Chariot to focus on drilling in fourth quarter

July 24, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Chariot to focus on drilling in fourth quarterLooking for new partners Chariot has secured the Ocean Rig Poseidon to drill Prospect S off the Namibian coast. Operational plans are now well advanced for the first deepwater drilling in our Central Blocks licence in the fourth quarter of 2018. - Larry Bottomley, CEO: Chariot Jo-Maré Duddy – Chariot Oil & Gas’ focus for the second half of this year will be to deliver safe and cost-effective drilling operations in Namibia.

The group will also continue to partner throughout the portfolio and to build and mature the portfolio to deliver further funded drilling inventory, Chariot said in its AGM statement preceding its annual general meeting yesterday.

Chariot, an Atlantic margins focused oil and gas exploration company, recently announced that it secured the Ocean Rig Poseidon (photo) to drill Prospect S off the Namibian coast in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Independent estimates believe the prospect has a gross mean prospective resource of 459 million barrels (mmbbls) and a probability of geologic success of 29%.

The Ocean Rig Poseidon, a sixth generation deepwater drillship, has been contracted to drill one firm and one optional well. Chariot currently anticipates that the drillship will arrive on location in the fourth quarter of this year and that the drilling of Prospect S will commence shortly thereafter.

“Operational plans are now well advanced for the first deepwater drilling in our Central Blocks licence in the fourth quarter of 2018. We are continuing to take every advantage of the current historic low cost drilling environment as well as maximising any further cost synergies by cooperating with other drilling operations in Namibia,” says Larry Bottomley, CEO of Chariot.

“Our farm-out discussions are ongoing, strengthened by this well having already been fully funded, and we look forward to introducing new partners to share the costs and also the significant rewards of a discovery on Prospect S, and to accelerate the optional drilling on the transformational follow on potential."

Chariot is the operator of the Central Blocks licence offshore Namibia. It has a 65% interest, followed by AziNam with 20%, Namcor with 10% and Ignitus with 5%.

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NTTU ready to fight

July 24, 2018, 4:00 pm

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NTTU ready to fight The Namibia Transport and Taxi Union (NTTU) yesterday said their 50% taxi price hike will go ahead in September with or without the approval of the transportation board.

According to a price list issued by the NTTU, taxi drivers willing to comply with the NTTU demand even if no official endorsement is given by the transportation board in the line ministry by September, are set to surge to a minimal of N$15 and as high as N$55 for some routes.

The price list shows that taxi fees for routes between Katutura and Khomasdal will increase to N$15 and a N$30 fare for a drive directly to a residence or fixed address.

The price list includes a notice that a N$5 extra charge will be due for the transportation of a crate of beer or cool drinks, and a charge of N$10 will be added for, and per, bag of cement.

When customers want to have a “full boot of light items” transported, they will be charged an additional N$30, which can be “negotiated with the taxi drivers depending on the items in the boot of the taxi”.



A balancing act

Commuters yesterday told Namibian Sun that while the steep increase is worrisome, especially for low-income commuters and students, a price hike is fair.

“I use taxis every day. On the one hand, it sounds like too much of an increase. But on the other hand, if you go to other countries, whatever you put in the car you pay extra for it. But here, you find people who have shopped for a lot of groceries and pay only N$10. So for me, this would balance the situation.”

The commuter, who declined to give his full name, said although some commuters might protest the steep increases, a price amendment has been long overdue and is in line with the rise in fuel prices and other goods.

A student who spoke to Namibian Sun said while a 50% hike will be “good for taxi drivers, it will be bad for us students, because we already don't have enough money to support ourselves”.

She noted however that she also agreed that a hike was overdue.



We are ready

NTTU president Werner Januarie yesterday said the transportation board is reviewing the NTTU's application for a 50% increase this week, but warned that whatever the outcome “we are going ahead and implementing the 50%, whether someone likes it or does not like it.”

Januarie warned that if the 50% is not approved, and authorities decide to revoke taxi permits for drivers implementing the increase in September, demonstrations will be staged countrywide.

He said the authorities did not take steps after taxi drivers in Rundu and elsewhere increased their prices without prior approval from the transportation board and the NTTU's price increase should not invite action if previously “there were no consequences for others”.

He said the NTTU is ready “for a fight” and said he challenged the minister of works and transport, and members of the public, to take legal action “if they are man enough”.



Time is up

A taxi driver yesterday said the NTTU is right to demand the 50% increase.

“We suffer. Petrol prices are up, traffic fines and car parts and services are very high. We have children and rent and food to take care of.”

Another taxi driver yesterday however warned that the hike, while welcomed by him, could backfire and should be reconsidered.



JANA-MARI SMITH

100 vehicles missing at health

July 24, 2018, 4:00 pm

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100 vehicles missing at health Auditor-general Junias Kandjeke has tasked the health ministry to account for its missing 100 vehicles and the disappearance of about N$13 million related to vehicle purchases.

In an audit report for the financial year ended March 2017, it was revealed that the ministry bought 60 vehicles at a cost of N$48.8 million.

However, the actual amount recorded in the ministry's books stands at N$62.5 million.

It was also stated that the closing balance of vehicles at 31 March 2016 stood at 1 950 vehicles, while the opening balance of vehicles at 31 March 2017 was reported as 1 850 vehicles.

This excluded the 60 vehicles bought during the year under review and no vehicles were auctioned, written off or donated.

“However, it was discovered that in the prior financial year the audit found a closing balance of 1 950 vehicles on hand. This gives an unexplained difference of 100 vehicles not accounted for,” the report stated.

The AG also questioned why the ministry's permanent secretary reported a nil statement, when it was found that the medical stores trade account has an active balance of N$68.9 million.

The report stated the ministry indicated there was no trading, as the purchasing of medicine and related goods are done directly from the budget.

It also indicated the ministry is doing offsets for previous years' debit balances and will again make a submission to treasury for closure of this account.

It was also found that the ministry had spent a total amount of N$331 million without treasury approval during the year under review.

Kandjeke recommended that the permanent secretary should closely monitor and review the financial position of the ministry on a continuous basis, to enable better financial control and to take appropriate action timeously, in order to avoid unauthorised expenditure.

















JEMIMA BEUKES

Thomas' legal woes continue

July 24, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Thomas' legal woes continueAnother lawyer unable to appear for him The accused's fourth lawyer is unable to appear for him during the set period for trial due to other commitments. American murder accused Marcus Thomas' new legal aid lawyer will not be able to represent him during the period set down for the trial.

Thomas and fellow American Kevin Donnell Townsend are on trial in the High Court for allegedly murdering Cattle Baron heir Andre Heckmair in 2011.

On Monday, his previous attorney Kadhila Amoomo told the court he cannot represent Thomas, as he is representing Ashley Hendricks, one of the state witnesses in the Heckmair murder trial.

Amoomo said he is representing Hendricks in another case before the Katutura Magistrate's Court.

Thomas' latest lawyer, Gilroy Kasper, informed Judge Christie Liebenberg yesterday he is not available for the period in which the trial is scheduled to run, as he has other engagements at the same time. The judge remanded the matter until this morning to sort out the impasse.

“I will take the matter to the legal aid and they will come back and inform the court what the further arrangements will be,” Kasper said.

Meanwhile, Townsend informed the court he wants the proceedings to be halted in anticipation of the outcome of an application lodged by former magistrate Jaco Kennedy against the prosecutor-general and the state, as it may have a bearing on his case.

He also alleged prosecutor Antonia Verhoef is bias against him.

However, Judge Liebenberg informed Townsend he is not going to entertain his application and told him he should launch it through his lawyer.

On Monday Amoomo said he cannot continue to represent Thomas.

“For ethical reasons I cannot under such circumstances act in the trial, otherwise it will be a conflict of interest,” Amoomo said.

Liebenberg then postponed the matter until yesterday to allow the directorate of legal aid to appoint another lawyer.

Last year both accused petitioned the Supreme Court to have Liebenberg recused from the case because of alleged bias. The petition was lodged after Liebenberg dismissed the application in the High Court to recuse himself.

The accused have now managed to stall the trial for about six years and in the process five lawyers have subsequently withdrawn.

The two Americans are on trial for allegedly killing Heckmair on 7 January 2011 in Gusinde Street in Windhoek.

They are further accused of robbery with aggravating circumstances, three counts of contravening the Ammunitions Act and one count of defeating or obstructing or attempting to defeat or obstruct the course of justice.

Advocate Verhoef is appearing for the state, while Mbanga Siyomuinji appears for Townsend.

FRED GOEIEMAN

Micro-lenders, long-term insurers irk consumer

July 24, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Micro-lenders, long-term insurers irk consumerReported to Namfisa Nearly 84% of complaints lodged with Namfisa in the six months ended March were resolved and payback orders totalling about N$12.9 million were issued. “Namfisa has observed a significant increase in the number of complaints received.” - Namfisa Jo-Maré Duddy – Consumers mainly lodged complaints about micro-lenders and long-term insurers with the Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (Namfisa) in the last quarter of 2017 and the first quarter of 2018, but most of the funds recovered came from pension funds.

Namfisa issued a statement on Monday, saying it received 427 complaints from consumers of financial services during the two quarters. Of these, nearly 84% or 358 complaints were resolved and payback orders totalling about N$12.9 million were issued.

This is significantly less than in the fourth quarter in 2016 and the first quarter of 2017, when about N$46 million were recovered as a result of 402 resolved complaints. The spike in payback orders was because of nearly N$37.9 million which was recovered from long-term insurers in the first quarter of 2017.

As with the latest stats, micro-lenders and credit agreement, as well as long-term insurers top the list of complaints. For the past six months under review, 124 complaints about micro-lenders and credit agreements were resolved, followed by 122 regarding long-term insurers. For the corresponding period in 2016/17, the numbers are 106 and 117 respectively.

Consumer education

Namfisa says the key focus areas identified in the consumer education strategy for the 2017/18 financial year were consumer satisfaction, increased awareness relating to the complaints process, and efficient channels to register complaints.

“As a result, Namfisa has observed a significant increase in the number of complaints received, as well as the usage of various channels to lodge these complaints.”

Consumers are increasingly becoming aware of their rights and responsibilities hence the increase in the consumer complaints received and resolved, Namfisa says in its statement. The watchdog appealed to financial institutions and intermediaries to “embrace the concept of treating customers fairly in order boost confidence in the financial system”.

According to Namfisa, it has been doing specialised inspections and investigations into the affairs of financial institutions whenever a specific request arises while working closely with the Bank of Namibia (BoN) and the Financial Intelligence Centre.

There are no no-go areas

July 24, 2018, 4:00 pm

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There are no no-go areas The shenanigans on Monday at Emanya Secondary School in Oshikoto, in which the local community attempted to block a visit by an opposition leader, needs to be nipped in the bud.

Earlier this month, Popularl Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani obtained approval from education minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa for his intention to visit the school, which recorded a 0% pass rate in the grade 12 ordinary level examinations last year.

But more than his intention to motivate the learners, is the unspoken threat that some areas in Namibia are reserved for certain parties and leaders.

This is absolute nonsense and we cannot return to a situation where communities are so divided along political allegiances that fellow Namibians, who have just as much stake in this nation, are hounded out of villages and towns.

It will be an embarrassment to the nation if these kinds of things continue to happen in the run-up to the 2019 elections, when all citizens must decide to either renew mandates or seek other political pastures.

The politics of issues and not personalities should be the order of the day.

It got so bad the last time, that former local government minister Charles Namoloh had to state in no uncertain terms in the run-up to the 2014 elections that there will be no “no-go areas” and that any registered political party should campaign freely in any part of Namibia.

Traditional leaders are said to hold significant sway when it comes to the political affiliation of their subjects and in past elections many political parties found themselves at the receiving end of the ire of these leaders and were ‘banned’ from holding political gatherings in certain areas.

Namoloh received much praise for his unequivocal rejection of the concept of no-go areas and we want to remind all parties not to use these types of strategies.

Political leaders across the spectrum should be able to address all Namibians.

Venaani visits troubled school

July 24, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Venaani visits troubled school Hears about Emanya’s woes Opposition leader McHenry Venaani visited Emanya Secondary School yesterday, despite a protest on Monday that had urged him to reconsider his visit.

Venaani initially wanted to motivate learners following a dismal performance in last year's Grade 12 ordinary level examinations, which saw all 71 learners failing.

Venaani, however, did not address the learners, but only sat down with Oshikoto education director Lameck Kafidi, principal Malakia Iileka, teachers as well as school board members.

The community protested on Monday against the opposition leader's visit, saying he didn't follow the proper procedures as outlined in a 2015 education ministry circular.

Venaani, who is the leader of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) used the opportunity to set the record straight yesterday, by claiming he never intended to address the learners, but rather wanted to hear challenges faced by the school.

“It was not my intention to come and address students; that was not my intention. My intention was to visit the school and hear the problems you are experiencing because sometimes us at the national level, we think we always know,” Venaani said.

“As a legislator and the leader of the official opposition party, I have the right and constitutional mandate to do oversight at any government institution. I have the right to visit and to check why is it performing or underperforming. That is the role of oversight.”

During the meeting Venaani was briefed on the school's challenges.

Iileka claimed a technical error resulted in a 0% pass rate last year.

He explained that the learners wrote the higher level English paper.

The principal added it was the school's first-ever Grade 12 examination.

Venaani was also informed that most of the Grade 10 learners hardly continue their education at Emanya, preferring boarding schools.

Ironically the Grade 10 performance at the school was exceptional last year.

Venaani also heard the school has a new hostel, which accommodates 50 learners.





KENYA KAMBOWE

Buying spree of local radio stations

July 24, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Buying spree of local radio stations NDAMA NAKASHOLE - A company, co-owned by a South African national, wants to buy four local radio stations.

The mergers and acquisitions division of the Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC) has published the proposed mergers under investigation. One of the proposed transactions involve the acquisition of Radio Kudu, Radio Fresh and Omulunga Radio by a company called Namibia Future Media Holdings (NFMH).

In a separate case published in the same document, NFMH proposed to acquire Radio Wave as a business that is operating and making a profit.

The company wants to acquire all the assets in the four respective radio stations, including their respective broadcasting licences.

Though little information is available regarding NFMH, information by the NaCC states the company is owned by a South African national, Gary Stroeble, and Future Investment Trust.

Market Watch could by the time of going to print not get information as to how far the regulator is with this case.

The NaCC, through a Facebook post on its page in May, invited the public to a stakeholders’ conference on the four radio mergers which took place on 17 May.

“The commission will be hosting a stakeholders’ conference on the proposed merger between Radio Kudu (Pty) Ltd, Radio Fresh (Pty) Ltd, Omulunga Radio (Pty) Ltd and Radio Wave cc. All interested parties are invited to attend the conference to share their views on the proposed mergers. Stakeholders are also encouraged to make verbal or written submissions on the mergers before or at the conference,” the NaCC said in the Facebook post.

Ownership

Stroeble co-owns NFMH with Future Investment Trust, the NaCC document shows. According to the NaCC document, Future Investment Trust is owned and controlled by Bravura Administration Services, “a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bravura Namibia.

Bravura Namibia’s Monica Bohm yesterday said they are not directly involved as shareholders in NFMH. “We are just assisting the client with fundraising,” she said.

Bravura Holdings is listed on the Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX) and the bourse in Mauritius. The group is involved in investment banking, provision of corporate finance and structure solutions, as well as trust and company administration services.

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More jobs in retail

July 24, 2018, 4:00 pm

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More jobs in retailLess in manufacturing Growth in employment in wholesale and retail was observed in most subsectors, except of vehicles. The persistent decline in the total unit labour costs for the manufacturing sector enhances the sector’s competitiveness. – Bank of Namibia Jo-Maré Duddy – About 11.5% more people were employed in the wholesale and retail trade in the first quarter of this year than the same three months in 2017.

Nominal wages in the sector also increased and were 10.5% higher than in the first quarter of 2017, the latest Quarterly Bulletin by the Bank of Namibia (BoN) shows. The average wage bill increased by 2.6%.

According to the latest figures of the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA), the wholesale and retail sector fared better in the first quarter compared to the same period last year. It recovered from growth of -6.3% in the first quarter in 2017 to -1.3% in the first quarter of this year.

In its Economic Outlook released earlier this month, however, the BoN forecast growth of -2.8% for the sector for the entire year.

In its Quarterly Bulletin, the central bank says the growth in employment in wholesale and retail was observed in most subsectors, except of vehicles. The latest analysis of new vehicle sales by IJG Securities shows that, so far, 2018 has been the slowest year for new car sales since 2012.

The BoN adds that wages in the vehicle subsector were lower than in the first quarter in 2017. Higher wages in the wholesale and retail sector were more dominant in the clothing and supermarket subsectors, it says.

Compared to the last quarter of 2017, 1.9% less jobs was provided in wholesale and retail in the three months under review, while nominal wages and the average wage bill fell by 7.1% and 12.6% respectively.

Manufacturing

The manufacturing sector shed 3.3% of its jobs in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the same three months last year. Employment increased by 1% quarter on quarter.

“The yearly decrease in employment for manufacturing was driven by subsectors such as chemicals, plastics, textiles and clothing, as well as beverages,” the BoN says.

According to the NSA, the sector grew by -2.1% in the first quarter compared to a positive expansion of 3.9% in the same quarter in 2017. The BoN expects the sector to show overall growth of 1.8% this year.

Despite the decrease in employment on an annual basis, nominal and averages in the sector increased year on year, as well as quarterly.

Nominal wages in manufacturing in the first quarter was 10% higher than the same three months in 2017, while average wages rose by 13.7%. Compared to the last quarter of 2017, nominal and average wages were 5.1% and 4.1% higher respectively.

“Improved wages were observed in most subsectors, with the exception of the basic and fabricated metals subsector, which declined both year on year and quarter on quarter over the same period,” the BoN says.

Unit labour cost for the sector continued to decrease both on an annual and quarterly basis, the central bank says. Total unit labour costs were 12.2% lower than in the first quarter of 2017.

The BoN the decline to increased output per worker which registered in most subsectors, such as mineral processing, basic metals and beverage production.

“The persistent decline in the total unit labour costs for the manufacturing sector enhances the sector’s competitiveness,” the BoN says.

Mining bleeds 1 800 jobs

July 24, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Mining bleeds 1 800 jobsFull losses expected by end of September The Mineworkers Union of Namibia has launched a scathing attack on capitalist miners who they accused of maximising profits at the expense of workers. The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) says it anticipates 1 800 job losses in the sector by the end of September, while accusing mining companies of shipping their profits overseas.

This follows multiple retrenchments witnessed in the industry over an almost yearlong period.

“The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) Southern Region has learned with extreme shock that our mining industry is going onto its knees. Retrenchments and outsourcing are becoming the order of the day,” the union said in a strongly worded statement yesterday.

“It is becoming normal that every day and every month people are continuously losing their jobs. The current trend is becoming worrisome to us and it needs to come to an end. The reasons these capitalists keep on sending young Namibians to the streets are not good enough or are even unreasonable. In most cases it is just for the sake of maximising their profits and cutting wage bills.”

Retrenchments were carried out at the Langer Heinrich mine, where 800 people were dismissed while the potential for job losses also exists at the Namibia Tantalite Investment (NTI) mine and the Tschudi copper mine. The union said the retrenchments witnessed of late were not based on economic reasoning.

“Most of the retrenchments in the mining industry are not based on economic reasons but rather a strategy for companies to maximise their profit and cut salaries.”

According to MUN, the issue had to be studied because often times, miners were retrenched but skeleton crews were being kept on mining sites to oversee operations.

This, it said, did not make sense as it was not feasible to keep skeleton crews on mining sites at all.

“This matter of retrenchments should be investigated by government to ensure that these capitalists act according to the Namibian law and we further urge the government to start revoking mining licences of companies who embark on retrenchment exercises without valid reasons, and after they embark on recruiting skeleton crews; there is no way skeleton crews can work in the mining industry,” the union said.

The Langer Heinrich mine very recently went on care and maintenance, sealing the fate of over 800 of its employees, who are currently unemployed, while Namdeb said it would be cutting down production at its Elizabeth Bay mine, which it has since put up for sale.

MUN said the big mining companies were more interested in taking their profits out of Namibia, rather than ploughing back.

“We cannot tolerate seeing our fellow Namibians on the street each and every day due to investors who are not serious to run businesses in this country. The idea of allowing investors in this country is to create employment, not unemployment; this should not be vice versa.”

The union also warned the ministries of labour and mines would soon be irrelevant, owing to developments in the mining sector, which has long been the mainstay of Namibia's economy.

“These two ministries have become so reluctant that when they hear of retrenchments or threats, they always wait for the union to come knock on their doors. Now don't they think that if all the employees are retrenched and all mines are closed they will be irrelevant? Who will the labour ministry represent and who will the mines ministry represent?” the union asked.

The National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW), to which MUN is an affiliate, recently said that job losses in the mining sector were inevitable.





Its secretary-general Job Muniaro said this was because government had not taken up active shareholding in the sector.

“You see, we are not the administrator of government or the administrator of private companies or not even the administrators of international institutions, so for us to have a meaningful assistance in containing job losses is minimal,” he recently told New Era.

The industry, he said, would be better safeguarded if government had played a bigger role in the sector.

“We are not determining the value of our own minerals, we are not determining the value of our own products; our values are determined by somebody else. We are not even selling our own products and minerals in the country, so how do you want us to contain jobs as leaders, even as union leaders?” said Muniaro.

MUN also accused the ministry of home affairs of double standards and said that breaches of immigration laws had been witnessed.

This follows a commitment by African Tantalum to appoint a Namibian CEO in the place of a foreigner, who is heading its mining operations.

“The work permit for Mr Johnson Larry Freeman was first approved on 15 November 2016 for 24 months to work for African Tantalum only, and on condition that a Namibian understudy be appointed and take over upon expiry of the given permit,” the union said.

According to MUN, no understudy had been appointed, despite a commitment by African Tantalum.

Such developments also locked out Namibians from taking up executive positions at local mining operations, the union said.

“Looking at the position he occupies at this mine, there are several Namibians duly qualified to take over this position, without going through the process of being an understudy. Namibians are not granted a fair opportunity, culminating in permanent employment for expatriates and we cannot really support that,” the union added.

OGONE TLHAGE

Agribank to auction first two farms

July 24, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Agribank to auction first two farms Two Agribank-financed farms located in Otjozondjupa Region will be auctioned on Friday after the bank this week announced it has gone from a soft to a hard collections approach.

Both farms have already been advertised in local newspapers.

“This is a last resort for us. There is no other option but to execute on the auction.

“The only thing that can stop the process now is payment of the arrears by the clients before the auction date.

“In the absence of that the process will go through to the end,” said Sakaria Nghikembua, CEO of Agribank.

Nghikembua added the two auctions should not be seen in isolation, but as part of an ongoing series.

He emphasised that if clients persistently fail to honour their loan repayment commitments, the bank will dutifully follow the same route.

He added the bank had not only geared its internal structures to implement recovery strategies much faster than in the past, but has also bolstered its collections efforts by recently adding new law firms to its legal collections panel.

Nghikembua once again appealed to clients to act before it is too late.

“If a client waits until they are listed or until we have a judgement against them, it is too late. The best is to avoid these two situations by making repayment commitments and making every effort to honour such commitments.”

On Monday Nghikembua said in a media statement that Agribank has over past 18 months requested defaulting clients to make repayment arrangements to settle their arrears.

“Some clients have heeded this call and have continued to honour their arrangements. Others have made arrangements and failed to honour them. And yet others have made no arrangements and no payments; ostensibly on the mistaken understanding that being a state-owned bank, Agribank will not repossess their farms. The bank wants to place on record that it is not its objective to auction any farms, except as a last resort,” he said.

Nghikembua said the bank believes it has allowed for sufficient time to sensitise its clients about the imperative of them honouring their repayment obligations.

The bank further believes it has sufficiently indulged its clients, not only to make appropriate repayment arrangements, but also to honour such arrangements.

Agribank therefore informed its clients it is intensifying its efforts to move from soft to hard collections. Nghikembua said this means clients not honouring their commitments will be listed on credit bureaus more swiftly, while those persistently failing to honour their commitments will have legal action taken against them.

According to him a number of files have already been handed over to lawyers for legal action in this regard. The process has also been tightened to ensure the bank takes legal action against defaulting clients more swiftly than in the past.

“The sustainability of the bank depends on regular and adequate repayments by clients on loans advanced to them. In the absence of such commitments, the bank will not be able to fulfil its mandate to provide loan financing to existing and new customers, in order to transform agriculture,” Nghikembua added.



ELLANIE SMIT

Off-duty cop kills girlfriend, self

July 25, 2018, 3:11 am

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Off-duty cop kills girlfriend, self A police officer shot himself shortly after shooting his girlfriend in the head at the Louis Botha Supermarket in the Windhoek West area of the capital on Wednesday. He died on the spot. The woman died on the way to hospital. She was employed at that shop. According to members of the Namibian Police at the scene, the officer was a member of their Special Reserve Force. An employee of the shop told Nampa the man walked into the shop between 07:00 and 08:00. A scuffle erupted between him and the woman and gunshots followed. Police investigations are underway.

NAMPA

Medical aid industry coughs up for fraud, waste and abuse

July 25, 2018, 5:00 am

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Medical aid industry coughs up for fraud, waste and abuse Fraud, waste and abuse relating to healthcare annually cost the industry millions if not billions in dollars.
This in turn leads to increased healthcare costs as well as medical aid contributions.
Bertie Gagiano, senior manager at Medscheme Forensics, explains the challenges as well as ways in which service providers and medical aid members can safeguard against this in Market Watch tomorrow.

Otjozondjupa proud to host Skorpion Zinc Cup

July 25, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Otjozondjupa proud to host Skorpion Zinc Cup Preparations for the fifth edition of the Skorpion Zinc Under-17 Cup, set to take place in Grootfontein between 24 and 27 August, are well underway and the region looks forward to making history this year.

Otjozondjupa football vice-chairperson Rudolph Hipona expressed great pride about the fact that the region will be hosting the tournament.

He explained it will be a great economic boost for Grootfontein, saying SMEs as well as bigger entities will benefit through business deals and investments from various people visiting the town.

Skorpion zinc mine, in collaboration with the Namibia Football Association (NFA), inaugurated the cup competition in 2013 and hosted it in thee //Karas Region, where Khomas emerged as champions.

Khomas hosted the tournament the following year, Oshikoto in 2015 and Khomas yet again in 2017, where Omusati retained the cup they had first won in 2015.

Hipona said the Omulunga Stadium is expected to be ready and the only matter of concern is the stands, which he believes may not be able to accommodate as many people as he would like.

An inspection of the stadium, as well as the accommodation facilities, was scheduled for yesterday.

“A technical team has been appointed this past weekend, with Mark Mucke and Victor Shaandjuka as the two coaches, Maradona Tsaoseb as the technical director and Jantze Gerson Uwiteb as the head of delegation, to ensure the regional team is ready as well,” Hipona added

Otjozondjupa has been drawn in Group A, with Kavango East, Hardap, Otjozondjupa, Oshana and Kunene. Group B features Kavango West, Oshikoto, Ohangwena, Omaheke and Erongo, while group C includes the //Karas, Omusati, Khomas and Zambezi regions.

NFA

Mannetti eyes rising stars

July 25, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Mannetti eyes rising stars Tjiueza and others in coach’s sights The current Brave Warriors philosophy is perfectly suited to young stars who currently shining at the U-17 Cosafa Cup tournament. Jesse Jackson Kauraisa



Brave Warriors coach Ricardo Mannetti says he is keeping a close eye on the ongoing Under-17 Cosafa Cup tournament in Mauritius, where Prins Tjiueza and a number of other players are flying the country’s flag high.

Tjiueza and his teammates have impressed locals at the tournament and have qualified for the semifinals, where they will face Angola.

The striker has helped his country by scoring five goals so far, including netting four against a hapless Seychelles, who were humbled 8-3 by Namibia.

Tjiueza was also on target in Namibia’s 2-0 win against Botswana on Tuesday.

Mannetti yesterday emphasised the importance Tjiueza and the other rising stars in the U-17 team working even harder after the tournament, in order for them stand a chance of making it into the senior national set-up sooner rather than later

“People must not be surprised if they see Prins or any other player from this under-17 team in the senior team in the near future.

“The player’s journey towards the senior national team will, however, depend on how they continue to play well and remain disciplined after the Cosafa tournament.

“I am not saying a call-up can happen soon, but if all goes well for him and many other players in the team, they can earn a chance to wear the jersey of the senior team in three years’ time,” Mannetti said.

He has been an ardent promoter youth players since his days as Brave Warriors assistant coach to Bernard Kaanjuka.

Mannetti and Kaanjuka promoted about 12 players from the 2010 Cosafa U-20 team into the national team set-up.

Players like Denzil Hoaseb, Peter Shalulile, Sadney Urikhob, Wangu Gome, Larry Horaeb and many others were promoted by Mannetti and Kaanjuka.

In recent times, the coach called-up up 12 youth players for the international friendly match against Lesotho, which was played on 27 March.

Several players who performed well as the Namibian Newspaper Cup have also benefited from Mannetti’s philosophy.

Enzo Mungendje, Lubeni Haukongo, Aprocius Petrus, Romeo Kasume, McCartney Nawaseb, Petrus Kamati Abel Paulus, Hiha Katjivena and many others who play for the junior national teams have also been beneficiaries of the coach’s approach.

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Mannetti eyes rising stars

July 25, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Mannetti eyes rising starsTjiueza and others in coach's sights The current Brave Warriors philosophy is perfectly suited to young stars who currently shining at the U-17 Cosafa Cup tournament. Brave Warriors coach Ricardo Mannetti says he is keeping a close eye on the ongoing Under-17 Cosafa Cup tournament in Mauritius, where Prins Tjiueza and a number of other players are flying the country's flag high.

Tjiueza and his teammates have impressed locals at the tournament and have qualified for the semifinals, where they will face Angola.

The striker has helped his country by scoring five goals so far, including netting four against a hapless Seychelles, who were humbled 8-3 by Namibia.

Tjiueza was also on target in Namibia's 2-0 win against Botswana on Tuesday.

Mannetti yesterday emphasised the importance Tjiueza and the other rising stars in the U-17 team working even harder after the tournament, in order for them stand a chance of making it into the senior national set-up sooner rather than later

“People must not be surprised if they see Prins or any other player from this under-17 team in the senior team in the near future.

“The player's journey towards the senior national team will, however, depend on how they continue to play well and remain disciplined after the Cosafa tournament.

“I am not saying a call-up can happen soon, but if all goes well for him and many other players in the team, they can earn a chance to wear the jersey of the senior team in three years' time,” Mannetti said.

He has been an ardent promoter youth players since his days as Brave Warriors assistant coach to Bernard Kaanjuka.

Mannetti and Kaanjuka promoted about 12 players from the 2010 Cosafa U-20 team into the national team set-up.

Players like Denzil Hoaseb, Peter Shalulile, Sadney Urikhob, Wangu Gome, Larry Horaeb and many others were promoted by Mannetti and Kaanjuka.

In recent times, the coach called-up up 12 youth players for the international friendly match against Lesotho, which was played on 27 March.

Several players who performed well as the Namibian Newspaper Cup have also benefited from Mannetti's philosophy.

Enzo Mungendje, Lubeni Haukongo, Aprocius Petrus, Romeo Kasume, McCartney Nawaseb, Petrus Kamati Abel Paulus, Hiha Katjivena and many others who play for the junior national teams have also been beneficiaries of the coach's approach.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Not enough boxers

July 25, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Not enough boxersExperts say national title fights are too few Local boxing experts say Namibia does not have enough boxers to challenge each other for national titles. Nestor Tobias of the Nestor 'Sunshine' Tobias Boxing and Fitness Academy says there is no competition in different weight classes, hence there is an absence of national title fights.

Commenting on why there were no local boxers facing each other for national titles like in other countries, local boxing experts said there is no depth in the country's weight divisions.

“Currently there are a couple of national champions, but guys like (Mike) Shonena, (Tyson) Uushona and (Walter) Kautondokwa have no match in local boxing circles. There is nothing for them locally, so they focus on international fights,” Tobias explained.

He added it is always good to fight for national titles, as long as there are quality challengers.

Tobias also noted it is cheaper to fight locally and it gives boxers national pride.

He further said boxers should plan their boxing careers properly by sparring in the gymnasium first and then fighting four-round fights, before challenging for national titles.

This will in turn push them to challenge for African and international titles, before fighting for world championships.

Tobias sentiments were echoed by Immanuel Moses of the African Connection Boxing and Fitness Academy, who said focusing on development will help flood the various weight classes with boxers, resulting in national title fights.

Moses said it is unfortunate that most boxing gyms were focusing more on African and world titles, rather than local development, as evidenced by the fact that the current best boxers in the country are over 30 years old.

“Promoters and matchmakers cannot do local fights at the moment because we do not have enough boxers. That is why they only focus on these international fights. We must commit to producing more boxers at amateur weight (levels), before we allow them to turn professional,” he added.

Kinda Nangolo of Kinda Promotions laid the blame on the Namibia Professional Boxing and Wrestling Control Board, saying ever since they took office, the current board has failed to rate boxers.

“The board must rate the boxers and force them to challenge each other for national titles. They must communicate with the stakeholders and promote boxing genuinely,” he said.

Board chairperson Ellison Hijarunguru added his voice to the debate, saying promoters have not come to them to ask for these fights to be sanctioned.

“We cannot just order the boxers to fight for national titles; the promoters must approach us. These national title fights are very important, as they add value to the boxers' resumes,” he said.

According to the board's acting administrator, Hendrik Mapele, there are currently 11 national champions on their books.

These are Jonas Matheus, Uushona, Peter Malakia, Samuel Kapapu, Julius Indongo, Onesmus Nekundi, Gabriel Imalwa, Nathaniel Kakololo, Sakaria Lucas, Vakufilapo Wilhelm and Jatoorora Tjingavete.

NAMPA

Samoa's Langkilde charged over attack

July 25, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Samoa's Langkilde charged over attack Samoan rugby player Gordon Langkilde has been charged with assault following an off-field bust-up at the World Cup Sevens that left three Welsh players with injuries, police said on Tuesday.

A statement from the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) said Langkilde had been booked into a county jail on felony charges of aggravated assault and battery causing serious bodily injury.

Langkilde was arrested after attacking two opponents in the tunnel at AT&T Park on Saturday, after Samoa's 24-19 defeat to Wales, the statement said.

Welsh player Tom Williams suffered tournament-ending injuries in the attack, which his teammates later described as unprovoked.

San Francisco police said a 21-year-old Welsh player had suffered broken facial bones. Reports in Britain said Williams was left with a broken nose and fractured cheekbone.

Another 26-year-old Welsh player sustained facial injuries along with a 24-year-old teammate, police said.

Police said Langkilde was arrested at his hotel on Sunday, without incident.

“While an arrest has been made, this remains an active and ongoing investigation,” SFPD said in a statement.

Langkilde was thrown out of the tournament by World Rugby chiefs on Sunday, following the tunnel brawl.

Welsh player Luke Treharne told AFP on Sunday the team had been shocked by the incident.

“When it all comes out you'll see all the details of it, but it's pretty shocking stuff,” Treharne said, describing the bust-up as unprovoked.

“Nothing really sparked it or anything, just unprovoked. Nasty stuff to see,” he said.

NAMPA/AFP

Ranger Raptor Outback attack

July 25, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Ranger Raptor Outback attackBringing off-road experience to a new level Setting a new benchmark in off-road capability, the Ranger Raptor has been purposefully-designed to incorporate Ford Performance DNA as well as the toughness of core Ranger design and engineering capability. Ranger Raptor will help conquest new customers looking for a Ranger with immense off-road capability like no other. - Trevor Worthington, Ford Asia Pacific Unveiled to the world for the first time earlier this year, the highly anticipated Ford Ranger Raptor is set to arrive in markets across Asia Pacific.

With Ford Performance DNA at its core, this high-speed desert racer pushes the limits in technology, innovation and driving excitement. Whether you’re hitting the road for a bush bash or a desert drive, Ranger Raptor will make it a ride to remember.

“We are proud to unleash the Ford Performance version of the highly successful Ford Ranger pickup truck to our customers around the world,” said Trevor Worthington, vice president, Product Development, Ford Asia Pacific.

“Our performance vehicles bring a different customer into Ford showrooms, and Ranger Raptor will help conquest new customers looking for a Ranger with immense off-road capability like no other. We have a passion for bringing the best to our customers, and Ranger Raptor showcases the best of Ford Performance’s expertise in performance vehicle design and engineering.”

Ready to set a new benchmark in high-speed, off-road pickup capability, Ranger Raptor packs a hefty punch that makes it the ultimate truck in its segment to drive.

No-nonsense exterior

Take one look at the Ranger Raptor, and you know this off-road high-performance truck means business. Its imposing stance, with 283mm of ground clearance and 150mm wider front and rear track, lets you know that this is a serious off-road performance machine. Its aggressive grille with the big bold FORD block lettering screams Raptor DNA – the real thing, with genuine Ford Performance.

But more than just tough looks, Raptor’s distinct design elements are also functional. The front fenders are made from durable composite materials for exciting off-road adventures. The front bumper includes new LED fog lamps with air-curtain ducts, which reduce air resistance. The flared shape of the fenders have been designed to accommodate the long travel suspension and off-road tires.

Performance-bred interior

Step inside Ranger Raptor, and you will enter a world where it is unmistakably Ford Performance. The sports seats are uniquely designed and trimmed in Technical Suede for maximum grip, providing optimum support during high-performance off-road driving, or while cruising in town.

Other sporting details distinguishing the Raptor include blue stitching and leather accents, as well as the aggressively-styled instrument cluster. The steering wheel features perforated leather hand grip sections, paired with Raptor DNA lightweight magnesium paddle shifters for crisp gear changes. The

Raptor logo is debossed into the spoke bezel of the steering wheel and an “On-Centre” marker – a red stripe at the top-middle of the wheel - gives you confidence to know where the wheels are pointing.

Powerful bi-turbo performance

Of course, it’s not enough to merely look aggressive. It needs to deliver great performance and responsiveness too. To that end, the Ranger Raptor is equipped with a new 2.0-liter Bi-Turbo diesel engine that delivers a maximum of 213PS (157kW) of power and 500Nm of torque. This innovative power plant offers both high performance and efficiency, thanks to its combination of small, high pressure turbo and large, low-pressure turbo that work to provide performance when the customer demands it.

And you will never have to worry about whether it will be up to the task of handling the stresses of high performance, as the powertrain has been designed from day one for the most powerful and highest stress applications. This includes running a thermal cycle on the engine, heating both turbos to the point of glowing red for 200 hours non-stop. The high grade alloy turbo housing ensures durability up to 860oC exhaust temperature, while the turbo bearings and low-pressure turbo are being water cooled to reduce temperature and protect the air induction components.

Unrivalled efficiency

Get this, the Ranger Raptor has 10 gears. Yep, count ‘em, 10. Its 10-speed automatic transmission is created with high-strength steel, aluminum alloys and composites to optimize durability and weight.

Having 10 gears means a wider ratio-span, resulting in better acceleration and responsiveness. With more room to optimise gear spacing, gear progression can be customized for more accurate and quicker shifts. It also features real-time adaptive shift-scheduling algorithms engineered to optimize gear selection.

A tough core

Under the skin, the Ranger Raptor’s unique chassis frame is newly-developed and extensively modified for high speeds and endurance off-road. Built to withstand high-impact off-road encounters, Ranger Raptor’s frame consists of various grades of high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel.

Take on the Baja

Just to further underline its desert rally credentials, the Ranger Raptor’s Terrain Management System (TMS) includes an exciting Baja mode, inspired by Mexico’s famous Baja Desert Rally, and enables ultra-responsive, high-speed off-road performance. In this mode, vehicle systems like Traction Control are pared back to allow spirited off-road driving without intervention from the vehicle’s on-board systems. Gear selection is optimised for maximum performance, and the mapping will hold gears longer and downshift more aggressively.

Extreme stopping power

And, when you need to come to a halt, the braking system on the Ranger Raptor offers extreme stopping power through new and bespoke components. The front twin-piston calipers have been increased by 9.5mm in diameter and feature ventilated rotors in an impressive 332 x 32mm size. Also, for the first time on a Ranger, disc brakes at the rear include a brake actuation master cylinder and booster to increase braking performance, as well as ventilated 332 x 24mm rear rotors and a new 54mm caliper.

Withstand any shock

To better handle the crunching jumps and wild rides of your off-road pursuits, the Ranger Raptor’s Position Sensitive Damping (PSD) shock absorbers are exclusively manufactured by FOX, designed to provide higher damping forces at full jounce and rebound to enable better off-road capabilities, and lower damping forces in the mid-travel zone for class-leading on-road comfort. The Watt’s linkage rear suspension has been specifically crafted to tackle tough terrain at high-speed while remaining in complete control and comfort,

Grip for any terrain

To tackle unforgiving terrain, Ranger Raptor’s specially developed BF Goodrich All-Terrain 285/70 R17 KO2 tires offer a tough sidewall to navigate all environments with confidence. Its super grippy tread extends owners’ adventure time on and off-road and an aggressive tread pattern handles wet, mud, sand and snow conditions.

The Ranger Raptor will be launched in SA in the first half of 2019. - Quickpic

Agribank ta landitha po oofaalama mbali

July 25, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Agribank ta landitha po oofaalama mbali Oofaalama mbali ndhoka dha pewa omayambidhidho gopashimaliwa shomukuli ngoka gwa gandjwa kombaanga yo Agribank moshitopolwa sha Otjozondjupa otadhi ka landithwa po mEtitano lyoshiwike shika, sha landula sho ombaanga ndjoka ya tseyitha kutya otayi ka longitha omikalo dha kwata miiti okulikola oongunga dhawo dhoka dhi niwe kaanafaalamamboka ye li aayakulwa yombaanga ndjoka.

Oofaalama ndhoka adhihe mbali odha tseyithwa nale miifokundaneki yomoshilongo.

“Nguka ogwo omukalo gwa hugunina okuza kutse. Kape na we omukalo gumwe ngoka tatu vulu okulongitha naashoka tashi vulu okuya moshipala elandito ndyoka, iifuta owala yongunga ndhoka dhiniwe yooyene yoofaalama ngele sha ningwa omanga esiku lyokulanditha inali thikana. Ngele hasho nena otatu pula komeho nelanditho po lyoofaalama ndhoka,” Omunambelewa Omukuluntu gwoAgribank, Sakaria Nghikembua, a popi.





Nghikembua okwa popi kutya elanditho ndyoka inali talika onga onkalo yiikalekelwa ihe oshinima tashi pula komeho.







Omunambelewa ngoka okwa tsu omuthindo kutya ngele aayakulwa yombaanga otaya ndopa okufuta omikuli dhawo nena ombaanga otayi tsikile nokulandula omukalo ngoka.

Okwa kunkile aayakulwa ya katuke oonkatu omanga kuyele.



“Ngele aayakulwa oya kala haya tegelele ya tothwemo nokutulilwa mo iipotha omolwa nendopo okufuta omikuli dhawo nena ngaaka okwa lata. Oshiwanawa okuyanda oonkalo ndhoka pakugwanitha po iifuta yawo nokuninga oonkambadhala kehe taya vulu opo ya vule okufuta omikuli ndhoka.”

Nghikembua okwa li a popi momukanda gwiikundaneki kutya muule woomwedhi 18 dha piti, ombaanga yawo oya pula aayakulwa mboka ye na omikuli opo ya fute omikuli dhawo nenge ya ninge omalongekidho gokufuta omikuli dhawo.

“Aayakulwa yamwe oya ningi omalongekidho na oya futu oongunga dhawo omanga yamwe ya ningi omalongekidho ihe oya ndopa okufuta oongunga dhawo, omolwa eitaalo ndyoka ye na kutya ombaanga itayi kutha ko oofaalama dhawo. Ombaanga oya hala okuyelitha kutya oya tokola okulandithapo oofaalama dhaamboka ye na oikuli onga omukalo gwa hugunina moonkambadhala dhokulikola oongunga dhoka dhiniwe kaayakulwa.”





Nghikembua okwa tsikile kutya ombaanga oyina einekelo kutya oya gandja ethimbo lya gwana kaayakulwa opo ya vule okuninga omalongekidho giifuta, na oya ninga woo oonkambadhala dha gwana naayakulwa opo ya kuthe ko esimano lyokufuta oongunga dhawo.



Nghikembua okwa popi kutya aayakulwa mboka itaya gwanitha po iifuta yawo otaya ka gandjwa komahangano goocredit bureaus naamboka taya tsikile okukala itaya futu otaya ka katukilwa oonkatu dhopaveta.

Pahapu dhe ,omapeko gomwaalu gwontumba oga gandjwa nale koohahende omolwa oonkatu dhopaveta ndhoka tadhi katukwa.

Nghikembua okwa popi kutya ekalepo lyombaanga olyiikolelela miifuta mbyoka hayi ningwa kaayakulwa komikuli ndhoka ya pewa. Onkene ngele nena aayakulwa otaya ndopa okugwanitha po iifuta mbyoka, nena ombaanga itayi ka vula okukala tayi gandja omayambidhidho gomikuli kaayakulwa aape mboka taya ningi omaindilo gomayambidhidho ngoka.



ELLANIE SMIT