No interest rate relief expected

August 14, 2018, 6:45 am

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No interest rate relief expected Jo-Maré Duddy - Analysts approached by Market Watch expect the Bank of Namibia (BoN) to keep its repo rate unchanged at 6.75% at its monetary policy announcement tomorrow.
That will keep the prime lending rate of local commercial banks unchanged at 10.5%.
“We do not expect any change tomorrow largely due to the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) holding rates steady at their previous meeting. This removes any pressure from BoN to hike rates for the time being,” says Eric van Zyl, research head at IJG Securities.
The level of foreign reserves is within a range where BoN has previously not seen the need to hike rates to protect the reserve position, he continues.
“The fact that the economy is still struggling means that BoN will be reluctant to raise rates unless prompted to do so by the SARB hiking rates,” Van Zyl says.
Dylan van Wyk, senior analyst at Cirrus Capital, says the expectation is for BoN to keep its interest rates in line with South Africa.
“The Namibian repo rate is currently 25 basis points higher than the South African repo rate, thus BoN has scope to keep the rate unchanged for now and raise the rate in October should the SARB increase rates in September.
“The market is however only pricing in a 25 basis points increase in the South African repo rate by November. However, this expectation may move closer given the current rand weakness which, if continued, may spark inflationary concerns,” Van Wyk says.
Indileni Nanghonga, analyst at Simonis Storm, says the BoN will take the “tough economic growth environment” into consideration and won’t want burden an already struggling consumer.
“The currency depreciation to 14.20 between the rand and the US dollar as a result of emerging market risk escalation is not sufficient enough to trigger a rate hike tomorrow,” Nanghonga says.

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New vehicle sales still on rocky path

August 14, 2018, 7:24 am

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New vehicle sales still on rocky path In the year ended July, a total of 12 281 new vehicles were sold in Namibia, according to the latest figures released by IJG Securities. This is 13.2% or 1 866 less than in the same 12 months in 2017.
“While passenger vehicle sales have picked up on both a monthly and annual basis in July, commercial vehicle sales remain depressed, and overall sales remain well below the figures seen in 2015 and 2016,” IJG says.

Another NAC bombshell drops

August 14, 2018, 8:38 am

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Another NAC bombshell drops Namibia Airports Company (NAC) board chairperson Rodgers Kauta has resigned.
Transport minister John Mutorwa confirmed Kauta’s resignation a short while ago.
Kauta had announced his resignation in a letter delivered to his office, Mutorwa said.
He said it is still unclear why Kauta had resigned, because he had not yet read the letter, as he was not in his office when it was delivered.
Kauta had served as NAC board chairperson since September 2016.
His resignation follows an announcement earlier this month that the parastatal’s strategic executive for corporate governance, Lot Haifidi, had replaced former presidential spokesperson Albertus Aochamub as CEO. Aochamub is expected to take up a diplomatic posting in Europe.
Former NAC CEO Tamer El-Kallawi resigned in May, while former engineering executive Courage Silombela resigned late last year.

Hilongwa begs for funding

August 14, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Hilongwa begs for funding Boxing promoter Joseph 'Smokey' Hilongwa fears many of the country's talented boxers will be left untapped, because of a lack of funding.

The Salute Boxing Academy promoter and former boxer feels that corporate Namibia and the government are not doing enough to help boxing academies to grow.

He is concerned the country, which has a plethora of talented boxers, could face a lack of pugilists in the future, because of money issues.

“Talent is there in Namibia, but it is proving difficult to produce these boxers because there is no money to sustain them.

“It is has been very difficult to host more boxing tournaments because the companies that are supposed to sponsor us are dragging their feet,” Hilongwa said.

The promoter also feels the boxing control board needs to do more in terms of ensuring the sport grows in the country.

Hilongwa also believes government should start funding professional boxers, who are travelling abroad to fight.

“It does not make any logical sense that the government funds the boxing board, which regulates professional boxers, but it is unable to fund the boxers.

“If people are tired of working, they must step down and give chances to people with new innovations and ideas.”



Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Clash of the titans

August 14, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Clash of the titans'Hitman' to clash with Ghana's 'Game Boy' Paulus 'Hitman' Moses will step into the ring with Ghana's Immanuel Tagoe in October, in what is expected to be a humdinger. Former World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight champion, Paulus 'Hitman' Moses, and Immanuel 'Game Boy' Tagoe of Ghana are braced for a World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Africa title showdown on 20 October in Accra.

Both Moses and Tagoe will also be vying to improve their world rankings.

Moses lost a unanimous decision to Ray Beltran of United States in February, even though he put up a great performance in their WBO title fight.

He has a record of 45 fights, 40 wins, 25 knockouts, four losses and one no contest.

The 40-year-old Namibian, ranked ninth in the world, will face the 29-year-old Tagoe, who has declared himself the best boxer in Ghana currently.

Tagoe boasts a record of 28 fights, with 14 knockouts and one loss.

He ranked number 10 in the world.

He lost his International Boxing Organisation (IBO) belt after failing to fight mandatory challenger Fedor Papazov of Russia.

Tagoe was mandated by the IBO to defend his belt against Papazov no later than 17 June, but he failed to comply.

However, all of this will be water under the bridge when Moses and Tagoe clash for the vacant WBO Africa title

“Hitman is strong and kicking. He is a world-class fighter. Everyone wants a piece of him at the moment, as I have been getting offers from all over the world.

“We turned them down because we wanted to offer the boxer something which will propel him to greater heights; that's why we chose the Ghanaian.

“We studied everything about his opponent and the prospects it will give the Namibian,” said promoter Nestor Tobias said.

He also dismissed talk that age was catching up with Moses.

“Age is nothing but a number. We are taking about international fights, so whoever wants to challenge Hitman can come, but he must have a certain pedigree,” Tobias added, referring to the local boxers who are calling out his boxer.

Moses said he is ready for the fight.

“I have already started preparing. I don't take fights to lose, but to win and climb to a better ranking. So my fans can expect a win from me,” he said.

Moses said he has about three or five fights left in him, but said he will fight whoever challenges him.

Hitman is promoted by the MTC Nestor 'Sunshine' Tobias Boxing and Fitness Academy, while Tagoe is promoted by Baby Jet Promotions.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

Bok balance

August 14, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Bok balancePlumtree applauds adventurous team The Springboks kicked off the Rassie Erasmus era with a 2-1 series win over England in June, but now face an even closer examination during the upcoming Rugby Championship. Former Sharks coach John Plumtree says it is encouraging to see the Springboks playing a more adventurous brand of rugby under Rassie Erasmus.

Plumtree, who is set to become the Hurricanes' head coach, said it would be especially important for the Boks to establish self-belief by winning away from home.

“It's one thing to beat an England team at the end of their season and another to play the All Blacks in New Zealand and the Wallabies in Australia,” he told SARugbymag.co.za.

“Mental preparation will be important for the Boks, as they will need to believe they can win away from home.” The Springboks are set to kick off their Rugby Championship campaign with a clash against Argentina in Durban on Saturday, before facing Argentina, Australia and New Zealand away from home.

The Boks have been boosted by the return of fit-again forwards such as Malcolm Marx, Eben Etzebeth and Warren Whiteley, with Erasmus reiterating this week that the team is blessed with an abundance of options among the forwards.

Plumtree said the Boks' confrontational and innovative approach against England had certainly provided cause for encouragement.

“The physicality of the Bok forwards was too much for the tourists and the momentum they created helped Handre Pollard and the backs.

“The Boks are playing with higher risk under Rassie Erasmus, which leads to higher reward. He clearly encourages his players to be inventive and have a go, while doing the basics well.”

The Springboks are set to name their team to face Argentina tomorrow.

NAMPA/ANA

Oskola ya sithwa ohoni omolwa Hofmeyr

August 14, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Oskola ya sithwa ohoni omolwa Hofmeyr Ominista yElongo, Katrina Hanse-Himarwa okwa holola ehaluko lye sho omwiimbi OmuSouth Afrika, Steve Hofmeyr kwa lopotwa ta ka longitha ehala lyoskola yomOvenduka, moshituthi shoondjimbo dhe. Oskola yedhina Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaatskool (WAP) oya popi kutya kayi na ontseyo kombinga yuukwamuhoko wa ningwa okupitila moondiimbo dhomuhikingalo ngoka, pethimbo kwa ningwa omalongekidho opo a ka longithe ehala lyoskola ndjoka, moku ninga okonseta ye.

Oshituthi shoka shoondjimbo otashi ningilwa poskola ndjoka mEtiyali lyoshiwike shika.

Ominista yelongo oya holola ehaluko sho oskola ndjoka yo WAp tayi ikwatakanitha kumwe naHofmeyr.

Hofmeyr oku li monena molweendo lya nuninwa oondjimbo moNamibia moka ta tulile woo miilonga oalbuma ye ompe yedhina 'Skree'. Omwiimbi ngoka okwa lopotwa iimbi nale moTsumeb, Otjiwarongo, Walvis Bay oshowo Gobabis. Oolopota inadhi kolekwa odha holola kutya okwa li iimbi ondjimbo ye hayi ithanwa Die Stem pethimbo iimbi mondoolopa yaMbaye. MoSouth Africa omolwa oondjimbo dhe ndhoka kwa holola kutya odhukwamuhoko, odha etithwa a nyanwe koshigwana, nookonseta dhe odhindji odha kalekwa.

Pethimbo a talelepo Namibia omvula ya piti, okwa li kwa ningwa omukanda gwehololomadhilaadhilo, ngoka gwa ndopa okuthika kOminista nale yiikwameni nomatembu, Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana. Hanse-Himarwa okwa popi kutya omupya omunene kutya Hofmeyr otaka imba poskola ndjoka yaWAP. Okwa ningi omapulo kutya omolwashike oskola ndjoka tayi ikwatakanitha nomwiimbi gwoludhi ndoka.

“Oye shi hi kutya omwiimbi ngoka oha imbi shike, ihe oya otaya ikwatakanitha nale. Otashi uvitha nayi.”

Omupopiliko gwoWAP, Arno van Wyk okwa tindi kutya oskola oyi na otseyo kutya Hofmeyr otaka imbila momudhingoloko gwoskola ndjoka, nonando oshilage osha ningwa.

Pahapu dhe, ope na aantu mboka ya pewa oshinakugwanithwa koskola opo ya ungaunge neningo lyiilage noskola kayi na ontseyo kutya oolye taya ka longitha ehala lyawo na otaya ka ninga shike. “Metitano lya piti onda pula kombinga yokonseta yoondjimbo ndjoka tayi ningilwa moskola. Onda nongele kutya ehala lyoskola otali ka longitha kehangano lyedhina Mr Entertainment,” Van Wyk a popi.

Oskola oya popi kutya itayi kutha ombinga moshituthi shoondjimbo shoka, kakele kokuhiilitha owala ehala.

Van Wyk, okwa tsikile kutya oshituthi shoka otashi tula edhina lyoskola methano ewinayi ihe kaye na nkene molwaashoka oye na okuhiilitha omaliko goskola onga omukao gwokwiimonena iiyemo, sho oshilongo sha taalela onkalo ya dhigupala yopashimaliwa. Omuunganeki gwoshituthi shoka, Marsha Reede ina yamukula komapulo ngoka a ningilwa, ta popi kutya ota ehama pothingo na ita vulu okupopya. Sho a tuminwa okatumwalaka okafupi kongodhi ye, ina yamukula woo. Omolwa omahwahwameko ga ningwa kongundu yoANC moSouth Afrika, elelo lyamuni gwaGeorge olya li lya indikwa opo kali hiilithe oshinyanga shalyo shiigongi, mu longithwe komwiimbi ngoka, muApilili gwomvula ndjika. Momasiku 12 gaMei, Hofmeyr okwa pititha oongalo dhe, dhili moalbuma yedhina, 'Ons Sal Dit Oorleef'.

Okwa li a ningi omatilitho kutya otaka longitha woo iitya ngaashi “kaffir” moondjimbo dhe. Lwanima Hofmeyr, okwa ka kutha mo iitya mbyoka ta popi kutya otayi ka uvitha nayi ookuume ke aaludhe oshowo aaniilonga pamwe naye.

OGONE TLHAGE

Ombaanga yiikulya tayi andjanekwa noshilongo ashihe

August 14, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Ombaanga yiikulya tayi andjanekwa noshilongo ashihe Okwa tamekithwa omadheulo mondoolopa yaRundu giilyo yokomitiye yomomapandanda yombaanga yiikulya, sho ombaanga ndjoka tayi andjanekwa woo miitopolwa yomonooli yoshilongo.

MuJuli gwonuumvo, ombaanga ndjoka oya tulwa miilonga moshitopolwa shaHardap oshowo //Karas - moMariental, Keetmanshoop oshowo Lüderitz – shalandula omalolelo ga ningwa tango moshitopolwa shaKhomas.

Moshitopolwa shaKavango East omadheulo giilyo yomokimitiye otaga ningilwa moRundu, sha landula sho omadheulo ga faathana ga manithwa omwedhi gwa piti moshitopolwa shaKavango West.

Iilyo mbyoka otayi ka kala noshinakugwaniwa sho ku tothamo mboka taya ka mona omayambidhidho okuza kombaanga ndjoka, moondoolopa.

Pethimbo kwa tamekithwa omadheulo ngoka, Omupeha Minister gwOshikondo shEkondjitho lyOluhepo, Omusita Aino Kapewangolo, okwa popi kutya ombaanga ndjoka oyi li omukalo gwokukandula opo oluhepo sho ondjala yi li oshitopolwa sholuhepo.

Okwa popi kutya omapekaapeko ngoka gokumona kutya ombaanga yiikulya otayi vulu okukwathela sigo pondondo yini po mekalekepo lyegameno lyoondya momagumbo, oga ningwa koshiputudhilo shoUniversity of Namibia (Unam) melongelokumwe uuministeli wawo, na oya nongele kutya ombaanga ndjoka oya e ta eyooloko enene megameno lyoondya moshitopolwa shaKhomas moka ya ningilwa omalolelo tango. Ombaanga ndjoka oya kandula po ondjala unene moonakumona omayambidhidho mboka ihaya longo.

Konyala oopresenda 90 dhaakwashigwana mboka oya kala kaye na egamenenepo lyoondya omanga ombaanga ndjoka inayi tulwa miilonga, ihe ta gwedha po kutya oopresenda 62 dhoonakumona omayambidhidhao odha mono egamenenepo lyoondya sha landula etulo miilonga lyombaanga ndjoka moKhomas.

Omagumbo ge li po 15 519, ngoka ge na aanegumbo ya thika po 68 000 otaya mono ekwatho okuza kombaanga ndjoka miikandjohogololo yi li iheyali moshitopolwa shaKhomas.

Sha landula omalunduluko nomapekaapeko ga gwedhwa po ngoka ga ningwa kuuminisyeli, omwaalu gwoonakumona omakwatho moKhomas ogwa shunwa pevi sigo okomagumbo 5 000, ngoka ga tothwa mo kutya ogo unene ga taalela onkalo yondjala.



JANA-MARI SMITH

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Mnangagwa oye natango omupresidende Zimbabwe

August 14, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Mnangagwa oye natango omupresidende Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa oye ta kalelepo Zimbambwe pethimbo lyomutumba gwiigwana yaSADC, ngoka tagu ningilwa mOvenduka, shaNamibia oshiwike shika.

Emmerson Mnangagwa oye ta kala oupresidende gwaZimbabwe e na oonkondo dhuudha, sigo uuna omuleli gwaZimbabwe omupe a ganithilwa miilonga.

Ndhoka odha popiwa kOminista yIikwapondje yaZimbabwe, Sibusiso Moyo.

Ongundu onene yompilameno moZimbabwe Etitano olya ningi eindilo lyompangu, moka tayi pataneke iizemo yomahogololo gopashigwana ngoka ga ningwa moshilongo moka lwotango konima yoomvula odhindji, sha landula ekutho koshipundi lyomupresidende nale gwoshilongo shoka ngoka aalela uule woomvula odhindji, Robert Mugabe muNovemba gwomvula ya piti. Omuleli gwongundu yompilameno onene moshilongo moka, Nelson Chamisa, okwa pula Ompangu yEkotampango moshilongo moka yi kaleke iizemo yomahogololo ngoka ga ningwa, onga oshizemo shoka, eganithilo miilonga lyaMnangagwa onga omupresidende olya kalekwa.

Moyo okwa tindi okupopya sha kombinga sho aataaleli yomahogololo ngoka yopaigwana oshowo aataaleli yoongundu dhompilameno ya popi kutya omahogololo ngoka ga ningwa momasiku 30 gaJuli, kage li pauyuuki.

“Itandi ti sha molwaahsoka oshikumungu shoka oshi li momake gompangu ngashiingeyi. Oya ninga eindilo lyompangu na onkene otatu kiiyutha kwaashoka tashi monika po kompangu,” Moyo a popi.

Okwa gwedha po kutya Mnangagwa otaka kalela po Zimbabwe pethimbo lyomutumba gwo38th SADC Summit of Heads of State ngoka tagu ningilwa mOvenduka oshiwike shika.

Moyo okwa dhenge omuthindo kutya omahogololo ngoka ga ningwa oga li ge na ombili na oga ningwa pauyuuki okutala kutya oge li gotango oshilongo tashi ningi, okutameka omvula yo 1980, sha landula ehulithepo lyelelo lyaMugabe.

Moyo okwa yamukula woo kuuyuni mboka tawu pula opo ku ningwe omakonaakono sha landula edhipago lyaahololimadhilaadhilo yatatu mboka ya dhipagwa kaakwita yoshilongo, sha landula omahololomadhilaadhilo ga ningwa moshilongo shoka konima yomahogololo.

Moyo okwa popi kutya omakonaakono ngoka otaga ka ningwa mbala omolwa ekanitho lyoomwenyo ndhoka, uuna kwa tulwa miilonga omupresidende.

SADC okwa pandula oshilongo shoka, kutya omahogololo ngoka oga ningwa pambili, ihe okwa nyana nomuthindo ekanitho lyoomwenyo ndyoka lya holoka po.

Pahapu dhomukomeho gwoSADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Affairs, Jorge Cardoso, omahogololo ngoka ga ningwa moZimbabwe oga ningwa pambili, nuuthemba waakwashigwana owa simanekwa ihe naye ina popila ekaanitho lyoomwenyo dhaakwashigwaa boka ya tatu ndhoka dha lopotwa.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Company news

August 14, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Company news Credit Suisse divides international wealth unit

Credit Suisse Group AG is splitting its international wealth-management unit into seven regions from four, in an ongoing push by chief executive officer Tidjane Thiam to regionalize the bank, Bloomberg reported on Monday, citing people briefed on the matter.

The seven regions are Latin America, Brazil, Western Europe, Southern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Central and Eastern Europe, the report here said.

The wealth-management unit led by Iqbal Khan will give the regions more autonomy to make decisions, and each will have its own management, Bloomberg added.

-Nampa/Reuters

Netflix finance chief to step down

Netflix Inc chief financial officer David Wells will step down after eight years in the role, the video streaming company said on Monday.

Wells will remain with Netflix until his successor is found, a search that will consider both internal and external candidates, Netflix said.

“Personally, I intend my next chapter to focus more on philanthropy and I like big challenges but I’m not sure yet what that looks like,” Wells said.

-Nampa/Reuters

South Korea to ban BMW vehicles

South Korea’s transport ministry said on Tuesday it would ban some 20 000 BMW vehicles from the streets amid mounting public fears about engine fires.

The driving ban comes after 27 engines went up in flames between January and July, which prompted BMW’s Korea unit to apologize last week and a recall of 106 000 diesel vehicles including the 520d from August.

-Nampa/Reuters

Barclays shifting ownership

Barclays has begun shifting direct ownership of its French, German and Spanish branches from a British-based entity to its Irish bank, according to sources with direct knowledge of the plans, ahead of Britain’s exit from the European Union.

The move shows Barclays putting its Brexit contingency plans into action, in common with other banks which are not waiting for the outcome of negotiations over how financial services will operate after Britain leaves the EU in March.

-Nampa/Reuters

Shell global refining boss to step down

The head of Royal Dutch Shell’s global refining operations Lori Ryerkerk will step down at the end of the month after five years in a job where she oversaw a vast overhaul of the business, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters.

Ryerkerk will be succeeded by Robin Mooldijk, who currently serves as Vice President Manufacturing Americas, responsible for the Anglo-Dutch company’s refining and chemical plants in the United States, Canada and Argentina.

-Nampa/Reuters

New dawn for DRC

August 14, 2018, 4:00 pm

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New dawn for DRCKabila advisor says president will step down In an exclusive interview with Namibian Sun, DRC president Joseph Kabila's advisor, Barnabe Kikaya Bin Karubi, said peace is coming to the beleaguered country. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) president Joseph Kabila's decision not to stand for elections this December paves the way for the country to finally bounce back from decades of political turmoil.

Kabila's chief diplomatic advisor, Barnabe Kikaya Bin Karubi, says there is no way for Kabila to go back on his word and the nation is confident that the December election will be the first since the country gained its independence in 1960.

Bin Karubi spoke to Namibian Sun on the side-lines of the Council of Ministers Meeting that forms part of the 38th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government. According to him, Kabila's decision to step down is commendable and an indication that he respects the rule of law.

Kabila took over from his assassinated father in 2001 and for the last two decades has been in charge of a DRC government that has been dogged by corruption, poor governance and armed conflict.

He was obligated to step down at the end of 2016 after he reached his two-term limit, but a constitutional clause allowed him to remain in office until his successor is elected.

Bin Karubi, who is currently in Namibia representing his country at the Council of Ministers meeting, says Kabila can only cling onto power if he changes the constitution, and that is impossible in such a short time.

“This coming December we will have an election, and the Congolese people will have a chance to choose a new president. And among the candidates, there is one that is being appointed by the president's political party and the presidential platform and if he (Kabila) allows that then it means he is going away,” Bin Karubi says.

Kabila picked former interior minister Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary to represent the ruling coalition just hours before the deadline to register candidates.

According to Bin Karubi, Kabila wants the era of assassinations and bloody political takeovers to come to an end.

“Change of power in the Congo has always been associated with bloodshed, ever since independence. Our first prime minister, Patrice Lumumba, was assassinated. Mobutu Sese Seko came and killed so many people throughout his 32 years of the most vicious military dictatorship. President Laurent Kabila, who liberated the country, was also assassinated. We must break that trend and have a civilised transfer of power,” he says.



Way forward

The biggest challenge that now lies ahead for his country is to rebuild and stabilise the economy, says Bin Karubi.

According to him, the plan is to educate the Congolese people about democratic values and that power is acquired through the ballot box and not the barrel of the gun.

“As you know, in the DRC you have so many armed groups roaming around in the country and we have so many youth with insurrectionist ideas,” he says.

According to him there is a need for a good economic development plan, so that the people of the Congo can finally benefit from the riches of the country.

JEMIMA BEUKES

South Africa's high-speed train workers end two-week strike

August 14, 2018, 4:00 pm

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South Africa's high-speed train workers end two-week strike Workers at South Africa’s high-speed train service that mainly caters for business commuters ended a two-week strike over pay on Monday after reaching a 12-month agreement with their employer, and promised to resume work by Tuesday.

The Bombela Operating Company, which operates the rapid train and bus system in Gauteng province with services to the country’s main airport, the capital Pretoria and commercial hub Johannesburg, had reduced train operations due to the strike.

The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) and the United National Transport Union (UNTU) said their members had agreed to an 8 percent wage increase across the board.

The UNTU, an affiliate of FEDUSA, represents about 90% of the workers at Bombela, in which construction company Murray & Roberts holds a 50% stake.

FEDUSA General Secretary Dennis George said the union and Bombela had agreed in talks facilitated by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration, to lower the original demand of 10% by the workers due to inflation.

South Africa’s inflation quickened to 4.6% year-on-year in June from 4.4% in May.

Some workers are expected to commence work this afternoon with the rest starting tomorrow, George said.

“We are in the process of finalising the agreement as we were given a clear mandate to sign from the constituency after addressing them this morning,” UNTU General Secretary Steve Harris said, referring to the union’s members.

The workers began their strike on July 30, demanding a 10% increase in wages, while Bombela offered an 8.5%.

The company and union however agreed to a lower wage agreement of 8% to accommodate other union demands, including a 900 rand (US$63) housing allowance and a 50% contribution by Bombela to workers’ medical aid.

-Nampa/Reuters

South Africa's central bank "nowhere near" intervention on rand

August 14, 2018, 4:00 pm

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South Africa's central bank "nowhere near" intervention on rand Deputy Governor speaks The South African Reserve Bank was surprised by the magnitude of the rand weakness early on Monday. We certainly were surprised by the magnitude of those moves- Daniel Mminele, Deputy Governor, South African Reserve Bank But forex market conditions where “nowhere near” requiring the bank to intervene, deputy governor Daniel Mminele told Reuters.

The rand slid more than 10% to a 2-year low against the dollar in early trade as a renewed rout in the Turkish lira spread to other emerging market currencies.

“We certainly were surprised by the magnitude of those moves,” Mminele told Reuters, adding that the central bank does not intervene in forex markets with the view to influence the exchange rate towards a particular level.

“If there were to be a situation where we were concerned that there would be huge disruptions in the market to a point where the orderly functioning of the market was in jeopardy, we would consider becoming involved but we are nowhere near those kind of circumstances,” he said.

-Nampa/Reuters

Proposed revision on FMD standards

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Proposed revision on FMD standards A revision of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) standards of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code (TAHC) has been proposed to reduce the impact of the movement of African buffalo into FMD-free countries, or free zones.

The proposal was made during the General Assembly of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) which was recently attended by the Meat Board of Namibia.

According to the Meat Board the proposal suggests that if the situation is well controlled, there would be no need to suspend the status of such a country or zone.

A revision of the chapter on zoning and compartmentalisation is also underway.

The Meat Board says FMD remains the most notified disease globally.

Not only does FMD result in major economic and production loss in affected countries, but FMD-affected countries also present a major risk to countries which are free of FMD or have a free zone.

In southern Africa there are eight countries which do not have an official status with regard to FMD.

“The challenges Africa faces with FMD include insufficient epidemiological risk management, limited diagnostic capability, limited understanding of the socio-economic impact and poor cross-border movement control,” says the Meat Board.

Furthermore it says in the past year, 49 countries in the African and Asian regions were affected by Peste Des Petits Ruminants (PPR) control measures implemented by countries. These include surveillance, movement control, stamping out and vaccination. PPR is also known as sheep and goat plague and is a highly contagious animal disease affecting small ruminants.

In countries where the disease is present, only some measures are implemented and there appears to be a decrease in the number of official vaccinations.

According to the Meat Board it also appears that these countries have, in the face of an outbreak, changed their control strategies by focusing on vaccinating only, instead of taking preventative measures to curb outbreaks of PPR.

The PPR status has worsened globally in that it has spread beyond its traditional range.

The Meat Board says within Namibia, the area south of the veterinary cordon fence is officially free from PPR, but the northern communal area (NCA) remains at risk due to porous borders with Angola, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Namibia has developed a control strategy for PPR, which will work in conjunction with the FMD control strategy, to obtain official freedom from PPR in the NCA as well.



ELLANIE SMIT

Food expo in Rundu

August 14, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Food expo in RunduFighting for food security Just in time following recent predictions of an increase in food insecurity, a conference and expo in Rundu will work to address this very challenge. The second Food Namibia ConfEx will take place from 4 to 8 September in Rundu and aims at ensuring food security and alleviating hunger in Namibia.

Under the auspices of Operation Werengedje, it will bring together stakeholders in government and the food and agricultural production industries.

Key issues related to agriculture and sustainable food production in Namibia will be discussed, including issues of agriculture and food production sustainability, promotion of cooperatives, community and school gardening, as well as market and financial sustainability and accessibility, post-harvest production and value addition.

This public-private partnership initiative is organised by the office of the Kavango East governor in collaboration with Food Namibia and will incorporate an expo and conference under the theme, 'Together we are stronger'.

According to Food Namibia, food insecurity is detrimental to the Namibian economy.

“The first step toward wealth creation is food production.”

The exhibition will provide a unique business-to-business platform to showcase products and services in the local agriculture and food production industries.

The conference will offer the public and private sector the opportunity to interact with each other, share their vision and discuss key issues concerning the future of food and agriculture industries in the country.

Some of the topics under discussion will focus on Namibia's nutrition and food security, the role of women, youth and marginalised groups in commercialised agriculture, the Growth at Home value addition in agricultural food production, climate smart agriculture, standards and market access, food safety and quality and access to funding for agriculture food production.

The Kavango East Region, with Rundu as its capital, has comparatively higher rainfall than most other parts of the country, which elevates its agriculture potential substantially.

Referred to as the food basket of Namibia, it includes up to five green schemes and is considered to be one of the most important contributors in terms of the country's food security.

Food Namibia is a private sector partnership between event management company Conference Link and Vitumbo Investments CC.



STAFF REPORTER

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Women still lag behind

August 14, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Women still lag behind A Southern Africa gender survey has found that 28% of women hold economic decision-making posts in Namibia, compared to more than 36% in Botswana and 23.5% in South Africa.

One of the other findings was that 55% of respondents across the region felt people should be treated the same, whatever gender they are. Nevertheless, 56% said that a woman should obey her husband.

While women are making some progress towards gender equality, many barriers, including emotional and physical violence, as well as workplace and economic discrimination, remain.

Southern African gender activists convened on the outskirts of Windhoek yesterday afternoon to launch the tenth edition of the SADC Gender Protocol Barometer.

The findings show that employers in all 15 SADC states pay women less than men.

At 54%, the difference between women's and men's average earnings is highest in Swaziland and lowest in Botswana, with an average difference of 12%.

Gender Links CEO Colleen Lowe said the gender barometer shows that “for every step forward on gender equality, we have witnessed a step backwards”.

“It's time for women to claim their space and make their own decisions about their bodies, their work, their relationships and their lives”.

The report shows that 11 countries in the region have undertaken constitutional reviews over the past ten years, and all but two, Botswana and Seychelles, now have specific references to promoting gender equality.

In terms of political representation, 26% of parliamentarians in the region are female, which is one percentage point lower than the baseline 2009 results, but two percentage points higher than the global and sub-Saharan average of 24%.

Women's representation in cabinet positions is lower, at 20%.

In Namibia, more than 31% of parliament members are women.

Namibia is one of the 13 SADC countries that have reached equal or close to equal enrolment in primary school.

Overall, eight SADC countries have reached equal enrolment in secondary school, with Namibia listed as one of those countries.

One in three women has experienced violence at the hands of intimate partners or others.

Emotional abuse, the most prevalent form of GBV in southern Africa, is the type least likely to be reported to the authorities, the survey found.

Sexual and physical abuse are grossly under-reported in the region overall, including in Namibia.

Out of the 15 SADC countries, only South Africa and Mozambique have legalised abortion on request.

And, while much has been done to address the issue, maternal mortality across the region “is unacceptably high and declining too slowly” to meet the global target of 70 per 100 000.

JANA-MARI SMITH

Police investigate Okakarara mayhem

August 14, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Police investigate Okakarara mayhem Police chief Sebastian Ndeitunga has confirmed that a full-scale investigation has been launched into the mayhem at Okakarara over the past weekend.

Police used force to control unruly and violent community members, while several people were seriously injured, including a police officer.

During the incident 39 suspects were arrested, but 38 have since been released.

Ndeitunga said the responsible culprits will face the full wrath of the law if found guilty, saying it was an “unfortunate incident”.

He said there was maximum deployment of police officers at the town, as the Battle of Okakarara had been commemorated.

Police and emergency units were deployed in Okakarara to conduct crime-prevention patrols and body searches, while also enforcing liquor laws and general police visibility.

Ndeitunga said regrettably on Saturday at around 22:00, reports of people fighting at bars and drinking along streets were received.

When the police arrived at Pink House Bar, some members of the public became violent and Sergeant Ferdinand Muharukua was hit with a bottle on his head and sustained serious injuries.

The arrested suspect was expected to appear in the Okakarara Magistrate's Court yesterday.

Ndeitunga said the police operation continued at Lee Bar, where members of the public were unruly and violent, prompting the police to order the bar manager to close the premises, as the situation escalated.

“The bar manager complied. However, members of the public were against the closure and demanded to know why the bar should close before the stipulated closing hours.”

According to Ndeitunga, the police then requested a man who was questioning the bar's closure to follow them to the station.

The man drove behind a police vehicle, but the situation got out of hand when other patrons followed them to the police station, demanding to see Sergeant Muharukua and threatening to assault and kill him, Ndeitunga said.

Officers then called for more reinforcements.

“Extreme violence broke out at the police station and as such the police unfortunately had to use minimum force and subsequently maximum force in order to subdue the offenders.”

It was reported that Special Reserve Force members arrived in a helicopter and a minibus at Okakarara on Sunday afternoon.

Residents had apparently stormed the police station and allegedly assaulted officers and blocked the gate at around 02:00 on Sunday morning.

Ndeitunga said ultimately 39 suspects were arrested and detained for breach of peace and riotous behaviour, as well as assaulting/obstructing officers in the execution their duties and incitement to commit a crime.

However, 38 people were subsequently released, as preliminary investigations could not directly link them to the charges.

Among those arrested, four people were seriously injured.

They were transported to the Otjiwarongo state hospital, where they are admitted.

No further cases were reported to the police.

Ndeitunga said Okakarara community members who feel aggrieved are at liberty to lay complaints at the police's regional investigation division.

He said they should avoid taking the law into their own hands, in order to avoid a similar situation to what happened over the weekend.

“The public must know that any disturbance to the peace cannot be condoned and therefore I strongly warn public members to desist from such unruly behaviour and encourage them to respect the rule of law at all times.”

ELLANIE SMIT

Toilets remain scarce

August 14, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Toilets remain scarceRural sanitation worst in SADC Only 15% of rural Namibians have access to toilets, while 75% defecate in the open. Rural Namibians are living in the filthiest conditions in terms of sanitation in the SADC region, with 75% of residents still practising open defecation.

The State of Hygiene in Southern Africa report revealed a mere 15% of rural Namibians have access to a basic latrine, while 3% have limited access to toilets (shared) and 7% live in unimproved hygienic conditions.

The study was conducted by WaterAid, an NGO determined to make clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene available to everyone.

Comparing other SADC countries to Namibia, the report indicated that in Botswana 62% of rural citizens' still practice open defecation, while Lesotho (60%), Mozambique (50%), Madagascar (42%) and Zimbabwe (40%) are all better off than Namibia.

The best-rated countries were Zambia (25%), in Malawi (20%), Swaziland (15%), and South Africa (10%).

According to the report, less than half of rural populations in southern African countries have access to at least basic sanitation.

“In Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe, for instance, the proportion of rural people who practise open defecation is higher than the proportion who have access to a basic latrine.”

The report said with the exception of South Africa (69%) and Swaziland (58%), less than half of rural populations in southern African countries have access to at least basic sanitation.

It said further sanitation use is the most comprehensively included hygiene component in the region policy.

Almost all the countries surveyed have specific targets and objectives on sanitation included in their ministerial, as well as other key sector policies, including on heath, water, education and nutrition. Namibia has specifically set targets with regard to sanitation in the Harambee Prosperity Plan for 2016/17 to 2019/20, which includes the construction of 50 000 rural toilets during the period, eliminating the bucket system by the end of 2017.

President Hage Geingob said during this year's State of the Nation Address that access to decent sanitation and ablution is a matter of human dignity.

Out of the 1 856 identified bucket toilets in the Hardap, //Karas, Otjozondjupa and Omaheke regions, 876 bucket toilets were replaced with modern toilets. A further 533 toilets are under construction, Geingob said.

He added that with only 447 bucket toilets remaining, the eradication goal is attainable.

Meanwhile the WaterAid report also rated Namibia poorly with regards to access to safe drinking water for households.

It said most rural populations, and in some cases a significant proportion of urban populations, do not have access to piped drinking water on their premises.

Geingob recently said government is committed to attain 100% access to safe drinking water by 2020. He said the Inter-censal Demographic Survey 2016 indicated that 92.9% of Namibians do have access to safe drinking water, up from 80% in 2011.

A total of 99.6% of urban households have access to safe drinking water. In rural areas the figure is 85%.

According to the WaterAid report inconsistent policy inclusion and limited available data means that hygiene is often overlooked.

“A lack of dedicated coordination mechanism means that there is no champion for greater inclusion of hygiene in sector processes and financial allocations.”

Namibia was, for instance, one of the countries that had no data available on menstrual and food hygiene.

The report also notes that only Botswana was rated as having an agreed and consistently followed financing plan for hygiene.

“The slow progress on sanitation, particularly in Africa, is a problem of epic proportions, with far-reaching implications in people's lives. The poor state of sanitation has significant public health implications and is a notable contributor to the high diarrhoeal burden,” said Chilufya Chileshe, WaterAid's regional advocacy manager for southern Africa.

Chileshe said access to sanitation is a maker and a marker of progress.

“It therefore deserves diligent attention in planning, budgeting and monitoring at the various levels of continental and national governance. Unfortunately, it continues to be deprioritised by our political leaders.”

ELLANIE SMIT

German growth accelerates in Q2

August 14, 2018, 4:00 pm

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German growth accelerates in Q2 Workers are seen at the partially scaffolded new facade at construction site of the Berlin City Palace. Germany has bounced back from an early 2018 slowdown, official data showed yesterday, as the pace of growth accelerated despite the rumblings of a trade war that could trip up its export-led economy. Growth rebounded from its first-quarter slide to reach 0.5% quarter-on-quarter between April and June, according to preliminary data from federal statistics authority Destatis. The figures showed Europe's largest economy had grown 2.0% year-on-year by the end of the second quarter, a result likely to comfort observers who had feared a slowdown throughout 2018 after the weaker first three months. Photo Nampa/Reuters

Why Woolies' gluten-free bread is over R50 a loaf

August 14, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Why Woolies' gluten-free bread is over R50 a loaf A photo of a loaf of 375g gluten-free bread at Woolworths, selling for R52.99, went viral on social media to the amusement of some while others questioned how a staple food item could be so expensive.

A loaf of brown bread, almost double the size, also at Woolies, costs R13.99.

A quick scan of the food aisles at the retailer reveals that specialised or health items in the 'carb clever' range usually cost around double - sometimes more - the price of 'ordinary' products. The same applies to speciality milks like almond, rice or soya milk.

Julian Novak, the head of fresh food at Woolworths, told Fin24 that the raw materials and allergen control process required to make gluten-free bread add to the cost of the item.

"We have sold gluten-free bread since 2003, with an updated range of fresh gluten-free bakery products launched in March 2014, offering more diverse products including bread, rolls, muffins, and cookies," Novak said.

Six gluten-free chocolate biscuits at the upmarket retailer cost R54.99, while eight-gluten free crackers are sold for R39.99.

Checkers offers a Banting Revolution range and Pick n Pay sells several lactose and sugar-free products, but Woolies appears to be the place for picky eaters and those on restrictive diets, with several ranges catering to a wide variety of requirements.

"Where possible, we will provide choice within our ranges for customers who wish to avoid particular ingredients, such as specific gluten-free products, milk alternatives, etc.,” Novak said.

Gluten-free has in recent years become a buzzword at restaurants, groceries and health food shops. It is a family of proteins contained in wheat, rye and barley – and can be difficult to digest for some people. Intolerance to gluten describes sensitivity to the protein in the digestive system. The severity of the symptoms, which include the possibility of bloating, headaches and abdominal pain and discomfort, vary from person to person.

Gluten-free alternatives rely on flours made from maize, millet, rice, buckwheat or almonds as substitutes.

It's not only specialist items that have come with a hefty price tag - 18 extra-large free range eggs will cost you R79.99 at Woolworths, or just under R4.50 for an egg.

Egg prices soared at the end of 2017 due to the outbreak of Avian flu. Woolworths said that while they try to keep increases to an "absolute minimum", there are circumstances outside of the retailer’s control which have an impact on price adjustments.

"The factors are related to the depreciating currency, escalating fuel and electricity prices and other supply chain influences," said Novak.

-Fin24