Tonata ya mono eyambididho lyoomiliyona 32

June 28, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Tonata ya mono eyambididho lyoomiliyona 32Elalakano okukondjitha ombuto yoHIV Pehala lyaayakulwa yawo ya kale taya talelepo uuklinika nomandiki guundjolowele opo ya ka konge omiti dhawo, ongundu ndjoka oyi na aakalelipo mboka haya katala omiti ndhoka nokutopolela iilyo yawo momikunda. Tonata ehangano lyaantu mboka taya lumbu nombuto yoHIV, olya taambako etsokumwe lyuule woomvula ntano ndyoka lya shainwa kehangano ndyoka opamwe nehangano lyaUnited States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Etsokumwe ndyoka olya nuninwa okunkondopeka oongundu dhomayambidhidho unene kaantu mboka taya lumbu nombuto.

Momwedhi nguka USAID okwa tseyitha etsokumwe lyawo ndyoka lyuule woomvula ntano, lyoshungu yoomiliyona 32, opo Tonata a vule okuindjipaleka epango lyombuto yoHIV okupitila mokati koongundu dhomayambidhidho dhi li 600, ndhoka tadhi yambidhidha aakwashigwana mboka taya lumbu nombuto ye li po 17 300.

Pahapu dhaErastus Ndilenga gwo Tonata, okuya komandiki guundjololwe osha kala omukundu omunene gwa taalela aantu mboka taya lumbu nombuto omolwa iinano iileeleka.

Okwa tsikile kutya ongundu yomayambidhidho yaTonata oya totwa po momvula yo 2011, konima sho kwa monika kutya aantu oyendji mboka taya lumbu nombuto ohaya faula okuya kiipangelo nomandiki guundjolowele, omolwa ompumbwe yiimaliwa yomalweendo.

Shoka osha etitha iilyo yimwe yi hulithe po epango lyawo nokweetitha uuwehame.

Ndilenga okwa popi kutya oya tula miilonga oshiyetwapo melongelokumwe nUuministeli wUundjolowele, opo ongundu yi kale yi na omukalelipo ngoka haka talela yakwawo omiti dhawo kiipangelo.

Omunambelewa gwomauyelele mOmbelewa yOmukalelipo gwaUnited States moNamibia, Jacques du Toit, okwa popi kutya etsokumwe ndyoka tali yambidhidhwa niiyemo koprograma yoUS President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), otali ka yambidhidha aakwashigwana nepango lyoantiretroviral treatment (ART) unene miitopolwa yomuushayi monooli nopokati kaNamibia.

Shoka otashi ka kutha woo komapepe iilonga oyindji aaniilonga yuundjolowele pomandiki guundjolowele mpoka hapu kala puudha noonkondo, shoka otashi ka shunithwa pevi natango omwaalu gwaapangwa yombuto yoHIV mboka taya talele po omandiki guundjolowele.

“Kakele kaapangwa taya talele po omandiki guundjolowele okuka konga omiti dhawo, oongundu dhomayambidhidho otadhi tumu omukalelipo gwawo ngoka ta ka tala omiti dhiilyo ayihe pendiki lyopopepi. Itashi hupitha owala ethimbo ihe otashi hupitha woo niifuta yomalweendo, nokuyambidhidha aanona naakokele.”

Okwa tsikile kutya Tonata, pamwe nUuministeli wUundjolowele oshowo epangelo lyaUS otaya kala taya kongo omikalo dhokuhwepopalitha onkalo nokukonga omikalo dhopashinanena ndhoka tadhi vulu okulongithwa moongundu dhomayambidhidho dhili hetatu miitayi ngaashi Andara, Engela, Grootfontein, Nyangana, Onandjokwe, Omuthiya, Oshikuku, oshowo Tsumeb.

“Omolwa ontseyo yaTonata ndjoka a dhidhilike mokulongela kumwe naakwashigwana, etsokumwe lyawo noUSAID otali fala popepi noshigwana epango lyoHIV, nomiitopolwa yomuushayi, na otali kwathele woo Aanamibia ya kondjithe okatongo hoka ka kala nokuningilwa aantu mboka,” ngoka ta longo pehala lyomukalelipo gwoUSAID moNamibia, Edith Humphreys, a popi.

Okwa popi kutya uuministeli wuundjolowele owa longa oshilonga oshinene mokuandjakaneka epango ndyoka moshilongo, omanga Tonata ta yambidhidha mokuhwahwameka aakwashigwana ya simaneke epango lyawo noku ya pa woo omayambidhidho ngoka taya pumbwa.

PEPFAR ota gandja omayambidhidho gomadheulo nokukwashilipaleka kutya aayakulwa oya mona omiti dhawo popepi nayo.

Eyakulo ndyoka okwa tegelelwa li ka kwatelemo aayakulwa oyendi, okuza pe 1 600 okuya paayakulwa yeli 37 500 miitopolwa ya yooloka.

USAID oya longela kumwe noTonata moopoloyekaa ooshona dha yooloka okutameka momvula yo 2009, nokwiinekela kutya eyambidhidho okuza moshigwana otali ka hulitha po ombuto yoHIV moomvula twa taalela.

PEPFAR oha gandja omayambidhidho mekondjitho lyomikithi ngaashi HIV/Aids oshowo oTB muuyuni, na otayi kwatelwa komeho kombelewa yomukalelipo gwaUS moNamibia, na otaya longele kumwe momahangano ngaashi USAID, Peace Corps, oshowo Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

ILENI NANDJATO

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AR a pandula Ombudsman

June 28, 2018, 4:00 pm

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AR a pandula Ombudsman Ehwahwameko lyoAffirmative Repositioning (AR) olya pandula ombudsman, John Walters, sho a tseyitha kutya otaka ninga iigongi noshigwana onga oshitopolwa shoonkambadhaala ndhoka ta ningi opo a konaakone kutya epangelo olya topola oofaalama dhomatulululo momukalo guli ngiini.

Iigongi mbyoka otayi ka ningwa momasiku 3 Juli moMariental, 5 Juli moGobabis, 10 Juli mOtjiwarongo, 11 Juli moKaribib, 24 Juli moKeetmanshoop oshowo momasiku 26 no 27 Juli mOvenduka.

Omitumba ndhoka tadhi ningwa noshigwana osha landula etamekitho lyomakonaakono okuudha ngoka taga ningwa kuWalters, kombinga yomulandu nomukalo gwa longithwa mokutululula AaNamibia.

Omakonaakono ngoka oga landula sho epangelo lya tokola okugandja ofaalama komuselekadhi gwependafule lyaNamibia, Andimba Herman Toivo Ya Toivo, ngoka a li nale a pewa ofaalama momvula yo 2015 moGross Otjomune, moshitopolwa shErongo.

MuMaalitsa gwonuumvo, uuministeli womavi owa tula etseyitho moshikundaneki kutya otawu tululula Vicki Erenstein Ya Toivo moshitopolwa shaA moFarm Joyce, yuunene woohecta 2 376 moshitopolwa Omaheke.

Erenstein Ya Toivo okwa li popi kutya okwa ningi eindilo lyevi, ta popi kutya osha kala oonkambadhala tadhi ningwa komusamane gwe opo yamone ehala ewananawa nokutulululwa, molwaashoka ofaalama ndjoka ya pewa oyi li kokule nOvenduka, na oyi li momudhingoloko omuwinayi.

Okwa tsikile kutya ofaalama ndjoka ye na nale kayi na egumbo lyaaniilonga nenge egumbo lyokukala, omboola ndjoka yi li mo oya teka na kayi na ondhalate.

Omukomeho gwoAR, Job Amupanda, okwa popi, kutya oya pandula oonkambadhala ndhoka tadhi ningwa kuWalters, naashoka oshi li oshizemo shoonkambadhala tadhi ningwa kehwahwameko lyawo ndyoka tali kondjele uuwanawa dhaathigona.

Okwa pula woo oshigwana unene aayambidhidhi yoAR ya kuthe ombinga momitumba ndhoka.

Okwa tsikile kutya oya nongele kutya aakengeli mboka taya longo uulingilingi moshilongo otaya ningi oompangela, opo omitumba ndhoka dhi ndope.

Okwa pula natango AR a hwahwameke omitumba ndhoka opo dhi kuthwe ombinga kaakwashigwana oyendji.

Amupanda okwa popi kutya ope na iipotha oyindji moka oofaalama dha pewa aantu mboka inaya gwanitha po iipumbiwa , onkene aayambidhidhi naahwahwameki yiikumungu yevi oshowo mboka kaye na evi na ya gandje omanyenyeto gawo kutya oofaalama ndhoka odha gandjwa ngiini kwaamboka inaya gwanitha po iipumbiwa, muuwanawa waanapolotika naakwanezimo yawo.

“Ayehe mboka ya ningi omaindilo opo ya tulululwe moofaalama ndhoka ihe inaya tseyithilwa kombinga yoshizemo shomaindilo gawo, oya pumbwa okugandja omadhina gawo nuuyelele wawo, oshowo omasiku moka ya ningi omaindilo. Natu kaleni tu na uuyelele mboka.”

JEMIMA BEUKES

Jackson patriarch dies

June 28, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Jackson patriarch diesRemembered by all and sundry Joe Jackson, father to the late Michael and ten others, died this week aged 89. Joe Jackson, the music manager and father of 11, died early Wednesday morning, TMZ reported. He was 89.

The Jackson family patriarch had been battling terminal pancreatic cancer and was “not doing well” as of late, a source previously told PEOPLE.

Grandsons Randy Jackson Jr. and Taj Jackson confirmed the news in tweets Wednesday afternoon, writing, “RIP to the king that made everything possible! I love you grandpa” and “Joe was loved by the entire family and our hearts are in pain. Let us grieve”.

Prince Michael Jackson, grandson of Joe and son of Michael, captioned a photo on Instagram. “This man is and always will be an example or sheer willpower and dedication. He didn't choose the path that was the easiest but he choose the path that was best for his family,” he wrote.

Daughter LaToya added, “I will always love you! You gave us strength, you made us one of the most famous families in the world. I am extremely appreciative of that, I will never forget our moments together and how you told me how much you cared. #RIP Joe Jackson”.

On June 21, son Jermaine told the Daily Mail, “He's very, very frail, he doesn't have long. The family needs to be by his bedside - that's our only intention in his final days.”

Just days later, Jackson appeared to share an emotional tweet hinting at his worsening health struggles. “I have seen more sunsets than I have left to see,” read the caption on a photo of Jackson, in his trademark hat, silhouetted against sun rays. “The sun rises when the time comes and whether you like it or not the sun sets when the time comes.”

However, his granddaughter Paris claimed that the message was in fact not written by the family head. “My grandfather did not tweet this,” she commented. “I'm not sure if he's ever used this account.”

Over the years, Jackson — who was born on July 26, 1928, in Fountain Hill, Arkansas — had a series of health problems.

In November 2012, he recovered from a minor stroke at his Las Vegas home. Three years later, daughter Janet had to put rehearsals for her Unbreakable World Tour on hold when he suffered another stroke and heart arrhythmia in Brazil on his 87th birthday in July 2015.

Joe is survived by his wife Katherine and their children Maureen, 68, Jackie, 67, Tito, 64, Jermaine, 63, La Toya, 62, Marlon, 61, Randy, 56, and Janet, 52.

Son Michael died from an apparent cardiac arrest at age 50 on June 25, 2009. Son Brandon died at birth in 1957.



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Art Battle is on

June 28, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Art Battle is onThird event takes place tonight Audience must vote for paintings started and completed in 20 minutes. The third leg of the popular Art Battle Namibia live competitive painting series will take place this evening at the Goethe Institute in the capital.

The first battle of the night starts with a group of learners at 18:00. They are from Windhoek High School, Delta, Cosmos and St. Paul's College.

Twelve adult painters will soon after take each other on.

The winners in both segments move on to the grand finale in November.

The painters have 20 minutes to complete an artwork with acrylic paint on canvas from scratch in front of a live audience, who then vote for the artwork they like the most.

Votes are tallied and the four painters with the most votes in both segments battle it out in the final of the night. The winners in both the high school and adult segments move on to the grand finale, where a trip to participate in Art Battle International is up for grabs.

The winners of the two previous legs are Hage Mukwendja, who won the first event held at FNCC on 16 March, and Kelsey van Schalkwyk who won the second event held in an empty water reservoir at the Eagles Boma Restaurant in Avis on 24 May.

Organiser Jaimee-Lee Diergaardt from Something-Artsy said the stage is set and they are ready to go.

“There is a huge need for the public to see the process of what an artist does. This will hopefully make them gain a greater respect for the effort and time put into this skilled work,” said Diergaardt, who also runs the sought-after Paint and Wine events during which she facilitates painting sessions for novice or more advanced painters.

NEO Paints is the official sponsor of Art Battle Namibia.



The participants in the Adult segment:

Cindel Schoeman

Scharlarco Visagie

Anitta Voland

Ingrid Preuer

Esteban Santana

Naudano Hamunyela

Jeanite Schoeman

Mayke Ewald

Adriaan De Lange

Antje Diener

Charles Mufaya

Ndako Nghipandjelwa

Entrance is N$100 at the door. No online tickets are available.

For further enquiries contact Jaimee-Lee +26481 620 2225.



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Make it to Made, Unmade

June 28, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Make it to Made, Unmade The National Art Gallery of Namibia (NAGN) has opened the exhibition Made, Unmade. The exhibition of artworks by British Artist Julie Brook opened yesterday in the NAGN Lower Gallery yesterday and will run until 28 July 2018.

Julie Brook for 25 years has roamed, lived and sculpted in a succession of uninhabited and remote landscapes in North West Scotland: Hoy, Orkney; Jura, West coast; Mingulay, Outer Hebrides. Brook studied at the Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art, Oxford University.

She has explored the black volcanic desert of central Libya and in the Jebel Acacus Mountains in South West Libya (2008/09) and the semi-desert of northwestern Namibia (2011 to 2015) where the nature of light, shadow and structure are expressed in the sculptural forms Brook makes. Much of her work is transient; temporal, ephemeral and visceral, the sculptures are made of the fabric of the landscape itself. Brook documents these transformations through film and photography which then become the expression of the work.

Her work was recently seen on the BBC4 documentary; Field, Forest and Sky showing her tidal work, Firestack, made on the West coast of North Harris, Outer Hebrides.

In February 2017 she gave a public talk with Raku Kichizaemon XV, Raku teabowl master at MOMAK, Kyoto as part of his retrospective exhibition Cosmos in a Teabowl showing all 15 generations of teabowl makers. This featured in a documentary on NHK news.

In September 2017 she received a research and development award from Creative Scotland and the Daiwa foundation for a 2 year project exploring new work in Lewis and Harris, Outer Hebrides in relation to working in stone quarries in Komatsu, Japan.

For more information on the artist visit : http://www.juliebrook.com.

STAFF REPORTER

Rocking World Music Day

June 28, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Rocking World Music Day Bank Windhoek collaborated with the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre (FNCC) and hosted the 23rd World Music Day (WMD) this past weekend in Windhoek, Rundu and Katima Mulilo.

In Rundu, the event was held at the Kehemu Community Hall while audiences in Katima Mulilo, gathered at the town's open market. The day bound audiences from diverse backgrounds together as friends and family as they celebrated their common love for music and the arts.

In Windhoek, a winter market took place at the FNCC with food stalls, crafts, drinks and exciting activities for everyone. Three stages were set up in for the day: Jazz, Rhythm and Dance. The Jazz stage featured artist such as Broken Metronomes, Savannah Collins and opera singer Emily Dangwa.

The Rhythm Stage hosted live performances by Erna Chimu, Ngatu and Formula Band. In Mitte, The Future is Giggz, LoudPack and Fly Rhymez, entertained the crowd at the Dance Stage. In the late evening, the stage was set alight by electrifying performances by Raslando, Miss H, Lize Ehlers and Ngatu who opened for main act on the night, Jackson Wahengo.

“Thank you Bank Windhoek and FNCC for giving artists a platform to showcase their talent. Artists appreciate events of this nature because it gives them an opportunity to grow in this industry,” said Wahengo. Ngatu agreed with his fellow artist and added that this is a great initiative that should be continued on an annual basis.

The annual worldwide celebrated event, also known as Fête de la Musique, having originated from France, brought together amateur and professional musicians from all walks of life who specialise in genres ranging from jazz, soul, funk, rock, electro, reggae and many other popular genres. Entrance was free of charge at all the venues.

“Bank Windhoek is recognised as one of the biggest supporters of Namibian arts. Music is an art form that brings people together and we are pleased to have collaborated with FNCC on this exciting initiative once again,” said Bank Windhoek's coordinator of stakeholder engagement and CSR, Bronwyn Moody.

Over 50 performing artists graced the stages setup on the day. “FNCC is pleased to have hosted another successful World Music Day this past weekend. The Centre was a hive of activity on the day and the artists brought their best to the stage. Thank you, Bank Windhoek, and everyone that contributed to making this event a success,” said FNCC's cultural officer, Chantal Magano Kambrude.

*WMD is celebrated in over 104 countries and an estimated 514 cities around the world. It usually takes place on 21 June during the European Summer Solstice, when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky at noon, marking the longest day in the northern hemisphere. FNCC plans on hosting the event in other Namibian towns in the near future.

STAFF REPORTER

Is this it… coming soon

June 28, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Is this it… coming soonThe Dogg launches final concert and charity cup On 29 September, Windhoek will rock under the beat of The Dogg along with a lofty goal of raising money for destitute children. Musician Martin Morocky, popularly known as The Dogg, has officially declared his long-awaited 'Is this it' concert and charity cup slated for 29 September at the Unam stadium. The concert anticipates to be the biggest event in the country, to reach an audience of over 12 000 and create unity among old and new artists in the country.

According to The Dogg, 29 September will be the first-of-its kind to set such a high benchmark to allow Namibians to support local in their numbers and embrace the stories told through music.

“It is an invitation to celebrate unity through diversity, the same as different notes that can create rhythms and harmonies to further rejoice individualism,” he said.

The Dogg further pointed out that a soccer charity cup will be held on the day of the event where teams will compete against each other and create a build-up towards the performance that evening. He added that the 29 September charity cup will donate 15% of its proceeds to the San community through the University of Namibia's Foundation, as well as the orphans and those children that have lost parents due to HIV/Aids as part of Mshasho Trust.

“We look forward to hosting this tournament with former pro-footballers and getting to know the fans and corporates family side of life. We would like to acknowledge the endorsement of Mr Ricardo Manetti and the simultaneous celebration of the World Cup”, he stated.

At the same occasion, The Dogg urged all corporate companies and individual groups that would like to participate and be part of charity cup initiatives, to follow suit by registering for 7-a-side soccer teams through Poiyah Media, Mshasho's official public relations agency, or sponsor towards the event. Founder of Poiyah Media, Ilke Akwenye, further added that this event is a milestone for the industry at large and that Mshasho has contributed much to the economy. “Poiyah Media alongside Mshasho will cater for ten SMEs and allow them to register a stand. This once again will allow our start-ups to gain access to over 12 000 members of the public and create business for them. We urge them to apply through Poiyah Media via social media. The selection of SMEs will be based on the criteria set in application forms.”

NBC was declared as the official television and radio partner and the event saw the signing of the smart partnership with Nico Mwiya (NBC's manager for new business and research - commercial services), who represented the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation.

Before the declaration of the official launch, over 200 tickets sold to the music event. Tickets are available from Computicket and all Shoprite/Checkers outlets countrywide. Early-bird tickets go for N$50 until end of June. They will go for N$70 as from 1 July. Golden circle tickets will go for N$150 and VIP tickets at N$500. Confirmed partners towards this event include Namibia Statistics Agency, Air Namibia, Pamoja Records, University of Namibia, OTB sports, and 6mo9.

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Xtrazz321 - the new boys on the block

June 28, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Xtrazz321 - the new boys on the blockBringing beats and joy to Namibia Wherever they go, these boys sprinkle gold and their fan base continues to grow. Xtrazz321 is a three-man group consisting of Harold Hiiko also known as Bux, Nfwile Abel (Cyprus) and Padja Ndilula better known as Simzza.

The trio, whose ages range from 22 to 24 years old, launched their debut album last year in November.

The album which is titled “New Boys on the Block” has sixteen tracks which features genres like Afro-pop, reggae and house. The album was produced by Setrick Dantu who better known as Kalo on the Beat.

One of the songs, 'Carry we go' which features Sticky Fingaz, is a well-produced song and has an easy-to-listen-to Nigerian beat. The song, which is about a man who is pleading his love to a lady, is one to dance to and even sing along to.

Another good song on this album is 'Shut up money'. The house jam can definitely get any party started. Xtrazz321 sing about getting a lot of money and not wanting to reveal where it came from. It is a fun song especially for those who are young at heart.

'Shut up money' was at number two for a couple of weeks on the Energy 100 FM's RnB and hip-hop charts. The trio have released an album recently and also plan to record a music video soon.

Two other songs which stand out in the 16-track album are 'I like dat' and 'Fighting'. 'I like dat' is a well-composed dance track and what really captivates about the song is the melody which has a beautiful jazzy saxophone and lead guitar sound.





'Fighting' is a reggae song which sees Xtrazz321 tackle issues like disunity and disharmony in society. Which strong and vivid lyrics, they plead for change in world which continues to become harsher.

The group started in 2009 but the love for musical performances started in their high school years. Inspiration to do music was drawn from their family members who had good voices as well as the likes of Jackson Kaujeua, Awilo Longomba, Mandoza and Lucky Dube.

Performing at the same musical event, Cyrus and Simzza met for the first time in 2009 and decided to start Xtrazz321. Later that year Bux joined the group after the crew that he was previously part of decided to break up.

Since then, the group kept on performing on different stages as audiences welcomed their dance moves and beats. They continued to impress their fans so much so that the mayor of Omaruru, Hendrina Gebhardt, invited them to accompany her on a Swapo campaign during the 2014 elections. They also had the privilege to perform at the 2015 Omaruru Oasis Festival Gala dinner as well as the Just Teenz programme on NBC television.

Energetic and entertaining is what many fans call them and that is what Xtrazz321 will most assuredly bring to any stage. Their house beats, afro-pop jams and Nigerian flavoured mixes will leave no one sitting on their chair.

Xtrazz321 entered for the 2018 Namibia Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) but were not nominated. They have vowed to enter again next year and try their luck.

Bookings for Xtrazz321 can be made at 081 698 0807 or heroldhiiko@gmail.com.

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Shining a light in shady corners

June 28, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Shining a light in shady corners Ombudsman John Walters announcement that he will hold public hearings as part of his efforts to investigate the manner in which the government allocates resettlement farms is to be welcomed and supported.

The public hearings will take place on 3 July at Mariental, 5 July at Gobabis, 10 July at Otjiwarongo, 11 July at Karibib, 24 July at Keetmanshoop and 26 and 27 July in Windhoek.

They follow the launch of a full-scale investigation by Walters into government's land resettlement process. He has also requested a master list of beneficiaries from the land reform ministry, which is critical to his probe.

Walters' investigation follows the awarding of a resettlement farm to the widow of late struggle icon Andimba Herman Toivo Ya Toivo, who was already resettled in 2015 on Gross Otjomune, a resettlement farm in the Erongo Region.

The efforts being made by the ombudsman deserve recognition, as they will strike at the heart of a land resettlement system that has seen the connected and elite benefit to the detriment of the poor and landless.

With the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement also calling on all Namibians, in particular AR supporters, to attend the public hearings and submit facts and evidence, these land hearings will indeed be interesting and fruitful.

We would also like to reiterate the call for all resettlement farm applicants, who applied and were never informed of the outcome, to submit their names and all details, so these can be shared with Walters.

For far too long, the resettlement process has been conducted in shady corners, where those involved in committees have dished out farms, not to the needy, but to purported relatives and friends who are connected to the elite.

As has been rightfully pointed out, in many cases farms were given to people who did not meet the criteria and rules were flouted to favour the political elite and their family and friends.

This is not only irregular and unsustainable, given the tensions around land, but also deepens the abject poverty of the majority.

Walters needs our full support as he challenges these sinister forces, who are hell bent on benefiting the currently advantaged elite.

A bright light needs to be shone in these dark corners, where corruption and favouritism still breeds unabated.

Inside the mind of the fairer sex

June 28, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Inside the mind of the fairer sex If you ever thought sounding like a black American, wearing oversized pants, or always being seen with a matchstick between your lips was all you needed to land the woman of your dreams – well, think again!

My friend Tjeripo had to learn the hard way recently that it – just like the field of journalism – takes a whole lot of sweat, blood and tears before you can learn to soar like an eagle.

I watched how my dear friend, who, when we toured the great Erongo Region - from Okanuanambuku to Jakkalsputz (yes, these places are part of Erongo) vanished from the radar after meeting what was supposed to be his ideal match – Ndapewa.

He asks her out to a movie, she accepts, and that was how the cookie crumbled! After a few days of public dating, Tjeripo asked her out to dinner, and she agreed. They continue to see each other regularly, and after a while neither one of them was seeing anybody else. And then, one evening when they're driving home, a thought occurs to Ndapewa, and, without really thinking, she says it aloud:

'Do you realise that, as of tonight, we've been seeing each other for exactly six months?'

There is deafening silence in the car. To Ndapewa, it seems like a very loud silence. She thinks to herself: “Meme, I wonder if it bothers him that I said that. Maybe he's been feeling confined by our relationship; maybe he thinks I'm trying to push him into some kind of obligation that he doesn't want, or isn't sure of.”

And my brother is thinking: “Eish. Six months?”

And Ndapewa is thinking: “… but, hey, I'm not so sure I want this kind of relationship, either…. I mean, where are we going? Are we just going to keep seeing each other at this level of intimacy? Are we heading toward marriage? Am I ready for that level of commitment? Do I really even know this person? Do knights in shining armour exist in real life?”

And Tjeripo is thinking: “… so that means it was February when we started going out, which was just after I bought my Brahman bull from De Klerk….”

Finally, Ndapewa breaks the silence.

'Tjeripo,' she says out loud.

"Yes?' Tjeripo replies, a bit startled.

“Please don't torture yourself like this,” she says, her eyes beginning to brim with tears. “Maybe I should never have. Oh God, I feel so....” (She breaks down, sobbing.)

“What?” asked Tjeripo.

“I'm such a fool,” Ndapewa sobs. “I mean, I know there's no knight. I really know that. It's silly. There's no knight, and there's no horse.”

“There's no horse?” Tjeripo asks.

“You think I'm a fool, don't you?” Ndapewa says.

“No, not at all!” says Tjeripo, glad to finally know the correct answer.

“It's just that … it's that I ... I need some time,”' Ndapewa says.

There is a 15-second pause while Tjeripo, thinking as fast as he can, tries to come up with a safe response. Finally he comes up with one that he thinks might work.

“Okay then,” he says.

Ndapewa, deeply moved, touches his hand.

“Oh, Tjeripo, do you really feel that way?” she says.

“Um…What way exactly?”

“That way about time,” says Ndapewa.

“Eish, I guess so,” says Tjeripo, not knowing where the conversation is leading to.

Ndapewa turns to face him and gazes deeply into his eyes, causing him to become very nervous about what she might say next, especially if it involves a horse. At last she speaks.

“Thank you, Tjeripo,” she says. “Thank you for ruining my life!”

He takes her home, and she lies on her bed - a conflicted, tortured soul, and weeps until dawn. The next day Ndapewa will call her closest friend, or perhaps two of them, and they will talk about the situation for six straight hours. In painstaking detail, they will analyse everything she said and everything he said, never reaching any definite conclusions, but never getting bored with it either.

Meanwhile, Tjeripo, while playing dominoes one day with a mutual friend of his and Ndapewa’s, paused just before making his next move, frowned, and said: “Tell me, Hitjevi, did Ndapewa ever own a horse?”

Until then…

!Kung chief welcomes farming units

June 28, 2018, 4:00 pm

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!Kung chief welcomes farming unitsSays Zungu does not represent the San The N‡aJaqna conservancy and !Kung traditional authority are on opposite sides of the proposed development in the Tsumkwe West area. Glony Arnold, chief of the !Kung traditional authority, says she is surprised at Sarah Zungu's “change of heart” on the introduction of nine farming units in the Tsumkwe West area.

Arnold says the turnaround is “rather unexpected” since Zungu and the N‡aJaqna conservancy, which Zungu claims now rejects the farming project, were part of all stages of consultation and subsequent decisions.

Zungu, as the chairperson of the N‡aJaqna conservancy, last week rejected the proposal and claimed that a map and proposal on the project signed by a board member of the conservancy was unconstitutional.

She said the conservancy refused to sign off on a map to which it was strongly opposed and to which objections had been made in writing at several meetings with the ministry of land reform, which is driving the project to establish farming units in the area.

Consultants of Namibia Premier Solutions, who produced the map, concurred with Arnold that Zungu and the conservancy were part of discussions on the ministry's Programme for Communal Land Development (PCLD).

They said Zungu in fact was present when the now deceased Pienna Dammi (then the acting chairperson of the conservancy) had signed the proposal.

Arnold said Zungu and the conservancy could not reject the proposed farming units in the name of the San communities because they were not the legal representatives of the community.

She said the !Kung traditional authority was the only one in that area and that the San community in Tsumkwe West was thus legally represented by that authority.

“Sarah Zungu and her handlers should remember that nobody will pitch the N‡aJaqna conservancy against the !Kung traditional authority for whatever ulterior motives,” Arnold said in a statement.

Arnold said the conservancy was established through an initiative of the traditional authority and as such the conservancy should not rate itself above it but rather cooperate with it for the implementation of development projects.

“The PCLD programme will directly support the local traditional communities to fight poverty and hunger,” Arnold said.

According to the Namibia Premier Solutions consultants, the idea with the farming units is to create a mixed farming zone of 2 500 hectares each on the 53 000 hectares of the Aasvoëlnes area where there are currently 33 customary San land right holders. The 33 right holders and their family members amount to about 135 people.

Arnold said the plan was to establish nine boreholes with solar-powered pumps in unfenced designated livestock farming units; a community tourism centre with a San 'living museum'; a craft centre and camping site for tourists; and a community garden.

The consultancy's team leader on this project, George Eiseb, said only one of the nine farming units would be fenced to serve as a demonstration farm.

He said a cooperative with strong bylaws would be established to protect the vulnerable community.

It is envisaged that the farming units will be leased to people from outside the area for the first five years so that the cooperative can generate income to buy livestock and other goods to set themselves up on the farming units.

Eiseb acknowledged that the Tsumkwe West San communities are very wary of 'outsiders', especially after an uncontrolled slew of illegal invasions and the erection of illegal fences that are slow to come down despite a High Court order.

“Every development will attract outsiders. However, it will be prudent for the conservancy to stick to the project and manage the process. Influx can only be managed, not stopped,” Eiseb commented.



ZUNGU DIGS IN HER HEELS

Zungu has said in a new statement that all previous consultations were “meaningless” and that the conservancy's comments and suggestions were ignored.

She reiterated that all illegal land grabbing and settlement should first be dealt with.

Zungu said the minister of environment and tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, who visited the area in April, had seen for himself the extent of illegal fencing and settlement, which she said had “significantly reduced” the San's rightful land use.

She said the PCLD proposal would further limit the local community's access to conservancy land that is currently used for trophy hunting and devil's claw harvesting.

While Eiseb stressed that the proposed farming units do not fall within the boundaries of the N?aJaqna conservancy area, Zungu called on Shifeta to support the conservancy by requesting that the PCLD programme be “turned into one that brings wider benefits to a greater number of the legitimate local indigenous San community”.

CATHERINE SASMAN

Safety a priority at Afrox

June 28, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Safety a priority at AfroxCompany on a drive of continuous improvement Afrox CAMS administrator Veronica Dauth says one of the things that make her proud are the measures they take to ensure safety. Gabby Tjiroze





Veronica Dauth, the customer and asset management system (CAMS) administrator at Afrox Namibia, says the company sets high standards.

Afrox set up shop in Namibia 65 years ago and has cemented its prominent position as the preferred supplier of gas and welding equipment nationwide.

“Afrox has high standards of safety, which make employees feel safe. We are proud to be called an employee of Afrox, due to our great reputation,” says Dauth.

African Oxygen Limited (Afrox) is a sub-Saharan Africa’s market leader in gases and welding products.

Afrox was founded in 1927, listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in 1963, and has prospered by constantly meeting the needs of customers and developing solutions that add value to customer applications.

Afrox operates in Namibia and in 10 other African countries and manages operations in five more on behalf of its parent company, the Linde Group - a global gases, engineering and technology giant.

“With 78 Handigas distributors amongst the business community and 38 industrial distributors, extending across 43 towns in every region throughout the country, with an extensive network of distributors, service is within reach of all Afrox customers,” Dauth said.

Afrox combines an enduring heritage with the drive for continuous improvement, innovation and high-performance.

“Our vision is to become the leading global gases and engineering company, admired for its people who make a difference to the world. Accompanied by our values and principles, a performance mindset and an emphasis on personal development are deeply anchored in our company culture. At Afrox every one of us is committed to achieving our joint vision and to living up to the values and principles we have set for ourselves, day by day.

“Adhering to our code of ethics and compliance at all times is another important part of our company culture. We treat each other and the environment with integrity and respect. Safety and sustainability are therefore key priorities to us as we live up to our corporate responsibility,” explained the CAMS administrator.

Goals and overall mission

“We will be the leading global gases and engineering group, admired for our people who provide innovative solutions that make a difference to the world.

“We will provide engineering services and a focused range of performance enhancing atmospheric gases, welding and safety products and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to valued customers, through excellence in operations, customer service, product delivery and investment in infrastructure, people and technology for the benefit of all stakeholders.

“We aim to lead with our values of passion to excel, innovating for customers, empowering people and thriving through diversity. Our leading principles are safety, integrity, sustainability and respect,” Dauth added.

The company has over 103 employees and has branches in Walvis Bay, Tsumeb and Keetmanshoop.

Like any other business, Afrox has marketing channels that it uses to promote itself.

“Afrox has strong brand equity by enhancing our marketing. This includes using radio stations, newspapers, trade fairs, expos, training and advertisement at retailers, sponsorship towards the Leadership Academy and taking part in the career publication,” said Dauth.

/Khowese dispute patrilineal succession

June 28, 2018, 4:00 pm

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/Khowese dispute patrilineal succession The /Khowese Royal House has rejected claims by a faction that the hereditary chieftaincy of the clan is based solely on patrilineal lineage.

The royal house is arguing the heir must come from within the lineage of the late Isak Witbooi, as decreed the legendary Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi.

This is contrary the interpretation of urban and rural development minister Peya Mushelenga and Ismael Witbooi, who is not the direct son of the previous kaptein.

/Khowese Royal House spokesperson Reverend Pineas Topnaar explained it has the mandate to appoint a successor in the scenario where a serving kaptein passes on without identifying and introducing a successor.

Topnaar said the royal house was entitled to identify, nominate and coronate a suitable candidate to lead the clan.

He further said that in accordance with this mandate, the /Khowese Royal House, based on customs and practice, identified and coronated Salomon Witbooi to be the new kaptein, without any objection from the elders, the clan and its community.

Topnaar said the main argument from other group is solely premised on paternal lineage, which they believe was followed in the past.

He said the previous urban and rural development minister, Sophia Shaningwa, had informed the clan that both candidates qualify, as they are from royal descent.

Hence, she advised the royal house it should identify a sole candidate for government recognition.

However, Mushelenga reportedly said during an 18 June meeting with both factions that Ismael is the legitimate heir, since he was born from the paternal lineage, while Salomon was born from the female lineage.

Ismael is the son of Willem Moses Witbooi, the brother to the late Reverend Witbooi, while Salomon is the son of Anna Jacobs, the sister of the late two brothers.

Topnaar argued that Mushelenga has changed the previous government position, which said it cannot prescribe to a clan which successor to nominate.

“The /Khowese Royal House differs from the arguments of the rebellious group and finds the minister's statements baseless, as explained by the centuries-old chieftaincy lineage of the /Khowese clan,” he said.

He said the first leader of the clan after its formation of was a women named !A-//is, who led the clan for several years until her death.

He said her son Kido Witbooi succeeded her and was the first chief to have led the clan across the Orange River.

He was followed by his son, Moses Dawid Witbooi, who was succeeded by his son, the legendary Hendrik Witbooi also known as !Nanseb.

!Nanseb, after leaving his father in Goamus near Gibeon and settling at his stronghold in Hornzkrans in the Khomas Hochland, established a traditional war council consisting mostly of young men.

The royal house, mostly consisting of the elders, became known as the /Khoman Royal House.

Topnaar emphasised that based on the circumstances at that time it was decided that only descendants of his son Isak Witbooi are suitable for the chieftaincy lineage while descendants of his other son, Hendrik, also known as Auta Meester, must follow the missionary or church lineage.

“This determination was based on growing resistance against colonial encroachment, as well as the growing influence of European missionaries, which needed to be countered. This showed his tactfulness in identifying and adapting to the changing circumstances within the country,” Topnaar argued.

Mushelenga told Namibian Sun earlier this week that at the meeting he had with both factions in the presence of the governor of the Hardap Region, Esme Isaacks, it became clear that succession was in accordance with the patrilineal line, but that the clan maintained both matrilineal and patrilineal lines were used.

“Based on that I will compile a report and will forward it to the attorney-general for legal advice,” he emphasised.

According to him people are lying if they say he came with a predetermined decision as to who should be the chief. He stressed he wanted the correct procedures to be followed.

“If customs are customs they must be followed over a long period of time. I am not here to be used by anyone. We experienced that feuding factions over traditional leadership in this country take chances when there are new ministers appointed, just to be recognised at the expense of others,” he said.

FRED GOEIEMAN

Three decades of putting human rights first

June 28, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Three decades of putting human rights first This July, the ground-breaking Legal Assistance Centre (LAC) is celebrating 30 years of promoting and championing human rights in Namibia.

The landmark birthday will not only focus on the organisation's key achievements over three decades, but will continue its work by hosting a number of public discussions around key issues of the day.

On 2 July, LAC will host a discussion and debate at the Nust mining auditorium titled 'Land Rights – strategies that will work' from 18:00 until 20:00.

On 4 July, a symposium titled 'Education, unemployment and the youth – are we failing our future?' will be hosted at the same venue from 18:00 until 20:00.

LAC is also inviting members of the public for an open office day on 6 July, from between 09:00 until 15:00, at Post Street Mall opposite town square, which will include the opportunity for free legal advice on human rights issues, together with the distribution of educational material on human rights issues.

Speakers will open the discussion at the symposiums where after participants can join in the conversation.

These events are meant to educate and empower and are all offered free of charge.

Amidst turmoil

The LAC was started in July 1988 while many Namibians, especially in the north, faced an avalanche of human rights abuses under South African apartheid rule.

“Human rights abuses were routine and went unpunished. The rule of law was non-existent,” the LAC has stated. Torture, assault, intimidation, arbitrary arrests and detentions without trial, and the destruction of property, livelihoods and lives, were the order of the day.

The organisation noted that “this insufferable situation provide the impetus for the establishment of a public interest, human rights law firm – the Legal Assistance Centre.”

After months of discussions with workers, students and church leaders, and numerous fundraising efforts, Windhoek lawyer, founding director and now chairperson of the LAC, Dave Smuts SC, opened the doors of the new Legal Assistance Centre in Ongwediva on 9 July 1988.

Almost immediately, the LAC was flooded with cases involving human rights abuses, with hundreds of summonses amounting to several thousand Namibia dollars were issued against the South African government in the days after it opened its doors.

“For the first time in its brutal history in Namibia, the South African government had to account for its atrocities in its own courts,” the LAC noted.

In addition to the Windhoek offices, the LAC opened branches in Ongwediva, and established its presence in Tsumeb, Walvis Bay, Rundu, Gobabis, Mariental, Katutura and Opuwo.

Since then, the human rights civil organisation that worked together with government also took on the state if they didn't subscribe to human rights and constitutional laws.

Among a long list of achievements, a landmark case was the sterilisation case whereby health ministry was sterilising women without their consent because of their HIV status.

The LAC has also spearheaded numerous studies and helped shape government policy on environmental, land, gender and family laws in Namibia, with a continued focus “to play a crucial role in the building of a constitutional democracy through its work”.

STAFF REPORTER

Middle income tag irks Shifeta

June 28, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Middle income tag irks ShifetaThreatens climate change funding Namibia's upper-middle income rating could adversely impact on funding for critically needed climate change mitigation. Environment minister Pohamba Shifeta has asked global financing institutions to stop classifying Namibia as an upper-middle income country, saying that it hid away stark inequalities.

He made the comments during the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly which is currently in session in Da Nong, Vietnam.

“I would like to use this platform to express our concern about the application of the classification of Namibia as an upper middle-income country and the new co-financing requirements that this entails and the likely reduction in terms of country allocation,” he said.

Shifeta said the continued reliance on gross domestic product-derived indicators masked stark past inequalities.

“This overlooks the vulnerability of the majority of our population and is to the detriment of our rural communities whose livelihoods are so gravely threatened by climate change, biodiversity loss and land degradation, and who are in greatest need of support.”

He also used the platform to point to successes Namibia had made as a result of donor granting from development institutions.

According to Shifeta, to date, Namibia has been able to implement over 30 national projects worth approximately US$71 million and we have participated in 33 regional and global projects.

“These projects have been an enormous help to Namibia in catalysing innovations and best practice approaches in the areas of biodiversity management, climate change adaptation and mitigation and sustainable land management,” said Shifeta.

He called for financing institutions which fund development programmes in Namibia to allow locals to take ownership of projects that they fund.

According to him, Namibia firmly believes that country ownership is the main driver of success when it comes to the conception, design, implementation and sustainability of GEF projects. “For this reason, we would request for the GEF to open up opportunities for the accreditation of national implementing agencies as is being done to good effect by the Green Climate Fund,” said Shifeta.

“It is our view that this will be the best approach to strengthen capacities and the long term benefits and impacts to developing countries from the GEF and will ensure better efficiency and effectiveness in overall implementation,” said Shifeta.

The Assembly will conclude today.

STAFF REPORTER

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FNB welcomes ­Ndahambelela ­Ndoroma, Far North Cluster as Area ­Manager

June 28, 2018, 4:00 pm

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FNB welcomes ­Ndahambelela ­Ndoroma, Far North Cluster as Area ­Manager Ndahambelela ­Ndoroma has been appointed as the new area manager for the far north cluster. She holds a BCom from the University of Cape Town and is a chartered accountant (registered in Namibia).

Ndahambelela has working experience in operations and financial management as well as business unit costing from her previous employer.

“I am eager to transfer my accounting and finance skills to this position. I am fascinated by economic trends and excited about the growth of entrepreneurship and SMEs in the far north. I look forward to the opportunities that will be presented to me and also equally excited to take on this new role.

The prospect of working in this area is very appealing as well satisfying. Ultimately, I have an interest in managing my area through innovation and operational efficiency,” says Ndahambelela.

As the area manager, Ndahambelela will be responsible for the overall administration and efficient operation of the branches and business segments in the far north including business, operations, lending, product sales and customer service in accordance with FNB's strategic objectives.

She looks forward to working with a dynamic team and offering FNB clients in the far north leading financial solutions that suit their particular needs.

Salt Essential IT wins global award

June 28, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Salt Essential IT wins global award Salt Essential IT has won the 2018 Microsoft Country Partner of the Year Award for Namibia.

The company was honoured among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and the implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology.

According to the business development manager at Salt Essential IT, Vanessa Maresch, it was their Email eXchange Point (EXP) that won them the award.

“With this service, our customers can safely access the internet without having to build up their own infrastructure. We experienced how it makes Namibian companies more profitable and more resilient in our difficult economic climate,” she said.

Salt Essential IT was recognised for providing outstanding solutions and services, as well as representing excellent subsidiary engagement in Namibia.

“We are honoured to recognise Namibia’s Salt Essential IT as winner of the year. The company has distinguished itself as a top partner, exemplifying the remarkable expertise and innovation we see in our Microsoft partner community to deliver transformative solutions” said corporate vice-president for Microsoft’s Worldwide Partner Group, Gavriella Schuster.

Awards were presented in several categories, with winners chosen from a set of more than 2 600 entrants from 115 countries worldwide.

Maresch will be departing to Las Vegas on the 15 July to receive the award.

Salt is a privately owned fully licensed Cloud service provider that paves the way in Namibia, with innovative new technologies and IT solutions.

Salt’s Microsoft certified engineers are experienced in setting up and managing data centres.

Its Cloud solutions empower their customers’ employees to work better and faster, from anywhere, at any time.

Salt’s disaster recovery service copies data in real-time, as people work, to the data centre and therefore enables companies to carry on with business after they have been hit by a disaster such as fire or theft.

Namibia has 700 000 internet users. Salt is currently moving 5% of them to Cloud.

In the IT world, Cloud is used as another word for the internet.

Cloud computing means that different services such as servers, storage and applications are delivered to an organisation's computers and devices through the internet. The Cloud infrastructure is maintained by the provider, not the individual customer. This makes users more resilient against cybercrime. It saves them money, as they do not have to set up their own IT infrastructure, such as mail servers. A further advantage is disaster recovery which Cloud infrastructure makes possible.

MET hits back at critics

June 28, 2018, 4:00 pm

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MET hits back at criticsWildlife management principles are sound The environment ministry has lashed out at critics following the death of a male desert-adapted lion, saying the country will not be run for the benefit of tourists. The environment ministry has responded sharply to international and local critics following the social media outcry after the green-light to kill a livestock mauling lion in the Kunene Region was given two weeks ago, by emphasising the need to protect communities from wildlife-induced stock and agriculture losses.

“The lion was shot in response to repeated incursions and following days of attempts to alleviate the situation using non-lethal methods,” Romeo Muyunda, the spokesperson o the ministry, said in an official response this week.

Muyunda said the lion in question was part of a pride that had raided stock at the De Rest farm, killing 27 goats and sheep, plus two donkeys.

“For many international followers this might be nothing, but for households in Namibia, this is a substantial loss.”

The statement noted that the critics, the majority of whom are international individuals and groups, seemed to suggest that the ministry should overlook “our own people's plights at the expense of tourists to the country”.

This, despite many rural communities “sharing their living space with dangerous predators and animals which most of the time destroy their property and other sources of livelihoods. In some instances, human lives are lost.”

Muyunda added that “it is a pity and shameful to see that some international people still think Africans cannot run their own affairs and therefore should be subjected to their ideologies that have no regard for our people.”

While the ministry understands and promotes the importance of tourism as an economic sector, “as a responsible government we will always put the needs of our people first without compromise or fail,” the statement read.

The statement also took aim at local critics, “who are simply unable to get their heads around the big picture of conservation on communal and commercial land, and the vital role that incentives, predator management and social acceptance play in the process.”

The estimated lion population in Namibia is around 700, without 430 residing in Etosha National Park, 120 in the Kunene and Erongo regions, 50 in Khaudum National Park and surrounding areas, and an additional 50 each in the Zambezi Region and on commercial farms.

The ministry also responded to allegations that funds generated through trophy hunting in Namibia are being pocketed by corrupt ministerial officials.

“We want to rubbish this claim by clarifying that funds generated through hunting are reinvested in the conservation of our wildlife through the Game Products Trust Fund and the Community Based Natural Resource Management programme, as well as rural development.”

The ministry underlined its multiple attempts to clarify its conservation methods, which have not stopped individuals and groups “keen on spreading unfounded rumours aimed at tarnishing the image of our country with reference to our wildlife management and utilisation thereof.”

The country's conservation tools are tailor-made to address wildlife and human conflict, which have been tried and tested with “tangible results visible in terms of wildlife population growth and recoveries”.

Namibia's wildlife numbers have tripled in the past two decades which has however resulted in increased human wildlife conflict, with lions, elephants and crocodiles the “main culprits”, as they compete with humans for resources and space.

The ministry said that its national policy on human wildlife conflict management was developed to address the country's conservation needs “while recognising and respecting the rights of the people and tourism development”.

No extra benefits for Koevoet mercenaries - Geingob

June 28, 2018, 4:00 pm

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No extra benefits for Koevoet mercenaries - Geingob President Hage Geingob is adamant that former South West African Territorial Force and Koevoet members do not deserve any extra benefits, in addition to the old-age pension they receive from government and normal state medical care.

Speaking during an engagement with the Namibian National Liberation Veterans Association (NNLVA) at State House yesterday, Geingob said: “Koevoet, I gave them a hearing… they were mercenaries. Others who are recognised are those who were fighting to free Namibia.”

SWATF was the auxiliary arm of the then South African Defence Force, while Koevoet was the counter-insurgency branch of the then South West Africa police.

Koevoet members have repeatedly demanded compensation, a demand that has repeatedly been shot down by the Swapo-led government.

Responding to a question by Geingob whether former SWATF and Koevoet members deserved to be compensated by government, recently elected NNLVA president Ben Shikongo said he agreed with statements already made by the statesman.

According to Shikongo, SWATF and Koevoet members did not contribute to Namibia's independence and therefore did not deserve to claim any compensation from government.

“If you were fighting against independence, why should you claim from Independence?” Shikongo asked.

Speaking during a Heroes' Day celebration in Oshakati last year, Geingob said SWATF and Koevoet soldiers should demand compensation from the apartheid government

“We will never be convinced that entertaining the demands of former Koevoet soldiers to be considered as war veterans is constructive. They were paid by those who hired them and [they] will not receive compensation from this government,” the head of state said at the

time.

Namibia War Veterans Trust (Namvet), which represents the former apartheid soldiers, has voiced its frustration over government's refusal to pay over monies owed to SWATF and Koevoet members.

One of its members, Frans Jabulani, hit back at government's stance and Geingob's comments made at the Heroes' Day celebrations by saying: “This recent attack has caused huge rejection from the general public and triggered hatred and a hostile situation against ex-soldiers of SWATF and Koevoet. We were made to believe that we are children of the Namibian house, where everybody should feel safe and protected and nobody left out.”

In 1992, the apartheid government reportedly handed over millions to Namibia, which was to have been paid to People's Liberation of Namibia (Plan) soldiers, as well as SWATF and Koevoet

members.

The money was divided into three parts, with former Plan fighters getting N$12 million, while N$12 million was invested in the Development Brigade Corporation and the other monies divided equally between SWATF and Koevoet soldiers.



OGONE TLHAGE

Africans in mission work

June 28, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Africans in mission workLeaving no one behind The international director of Serving in Mission, Joshua Bogunjoko, recently visited Namibia for the very first time. Octavia Tsibes

Serving in Mission (SIM) international director Joshua Bogunjoko recently held a seminar to explain Africa’s role in World Mission, whose goal is to deliver the word of God to those living in unreached groups.

Bogunjoko, from Nigeria, succeeded Malcolm McGregor in June 2013 as the first non-western leader of SIM, ever since its work began in 1893.

SIM also has missionaries in Namibia and they have been operating in the country from the Namibia Evangelical Theological Seminary (NETS).

“SIM does not go to a nation and start a church, they improve the already existing organisations and help wherever they can. Most importantly missionaries sent by SIM use their expertise to share the Christian faith with those they are working with and are working for,” Bogunjoko said.

He further said they want missionaries from African countries to help other nations, so they can hear the gospel.

SIM Namibia

SIM has been operational in Namibia for 20 years and has made a great impact on the nation. “Recently we had an event called Pastors’ Book Set (PBS) where we collected books on pressing issues in Namibia to help pastors understand and have a greater understating of the issues in societies,” said Dagmar Henchoz, SIM director for Namibia.

Dagmar said her biggest desire before she retires in two years’ time is to send a missionary from Namibia to another country.

She said many people do not know the organisation, since it is very small. The SIM headquarters is situated in the United States, but they have many workers around the world, who work outside their country of origin.

SIM builds a relationship with a specific country and enquires if the country needs help in any sector.

It then provides a platform for individuals to volunteer in that specific country.

“In order to do mission work one has to be called to do it. It is difficult when you don’t have a passion to work with people, especially if you have to work in the most remote areas of the world,” Dagmar said.

She said it was not just about taking an opportunity to work outside your country.

“Your way of doing things should minister to the people that you will work with.”

The main aim of SIM is to make disciples of communities where Jesus Christ is least known. It believes that no one should live and die without hearing the gospel.

“To encapsulate what SIM does is to put the gospel at the centre of what we do,” Dagmar added.