Kunene-Omatando 400kV line to strengthen NamPower’s transmission network

June 26, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Angola settles N$600m debt

≪ Previous: Slaughter numbers plummet

$

0

0

Kunene-Omatando 400kV line to strengthen NamPower’s transmission network NamPower continues to maintain and upgrade its transmission infrastructure, while expanding it to accommodate the growing electricity demand and generation integration requirements in the country. These investments are guided by the utility’s Transmission Infrastructure Expansion Programme (Master Plan), which outlines the transmission reinforcement required for the next twenty years, based on load growth, customer requirements as well as the overlaying of the current 220kV grid with a 400kV grid. NamPower will spend over N$7 billion on the Transmission Infrastructure Expansion Programme over the next five to seven years.

The newly completed 400kV line, which runs from the planned Kunene Transmission substation up to the existing Omatando substation, at a length of 191km, is part of the Transmission Infrastructure Expansion Programme. The line will in future be operated at 400kV and will significantly strengthen the supply towards Omatando substation, to cater for the load growth in Northern Namibia and Southern Angola. The line will form part of a future 400kV ring, to provide a redundant evacuation path for power from Ruacana Power Station. It will also form part of the assets required for the future integration of the Baynes Power Station. Although the Kunene and Omatando substation developments are still awaited to be able to operate the line at 330kV, the line will initially be energised at 132kV to provide some support for the Northern load centres.

The single circuit 400kV Transmission line with Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced (ACSR) triple-tern conductor and 48 core Optic Fibre Ground Wire (OPGW), stems from the newly planned Kunene Transmission Substation, located 20km south of Ruacana, connecting to the Omatando Transmission Substation, located northwest of Ongwediva. During the environmental impact assessment process, it was decided to have the line first following a southerly direction to avoid the Efundja area which is frequently flooded during the rainy season, as well as to avoid the densely populated area around Tsandi and Okongo.

Once energised, the 400kV line and the newly built substations will not only strengthen the power supply network in the northern region, but will also ensure sufficient and reliable power supply, owing to a circuit breaker and a half configuration to be deployed at the Kunene and Omatando substations. This means that if any single piece of equipment fails, maintenance can be done without causing power interruptions.

A two-year contract was awarded to the Power Line Africa & Ohalula Construction Joint Venture for the design, construction and management of the project. This is the first time that a Namibian owned joint venture is awarded a NamPower contract of such magnitude, making the Kunene-Omatando line, the first 400kV line on the Transmission Network that is solely constructed by Namibians. The project is carried out on a turn-key contract and a total of 177 people are employed as contract workers. Although the project was hampered by heavy rains experienced during the rainy season, it is anticipated that it will be completed well before the contractual completion date of 13 July 2018.

This also marks the first project in NamPower to formally implement the NamPower Equitable Economic Empowerment Policy (NEEEP). NEEEP is a deliberate economic empowerment tool undertaken by NamPower to redress historical socio-economic inequalities in the Namibian society and it seeks to enable Previously Disadvantaged Namibians (PDNs) to own, manage and share in the country’s economic resources. The project was awarded before the Public Procurement Act came into being, thus the transitional provisions in the PPA applies.

To conform to the NEEEP requirements, the Joint Venture has committed to subcontract works to a number of Namibian owned and registered companies.

Furthermore, the Joint Venture pledged 2% of the contract value towards training and development for PDNs and 3% towards community investments. These pledges are coordinated by the NamPower Foundation.

The NamPower Transmission Master Plan is updated on an annual basis to ensure that the company maintains the pace at which the country’s electricity needs evolve and to ensure that network expansions are executed accordingly. The utility’s transmission network, spans over more than 11 000 KM.

---

Angola settles N$600m debt

June 26, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Drugged instead of counselled

≪ Previous: Kunene-Omatando 400kV line to strengthen NamPower’s transmission network

$

0

0

Angola settles N$600m debt The Angolan central bank, Banco Nacional de Angola (BNA), this week settled a US$51 million (N$600 million at the then exchange rate) debt owed by the Angolan government to the Bank of Namibia (BoN).

A source familiar with the matter said the Angolan central bank had honoured its obligation in line with its commitment to make final payment by 25 June. This follows the conclusion of a currency swap arrangement undertaken by the two central banks in 2014 valued at US$426.3 million (about N$5 billion). The BoN is expected to make an announcement with regard to the final payment towards the end of the week. BoN spokesperson Kazembire Zemburuka had previously told Namibian Sun there was no doubt the Angolan central bank would make good on its commitment to pay. “The Bank of Namibia expects the final payment at the end of the second quarter, at the end of June 2018, as per the signed agreement between the two central banks, which continues to be honoured,” said Zemburuka.

According to him, BNA had in the first quarter of 2018 made a payment of US$51.3 million, steadily reducing its obligations to the BoN.

“As of now, BNA owes US$51.1 million after a payment of US$51.3 million was made on 28 March 2018, in line with the signed agreement,” Zemburuka said at time.



When Angolan President João Lourenço visited Namibia in April, President Hage Geingob spoke positively about the relationship between the two central banks during a press briefing held at State House.



“We are pleased with the fact that Banco Nacional de Angola has honoured its commitments in terms of the settlement of its obligations to the Bank of Namibia, as agreed between the two sister banks,” Geingob said.



The currency swap arrangement was introduced to bolster trade between Namibia and Angola. The arrangement allowed businesspeople and traders to legally bring foreign currency across the Angolan border.

OGONE TLHAGE

Drugged instead of counselled

June 26, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Nimbus heading for NSX Main Board

≪ Previous: Angola settles N$600m debt

$

0

0

Drugged instead of counselledOnly one psychiatrist, no psychologist There are claims that the Oshakati hospital administers psychiatric drugs instead of referring patients for psychological counselling. A social worker claims that 130 inpatients and 400 outpatients at the Oshakati hospital's psychiatric unit are being given psychiatric drugs with serious side-effects without proper psychiatric evaluation.

The social worker, who spoke to Namibian Sun earlier this week, said all those who have been diagnosed as mentally ill by the Oshakati intermediate hospital should approach the Health Professions Councils of Namibia to review their assessments, because they were not done procedurally.

Since independence, the hospital has been operating without a psychologist and it has only one psychiatrist.



Overflowing

The psychiatric department treats over 500 patients weekly and all patients that require counselling are referred to social workers.

The hospital's acting medical superintendent, Dr Korbinian Vizcaya Amutenya, confirmed to Namibian Sun that the hospital has no psychologist or dietitian.

Amutenya suspects this is because of the unattractive packages offered at state hospitals in comparison with private practice.

“This problem is not only in the psychiatric ward, but it is in the whole hospital. I was medical superintendent of this hospital from 1998 up to 2005 and there was no psychologist.

I went away for more than ten years and came back to act as a medical superintendent and still there is no psychologist,” Amutenya said.

Some patients at the hospital told Namibian Sun that they were given psychiatric drugs without any psychiatric evaluation.

The hospital has only one psychiatrist, the head of the unit, who attends to 130 inpatients, plus 400 outpatients a week.

“We have a psychiatrist who is more educated than a psychologist and we depend on him. If there are claims of such nature they need to be looked at individually,” Amutenya said.



'Not attractive'

Amutenya said the remuneration packages for psychologists in the public sector do not attract qualified people.

“Posts are there and they have been advertised since forever, but nobody is applying. We have many dietitians and psychologists in the country but they are not applying. Why are they not applying if the packages are good? These packages need to be made attractive otherwise we will not get any interested applicants,” he said.

The head of the unit, Dr Famuyiwa Peter, joined the hospital in December 2015 after he had been trained in Nigeria, the country of his birth.

The scope of a psychologist's work is to offer psychotherapy and counselling. A psychiatrist, on the other hand, is a medical specialist who diagnoses mental illnesses and treats these with medication or refers the patient to a social worker, psychologist or occupational therapist.

Amutenya said the number of patients treated at the hospital's Ward 16 had increased, especially the number of female patients.

“The number of female patients always used to be at 30% while the males were at 70%, but these days the number of female patients has increased to 50%. I do not know the reason why.

“The majority of the patients are young people of a productive age group and I suspect there is an increase in the use of illegal drugs and substances and also lack of proper support in families,” he said.

The social worker, who spoke on condition of anonymity, describes the hospital's psychiatric ward as “hell”.



She says it has “ruined hundreds of people” who were declared mentally ill and their condition has not improved with treatment.

“We know that hundreds of people have been declared mentally unfit at this hospital, but their problems were not serious. The majority of these people were just challenged by social issues and only needed proper counselling, but after they were taken to the hospital they were given psychiatric drugs until their situation got worse and they were declared mentally unfit.

“Some of these people are actually fine individuals, but they are declared mentally unfit, making them vulnerable,” the social worker said.

Four patients, who did not want to be identified, claimed to have fallen victim to this practice.

They said they ended up on psychiatric medication although they only had personal problems.

They claimed that they were given injections of psychiatric drugs upon their arrival at the hospital for the first time, without any evaluation performed by a medical professional.

ILENI NANDJATO

Nimbus heading for NSX Main Board

June 27, 2018, 9:51 am

≫ Next: VAR divides pundits

≪ Previous: Drugged instead of counselled

$

0

0

Nimbus heading for NSX Main Board Nimbus Infrastructure Ltd, the first capital pool company (CPC) listed on the Namibian Stock Exchange, has received approval to be admitted to the Main Board of the NSX.
Nimbus recently finalised the acquisition of a 24.9% interest in Paratus Telecommunications, bringing its total stake in the company to 51.4%.
In a trading statement on the NSX this afternoon, Nimbus said the reclassification from a CPC to the NSX Main Board will be effective on Thursday. Nimbus listed as a CPC on the NSX in October last year.
Nimbus closed at N$11.01 on the NSX this afternoon.

VAR divides pundits

June 27, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Meroro, Simon non-fight drama spirals

≪ Previous: Nimbus heading for NSX Main Board

$

0

0

VAR divides punditsWorld Cup video referee system under spotlight Local pundits are divided over the use of video assistant referee technology at the unfolding Russia World Cup. Brave Warriors coach Ricardo Mannetti believes the video assistant referee (VAR) system being used at the World Cup has helped improve the games on many levels, but has failed to be consistent at times.

The VAR system is being used at the 2018 Russia World Cup for the first time, but has solicited varying degrees of criticism from some football fans. However, Mannetti regards the system as a proper helping hand, introduced to minimise mistakes by referees.

“I still think it's not 100% as it is not consistent in all matches. You will have a referee giving a penalty for an offence, and when a similar incident happens in another match, he turns a blind eye.

“The system gets rid of the majority errors, but it will not reach a level where it is 100% consistent. It is however good to know that the referee is getting extra help, especially at high-level tournaments like the World Cup,” Manetti said.

He added the VAR system would have been appreciated when they played at the African Nations Championship (Chan) finals earlier this year.

“A team we played received a penalty which should not have been allowed. In that case, the VAR system would have been welcome,” he said.

Senior women footballer Stacy Naris said the VAR system has overturned many decisions and also produced some concerns for various teams.

“With the VAR system in place many decisions taken by the referees can be reviewed and even though it disturbs the flow of the game, many mistakes can be rectified.

“The second penalty that was supposed to be awarded to Nigeria on Tuesday night was clearly a penalty, but we should also understand football at this level comes with a lot of politics,” Naris lamented.

Argentina won the match 2-1, with

Lionel Messi scoring the opening goal for the South Americans, while their second goal came from Marcos Rojo. Victor Moses of Nigeria scored a penalty for his side. A second appeal for a penalty was not granted, even though many believed it should have been given to the Super Eagles.

“It's unfortunate that other countries have to suffer, especially African countries, but all in all, I think that system is good,” Naris added.

“My only concern is: Will referees depend on the VAR system for every major call, disrupting the flow of the match and adding more stoppage time?

“I do not want to see players worrying about celebrating after scoring, because they're thinking about the VAR,” said Beverly Mubango, a local football fan.



How the system works

Four referees sit in a video operation room in full kit and follow the action live inside the stadium on many TV screens.

Different cameras, which include two dedicated offside ones, theoretically give them all the angles they need to aid them in their decisions. The referee can communicate directly with the VAR team via a radio microphone.

The VAR system can only be used for 'match-changing situations' - goals, penalty decisions, red cards and cases of mistaken identity.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

Meroro, Simon non-fight drama spirals

June 27, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: All-Stars tournament set for Windhoek

≪ Previous: VAR divides pundits

$

0

0

Meroro, Simon non-fight drama spirals The drama around the Harry 'Terminator' Simon and Vikapita 'Beast Master' Meroro non-fight continues to spiral out of control.

Simon and Meroro were expected to exchange blows on Saturday at the Ramatex complex.

However, the promoters are now claiming that the boxing control board failed to sanction the fight because Meroro is overweight and Simon is underweight.

It was established yesterday at a press conference that Meroro currently weights 92.6kg, whereas Simon is currently tipping the scales at 88kg.

For their non-title cruiserweight fight, the boxers are expected to weigh 92kg at the final weigh-in.

Strangely, it has now emerged that because the boxers did not meet their target weights at a pre-weigh-in, the fight has now been called off.



Meroro's version

Meroro said he was disappointed by the latest developments.

“I'm really disappointed in this. I don't know what is going on. I have never seen this type of thing before. I weigh 97kg now. I can be overweight with 7 to 10kg two weeks before a fight and make the weigh-in. There was never a fight that I was overweight for.”

He said further it's a non-title fight, so he does not understand “the commotion happening”.



Simon's version

“This whole mess is because of boxing control board. They said we should weigh 92kg. I went to South Africa to train. Whatever Merero weighs is not my business. I did my best as a professional to meet my target,” Simon said.

“Now they are saying I should go up to 92kg. That is impossible; I cannot go back and eat again to become fat. I refused and told them I will stay at 88kg. Let Merero train and make his weight.”

Simon said he never refused to fight Meroro. “This is not even a world title. I can beat Meroro anytime; everyone knows that. I have speed power and my record speaks for itself,” he added.



Smokey's version

“We gave the boxing control board all the documents required before the fight, as well as payment, but in the end the fight was still not sanctioned because of the weight issue. Now we have called in another fighter to take over the fight with Simon,” said promoter Joseph 'Smokey' Hilongwa. The fighter is Kamija Ramadan is from Tanzania. “He agreed to be given three weeks to get ready to fight Simon. We had to approach him after the boxing control board failed to give the go-ahead for the two Namibians to fight.”



Trainer's version

“These guys are not telling the truth. They wanted to sell tickets using Meroro's name. They are lying. They say they found another boxer, but failed to agree to continue the fight with 'Beast Master'. How do you give a new boxer three weeks to get ready, instead of giving the current one time to lose 6kg,” said Meroro's trainer Nicky Natangwe.



Sponsor's version

“The Namibian nation wants to see this fight. We abided by the rules of the boxing control board and promoted the fight and sold tickets through Computicket. We want the fight to continue and we want to continue selling tickets, given that the boxers can be given time to work on their weight,” said sponsor Orsmund Mbeha. The boxing board was not present at the weigh-in yesterday and could not be reached for comment before going to print.



LIMBA MUPETAMI

All-Stars tournament set for Windhoek

June 27, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Can the Lions of Teranga roar?

≪ Previous: Meroro, Simon non-fight drama spirals

$

0

0

All-Stars tournament set for Windhoek The Namibia Rural Sports Development Federation (NRSDF) has set aside N$35 000 to host the All-Stars tournament at the Khomasdal Stadium and Katutura Youth Complex in Windhoek on Saturday.

Formed in 2000, the NRSDF is responsible for the development of sports in rural areas and in different constituencies countrywide.

Speaking to Nampa on Tuesday, NRSDF public relations officer Ngatuuane Hange said the tournament is aimed at showcasing future stars to football and netball clubs and national teams.

“This is even the feeder to the Namibia Premier League (NPL) as many current players in the Namibian elite league come from rural areas,” Hange said.

He said scouts from different premier league clubs are always present at these tournaments, searching for players. The N$35 000 will be disbursed between the netball and football categories, with the netball category being allocated N$12 000 and football N$23 000.

The netball winner will take home N$6 000, a trophy and 20 gold medals while the runners-up will receive

N$3 000 and 20 silver medals.

Each semi-final loser will take home N$3 000. In the football category, the winning team will pocket N$11 000, a trophy and 20 gold medals. The runners-up will get N$6 000 with 20 silver medals.

During last year's tournament, Otjombinde defeated Epukiro in the football category, while the team from Epukiro overcame their Otjinene counterparts in netball.

NAMPA

Can the Lions of Teranga roar?

June 27, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Neymar tourney reaches its peak

≪ Previous: All-Stars tournament set for Windhoek

$

0

0

Can the Lions of Teranga roar?Africa's last hope at Russia 2018 face huge hurdle African giants Senegal are set to face Colombia tonight in a match that will determine their fate at the Russia World Cup. So far the 2018 Fifa World Cup has been devastating for African nations, after four of the continent's teams were eliminated from the tournament.

Nigeria blew a chance of reaching the round of 16 on Tuesday after losing 2-1 to Argentina in a dramatic game.

Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco have also suffered early exists from the global showpiece.

This leaves Senegal as the only African team that has a chance of reaching the round of 16.

Affectionately known as the Lions of Teranga, Senegal have a daunting task ahead of them when they come up against a rejuvenated Colombia side today.

There is much to play for in group, given that Japan, Colombia and Senegal all have a chance of qualifying for the round of 16.

Japan goes into their match against Poland on four points, while Senegal enters their final match on four points and Colombia currently have three points in Group H.

Although a draw for the African nation could be enough, they will still have to contain a Colombia side that put three past Poland with no reply in their second game.

There is also no guarantee that Poland will be able to beat Japan with enough goals, which could see the Senegalese qualifying on goal difference even if they lose to Colombia tonight.

The likes of James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao are eager for Colombia to reach the round of 16, just like they did in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Senegal on the other hand are eager to repeat their 2002 World Cup exploits, which saw them reaching the quarterfinals of the tournament.

The hopes of the African nation lie on the shoulders of Liverpool striker Sadio Mane, who is expected to lead his side into the last 16.

The Senegal coaching staff must be aware by now that African nations have been on the receiving end of late goals in their matches, and it is up to them to avoid this against Colombia.

The only black coach in the tournament, Aliou Cissé, is well aware of what is at stake and will therefore have to sharpen his defence in order to avoid conceding simple goals against Colombia.

“A player like Sadio Mane is a player with a lot of expectations and he is one of the players under the spotlight. He can do better, but today he was better than against Poland and he needs to do better against Colombia,” Cisse told AFP news agency recently.

Namibian fans are also hoping that the Lions of Teranga can pull of an historic World Cup upset.

“We all hope for something special to happen because Senegal is our last African hope.

“Colombia will not be an easy team to beat because they have top footballers,” Donavan van Wyk said.

Footballer Eslin Kamuhanga also expressed his concern about the experience in the Senegal team and on the coaching bench.

He felt it is going to be a very difficult game for the African nation against a Colombian team who can be ruthless when given the chance.

“I have played in tough games where all was at stake, and I can assure you that so many things go into your mind at that time.

“I can clearly sense what is going on in the minds of many of these players tonight.

“I wish that Senegal will be able to do it for Africa in a stylish manner,” Kamuhanga said.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

---

Neymar tourney reaches its peak

June 27, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: No face veils in Dutch public buildings

≪ Previous: Can the Lions of Teranga roar?

$

0

0

Neymar tourney reaches its peak The dreams of some of the players are about to be realised as a tournament which could take them to Brazil enters its final stage.

The Neymar Jr's Five soccer tournament, will see the last 16 teams battle it out for the grand prize on Saturday at the UN Plaza in Windhoek.

The national finals will kick off at 09:00 and the games will be televised live on NBC1.

The teams representing coastal and northern Namibia will arrive in Windhoek tomorrow to join the central sides that have qualified.

The 16 finalists will be divided into four groups. The top two teams in each group will advance to the knockout phase, with the competition expected to be a tight affair.

“Bank Windhoek is honoured to have been part of this exciting initiative. We have witnessed brilliant games and the last 16 teams have promised to put up spectacular performances. Just like the 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia, this competition is unpredictable and we encourage everyone to come and experience it,” said Bank Windhoek executive officer for marketing and corporate communication services, Jacquiline Pack.

Themed 'Outplay Them All', the Neymar Jr's Five is a Red Bull initiative co-sponsored by Bank Windhoek. Snickers, Fresh FM and NBC are also sponsors of the tournament.

The team that will emerge victorious this weekend will have a chance to play against the most expensive soccer player in the world, Neymar Junior, who is currently representing Brazil at the 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia.



Here are the teams that will battle for the top prize:

Central region

1. Tjimbiyera FC: Champions

2. Tuli Ngaa FC

3. Khomasdal Boys

4. Bethlehem United

5. Sonadores FC

6. Supreme Squad

Coastal region

1. SFC Welwitchia: Champions

2. SFC Atlantic

3. SFC Namib

4. Tika-Tika

5. NY Galaxy

Northern region

1. Lions: Champions

2. Jikas

3. Volkano

4. Shoprite

5. Nyaanga

Sport Reporter

No face veils in Dutch public buildings

June 27, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: US judge orders separated families be reunited

≪ Previous: Neymar tourney reaches its peak

$

0

0

No face veils in Dutch public buildings The Dutch upper house of parliament has passed a law banning face veils in public buildings, including schools, government offices and hospitals.

The lower house passed the law in 2016, after attempts to impose a more general ban on burqas and other face-covering veils failed.

Proponents of the law say it is meant to make schools, hospitals and public transport safer, but critics say its only aim is to get rid of Islamic veils, such as the burqa and niqab.

The Dutch government's main advising body in 2015 said the choice to wear an Islamic veil is protected by the constitutional right to freedom of religion, and that it saw no grounds to limit that right.

Existing legislation in the Netherlands already limits the wearing of burqas and other total face-coverings on public transport or in schools.

Measures against the wearing of Islamic veils have already been taken in Belgium, France, Denmark and Spain, among others.

The ban does not apply to public streets, although police can ask an individual to remove face-covering clothing for identification.

“This is actually virtually a complete ban because the only spaces that are still available for women (who wear face-covering clothing) are the street and the private sector,” said Annelies Moors, professor of anthropology and sociology at the University of Amsterdam.

“And, of course, the private sector can also have their house rules, they could also possibly legislate against their presence. So this leaves women very little space.”

“It is completely disproportionate and the only effect will be that many of these women will stay at home even more,” said Green Party senator Ruard Ganzevoort.

“They will not have an opportunity to go to school. They will not have an opportunity to go to learn to swim, and all those things.”

Far-right politician Geert Wilders had pushed for the ban for more than a decade. His Freedom Party claimed the development as a major victory, while senator Marjolein Faber-Van de Klashorst called it “a historical day because this is the first step to de-Islamise the Netherlands”.



NEWS24

US judge orders separated families be reunited

June 27, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Sudan court scraps teen's death term in marital rape case

≪ Previous: No face veils in Dutch public buildings

$

0

0

US judge orders separated families be reunited An American judge ordered that migrant families separated at the border with Mexico under President Donald Trump's “zero tolerance” policy be reunited within 30 days.

For children under five, reunification must take place within two weeks of the order, issued on Tuesday by US District Judge Dana Sabraw in San Diego.

Sabraw issued the ruling in response to a suit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of a seven-year-old girl who was separated from her Congolese mother and a 14-year-old boy who was separated from his Brazilian mother. The judge also issued an injunction against any more family separations. US federal authorities have 10 days to allow parents to call their children if they are not already in touch with them.

Trump signed an executive order last week halting his government's practice of taking children away from parents who cross the border without papers, even to seek asylum. Many are fleeing violence in Central America.

But the order made no specific provisions for families already separated under the policy, which drew scorn as inhumane and even a form of child abuse in heated criticism in America and around the world.

More than 2 000 children taken from their families remain under the care of federal authorities. The judge was scathing in his criticism of the Trump policy of taking kids away from their parents.

“The facts set forth before the court portray reactive governance - responses to address a chaotic circumstance of the government's own making,” Sabraw wrote in the 24-page ruling.

“They belie measured and ordered governance, which is central to the concept of due process enshrined in our constitution,” the judge added.

NAMPA/AFP

Sudan court scraps teen's death term in marital rape case

June 27, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Africa lush with jihadists

≪ Previous: US judge orders separated families be reunited

$

0

0

Sudan court scraps teen's death term in marital rape case A Sudan court on Tuesday commuted the death sentence of a teenager for killing her husband who she said had raped her, instead imposing a five-year jail term, her lawyer said.

A lower court had sentenced Noura Hussein to death for the “intentional murder” of her husband, whom she said raped her after being forced to marry him at the age of 16 by her father.

The death sentence triggered international outrage from the United Nations and global rights groups, and her lawyer filed an appeal against the lower court's ruling.

“The appeals court has cancelled her execution and sentenced her to five years in jail,” Hussein's lawyer Al-Fateh Hussein told AFP.

“The jail term is effective from the time she was arrested,” he said, adding that his client had also been fined 337 500 Sudanese pounds (US$12 000).

Hussein, now aged 19, has been held in a women's prison since May 2017.

Amnesty International, which had been part of a 'Justice For Noura' campaign, confirmed Hussein's death sentence had been scrapped.

Hussein was wed against her will to Abdulrahman Hammad, with the initial marriage ceremony involving the signing of a contract between her father and her husband.

In April 2017, she was forced to move into her husband's home after completing high school, Amnesty said in May.

When she refused to consummate the marriage, her husband invited two of his brothers and a male cousin to help him rape her.

“On 2 May 2017, the three men held Noura Hussein down while Abdulrahman raped her,” the rights group said.

“The next morning he tried to rape her again but she managed to escape to the kitchen where she grabbed a knife.

“In the ensuing scuffle, Abdulrahman sustained fatal knife wounds.”

Hussein fled to her family home after the incident but her father handed her to the police, Amnesty said. During her trial in July 2017, the court found her guilty of “intentional murder” after applying an outdated law that does not recognise marital rape, it added.

There has been increased protest in recent years against child marriage in Sudan, where legally those over the age of ten can marry.



NAMPA/AFP

Africa lush with jihadists

June 27, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Meatco a taalela ompumbwe yiimaliwa

≪ Previous: Sudan court scraps teen's death term in marital rape case

$

0

0

Africa lush with jihadistsContinent remains vulnerable ISIS, also known as Daesh, frequently targets Africa and the continent is home to at least 10 000 jihadists. Africa is home to more than 10 000 jihadists from the Islamic State group and al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, Morocco's foreign minister told a meeting of the US-led coalition on Tuesday.

“Within the framework of the evolution of the strategy of Daesh (ISIS), Africa is among the most targeted zones” whose vulnerabilities are “exploited by the terrorists”, Nasser Bourita said.

The minister called for cooperation between African countries and the global coalition to defeat ISIS, whose political representatives met on Tuesday in Skhirat near the Moroccan capital Rabat.

Excluding Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, the African continent suffers the most jihadist attacks and “the number of victims is greater than for Europe”, Bourita said during a briefing with Brett McGurk, US President Donald Trump's special envoy for the coalition.

McGurk said the gathering allowed coalition members “to share information to enable a network to protect our homeland”, prevent fighters from crossing borders and combat terrorism financing.

The US envoy hailed the “very successful meeting” whose focus was “on trying to finish the job in Syria”.

The coalition has put forward nearly US$90 million for reconstruction programmes in Syria and Iraq, he told a press briefing.

The regional meeting bringing together around 50 delegations, including 20 from the African continent, was the first of its kind, according to Morocco's foreign ministry.

“African countries have much to learn from the global coalition against Daesh, formed in 2014 around the United States to intervene in Iraq and Syria,” Bourita said at the briefing.

NAMPA/AFP

Meatco a taalela ompumbwe yiimaliwa

June 27, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Ondaadhi nadhi yelithe mopaliamende- Venaani

≪ Previous: Africa lush with jihadists

$

0

0

Meatco a taalela ompumbwe yiimaliwaAanafaalama taya pula ekwashilipaleko Pethimbo lyomutumba ngoka gwa ningwa konima yomiyelo dha patwa, aanafaalama oya gandja kelelo lyaMeatco oomwedhi hamano opo li kandule po omukundu ngoka gwa taalela ehangano ndyoka. Omutumba ngoka ogwa kaliwa kiilyo ya thika pe 118 konima yomiyelo dha patwa, na inamu pitikilwa iikundaneki.

Okopi yomanyenyeto giilyo mbyoka oya holola kutya, onkalo yopashimaliwa yehangano ndyoka otayi nayipala kohi yelelo epe lyehangano, na okwa pumbwa okukatukwa oonkantu dhomeendelelo.

“Nonando okwa ningwa omakunkililo ogendji Meatco onkene ta tsikile nokupungula oomiliyona momapungulo kaage na iiyemo yasha, naashoka otashi tula moshiponga onakuyiwa yehangano.”



Iilyo mbyoka oya popi kutya omatokolo ngoka taga ningwa kelelo lyehangano ndyoka, otaga tula moshiponga onkalo yopashimaliwa yehangano.

Iilyo mbyoka yi li momalimbililo oya pula elelo opo li ya pe oompangela dhomilandu ndhoka tadhi ka longithwa kehangano, opo ya kale ye na einekelo muyo.

Oya hala woo oompangela dhopangeshefa ndhoka tadhi vuli ishewe okuyambulapo ongeshefa yehangano ndyoka, ngaashi sha kala nale.

Natango iilyo mbyoka oya pula elelo lyehangano opo li ya pe omusholondondo gwelongitho lyiimaliwa yehangano gwomvula yo 2018/19. Oya pula opo yapewe iizemo ye yo komeho kombinga yonkalo ndjoka muule wiiwike ihamano.

Pauyelele wolopota ndjoka ya gandjwa kiilyo, pokati komvula yo 2014/15 oshowo 2017 no 2018 meatco okwa kala ta longo e li momudhingoloko gwepingakanitho lyiimaliwa gu li nawa.



Oya popi kutya onkalo ndjoka oya gandja uuwanawa kehangano ndyoka, opo li vule okumona iiyemo ya thika poopresenda 40.

Nonando ongaaka, Meatco okwa kanitha iiyemo .

Okwa hololwa kutya momvula yo 2014/15 sigo 2017/18 osha monika mo kutya onkalo yiiyemo yehangano ndyoka oya kala tayi gu pevi noonkondo, ihe iifuta yiilyo yelelo oshowo elongitho lyiimaliwa mehangano oya kala tayi yi pombanda noonkondo.

Ehangano olya kala nokukunkililwa kombinga yonkalo ndjoka tayi vulu okutula ehangano moshiponga, ihe inali gandja oompangela nenge kutya otali kambadhala ngiini okuhupitha ehangano nokukutha momalimbililo aanafaalama mboka yiikolelela mehangano, mokumona iiyemo yawo.

“Iiholelwa oyindji ongaashi ekaleko lyomutumba gwiilyo opo yi vule okuhogolola iilyo iipe yelelelo lyehangano. Euvaneko lya ningwa kiilyo yelelo kutya otaku ka ningwa omutumba opo ku hogololwe aakomeho aape, ihe euvaneko ndyoka inali gwanithwa po na osha etitha ominista yuunamapya yi hogolole yoyene iilyo yeleleo.”

Elelo olya uvaneke natango oomvula mbali dha piti kutya otali ka gandja iifuta yolupandu kaanafaalama mboka yeli iilyo ihe euvaneko ndyoka inali gwanithwa po. Pethimbo lyomutumba ngoka gwa ningwa, omunashipundi gwelelo lyaMeatco

Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun okwa popi kutya oshilongo osha taalela onkalo yopaliko ya dhigupala mwa kwatelwa woo oshikukuta oshowo eshuno pevi lyomwaalu gwiimuna mbyoka tayi vulu okutomwa.

Omushipundi okwa tsikile kutya onkalo yomalanditho gonyama oya taalela omukundu omunene moshilongo, ta popi woo kombinga yomukalo gwokutuma momalanditho pondje yoshilongo iinamwenyo.

Okwa popi kutya mvula ya piti, oongombe dhi li po 315 198 odha tumwa pondje yoshilongo okuyeleka noongombe 164 220 ndhoka dha tumwa momvula yo 2016.



Okwa popi kutya ngele onkalo ndjoka oya tsikile otayi londeke pombanda onkalo yokwaahe na iilonga, oluhepo oshowo okwaaha thike pamwe paliko moshilongo.

Ngoka ta longo pehala lyOmunambelewa Omukuluntu gwehangano ndyoka, Jannie Breytenbach okwa lopota kutya oongombe dha thika po 81 984 odha tomwa momumvo gwa piti.

Ehangano olya mono iiyemo yoobiliyona 1.425 oshowo ekanitho lyoomiliyona 51.2.

Iiyemo oya shuna pevi noopresenda 15.91 naashoka osha etithwa komwaalu guli pevi gwiimuna mbyoka tayi tomwa moshilongo oshowo ekondopalo lyiimaliwa yaNamibia okuyeleka niimaliwa yiilongo iinankondo pashimaliwa muuyuni.



Meatco okwa futa aanafaalama oshimaliwa shoomiliyona N$899.852 , nomwaalu ngoka ogwa londo pombanda noopresenda 20.04, okuyeleka noomiliyona 749.617 ndhoka dha futwa aanafaalama momvula ya pitile.

Pethimbo lyomutumba ngoka iilyo yaMeatco oya holola woo omaiyuvo kombinga yuukwashili mekalepo lyiilyo iipe yehangano na oye wete kutya inaya pewa ompito nuuthemba okuhogolola iilyo yelelo yoyene.

ELLANIE SMIT

Ondaadhi nadhi yelithe mopaliamende- Venaani

June 27, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Angola a mana okufuta oongunga dhaNamibia

≪ Previous: Meatco a taalela ompumbwe yiimaliwa

$

0

0

Ondaadhi nadhi yelithe mopaliamende- Venaani Esindano mompangu lyoThe Patriot, kombinga yolutu lyoondadhi moshilongo, olya gandja ompito kaakwashigwana oshowo kiikundaneki yi holole polweela uulingiingi mboka wa kala tawu longwa meholamo medhina lyegameno lyoshilongo.

Shoka osha popiwa komupresidende gwongundu yoPopular Democratic Movement (PDM) McHenry Venaani, ngoka a ningi omutumba niikundaneki mEtiyali.

Namibia Central Intelligence Service (NCIS) oya li ya ningi eindilo lyomeendelelo kompangu muApilili tayi pula opo oshifokudaneki shomoshilongo kashi pitithe oonkundana kombinga yuulingilingi mboka tawu longwa mehanagno ndyoka, kombinga yomaliko ngoka taga landelwa olutu ndyoka kepangelo.

Omupanguli, Harald Geier okwa ekelehi eindilo ndyoka lya ningwa koNCIS pamwe niifuta, ta popi kutya kape na omatompelo kutya omolwashike olutu ndoka onga oshiputudhilo shepangelo italu vulu okupewa ombedhi nokutalika kutya otalu longitha ngiini iimaliwa yoshigwana.

Pahapu dhaVenaani, ndjoka ompito tayi ya hwahwameke opo ya fale kompangu ehangano lyoAugust 26 nongundu yoPDM otayi ka pula omikanda dhelongitho lyiimaliwa lyoshiputudhilo shoNCIS, dhuule woomvula ndatu.

Okwa pula kombinga yiilonga yokomitiye yoparliamentary standing committees ndjoka tayi kwatelwa komeho kongundu yoSwapo, ndjoka pahapu dhe kayi na uunongo wokunongonona iikumungu.

“Otatu ka ninga omapulo momutumba gwopashigwana. Okomitiye yetu nayi ithane aahona yoNCIS muule womasiku gaheyali opo ya yelithe. Na ya yelithe kutya omagumbo gaayenda ngoka taya landa ogashike? Omolwashike taya landa oofaalama dhoomiliyona 57? Oofaalama odhi li peni? Okomitiye ndjoka nayi ye muule opo yi ninge omakonaakono gomapopyo ngoka,” Venaani ta ti.

Pashinyolwa shoka sha ningwa koThe Patriot, NCIS okwa longitha iimaliwa yoshigwana mokulandela oondaadhi nale iinima yopaumwene.

Venaani okwa pula woo omupresidende Hage Geingob okwa iidhope moshikumungu shoka opo NCIS a kaleke oompangela dhe, dhokupataneka etokolo ndyoka lya ningwa kompangu.

Pahapu dhe, epangelo otali hepeke iimaliwa yoshigwana ta gwedha po kutya oshipotha shoka otashi ka etitha eningo nayi lyaatoolinkundana oshowo aanapolotika mboka taya kala taya popi kombinga yiikumungu moshiputudhilo shoka.

Venaani okwa popi kutya, Zimbambwe okuli oshiholelwa moka aatoolinkundana ya kana nokumonithwa iihuna omolwa okupititha oonkundana dhi li ngaaka. Okwa pula opo omuleli gwoshilongo a hupithe iimaliwa yoshigwana ye ta pula oshiputudhilo shoka shi kaleke oompangela dhokupataneka etokolo lyompangu.

JEMIMA BEUKES

---

Angola a mana okufuta oongunga dhaNamibia

June 27, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Taya pewa omiti, pehala lyehungomwenyo

≪ Previous: Ondaadhi nadhi yelithe mopaliamende- Venaani

$

0

0

Angola a mana okufuta oongunga dhaNamibia Ombaanga onene yaAngola, yoBanco Nacional de Angola (BNA), oshiwike shika oya manitha okufuta omukuli gwaNamibia gwoomliyona 600 ngoka gwa li gwa zi mepingakanitho lyiimaiwa pokati kiilonga mbika iyali.

Onzo yi li popepi nuuyelele mbuka oya holola kutya epangelo lyaAngola, olya tokola okumanitha iifuta mbyoka, ngaashi lya li lya uvanekele ombaanga onene yaNamibia yoBank of Namibia (BoN) , kutya otayi manitha iifuta mbyoka momasiku 25 gaJuni.

Shoka osha landula etsokumwe lyepingakanitho lyiimaliwa yongushu ya thika poobiliyona ntano momvula yo 2014.

BoN okwa tegelelwa a kaninge etseyitho kombinga yoshikumungu shoka, okuya pehulilo lyoshiwike shika.

Omunambelewa omupopiliko gwoBoN, Kazembire Zemburuka okwa li a lombwele oNamibian Sun kutya kape na omalimbililo ngele Angola ota vulu tuu okufuta oondjo dhoka ena.

“Ombaanga yaNamibia oya tegelela iifuta ya hugunina okuya pehulilo lyomwedhi Juni mo2018, ngaashi etsokumwe ndyoka lya shainwa koombanga ndhoka mbali tali holola,” Zemburuka a popi.

Okwa tsikile kutya BNA moshikako shotango shomvula yo 2018, okwa futa BoN oomiliyona dhaUS dhili 51.3, nokushunitha pevi omwaalu gwoongunga ngoka a kala e na.



“Okuza nena BNA oku na oongunga dhetu dhoomiliyona dhaUS 51.1, konima sho a futuko oomiliyona dhaUS 51.3 momasiku 28 gaMaalitsa nuumvo, ngaashi tashi uthwa ketsokumwe ndyoka lya shainwa.”

Pethimbo omupresidende gwaAngola a talele po Namibia muApilili nuumvo, Omupresidende gwaNamibia, Hage Geingob okwa popi netumba kombinga yekwatathano ewanawa ndyoka li li pokati koombaanga dhoka oonene miilongo mbika iyali.

Epingakanitho ndyoka lyiimaliwa olya li lya nuninwa okunkondopeka iipindi pokati kaNamibia naAngola. Etsokumwe ndyoka olya li lya pitika aanangeshefa ya longithe iimaliwa yaAngola meni lyaNamibia.

OGONE TLHAGE

Taya pewa omiti, pehala lyehungomwenyo

June 27, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Accountability is not just talk

≪ Previous: Angola a mana okufuta oongunga dhaNamibia

$

0

0

Taya pewa omiti, pehala lyehungomwenyoAapangwa mboka itaya ningilwa omakonaakono Okwa holoka omapopyo kutya oshipangelo shaShakati otashi gandja kaayakulwa omiti ndhoka hadhi pewa aantu uuna ye na uuvu wopamadhilaadhilo pehala shi tume aantu mboka ya ka pewe ehungomwenyo. Omuhungimwenyo gumwe moshipangelo shoka, okwa popi kutya aapangwa mboka yeli meni lyoshipangelo shoka yeli 130 omanga mboka haya zi pondje yoshipangelo ye Ii 400

Omuhungimwenyo ngoka a popi noshifokudaneki shoNamibian Sun kuyele oshiwike shika okwa popi kutya aayakulwa ayehe yomoshipangelo shaShakati opo ya ninge ekwatathano noHealth Professions Councils of Namibia opo ku talululwe omakonaakono gepango lyawo molwaashoka inaga ningwa mondjila.

Konima nkene oshilongo sha manguluka oshipangelo, shoka inashi kala nomundohotola omuhungimwenyo gaapangwa yomapadhilaadhilo.

Oshikondo shaapangwa mboka ye na omikundu dhopamadhilaadhilo, ohashi yakula aapangwa yeli po 500 kehe oshiwike naapangwa mboka taya pumbwa ehungomwenyo ohaya tumwa komuhungimwenyo.

Ngoka ta longo pehala lyomukuluntu gwoshipangelo shoak, Dr Korbinian Vizcaya Amutenya, okwa koleke kutya oshipangelo shawo kashi na omundohotola omuhungimwenyo, oye na owala omundohotola gwopamadhilaadhilo.

Amutenya okwa popi kutya ota feleke kutya shoka osha etithwa kondjambi itayi nana aantu opo yam one ohokwe yokulongela moshipangelo shoka, okuyelela naandjoka hayi gandjwa kiipangelo yopaumwene.

“Omukundu nguka kagu shi owala gwewalanda lyaapangwa yopamadhilaadhilo ihe omukundu ogwoshipangelo ashihe. Onda kala omukomeho gwoshipangelo shika okuza momvula yo 1998 sigo 2005 ihe inamu kala omundohotola omuhungimwenyo. Onda li nda zimo moshipangelo shika uule woomvula omulongo, ihe tandi galuka natango opo ndi longe pehala lyomunambelewa omukuluntu ihe natango kamu na omundohotola ngoka,” Amutenya a popi.



Aapangwa yamwe oya lombwele oshifokundaneki shika kutya ohaya tulwa owala kepango omanga inaya ningilwa omakonaakono.

Oshipangelo oshi na owala omundohotola gumwe ngoka huungaunga niikumungu mbyoka, na oha kwathele aantu ya thika pe 130 mboka ye li moshipangelo oshowo 400 mboka haya zi pondje yoshipangelo kehe oshiwike.

“Otu na omundohotola gwopamadhilaadhilo ngoka a longwa e vule omundohotola omuhungimwenyo, na otwiikolelela kuye. Ngele ope na omapopyo goludhi ndoka, nena oga pumbwa okutalwa pauhandimwe,” Amutenya a popi.

Amutenya okwa popi kutya ondjambi yoondohotola aahungimwenyo mepangelo itayi nana aalongwantu.

“Oompito dhiilonga opo dhili, ohadhi tseyithwa kehe ethimbo ihe kape na ngoka ta ningi eindilo. Omolwashike itaya ningi omaindilo ngele oondjambi odhi li nawa. Oondjambi ndhoka odha pumbwa okutalululwa nongele hasho itatu mono aaningi yomaindilo ya pyokoka.”

Omukomeho gwoshikondo shoka, moshipangelo shaShakati, Dr Famuyiwa Peter, okwa wayimine oshipangelo muDesema gwomvula yo 2015, sha landula sho a ningilwa omadheulo moNigeria, moshilongo shaandjawo.

Iilonga yomundohotola omuhungimwenyo, okugandja ehungomwenyo, omanga omundohotola gwopamadhilaadhilo kombinga yimwe ha konaakono omauvu gopamadhilaadhilo nokugandja epango nenge a tumwe aapangwa mboka komuhungimwenyo nenge komundohotola omuhungimwenyo.

Amutenya okwa popi kutya omwaalu gwapangwa kewalanda 16 ogwa londa pombanda noonkondo unene aakiintu.



“Monale omwaalu gwaapangwa aakiintu gwa londa gu li poopresenda 30 omanga aalumentu ye li poopresenda 70 ihe monena omwaalu gwaapangwa aakiintu ogwa londa noopresenda 50. Kandi shi kutya uupyakadhi owuli peni. Oyendji yomaapangwa aanyasha mbyoka ye li moomvula dhokulonga ihe otandi fekele kutya ope na e yo pombanda lyelongitho lyiingangamithi oshowo ompumbwe yomayambidhidho okuza koofamili”

Omuhungimwenyo ngoka a popi ina hala uukwatya we wutothwemo okwa hokolola kutya ewalanda ndyoka oli li oheli onene moshipangelo shoka.

Okwa popi kutya aapangwa oyendji moshipangelo shoka oya tulwa kepango lyuuvu yopamadhiladhilo ihe oya li owala taya pumbwa ehungomwenyo.

Aapangwa yane mboka inaya hala okutumbulwa komadhina oya popi kutya oya ningi iihakanwa yonkalo ndjoka. Oya popi kutya ya li owala ye na uupyakadhi wopankalathano ihe oya tulwa kepango lyuupyakadhi wopamadhilaadhilo inaya ningilwa omakonaakono gasha.

ILENI NANDJATO

Accountability is not just talk

June 27, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Shot of the day

≪ Previous: Taya pewa omiti, pehala lyehungomwenyo

$

0

0

Accountability is not just talk It is an unfortunate and sad truth that the final fig leaf for the corrupt, especially those in government, is often the veil of secrecy called 'national security interests'.

Using this veil has in the past stifled and stymied debate, as well as accountability and transparency.

It is through this prism that a recent High Court judgement against the country's spy agency must be seen, as the court clearly articulated that the actions of the Namibia Central Intelligence Service (NCIS) are subject to judicial oversight.

This is so because it operates in the context of a democratic state, founded on the rule of law, which subjects all public officials and all those exercising public functions, whether openly or covertly in the interest of the state, to judicial scrutiny.

In his ruling on the matter that saw the spy agency trying to gag The Patriot weekly newspaper, Judge Harald Geier said although legislation may exist to protect national security interests, the law in general can't be used in instances where the media may potentially be uncovering illegal and corrupt activities.

With the ink on this landmark judgement barely dry, government and its spy agency have now chosen to take the matter on appeal in the Supreme Court.

While it may be their right, although they are effectively using tax money to attempt to reverse a win for democracy, it is a very unfortunate situation indeed.

As the official opposition pointed out during a media conference on Tuesday, if this case is allowed to continue it may well lead to the victimisation of journalists and politicians, who raise issues related to the spy agency.

While highlighting his concerns, Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani said President Hage Geingob, as the head of the country, should save the nation's money “and tell the spy agency not to continue with this frivolous appeal”.

We would take this argument slightly further and challenge Geingob, who has always purported to be a champion of freedom of the press, as well as transparency and accountability, to carefully think through the implications of the Supreme Court challenge.

His government now risks being on the wrong side of history on this matter and may inadvertently be showing its true colours.

Shot of the day

June 27, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: NSFAF to meet Nanso today

≪ Previous: Accountability is not just talk

$

0

0

Shot of the day STRANGE SCENE: A pedestrian walks past the wreckage of a vehicle on a street in Abidjan recently after floodwaters receded following an overnight downpour in the city. Fifteen people have died in Abidjan, Ivory Coast's economic capital, during flooding caused by torrential rain. Rain poured down overnight on 19 June, causing flash floods up to 2.5 metres deep. Photo: NAMPA/AFP

NSFAF to meet Nanso today

June 27, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Conservancy pleads for Shifeta's help

≪ Previous: Shot of the day

$

0

0

NSFAF to meet Nanso today The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) has agreed to meet the Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) today to discuss the financial demands of students.

This arrangement comes after the student organisation on Friday gave the NSFAF until Monday 17:00 to meet the listed demands.

Nanso regional secretary for Khomas, Shoki Kandjimi Tuesday confirmed that they received communication from NSFAF on Monday requesting for today's meeting.

Kandjimi said they will attend the meeting and see how different it will be from the previous meetings and the results thereof will determine the way forward.

During a media conference held in Windhoek on Friday, Nanso vice-president Bernhard Kavau said “should NSFAF fail to comply, Nanso's national executive committee, regional executive committee and student representative councils resolved to shut down the headquarters of the NSFAF on 4 July”.

The demands from the students are that 100% of the outstanding non-tuition fees of students for 2017 be settled and 100% tuition and 50% non-tuition fees for 2018 be settled and paid out to students respectively.

Kavau said the budget of the NSFAF was increased to N$1.4 billion for the 2018/19 financial year, but the fund is still failing to assist students with their studies.

NSFAF spokesperson, Percy Tjahere confirmed that representatives of the two parties were scheduled to meet today to discuss the student demands.

“We have written to the national executive of Nanso on Monday, but they requested us to have the meeting today as they were having a meeting in Rundu and we agreed,” he said.

Tjahere further rubbished allegations that students are not funded or rejected, adding that every student's case is handled individually as there are differences in situations.

NAMPA