Lawyer likely to face contempt of court

July 16, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Lawyer likely to face contempt of court

High Court judge Christie Liebenberg expressed his agitation with a state-sponsored lawyer for delaying the commencement of the trial of a Gobabis woman who allegedly connived with her lover to murder her husband.

Liebenberg, after the lawyer, Hipura Ujaha, at whose request the trial was postponed from last Thursday to Friday, did not pitch up for the matter, said he is delaying the court proceedings.

“It is unacceptable that he missed the court order and he will face the consequences for not adhering to such order,” a seemingly disenchanted Liebenberg said.

Initially the trial was scheduled to start on Thursday morning but could not proceed because Ujaha apparently did not fully recover from severe hypertension.

The court rejected his request to have the matter postponed to 19 July and gave an order that the trial should begin on Friday at 10:00.

State Advocate Martino Olivier had objected, saying the prosecution team and state witnesses are frustrated over the unnecessary postponements.

The accused Rachel Rittmann, 46, together with her alleged lover, Ryno Ricardo du Preez, 34, are charged with murder in the death of her husband Rudolf Rittmann.

The burnt remains of Rudolf were found in his car on the Windhoek-Gobabis road on 23 August 2013.

The two now each face charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, defeating or obstructing the course of justice, violating a dead body by setting it alight, as well as a count of malicious damage to property.

Rittman is being held at the Klein Windhoek police station, while Du Preez is being held at the Windhoek Correctional Facility's holding cells.

State advocates Olivier and Ethel Ndlovu are prosecuting.

The case was postponed to 28 August for trial.

FRED GOEIEMAN

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Thieves caught on camera

July 16, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Thieves caught on camera

The Walvis Bay police has requested the help of the public after burglars smashed the front door window with a brick and gained entry into Mobile Solutions in Walvis Bay on two occasions last week.

Both incidents were captured on camera and according to business owner Andre Ceronio, the damage incurred amounts to an estimated N$50 000.

The closed circuit television (CCTV) footage clip has been released via social media and Erongo's deputy police commissioner Erastus Iikuyu called on members of the community to assist with identifying the culprits.

On the first occasion, at around 04:50 on Friday morning (6 July), the burglars dressed in white overalls removed a 55-inch Sinotec TV, two 32-inch (Sinotec and Samsung) TVs and a 43-inch Samsung TV.

They fled the scene in a white Polo Classic.

Two men entered the shop again on Wednesday evening (12 July) at 23:45. They smashed display cabinets and removed three empty cellphone boxes, camera chargers, earphones and earbud fittings. The criminals appeared drunk and drove off in a charcoal VW Amarok.

Iikuyu also warned community members not to buy suspected stolen property and advised business owners to take extra precautions.

“Buying stolen property makes you guilty of an offence. Business owners should invest in alarm systems, burglar bars and CCTV cameras. This is costly but can prevent extensive damage.”

Anyone able to identify the culprits or who have information that could lead to the arrest of the criminals can contact Detective Chief Inspector Daniel Gurirab on 081 318 2181.

OTIS FINCK

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Child pregnancy, marriage shock

July 16, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Child pregnancy, marriage shock7.6% aged 15 to 19 mothers, 5% married In 2015 it was reported that 1 669 boys and 3 828 girls have become victims of child marriages in Namibia, after having been married off in traditional ceremonies.

Namibia has shown no progress in improving conditions for children according to a new global index which ranked Namibia 110th out of 175 countries.

The latest figures indicate that a staggering 7.6% of our girls aged 15 to 19 are mothers and of these, 5% are married.

Save the Children released its second annual End of Childhood index which takes a hard look at the events that rob children of their childhood and prevent them from reaching their full potential.

According to the index, Namibia maintained the same position as last year, again scoring 777, and therefore, no progress was made.

The index compares countries through a set of indicators representing life-changing events that signal the disruption of childhood such as poor health, malnutrition, exclusion from education, child labour, child marriage, early pregnancy and extreme violence.

Singapore and Slovenia tied for top place in the ranking with scores of 987. Niger ranks last among countries surveyed, scoring 388.

The report points out that 76.2 per 1 000 girls between the ages of 15 to 19 in Namibia have given birth.

Just last year, Namibian Sun reported that more than 7 500 pregnant schoolgirls dropped out of school between 2014 and 2016.

Statistics provided by the education ministry indicated that almost 4 000 teenagers left school because of pregnancy in 2016 compared to 1 843 in 2015 and 1 797 in 2014.

According to the index, the global number of adolescent pregnancies is set to increase.

It says projections indicate that the number of girls under 18 giving birth each year will increase globally from about 7.8 million to 8.8 million by 2030. The greatest proportional increases are likely to be in sub-Saharan Africa.

It adds that complications during pregnancy and childbirth represent the number-one killer of girls aged 15 to 19 worldwide, and 12 million girls marry each year before they reach the age of 18.

With regards to Namibia, 5.4% of girls aged between ages 15 to 19 are currently married.

In 2015 it was reported that 1 669 boys and 3 828 girls have become victims of child marriages in Namibia, after having been married off in traditional ceremonies.

However, a new study is needed on child marriages in the country as there is a lack of data on the matter.

The report says that without further reductions, more than 150 million girls will marry before their 18th birthday by 2030.

“Sub-Saharan Africa is now home to close to one in three of these child brides, compared to one in five a decade ago.

Despite global progress, no region is on track to eliminate child marriage by 2030.

In sub-Saharan Africa, due to population growth, the number of child brides will rise unless the rate of decline more than doubles.”

Furthermore survival gaps in sub-Saharan Africa have increased, as progress in saving lives has favoured better-off children. According to the index no region is on track to close its child mortality gap by 2030, and most will not achieve equity in under-five mortality rates between the poorest and richest households - even by 2050.

Namibia's under-five mortality rate is 45.2 per 1 000 live births, while the country's child homicide rate stands at 3.7 per 100 000.

The index says that child labour rates have risen in sub-Saharan Africa. From 2012 to 2016, child labour in sub-Saharan Africa rose from 21 to 22%, while all other regions achieved declines.

The region has also been among those most affected by conflict and poverty, which heighten the risk of child labour.

Far too many girls, especially those from the poorest families, still face discrimination and exclusion with respect to basic education, child marriage, early pregnancy, sexual violence and unrecognised domestic work.

The index did not have statistics available with regards to child labour in Namibia.

Studies have found that child labour in Namibia can be linked to severe poverty, ignorance of the benefits of education, and a lack of understanding on what constitutes child labour and its harmful impact on the development of children and communities.

According to the 2016 findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labour report, Namibia made a moderate advancement in efforts to eliminate forms of child labour.

These findings note that children in Namibia perform the dangerous task of cattle herding and also engage in what the report labels the 'worst forms of child labour', which includes sexual exploitation - sometimes as a result of human trafficking.

According to the report, the key legislative gap is that hazardous work prohibitions in the agricultural sector are not comprehensive. It says children aged between five and 14, form part of the working population in Namibia.

However, there is no data available to show the percentage of the population involved.

The report adds that children in Namibia are tending and herding livestock, doing domestic work, working in shebeens and working on the streets selling cellphone vouchers and handcrafts.

ELLANIE SMIT

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May calls on citizens to back her plan

July 16, 2018, 4:00 pm

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May calls on citizens to back her planOr risk no Brexit Britons are urged to back Brexit or risk staying in the European Union. The only thing I ask of Theresa is that we make sure we can trade, that we don’t have any restrictions, because we want to trade with the UK and the UK wants to trade with us. – Donald Trump, President of the United States

Prime Minister Theresa May defended her plan for leaving the European Union (EU) as the only viable option, and called on voters and lawmakers to get behind it or “risk ending up with no Brexit at all.”

“I am not going to Brussels to compromise our national interest,” May wrote in the Mail on Sunday. “I am going to fight for it. I am going to fight for our Brexit deal – because it is the right deal for Britain.”

May faces tricky votes in the House of Commons this week that Euroskeptics in her Conservative Party see as a test of opposition to her Brexit policy, which lays out a closer relationship to the EU’s single market that many hoped for.

Boris Johnson, the former foreign minister, and David Davis, the former Brexit secretary, resigned over it, fueling speculation of a possible leadership challenge.

“This jeopardises the opportunities offered by Brexit,” Davis wrote in the Financial Times on Sunday. “The chance to become a credible trading partner will be compromised and we will be unable to strike free-trade deals.”

Interlinked regimes

May’s Brexit blueprint calls for a new UK-EU “free trade area” with interlinked customs regimes, but critics argue that it would leave Britain signed up to rules on trade it would no longer have any ability to influence and prevent it from signing trade deals with non-EU countries.

US President Donald Trump said in an interview in the Sun newspaper last week that too much regulatory alignment with the EU would “kill” a trans-Atlantic free-trade deal.

He also criticised May for the way she handled negotiations with the EU and said the deal she’s pursuing “is not what the people voted on.”

At a joint press conference on Friday, Trump softened his criticism of May’s leadership – though he didn’t back off from his central warning on trade.

“The only thing I ask of Theresa is that we make sure we can trade, that we don’t have any restrictions, because we want to trade with the UK and the UK wants to trade with us,” Trump said.

He also revealed that May had rejected his earlier “suggestion” for how to deal with the EU because it was too “brutal,” without saying what it was.

‘Sue them’

May revealed on the BBC’s “Andrew Marr Show” on Sunday that Trump advised her to “sue the EU, not go into negotiations, sue them.”

Having endured the turbulence of Trump’s visit, May’s attention was immediately on another tough week in Parliament.

She invited Conservative lawmakers who she hopes to persuade to back her Brexit plan, including Cheryl Gillan, John Penrose and Edward Leigh, to her Chequers country retreat shortly after Trump’s entourage departed.

The challenge is considerable. Steve Baker, the Brexit minister who quit along with Davis, accused her in The Sunday Telegraph of presiding over a “cloak and dagger” plot to undermine Brexit.

In her Mail on Sunday letter, May warned parliamentarians seeking to scuttle the plan – and also those trying to force amendments to strengthen post-Brexit EU ties – that they risk causing “a damaging and disorderly Brexit.”

She said her proposal is the only way to prevent a hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland after Brexit, while also protecting supply chains and the jobs that depend on them.

‘Good deal’

“We’re going to be able to cut tariffs, we’re going to be able to change quotas, we’re going to be able to have freedom on services, we’re going to be able to have bilateral investment deals,” May said on the BBC. “This is a good deal for the UK.”

May will get a sense of where she stands on Monday when the Taxation (Cross-Border Trade) returns to the House of Commons.

Jacob Rees-Mogg, chairman of the pro-Brexit European Research Group, has offered amendments to the bill. On paper, only seven Conservatives need to rebel for it to be defeated – though it depends on how lawmakers from other parties vote.

It’s unlikely that opposition Labour Party lawmakers seeking a soft Brexit will help May get her plans through.

Peter Mandelson, Britain’s former trade commissioner in Brussels and a Labour peer in the House of Lords, said in the Observer that May’s plans would deliver “the polar opposite of taking back control.”

“Britain, in effect, would be entrapped and the more you think through the implications the more the whole thing looks less like a soft Brexit than a national humiliation,” he wrote.

-Fin24

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Cyber defence skills honed in real time

July 16, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Cyber defence skills honed in real time

Justicia Shipena

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) also launched a pre-competition for the Namibia National Cyber Security Competition on 5 July.

According to Dr Fungai Bhunu Shava, a senior computer science lecturer at Nust, the ICCDI was aimed at providing students with real-world challenges faced, while maintaining corporate networks that cannot be replicated in a typical classroom.

“During the competition student teams had to secure and defend a virtual industry network composed of Windows and Linux operating systems, along with routers and switches.

Professional penetration was tested through an act of hostile hackers that the students had to defend against, while taking care of the regular day to day tasks of the network,” she said.

Dr Fungai added that it provided students with better training and prepared them for when they enter the corporate world. It also served as a platform for the students to enhance teamwork, collaboration, interpersonal skills and problem-solving.

“This did not only benefit the students but provided industries with an opportunity to witness their future experts at work, solving real work problems, simulated in a business-like environment. In addition it gave the team players international exposure,” she said.

One of the main sponsors of the ICCDI was MTC, which donated N$60 000 towards the competition. This donation was the start of a possible future partnership with Nust, aimed towards exploring and unearthing new innovations and ideas between the two entities.

Patrick Mushimba, MTC's IT general manager, said people have become quite active on the internet; hence security in cyberspace is quite crucial.

He believes collaborating with Nust can play a role in the invention of tools and solutions to secure daily internet experiences.

Information protected

“We, therefore, as MTC have the responsibility to ensure that whenever our customers surf the internet, their data and information is safe and protected, hence our support for the development of skilled cyber defenders,” he said.

Sakaria Iindombo, a student at Nust studying computer science and cyber security, said it was an amazing competition and he gained a lot of experience in securing services which are more and more in use in the business environment.

“It was more like a working environment, where you have to complete business tasks and be on top of your services, in order for it to be running,” he said.

Iindombo urged more high school learners and varsity students be involved in such initiatives, in order to gain more knowledge and experience, which can prepare them for the corporate world.

Speaking to The Zone last Thursday, Pius Shambabi, a student at Nust studying computer science and cyber security, and who took part in the competition, said it was the first time for him. He said he had a great time and it allowed him to be involved in a stimulated, real working environment.

“This was a great opportunity especially for the students who are majoring in cyber security, as you get to learn a lot of things that you were not taught during the academic year. I would recommend those who are interested in cyber security to take part next time,” he said.

Being the only high school that took part, Delta Secondary School managed to take first place.

The Namibia National Cyber Security competition will be hosted on 5 October.

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Karasburg man denies killing girlfriend

July 16, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Karasburg man denies killing girlfriend A 50-year-old Karasburg resident has pleaded not guilty in the Windhoek High Court to a charge of killing his girlfriend.

The state alleges that August van Wyk murdered his girlfriend, Katrina Waterboer, by kicking and hitting her with stones in Karasburg's Westerkim residential area during the period 29 to 30 August in 2014.

The accused also pleaded not guilty to a count of defeating or obstructing the course of justice.

He also denied assaulting Josephine Fredericks, a friend of the deceased.

He, however, admitted guilt to a charge of common assault.

Van Wyk forfeited his

N$3 000 bail money and is currently in custody, after he failed to attend court proceedings on 18 September 2017, while he was out on bail. He had disappeared shortly after consulting with his state-funded defence lawyer, Milton Engelbrecht.

The lawyer had informed the court his client went to a relative's house in Otjomuise after their consultation.

The accused had allegedly promised to come back to the law firm the following day, but never showed up.

He was rearrested on 16 November 2017 in Otjomuise.

Cliff Lutibezi is the prosecutor, while Judge Nate Ndauendapo is the presiding officer.

FRED GOEIEMAN

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Ohangwena battles HIV

July 16, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Ohangwena battles HIV2 000 new cases last year The challenges of poverty and disease, as well as inadequate access to clean water, sanitation and electricity and teenage pregnancies are high on the agenda of the Ohangwena regional council.

A total of 53 267 people were tested for HIV in the Ohangwena Region during 2017/18, with 2 146 testing positive.

This brought the total number of people on antiretroviral treatment (ART) in the region to 24 796.

This was announced by regional council chairperson Erickson Ndawanifa, who delivered the State of the Region Address (SORA) on behalf of governor Usko Nghaamwa yesterday.

Ndawanifa announced Nghaamwa is not in good health and had delegated the task to him to present the SORA.

Nghaamwa said the region is set to implement targeted interventions to deal with the challenges of poverty and disease, as well as inadequate access to clean water, sanitation and electricity, teenage pregnancies, gender-based violence and the long distances pupils have to walk to schools. During the 2017/18 financial year, the region introduced developmental social welfare services and community education on the prevention of social ills.

Nghaamwa said the programme stopped 86 people from attempting suicide, while 56 suicide cases were recorded, which would have been higher if these interventions were not implemented.

“The region continues to conduct an HIV counselling and testing programme at all health facilities. A smart generation campaign was conducted to raise awareness on HIV infections, prevention, treatment, care and support. These types of campaigns target men and young people, adolescent girls and young women,” Nghaamwa said.

“I am disturbed by the increase of malaria cases in the region. The region declared a malaria outbreak in 2017, which 5 440 confirmed cases, with nine deaths. Despite these challenges, efforts in collaboration with various stakeholders, such as mass health education, screening, follow-up contacts, mass malaria spraying and advanced awareness campaigns were conducted to curb malaria,” he said

He said according to the national TB report for 2017/18, Ohangwena was the second after the Khomas Region, with 1 107 TB infections.

He said Engela District Hospital recorded more cases due to patients from neighbouring Angola seeking treatment.

“A lot has been done to improve environmental structures of some health facilities and to improve ventilation by way of the installation of fans and the construction of outside shelters with sitting benches to minimise overcrowding inside the health facilities, so that it helps to reduce the chances of TB transmission,” the governor said.

“The initiation of direct observation treatment (DOT) points in prefabricated containers and the implementation of several programmes also helped to reduce TB infection transmissions.

“At least most of the TB patients were tested for HIV and the HIV prevalence has slightly decreased from 34% in 2016/17 to 33% during the reporting period. All positive cases were put on ARVs. Only two cases of leprosy were reported in the region, which is a reduction compared to previous years,” Nghaamwa said.

He also reported that the family health division that coordinates primary healthcare services has been busy conducting outreach services. He said the coverage increased from 90% in 2016/17 to 98% in 2017/18.

He said although 34 primary healthcare facilities are run by registered nurses, the region is faced with a shortage of health personnel.

Moreover, the region has 95 community health workers, who graduated last year but are still not recruited, which widens the gap between health facilities and home-based care services.

Teenage pregnancy is still high in the region, at 16%.

Nghaamwa said an upward trend had been noticed in voluntary male medical circumcision, from 3 534 in 2016/17 to 4 746 for the period under review.

He said 538 people who were assisted with wheelchairs and assistive devices, such as walking sticks and frames, through rehabilitation services and the surgical cataract campaign restored the eyesight of 300 patients.

ILENI NANDJATO

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Schlettwein dismisses 'capture' claims

July 16, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Schlettwein dismisses 'capture' claims

Finance minister Calle Schlettwein has rubbished claims that Chinese interests have captured the Namibian government. According to him, there is no indication that the economy was being controlled by Chinese interests.

The Affirmative Repositioning movement held a panel discussion last week to talk about the issue of state capture by the Chinese.

Schlettwein hit back yesterday, saying government's involvement in the economy was proof that no formal elements were being favoured.

According to him, government makes up 57% of the economy, eliminating any indications of possible state capture.

The retail and wholesale sectors of the economy were also not being controlled by Chinese interests, Schlettwein maintained.

“Who is the main shareholder in the retail and the wholesale sectors? Look around, it is not China; it is nonsense,” Schlettwein said.

“It is far from being true.”

He said loans taken up with the Chinese government and related entities were too low to be considered state capture.

According to him, Namibia's debt exposure to China stood at 2.6% of its external debt stock. Schlettwein also argued that the majority of government's debt was in the local money and capital markets.

Labour commentator Herbert Jauch, human rights lawyer Norman Tjombe, as well as opposition party parliamentarians Ignatius Shixwameni and Vipuakuje Muharukua were of the opinion there were nuances of state capture present in the economy, the media reported last week.

“Swapo has sold out this country to the Chinese and other Western forces. It is quite evident that the party's costly relationship with the Chinese government is the foundation of state capture,” The Patriot reported Shixwameni, a former Swapo parliamentarian and now All People's Party leader, as saying.

“Most ministers in this country are compromised and captured. We can start with the foreign bank accounts before we look at the tenders which the Chinese gobble up,” Shixwameni reportedly said.

He also used the dialogue to discredit President Hage Geingob's relationship with Chinese businessman, Jack Huang.

“The executive has been captured. This thing of a private company coming to present to cabinet is serious,” Shixwameni said about the recent cabinet presentation by Namibia Oriental Tobacco cc.

Muharukua, from the Popular Democratic Movement, concurred with the sentiments raised by Shixwameni.

Muharukua said there were indications that state capture was present in Namibia.

“The signs of what we are seeing are indeed that China is sponsoring state capture,” he added.

OGONE TLHAGE

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A celebration of assimilation

July 16, 2018, 4:00 pm

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A celebration of assimilation African World Cup fans are jubilantly celebrating France's victory at the just-ended 2018 Russia World Cup as a victory for the continent.

As US-based associate law professor Khaled A Beydoun wrote: “A divided nation in search of an elusive optimism puts its hope in the hands of players named Mbappe, Dembele, Fakir, Rami and Umtiti, who wear French Bleu but also play for Africa, and the legions of African soccer fans who share their continental roots.”

Out of 23 French players at Russia 2018, 12 have African ancestry.

Karen Attiah, a half-Ghanaian, half-Nigerian woman born in the United States, wrote in the Washington Post recently: “There is a certain glee that comes with knowing that racists, nativists and anti-immigrant politicians in France have to contend with the fact that the World Cup hopes of Les Bleus rest on the shoulders of black African men.”

But is it justifiable that Africans settle for fantasising about a Wakanda-style World Cup victory, with France as its torch-bearer? The cold, hard reality is that the French World Cup victory is a celebration of assimilation as the key ideological basis of the French colonial policy in the 19th and 20th centuries.

In contrast with British imperialism, colonial France taught their subjects that by adopting French language and culture, they could eventually become French.

The purpose of assimilation was to turn African natives into 'Frenchmen' by educating them in the language and culture of France.

Following the scramble for, and partitioning of Africa, colonial powers that immediately occupied the continent after the Berlin Conference of 1884-85 were Britain, France, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Germany and Italy. Although all these European powers had the same economic goals, they did not use uniform approaches for their colonial administrations.

In the end, French assimilation has gotten off relatively scot-free in terms of the global judgement on colonialism and France's victory against Croatia on Sunday is another victory for assimilation.

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A corrupted generation

July 16, 2018, 4:00 pm

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A corrupted generation Michelline Nawatises

What do you hear when you turn on the radio or put on a CD? What do you see when you turn on the television or pop in a DVD? What do you read when you turn the pages of a magazine or scroll down web pages? What do you hear when you listen to your peers?

Our way of life as teens seems to be prophesied for us by something known as the media. Television shows and movies glamorise drug use and you will see kids lighting up joints between classes. Rap songs scream violent lyrics and listeners start to feel more aggressive.

And who can forget the commonly used f-word that we hear daily?

Is that the extent of our teenage vocabulary? Have we never heard of verbs, adverbs and adjectives? I always thought that was why we have an English classes at school.

Am I making any of this up? No, these things are all placed out there first and then they come true through the actions of people. Now, I am not saying that things were going great before everything seemed to be about sex, drugs, violence and drinking, but what I am saying is that in our day and age kids are making less and less decisions using their conscience, and are instead looking at the media to see what is considered cool.

The media is a powerful force, whether we choose to believe this or not. It can be used to promote good behaviour, but more often than not it is used to advertise things such as alcohol and skews our views on what looks gorgeous and what is popular. I wonder why the media does not show people with beer bellies or alcohol-related car accidents in their ads.

Do not get me wrong, I am not saying that denying every wrong the media bombards us with will make our lives easier. I can tell you from my perspective that it can make for a very lonely life.

But what you can count on is that people will look back and wish they had made better choices when they were younger. It never ceases to amaze me how teenagers struggle to find constructive ways to get over not being accepted in a vile society that values misconduct rather than knowledge.

Kids in our generation grow up so fast, and yet they stay as stubborn as they are moulded. Parents are busy, siblings are either too young or have moved out, and kids in school do not like to read.

Remember my fellow teenagers, you are strong. You are not robotic drones that have to do what the media motherboard says. You can tune out from all that is constantly bombarding us; that which attacks our way of thinking. You can make a difference. Standing up to the beast is not a futile effort.

We are not taking a knife to a gunfight, but rather a pen. And the pen is not only mightier than the sword, but is even stronger than a belching dragon. Treaties have ended bloody, never-ending gunfights, so why can we not lower the influence of the media on our youth?

Let’s face it, are we expected to be the digitally-altered perfect models we see in magazines? That is not even realistic and yet those things make it into print and are distributed.

The media is no longer just harmless entertainment, like it once was. It is a dangerous teacher that teenagers pay more attention to than their school teacher giving them English or Science lessons.

So the next time you turn on that radio or television, stop and realise that what is being said does not just disappear. It does affect our way of thinking. The effects may not always be instantaneous, but they can build up inside us, little by little.

Not everyone is gifted with the ability not to be swayed by these things. Even I, who has seen and heard some of the worst the media has to offer, has found it difficult to keep my thoughts to my standards.

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First SME Bank defaulter to pay

July 16, 2018, 4:00 pm

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First SME Bank defaulter to payLiquidators move to recover lost millions The first holder of a loan at the bankrupt SME Bank has been ordered, by way of a High Court summary judgment, been ordered to pay back her loan.

The now defunct SME Bank, represented by its appointed liquidators David Bruni and Ian McLaren, was granted a summary judgment against a Windhoek entrepreneur.

The High Court has ordered Petrina Keramin, as the sole member of her CC Emporium Investments, to pay back over N$1.9 million being the outstanding balance in respect of a N$4.3-million loan she obtained from the bank.

Judge Herman Oosthuizen ordered Keramin to pay compound interest calculated daily, and capitalised monthly, on the over N$1.9 million at the rate of 15.50% calculated from 1 September 2017 to date of the final payment.

”The case is deemed finalised and the matter is removed from the roll,” the judge ruled.

Emporium Investments in breach of its obligations in terms of the loan agreement, had failed to pay the full amount due to the bank on 31 July 2017 to date. This was despite a letter of demand issued which for the outstanding amount. The bank had to cancel the loan agreement due to the breach. The liquidators, upon enquiry, did not reply on progress made with regards to the status of depositors paying back loans to the bankrupt SME Bank.

FRED GOEIEMAN

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Conquering the ocean

July 16, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Conquering the oceanPaulse to break barriers in marine engineering After battling to adjust, following a move to Spain 13 years ago, Ashlynn Zoe Paulse is soaring to great heights, as she prepares to embark on a marine engineering career.

Leandrea Louw

Ashlynn Zoe Paulse is 25 and originally from Narraville in Walvis Bay. She is currently in the final year of her marine engineering studies in Spain.

Upon her return to Namibia, after passing her final year, she will be the first female marine engineer in the country.

“I grew up in Narraville with my mom, sister and cousins. When I was seven years old, my mom met my stepfather, and when I turned 12 we moved to Spain.

“Moving to Spain was very hard for me. I had to start all over again. I needed to learn a new language, a new culture and a new school system. I was a fish out of water. At times I was so sad, and couldn't wrap my head around the fact that I was halfway around the world,” Paulse said.

“It took us about three years to finally fit in. However, my mother, Carmen, was the one who motivated us, taught us and talked us through the challenges. It became easier later on and in high school my mother told us, if we wanted something, we would have to work for it. By that she meant we had to bring home good grades.”

Paulse said when she completed her final year of high school, she wasn't sure what she wanted to do next.

“My father is an engineer, so I thought to myself, why not? I talked to him about it, but he didn't want to hear anything about me becoming an engineer. He told me, if I do become an engineer, my life will be devoted to my work. He asked me, what if I have a family? I would not be able to spend time with my family.

“I then decided to study administration, but it just didn't feel right and I knew I had to make a change. After about a year, I applied to the Maritime School in Vigo. Later on I went to Germany to do vocational training, and while I was there I was accepted into the Maritime School and in 2014 I started with my first year.

“I was very excited and although my dad was sceptical at first, he was extremely proud of me. He even helps me with my assignments and even drives me back and forth from home to school. At first everything was strange and difficult, but I told myself nobody is going to put bread on your table and nothing in life is free,” Paulse said.

She passed her first two years with flying colours and then had to find a job to do her practical training.

“I applied for a job at Tunacor to do my year at sea, and in September 2016 I sailed with the Oshakati. This was also the same boat my father had worked on and I slept in his cabin, as well. I worked as a greaser on the Oshakati, after which I decided to study further. Currently, I am doing my higher grade that I will complete next year in March.

“After my graduation I will be fully qualified in accordance with the provisions of the II/5 STCW F Convention, as a chief engineer of vessels up to 3 000 kilowatt, and a first engineer of fishing vessels, unlimited.

“We started the year being only two girls in the class. This in itself is challenging. This means you have to study harder, just to be on the same level or better as the guys. Some of them are openly jealous and hostile towards you.

“Ever since I started studying, until this very day, I still get negative comments, like 'what are you doing studying marine engineering, what are you doing on a boat, go study something else'. This only motivated me more,” Paulse added.

She explained that after her first two years she wasn't sure if she should continue studying.

“I decided to go to sea, to see if this was really meant for me. During my year at sea, I realised that this is exactly where I want to be.”

Being Afrikaans-speaking, she had to learn Spanish, which is required by both primary and secondary schools in the country. The teaching medium at the Maritime School is also Spanish.

“I now speak and write Spanish fluently. I also fund the additional costs of my studies, by teaching others English.” She'll be in Walvis Bay until September, to teach Spanish language classes.

Paulse advises her fellow youth to read about the career they wish to pursue.

“Don't let anybody tell you what to do and never accept no for an answer. The moment you make a decision, stick to it. It doesn't matter if you stand out from the crowd and remember to always follow your heart. ”

FACT BOX:

• Marine engineering is a branch of study that deals with the design, development, production and maintenance of the equipment used at sea, on vessels like boats and ships.

• Marine engineers are responsible for the operation, maintenance and repair of all major mechanical and engineering equipment on board a ship. This includes the propulsion, electrical, refrigeration and steering systems.

• To be a qualified engineer you need to study about four years and do one year of practical.

• Namibia currently does not offer courses or degrees in marine engineering, but is in the process of establishing a school of marine engineering and maritime sciences.

• Spain offers free tertiary education, with students only paying additional costs like transport and for photocopies.

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Man loses head in brick machine

July 16, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Man loses head in brick machine A 26-year-old man lost his life on Friday in Swakopmund while he was cleaning a brickmaking machine. His head was fractured and cut off when the machine was switched on.

According to the police, Immanuel Mbangula was cleaning the machine at Coastal Cement Works when the operator started it up, unaware he was cleaning it. Mbangula died instantly.

In another incident, a Namibian Defence Force (NDF) soldier and an artisan, both from Rundu, were arrested in Windhoek after being found in the possession of an elephant tusk.

The two men were arrested at about 09:30 on Saturday in Rhino Park Street near the Rhino Park Private Hospital.

They have been charged under the Controlled Wildlife Products and Trade Act and for possession and dealing in controlled wildlife products.

Also on Sunday, a 28-year-old woman gave birth to a boy, before dumping him in a toilet and killing him.

This occurred at Mulongela Restaurant in Dawid Goreseb Street in Katutura. People who live in the same house with the suspect suspected foul play and alerted the police. The woman is under police guard in hospital, while receiving medical treatment.

Meanwhile, the internal investigations department of the police is probing a shooting incident that happened on Saturday involving the police's emergency unit.

The unit on Saturday responded to a housebreaking at Rocky Crest and on their way found a car parked in the riverbed.

As they approached the car, six men jumped into it and sped off.

A chase ensued and the police fired shots, while attempting to stop the car, after verbal warnings were ignored.

The bullets struck the front and rear wheels of the vehicle. According to the police the car came to a standstill and the driver was found to be under the influence of alcohol. The driver, who is a 24-year-old Angolan student at Lingua College, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, as well as failing to stop a vehicle after being requested to do so by a police officer. No injuries were reported.

In another incident, 29-year-old Johannes Iilonga was stabbed to death in his bedroom on Sunday. According to the police the suspect entered Iilonga's room in Kuisebmond and stabbed him with an unknown object. He died instantly. The 21-year-old suspect has been arrested.

On Sunday, a 27-year-old man, Kandhendje Jacobs, was killed after he was stabbed with a knife three times in his neck. The incident occurred at the abandoned Royal Hotel on the corner of Dr AB May Street and Independence Avenue.

According to the police the old hotel building is apparently occupied by street kids and the homeless and while the motive for the stabbing is not known, it is alleged there was a fight. Two male suspects aged 23 and 18 have been arrested.

At Gochas a 56-year-old man was arrested after being found in the possession of 73 'ballies' of cannabis wrapped in newspaper on Friday. The value is unknown.

In another incident, a 32-year-old man was arrested at Stampriet on Friday after he was found in possession of 76 quarter, one half, and four whole mandrax tablets, as well as 128 'ballies' of cannabis. The values of the drugs is still to be determined.

A 34-year-old woman and a 35-year-old man were arrested on Saturday at Epako after being found with 657.52 grams of cannabis valued at N$6 575 and 20 whole mandrax tablets valued at N$2 400. They were also found in possession of an unlicensed 9mm Makarov pistol and seven rounds ammunition.

ELLANIE SMIT

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Air Nam appeals Zim impounding

July 16, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Air Nam appeals Zim impounding

Air Namibia has lodged an appeal against a court order issued in Zimbabwe to impound its planes after a Zimbabwean family sued the airline for US$1 million.

Spokesperson for the airline Paul Nakawa yesterday confirmed to Namibian Sun that the airline will be challenging the court order, adding its staff complied with the country's laws to which they are subject.

Nakawa said the appeal has already been lodged which has the effect of staying the order of the High Court in Zimbabwe pending the hearing of the matter.

The legal action follows after the family filed a US$1 million lawsuit for inconvenience suffered after they were allegedly deported after being detained for two days by Air Namibia officials in Windhoek, while in transit to Turkey.

The applicants in the matter are Chenjerai, Fadzai, Rutendo and Tadiwanashe Mawumba, and Juliana Magombedze. The family claimed that they were unlawfully detained by Air Namibia officials, before being deported back to Zimbabwe last year. NewsDay reported that High Court Judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi issued a court order, authorising the impounding of Air Namibia's planes and the attachment of office equipment at Joina City in Harare, pending an application for damages by the Zimbabwean family. The order, dated 26 June, was granted after the family approached the court seeking an order to confirm and/or find the jurisdiction for the High Court of Zimbabwe in the family's US$1 million litigation against Air Namibia. The standoff between the family and Air Namibia started February last year after they were denied access to travel to Europe. Mawumba reportedly said that upon arrival at the Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek on 15 February last year, his family was advised by Air Namibia officials that they were not permitted to travel to Turkey because of their Zimbabwean nationality, and said this was done in a racist manner. Nakawa told Namibian Sun that Air Namibia only became aware of the court order through the media.

“Upon inquiry with legal representatives the airline was informed that the pleadings filed by the airline had been removed from the court file.” According to him the plaintiffs in the matter never followed through with the case until Air Namibia presented an application for the dismissal.

“We did not refuse the family to travel to Turkey, but rather to Frankfurt, after the instruction obtained from the immigration officers. It's a matter of compliance.” Regarding the racial remarks, we distance ourselves from such distorting allegations,” Nakawa said with regards to the claims being made by the family.

He further stressed that Air Namibia does not fly to Turkey but to Germany. “We only complied with the instructions of the Germans.”

“Our staff complied with the laws of the state where we operate to. The terms and conditions of carriage are clear, that the airline may refuse to transport any passenger that does not meet the requirements of the country of destination.”

Nakawa further pointed out that it is within the ambit of Air Namibia as a national carrier to refuse passengers that do not meet immigration requirements to board as the airline could be given hefty fines.

According to him there are several reasons why Air Namibia could refuse right of carriage. This can include that such action is necessary to comply with any applicable government laws, regulations, or orders. It may be that the carriage of a passenger's baggage may endanger or affect the safety, health, or materially affect the comfort of other passengers or crew.

Another reason could be that a passenger's mental or physical state, including their impairment from alcohol or drugs, presents a hazard or risk or that the person have committed misconduct on a previous flight and there is reason to believe that such conduct may be repeated.

If a person refuses to submit to a security check they can be refused right of carriage, or if they have not paid the applicable fare, taxes, fees or charges.

A passenger can also be refused if it appears that they do not have valid travel documents, or may seek to enter a country through which the carrier may be in transit, amongst others.

ELLANIE SMIT

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Erongo electricity tariffs increased

July 16, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Erongo electricity tariffs increasedAverage rise of 4% The new tariffs are effective from the beginning of this month. The impact of this increase on Erongo RED is 5%, which means that the electricity provider will be paying an average N$1.69 per kWh on bulk tariffs. – Fessor Mbango, CEO: Erongo RED

Otis Finck at Walvis Bay - The Erongo Regional Energy Distributor (Erongo RED) announced an average weighted tariff increase of 4% for the period July 2018 to June 2019.

Fessor Mbango, the CEO of Erongo RED, told members of the media on Friday in Walvis Bay, that the increase comes after NamPower was granted a 5% average weighted tariff increase for the same period.

He said that the new tariffs would apply to all customer categories in the Erongo region except for some mining companies directly fed by NamPower.

Mbango added that due to slow economic activities over the last two years, large power users would only receive a 2% increase for 2018/19 in order to stimulate business activities in the region.

“Erongo RED submitted an application to the Electricity Control Board (ECB) to adjust electricity tariffs for the 2018/2019 period. The ECB reviewed and approved the application and new tariffs will be applied to customers effective 1 July 2018.”

Mbango explained that the 4% weighted average increase is the weighted average of different tariff categories applied to different groups of consumers in the Erongo Region.

“The ECB levy increased by 7% and an announcement on the National Energy Fund (NEF) levy will be made. NamPower announced an average tariff increase of 5% country wide in May 2018. The impact of this increase on Erongo RED is 5%, which means that the electricity provider will be paying an average N$1.69 per kWh on bulk tariffs.

“Taking into account the increase by NamPower and other associated costs the ECB granted Erongo RED an average tariff increase of 4% effective from 1 July 2018. In compliance with the approval by the ECB, the regional energy distributor will pass weighted average of a 4% tariff increase on its customers.”

Mbango pointed out that it should be noted that the 4% tariff increase is a weighted average of different tariff categories and the actual impact on customers will vary according to tariff category on which they are connected and their consumption pattern.

Categories

The actual tariff increase per different customer segment will thus be 5% for domestic single-phase users, pensioners (prepaid/conventional) and business single-phase users.

Prepaid customers above and below 20 ampere as well as institutional single phase customers will pay 4% more. The same apply to business 3 phase, prepaid business above 30 amps and prepaid business up to 30 amps consumers.

Institutional large power users will pay 3% more. Institutional three phase and large power users will pay 2% more.

Mbango also announced that the current block tariffs scheme (including blocks) would be reduced from 0-150- to 0-100 on the first block. The second block will be reduced from 151-650 to 101-500 and the last block from 650+ to 500+.

“These limitations are being introduced to enforce controls over social tariffs, reduce the misuse of the social tariff and to ensure that only the pro-poor benefit from this tarrif, effective 1 July 2018. Erongo RED reduced the current subsidy on up to 30 Amp to 20Amp.”

Customers currently on the up to 30 Amps prepaid social tariff will no longer qualify for the subsidy and must visit the nearest pay point to re-apply for 20 Amps.

In order to qualify for the new up to 20Amp prepaid social tariff, customers will have to reduce their circuit breaker from 30 Amp to 20 Amp. Erongo Red will carry the initial cost of the circuit breaker reduction.

Subsidy

Mbango told journalists previously (2017) that the company spend approximately N$15 million subsidising the cost of electricity on pensioners and low-income segment of the community in 2016/17.

“The subsidy supports over 17 000 customers throughout the region of which 5262 are pensioners registered with Erongo RED. As opposed to the previous years, free prepayment installation only became applicable to pensioners who are up to 40 amps connection size and the customers that are on the Debt Management programme.”

He further explained that electricity prices are in general influenced by elements such as costs associated with generation, transmission, distribution and supply of electricity.

He also mentioned other factors such as the upgrading of the network, operational costs, connection of new development s as well as the costs to replace aging electricity infrastructure.

Impact

He further emphasised that Erongo Red was fully aware of the impact an electricity tariff increase has on customers and therefore strive to pass on tariffs that are reasonable and cost effective.

“Erongo Red has since 2012 put measures in place to cushion the impact of electricity on customers especially pensioners and the low income segment in communities.”

Mbango gave the assurance that Erongo Red looked into all possible ways to ensure that the impact of tariffs increases on customers are cushioned and to ensure that the company operate sustainably.

He said that particular attention is also been paid to investing in capital projects to ensure a robust network to meet the demand for electricity.

“When determining tariffs this year, Erongo RED looked at various factors such as the impact of the 5% increase by NamPower on the regional electricity distributor, the impact on end users, envisaged capital projects, electrification projects, the replacement of aging infrastructure and the servicing of loans. The company also took into account the socio-economic challenges of customers including the impact of electricity cost on commercial and industrial customers.”

Information sessions with shareholders, the public and pensioners were conducted in June 2018 to sensitise everybody about the anticipated tariffs. Information sessions will also be conducted to educate the public on electricity safety and electricity saving tips.

Mbango also cautioned that during the winter period (June, July and August) consumers will experience high bills especially customers on time of use (TOU) meters.

He said that the high bills are mainly driven by high usage of electricity during winter, which translate into higher bills and urge all customers to use electricity sparingly during this particular period.

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Pay your dues - Schlettwein

July 16, 2018, 4:00 pm

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≪ Previous: Erongo electricity tariffs increased

Pay your dues - SchlettweinFinance minister says informal sector is not being targeted unfairly The finance ministry has reached out to 381 foreign-owned small and medium enterprises, registering 250 of them and securing an additional tax income of N$50 million.

Finance minister Calle Schlettwein is of the opinion that all citizens must pay tax, irrespective of the sector they are engaged in.

This follows moves by the ministry that urged the informal sector to pay its taxes.

Currently, tax laws require that persons who earn above N$50 000 per annum should pay tax on an annual basis, while businesses that earn above N$500 000 are also subject to pay taxes. Schlettwein also hit out at recent press reports, saying what was being presented was not factual.

“Paying tax is an obligation of all earners of taxable income. What is currently being postulated is misconstrued,” Schlettwein said. “Everyone who earns above a certain threshold is subject to paying tax.”

According to him, no new taxes are being introduced and it was merely a call for individuals and businesses that earn above the set thresholds to register to pay tax.

“The ministry has not announced any new tax regimes nor does the ministry intend to,” Schlettwein added. He also said individuals and businesses deriving income from activities in the informal sector could claim back tax paid on inputs bought for their businesses, as the Income Tax Act makes provision for this.

Efforts to extend the tax net also proved successful, through a recent campaign by the ministry titled 'Operation Sunshine'.

According to Schlettwein, the ministry reached out to 381 foreign-owned small and medium enterprises. As a result of the exercise, it was able to register 250 small and medium enterprises, while this resulted in additional tax income of N$50 million.

A pamphlet produced by the ministry recently informed traders they must honour their tax obligations or face the consequences. The pamphlet warns explicitly that hair salons, whether operated in a city centre, town, informal market, incubator centre or at home, are subject to tax.

The same applies to taxi and bus transport businesses, as well as hawkers, whether they sell their products door to door, at an open market, on the side of the road, under a tree, in a neighbourhood or from the boot of a car. “Plumbing services, if you have people who call you to fix their broken taps and pipes for a fee, record such income and pay tax. Kapana sellers, if you roast meat and sell it, you are required to pay tax on such income,” the pamphlet reads further.

Inland Revenue commissioner Justus Mwafonge said the N$50 000 threshold was not new, as individuals who earn more than that per annum are in any case required to pay taxes.

“This is nothing new. Informal traders have always been taxed. It will all depends on how the business is registered. This is nothing new,” Mwafonge said.

According to him, this was also the ministry's way of informing taxpayers, while educating them about their tax responsibilities.

“We are just trying to simplify things.”

There was also a possibility that the finance ministry would soon introduce a presumptive tax regime. According to Mwafonge, a lot of work still needs to be done before it is implemented.

In other tax developments, Schlettwein also announced the ministry was able to retrieve N$1.3 billion under the tax incentive scheme programme, out of the N$4 billion targeted. He also announced the programme would not be extended, while the ministry is also contemplating what to with businesses and individuals who have not paid any taxes.

OGONE TLHAGE

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New permanent secretaries named

July 17, 2018, 11:43 am

≫ Next: Unleash the beast

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New permanent secretaries named

The Office of the Prime Minister has announced the appointment and redeployment of new permanent secretaries with effect from 1 August 2018. In a press statement a while ago, the Cabinet secretariat announced that I-Ben Nashandi, who was formerly at the poverty eradication ministry, will now take over as the substantive PS in the Office of the Prime Minister. He will take over from Nangula Mbako who retired last year, but has seemingly been retained as advisor to Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila. The other permanent secretary at the OPM is Andreas Mwoombola who is responsible for implementation and monitoring. Nashandi has been replaced by Esther Lusepani at the poverty eradication ministry. Government has also announced the appointment of Annely Haiphene as the new PS at the National Planning Commission, replacing Leevi Hungamo who resigned last year. Abraham Iilonga is the new accounting officer responsible for veteran affairs and takes over from Hopelong Ipinge who recently retired, while Annascy Mwanyangapo is the substantive PS at the ministry of public enterprises.

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Unleash the beast

July 17, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Unleash the beastRing-rusty Uushona set for German battle Former WBF welterweight world champion Bethuel 'Tyson' Uushona has hinted at a return to the ring following months of inaction.

Bethuel 'Tyson' Uushona is scheduled to fight in Germany next month, Namibian Sun can exclusively reveal.

The Namibian, who was stripped off his World Boxing Federation (WBF) world title after failing to defend it within the scheduled time, says he is rejuvenated and ready to pounce again.

Namibian Sun is in possession of a fight cut which pits the Namibian against a German boxer.

It reveals that Uushona is scheduled to fight Rico Mueller of Germany on 11 August.

The date of the fight can, however, also change, depending on boxing commission approval.

Uushona was, however, reluctant to confirm that his next fight will be against a German opponent.

“Well, I do not know where you got that information from, but I will not be able to tell you whether Mueller will be the boxer I will be fighting or not.

“All I can say is that I have been doing what I have to do in the gym, in order to remain fit and ready.

“The people must expect a beast of a fighter when I return to the ring,” Uushona said.

He won the WBF world title in 2016 and defended it in 2017, before losing it after failing to fight for a period of over six months.

“You will see me in action very soon, because I have been preparing for something.

“Losing my title in such a manner was not a good thing, but I am working hard for bigger things.

“I do believe that I will be in the ring and abroad in less than 20 days from now,” Uushona said.

The boxer, however, continued to be tight-lipped about where and against who he would be fighting.

Mueller has a record of 23 wins, with two loses and one draw after 26 fights, while Uushona boasts a record of 36 wins, five loses and one draw in his professional career.

Mueller is also a former International Boxing Organisation (IBO) intercontinental world champion.

Uushona was touted as a potential great during the time he was fighting for the MTC Nestor 'Sunshine' Tobias Boxing and Fitness Academy.

The boxer, however, lost an important fight to Argentinian Dario Pucheta in 2014.

This was followed by another two losses, which resulted in Uushona quitting the Tobias stable to join the Salute Boxing Academy.

The 36-year-old still feels there is enough time for him to rejuvenate his career and become a welterweight great.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

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Youngsters braced for Ramblers tourney

July 17, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Youngsters braced for Ramblers tourney

About 70 teams will battle it out for top honours in Windhoek this weekend, when Ramblers FC hosts its annual Youth Football Tournament.

The 11th edition of the tournament will feature under-7, u-9, u-11, u-13, u-15 and u-17 teams and will take place from Friday to Sunday.

The Windhoek-based teams will be joined by sides from Rosh Pinah, Rundu, Otjiwarongo, Henties Bay and Swakopmund.

The competition will be played at the Ramblers and Unam fields.

“Ramblers are happy to welcome the teams, especially the teams from Rundu and Henties Bay, who are entering for the first time. Some of their players will play on grass for the first time.

“For some, a trip to Windhoek is like playing at the World Cup and we are honoured to play a part in their development,” said Ramblers chairperson Sedrick van Turah.

While exposing the youngsters to a development competition, the tournament also gives them exposure in terms of them travelling to see other parts of the country.

The first tournament was staged in July 2008.

While the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group is the main sponsor of the tournament, various other companies have also come on board.

Omnitel Namibia is sponsoring the u-7 competition, Valco Pumps and Valves the u-9s, Financial Consulting Services the u-11 category and Martin Krafft the u-13s.

The u-15 category is sponsored by Elwere CC and MobiPay will take care of the medals and trophies for the u-17s.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

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Namibian student shares French joy

July 17, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Namibian student shares French joyAs World Cup winners continue to celebrate A Namibian student in France gives an account of his experience in France, after the nation won the 2018 Russia World Cup on Sunday.

Gawie Kanjemba, who is studying for double masters in international energy at the Paris Institute of Political Studies, commonly referred as Sciences Po, says the atmosphere in the city has been crazy, after Le Bleus beat Croatia 4-2 to lift the World Cup trophy in Russia.

Speaking from Paris, Kanjemba said there have been parties in the streets, parks and in the bars since Sunday.

“People are just screaming 'viva Le Bleus' in the streets. I have never experienced anything like this before.

“On Sunday close to 90 000 people gathered in the Champ de Mars gardens five hours ahead of time. It was clear that we were all not going to fit into the park. Supermarkets set up TVs, people opened up their homes for friends and neighbours to watch with them.

“A feeling of togetherness filled the streets as Parisians for the first time became accommodating in the name of football,” Kanjemba narrated in awe.

He said the city was and is still decorated in white, blue and red, and when the final whistle was blown, he could hear the whole city screaming in excitement and chanting: “Viva Les Bleus.”

“Cars honked throughout the night. Metro stations were closed. People were celebrating all the players. I did not see segregation racism or elitism. We were all part of the Les Bleus family.

He added since being in Paris he got to see a side of the French people which one does not normally witness.

“During times like this I have come to realise the value of sport and culture, because it has the power to bring a community together.

“People were not celebrating because they are French nationals; they celebrated because of the association to the country, whether as a student or a mere tourist.

“Paris is probably the most beautiful city in the world and winning the World Cup has opened up a whole new outlook to the city. I will never forget this,” Kanjemba said.

He continued to say his French has improved because of him hanging around with football fans.

The French football team had a World Cup victory parade on an open-top bus down the Champs Elysees Avenue, before a reception with President Emmanuel Macron on Monday. Reports in France media states several Paris Métro stations had their names temporarily changed to honour the team.

Champs-Élysées Clemenceau station became the Deschamps-Élysées Clemenceau, after national team coach Didier Deschamps and Victor Hugo station became Victor Hugo Lloris, after France's goalkeeper and team captain.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

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