend the head of the state pension fund. “The Minister is satisfied with the PIC’s overall performance.”- South Africa’s Treasury South Africa’s National Treasury on Thursday rallied behind Dan Matjila, the chief executive of the government’s 2 trillion rand (US$160 billion) state pension fund, dismissing a media report that said it was considering his suspension.

“Treasury has faith in Mr Dan Matjila’s leadership,” it said in response to emailed questions. “The Minister is satisfied with the PIC’s overall performance.”

Matjila did not respond to calls for comment.

Matjila, at helm of the Public Investment Corporation since 2014, has come under fire in recent weeks after one opposition party, the United Democratic Movement, asked Treasury to suspend and investigate him for misusing funds.

The UDM alleges that Matjila used funds to bankroll a business of someone close to him.

Business Day newspaper said the PIC board was investigating the fund’s decision to pay 4.3 billion for a 29% stake in loss-making start-up technology firm, Ayo Technology.

Ayo Technology, which debuted on the Johannesburg bourse in December last year, is trading at 35 rand per share, giving a market capitalisation of around 12 billion rand. That suggests the PIC stake is now worth roughly 3.5 billion rand.

-Nampa/Reuters

Gam farmers ordered to leave Nyae Nyae

May 31, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Gam farmers ordered to leave Nyae Nyae CATHERINE SASMAN

Seven remaining Gam farmers and their families, who illegally invaded the Nyae Nyae Conservancy in April 2009, have been ordered by the High Court to leave the conservancy and the Nyae Nyae community forest area.

Two of the farmers – Tjizera Kavenzenji and a certain N. Ngombe – were also ordered to stop unlawful grazing of their cattle in these areas and to desist from granting permission to any other person to occupy Nyae Nyae.

Moreover, the Namibian Police were ordered to expedite and finalise a police investigation into criminal charges laid under the Forestry Act and the Communal Land Reform Act, while the Directorate of Forestry was directed to take all necessary steps to confiscate all remaining stray animals.

The court order was made on 28 May after a protracted battle by the Ju/’Hoansi traditional authority and its chief Tsamkxao ?Oma to have the Gam farmers removed from Nyae Nyae.

In his founding affidavit ?Oma said the Gam farmers let their cattle graze anywhere they like, whether it is in sensitive zoned areas, eco-tourism areas or hunting and crop-farming areas. He said they have no regard for the interests of the local community.

Gam farmers make demands

The seven respondents – Kavezenji, Ngombe, Tjitindi Vazapo, Kaapuhu Majuva, Kauheva Vetiaje, Murambi Ndjandereeko, and Mutiro Dikuwa - are now pleading for “settlement – not resettlement”.

They are part of the Ovaherero families who were repatriated from Botswana where their ancestors had fled to during the German-Herero war from 1904 to 1908 and were relocated in Gam in 1996.

“We are not people from Botswana; we are Namibians who have returned home. Now we have nowhere to go,” Vazapo said on behalf of the group during a recent visit to Windhoek.

They say they did not invade the Nyae Nyae Conservancy but merely returned home to where some of their ancestors were buried, claiming that the area was a battleground during the German-Herero war.

The farmers say they also want a chance to restock their herds after many of their cattle were confiscated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry.

They were paid N$3 262 per head when the cattle were confiscated. However, they say this is a far cry from the “sentimental value” they attach to these animals.

“These cattle have names; they come with a story of their own. That value is not reflected in the market price we were paid out at the time,” Vazapo said.

In April this year they had to stave off an effort by the authorities to confiscate about 60 of the remaining 120 cattle they say are left in the Nyae Nyae area.

The farmers say they want the government to recognise them as Namibians, complaining that they have been ignored, were never fully integrated and their children have no legal rights in Namibia.

They further demand war veteran status and a piece of land on which to settle.

They say a committee established by President Hage Geingob recently to look into their plight has yet to arrange any meeting with them.