Witbooi's stolen Bible coming home with skulls

August 21, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Witbooi's stolen Bible coming home with skulls Twenty-six Nama and Ovaherero skulls, as well as the legendary Hendrik Witbooi's stolen Bible, will form part of the third repatriation of Namibian historical items from Germany on 31 August.

German NGO, Berlin Post-Kolonial, said the looted Bible, a cultural object of national importance stolen through colonial injustice, will be returned to Namibia at the same time as the skulls.

Education minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa will lead the delegation to Charité University in Berlin, where the skulls are currently held.

The skulls have been collected from five or six institutions, but according to sources these are not the last ones that will be returned.

They are, however, the latest ones to be identified historically.

Deputy education, arts and culture permanent secretary Veno Kauaria said the Namibian delegation consists of civil servants from 10 different government institutions, as well as 25 people from traditional authorities of the affected communities.



The German embassy confirmed it will cover the travelling costs of the 25 traditional leaders.

The embassy said yesterday it will contribute 50 000 euro (N$837 813.40 at the current exchange rate) towards the travelling expenses.

Kauaria said the travelling and accommodation expenses of the government delegation will not exceed N$200 000.

On 29 August the Namibian delegation will receive the skulls at a Christian memorial service at the French Cathedral in Berlin.

Upon their return to Namibia on 31 August, the skulls will be displayed at the Parliament Gardens, where there will also be a service.

Kauaria said the skulls will then be kept at the National Museum of Namibia, which also houses the other remains repatriated in 2011 and 2012.

She said the government and the affected communities will eventually meet to discuss how the skulls should be dealt with for posterity.



Not without controversy

Sources preferring anonymity said the size and composition of the Namibian delegation had created issues.

They said Willem Konjore, the chairperson of the Nama Traditional Leaders' Association (NTLA), alleged that government had overstated the organisation's representation for the trip.

Kauaria said all the issues had been amicably resolved.

Berlin Post-Kolonial also reported that an alliance called No Amnesty For Genocide welcomes the long-overdue repatriation of the human remains and the return of the Witbooi Bible.

However, the alliance said it is strongly opposed to the manner in which the planned church ceremony in Berlin will be conducted.

Its objection is that the event will not be open to the public and that it will be placed into a religious context, “and is tainted by the fact that several important leaders of the victim communities have not been invited”.

These excluded leaders are those who have taken Germany to court in New York, as a result of their exclusion from intergovernmental reparation talks, the alliance said.

“Why has the German government shifted the event of the restitution of our abused ancestors onto the Protestant Church? We demand a state-led restitution ceremony inside the German parliament. President [Frank-Walter] Steinmeier, who himself called for an apology from Germany when he was opposition leader, must now finally ask the Herero and Nama for forgiveness,” said Berlin-based Ovaherero activist, Israel Kaunatjike.

The alliance also called on the German government and the German federal states to return, without delay, the “countless” human remains that were stolen from former German colonies such as Togo, Cameroon, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and Papua New Guinea.



CATHERINE SASMAN

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New director for Capricorn Group, drop in HEPS expected

August 22, 2018, 6:57 am

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New director for Capricorn Group, drop in HEPS expected Mihe Gaomab II has been appointed a director of the Capricorn Group board effective 21 August 2018.
In a statement on the Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX) today, Capricorn said Gaomab was nominated by the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) following its investment in Capricorn Group during 2017.
Capricorn last week said it anticipates the group total comprehensive income for the year ended 30 June 2018 to increase between 3% and 8% and basic earnings per share (EPS) to range between -2% and +3% compared to the prior year.
The group results for the financial year include a capital profit on the partial sale of a non-core asset and a gain realised on acquisitions. After adjusting for these items, headline earnings per share (HEPS) for the year ended 30 June 2018 are anticipated to decrease between 10% and 15% compared to the prior year. Going forward the earnings from the acquisitions made during the year will contribute to EPS and HEPS.
The results for the year ended 30 June 2018 are expected to be published on or about 23 August.

Olufuko registers 47 girls for initiation

August 22, 2018, 7:34 am

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Olufuko registers 47 girls for initiation Forty-seven girls have so far been registered to undergo initiation at the 2018 Olufuko Cultural Festival to be held at Outapi in the Omusati Region from 24 August to 4 September.
In an interview with Nampa ahead of the popular cultural event, Outapi Town Council spokesperson Phillip Shililifa said of the 47 girls, the Ombalantu Traditional Authority tops the list with 31 entries.
The others are from the Ombadja (7), Uukolonkadhi (4), Uukwambi (3) and Ongandjera (2) traditional authorities.
Besides the initiation of the young girls, who are referred to as brides, close to 200 exhibitors showcasing their products and services, are participating in the festival this year.
The event recorded 79 brides who took part in the preparation for womanhood, and 284 exhibitors last year.
According to Shililifa, Vice-President Nangolo Mbumba will officially open this year’s Olufuko festival. Patron of the event and Founding President Sam Nujoma is also expected to attend the official opening.
A fundraising gala dinner held at Outapi last month generated cash and pledges worth N$654 000 as sponsorship for the successful hosting of the event.
NAMPA

I still have three years - Uushona

August 22, 2018, 4:00 pm

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I still have three years - Uushona Former World Boxing Federation (WBF) welterweight world champion, Bethuel 'Tyson' Uushona, insists he still has three more years left in professional boxing, before he hangs up his gloves.

The Namibian, who was stripped off his title after failing to defend it within the scheduled time, said he is ready to bounce back from a defeat he suffered in Germany recently.

He lost to Rico Mueller of Germany by unanimous decision about a fortnight ago.

Uushona, however, feels the decision to award the fight to the German was unfair, as he had dominated most of the rounds.

At the age of 36 and with six loses in his career, some in boxing circles have advised Uushona to consider quitting.

“You see, whenever someone loses a fight, people are first to criticise you. When I started boxing 16 years ago, I made the decision myself and not even my parents knew about what I had in mind.

“This is the same reason why I will decide on my own when I will quit this game, which I believe will be in three years' time,” Uushona said.

He boasts a record of 36 wins, six loses and one draw in his professional career.

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

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

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

“I have been in this game for too long and I was impressed with myself during my last fight, even if I lost to an unfortunate decision.

“I have picked myself up and I'm ready to pounce again, because I am already working hard in the gym to remain stronger and fit,” he said.

The boxer revealed that his and the German's camp are busy negotiating a rematch.

“From now on, I am still going to fight after every 50 days, as I promised my fans. I am not going to give up.”

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Mannetti looks to midfielders

August 22, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Mannetti looks to midfieldersWarriors hit by striking woes Brave Warriors head coach Ricardo Mannetti is undeterred by his team's striking force dilemma, ahead of their crucial Afcon qualifier against Zambia. Ricardo Mannetti has over the years built a core of players he can call on during crucial matches, but the Brave Warriors coach is in dire need of some serious goal poachers ahead of the 8 September Afcon qualifier against Zambia.

Last season's Namibian Premier League (NPL) top scorer Panduleni Nekundi is battling to recover from an abductor muscle injury.

Clubless striker Hendrick Somaeb is also battling an injury. Platinum Stars player, the speedy Peter Shalulile, will also miss the tie, courtesy of an ankle injury.

This, however, does not bother Mannetti, as he believes he has a strong attacking midfield that will fill the void.

“I have the likes of Black Africa's Dynamo Fredericks, Cape Umoya United's Wangu Gome, African Stars Ronald Ketjijere (captain) and Unam's Marcel Papama, to aid the strikers we have,” he said.

Mannetti said some of the under-23 players were not making use of the opportunities provided to them.

“I called up six players from the u-23 team, one of them being McCartney Naweseb from Black Africa, who trained with the team for two weeks and left the camp. This is not ideal for a young skilful player and I'm still waiting for the reasons as to why he left.

“Then I have another playmaker, Anthony Kham (Eleven Arrows), who scored twice in Namibia 4-2 defeat against China when they played the two friendly matches.

“I was also looking at Pinehas Willem (Eleven Arrows), but he suffered a torn Achilles heel and will be out for three months.”

Manetti said as much as feeder programmes are there to assist, he also needed experienced players.

“This again leaves me with guys like Bidvest player Deon Hotto, Egypt-based Benson Shilongo, and Finland-based player Willy 'Awillo' Stephanus. “Stephanus deserted the team ahead of the 2016 Cosafa Cup in Windhoek. He requested to be released from camp to attend trials in Vietnam at a time the team needed him. He has now apologised.

“I also have Unam's Muna Katupose. Katupose is an impact player. He is also a problem-solver, which one needs to bring on at a specific time,” said Mannetti.

“Sadney Urikhob (Thailand-based) is also another great player. Urikhob is just as dynamic as Shalulile, who will not be part of the team due to an ankle injury.

“However, Urikhob's brother passed away, so he will miss most of the training sessions. But we hope that when he returns we can work on his fitness and get him ready.”

Manetti said these types of things are normal in football, but that he plans on changing the team's formation and use technical expertise, in order to still approach the match against Zambia with the same aggression he always does.

Asked whether he is still motivated and the Mannetti of old, he said: “The memory of people is short. If you wrap up our whole performance so far we have been doing well. Because we did badly against Bafana in the Cosafa Cup does not mean I have lost passion.

“If I was not passionate about the team or my job I would have told the nation already that we will not be competing, because we have no strikers. But that is not me. This is my time and I mean business.”

Namibia is in Group K alongside Zambia, Mozambique and Guinea Bissau. Mozambique currently heads the group with three points, while Guinea, also on three points, is in second position.

Namibia and Zambia are third and fourth with no points, after losing their opening games.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

All systems go for Skorpion Zinc Cup

August 22, 2018, 4:00 pm

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All systems go for Skorpion Zinc Cup It's all systems go for the 2018 Skorpion Zinc Under-17 Cup set for the Omulunga Stadium in Grootfontein this weekend.

The time has come again for 14 regional sides to battle it out for supremacy in the fifth edition of the tournament.

Namibia Football Association (NFA) secretary-general Barry Rukoro said the facilities are in good order and the teams have prepared well for the championship.

“The regional teams have done their part in terms of preparations and the facilities are also in a good condition to welcome the players and the supporters.

“It will be a first for us going to Grootfontein for a national competition of this magnitude and we are confident all will turn out well this weekend.

“The support from the regional to local political leadership is commendable and we all looking forward to an exciting Skorpion Zinc U-17 Cup”, Rukoro said.

Skorpion Zinc corporate affairs manager, Nora Ndopu, shared Rukoro's sentiments.

“The relationship with the NFA has been a fruitful one over the past years and we are looking forward to this next edition. We know how crucial development is and we could have not been better placed with this competition,” Ndopu said.

Hosts Otjozondjupa are drawn in Group A, with Kavango East, Hardap and Kunene.

Group B includes Kavango West, Oshikoto, Ohangwena, Omaheke and Erongo, while Group C will see

//Karas, Omusati, Khomas and Zambezi battle it out.

NFA

Netball dream in jeopardy

August 22, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Netball dream in jeopardyTisan team needs N$140 000 to compete in Uganda A lack of funds is standing in the way of Namibian tertiary students realising their dream of competing at the World University Netball Championships in Uganda. The Tertiary Institutes Sports Association of Namibia (Tisan) needs N$140 000 to compete at the 2018 International University Sports Federation (FISU) World University Netball Championships next month.

This year's championships will be held in Kampala, Uganda from 17 to 21 September.

Tisan secretary-general Rudolph Haingura, who is also a Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) commissioner, said they have selected a squad of 15 players to compete at the games, but the lack of funds will keep them from realising their dream of competing at the world university champs.

Haingura said the money is needed to pay for their flight tickets to Uganda. “We want to improve on our ranking at the university championship and this can only happen if the team competes at the games in September,” he said. The team also needs tracksuits and T-shirts. South Africa, Burundi, Kenya, Singapore, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia have confirmed their participation.

Haingura said the championship is also important to help Namibian athletes gain more international exposure.

“I was in Zambia at the just-ended African netball championship and I saw that most of the teams that competed at those games had university students. It's really important for our athletes to compete as it will help them gain international experience which will in turn help our senior national netball team,” he said.

The team hopes to depart for Uganda on 15 September and they are therefore calling on companies and private individuals to help them fulfil their commitment to the FISU.

NAMPA

Etungo lyoombelewa dhelelo lyaKongo lya manithwa

August 22, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Etungo lyoombelewa dhelelo lyaKongo lya manithwa Elelo lyomukunda Okongo ndyoka lya kala tali longele megumbo lyaakiintu mboka ya tegelelwa oku ka pulumutha, konyala uule woomvula ndatu, otali tembukile moombelewa dhawo oompe momwedhi twa taalela, ndhoka dha tungwa koshimaliwa shoomiliyona 13.

Egumbo lyoJosua Hanyango Maternity Waiting Home olya kala oombelelwa dhelelo ndyoka lya ningwa nokutseyithwa papangelo okuninga omukunda momvula yo 2015.

Egumbo ndyoka olya tungwa momvula yo2014 komunyekadhi nale gwaNamibia,Penehupifo Pohamba, neyambidhidho lyIigwana yaHangana, opo li vule okukala naakiintu yiihumbata mboka taya zi komikunda dha yooloka pomudhingoloko ngoka na otaya ka tegelela okupulumuthila uunona wawo moshipangelo shaKongo.

Pahapu dhomunambelewa omukuluntu gwomukunda ngoka, Wodibo Haulofu, konima sho aakiintu oyendji itaya longitha egumbo ndyoka oshowo ompumbwe yomahala taga vulu okulongithwa momukunda ngoka, elelo lyondoolopa olya tokola okulongitha po ndatu dhomoondunda dhokulala megumbo ndyoka.

“Aanambelewa yamwe yelelo otaya longele moombelewa dhoshikandjohogololo omanga yamwe po nda kwatelwa tatu longele okuza megumbo ndyoka, omanga oombelewa dhetu tadhi tungwa,” Haulofu a popi.

“Sho ngashiingeyi etungo lyoombelewa dhetu lya manithwa nena otatu tembukile koombelewa dhetu ndhoka momwedhi twa taalela opo aakiintu ya kale woo nemanguluko lyawo oshowo ombili yawo.”



Okwa popi kutya egumbo ndyoka olya kala oombelewa dhawo ombwaananwa nonando kaya li ye na iikwaniipangitho ayihe.

Haulofu okwa popi kutya oombelewa oompe dhelelo lyomukunda gwawo odha tungwa kehangano Shivute Construction and Conselect Engineering.

Okwa popi kutya etungo lyoombelewa ndhoka olya manithwa muule wethimbo ndyoka lya li lya uvathanwa.

Omunambelewa ngoka okwa popi kutya etungo ndyoka oli li onkatu onene ya katukwa kelelo lyawo, naashoka tashi landula ko okutunga osasiyona yookadhimamulilo, opo ya vule okugamena aakaalimo yawo.





Okwa tsikile kutya oye na oondjodhi odhindji ihe ompumbwe yoshimaliwa oyo tayi ya shunitha monima, molwaashoka kaye na iimaliwa ethimbo ndika na oya tala owala koshipala shepangelo opo ku vule okutulwa miilonga oopoloyeka melelo ndyoka oshowo okugandja oompito dhiilonga dhoka dhoka dhi li po.

“Otwa taalela omukundu gwegandjo lyevi lyokutunga omagumbo oshowo oongeshefa. Otwa taalela woo ekateko momatendo gomavi naashoka otashi etithwa kompumbwe yiimaliwa. Ekateko momadheulo getulo miilonga lyoPublic Procurement Act oshowo ompumbwe yaaniilonga omolwa omangambeko taga ningwa muuministeli wetu oyimwe yomomikundu twa taalela.”

Okwa popi kutya epangeo olya pumbwa okuya pa iiyemo oyindji opo ya vule okutula miilonga oopoloyeka ndhoka taya pangele okutula miilonga momukunda gwawo.

ILENI NANDJATO

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China a hala Namibia a taambeko omayambidhidho ge

August 22, 2018, 4:00 pm

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China a hala Namibia a taambeko omayambidhidho geTaya pula woo etulo miilonga meendelelo lyopoloyeka yokutunga omagumbo Omukalelipo gwaChina moNamibia okwa popi kutya Namibia okwa taalela oshiponga shokuthigwa po ngele ita ndalapatele omayambidhidho ngoka ta pewa kuChina. Pethimbo mpoka omupresidende gwaNamibia a tegelelwa ka kale pomutumba tagu ithanwa China-Africa business summit, omukalelipo gwaChina moNamibia okwa popi kutya oshilongo nashi tale komapungulo gomuuzilo oshowo eyambulepo lyeliko, nenge shi thigwe po ngele tashi ya komapungulo gopangeshefa.

Omukalelipo ngoka Zhang Yiming okwa popi kutya eyambulepo lyeliko lyaNamibia oli li moshiponga ngele Namibia okwa ndopa okutambulapo nomaako agehe gaali omayambidhidho gaChina, moka a popi kutya omayambidhidho ngoka oga kwathela nale iilongo yimwe ngaashi Ethiopia oshowo Kenya.

Zhang okwa pula epangelo li tule miilonga etsokumwe lyopolyeka yetungo lyomagumbo ndyoka lya tulwa po pethimbo Geingob a talelepo oshilongo shoka shomuAsia muMaalitsa nuumvo.

Metsokumwe ndyoka, China ota gandja ekwatho lyoomiliyona 30 oshowo omukuli gwoomiliyona 36 ngoka kagu na iishoshela opo ku tungwe omagumbo ge li po 400 taga topolwa shithike pamwe mondoolopa yaGobabis showo Grootfontein.

Zhang okwa popi kutya Namibia na ilonge oshilongwa okuza kiishiindalongo ye ngaashi Angola naZimbambwe mbyoka ya patululile omiyelo dhawo omapungulo gaChina.

Okwa popi kutya monakuyiwa oku wete kutya Namibia otaka tula miilonga omilandu ndhoka tadhi ka utha nokutaambako okuudha omayambidhidho gaChina.

Zhang oku na woo einekelo kutya omupresidende Hage Geingo ota ka kala omuleli gwaAfrika 10 ta shaina etsokumwe lyoChina-proposed Belt and Road Initiative pethimbo lyomutumba gwoChina-Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit ngoka tagu ningilwa moshilandopangelo shaChina momasiku 3 sigo 4 gomwedhi twa taalela.

Omunadiplomate ngoka okwa popi kutya oku na einekelo kutya Namibia otaka taambako omakwatho gaChina mokuyambulapo iikwaniipangithe ye moshikondo shomalweendo. Pahapu dhe oshiyetwa po shoBelt and Road Initiative osha nuninwa okuyambulapo omaliko ngoka unene ga thindilwa pevi onga oshizemo shomakolonyeko.

“Shoka osha pumbiwa unene muAfrika. Oshiholelwa oshiwanawa ongaashi Kenya ngoka a tungu elila lyeshina lyokolutenda neyambidhidho lyaChina, nelila ndyoka olya kwatakanitha Nairobi kumwe naMombasa, oshilando oshinene shomatulilo. Elila ndyoka olya e ta po oompito dhiilonga dhi li po 46 000 kaakwashigwana yaKenya.”

Namibia okwa kala nokutaalela omanyano omanene okuza kaakwashigwana oshowo yalwe mbyoka taya konenene omayambidhidho gaChina, unene omikuli nomayambidhidho giimaliwa.

Omathimbo ga piti ominista yemona, Calle Schlettwein okwa ekelehi omapopyo kutya eliko lyaNamibia otali kondololwa kuChina.

Zhang okwa holola kutya oku na einekelo kutya ekwatathano lyopaindi pokati kiilongo mbika iyali tali londo pombanda sho kwa hololwa kutya metata lyotango lyonuumvo okwa lopotwa ondjele yomalanditho yoobiliyona 3.4.

“Namibia oku na iikwaniiapangitho iiwananwa muAfrika. Omu na efuta oshowo omatulilo gaMbaye na omu na woo okapale. One oshilongo shimwe shi na omayakulo gopakwatathano gopainternrt taga endelele muAfrika, onkene oshike Namibia ita vulu okukutha oshiholelwa kiilongo mbyoka yi na ontseyo yomuuzilo.” Opoloyeka yokutunga omagumbo

Kombinga yopoloyeka ndjoka ya nuninwa okutunga omagumbo inayi tulwa natango miilonga, Zhanga okwa popi kutya oya pumbwa okutulwa miilonga meendelelo.

Okwa popi kutya oominista dhiikondo iyali yiilongo mbika otadhi manitha omalongekidho ga hugunina opo ku manithwe oompangela dhi na sha netungo ndyoka.

Zhang okwa popi kutya oonkundathana ndhoka odha kundathana uule wethimbo ngashiingeyi, ne tungo ndyoka otali yambidhwa kuChina.

Omunambelelwa ngoka okwa tsikile kutya ngele China a tokola okuninga sha oha endelele opo amanithe oompangela dhe, dhaashoka a hala oku ninga ihe inashi faathana moNamibia, nonando okwa popi kutya oya pumbwa okutaambadhana ko.

Ominista yomayambulepo goondoolopa niitopolwa, Peya Mushelenga, okwa popi kutya etsokumwe ndyoka natango okwa tegelelwa li shainwe.

“Ope na etsokumwe lyetulo miilonga ndyoka China a tumine Namibia, netsokumwe ndyoka olya pewa hahende-ndjai gwepangelo. Hahende okwa holola kutya ope na iinima yimwe mbyoka ya pumbwa okutalwa manga opo nee tatu pula komeho okuza mpoka. Ngele China okwa zimine kwaashoka tatu pula nomagwedhelepo getu nena itashi kala uupyakadhi,” Mushelenga a popi.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Company news

August 22, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Company news Shoprite earnings drop

Retailer Shoprite says although its non-South African operations underperformed over the past financial year, they are still a substantial contributor to the group.

The group on Tuesday released the financial results for the year ended July 1, 2018 and reported a decline in earnings. According to the results, diluted headline earnings per share are down 3.8% to 968.7c.

Net profit for the year was R5.2 billion. Trading profit was down 1.4% to R8 billion, compared to R8.13 billion reported in 2017.

The group declared a dividend of 279 cents per share, bringing the total dividend for the year to 484c – compared to 504c reported last year.

-Fin24

Two US airlines cut China routes

Two US airlines on Tuesday cut routes between China and the United States, underscoring increasingly tough competition from state-backed Chinese rivals as they aggressively expand their fleets with cut-price tickets.

American Airlines, the largest US carrier by passengers, said it would drop a route between Chicago and Shanghai, canceling the second direct flight from the US city to China in four months. It had canceled a flight to Beijing in May, although it still operates daily flights to the capital from Los Angeles and Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas.

-Nampa/Reuters

Uber hires CFO after lengthy search

Uber Technologies Inc has hired a chief financial officer, the ride-services company said on Tuesday, filling a long-standing vacancy and clearing the way for a much-anticipated initial public offering next year.

Uber said it had hired Nelson Chai, a financial services veteran with deep connections to the banks and deal-makers Uber must impress ahead of what is expected to be a large, complicated IPO. Uber lost more than US$1 billion per quarter in three of the last six quarters. Still, it hopes its growth potential will attract investors.

-Nampa/Reuters

Former Steinhoff CEO to testify

Steinhoff's former CEO Markus Jooste could be giving testimony about what transpired at the global furniture retailer in a week's time, after Speaker of the National Assembly Baleka Mbete on Tuesday evening authorised Parliament's oversight committee on finance to summons him and the group's former CFO Ben la Grange.

The hearing is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 29 August.

"[The] National Assembly and its committees are empowered to summon not only state organs to account to Parliament, but any private person, institution or regulatory body to provide evidence on any legitimate matter of public interest which falls within the scope of their oversight mandate," said Parliament in a media release on Tuesday afternoon.

-Fin24

Cell C tops 16m subscribers

Cell C's turnaround strategy is bearing fruit despite a challenging environment, the mobile operator said on Tuesday.

In a statement, the company said it had increased its subscriber base by 600 000 to 16.3 million and was on track to continue growing.

The first half of the year saw a revenue increase of 5% to R7.8 billion and a service revenue increase of 11% to R6.9 billion.

Growth was driven in part by Blue Label Telecoms, which took a 45% stake in the operator in order to provide debt relief and build economies of scale.

"Following the measures put in place as part of our turnaround strategy, we are seeing both a satisfactory financial performance to date and increased value offering for our customers.

-Fin24

Parliament Q&A effective for all

August 22, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Parliament Q&A effective for allKatjavivi defends low number of Swapo questions The National Assembly speaker says opposition parties naturally ask sensational questions that can give them political mileage. National Assembly Speaker Peter Katjavivi has defended the low number of questions posed by Swapo MPs during question-and-answer sessions last year, arguing it is in line with international trends and does not reflect badly on the mechanism and its ability to hold the Executive accountable.

In a statement to Namibian Sun last week, Katjavivi said the reasons for questions posed during the Q&A sessions in the National Assembly differed for members of the ruling party compared to opposition MPs.

“Politics being what it is, and opposition MPs definitely knowing that parliamentary sittings enjoy live television coverage, they will naturally ask sensational questions that can give them political mileage. This tendency is not unique to Namibia, but often occurs in most democratic parliaments,” the Speaker said.

“Governing [party] MPs often ask questions for clarity or complimentary purposes whereas opposition party MPs are likely to ask questions that might appear confrontational.”

Out of 159 questions asked last year during parliament's Q&A sessions, eight were tabled by Swapo, and all eight were by Veikko Nekundi, one of 23 backbenchers able to put questions to the executive during the Q&A sessions and as per the rules of the process.

Half of Nekundi's questions focused on state-owned enterprises and economic issues.

Katjavivi was responding to a Namibian Sun article titled 'Swapo MPs mum during question time', based on a report published last month by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), titled 'Parliamentary Questions in Namibia: Asking, Answering and Accountability'.

According to the paper, any MP who is not part of the Executive may address questions to a minister relating to any issue of the day, which restricts the questions primarily to opposition MPs and the 23 ruling party backbenchers who are not members of the cabinet.

Last year, only 17 MPs asked questions. The IPPR said this showed that questions and answers are driven by a small minority of MPs, since the National Assembly has 104 members.

The IPPR added that even allowing for the fact that 62 of Swapo's 85 MPs are cabinet members, the proportion of MPs who asked questions was very low. “This is not unusual in the international context,” it added.



Question of accountability

“If parliamentary questions are ultimately flawed as an accountability mechanism, it is because of a more profound structural issue: namely, the dominance of Swapo in the National Assembly,” authors Max Weylandt and Ndeapo Wolf concluded.

They wrote that with only 5% of the 159 questions asked last year coming from the ruling party, and all posed by Veikko Nekundi, “and with all of Namibia's ministers and deputy ministers in the National Assembly belonging to Swapo, the questioning process is almost always of a cross-party nature. It is therefore an attempt at a cross-party accountability measure rather than a legislative-executive one.”

The authors added that although parliamentary questions “exemplify the best and the worst of Namibian democracy … as a regular ritual of accountability, parliamentary questions have normalised the practice of questioning government officials' performance – the importance of this should not be understated.

“It must not be forgotten that parliament is a political body, and so MPs use question time – like any other parliamentary procedure – for political ends, to criticise their opponents and enhance their own image.”

Katjavivi reflects this in his letter, where he emphasised that members of the ruling party have easier access to information.

“MPs of the same party are likely to be in touch with the executive in other forums where critical issues are discussed before they even come to the floor of the House. But, if there are burning issues, all MPs, including government party MPs, are free to intervene on the floor of the House in line with the rules of parliament,” Katjavivi wrote.

JANA-MARI SMITH

Rittmann loses second lawyer

August 22, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Rittmann loses second lawyer Gobabis resident Rachel Rittmann, who allegedly connived with her lover to murder her husband in August 2013, has lost her legal representation again.

The 46-year-old Rittmann's State-funded lawyer, Appolos Shimakeleni, withdrew from the case because of the accused's alleged failure to give him instructions on how to proceed with the matter.

Shimakeleni is the second government-funded defence lawyer to withdraw from the case in less than two months, following Hipura Ujaha, who withdrew last month citing reasons similar to Shimakeleni's.

Legal Aid was expected to appoint and instruct the last government-sponsored defence lawyer for Rittmann yesterday. Rittmann is charged along with her lover, Ryno Ricardo du Preez, 34, in respect of the death of her husband, Rudolf Rittmann, whose burnt remains were found in his car on the Windhoek-Gobabis road on 23 August 2013. Rittmann and Du Preez each face one count of murder, conspiracy to murder, defeating or obstructing the course of justice, violating a dead body by setting it alight, as well as a count of malicious damage to property.

She allegedly mixed unidentified tablets into her husband's drink, causing him to become drowsy, after which she then called in Du Preez, who was waiting nearby, to kill him.

The victim was allegedly stabbed 20 times with a sharp object, presumably a knife, while he lay in a state of confusion in his bed. The two accused are then believed to have loaded his body into his car and drove it up to the Kapps Farm area east of Windhoek and a few kilometres from the police checkpoint, where the burnt car was found. Rachel Rittman is being held at the Klein Windhoek Police Station, while Du Preez is being held at the Windhoek Correctional Facility's holding cells. State advocates Martino Olivier and Ethel Ndlovu represented the prosecution.

NAMPA

Game fund faces declining revenues

August 22, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Game fund faces declining revenuesShifeta shares other challenges The fund was established in 1997 and has since 2012 reinvested close to N$100 million into Namibian conservation. Despite collecting N$13.7 million in funds, of which N$11 million came from trophy hunting last year, the Game Product Trust Fund is still beset by massive challenges.

The total amount generated last year showed a decline of N$2 million in comparison with 2016, when the trust received N$15.3 million, of which N$13 million came from trophy hunting.

Tourism minister Pohamba Shifeta said the trust has faced several challenges over the past years, which relate to a reduction in the inflow of cash into its coffers, due to a slowdown in global economic activities and the growing demand for funding, because of limited funding opportunities elsewhere.

He said other major challenges included an increase in human-wildlife conflict, which demanded more funding, as well as the consistent threat of poaching.

“The fund needs more money and we have to devise strategies to get it to sustain our environment,” Shifeta said.

He made these remarks during the inauguration of the fund's new board members.

The fund was established in 1997 and has since 2012 reinvested close to N$100 million into conservation in Namibia.

Shifeta said the bulk of these funds were spent on projects and activities aimed at wildlife protection and management, anti-poaching initiatives, wildlife research, studies and surveys, the development and protection of water infrastructure, support towards the management of human-wildlife conflict and the human-wildlife conflict self-reliance scheme.

The fund was established with the mandate to collect revenue from wildlife and wildlife products recovered on state land and to reinvest this into wildlife conservation and rural development programmes in Namibia.

The aim of the fund is to make grants available to emerging conservancies and wildlife councils for the purpose of implementing and maintaining projects and programmes approved by the board, in consultation with the tourism ministry, regarding wildlife conservation and management and rural development.

It also allocates funds, subject to the provision of the Game Products Trust Fund Act, to conservancies, wildlife, councils and protected areas and to persons, organisations and institutions approved by the minister to be used in connection with projects and programmes regarding wildlife conservation and management and rural development.

The fund is annually capitalised with funds collected from the sale of hunting concessions, the removal of problem animals, head levies on the live export of animals and the live auctioning of game/wildlife, as well as grants and donations.

According to its annual report for the period April 2016 to February 2018, trophy hunting concessions were its most important source of income, with close to 90% of the income coming this activity during the period under review.

The trophy hunting concessions received from existing concessions were valued at N$16.7 million and the sale of hunts at the Dallas Safari Club Convention in the US totalled N$8.3 million.

The ministry was the biggest recipient of funding, receiving 25.6 million, while conservancies and rural communities received N$6.4 million.

Luisa Mupetami, from the tourism ministry, was re-elected as the chairperson of the board, while the other members are Taina Nankela from the finance ministry, Dr Johannes Shoopala from agriculture ministry, Asser Ujaha from the Kunene Regional Community Conservancy Association and Richard Nyambe from the Zambezi Natural Resource Management Association.

ELLANIE SMIT

Lion rangers critical for Kunene

August 22, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Lion rangers critical for Kunene In just three months, a human-wildlife support unit responded to 26 cases of conflict situations between humans and lions in the Kunene Region.

From May to July the unit completed a total of 19 patrols covering over 8 870 km in the region.

According to a report by Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC) this is an impressive record for the team of three, which consists of Cliff Tjikundi, German Muzuma and Linus Mbomboro.

The team is often joined by members of the environment ministry and conservancy game guards, who are trained lion rangers.

IRDNC says that response and monitoring activities mostly involve tracking predator movements and notifying farmers of any apprehensions, while patrol activities involve regular visits to conflict-prone areas known to be in and around the Anabeb, Sesfontein, Purros, Omatendeka and Ehi-Rovipuka conservancies.

“Despite the unit's crucial work in the region, a few challenges continue to persist, namely the lack of funds for the lion ranger programme, retaliatory acts by farmers due to conflicts rising drastically, reluctance of conservancies to engage in the programme and the slow implementation of mitigation measures due to financial constraints and increased conflict,” IRDNC said.

It said in May the team repeatedly responded to a very persistent male lion in the Puros/Orupembe area, resulting in its relocation away from Puros, only for it to come straight back after three days, passing through the Khumeb River towards Orupembe and reaching as far as Rooidrum in the Marrienflus Conservancy.

In the month of June, the team assisted with annual game counts in the northwest lion areas, which include Torra, Anabeb, Sesfontein, Ehi-Rovipuka, Purros and Otjikondavirongo. This forms part of the region's lion monitoring strategy.

According to IRDNC, a meeting was also held in Swakopmund to further refine strategies concerning the North-West Lion Management Plan, including implementation plans by stakeholders, decisions on best practices, funding, decisions on the operation of the central server system, sustainability and the security of the systems.

In July, the team continued with lion monitoring and response activities with lion rangers and the environment ministry, helping to ease conflict and stopping farmers from taking radical measures against the feline heavyweights. The unit also rendered assistance to Desert Lion Conservation, in terms of collaring and translocations.

According to IRDNC the next three months will be very busy for the team and its partners, as it plans to expand the lion ranger programme to every affected conservancy in Kunene, as well as the Erongo Region.

The team is also planning to establish fixed patrol routes in hotspot areas and advance their data collection and communication efforts.

Recommendations made by Kunene stakeholders included that a fully functional on-foot lion rangers' team is a critical priority for conservancies, while raising awareness and educating farmers on how to handle conflict situations better is also vital.

Making use of more efficient collars and possibly having all stakeholders investing in human-conflict management were also identified as important.

ELLANIE SMIT

How to save when you live alone

August 22, 2018, 4:00 pm

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How to save when you live aloneMaintaining a certain lifestyle Living alone can be both an exciting journey and a challenging one. For those just moving into a new place, consider buying second hand furniture- André Le Roux, Manager for Public Relations, Bank Windhoek STAFF REPORTER

Living alone gives you a sense of freedom, where you are the sole ruler of your domain, yet it is considered to be more expensive if compared with sharing with someone.

In order to maintain a certain lifestyle, one cannot escape basic living expenses such as electricity, food, entertainment and transport. “All of these needs are essential and to stay afloat, it is recommended that you keep them under control by managing how much of your monthly income is spent on each of them,” said Bank Windhoek’s manager for public relations, André Le Roux.

Below are some of the saving tips Le Roux shares:

Electricity and food

•Switch off your geyser when it’s not in use. Hot water stays warmer for a long time when only one person uses the hot water tap. Turning on the geyser an hour before it is needed helps you save on electricity.

•Turn off appliances that are on stand-by.

•Plan meals so that when you’re cooking, you can make extra servings to freeze. Meals that freeze well, for instance soups and stews, rice and lentils. This not only reduces the use of electricity, but the amount of time you’ll need to cook on a weekly basis.

•Boil six eggs at a time and keep them in the fridge.

•Eat snacks like popcorn, carrots, celery and make your own dipping sauce. It’s cheaper and healthier.

•Keep a refrigerated bottle of water mixed with lemon and mint. It is refreshing - no need to spend money on sugary cool drinks.

•Buy items like cheese, milk and bread in bulk and freeze them for later use.

•Take a packed lunch to work instead of buying from a kiosk.

•Use a slow or pressure cooker when cooking. It saves time, electricity and money.

•Learn how to cook your favourite dishes from restaurants and take-away outlets. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is and how much healthier you can make them.

•Fill up your washing machine and do only full washes.

Entertainment

•Choose if you need uncapped internet or a television subscription. Re-evaluate the different packages on offer.

•Buy products on promotions - buy one get one half price or free.

•Get a hobby that you can enjoy at home instead of having to go out and spend money on unbudgeted items or events.

Transport

•If you own a vehicle, try filling it up early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The temperatures at these times of day influence the volume of fuel you’re able to get into your tank.

•If you commute using a taxi, make sure that it is budgeted for by striking an agreement with the taxi driver who lets you pay for it at the end of every month.

•Another good transport option is to share lifts or buy a bike and get extra exercise – it is healthy.

“For those just moving into a new place, consider buying second hand furniture. It is far less expensive than buying brand new furniture and depending on where you get it, is very often in excellent condition. In terms of insuring the contents of your home, ask an insurance broker for a quote to insure the contents of your home. This is important because you have to be prepared for unknown associated risks,” Le Roux said

“Paying close attention to small tips like these could result in substantial day to day savings. When living alone, it is wise to start building and maintaining an emergency fund that you can depend on at a time when unforeseen circumstances occur, such as loss of a job or loss of income due to illness. Your emergency fund should ideally cover three to six months of your monthly expenses and should form part of your monthly savings plan. Bank Windhoek has a wide range of savings products that are tailored to meet this need and are available at any nearest Bank Windhoek branch,” Le Roux said.

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Water plan still far from reality

August 22, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Water plan still far from realityNeckartal stands alone Namibia's newest dam is nearing completion but it won't be relieving the water shortage in the central area anytime soon. While central Namibia is expected to experience another drought in the coming season and water restrictions are already in place, a plan to connect all the major dams in the country has not yet been studied.

Namibian Sun reported in 2016 after an interview with then agriculture minister John Mutorwa that the Neckartal Dam would be part of an integral water master plan that would include the connection of storage dams.

This master plan, which has been in existence since 1974, consists of several strategies to ensure future water supply.

In terms of the plan the Neckartal and Naute dams in the far south would first be connected with the Hardap Dam at Mariental.

Hardap would then be connected to the Oanob Dam near Rehoboth, which would then be connected to the Von Bach Dam outside Okahandja, which supplies water to central Namibia.

With the Neckartal Dam now 99% completed and expected to be commissioned in October, it seems that the connection of the major dams will remain nothing more than a pipe dream for now.

In an interview with Namibian Sun the director of water resource management in the agriculture ministry, Maria Amakali, confirmed that there has been no progress on this specific strategy.

Asked whether any feasibility studies had been conducted, Amakali said that had not been done either.

Amakali could not confirm whether there is any timeframe for this project, saying that it is a long-term strategy.

She added, though, that the ministry has been hard at work on other strategies contained in the water master plan.

The water master plan firstly looks at sourcing water from the perennial rivers forming Namibia's borders.

The next step is to supply the central northern areas with water from the Kunene River, while developing another water-supply system from the Okavango River.

Water from the Fish River in the south will be stored in new dams such as Neckartal, and groundwater sources will be exploited in rural areas.

Desalination plants along the coast are next on the agenda, followed by the connection of the major inland dams.

Amakali said several solutions have been identified to avert a water crisis in the country.

In central Namibia the Gammams water reclamation works in Windhoek must be expanded, and a pipeline linking the capital with the Karst area in the north is being investigated.

The Von Bach, Omatako and Swakoppoort dams supply the central area. Water is also piped from the Karstland aquifers at Kombat and Berg Aukas to the Omatako Dam and then to the Von Bach Dam for purification.

Amakali said currently about 40% of Windhoek's water comes from these dams, while the rest is groundwater and reclaimed water from the treatment plant.

The central area's dams are about 29% full at the moment, in comparison to 46.5% at the same time last year.

“We are only in August and our rainy season normally only starts in November/December. People have to start realising the seriousness of the matter and change their behaviour,” said Amakali.

Other plans to bring more water to the central area involve the construction of a desalination plant at the coast and the Okavango link pipeline. Feasibility studies are under way.

A solution identified for the central coastal area is to rehabilitate and upgrade the Kuiseb boreholes to increase the volume of water from that source.

Another option is the replacement of pipelines from the Kuiseb collector system and the Omaruru aquifers.

A permanent arrangement is necessary on how the Orano desalination plant at Wlotzkasbaken will fit into the future water supply chain.

For the central northern area, identified solutions include the supply of electricity to and commissioning of the new permanent pumping station at the Calueque Dam in Angola.

The canal system from Calueque to Oshakati needs rehabilitation and the water purification works at Oshakati should be expanded.

The Ohangwena groundwater source should be gradually developed and incorporated.

At Rundu the upgrading and expansion of both the water supply scheme and purification works has been identified as crucial.

Reliable sources say that these identified solutions could cost several billion dollars.

“The objective is to ensure access of safe drinking water for all Namibians,” said Amakali.



ELLANIE SMIT

Akwenye in N$566 000 court battle

August 22, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Akwenye in N$566 000 court battle NamPost spokesperson Harold Ndevamona Akwenye is embroiled in a messy court battle involving nearly N$566 000 he paid to Nedbank Namibia so that Sophia Ndeshipanda Amadhila's property would not be sold in execution.

He is also revoking his donation of a 2009 Volkswagen Polo to her for alleged gross ingratitude and ill-treatment, claiming she owes him N$126 500 in rent for the house he purchased.

He said in court papers, Amadhila had only honoured one payment, and rental fees of N$3 500 a month, from June 2014 to 31 July 2017, were still outstanding.

Akwenye said he leased the property to Amadhila in anticipation of the transfer and registration of the house in his name.

He said they concluded an oral rental agreement on April 2014, but that she had only made one payment in October 2015.

The lawsuit is before Judge Hannelie Prinsloo in the Windhoek High Court.

Amadhila intends to defend the matter.

Akwenye said he paid Nedbank Namibia N$565 834.87 in terms of a written agreement he had concluded with Amadhila on 18 November 2014.

The amount was for the remainder of the purchase price of N$521 286.19, while N$44 548.68 was paid in settlement of Amadhila's further indebtedness to the bank.

She has in the meantime refused to have the property registered in his name, which breached their written deal, Akwenye said in his court papers.

In his particulars of claim, Akwenye said Nedbank Namibia obtained a judgment against Amadhila on 2 July 2013 for N$421 401.66, as well as for interest and further costs.

Subsequently the bank scheduled a sale of execution.

He said Amadhila approached him in April 2014 in Windhoek asking him to purchase the property and pay the further costs, which Akwenye agreed to do.

A written agreement was concluded which stated that he would purchase the house for N$521 286.19. He also settled the outstanding arrears.

“The plaintiff (Akwenye) would be entitled to the transfer of the property on payment of the purchase consideration and the payment of the transfer costs on demand of the defendant's conveyance,” Akwenye said.

He said further it was agreed he would take possession of the property after transfer and registration.

In accordance with the rental agreement Amadhila would pay the monthly rent into Akwenye's bank account held at Nedbank.

FRED GOEIEMAN

Africa briefs

August 22, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Africa briefs South Africa's Land Bank says expropriation could trigger default

South Africa’s state-owned Land Bank said on Monday a plan to allow the state to seize land without compensation could trigger defaults that could cost the government 41 billion rand (US$2.8 billion) if the bank’s rights as a creditor are not protected.

Land Bank is a specialist bank providing financial services to the commercial farming sector and other agricultural businesses.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on August 1 that the ruling African National Congress (ANC) is forging ahead with plans to change the constitution to allow the expropriation of land without compensation, as whites still own most of South Africa’s land more than two decades after the end of apartheid.

-Nampa/Reuters

China sells diesel to South Africa

State-run oil company Sinopec is selling diesel as far afield as South Africa as China’s refiners seek homes for their surplus fuel in the latest sign of troubles in the domestic refining business.

Sinopec said on Monday it shipped its first 30 000 tonnes of diesel from its Shanghai refinery heading for South Africa.

This cargo and another September shipment marked the first batch to South Africa in two years, according to Thomson Reuters Eikon shipping data. Such shipments have also been extremely rare in the past five years, according to the data.

“China’s four oil majors are facing a glut overhang in domestic market and the companies are fully aware of the headwinds ahead,” a product trader from a state-owned oil company said.

-Nampa/Reuters

SA gold sector wage negotiations deadlock

South Africa’s National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) said on Tuesday that wage negotiations in the gold sector were at a deadlock and the union had declared a dispute, a move that is one step short of a strike.

However, the Minerals Council, formerly known as the Chamber of Mines, which is representing gold producers in the wage talks, said the talks were still ongoing.

Gold producers have argued that above-inflation wage hikes have been adding to the cost burden in the bullion industry, which has been hit by depressed prices and labour unrest.

The dispute meant that if conciliation talks between the parties mediated by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration failed to break the impasse, a protected strike could potentially go ahead.

-Nampa/Reuters

South African seeks to suspend US poultry import quota

The South African Poultry Association (SAPA) has filed a legal action to force the government to suspend a quota that excluded imports of US poultry from South Africa’s anti-dumping tariff, a senior official with the association said on Tuesday.

The decision by SAPA was a response to the Trump administration’s decision to include South Africa among countries subject to US tariffs on their aluminium and steel exports.

“We’ve pulled the trigger,” Marthinus Stander, chairman of SAPA’s broiler organisation, told Reuters, referring to the legal action the association had threatened for more than a month.

-Nampa/Reuters

Transformation must be driven

August 22, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Transformation must be driven The local sporting fraternity is grappling with many serious issues and question marks remain in terms of the future of many codes.

The perennial funding problems, which have been further exacerbated by a sheer lack of investment by both the private and public sectors over the years, is just one of many issues. There is also a need to bring back the contentious debate around transformation.

This issue has received little attention over the years and this further exposes our inability as a nation to redress the bitter legacy of racism and inequality. The social media row this week around the exclusion of the only black hockey player in the national under-16 girls' team, ahead of a tour to Zimbabwe, indicates that all is not well in local sport.

Liya Herunga's exclusion exposes a deep-seated fundamental prejudice shared by many in local sport circles. It can therefore not be treated as an isolated case, judging by the composition of many teams representing our nation. People should not think they have supreme sporting abilities above others. It is true that money plays a huge role in determining an athlete's success, and you will find parents, rightly so, investing in essentials that can help propel their children to be more competitive. It also goes without saying that those with financial means often end up dominating certain federations and set the agenda for key decisions.

This puts talented players from previously disadvantaged communities at risk of being left out in the cold. This is why it is so critical that government, as the transformation custodian, should come to the party and help more with funding, which will ensure it has real oversight and intervention powers. There is a real danger that without this happening, certain sport federations can become a law unto themselves. In the end, the transformation agenda needs to be nurtured and driven at all levels, at all times.

PM responds to N$38.3tn lawsuit

August 22, 2018, 4:00 pm

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PM responds to N$38.3tn lawsuitGovt to oppose grandiose claims A man from the Omusati Region claims that he inherited a vast fortune that was held in trust by the SWA government. Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has urged the Oshakati High Court to dismiss the application of a man who is suing the government for US$2.6 trillion (about N$38.3 trillion).

David Kamati (43), from Oluteyi village in the Omusati Region, is demanding a hefty payout from the government for part of his alleged inheritance that was apparently put under the care of the then South West Africa (SWA) government. Kamati is seeking an order that would compel President Hage Geingob, Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, the government and the Master of the High Court to cough up.

His application was filed on 7 June and the respondents indicated on 31 July, through their legal representative Matias Kashindi, that they will oppose it.

The prime minister said in her answering affidavit dated 19 August that the respondents were opposing Kamati's application on several grounds.

“The applicant is claiming damages arising from an alleged written agreement for a specific amount of money using application proceedings as a form of court proceedings. The applicant has dismally failed to attach the alleged written agreement to his founding affidavit,” she said. “The applicant has not recorded the pertinent materials of the said agreement. The respondents are disputing the existence of such agreement.”

Kuugongelwa-Amadhila further argued that Kamati's founding affidavit does not comply with the rules of the court in that it does not describe against what the relief is sought and also does not describe the capacity in which the respondents are cited in the proceedings.

“Therefore, the applicant has not placed before the court sufficient averments and material facts upon which he relies in his claim to enable the respondents to sufficiently respond to his allegations. On this basis, I submit that the application should be dismissed with costs.”

Kamati said in a signed affidavit he is the biological son of the late Leopold Kamati, who he says was a Namibian businessman and politician.

Kamati said his father was assassinated in 1978 when he was three years of age. He claims his father was a very rich man and left behind many assets, including cash in excess of US$3.5 billion.

Kamati said his father's wealth was revealed to him by his late uncle Severus Kamati in 1986, when he was 12. He said his father had many business interests, including in mining, construction, retail, manufacturing, farming and transport, and owned a holding company called Tsumeb Limited Corporation (TLC). He further claimed his father owned shopping malls, accommodation facilities, fuel stations and farms with about 100 000 head of cattle. Kamati said he was informed that all his father's assets were placed in a trust by the SWA government.

“It was agreed in writing between the said government on one hand and my grandfather, Johannes Kamati, and my uncle Severus Kamati on one hand that the said government was going to take care of the assets of the late Leopold Kamati for the benefits of his only surviving son, David Kamati (sic),” the affidavit reads.

Kamati said the agreement also entailed that the SWA government would collect royalties from the mines and other businesses his father owned and save this money in the bank at a compound interest rate of 30%. He said only in 2011, when he was 37 years of age, he remembered these assets and took up the issue.

Kamati said he wrote a letter to former president Hifikepunye Pohamba and then PM Nahas Angula.

He alleges Pohamba never responded, while Angula informed him to approach the courts.

He had first sought assistance from the Master of the High Court to obtain an order for the release his inheritance. However, this was unsuccessful as he could not provide the court with a copy of his father's identity document.

Kamati said he fell ill in 2012 and was hospitalised at Oshakati.

He said he was ill until 2017 and could not approach the court.

KENYA KAMBOWE