Social club heads to SA

July 17, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Social club heads to SA The Okahao Veterans Social Club will take part in the Bela Bela-Namib Social Club tournament on Saturday in South Africa's Limpopo province.

The Okahao Veterans Social Club was established in 2014 by group of soccer veterans from Okahao and the surrounding areas in the Omusati Region, with the aim of developing a sporting culture around the region.

Guest speakers from sport bodies in South Africa will also be at the tournament, which will offer young players an opportunity to showcase their skills in front of football scouts. A group of 18 young and veteran players and managers from the Omusati Region have been selected to take part in the tournament. “We have been preparing well with the players and have faith that the trip will be a success,” organiser Vaino Amadhila said.

“These type of social teams are important because it not only contributes to the health of players, but gives them opportunities to showcase their skills, Vaino explained.

The funding for the trip was made possible by the Easter Football Cup that was officially opened by the founding father, Sam Nujoma, this year.

This is an annual event that the Okahao Veterans Social Club organises to raise sport awareness in Okahao and the surrounding areas.

“There are also local businesspeople from the north that have sponsored towards the annual tournament,” said Amadhila.

In total, five clubs will take part in the South African tournament - one each from Gauteng and Mpumalanga, another two from the Limpopo province and the Okahao Veterans Social Club.

The social club squad will consist of 18 players, who contributed N$1 500 towards their participation in the tournament. The club is always looking for new members.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

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Hamukwaya gives update on Paulus, Soroseb

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Hamukwaya gives update on Paulus, Soroseb Namibia Paralympics Committee (NPC) secretary-general Michael Hamukwaya says wheelchair cyclist Frans 'Tupac' Paulus and weightlifter Ruben Soroseb have not been in action due to several reasons.

Paulus last participated in the Outeniqua Wheelchair Challenge, while Soroseb has been out of action for almost a year.

Both athletes' careers have been hampered by back injuries, which have kept them out of action for some time.

“I can confirm that Paulus is doing great even, though he has not been in action for some time. He is currently in the northern regions of Namibia and his back problems are fine now.

“Few events in his category have taken place lately,” Hamukwaya said.

The coach added Soroseb has decided to take a rest from sport, but he is doing fine.

Hamukwaya noted he is currently not sure whether the weightlifter is willing to continue or not.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Futeni iishoshela yepangelo - Schlettwein

July 17, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Futeni iishoshela yepangelo - SchlettweinIishoshela yepangelo koongeshefa kashi shi oshinima oshipe Uuministeli wemona owa tseyitha kutya owa shangitha oongeshefa oonshona naadhoka dhopokati dhaazaizai dhili 250 dhomoongeshefa 381, nokulikola iishoshela yepangelo ya thika poomiliyona 50. Ominista yEmona, Calle Schlettwein oya holola omaiyuvo gawo kutya aakwashigwana ayehe mboka haya mono iiyemo tayi pumbwa okufutilwa iishoshela oya pumbwa okufuta iishoshela yepangelo, inashi tala kutya oye li moshikondo shinipo.

Ompango otayi utha kutya kehe ngoka ha mono iiyemo yi vulithe pooN$50 000 komvula okwa pumbwa okufuta iishoshela yepangelo omanga oongeshefa ndhoka hadhi ningi iiyemo yi li pombanda yooN$500 000 dha pumbwa natango nadho okufuta iishoshela yepangelo.

Schlettwein natango okwa popi kombinga yoolopota dha pitithwa omasiku ngaka kutya shoka tashi lopotwa kashi li paushili.

“Okufuta iishoshela yepangelo oshinakugwanithwa shakehe ngoka ha mono iiyemo tayi utha omuntu a fute iishoshela. Shoka tashi lopotwa ngashiingeyi itashi ningwa paushili,” Schlettwein a popi.

Pahapu dhe, kape na iishoshela iipe tayi tulwa miilonga, ihe oshi li oshinakugwanithwa shaamboka haya mono iiyemo mbyoka hayi futilwa iishoshela yiishangithe yo ya kale haya futu iishoshela.

“Uuministeli inawu tula miilonga iishoshela iipe.”

Minista okwa tsikile kutya uuministeli wawo owali ya talele po oongeshefa ndhoka ooshona naadhoka dhopokati dhaazaizai dhili po 381, noshizemo she talelepo ndyoka osha etitha ku shangithwe oongeshefa dhili 250, ndhoka ooshona nodhopokati, naashoka osha etitha moshiketha shepangelo iimaliwa ya thika poomiliyona 50 miishoshela.

Ooyene yoosalona, ooyene yootaxi noombesa dhomalweendo oshowo aalandithi yuupana naaniilonga yamwe po yokomake okwa hololwa kutya otaya ka kala taya futu iifendela yepangelo molwaashoka ohaya mono komwedhi iiyemo yi vule pooN$50 000.

Etokolo ndyoka olya landula etseyitho ndyoka lya ningwa kuuministeli wemona okupitilila muufo wuuyelele mboka wa pitithwa tawu holola kutya aanangeshefa yoludhi ndoka oya pumbwa okufuta iifendela nenge otaya ka taalela iilanduli ngele oya ndopa.

Uufo mboka owa londodha kutya aanangeshefa yoosalona kutya oomboka ohaya longele moondoolopa nenge momalukanda oshowo komagumbo oya pumbwa okufuta iifendela.

Natango moka omwa kwatelwa ootaxi, oombesa aalandithi yomomapandanda, pomatala, pooha noondjila nenge kehe tuu pamwe kutya ohaya landithile miihauto yawo.

Aanangeshefa mboka haya longo nokupangela ominino nayo oya tegelelwa ya fute iishoshela.

“Omayakulo gokulonga ominino, ngele owu na aantu haye ku dhengele oongodhi opo wu kapangele ominino dhawo nena owa pumbwa okufuta iifendela yokongulu. Aalandithi yokapana nayo oya pumbwa okufuta ofendela,” okafo komauyelele ka holola.

Ofuto yiishoshela yepangelo kaalandithi kashi shi oshinima oshipe pahapu dhakomufala gwoshikondo shomafutilo giishoshela yepangelo, Justus Mwafonge.

Mwafonge okwa popi kutya shoka kashi shi oshimina oshipe molwaashoka paveta yawo, omuntu ngoka ha mono iiyemo yi vule poN$50 000 komvula okwa pumbwa okufuta iishoshela.

Okwa popi kutya oongeshefa odha kala nale nokufuta iishoshela na oshiikolelela owala kutya ongeshefa oya shangithwa ngiini.

Mwafonge okwa popi kutya natango oshindji osha pumbwa okuningwa omanga iifuta mbyoka inayi tulwa miilonga.

Muuyelele wumwe uupe wa holoka po, Schlettwein okwa popi kutya uuministeli owe shi pondola okulikola iimaliwa ya thika poobiliyona 1.3 okupitila moprograma yo tax incentive scheme programme, okuza moobiliyona 4 ndhoka tengenekwa okumonika okupitila moprograma ndjoka.

Okwa tsikile kutya oprograma ndjoka itayi kalelepekwa, nuuministeli otawu ka kambadhala okutala shoka tawu vulu okuninga noongeshefa oshowo oohandimwe mboka ihaya gwanitha po iifuta yawo.

OGONE TLHAGE

Ohangwena tayi kondjitha ombuto yoHIV

July 17, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Ohangwena tayi kondjitha ombuto yoHIV Konyala aantu yeli po 53 267 oya konaakonwa ombuto yoHIV moshitopolwa shaHangwena, moshikako shomvula yo2017/18, naantu 2 146 oya monika ombuto.

Omiyalu ndhoka odha etitha aantu yeli po 24 796 ya kale kepango lyoantiretroviral treatment (ART), moshitopolwa shoka.

Uuyelele mboka owa tseyithwa komunashipundi gwelelo lyoshitopolwa shaHangwena, Erickson Ndawanifa, ngoka a tseyitha oshipopiwa shopashigwana shopashitopolwa shoka, pehala lyaNgoloneya gwoshitopolwa, Usko Nghaamwa.

Ndawanifa okwa tseyitha kutya Nghaamwa ke na nawa uukolele na okwe mu pe oshinakugwanitha shokutseyitha oshipopiwa shoka, pehala lye.

Nghaamwa okwa popi kutya oshitopolwa otashi kambadhala okutula miiilonga omikalo ndhoka tadhi vulu okukondjitha omaupyakadhi ngoka ga taalela oshitopolwa ngaashi oluhepo, omikithi, ompumbwe yomeya ga yogoka nuundjugo, olusheno, omategelelo mokati kaanona aashona, omiyonena dhomomagumbo, aanona yoskola taya ende iinano iile okuya kooskola oshowo omikundu dhilwe dha taalela oshitopolwa shaHangwena.

Moshikako shomvula yo2017/18, oshitopolwa osha tula miilonga omayambidhidho gaakwashigwana gopankalathano oshowo elongo lyoshigwana kombinga yekondjitho lyomikalo omiwinayi mokati koshigwana. Nghaamwa okwa popi kutya ooprograma ndhoka odha hupitha aantu ya thika po 86 opo kaya ikuthe oomwenyo , omanga omaikuthomwenyo 56 ga lopotwa ngoka ku wetike kutya andola oga kala pombanda noonkondo ngele kwa kwali kwa tulwa miilonga ooprograma ndhoka.

“Oshitopolwa otashi tsikile nokuninga omahungomwenyo kombinga yombuto yoHIV momandiki agehe guundjolowele. Omahwahwameko ga nuninwa okukondjitha etaandelo lyombuto yoHIV, eigameno oshowo epango neyambidhidho. Omahwahwameko ngoka oga nuninwa aalumentu naanyasha, aanona yepupi lyopokati oshowo aakiintu,” Nghaamwa a popi.

Ngoloneya okwa tsikile kutya okwa uvithwa nayi kondjele yomukithi gwomalaria moshitopolwa shoka, sha li sha lopotwa etukuko lyomalaria pamabelewa momvula yo 2017, moka iipotha yi li 5 440 ya li ya lopotwa oshowo omaso 9.

Okwa popi kutya nonando oshitopolwa osha taalela omikundu ndhoka okwa ningwa oonkambadhala dhokukondjiitha omukithi ngoka.

Kombinga yomukithi gwoTB, oshitopolwa shaHangwena osha holoka ponomola yotango sha landula oKhomas, molopota ndjoka ya pitithwa mo 2017/18.

Oshitopolwa osha lopota iipotha yoTB yi li pe 1 107.

Oshipangelo shEngela osha lopota omwaalu gwiipotha yoTB yi li pombanda, omolwa aapangwa mboka haya zi meni lyaAngola, na ohaya pangwa moshipangelo shoka.

Nghaamwa okwa popi kutya oshindji osha ningwa opo ku yambulwe po omidhingoloko dhomandiki guundjolowele moshitopolwa.

“Konyala aapangwa oyendji yoTB oya ningilwa omakonaanoko goHIV na okwa dhidhilikwa eshuno pevi eshona okuza poopresenda 34 momvula yo 2016/17 okuya poopresenda 33 moshikako sho 2017/18. Ayehe mboka ya monika ombuto oya tulwa kepango lwoARVs. Iipotha owala iyali yomukithi gwoleprosy ya lopotwa moshitopolwa, naashoka otashi hololwa eshuno pevi okuyeleka noomvula dha piti.

Ngoloneya okwa popi kutya nonando omandiki guundjolowele geli 34 moshitopolwa oge na aapangi ya pyokoka, oshitopolwa osha taalela ompumbwe yaaniilonga yoshikondo shuundjolowele. Oshitopolwa natango oshina aaniilonga yuundjolowele woshigwana yeli 95, mboka ya manitha omailongo gawo omvula ya piti,ihe kaye na iilonga.

Ondjele yomategelelo mokati kaanona aashona natango oyi li pombanda poopresenda 60.

Okwa popi kutya okwa dhidhilikwa woo e yo pombanda menkeko lyaalumentu, okuza pomwaalu gwaalumentu o3 534 mboka ya kenkwa momvula yo 2016/17 okuya paalumentu 4 746 mboka ya kenkwa moshikako sho 2017/18.

Aantu yeli po 538 oya pewa omayambidhidho guutemba moshitopolwa shoka oshowo omayambidhidho galwe ngaashi uudhimbo wo kweenditha nomakende gokomeho, okupitila momayambidhidho gomazulonkalo.

Aapangwa yeli po 300 oya ningilwa etando lyomeho.

ILENI NANDJATO

Company news in brief

July 17, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Company news in brief MTN's Dubai subsidiary sells MTN Cyprus

South Africa-based mobile telecommunications company MTN Group Ltd said on Monday its Dubai subsidiary sold its Cyprus business to Monaco Telecom SA for 260 million euros(US$304 million).

Africa’s biggest mobile telecoms group said that as part of the deal to sell MTN Cyprus it would allow the use of the MTN brand in Cyprus for up to three years for a fee.

MTN Cyprus, which is the South African company’s only business in the European Union, was acquired as part of the acquisition of telecoms holding company Investcom LLC in 2006.

-Nampa/Reuters

IBM seeks US$167 million from Groupon

International Business Machines Corp on Monday asked a US jury to award it US$167 million in a lawsuit accusing e-commerce marketplace operator Groupon Inc of using patented technology without authorization.

IBM lawyer John Desmarais told a jury in federal court in Delaware that Groupon infringed patents describing foundational e-commerce technology that had already been licensed to Amazon Inc, Facebook Inc and Alphabet Inc’s Google for between US$20 million and US$50 million per company.

-Nampa/Reuters

Bank of America profit beats on consumer loan growth

Bank of America Corp reported quarterly profit above analyst expectations on Monday as the second-largest US lender cut expenses and benefited from growth in loans and deposits on the back of a strengthening economy

Noninterest expense dropped 5% in the quarter from a year earlier as the bank trimmed headcount and worked on digitizing its retail operations to lower overhead.

Revenue rose in each of the bank’s segments with the exception of global banking, where lower investment banking fees dragged revenue down 2%.

-Nampa/Reuters

Warren Buffett donates US$3.4 billion to Gates' and family charities

Warren Buffett has donated roughly US$3.4 billion of Berkshire Hathaway Inc stock to five charities, the billionaire’s largest contribution in his longstanding plan to give away his fortune.

Buffett’s 13th annual donation comprised about 17.7 million Class “B” shares of Berkshire, valued at US$192 each as of Monday’s market close.

The largest block went to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Buffett’s own foundation, named for his late first wife Susan, and charities run by his children Howard, Susan and Peter received the rest.

-Nampa/Reuters

Airbnb faces ultimatum to comply with EU's consumer rules

Airbnb was warned by the European Union (EU) to expect a regulatory clampdown unless its terms and conditions and the way it presents holiday-home prices comply with EU standards by the end of August.

The online platform must present pricing information in a more transparent way and make the distinction between private and professional hosts clearer to consumers, the European Commission said in a statement on Monday.

“Popularity cannot be an excuse for not complying with EU consumer rules,” said EU Commissioner for Consumers Vera Jourova.

-Fin24

A humble warrior

July 17, 2018, 4:00 pm

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A humble warriorTributes continue to pour in for Gurirab In life, he was the consummate gentleman politician, who sacrificed all for the love of his country and its people. As the country mourns Theo-Ben Gurirab, many have reflected on his humility, saying he always made time for friend and foe.

Gurirab is being remembered as a peacemaker and a gentle soul, who gave his best whenever he was assigned a task.

Former South African foreign affairs minister Pik Botha said it was merely “by the grace of God” that he managed to become friends with the late Gurirab.

Botha, who served in the last apartheid government to govern both South Africa and Namibia, said he shed a tear when he heard about Gurirab's passing on Saturday in a Windhoek hospital.

“We met as enemies, but the grace of God brought us together as friends,” he said.

Botha said they shared deeply spiritual conversations, and even discussed how, as political leaders, they would have to account after death for the things they had done.

Botha told Namibian Sun that Gurirab's passing has pained him enormously.

“If I look at the wars taking place today and how people fail to realise that even people on the enemy's side share the same ethical values as them, it pains me. Ben and I became intimate friends, we shared thoughts about the meaning of life. Now that he has died I will go to Namibia and sit in the desert and thank it for giving me a friend and that this friendship could produce green leaves,” he said.

Botha served as foreign minister up to the end of apartheid and played a significant role in Namibia gaining its independence from South Africa - an independence Gurirab played a significant part in achieving.

Liberation struggle stalwart Libertine Amathila, who spoke to Namibian Sun from her farm where the mobile network is extremely poor, said: “I will have to say a few words.”

She related with laugher how she and Gurirab had been classmates at Augustineum College.

“I will remember him as one of the most hardworking people and an absolutely wonderful person. He did a lot for this country's liberation struggle. He was an exceptional diplomat,” she said.

Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader McHenry Venaani tweeted that the Namibian nation has undisputedly lost an iconic statesman of rare versatility.

“I commiserate with his wife Joan and the family, President Hage Geingob and the Swapo Party on the immense loss. A rare leader who both knew boundaries of friendship and an adversary, we were both,” he said.

Former secretary-general of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Anders Johnson, described Gurirab as a “towering figure” within the African liberation movement, who always stood up for those in need.

“His solidarity with others was unfailing and he was always willing to give a sympathetic hearing to those who like himself were fighting for respect for their rights. Theo-Ben Gurirab was a fervent believer in multilaterism,” he said.

Dantagob Gurirab said he will remember his father's unwavering commitment to the country's liberation struggle.

“It was such an inspiring life to be around. Often children are taught about greatness from a distance and taught about historical figures. All of my siblings, we realised how fortunate we are to actually have been growing up in the presence of greatness. It is that which has driven us in our lives,” he said.

Dantagob said his father was a traditional man who loved his pap and vleis, but in later years he had to cut down on red meat for health reasons.

“Like any Namibian, he enjoyed traditional meat. My father was an avid reader; he really, really pressed upon us to read,” he shared.

Former president Hifikepunye Pohamba said Namibians will forever be indebted to Gurirab for the sacrifices he made leading up to Namibia's liberation from apartheid South Africa.

“Although we mourn today, we should at the same time celebrate the wonderful life that Gurirab lived. It was a life of purpose and a life of meaning. We learnt so much from him during the liberation struggle,” said an emotional Pohamba.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Govt project sparks San eviction fears

July 17, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Govt project sparks San eviction fears A first nation community, who are already experiencing poverty and despair, say their rights are being violated and government has chosen to ignore their pleas.

Members of the N‡a Jaqna Conservancy say they fear eviction, as government pushes for the implementation of its Programme for Communal Land Development (PCLD) in Tsumkwe West.

Group spokesperson Sarah Zungu said government has deliberately failed to record their objections to the project, when it was introduced during community meetings.

According to her, their livelihood is threatened because they do not know who plots will be given to.

They fear they may soon have nowhere to go with their children.

“We know it is a communal area but we do not want fences or small farms and government does not want to listen to us, but only wants to force this development onto us,” she said.

Zungu also accused government of turning a blind eye to the illegal non-San settlers, who have fenced off pieces of land without the Tsumkwe West San community being informed.

“The thing that really burdens us that our rights are violated and government chooses to ignore the feelings of the community. We are not even allowed to go and dig up veld food in the areas where people have settled illegally; if we do, we are accused of stealing people's cows or of trespassing,” she said.

The community has written a letter to government and its development partners to heed to their calls that the project should be abandoned.

The letter, dated 12 July, is addressed to the European Union, the EU Development Cooperation, the German Development Bank (KfW), the Office of the Ombudsman, the Otjozondjupa Communal Land Board, the lands ministry, the !Kung Traditional Authority, the Tsumkwe constituency councillor, the finance ministry, the World Wildlife Fund and the Namibian Association of Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) Support Organisations (NACSO).

In the letter, the community questioned the minutes of a meeting held at Aasvoelnes on 23 March, saying their objections were not recorded, as well as their comments that there is a lack of understanding about the proposed project.

“The three-and-half-hour meeting can clearly not have been sufficient time to explain the detailed land registration and cooperative proposals and the potential threats and benefits to the area, including translations to local languages. A large number of community members walked out of this meeting in objection to the proceedings but this is not mentioned anywhere,” the letter reads. It said further there have been inaccurate responses from the PCPD team to serious concerns about illegal fences that remain throughout the area and the risk to trophy hunting and devil's claw harvesting, which will be impacted by the proposed farms.

“It is clear that the consultants only recorded the part of the meetings that suits their needs, in order to forge ahead with a plan that was clearly predetermined.”

Lands ministry spokesperson Chrispin Matongela said the community was engaged.

“Any development that is taken to the people are for the communities. Objections are not strange; it is the nature of people. There will always be those people that object,” he said.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Seed bill could limit imports and exports

July 17, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Seed bill could limit imports and exportsFinance minister concerned about bill's details Nurseries would be forced to register as they deal with seedlings that are considered seeds. The Seed and Seed Varieties Bill, expected to be adopted by the National Assembly, could limit the importing and exporting of seeds, finance minister Calle Schlettwein has said.

Making his contribution to the bill tabled by agriculture minister Alpheus !Naruseb recently in the National Assembly, Schlettwein said the definition of seeds is comprehensive enough, however, the bill seems to limit trade flows.

The bill intends to regulate the production, processing, certification, marketing and trade of seeds in Namibia.

Schlettwein made reference to the well-known seed and plant trader Ferreira's Garden Centre in Windhoek and questioned whether such retailers would have to register as horticulture nurseries.

In response, !Naruseb argued that seed as defined by the bill is any type of living embryo capable of regeneration and must go through the process of identification of source and performance of mother trees.

“Nurseries deal with seedlings which, according to the bill, are considered seeds and therefore must be registered as materials. They would be expected to have the identity of origin and record of performance of mother trees to ensure the quality of seedling supply made available for sale,” he said. He emphasised that should some people obtain seeds to be used for non-commercial purposes, such as planting for domestic use, the bill does not include such eventualities.

!Naruseb explained that traditional varieties have the opportunity to be recognised and registered, provided they satisfy the requirement for registration.

He added that farmers can continue cultivating the traditional varieties using farm-saved seeds or seeds acquired through exchange and bartering.

However, such seeds do not qualify to be certified and cannot be sold in the market.

“The act will complement other laws on safeguarding biodiversity and bio-safety in order to take into account plant health risks,” he said.

Through the bill, the ministry will have control over imported and exported seeds to make sure they meet prescribed standards.

The bill would further establish the national seed council comprising of farmers, ministry representatives and seed dealers, who will contribute to the formulation of policies and guidelines for the industry.

A seed varieties committee will be created to oversee the process of the release of new seed varieties.

NAMPA

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NAB appoints new CEO

July 17, 2018, 4:00 pm

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NAB appoints new CEO The Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) has announced the appointment of Dr Fidelis Nyambe Mwazi as its newly appointed CEO.

Mwazi takes over the reins from Christof Brock, who is retiring at the age of 65. His appointment is effective from 1 July 2018, and is set for a period of five years. 'Dr Mwazi is no stranger to the agronomic and horticulture industries, he is a strong and visionary leader, highly capable of taking the industry to greater heights, therefore the board is overtly confident that he will contribute exceptionally to the efficient running of the NAB”, said, Michael Iyambo, chair of the NAB board.

Mwazi, who is a professional scientist in crop science and sustainable agriculture, has over 18 years of vast practical work experience in the academic as well as the agronomic and horticulture industry environments.

He obtained his PhD in Agriculture (Crop Science) in 2017 from the University of Namibia. He graduated with an MSc degree in Geo-information Science and Earth Observation (Sustainable Agriculture) from the International Institute for Geo-information Science and Earth Observation, the ITC University, Netherlands in 2006.

Prior to his appointment as the NAB's CEO, Mwazi worked as a senior manager for standards and trade at the Agro-Marketing and Trade Agency (AMTA) from February 2015 to June 2018.

AMTA is mandated to implement statutory rules and regulations of the Agronomic Industry Act, Act 20 of 1992 by producers and traders involved in the production and trading of the agronomic and horticultural products countrywide.

Mwazi therefore implemented various compliance programmes for agronomy and horticulture market share promotion, food safety and crop-specific marketing standards, inspections of farms and facilities for compliances to Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) and Hazardous Analytical Critical Control Point (HACCP), border control and inland inspectorate as well as total quality management (TQM) aspects.

He also worked as a national horticulture manager at the NAB from May 2013 to January 2015 and was responsible for implementing the horticulture market share promotion for controlled crops.



STAFF REPORTER

Ramaphosa talks tough on mine safety

July 17, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Ramaphosa talks tough on mine safetyTo engage tribal chiefs on land South Africa will tighten its mine safety regulations to hold mine operators accountable for accidental deaths in the industry, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Monday. We are going to meet and have a further discussion ... with all our traditional leaders- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa Safety is a huge issue in South Africa’s deep and dangerous mines and increasingly a focus for investors. A spate of deaths at Sibanye-Stillwater’s gold operations, including a seismic event that killed seven miners in early May, has highlighted the risks.

Ramaphosa was responding during an interview for eNCA news channel to a question after six miners died on Sunday in an underground fire at a copper mine operated by unlisted Palabora Mining, the latest tragedy to hit South Africa’s mines.

“We are going to tighten up the regulations to ensure that those who run these mines must be accountable themselves because we cannot have so many deaths,” said Ramaphosa, who was a mine union activist during apartheid.

Ramaphosa said 54 miners had been killed in South Africa’s mines so far in 2018.

This follows a spike in mine deaths in 2017, to more than 80 from 73 in the previous year, ending nine straight years of falling fatalities in the world’s top platinum producer.

Land reforms

On the vexed issue of land reform, Ramaphosa said talks would continue with traditional leaders, who earlier this month warned the ruling African National Congress (ANC) to exclude land controlled by local chiefs from its plans to redistribute property to the black majority.

The Zulu king warned of conflict over the issue.

The leaders are seen as key to the political base of the ANC and control communal land comprising 13% of South Africa in the former homelands, impoverished relics of apartheid where most black South Africans were literally confined under white rule.

Party reformers want to dilute their power by providing people in such areas with direct property ownership through title deeds.

“We are going to meet and have a further discussion ... with all our traditional leaders,” Ramaphosa said.

“We clearly don’t want two systems, we want all our people to have similar (property) rights,” he said.

The ANC’s plans to change the constitution to allow the government to expropriate land without compensation to rectify racial disparities has unnerved investors as it recalls the farm seizures that ruined neighbouring Zimbabwe’s economy.

The ANC has said it will not pursue land reform in a way that threatens food security or economic growth. Most land remains in white hands, making it a potent symbol of lingering inequalities.

-Nampa/Reuters

CIF, NSI highlight criticality of adherence to standards

July 17, 2018, 4:00 pm

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CIF, NSI highlight criticality of adherence to standardsThe two institutions want to ensure quality Despite current tough economic times, the Construction Industries Federation of Namibia (CIF) and the Namibian Standards Institution (NSI) are both advising that standards are to be adhered to. It would be important to ensure that any private or public expenditure is done within the parameters of acceptable quality- Bärbel Kirchner, Consulting General Manager, CIF STAFF REPORTER

An efficient use of scarce financial resources both in the public and private sector demands an awareness and application of building standards and adherence to specifications for respective projects. Most importantly, it would ensure correct processes and the use of certified material by an accredited certification body, which will increase the safety and longevity of structures.

Bärbel Kirchner, consulting general manager of the CIF says: “We are still experiencing tough times. Yet we have inspirational development goals. It would be important to ensure that any private or public expenditure is done within the parameters of acceptable quality. This would require that codes and standards are adhered to and are indeed exceeded.”

For an effective and objective measure of quality in the development of building and civil structures, Namibia uses building codes and standards. The codes provide a clear guideline on the expected minimum, and standards also provide a scope of acceptability and unacceptability in terms of building processes, equipment and the building material being used. It protects all parties engaged with a project if they understand what the tolerances are; i.e. what would be regarded as acceptable and not acceptable.

Advice

Despite current tough economic times, the Construction Industries Federation of Namibia (CIF) and the Namibian Standards Institution (NSI) are both advising that standards are to be adhered to. As per the signed MoU between the two institutions, it aims to raise awareness of the benefits of using respective standards for the construction industry and material suppliers, as well as raise awareness of how building codes and standards are being interpreted.

Accordingly, the CIF hosted three information sharing workshops and training to raise awareness of standards and regulations in general, and specifically, in the building and construction sector. These took place in Windhoek, Ongwediva and Swakopmund on 25 April, 15 June and 22 June 2018, respectively.

Not delivering on the minimum pre-determined requirements, can lead to additional costs and delays on projects if work has to be redone or repaired. If the adherence to specifications is not sufficiently monitored, it can lead to increased maintenance costs or indeed the future collapse of a structure resulting in financial losses, possibly injury or deaths.

This can have legal implications and it is important for all contractors to take note that although Namibia has no local standards and regulations for all products, contractors are still bound by the requirements of any standards specified in the agreement for a building or construction project.

During the training it was also highlighted that the standards with regard to the use of certified building material, is very important.

It is advised that building materials need to show proof of certification by a recognised or certified certification body, like the NSI, other internationally recognised certification bodies. Certification is only possible if a product complies with national or internationally recognised standards.

Chie Wasserfall, chief executive officer of the NSI says: “Most of the building materials used in Namibia are imported. It is therefore critical that these products are certified by an accredited or recognised institution. Currently the NSI verifies imported cement to ensure they meet the product requirements.

“If a manufacturer claims that a certain product meets the locally determined standards and regulation, it is important that the certification is displayed on the product packaging or labelling and a documented certificate is provided in English.”

Compliance

Adherence to codes and specifications in standards not only secure acceptable minimum quality. The inclusion of standards in tender briefing documents can also have an impact on the costing of projects and will ensure a level playing field.

Panashe Daringo, vice-president of the CIF and chair of the CIF Building Committee conducted the training on behalf of the CIF. He said: “It is to everyone’s benefit if the project is guided by predetermined standards. All tender briefing documents should stipulate respective standards that would determine the specifications. It ensures that bidding is done on a level playing field and that the project team will have clarity of what needs to get done.

“Although we must recognise that standards determine only the minimum requirement. Standards will also then become enforceable once stipulated in the tender documentation.”

He explained how standards are generally structured, and how best they could be read and interpreted, and how standards also had respective cross-references to other standards. He added “It would benefit contractors if their internal processes would match and monitor adherence to respective standards. This would lead to continuous improvement of quality management, which had numerous benefits.”

Information

Immanuel Owoseb, standards development and training officer who conducted the training on behalf of the NSI, encouraged participants to obtain standards from the NSI. He said: “The NSI has access to a number of regional and international standards that are specified in tender documentation. These are offered at a 10% discount to members of the CIF. It is a positive investment to acquire your own set of watermarked standards.”

He further informed members that the Standards Development Department has recently established a training unit on popular management system standards such as Quality Management System Occupational Health and Safety and Environmental Management Systems.

Closing the training sessions, Kirchner of the CIF said: “We must ensure that we achieve acceptable standards on all our projects. This would not only limit the abandonment and non-completion of projects due to poor workmanship but will also protect every party involved. Not only the client, the architect or engineer, or quantity surveyor but indeed also the contractor. Knowledge is power. Our contractors also need to be protected by standards and related tolerances of what are acceptable or not.

“It is so important, that we want to encourage that training on standards become a requirement before commencement of any project paid by public funds. We need to include a provisional sum for all relevant training in tender documents.”

Dippenaar blames Joschko for crash

July 17, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Dippenaar blames Joschko for crashFights N$11.5m High Court lawsuit Jandré Dippenaar is fighting a N$11.5 million lawsuit brought against him by the guardian of the survivor of a 2014 horror crash that claimed six lives. Jandré Dippenaar has placed the blame for a crash in which six people died squarely on the shoulders of Markus Walter Joschko, who was also among the casualties in the 2014 accident.

This is according to papers filed in the High Court in a civil suit brought by Annette Ingeborg Schlösinger, a resident of Berlin, Germany who is the guardian of Antonia Joschko, born on 21 May 1998.

Schlösinger is suing Dippenaar for N$11.5 million.

In his papers, Dippenaar alleges that Joschko was negligent, as he did not obey the rules of the road, drove on the wrong side and did not keep a proper lookout for oncoming traffic.

“He caused and allowed the vehicle he was driving to cross over the middle line into the lane and path of oncoming traffic, more especially the vehicle driven by the defendant, whilst it was dangerous and inopportune to do so,” Dippenaar argued. According to him, Joschko caused or allowed the bakkie he drove to collide with his vehicle in the oncoming lane.

“Joschko failed to exercise the degree of care, normally expected from a reasonable driver under the same circumstances. He failed to take all reasonable and necessary steps to avoid the said collision, whilst he was able to do so.

Antonia survived the December 2014 horror crash on the national road near Henties Bay, in which her parents and a sister lost their lives.

According to court documents the minor has been deprived of the maintenance and support to which she was accustomed and which she would have continued to receive, had it not been for the death of her parents.

Her claim stems from a car accident on the C34 national road on 29 December 2014 near Henties Bay in which Joschko and his wife Dorethea Schemick Joschko and their 19-year-old daughter Alexandra Marlene Joschko were killed.

“The collision was caused by the sole negligence of Dippenaar. He drove under the influence of alcohol and without a driver's license, did not obey rules of the road and speeded under the prevailing traffic and meteorological conditions,” Schlösinger maintained in her particulars of claim.

She further claimed Dippenaar did not keep a proper lookout for oncoming or overtaking traffic, failed to apply his brakes, overtook another vehicle while it was not safe and drove over the centre line of the road and into the lane and path of oncoming traffic.

The collision between a Toyota FJ Cruiser with registration number N8163W, which was driven by Dippenaar and a Ford Ranger double cab driven by Joschko, killed six. Antonia, also travelling in the Ford Ranger, was the only survivor, along with Dippenaar.

Dippenaar pleaded in his papers that the claim against him be dismissed with costs.

He specifically denied that Schlössinger, in terms of her appointment as Antonia's guardian, is entitled and or authorised to institute the present action against him and demands proof thereof.

Even though he denied he was negligent, he pleaded that the collision was caused solely as a result of the negligent driving of the driver of the Ford Ranger double cab.







FRED GOEIEMAN

New revenue agency operational by March 2019

July 17, 2018, 4:00 pm

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New revenue agency operational by March 2019 Finance minister Calle Schlettwein is optimistic that the much-anticipated Namibia Revenue Agency will be operational come 1 March 2019. This will coincide with the start of the new fiscal year.

He made the announcement during a short press briefing held to engage members of the media on the state of the economy.

Tax amendments are in the pipeline and the Namibia Revenue Agency Bill has been passed,” said Schlettwein, who added that all indications are that it will become operational on 1 March next year. The ministry is also looking for suitable candidates to head the agency while human capital transitions would be made where applicable and possible.

“We have advertised for a board and for a commissioner. We are looking at which directorates can be migrated to the new revenue agency. We are also in the process of creating a tax policy unit within the ministry,” said Schlettwein.

An advert published in May said that the board of the agency will consist of seven directors appointed for three years, but who may not be appointed for more than two consecutive terms.

The successful candidates will receive sitting allowances as determined by the finance minister.

A person does not qualify if he or she is a member of parliament or any other government body, or serves as a member on two other state-owned boards, the advert said. The board positions are only available to Namibian citizens.

The agency will be headed by the still-to-be appointed commissioner, who will serve for a period of five years. According to the minister, all necessary migrations to the new revenue agency will be completed by 28 February next year.

The ministry, he said, was also reviewing its tax system.

OGONE TLHAGE

Dangote signs US$650mln Afreximbank loan

July 17, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Dangote signs US$650mln Afreximbank loan Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has signed a US$650 million loan facility with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) for his oil refinery project in Nigeria.

Africa’s trade bank, based in Egypt, also signed a US$750 million facility with Nigeria’s development bank, the Bank of Industry.

Reuters witnessed the signing of both loans on Saturday.

-Nampa/Reuters

Rest easy, gentle giant

July 17, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Rest easy, gentle giant The late Theo-Ben Gurirab was without an iota of doubt a gentle giant, whose life was lived in service and dedication to Namibia's struggle for liberation. As tributes pour in this week for the former prime minister, National Assembly speaker and the country's first foreign affairs minister, Gurirab has been described as the doyen of Namibian diplomacy and the nation's most erudite diplomat. Young and old have eulogised him as the country's flag bearer while serving as Swapo's chief representative for almost 15 years at the United Nations before Namibia's independence. It was also here where Swapo's political and diplomatic status grew to a mainstream negotiator and participant in the affairs of the world. His near unblemished and rich international career has also seen Gurirab playing a crucial role in the protracted negotiations that resulted in UN Security Council Resolution 435 of 1978, which paved the way for Namibia's independence. Obviously, Gurirab had his flaws like many of us, but his enduring and self-sacrificing spirit will live with us for many years to come. Like Gurirab, there were many other forbearers who as exemplary patriots and stalwarts of the Namibian revolution and freedom fighters never wavered during the difficult days of colonial oppression. Their bravery in the face of adversity will go down in the history our country. And although these struggle heroes have entrusted us with this glorious legacy, it is equally incumbent on us not to fail them as we march on in history, to make our motherland a better place for everyone. Gurirab led a humble life and was kind to both old and young. We should at all times exercise these values, in order to remember him. Namibia will forever be grateful for his contribution. Rest easy, gentle giant.

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Ex-cop denied bail

July 17, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Ex-cop denied bailOn trial for allegedly killing his sons The High Court has ruled it will not be in the interests of the administration of justice to grant bail to a former cop, who is on trial for allegedly murdering his sons. The Windhoek High Court yesterday refused bail to a former police constable on trial for the brutal murder of his two sons in 2014.

Albertus !Ganeb, who has been in police custody since his arrest in April 2014, is on trial for allegedly stabbing his sons to death at Gobabis.

The 35-year-old was fighting to be released on bail due to alleged prolonged detention, when his formal bail application was dismissed in a judgement handed down by Judge Dinah Uusiku.

“The accused cannot be released on bail because it would not be in the interests of the administration of justice to grant him bail at the moment while his alleged murder trial is still ongoing before court,” the judge said.

Meanwhile, !Ganeb informed the court that he will lodge an urgent appeal against the dismissal of his application for bail.

In the failed bail attempt, !Ganeb told the court his constitutional rights were being infringed upon and violated and he felt it was time for the court to grant him bail and release him from police custody, because he has been in custody for too long awaiting finalisation of the trial.

!Ganeb also wanted the bail to raise the needed funds to acquire private legal representation for his appeal case to the Supreme Court against Judge Usiku, for her refusal to recuse herself from presiding over his double-murder trial.

Prosecutor Palmer Khumalo strongly opposed the granting of bail on the grounds that !Ganeb lodged the formal bail application while the trial is almost complete and the probability of him absconding is high at this stage.

Khumalo said it would also not be in the interest of the administration of justice to release the accused police officer on bail when the State has already closed its case.

!Ganeb remains in police custody at the Windhoek Central Correctional Facility until 21 August 2018, pending the continuation of the trial.

In addition, !Ganeb suffered a first heavy blow on 05 April 2018 when his attempt to have Judge Uusiku removed from his trial was dismissed in a ruling handed down by the same judge.

The former police constable felt he is not receiving a fair trial with Judge Usiku on the bench.

!Ganeb claimed the judge was protecting the interests of the prosecution by not allowing his former defence lawyer, Boris Isaacks, to properly cross-examine and re-examine a number of State witnesses.

However, Khumalo argued that Usiku disallowing questions which were posed repeatedly by the lawyer could not be regarded as interference.

!Ganeb allegedly stabbed his sons after he saw a text message from another man on the mobile phone of the children's mother, Romily Swartz.



NAMPA

Calle urges parties to account

July 17, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Calle urges parties to accountNon-compliance and inconsistency Only 6 out of 10 political parties submitted their audited financial statement during the past two financial years. On the basis of these compliance records, the Republican Party and the Workers Revolutionary Party have consistently not submitted their audited statements while APP, SWANU, UDF and UPM submissions were inconsistent over the past two years- Calle Schlettwein, Minister of Finance NDAMA NAKASHOLE



Finance minister Calle Schlettwein has urged each political party to remain accountable to the public in regard to the public funds it receives.

The figures made available by the minister last Thursday in Parliament reveal that during the 2015/16 financial year, only the APP, NUDO, PDM, RDP, SWANU and Swapo party complied with the law.

In respect to the 2016/17 financial year, the complying parties are Swapo, NUDO, PDM, RDP, UDF and UPM.

According to the records at the Electoral Commission of Namibia, quoted by Schlettwein in his response, although compliance vary by each financial year, 8 out of 10 political parties have submitted their audit reports to the commission since 2014.

“On the basis of these compliance records, the Republican Party and the Workers Revolutionary Party have consistently not submitted their audited statements while APP, SWANU, UDF and UPM submissions were inconsistent over the past two years,” said the minister.

In terms of Section 158 of the Electoral Act, (Act No 5 of 2014) political parties represented in Parliament are accountable to the public on the management and utilisation of the taxpayers' money they receive as funding from the national budget. Each financial year, all parties represented in Parliament receive funding from the national budget in line with the proportional representation.



Publishing

Asked why the reports of these parties were not published in at least two daily newspapers as provided for by the law, Schlettwein said: “In terms of Section 158 (6) of the Electoral Act, it's the responsibility of the accounting officer of a political party to ensure that an abridged version of the accounts of a political party is published in at least 2 daily newspapers within 7 days (after) submission of the audited statements to the commission.”

Because of this, Schlettwein said accounting officers of the respective political parties are better placed to account for the publication of their party financials.

The minister further announced that his party, Swapo, had published its 2016/17 financials in 2017 and that audits for 2017/18 are in progress.



Suspension

Although there has been non-compliance by some of the parties, as well as inconsistent compliance by some, no party has had their allocated funds suspended to date. Section 158(8) states that the electoral commission may order the suspension of allocated monies if the commission is, on reasonable grounds, satisfied that the political party has failed to comply with any requirement of the Electoral Act.

Schlettwein said that the ECN is seized with this matter.

Is Windhoek hierso!

July 17, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Is Windhoek hierso!City more expensive to live in than Cape Town, Joburg A one-bedroom apartment in a Windhoek suburb will set you back nearly N$1 000 more than you would pay in Johannesburg. Windhoek is now ranked as Africa's fifth most expensive city to live in by a survey that measures the cost of living in various cities around the world.

Numbeo's latest Cost of Living Index that was released this month shows Windhoek is already more expensive to live in than both Johannesburg and Cape Town, and outperforms these South African cities on a variety of indices.

The index looks at the relative cost of various categories including rent, groceries, restaurants and local purchasing power, and draws a grim picture of the Namibian capital.

According to the study, consumer prices in Cape Town are 10.38% lower than in Windhoek, rent prices are 25.19% higher and grocery prices are 22.68% higher, while purchasing power is 74.97% lower in Windhoek than in Cape Town.

According to the study, the average take-home salary per month in Cape Town is N$15 678, in Johannesburg it is N$20 146 and in Windhoek N$10 947.

The study indicates a person would need at least N$34 267 in Johannesburg to maintain the same standard of living that you can have with N$36 000 in Windhoek, assuming you rent in both cities.

In Cape Town you would need N$37 000 to maintain the same standard of living that would cost you N$35 956 in Windhoek.

The Cost of Living Survey indicates that rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the Windhoek CBD costs more than N$7 200 and up to N$6 000 in the suburbs.

In Johannesburg it costs N$6 400 to rent in the CBD and N$5 100 for the suburbs, while in Cape Town it will put you back N$11 000 and N$7 000 respectively.

Besides rent, the monthly cost of utilities in Windhoek for an apartment of 85 square metres can set you back N$1 300.

Cape Town utilities cost N$850 per month and in Johannesburg you will pay N$1 434.

Buying a new Volkswagen Golf or an equivalent car would cost about N$280 000 in Johannesburg and in Cape Town, while in Windhoek it will cost N$290 349.





Eating a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant for two people in Windhoek can cost up to N$600 while an average bottle of wine can be as expensive as N$65 and plain loaf of bread costs more than N$11.

In Cape Town a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost N$500, an average bottle of wine N$60, and a loaf of bread, N$12.21.

In Johannesburg a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant would also cost N$500, an average bottle of wine would be N$62.50 and a loaf of bread, N$12.47.

In Windhoek, local beer is slightly cheaper than in Cape Town and Johannesburg, at about N$20 for a 500ml draught, while in the two South African cities it will set you back N$32 and N$28 respectively.

Eggs, milk and rice as well as fruits and vegetables are much more expensive in Windhoek.

For example, apples cost N$32 per kilogram in Windhoek and 19.37/kg in Cape Town while potatoes are N$13.39/kg in Cape Town and N$29/kg in Windhoek.

Furthermore, milk costs N$18.75/litre in Windhoek and N$12.47/litre in Cape Town while in Johannesburg you will pay N$14.65. Rice costs N$25 in Windhoek in comparison to the N$20.25 it costs in Cape Town.

Meanwhile, in comparison to Luanda, Angola a person would need around N$36 301 in Windhoek to maintain the same standard of living that one can have with US$8 300 (about N$110 058) in Luanda.

Consumer prices in Windhoek are 59% lower in Luanda, rent is 77% lower and local purchasing power is 66.62% higher than in Luanda.

Globally, Hamilton in Bermuda was ranked as the most expensive city. The rest of the top five slots were filled by cities in Switzerland including Zurich, Basel, Lausanne and Bern.

ELLANIE SMIT

State urged to take land by force

July 17, 2018, 4:00 pm

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State urged to take land by force If those currently in possession of farms are not willing to sell them to government at a reasonable price, the constitution should be amended to expropriate land without compensation.

This was the overwhelming view of Oshakati residents at a consultative meeting in anticipation of the country's second land conference, slated for October.

Oshana regional land consultations are also due to take place before the national conference.

Oshakati residents also agreed that the state should be in control of all land in the country, in order for it to be redistributed equally to all Namibians.

The meeting attendees overwhelmingly agreed that the acquisition of land, especially huge tracks of agricultural land owned by private individuals and foreigners, through the willing buyer, willing seller policy, has failed, and that the time has come for the land issue to be tackled without fear or favour.





“If we Namibians want the land to be distributed fairly and benefit all citizens, government should be in control of the land. The pace at which government is expropriating land and resettling people is currently very slow,” Indileni Ipinge said.

Also strongly supporting the notion that government should be in control of the land was Oshakati councillor Katrina Shimbulu, who said land should be expropriated by any means possible.

“The issue is not that government is not able to buy the farms from the owners, but it is because their prices set for the farms is too much. However, we now have the opportunity to make contributions for the land to be expropriated. I support the idea that all land should be owned and controlled by the state,” Shimbulu said.

Unionist Victor Hamunyela explained that the state is limited by chapter three of the Namibian constitution and that the only way government can expropriate land without compensation is if the constitution is amended.

“First of all, we Namibians should admit that the policy of willing buyer, willing seller has failed. We Namibians are living in denial… If government is to expropriate the farms without compensation, the constitution should be amended first or else we will see no change,” Hamunyela said.

Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) official Abraham Ndumbu also supported the notion of expropriating land without compensation, saying the willing buyer, willing seller policy has not yielded the expected results.

Ndumbu said the nationalisation of land is the only answer.

“It was in our 2014 election manifesto, where we talked of the land to be controlled by the state and a solution to the unequal distribution of land,” Ndumbu said.

In 2016, the lands ministry confirmed that a total of 1.2 million hectares of agricultural land is still under foreign ownership, with the majority of this land in German and South African hands.

This is despite a decision that was taken at the landmark 1991 national land conference that non-Namibians must not own farmland.



KENYA KAMBOWE

Production nosedives at Langer Heinrich

July 18, 2018, 8:14 am

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Production nosedives at Langer Heinrich Langer Heinrich produced 47% less uranium oxide in the June quarter compared to the first three months of the year, Paladin Energy, its majority shareholder, announced today.
This follows a decision to put the mine on care and maintenance, a process which should be completed by next month.